Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 27th February 2024

Artists shine

exhibition for young talented student artists, is coming to The Memo, Healesville in April.

The exhibition will be hosted by Yarra Ranges Council in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre.

32 artists, who completed units 3 and 4 in VCE Art and Studio Art or in the final year of VCAL in 2023 all around the Yarra Ranges Council’s district, will showcase their art pieces in Creative Showcase 2024.

Burrinja Cultural Centre cultural development producerToni Main said it would be more than a school show.

“Come and see the exhibition because it got through the application process,” she said. “The students had to apply to get in and the work is incredibly exquisite, and the young people have such a strong voice and they really delve into some beautifully poignant and personal stories in their artwork.”

The Creative Showcase will be open from Saturday 13 April to Sunday 5 May in The Memo, Healesville. Turn to page 19 for more

Nurse shortage

By Callum Ludwig

Aged care homes in Australia have been required to have a registered nurse (RN) on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week since July 2023, implemented as a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

For some homes, including the AdventCare home inWarburton, this requirement has proved to be impossible to fulfil due to staff shortages, despite their best efforts.

While this is a concern long-term, Ad-

ventCare has alternative arrangements in place which they update the Commission on monthly and which have been accepted given their circumstances, but the exemption is set to expire in July this year.

AdventCare CEO David Reece said the facility itself is running very well, but they’d love to have more staff.

“The new funding system suits us, the government is funding it well, but the Royal Commission has found that you get better care if you have a registered nurse on board, prefer-

ably 24 hours a day, which 85 per cent of aged care facilities have had for decades,” he said.

“In the smaller facilities and particularly in regional ones like Warburton, there have just not been enough registered nurses in the area, despite the fact we’ve got good clinical support, we’ve got several registered nurses during the day and we’ve got enrolled nurses (ENs) on night and evening shifts.”

RNs have completed a three–year Bachelor of Nursing course, while ENs have completed a two-year Diploma of Nursing. RNs supervise

ENs, with both roles including lots of handson, practical nursing tasks, while RNs may also be required to perform more complex tasks such as creating patient care plans or assessments for ENs to implement, or to evaluate the outcomes of medication given to patients.

While the Warburton AdventCare home doesn’t have an RN on-site 24/7, there is always an RN who is on call at any time and lives locally, which is considered an effective alternative care arrangement.

Continued page 3

Four of Creative Showcase 2024 artists.

Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

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Nursing dilemma

From page 1

Mr Reece said the University ofWollongong was also commissioned to do a study of alternative clinical models of care, which he is confident will validate them.

“The quality commission, who’s the regulator, has a clear understanding of what we are doing and they’re confident that we have an alternate model,” he said.

“We’re still waiting for that report to be released but what is likely is that they might say that where you have a sound clinical alternate model in place, then you get an exemption from having 24-hour registered nurses.”

Also as part of the reforms, residential aged care homes have had to provide each resident with 200 care minutes each day, with at least 40 of those provided by an RN, since October 2023.This is set to be scaled up to 215 minutes, including 44 RN minutes, from October this year.

Mr Reece said this is something he worries they’ll never be able to do at Warburton.

“We’ve got about 45 minutes of enrolled nurses and about 15 minutes of RN, so we’ve got more than the 40 minutes regulated for nursing staff, but in a different combination,” he said.

“The problem is that because they mandate this RN model, the risk is that people in other parts of town have said they have been replacing enrolled nurses with registered nurses. and the danger with that is that once you lose the enrolled nurse, they go and work somewhere else and you can’t get them back.”

To help fill the shortfall of RNs, a number of the ENs at the Warburton AdventCare home

have put their hands up to start studying to become RNