Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 21st December 2021

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

Lilydale

Mail

Grinch nabbed for stealing parcels

Mooroolbark VicRoads testing centre to close

Lilydale’s 20 year plan released

The Bridge Community Garden to be revived

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Class of 2021 The long awaited end to schooling life has be celebrated by many Year 12 students as they received their final scores on Thursday 16 December.

No cohort of students has had to go through a more challenging senior school career as they were presented with lockdowns and restrictions for much of 2020 and 2021.

But resilience prevailed and this year’s graduating class have so much to be proud of.

Read more about Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s Year 12s and Dux on page 6

Traffic nightmare Mount Evelyn residents are tired of the unsafe conditions caused by a lack of parking at sport facilities and units on Hereford Road, making for a series of near misses and close calls.

A small accident outside the futsal centre on Monday 13 December sparked a chain reaction of comments on social media about the dangers of driving along Hereford Road.

Stan van Leeuwen, a resident on Rangeview

Road, said in the 38 years he has lived in his house, the parking problem was never quite as bad as it is now.

Although not entirely caused by the futsal centre, Mr van Leeuwen said because the sporting facility has such limited parking, players must park on the road, blocking the view of turning vehicles coming out of Rangeview and Bailey Roads.

“When it was the tennis centre, we had nowhere near the issues. Occasionally they

would have a weekend tournament and then you would have a problem,” he said.

“Earlier on, the martial arts place used to own the property next door so that was all used for parking but they put units on there and that’s made it a lot more difficult.”

Nathan Dezza only moved into his house on Bailey Road just over two years ago but in that time has become aware of the challenges of turning out of his street during peak times.

“You just get built up traffic through there. I know there’s after school sports and things like that, but most people decide to just park on Hereford Road,” he said.

“So you can’t see when you’re pulling out.

Half the time you’re blindly pulling out of that road because there’s so much traffic and then there’s kids running across the road. It was an accident waiting to happen basically.”

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IN BRIEF Montrose grass fire

Police will be out in force these holidays to detect dangerous drivers.

Picture: ON FILE

Police out in force Victorians are being urged to stay safe and drive sensibly as we head into one of the most dangerous times of the year on our roads.

Police Minister Lisa Neville today joined Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir to launch Operation Roadwise, and drive home the importance of staying safe this Christmas.

With the festive season upon us, school holidays beginning, and after a particularly challenging couple of years, Victorians will be more eager than ever to get out and about.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said, “Christmas is a great opportunity to travel and see family and friends, but all Victorians have to do their bit and drive safely on our roads – it only takes one bad decision to turn the holiday season into tragedy.”

Victoria Police has also bolstered its road policing capabilities for the operation, which

runs from Friday 17 December to Sunday 26 December 2021.

Police from state and local road policing units, general duties and other operational policing units will be targeting driving offences across metropolitan and regional Victoria to take dangerous drivers off the road and save lives.

During last year’s Operation Roadwise, 10 people lost their lives on our roads and Victoria Police detected more than 14,216 traffic offences, including 6,201 speeding offences and a further 463 people caught drink driving and 535 people caught with drugs in their system.

“Operation Roadwise will see more police on our roads, making sure every motorist is doing the right thing, and holding those who don’t follow the rules to account.”

The launch also comes as a timely reminder to all road users to take care, as the state’s road

toll sits at 226 this year, compared to 198 for the same time last year.

In honour of these lives, a Christmas tree with baubles representing each of the lives lost on our roads this year is now up at the Victoria Police headquarters – a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about statistics, it’s about real families who have experienced the trauma of losing a loved one.

Drivers are reminded not to drink or take drugs if they’re planning to drive, and to use simple strategies that can reduce risks on the road, including driver reviver strategies to avoid fatigue, staying off mobile phones while driving, and being alert on unfamiliar roads.

“We want to see all Victorians making smart choices behind the wheel this festive season and getting home safely. If you speed, use your phone or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be caught.”

Fire fighters were called to the first major grass fire of the season on Monday 13 December with multiple crews battling the blaze in the early afternoon.

Montrose Fire Brigade along with neighbouring CFA brigades responded to a large grass and scrub fire off Pickwood Close in Montrose at around 2pm.

More than 10 fire appliances were required on scene to control the blaze that broke out close to houses.

Fire fighters had to access the fire through private property off Cambridge Road.

On arrival, crews found that the fire had spread to a pile of about 80 logs, with heavy machinery needed to break open the log fire.

VicEmergency released a smoke warning for Kalorama, Kilsyth, Lilydale, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong and Mount Evelyn at around 3pm and then again at 5pm.

The fire was made safe around this time but crews remained on scene throughout the afternoon, to make the scene safe and monitor the blaze.

Although rain has fallen over the last few weeks, Montrose Fire Brigade issued a warning of what a couple of sunny days can do to grassland in a short amount of time.

Warmer weather can “change the dynamics quickly” a post read and with summer on the horizon, it is a timely warning for what may come.

Operation Roadwise in action Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol have been quick to respond to the Victoria Police Operation Roadwise.

A 32-year-old male driver returned a positive PBT result for alcohol and EBT result of 0.207 on Lincoln Rd in Mooroolbark on Saturday 18 December.

His vehicle was impounded for 30 days, at a cost $970 and he is to be charged on summons with drink-driving offences.

An 18-year-old male probationary driver was also detected driving whilst suspended on Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park and is to be charged on summons.

Restrictions change

Grinch nabbed for pinching 60 parcels A number of parcels destined for Kilsyth have been stolen by a Christmas Grinch before making it to their destination, with the man now charged with the alleged theft.

Detectives from Whitehorse Crime Investigation Unit last week arrested and charged a courier driver in relation to the alleged theft of $50,000 worth of parcels from homes across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Officers executed a search warrant at a Blackburn property on Friday 3 December where they located around 60 stolen parcels, which they allege were stolen between midOctober and early December.

The parcels included a hoverboard meant for an eight-year-old boy, an artificial Christmas tree and children’s clothing sent by a grandmother in England, all destined for a homes in Kilsyth.

Other parcels included a range of goods

such as shoes, clothing, electronics, toys, a BBQ and even a bulk order of toilet paper.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Graham Ross said the investigation led police straight to the “Grinch’s grotto”.

“While most people are getting into the festive spirit at this time of year, we unfortunately do come across dishonest behaviour from time to time,” he said.

“If you know you’re not going to be home to receive your parcel, make sure it can be placed in a secure place at your home such as a letter box. Alternatively arrange to have it delivered to your nearest post office or secure pick up point.

“To those who think they can pinch other people’s parcels and get away with it, you won’t just end up on Santa’s naughty list this year – police will find you and put you before a court.”

Police allege some of the parcels were never delivered to their recipients but later recorded as though they had been, while others were simply skimmed off the top of multiple deliveries or plucked from the depot.

Most of the parcels have since been returned to the relevant courier companies so they can be forwarded to their rightful owners.

Police have charged a 30-year-old Blackburn man with one count of handle stolen goods to face Ringwood Magistrate’s Court on 5 May 2022.

Further charges are expected to be laid and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Christmas Specials

Unvaccinated Victorians are now allowed to shop in non-essential retail stores, attend places of worship, including weddings and funerals, as well as look at real estate.

Health and beauty services are also still closed to people who haven’t been vaccinated.

Masks are still required in indoor retail, for hospitality staff, at airports, in high risk settings and public transport.

Article correction In an article published by the Star Mail on Tuesday 14 December, some information was written incorrectly.

The article headlined “Protesting for the rights of refugees” the name of the group should have been Casey Grandmothers for Refugees.

It was also stated that Australia had been pulled up by the “union” and it should have read as the UN. 32,000 refugees are currently waiting to have their claims processed not 2000.

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VicRoads to close centre

By Mikayla Van Loon

The VicRoads testing centre in Mooroolbark will be closing in March next year. 262638 The shift will also see a move to more online testing and technology based infrastructure at the new customer hub on Maroondah Highway in Ringwood with digital self-serve kiosks meant to make customer transactions quicker and simpler.

Both the Learners Permit Test and the Hazard Perception Test are available online mean-

ing prospective drivers can complete those milestone tests from home.

The Ringwood location was chosen because of the growth corridor it falls into and the public transport access it has but travelling from the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges could take over an hour on public transport.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS The Burwood East Customer Service Centre will remain open for registration and licensing services until mid-2022 before being transferred over to Ringwood.

Booked appointments will continue to be delivered at Mooroolbark until the Ringwood site opens. Appointments for the new site will open later in December.

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Learner drivers from across the Yarra Valley and outer east will have to travel further to sit their licence test when the Mooroolbark testing centre closes in March next year.

A new purpose built testing centre is set to open in Heatherdale Road, Ringwood in a few months replacing the offices in both Mooroolbark and Burwood East.

“We’re creating a larger, purpose-built Testing and Inspection Centre in Ringwood, which will have more testing capacity than any existing centre in Melbourne’s east,” a Department of Transport spokesperson said.

“We’ll continue to operate at the Mooroolbark Licence Testing Centre until customers are able to access the new Ringwood facility next March.”

The Department of Transport (DoT) estimates that the Ringwood Testing and Inspection Centre will create more testing capacity for the east and outer east than the current Mooroolbark and Burwood East sites combined.

For residents based in the Yarra Valley, the closure means learner drivers will be required to go to either Ringwood or Pakenham to undertake driving lessons and sit their driving test.

This closure of a VicRoads facility will be the fourth for the Yarra Ranges Shire in the last five years, after the Monbulk, Healesville and Yarra Junction centres were shut down in 2016.

Residents living in Healesville may have to travel up to 35km to Ringwood, while Monbulk residents could travel 29km to Ringwood or 33km to Pakenham and Warburton residents have the furthest trek with 47km to Ringwood or 54km to Pakenham.

Mount Evelyn residents’ travel time will also double from 8km to 16km when travelling to Ringwood instead of Mooroolbark.

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Traffic concerns in Mt Ev From page 1 For Abbie Peacock, having young children herself, her major concern is the lack of pedestrian access along Hereford Road, to either cross the road or walk along the Bailey Road side.

“There’s no safe crossing area, particularly for elderly and kids that need a bit more time to cross a road,” she said.

“There’s a little pedestrian crossing [near Birmingham Road] but in my opinion, drivers would be focusing more on the cars than they would on kids or people crossing the road.”

Mr Dezza and Mr van Leeuwen said during those peak parking times from 4pm onwards, a designated car park on the corner of Bailey and Hereford Roads would be completely empty.

“People that are going to these after school sports, if they just went to the car park at the end of Bailey Road, it would stop a lot of the issues,” Mr Dezza said.

While making one side of Hereford Road a no standing would be a possible solution, Mr van Leeuwen said there still isn’t enough parking to cater for those 15 parking spaces that would be removed.

“That would be a solution but I have no idea where they park those cars because especially when there are adults playing, every person’s got a car and if you’ve got 40 or 50 people playing that’s a lot of cars,” he said.

Mr van Leeuwen said he has contacted Yarra Ranges Council on multiple occasions to organise a meeting with council staff but because of Covid-19 those have been cancelled.

“Hereford Road is managed by the Department of Transport, who we have spoken to previously addressing our concerns regarding safety on that particular road,” Director of Environment and Infrastructure Mark Varmalis said.

Hereford Road has parking on both sides and has a 60km speed limit making it difficult for cars turning out of Bailey and Rangeview Roads.

Stan van Leeuwen has lived on Rangeview Road for 38 years and is concerned for the safety of drivers along Hereford Road.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON “There have been occasions where motorists would park on the road reserve at the corner of Rangeview and Hereford Roads, so bollards were then installed in the area to define the footpath and car park area to deter motorists from parking on the nature strip.”

The Department of Transport confirmed traffic monitoring had taken place on York

Road, Monbulk Road and Swansea Road to gauge traffic conditions for a potential upgrade but nothing had been done about Hereford Road.

“We are currently undertaking investigative works – including routine traffic monitoring to allow us to understand the environmental and social impact of the project, develop de-

sign options and confirm the project scope,” a Major Road Projects Victoria spokesperson said.

Ms Peacock said she already takes different routes to avoid Hereford Road during peak times and can only imagine the traffic congestion when potential roadworks do happen.

“It really relies on people giving way to people at times and trying to be courteous drivers.

You shouldn’t have to rely on that at an intersection. It should be set up so that it is going to function safely,” she said.

Neither Ms Peacock, Mr Dezza or Mr van Leeuwen have just one solution to fix the problem but said with a pedestrian crossing, no standing zones, traffic lights, dedicated footpaths, tree trimming and perhaps speed limit changes, the issue could at least become lesser.

“I don’t see an easy solution but it shouldn’t be allowed to keep going the way it is because a life will be lost I have no doubt.”

Facebook users believe newspapers are essential papers have struggled to survive during the pandemic.

Deakin University Associate Professor Kristy Hess, who is leading the research, said the Facebook survey supported findings from a previous national study of local newspaper readers, her team conducted last year, highlighting a passion for the printed product.

“The fact that social media users examined here (in the latest survey) also indicate a preference for print is perhaps especially profound,” she said.

Cost and accessibility were the key reasons these Facebook users did not engage with a local newspaper in print or digital format, said Dr Hess.

“Many participants highlighted that the absence of a home-delivery service or easy way to access the paper created an impediment to accessing the physical copy. They also indicated that they resisted paying for

that, having learned from the mistakes of the big corporate players who are now deserting the regions.”

Both surveys are part of a national threeyear Australian Research Council-funded project involving researchers from Deakin and RMIT universities, with support from Country Press Australia, the peak media body for independent news organisations. The project is about to enter its third year.

Associate Professor Hess said the voices and perspectives of everyday people were often missing in policy discussion about the future of local media.

Almost 30 per cent of Australia’s population, close to 8 million people, live outside major cities in rural and regional areas, and are less-well serviced than their urban counterparts.

A copy of the survey report can be found here: www.localnewsinnovation.org

local news and would engage if it were free.

“This resonates with findings from our first survey of newspaper readers – that is, the existence of a culture of ’free’ where people believe local news content should be readily available without cost to audiences.”

Bruce Morgan, Executive Director, for CPA, said the survey results were not surprising and reinforced the mood of many regional communities.

“It is not just about the survival of local independent (newspaper) businesses, but that it is fundamental to community wellbeing, and to basic democratic notions of accountability within those communities,” he said.

“Issues around accessibility and cost are also not surprising and reflect swings in community expectation in recent generations.

Most independent publishers are adapting to

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More than half of people who do not read local newspapers believe they are essential to their communities, a national survey has found.

Findings from the survey show that 64.5 per cent of respondents consider a printed copy of a local newspaper an essential service to their communities. Further, 48 per cent, or just under half, state that if they ever did read a local newspaper, they prefer to do so in print, compared with online (33 per cent) or via social media (13 per cent).

The survey, conducted in July and August this year, sought the views of 400 Facebook users, who do not read a local newspaper, about the role of local news within their communities.

The research targeted participants in areas that were being served by independent local newspapers within the Country Press Australia (CPA) network.

The findings come as many local news-

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Storm and Covid-19 survey

Year 12 captains Sam Green and Melinda Virgona with MLMC’s principal Philip Morison on graduation night.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Congratulations to the cohort of 2021

By Mikayla van Loon After a rollercoaster of a year, Lilydale students received their Year 12 results on Thursday 16 December, a welcome end to the year.

While some were overjoyed, others were disappointed but the relief of the tumultuous senior years being over was the overwhelming feeling among students.

For Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s Kimberley Fiorentino, who was announced as Dux for 2021, her ATAR score of 97.9 was a result of hard work and dedication.

“It was important for me to seek support from others but I needed to put in effort and consistently apply myself to achieve this result,” she said.

Miss Fiorentino achieved scores over 40 for all of her subjects, including a 44 in business management, 42 in English and 44 in health and human development.

Although returning an amazing outcome from her VCE studies, Miss Fiorentino has decided to take a gap year for 2022.

Having been through some of the most challenging schooling years, with the added difficulty of lockdowns and other restrictions, an MLMC spokesperson said they wouldn’t be

Kimberley Fiorentino was announced as Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s Dux for 2021 on Thursday 16 December. surprised if many students not only from their school but elsewhere decided to take a year off to find themselves.

“We are immensely proud of the achieve-

ments of the Class of 2021 students who demonstrated a passion for learning and achieving their best,” they said.

Of MLMC’s Year 12 cohort who applied for an ATAR score, 7.23 per cent received a score above 90, 20.4 per cent achieved 80 and above and 45.4 per cent scored over 70.

MLMC also had four students awarded the VCE-Baccalaureate in 2021, an additional recognition for students who take on both a higher level mathematics subject and a language, while scoring 30 or above for English or literature.

“We also congratulate all students who completed their VCAL studies, along with our VET students who fully or partially achieved dual certification,” a spokesperson said.

“The College congratulates all Class of 2021 graduates who studied and achieved their results following an extraordinary two years of education impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns throughout 2020 and 2021.

“We warmly wish all of our Class of 2021 students the very best for their future endeavours and look forward to seeing what the next chapter will bring.”

Yarra Ranges Council has released the results of their storm and pandemic survey conducted after the June 9 storm event.

Conducted during September and October 2021, the Pandemic and Storm impact Survey was completed by 769 people.

The survey found that 22 per cent of the community did not feel socially connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, and 21 per cent said the pandemic has had a major impact on their mental health.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the survey results would help guide recovery funds to the most needed areas.

“The survey results show the importance of maintaining strong community connections, with Council continuing to work in partnership with a range of agencies on initiatives to keep connected with those who may be feeling isolated or lonely at this time or experiencing financial hardship” Mayor Child said.

“Although the most important priorities at this time are varied, the majority of responses focused on the need to protect community safety and to ensure that there is more support for communities before, during and after such events, whether that be storms or a pandemic.”

27 per cent of respondents said their financial situation was worse now compared to before the pandemic.

The survey results found the June storms had a wide impact on people in the Yarra Valley with 88 per cent of respondents reporting being impacted by them.

“Not only does this data help us direct our recovery funds to the most needed areas, but it will also direct us in terms of advocacy to the higher tiers of government, depending on where the community’s needs lie most,” Mayor Child said.

“Council thanks all residents and community groups that took the time to complete the survey and looks forward to working together as we recover from the impacts of the storm and pandemic together.”

52 per cent of respondents were affected by power outages, 53 per cent by internet outages and 57 per cent with mobile connectivity outages.

38 per cent of people were also still affected by fallen trees and branches on the road seven days after the 9 June storm.

11 per cent of people reported experiencing financial hardship as a result of the storm with another 35 per cent experiencing mental health trauma.

Mt Ev Cire School welcomes hygiene supply donations

By Mikayla van Loon Mount Evelyn’s Cire Community School last week received a large donation of hygiene supplies to keep students healthy and safe this year and next.

A partnership between Dettol Australia and Good360 saw 75 charitable or not-forprofit organisations receive a number of products to ensure hygiene complacency doesn’t occur.

Campus Principal Stephen Duke said Cire was registered with Good360 and as a provider of education to vulnerable teenagers, the school became a recipient.

“Cire Community School has a diverse group of students and families. Donations like this can support students with improving overall health and wellbeing literacy, while increasing awareness for health products and developing hygiene practices,” he said.

Although vaccination rates have reached 6 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

Stephen Duke and students from the Mount Evelyn campus were pleased to receive the donation of hygiene wipes.

Picture: SUPPLIED the 90 per cent target in Victoria, Mr Duke said there are ongoing risks to the school community, something that was echoed by Marketing

Director for Dettol Henry Turgoose.

“A hygiene gap continues to exist in Australia. 3.24 million people in Australia or 13.6 per

cent of the population live below the poverty line,” Mr Turgoose said.

“While many of us learn to live with the virus, our most vulnerable are still at risk and in need of essential hygiene products – now is the time we must step up and support these communities.”

Mr Duke said the school received a crate of alcohol wipes for sanitising surfaces and hands.

“This was perfect for both distributing to students but also to use around campus,” he said.

“During this time of anxiety due to increased health risks, it is really important to see a well-known brand like Dettol around campus.”

Mr Duke said alongside the donation, the school will continue to have signage and reminders posted around the campus to ensure the message of hygiene continues into next year. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Lilydale’s future vision

By Mikayla van Loon

Traffic management is one of the key items listed in the structure plan for Lilydale. 234335 and making Lilydale a centre for a health, justice and retail precinct.

Cr Todorov said the plan aims to take in the character of Lilydale, while keeping in line with the environment and sustainability of the area.

Councillor Tim Heenan said there was no real plan in place for Lilydale prior to this structure plan being drafted.

Split vote for Mt Ev permit

By Mikayla van Loon A single dwelling subdivision application for 14 East Avenue Mount Evelyn divided the council at the last meeting of the year, seeing a deferral motion put forward and approved with a split vote.

Many concerns related to a nearby stormwater drain that has a history of flooding and the position of a crossover on Centre Avenue which would require the building of a culvert.

David Schmidtke has lived on Centre Avenue for over 25 years and spoke on behalf of the residents and objectors.

“I don’t think anybody is objecting to the actual subdivision of the property, it’s over 4000 square metres, so that’s a non-issue,” he said.

“To put another dwelling on there and to have the stormwater running into that water system is going to make the flooding issues we are already having worse and worse.”

Mr Schmidtke said after a lot of rain, the amount of water in the stormwater channel is substantial and it does not clear for multiple weeks.

“From our perspective, if the dwelling was to move further down the property, more central, all these issues would be alleviated and access from South Avenue would make a lot more rational sense,” Mr Schmidtke said.

Mr Schmidtke said the proposed solution of installing a 10,000 litre water tank would only be sufficient until it is full and then excess water would run into stormwater.

The applicant Shelley Starrenburg was emotional as she said she is not a developer and instead is trying to build her forever home for her young family.

“It has been a really difficult process and we want to build in Mount Evelyn and we want to raise our family here,” she said.

Ms Starrenburg said she felt the application complied with all planning requirements and the design of the house suited mailcommunity.com.au

the neighbourhood.

A number of questions were raised by Councillor Tim Heenan about the traffic access off Centre Avenue where the crossover would be positioned, while Councillor Richard Higgins and Councillor Eastham questioned the building of the crossover in a road reserve of trees.

Cr Heenan retracted an original alternative motion with a number of conditions on the approval of the permit to submit a deferral motion of the application until next year.

“I believe the existence and position of this crossover is in the wrong place. I’m concerned that in doing so, we’re going to add to more of the issues that exist in Centre Avenue in relation to the safety and movement of traffic.”

Cr Higgins seconded the deferral motion and said he was surprised by the location of the crossover when he saw it in person.

“It’s a huge issue that I think we actually need to sit down and do some more work on before we say ‘yes we’re going to allow a driveway to go across there’ because at the moment I really struggle to say hand on heart, ‘we can achieve that safely’,” he said.

Councillor Fiona McAllister and Councillor Jim Child said they could not support the deferral motion because they believed the conditions placed on the permit would suffice if approved.

“We’re at the end of the year and we’ll be looking at a delay, I would imagine, of months which incurs not only cost but as we already saw from the applicant who spoke tonight, the ongoing stress on the family and we can’t underestimate that,” Cr McAllister said.

Cr McAllister said if the conditions of Centre Avenue are as terrible as described then that is an issue for the council to address at a later date, alongside the drainage infrastructure.

Councillors Child, McAllister and Skelton opposed the deferral motion but were outnumbered five votes to three.

“This is now out for public consultation and it’s going to stay out there for a fair while,” he said.

“We know there may be things that need to be tweaked, we do want to look after all the different elements of what Lilydale means to people and as a major activity centre, it’s a fairly important piece of our real estate in the Yarra

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Ranges Council as councillors would know and it’s important that we have a plan and certainly a 20 year plan.”

The motion to put the draft plan out for consultation was approved unanimously. Residents, local traders and others are invited to read and comment on the Draft Structure Plan until February.

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A 20 year vision for Lilydale has been released to the community in the form of a draft structure plan, ready for feedback and discussion.

Since consulting with the public in July and August last year, Yarra Ranges Council has been preparing a tangible version of the community informed place plan.

Councillor Sophie Todorov said at the 14 December that the structure plan is based on those foundations but includes solutions to achieving the things people would like to see in town.

“So much work has gone into it and I do thank council staff and the community for their immense work on this project,” she said.

Projects like the Level Crossing Removal, the quarry redevelopment and the revitalisation project were named as things the council needed to integrate into the future design, usability and accessibility of Lilydale.

“It will also strengthen our vision for livable places and having a more connected community,” Cr Todorov said.

“This plan focuses on key improvement areas such as traffic and transport infrastructure, also new centres for the community such as our community hub, supporting our growing township and creating inviting spaces and streets.”

Perhaps one of the most important amendments to the structure plan was the inclusion of a heritage overlay for Lilydale’s historic buildings.

“It does also encompass a proposed planning scheme amendment to apply a heritage overlay to protect existing buildings and to protect the history of Lilydale, which I feel is very important,” Cr Todorov said.

Changes to the planning scheme are also noted in the plan for land use and zoning, as well as advocacy for a Lilydale bypass project

www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 7

NEWS

Tree damages The Bridge

By Mikayla van Loon In the wild winds at the start of December, a large gum tree lost its footing and fell onto The Bridge House in Kilsyth, leaving a small amount of damage to the building.

Japara House board of management chairperson Mark Doubleday said while it was disappointing it didn’t cause significant damage but repairs will need to take place.

“A fallen tree on a house always looks dramatic and sometimes it can be more serious than what it looks. In this case it fell on the corner of the front room. It doesn’t appear to have impacted the walls and it’s dented the roof,” he said.

As a council owned facility, workers from Yarra Ranges Council were quick to respond by removing the tree and clearing the eaves of non-friable asbestos.

“They had a hygiene and asbestos assessment. There was asbestos in the eaves, that’s not unusual for buildings of that age.

“It’s called non friable but it means that the asbestos sheeting is perfectly safe unless it’s impacted and it creates dust.

“Once the term asbestos is mentioned people can get quite reactive and for good reason, it’s a scary product. However, in this case, we were fairly confident that it was not extensive.”

Mr Doubleday said the house was made completely safe in four days, with repairs to the roof scheduled for the coming weeks.

“We’ve got clearance from the council to be able to re-occupy the building and use it excluding the room where the impact took place.

“Given the time of year, it does make it difficult we’re about to go into the December, January period so they’re saying five to six weeks.

“I would probably add an extra margin for that just for the availability of trades to be able to do the job. So within two months, we’ve got an indication that the repairs will be done.”

The corner of The Bridge House was damaged by a fallen tree but no damage occurred to the gardens or the internal structure. 261548 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Looking forward to reopening properly when the repairs are complete, Mr Doubleday said the priority initially will be to get back into the garden.

“We want the gardening crew to continue to work and do cleanup because of the last two years of lockdown our ability to maintain and develop the garden has been severely restrict-

ed. So our priorities are to restore the garden to a usable space.”

There has been some hesitancy from people about returning to group situations but Mr Doubleday said the option of an outdoor gardening group has been a welcome initiative.

“Outside, we see it as an important space because it’s outside and people will have more

confidence to do things in that environment.

So that’s really going to be a priority.”

Mr Doubleday said there has also been some interest from local community groups and individuals to get back into the space and reactivate their programs but he would like to see more people hiring the art studio and other rooms.

Revitalising the garden

By Mikayla van Loon

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School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff.

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy

By Jed Lanyon

Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love.

The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use.

Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.

“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.”

Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more.

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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A worthy brand

A project to revive the garden area at The Bridge House in Kilsyth, although delayed, will continue in the new year, with a group of volunteers excited by the potential of the space.

Initiated by Montrose resident Pat Natoli almost six months ago, the garden group has been working towards an in person meet and greet which was postponed due to the fallen tree.

“It was unfortunate timing really, a week out from when we were going to do a meet and greet. We are lucky, there wasn’t too much of [the tree through the gardens] but I’m surprised it didn’t do more damage. It has pushed things back a bit,” he said.

Although the tree has halted The Gardens at The Bridge group from meeting this year, Pat said it won’t slow the momentum or plans the group has but it has just pushed the date of an in person meeting to February.

“We want to make sure that people understand that we’re still really keen to go ahead and that our plans are still the same as they were,” Pat said.

Working alongside Japara House and Yarra Ranges Council, Pat said the vision is to create not only a vegetable garden, with compost facilities but a welcoming community space for people to gather, connect and share in a fresh outdoor area.

“We changed the name to The Gardens at The Bridge to symbolise there is a veggie patch, with the kitchen garden type area but there’s also going to be on the other side more seating where you can have a moment to yourself if you want,” he said.

The first stage will be to invert the current garden beds in the vegetable patch, so there is wheelchair access and to allow plants to grow through the current fence, where people can pick fruit or vegetables from the outside.

“Everything in here is going to be free.

You don’t have to pay to join the garden,

These garden beds will be inverted to surround the current fence line and replanted.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON you don’t have to pay for an allotment. If you want some basil or whatever it may be, come and grab some.”

Pat said he would also like people to be able to access the compost bins, so that people who don’t have one at home can dispose of their vegetable scraps at The Garden.

With a rainwater grant coming through next year for better water tanks, pipework and a potential rain garden, Pat said there are a few other grants the group is hopeful to receive to get works underway.

Pat’s vision for the gardens and the vegetable patch is to be a vibrant community spot, welcoming all different cultures to grow and cook with plants common in their food.

Maintaining the gardens once they are up and running will also be made easier with the help of Valley Care, an organisation that employs people with disabilities to mentor and empower them through work.

With so many ideas floating around already, The Gardens have so much potential to be more than just some garden beds, with Pat thinking of things like a repair cafe and a children’s garden education group.

“I’m really hopeful for this space and really excited.”

Pat said should people want to get involved, the Facebook group under the name The Gardens at The Bridge is the best place or by contacting Japara House on 9728 3587 or info@japarahouse.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Getting prepared Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is continuing to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season, building on fuel management works conducted throughout the year to reduce the bushfire risk to communities and the environment.

FFMVic has recruited additional seasonal firefighters, with approximately 227 fixed-term and permanent staff and 89 Incident Management team staff available and ready to respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fire lookout observers will be stationed at local fire towers with three firefighting aircraft located across the region complementing the state’s resources at Avalon, Essendon and Moorabbin airfields, which comprises of two large Air Tankers, one Chinook and one Ericson Aircrane.

Firefighters have been busy throughout the year carrying out storm response and recovery works and attending pre-season briefings.

This preparation builds on FFMVic’s bushfire risk management works throughout the year, which includes completing 3700-hectares of planned burning and mulching and slashing works and constructing 150km of strategic fuel breaks in the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

FFMVic’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Tamara Beckett, said that even with the La Nina weather pattern causing wetter conditions than usual this summer, it was important to stay prepared in order to protect communities.

“These works are critical to reduce the speed and intensity of potential bushfires and will also assist firefighters as they work to contain bushfires before they spread and impact on people, property and the environment,” Ms Beckett said.

“Due to the predicted cooler and wetter conditions this summer, communities may see our staff conducting burns during months that have historically been too hot and dry to do so.

Disaster satellites Coldstream, Yarra Glen and Healesville will be receiving a fixed nbn™ disaster satellite services part of a multi million dollar federal program.

Yarra Ranges Council has welcomed funding for ten trial sites for fixed installations of The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) grant will fund new NBN satellites at the Coldstream Community Hall, Yarra Glen Memorial Hall and Healesville Memorial Hall to provide emergency internet access at the relief locations.

The infrastructure plans to provide extra technical support during natural disasters or emergencies when ground transmission are failing and repairs are affected by a lack of access.

Ten sites were chosen within the Yarra Ranges, with the council welcoming the investment.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said it was important that areas that are at risk of bushfire and places that were so severely impacted in the June storm, were included in the STAND program.

“While I hope this infrastructure never gets used, it’s comforting to know it is there and it will help to build resilience in our community to help them stay connected in future emergencies,” he said.

“Access to telecommunications before, during and after a disaster is critical and is something we know our community desperately needs. Not having access to 000 or emergency information was one of the most frightening aspects of the June 9 storms.”

FFM Vic crews conducting planned burning in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.

“Planned burning is completely weather dependent, and it’s critical that we take every safe opportunity to burn while conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so.

“Fire preparedness is a shared responsibility – and that’s why we’re also working with the CFA and communities to help residents understand the actions they can take to reduce their own bushfire risk,” she said.

All FFMVic crews are adhering to appropriate Covid restrictions and hygiene guidelines to ensure operations and training can safely continue across the state.

FFMVic works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions – such as humidity, temperature and wind speed – and will only carry out burns when weather and forest conditions are suitable.

FFMVic engages and consults with industry stakeholders and considers their interests in the

Fuel management is an important step in protecting our communities from fires this summer.

Pictures: SUPPLIED planning and delivery of bushfire risk reduction activities.

For more information on how FFMVic manages bushfire risk, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfiremanagement-facts

The Summer Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now...

Pick up a printed copy of Yarra Ranges Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere.

Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!

Scan the QR CODE

OR VISIT: yarrarangeskids.com.au/digital-editions mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 9

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS

Holy Fools gifts hampers

By Mikayla van Loon Hundreds of donations have been collected and packaged by the team at Holy Fools for their Christmas Hampers.

Close to 300 hampers were boxed for those who are experiencing homelessness in the Yarra Ranges, making it the biggest year to date.

Last year all 200 hampers were gone in a flash so Holy Fools CEO Neal Taylor said they are hoping to increase the hampers to 250 this year but have well and truly exceeded expectations.

“We ran out really quickly last year. We handed it out to everyone that came to our Christmas lunch and we also shared it with other organisations that aren’t always able to do the same thing that we do,” he said.

A group of volunteers helped pack and stack hampers over the weekend of 18 and 19 December, ready for the Lilydale Community Christmas Lunch on Friday 24 December.

Everything from packets of biscuits to cereals, soft drinks, juices, jams, tinned fruit and pasta was donated by the generous community to create beautiful hampers for families and individuals who may have gone without over the festive season.

“Last year we had a fantastic response from the community and they gave us all the grocery items to help us pack over 200 hampers,” he said.

Taking to social media, the Holy Fools team said they couldn’t have done it again without the support of the people who helped put just one item of food in a hamper.

Councillor Tim Heenan also offered a hand on the weekend, continuing his support for an issue he has been quite vocal and passionate about over the years, particularly in his yearly sleepout that unfortunately couldn’t go ahead this year.

For the last six years, Holy Fools has been hosting the Christmas Lunch with local organisations like Tasty Az. Due to Covid restrictions and health and safety, the Holy Fools team have decided to host the event outside in Melba Park in Lilydale for the second year.

“We’re over 12 years old now and we really rely on the general public and for us to make an impact as we have done, has really been around because of the community supporting us.”

Neal Taylor and Tim Heenan have been working on improving homelessness in the Yarra Ranges for many years.

Picture: SUPPLIED

DIY Christmas Bon Bons: getting bang for your buck It’s one of the most beloved Christmas traditions: pulling a cracker with a loved one and seeing who ends up with the funny hat. But Christmas crackers are often the last thing on the shopping list and after buying the presents, trimmings and food, pockets feel a little less than flush.

Why not try making your own? It’s easy and economical, using everyday items you probably have at home already. Best of all, you can fill them with trinkets that mean something to your guests, rather than plastic titbits that are likely to go in the bin at the end of the meal. Now that’s ‘bang’ for your buck!

Here’s how to put them together: First, purchase some cracker snaps from

your local craft store, like Spotlight. That will give you the authentic bon bon bang!

Next, place a cracker snap in a cardboard tube, say a toilet roll tube or a paper towel tube cut in half. If you don’t have any tubes handy, you can find these at craft shops, or cut pieces of flexible cardboard into rectangles and roll into cylinders. Secure the snap with a piece of tape or glue.

Then, choose your paper wrapping! You can wrap your bon bons in colourful tissue paper to match your table setting, Christmas wrapping paper, or even light fabric that can be washed and reused again next year. Cut it to fit the tube, with enough overhang to cover the ends of the snap. Roll around the tube

and stick down with tape. Pinch one end and tie it down with a ribbon of your choice.

Fill the other end of the tube with your trinkets and fillings (see below for some ideas on what fillings to use!) then tie the last end shut.

For a personal touch, add a name tag and use each bon bon as a place setting for the table!

Here are some ideas for entertaining cracker fillings: If your guests have a bit of a sweet tooth, buy a box of chocolates and divvy them up amongst the crackers. For the adults in the room, you can purchase liqueur-flavoured chocolates to match guests’ favourite tip-

·

· · ·

ples - or perhaps even mini bottles of their favourite spirits.

Instead of the cheesy jokes we’ve all heard a thousand times before, write some positive affirmations or messages for the New Year and slip those inside. People love to know they are cared for!

Are you a romantic at heart? If your beloved loves Christmas as much as you do, a cracker might be the place to hide the ring. Just make sure they get the right bon bon to pull or things could get awkward.

For the kids, include something they’ll actually use. Colourful hair ties or clips, badges, marbles or spinning tops make cute gifts for the little ones.

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS

Montrose carols enjoyed Montrose Community Christmas Carols were celebrated on Saturday 12 December, bringing together hundreds of residents and locals to enjoy the sound of singing.

Held at the Montrose Town Centre Reserve, the stage was set for a great evening of community spirit and Christmas joy.

The event was hosted by the Church of Christ Montrose, with the help of Croydon/ Montrose Rotary and Montrose Fire Brigade.

A free sausage sizzle was held, keeping everyone fed for the evening and an appearance from the man in red brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

After two years of being unable to gather together as a community, the Montrose township didn’t hold back, with estimates of the number of people who attended being

around the 500 mark.

The Church of Christ were thrilled to be able to bring the carols back to the community after countless hours of work and effort.

Not only was it about bringing some Christmas cheer to Montrose, a drop off point was also set up for the Holy Fools Christmas Hamper drive, so that non-perishable food items could be donated towards those who are experiencing homelessness.

It seemed as though everyone was pleased to be able to take part in what has become a tradition in Montrose.

“Huge thanks to all those who put in a momentous amount of work to get the Carols happening this year! What a fabulous evening!,” the Church of Christ posted on social media.

Over 500 people gathered in Montrose to sing along to some Christmas Carols and see Santa.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Themed trimmings

Coldstream CFA will host Santa for Christmas Eve.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Santa to visit Coldstream Christmas Eve

By Renee Wood Santa Claus has been soaked into Christmas traditions for centuries, but Coldstream residents have been lucky enough to create their own local tradition with the man in red and the local CFA on Christmas Eve. Captain Sean Bethell said crews have been touring with Santa through the area on December 24 for several years to bring joy local families to enjoy.

“Coldstream’s been doing this for a very long time, I think probably between 15 and 20 years and we’ve always done it on Christmas Eve. “The start time is 4.30pm and we’re usually pack up around 7.30pm, so those really

young kids are usually just about ready for bed for Santa to have his visit during the night,” he said.

The trucks will drive through the estate and along Killara Road, Ingram Road and parts of Maroondah Highway, Melba Highway and Rudduck Lane and Station Street.

“We’ve got to do this Covid safe so Santa will be mainly staying on the vehicle and if children want their photo taken with Santa, Santa will remain on the truck and children could be on the side of the truck with Santa up above them.”

Gold coin donations will also be welcomed along the journey, to go towards the final instalments for the new station.

“That’ll be in the way of turn out systems,

helping automate some of the things, also some of the new gardens that have to be finished off as well.”

Captain Bethell expects the crew may be moving in early in the new year and is the brigade is currently looking for new recruits to join.

“Any members of the public that are wishing to donate their time by becoming a member drop into your local CFA fire stations, not just Coldstream but throughout the whole of the Yarra Valley.

“Every brigades always looking for new members so they’re more than welcome to drop in and see what we do and see if it’s something they’re interested in doing.”

Be careful with Christmas leftovers With a shortage of vets nationally and emergency veterinary hospitals already at capacity, vets are urging the public not to allow their pets to consume any human Christmas foods, as even small amounts can be toxic and potentially fatal.

The Animal Emergency Centre say that each year over Christmas they see a surge in emergency cases due to the ingestion of foods dogs cannot eat. Last year AEC recorded a 20% increase in toxicity cases which required emesis over the festive period and anticipate that number will rise significantly this year with the continuing rise in pet ownership.

Dr Adam Sternberg, Regional Clinical Dimailcommunity.com.au

rector at Greencross Vets, says pet parents love to spoil their pets at Christmas and assume feeding them some of their festive foods is okay, however this is not the case.

“Certain ingredients that are seemingly healthy and completely safe for humans to consume, such as onion, garlic, chocolate and Christmas pudding amongst others, are so toxic to dogs that they can become very unwell and in severe cases, can be fatal,” he said.

“Each year the emergency vets in our network see an influx of pets in hospitals that have consumed some of their well-meaning pet parent’s foods. If you have a much-loved

pet that you want to show your love to this Christmas, please think twice before you share your food with them and explore the many options of festive treats that are designed specifically for pets.”

If a pet eats something they shouldn’t, contact your nearest vet for advice. The Animal Emergency Centre and Animal Referral Hospital are also open 24/7 for emergencies including public holidays.

If you have a concern over the festive period you can also speak with a qualified veterinarian at home 24/7 via WebVet. They can give you advice and also help refer you to a clinic or hospital if required.

Christmas shopping is all wrapped up for another year, the tree is up, all that is left to do is wrap the presents.

But wrapping doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive wrapping paper you can, or the cheapest, and in these days when we are all looking to save money and the environment, wrapping presents creatively might just be the way to go.

Wrapping a kitchen-themed gift - for the cook in family could be as easy as buying a nice new tea towel and ribbon or even an apron. A cook book from their favourite chef wrapped in a tea towel or apron - tied up with ribbon gives you two gifts in one. A piece of gingham from the craft shop is also an alternative to wrapping paper - particularly for the crafty member of the family who could repurpose it as a tablecloth.

For the music lover in the house, why not try photocopying or buying old sheet music - photocopying allows for the music to be used again and again and to be blown up if needed. This could be the perfect wrapping paper for a CD, music gift card or DVD. Carol music could also be used - trimmed with ribbons or bells.

For the fashion lover, a shirt and brooch from the local op-shop could be repurposed to wrap and decorate a more expensive gift of clothing, fashion books, perfume or make-up.

And with colouring in books all the rage, why use completed pages to wrap smaller item.

Pretty pillow slips and old pieces of left over lace or buttons could also make suitable wrapping paper alternatives as could cheap calico bags - decorated anyway you like and then reused for the shopping after Christmas.

Brown paper is another alternative - those with young children could make good old-fashion potato stamps (cutting out a star or a Christmas tree from a potato) and have a day of letting the children stamp their own wrapping paper for teachers or friends. Henna stamps and other more professional stamps can also be picked up from craft stores.

Old maps from a favourite holiday, that are cluttering up drawers would also make unusual wrapping paper, particularly for those members of the family that love to travel.

Decorations for your nicely wrapped presents could be anything from shells and raffia, to bells, buttons, ribbons, pine cones and foliage.

Making store-bought gifts look beautiful and original under the tree doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 11

THE LOWDOWN Q&A What is something people don’t know about you?

I have four kids, all girls, all beautiful and amazing in their own way.

How long have you worked for Knoxbrooke and Yarra View Nursery?

Coming up to six years now.

What do you enjoy most about being involved in the social enterprise?

For me it is all about our people and the ability we have as a social enterprise to change lives through jobs. Our enterprise has over 150 employees now and we produce over 3m plants per year.

It’s quite an achievement but it always comes back to our people and whether we are making a difference.

What has been one of your most memorable moments as CEO of Knoxbrooke Enterprises?

There are many and often it’s people hitting life milestones that we can sometimes take for granted.Recently a team member got his license and bought a car, another bought a unit and moved out of home, and another got engaged to be married.

Having a job and being part of the commu-

THREE … easy Christmas snacks

with Scott Buckland

Scott Buckland is CEO of Knoxbrooke and has worked with Yarra View Nursery in Mount Evelyn for six years.

Picture: SUPPLIED nity has helped build confidence and provide the means to achieve these milestones. Super proud.

What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

The country atmosphere right on the doorstep

of metro. We are not that far from anywhere yet at times it can feel like you are miles away.

I travel through Yarra Glen every day to get to work. It’s a beautiful part of the world.

What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

This one challenged me a bit so I’ve gone with a sporting moment.

Cathy Freeman’s victory at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney would have been great to be a part of.

Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Nelson Mandela Roger Federer Jeff Kennett My Father Who do you admire the most?

Bethany Hamilton – great story of courage and adversity What are some of your hobbies?

Cooking, Jet skiing, Tennis, Golf and gardening of course!

What is your favourite book and/or film?

12 Angry Men

1

Strawberry Santa hat marshmallows. Hull strawberries and cut tops off. Place one strawberry, cut side down, on top of each marshmallow. Top with a small ball of frosting for the Santa hat.

2

Reindeer cookies. Using melted chocolate, glue pretzels to a plain cookie to act as the antlers. Use M&Ms as eyes and red nose.

3

Mini plum puddings. Roll pudding mixture into balls. Melt white chocolate and drizzle over top. Cut up red and green lolly snakes to add as garnish.

LETTERS

Invite someone extra to your holiday feast After extended periods of lockdown and being distanced from our friends and family, many are in the process of planning big Christmas celebrations with loved ones they haven’t seen in some time.

What would it look like for you this Christmas to add an extra seat at your celebration table?

Loneliness is not a new thing. It’s an epidemic in our nation that has been bubbling away under the surface for many years. Covid-19 wasn’t the initiator of the loneliness

CARTOON

epidemic in our nation, but rather it has intensified and amplified this issue for many and brought it to the surface. There are many people in our society that live on the margins.

Those we might have interactions with every day but don’t really know. People living on the margins are hidden in plain sight, they are visible but never feel truly seen.

While we are reconnecting with family and friends this Christmas season, we need to look out for those in our lives that live on our margins – those that we do life with that

sit outside of our everyday.

What would our society look like if this year we added a seat at our Christmas table and invited someone living on the margins to join the celebration?

Ben* is someone who lives on the margins and could quite easily slip through the gaps in our society. A few Christmases ago I invited Ben to join my family at our extended family Christmas celebration. The invitation was last minute, so we were literally adding another seat at the table when Ben arrived.

A Christmas message from the Yarra Ranges Mayor This year has been one of the most challenging years I can remember for our community.

Between lockdowns and storms we may have faced it all in 2021, but I am so proud of the way that everyone has soldiered on and helped each other heal through the multiple hurdles thrown our way.

Our community has shown great resilience through these troubled times, but of course we are always here to help in any way we can for those in need.

Please reach out to us by calling 1300 368 333 if you need assistance of any kind and we can help point you in the right direction.

In getting back to business as usual, I encourage our residents to have a Yarra Ranges Christmas this year and get behind our Buy, Employ, Enjoy local campaign.

As we all know for the best part of two years, our local businesses have done it tough, so where possible please consider buying local this holiday period.

We are so lucky to live in a region that is renowned for its incredible produce that can help set the scene for a beautiful Christmas lunch or dinner.

We also have wonderful local businesses who produce locally made gifts to fulfill your last-minute Christmas shopping needs.

If you’re not sure where to start, can I suggest visiting the Buy Local directory on our website, which has more than 400 local businesses listed to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for.

I also understand that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for some members of our

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

Ben was welcomed in by the extended family and quickly became one of us.

Ben is now a regular fixture of our family gatherings to the point it’s hard to imagine him not being there.

As you put the final touches on your Christmas celebrations this year consider setting an extra place at your table. It could change a life and it might change yours too.

Mitchell Evans Mission Leader at The Salvation Army’s Sydney Streetlevel Mission

From my

desk Jim Child

community, due to the financial and social challenges it can sometime pose.

We have some amazing volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges that can support people during these times, so please visit the community relief and support agencies section of our website for a list of local services you can reach out to if you would like to make a donation.

Tourism plays a major part in boosting our local economy, and as we’re now able to travel into and out of the Yarra Ranges without restriction, we will all need to adjust to seeing our roads and towns being busier than what we may have seen over the past 18 months.

We live in one of the best places you could possibly live, so naturally there will be a number of people from other areas of Melbourne and beyond who will begin visiting us and enjoying everything the Yarra Ranges has to offer.

If you are planning on travelling over the holiday period, please take care on the roads and stay safe.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings. mailcommunity.com.au

OPINION

A name above all names Christmas Day is just four days away when most of us will try to enjoy something that we have been looking forward to for a long time.

We have suffered greatly this year with our world record lockdowns, so we will be more eager to burst out and let our combined hairs down and ‘party’. However some might be past it.

Others of course will be grieving family losses from the year past, or dealing with debilitating illnesses. (If you are reading this and know someone dealing with these things, see what you can do to help carry their burden).

However most children will still be untainted by adult troubles and will be going to bed in three sleeps time, exited and eager to wake the next morning to see what Santa has brought.

Yes Christmas did start a long time ago, two thousand years even, give or take a year or so, when ‘Julian’ and ‘Gregory’ fiddled with the calendar.

Or at least that was when God came to earth in the form of a baby.

That sounds like it belongs to a mythical saga before the mists of time, but in fact it is linked solidly with our current history, and evidence of that time is in many places in the world. In fact our legal and governmental systems are a direct lift from the Judeo/Christian

Focal Point Graeme Dawson system that Jesus was born into.

Have you ever tried to make the link between with the Jesus of Christmas and the Roman built roads and bridges in Britain, and the ancient buildings of Greece that you might have taken photos of?

No, the Christmas story did not float in out of the ‘long ago ether’. Jesus as the baby, and eventually the man, are rooted solidly in history. In fact in the Old Testament part of our bibles, (the actual Jewish history and laws,) include the prophecies of Isaiah.

He predicted the birth and death of Jesus, with amazing details, 742 years before Jesus was born. He even wrote a message for Jesus to read out in the temple when he /Jesus was a 30 yr. old Rabbi – and he did – it was written in the first person.

I understand all this to mean that this Jesus

was no ordinary baby. He was the Son of God sent to earth to redeem a fallen people, so that their relationship with him could be restored.

Before he left earth to go back to the heavenlies, he promised that he would be the advocate for all those who call on God. Surely our world needs that now: desperately - secure relationships and belonging? Aren’t we a people searching for love? Don’t we want stability in our lives?

He hears our cries and carries us through the deep waters of our lives, and can, at times, be an anchor in our raging torrents. I can promise that he will meet you at the crossroads of your crises, big or small. I know, as he has met me there many times.

See if you can locate the real Jesus of Christmas who transcends time but lives in it – our time. You may have done some carol singing to date, but start to think of the baby: grown up.

This is God’s Grace joining our faith. If you would like to get some of this unpacked, contact me as below.

I wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas, and a good break – ‘God knows’ we all deserve that.

Many Blessings For contact, use my email first - csrsmokey@ gmail.com Graeme Dawson Chaplain to Community

Reflecting on a year of reading with the top five books A friend recently asked how many books I read per year. It’s hard to explain, as sometimes I’m lucky to read one or two books in a week, while at other times I can be too busy to read anything at all.

One thing is clear: Thanks to this “Passion for Prose” column, I’ve been reading more Australian books than ever before. It’s great to have this tiny spot to share my love for everything about reading and writing.

Having studied journalism in the 1990s, writing for our community via a distinguished local newspaper means a lot to me.

Particularly because I’ve been living in and working for this community for more than two decades.

Having an excellent local library makes a huge difference as well. Throughout the years, I have suggested many books for purchase and borrowed even more fiction and non-fiction titles from Eastern Regional Libraries. Belgrave Library feels like a second home to me.

So, reflecting on a year of reviewing Australian books and literary events, I want to thank all our readers across the Yarra Valley

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN and Dandenong Ranges. Anyone finds joy discovering a new book or author as a result of my recommendation – you’ll be making my day.

Below are my Top Five Books, out of the 31 Australian titles I’ve reviewed since February 23, 2021. These were published within the past five years: 1. The Rich Man’s House by Andrew McGahan (Allen and Unwin, September 2019) – A 600-page monster that’s absolutely unputdownable, featuring a fictional yet unearthly mountain towering over the

freezing Antarctic waters south of Tasmania. The only man who’s ever conquered it now feels – and fears – the ferocious, omnipresent and forever-patient forces of Mother Nature, which can be ultimately and overwhelmingly terrifying..

2. The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire by Chloe Hooper (Penguin Australia, October 2018) – A powerful account of the fires on the outskirts of Churchill in Central Gippsland on February 7, 2009, which killed 11 people and torched 82,000 acres of land. It focuses on the hunt, arrest, trial and conviction of the mentally disturbed man who lit two fires and then sat on the roof of his house to watch the inferno.

3. The Beijing Bureau: 25 Australian Correspondents Reporting China’s Rise edited by Trevor Watson and Melissa Roberts (Hardie Grant Publishing, April 2021) – An essential and entertaining read for all who care about Australia-China relations, detailing the history of Australian journalism in China. It raises our awareness of that country, the lives of its people, its government and culture, and what its ambition

means to Australia and the world.

4. Roots: Home is Who We Are: Voices from the SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition (Hardie Grant Publishing, July 2021) – A collection of 30 short memoirs about growing up in diverse Australia, selected from more than 2,000 entries from across the country. It’s a snapshot of contemporary Australia, with authors from all walks of life defying how others define them while seeking an honest way to define themselves.

5. Soon by Lois Murphy (Transit Lounge, October 2017) – Winner of the 2017 Aurealis Award for Best Horror Novel, suitable for those enjoying classic Australian tales such as Picnic at the Hanging Rock and Wolf Creek. Inspired by the demise of Wittenoom in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the story illustrates the slow death of a remote tiny town as a result of a mysterious, malicious mist.

Once again, thank you all for reading my column. I’ll return in January 2022 to review and recommend more Australian books and literary events for you.

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice: the best films Last year, I commented on the proliferation of B-movies: with cinemas closed, low-to-medium-budget genre movies released on streaming services received more attention than usual.

In 2021, as the world slowly returned to normality but still with varying degrees of lockdown or restrictions, we saw a boom in films with small productions and few or single locations, which are easier for upholding Covidsafe practices.

Old takes place almost entirely on a secluded beach. Till Death, Werewolves Within and Willy’s Wonderland take place mostly inside a holiday house, rustic hotel and abandoned restaurant, respectively. Blood Red Sky takes place mostly inside a passenger jet. Ascendant (last week’s honourably dishonourable mention) is set inside an elevator turned remote torture-box. Voyagers and Stowaway are both set on spaceships. The Guilty plays out in a single room in a police station, and Oxygen is set entirely within a failing cryostasis pod.

But limitations often drive creativity, and these limitations yielded amazing drama, pathos and thrills. This was also a good year for dark comedy, female-led action and great open-ended conclusions.

Here are my picks for the ten best films of 2021.

10. Gunpowder Milkshake. An endearing but mailcommunity.com.au

hard-hitting action thriller about family, loyalty and compassion, Gunpowder Milkshake is suffused with noir style and makes excellent use of its prestigious ensemble cast.

9. Old. An extremely tense, harrowing horror film, this is M. Night Shyamalan’s best film in a long time. Shyamalan conjures mounting dread, tenderness and a fascinating mystery from a tiny beach setting, and the performances are (mostly) outstanding.

8. Boss Level. A great example of pathos and rich character development woven into an offbeat action movie and building strong, pressing stakes without taking things too seriously.

7. Kate. A riproaring John Wick-style action movie about a ticked-off woman on a ven-

detta with nothing to lose, but who through an unlikely friendship finds something beyond vengeance to fight for in her last hours. Kate further affirms star Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s action chops, and made me realise that if they ever recast Ellen Ripley for a new Aliens movie, it should be Winstead.

6. Oxygen. Featuring a career-best performance from Melanie Laurent, Oxygen is an excruciatingly tense and stunningly clever film about a woman fighting to stay alive and sane and uncover the truth of her existence in a tiny prison.

5. Lapsis. A sterling case of socially-conscious indie sci-fi. Lapsis hits close to home with its authentic vision of the near future, confronting the gig economy, MLMs and exploitative corporations through the touching prism of a scrappy labourer struggling to care for his sick brother.

4. Synchronic. One of the best time travel movies in years. A pure sense of exploration and discovery, along with the main character’s mission to rescue a girl stranded in the past, are rock-solid motivators. Synchronic’s time travel is both ethereal and macabre, playing out through sombre snippets of American history. Like Boss Level, Synchronic also ends on a perfect ambiguous note.

3. Stowaway. A remarkably tight, efficient sci-fi

drama. Stowaway is quiet and low-key, but has probably the best sustained, escalating suspense of the year, as a crisis on a Mars mission worsens and the well-sketched characters face dire choices. Also, let me reiterate that the beautiful conclusion made me cry.

2. Dune. An enthralling sci-fi epic offering a fascinating, perilous journey through a beautiful, richly-detailed universe. Denis Villeneuve’s dream project is a blockbuster every bit worth the long wait, and comparable to The Lord of the Rings in its grand scope, character depth, respect for the source novel and astounding effects.

1. Nitram. Justin Kurzel helms a riveting character study based on the events leading up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Kurzel and Oscar-worthy star Caleb Landry Jones approach this tragedy with tact, stark honesty and not a trace of sensationalism, building a grim, cohesive portrait of immaturity, violence, loss, obsession and macabre inspiration. Nitram will stick with you for a long time.

Like all of us, cinema did the best it could with a long series of setbacks, and I’m very optimistic for cinema and life in 2022, as the world reopens further and productions widen again.

- Seth Lukas Hynes Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 13

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Cash to help more youth

By Renee Wood The Good Life Farm in Chum Creek has welcomed a $10,000 grant thanks to local financial planner Ian Whykes and the Future2 Foundation.

The farm, which runs support programs for disengaged youth, received the cheque after Mr Whykes supported its application to the foundation.

Founder of the farm Lesley Porter said she’s grateful for the support and it will go towards putting three kids, two from Lilydale and one from Launching Place, through the Life and Social Skills program.

“It’s about connecting the young people to the earth and to animals and it teaches them respect for themselves, it really feeds through,” Ms Porter said.

The weekly program covers several areas and changes to adapt to the current students, although animal welfare, construction and cooking skills, personal development games and community kindness projects are common themes included.

“It’s an intensive program, so six young people and four workers - we’ve got a psychologist, a psych nurse, a youth worker and a social worker.

“It helps the students slowly gain awareness of behaviour that might be causing why they don’t make friends. So it’s bringing awareness to them and using the animals to show them what it is.”

Future2 is a foundation that is supported

by Australian financial advisor making yearly contributions, and financial advisor has to recommend the group which is applying for the grants.

“Future2 is aimed at giving young people between 12 and 25 opportunities which they wouldn’t have had otherwise,” Mr Whykes said.

Mr Whykes has provided the latest recommendation for the $10,000 grant however, he has provided personal donations over the last decade.

“We wouldn’t be sitting in this building if Mr Whykes hadn’t supported us, because this was all donation and we started it with not the full amount that we needed, and we kept praying please, and just every year Ian has donated so it’s just been fantastic,” Ms Porter said.

Mr Whykes first donated to the farm ten

Financial Planner Ian Whykes presented Good Life Farm founder Lesley Porter with a $10,000 grant from the Future2 Foundation.

Picture: RENEE WOOD years ago, five years after the farm started when he heard of the good Ms Porter was providing to the students.

A fitting full circle for the pair, seeing as Mr Whykes knew Ms Porter as his student at Healesville High School when he was the principal.

“She used to take off from school and we always knew where to find her she’d be up playing with her horses, but she came to Rotary one night and explained what they were trying to do here, and I’m a former school principal who knew what kids were like who didn’t have

any opportunity and were totally turned off from education,” Mr Whykes said.

“And Lesley had already gained a reputation just in a couple of years of changing kids, and they were different kids after they’ve been out here, and I also liked the fact that she didn’t let them get away with anything.”

This will be Mr Whykes’ last donation as a financial adviser and said he’s grateful it’s going to a worthy cause.

“I’ve had 40 years as a school teacher and then 30 years in financial planning I think I’ve

just about earned retirement, so this is my last real formal event I’ll be doing as a financial advisor so it’s a nice way to finish.”

A finish that’s continuing to help fulfill Ms Porter’s dream of supporting kids in need who’s families are unable to afford it.

“So the farm’s always tried to accommodate young people that they’re not going to private schools, they don’t have rich parents, they’re usually in the system, and so I’ve always tried to support those young people that don’t get the opportunities that other young people,” Ms Porter said.

School holiday program: building resilience with art

By Renee Wood A special holiday program is running in January, offering kids the opportunity to learn about their feelings through art.

Facilitator Bec Filliponi started All The Feels Therapeutic Art Program in 2019 after seeing a lack of accessible services for children in the Upper Yarra.

“As a social worker, I was working with a lot of high risk young people and adults and thinking about what would be helpful as an early intervention model reduce mental health issues and other issues later on in life.”

The three hour event will include Ms Filliponi and two artists Julie Gebbing and Catherine Byatt at a Wandin studio to discuss emotions through art and learn how to express and regulate how they’re feeling.

“Using art is always a good medium because it’s creative, and there are no rules, and you can’t fail it up. And a big focus is also on increasing self worth and confidence, so it’s always good for that as well.”

Previously the program has run as a weekly program however, it has changed to single sessions in school holidays due to the pandemic.

Ms Filliponi said she’s noticed big changes from students after they experienced the sessions.

“They get much more comfortable with admitting their emotions, having less shame mailcommunity.com.au

about their emotions and just feeling more comfortable - more playful, and they’re more energetic, they’re more willing to take risks.

So their self-confidence and their emotional literacy really increases throughout the program.”

The program was also recently successful in receiving a grant from Yarra Ranges Council of $10,000 which is going towards reducing the costs to allow more families to afford the program.

“Accessibility is really, really important and if we had to charge people how much it costs for our time, and all the art supplies, then there would be families that couldn’t afford to get support for their children and I don’t think that that’s okay.

“So it means that everyone can access, support and wellbeing, joy and fun learning about how great they are, because that shouldn’t be something that you can’t access just because you don’t have the money.”

It’s $15 for the session, with four sessions running in the school holidays at Lime Door Studio in Wandin.

Art Project 1 – Treasure Chest: Tuesday 18th January 9:30am Tuesday 18th January 1pm Art Project 2 – Fantastic Fun Fidgets: Wednesday January 19th 9:30am Wednesday January 19th 1pm Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/ BWBUD

· · · ·

The All The Feels art program will be held in Wandin in January.

Picture: DUSAN JOVIC ON UNSPLASH Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 15

FOCUS ON …

NEW YEARS

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

Fireworks will only be able to be seen from designated areas this year in Melbourne.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Viewing the fireworks

By Mikayla Van Loon Fireworks are a spectacular feature of New Year’s Eve celebrations, with hundreds of people flocking to the city to experience the delight and awe of the colourful creations.

This year’s fireworks display will be limited to four viewing zones, with a ballot system restricting numbers for a safe entry into 2022.

The free balloted tickets get people access to the celebration zones where they can see the fireworks, listen to live music and be in-

volved in the countdown.

The celebration zones will be stationed throughout the city at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Alexandra Gardens and Docklands.

Unfortunately to avoid crowds elsewhere, the fireworks will only be able to be seen from these designated areas.

But like always the fireworks can be viewed from your lounge room, with TV coverage starting at 11pm.

How to stick to those New Year’s resolutions

By Mikayla van Loon

12527815-CG51-21

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Coles Supermarket 520-526 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

New Year’s is a time of celebration and welcoming a fresh start but it’s also the time where those seemingly unattainable resolutions are made.

What if you could actually achieve those goals this year with a few simple steps?

Would you attempt to stick to them this time?

Every year, thousands, possibly millions of people in Australia make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more regularly, eat better, save money or spend more time with family and friends but the majority don’t seem to manage those vague intentions.

Most of the time the problem lies with not setting specific enough goals so that each time a target is reached that’s an achievement in itself.

The best thing to help you stick to your goals is to set a detailed plan or timetable to give yourself those little milestones every so often.

So if it’s money you’re trying to save, make a plan to set aside an amount from every pay and set a monthly target to note the progress.

But be realistic in what you set as your overall goal and as those smaller targets, trying to achieve too much might lead to failure after a few weeks or months.

Being consistent is also going to make things easier. It only takes 28 days to create a habit, so by doing something each day or as often as you can, soon it will just be something you do and not a resolution.

Take exercise for example, if you can do

Will you be making resolutions for 2022?

Picture: UNSPLASH something small every day at the same time or in the same place it’s going to leave an impression on your body and mind.

While yes it is good to make something a habit, don’t pressure yourself either, that might just lead to resentment of your resolution.

Other tips: Start small Get support from others to keep you motivated Don’t expect big change to happen over night Reevaluate your goals if you need to After the last two years of lockdowns and restrictions it would be understandable if people want to set a number of resolutions but even though New Year’s calls for a fresh start, it doesn’t mean you have to set yourself goals at all.

Maybe just see where the year takes you and achieve along the way.

· · · · ·

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mailcommunity.com.au

A COUNTRY LIFESTYLE BEAUTIFULLY positioned on approximately 1500 sq. metres of level lawn and garden areas, you can enjoy wonderful mountain views from your own backyard with plenty of space and privacy.

Situated conveniently just outside the bustling township of Warburton this good size family home offers 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in robe, a large family room with split system and those gorgeous views to see while you sip your morning cuppa.

Great living space with two separate

areas, both spacious, light and bright plus a five 5kw solar system.

Step outside to your covered entertaining area which overlooks the fully fenced rear yard, a super space for both kids and pets, complete with a separate fenced off area for the firepit.

Double garage under roof and another shed for extra storage, this home represents great value offering modern conveniences in a semi-rural environment and just minutes’ drive to facilities with some breathtaking views across the Yarra Valley. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 432 Woods Point Road, EAST WARBURTON Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $650,000 - $710,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rebecca Doolan, 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

mailcommunity.com.au

com.au

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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HOME FOCUS

PICTURESQUE ACREAGE A CLASSIC Warburton property, family owned for over 40 years and set in the most picturesque peaceful and private location you will find in Warburton. Offering approx. 6 acres to explore and enjoy with great views of the surrounding mountains and distant views of Warburton’s colourful main street and surrounds.

The original family home offers 2 bedrooms plus an open plan kitchen, family/ living room and dining area, outside there is loads of car accommodation with a 4-car carport plus a separate 6 car garage.

A rare and unique property with a mix of cleared land and scattered bush and offering the ideal small acreage lifestyle with peace and privacy assured.

Ideally situated just a short stroll to the Yarra river and Warburton’s main street it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil country lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 38 Giffords Road, WARBURTON Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 9 garage Price: $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll, 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

8 Azalea Court Warburton

$600,000 - $650,000

62 Middleton Drive Woori Yallock

Quiet Court in beautiful surrounds.

Solid Home - Unbeatable Location

Situated down a peaceful road this cosy home gives the opportunity to take in the absolute beauty that surrounds you. The home has 2 bedrooms, the main bedroom has good-sized built-in robes and lovely views of the neighbouring mountains from the window. Open lounge, dining and kitchen make for a usable space and the kitchen is just lovely, timber and built to last with ample cupboards its certainly the place to be within the home. The backyard is sunny, flat, and easily maintained, there is also the large veranda along the front of the home which is a great place to sit and watch the world go by and from here you can enjoy overlooking the mature colourful gardens. Delightful downsizer, weekender or even that first step into the market.

Positioned to please this neat home is ideally situated just a stones throw to the Warburton trail, local schools and shops.

The home is well presented and offers great space inside and out with 3 bedrooms, spacious lounge/living area an open plan kitchen with ample bench and cupboard space.

The kids and pets will love the back yard with established play equipment and a securely fenced yard, a covered verandah area offers year round outdoor entertaining plus ample car accommodation with a large 2 car carport and a bungalow/studio perfect for the teenagers games room or home office. A great home in a great location it’s the perfect place to call home.

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: By Appointment

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au 18

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton com.au

$600,000 - $660,000

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

Shop 11, 343-347 Main Street Lilydale, VIC 3140 mailcommunity.com.au

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9727 5300 Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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GENERAL PUZZLES

9 5 6

5

SUDOKU

No. 060

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.

easy

6 2 3 9 8 3 7 5 8 2 6 4 5 1 3 7 4 2 9 3 1 3 7 4 8 5 7 5 1 5 7 medium

7 5 4 1 1 2 3 4 6 1 9 9 6 8 1 1 3 8 6 2 7 1 4 8 7 3

QUICK CROSSWORD 3 4 5 6 7 8 13

ACROSS Suggests (7) Expressing much in few words (7) Terrific (9) Caribbean Sea island (5) Sequence (6) Becoming prominent (8) Red wine (6) Most important; major (4) Not false (4) Commercial (6) Self-government (8) Water-surrounded land mass (6) Florida port (5) From Oslo, e.g. (9) Sources of light made with wax (7) Traditions (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

16 17 18 21 22 23 26

7 2 9

7

1

DOWN Brew; steep (6) Food cupboard (6)

1 2

DECODER

No. 060

1

2

3

4

5

7

6

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

3 7

H N 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

H

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

5 4 9 3 1 7 2 8 6

8 9 1 6 3 4 5 2 7

6 5 2 7 9 1 4 3 8

33 words: Excellent

Q

A

L

E

3 1 7 4 6 9 8 5 2

2 8 4 1 5 3 6 7 9

9 6 5 2 8 7 3 4 1

1 7 9 5 4 6 2 8 3

4 3 8 9 1 2 7 6 5

5 2 6 3 7 8 1 9 4

8 2 3 4 5 6 1 7 9

6 1 7 2 8 9 3 5 4

2 6 4 1 3 5 7 9 8

9 3 5 6 7 8 4 1 2

1 7 8 9 4 2 6 3 5

3 9 2 5 6 1 8 4 7

4 8 6 7 9 3 5 2 1

7 5 1 8 2 4 9 6 3

4 8 2 1 6 9 3 5 7

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SPORT

Notching up milestones

By Mikayla Van Loon Local cricket has wrapped up for the first half of the season, with a short break now taking place over Christmas.

Although not the end to the year Mooroolbark Cricket Club was hoping for, president Danny Martin said the teams are remaining positive.

“It’s actually a tough year on the field. We’ve got four teams and we lost all four games over the weekend,” he said.

“We are sitting second bottom in the ones and your club relies on the ones to win because that’s where you stay up or get relegated. So we’re definitely having a tough year.”

Martin took over the presidency at the start of the year, having not planned to move from his junior president role but when the position was offered it felt like the right fit.

“We knew it was going to be a tough year losing players but one thing that I’m very strong on is morale around the club, making sure we’re all backing each other.

“One of the really positive things is we’ve had to get some of these younger players to play a higher grade but they’re actually performing very well and they’re holding their own. So that’s going to hold us in good stead in the long term.”

The club’s main aim for the rest of the season is to stay in the Trollope Shield because it is named after a Mooroolbark great but off the field Martin said he wants to keep morale and the social aspect of the club high on the priority list.

One of the ways the committee has started doing this has been through social media, to regularly post the achievements of the teams and individuals.

Martin said celebrating the major milestones of the players is really important to thank and congratulate these players who have helped grow the club and who have contributed many hours of time.

Matthews now dedicates a lot of his time to the junior sides.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Among some of those high achieving players are Adrian Danisch who played his 100th senior game and 1st XI Skipper Mark Ross who has taken over 250 wickets and is approaching 4000 runs.

But perhaps one of the Barkers’ most well known players Jeffrey ‘Joffa’ Matthews has reached some incredible milestones for the club in the last few weeks.

Not only has he played over 300 games for Mooroolbark, he has surpassed 4500 senior runs to put him in the Top 20 all time run scorers for the club.

Remembering the past has also become a key element for the Barkers and holding premiership reunions will form part of that.

“We like to celebrate premiership reunions and we’ve actually got a premiership reunion from 1971 this year, so we’re actually going to make a really big deal of it,” Martin said.

“So all these sorts of things both personally and in the club, this committee is really really focusing on celebrating those milestones from yesteryear and current ones.”

Mooroolbark Cricket Club will return to training on 6 January and play the first game back on 8 January.

Jeffrey Matthews has notched over 300 games and 4500 runs for Mooroolbark Cricket Club.

Round six cricket results Lindsay Trallope Shield Montrose 1st XI 201 J Perkins 44 M Edwards 42 LA Storm 39 A Keane 26 M Ross 2/33 A Higgins 2/37 M Neal 2/43 defeated Mooroolbark 1st XI 9/175(cc) T Nathan 31 W Ross 29 M Ross 28* J Williams 27 M McKane 2/19 J Crowe 2/28 CL Storm 2/57 North Ringwood 1st XI 9/152(cc) RJ PeterBudge 39 C Rennison 29* B Leis 26 AA Adamson 4/20 C Stevens 3/24 defeated by Lilydale 1st XI 8/154 D Thompson 48 AA Adamson 28* C Rennison 2/35 B Leis 2/47 Bill Wilkins Cup Mount Evelyn 1st XI 7/196(cc) D Kift 49* D FRASER 35 B Westaway 32 JR Gilbert 3/19 defeated by Warranwood 1st XI 8/260(cc) DA Johnson 58 T Keyhoe 40 JR Gilbert 39* N Brown 29 E Johnson 28 D FRASER 3/26 L JONES 2/39 D Fraser 2/45 Stuart Newey Plate Kilsyth 1st XI 4/120 RR McKean 33 M Gregory 31 defeated Chirnside Park 1st XI 116 J Battaglene 34 AR Smith 4/11 L McPhee 2/16 JT Smith 2/18 Steve Pascoe Shield Wandin 1st XI 47 C van Koll 3/19 D Crowe 2/1 T Sonsini 2/11 J Motteram 2/12 defeated by Montrose 2nd XI 215 SJ Gebert 66 L Grigg 56 J Poynton 4/28 G Poynton 2/41 M Heriot 2/49

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Pat Meehan Shield Warranwood 2nd XI 9/162 B Van Duppen 42 N Russell 36 H Pleming 5/30 M Unternahrer 2/21 defeated by Kilsyth 2nd XI 9/171(cc) M Unternahrer 57 D Gibb 37 J Cornford 28 T Broadhurst 2/16 D Heath 2/38 A Kearney 2/43 D Hughes 2/44 Ian Spencer Shield Chirnside Park 2nd XI 7/156 N McFarlane 67* S McDonnell 28 A Whiting 2/16 R Wilson 2/30 defeated Mount Evelyn 2nd XI 9/153(cc) CJ Anderson 31 LM Shepherd 27 S McDonnell 3/28 Z Mahmood 3/42 R Hodgins 2/15 Lilydale 2nd XI 9/182 J Triantafillou 61 J Smith 25 R Emmett 3/29 L Clarke 3/32 E Fay 2/35 defeated Bayswater Park 2nd XI 179 B Trump 50 R Emmett 48 L Hands 2/25 M Goodlet 2/27 J Smith 2/30 Mooroolbark 2nd XI 7/123(cc) B Griffiths 30 D Singh 3/10 Z Tasevski 2/4 M Starrenburg 2/39 defeated by Templeton 2nd XI 1/124 DR Meehan 54* D Singh 47 Croydon Ranges 2nd XI 6/209(cc) MH Hendley 39 M Peisley 37 DW Turnbull 37 CM Denavi 36 M Cestnik 2/37 L Miller 2/41 defeated Norwood 2nd XI 197 M Cestnik 64 A Eramo 32 H Low 2/21 T Noonan 2/29 N Paisley 2/40

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Bowls teams played their last game of the year last weekend and will now wait to finish out the season starting 15 January.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Lilydale takes the win in Bowls Weekend Pennant Premier division

Division four

Division two Mooroolbark 2 Shots: 92, Points: 16 defeated Bayswater 1 Shots: 54, Points: 2 Heathmont 2 Shots: 55, Points: 2 defeated by Lilydale 2 Shots: 72, Points: 16 Division three Bayswater 2 Shots: 96, Points: 15 defeated Chirnside Park CC 1 Shots: 66, Points: 3 Lilydale 3 Shots: 83, Points: 14 defeated Ferntree Gully 2 Shots: 70, Points: 4

Division five Mooroolbark 5 Shots: 82, Points: 16 defeated Donvale 4 Shots: 68, Points: 2 Division six Yarra Glen 3 Shots: 95, Points: 18 defeated Mooroolbark 6 Shots: 70, Points: 0 Lilydale 4 Shots: 93, Points: 14 defeated Yarra Junction 1 Shots: 75, Points: 4 Heathmont 6 Shots: 59, Points: 3 defeated

by Chirnside Park Healesville 1 Shots: 61, Points: 13

4 Shots: 69, Points: 2 defeated by · Lilydale Shots: 82, Points: 16 defeated · Croydon Mooroolbark 3 Shots: 104, Points: 16 Mentone Shots: 76, Points: 2 Park CC 2 Shots: 87, Points: 16 Division one · Chirnside defeated Warburton Shots: 58, Points: 2 · Mooroolbark 1 Shots: 53, Points: 0 de- · Mooroolbark 4 Shots:2 70, Points: 2 defeatfeated by Mitcham 1 Shots: 88, Points: 18 ed by Vermont South 4 Shots: 74, Points: 16

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Local cricket has finished up round six, the last game to be played for the year until the return in January.

Picture: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

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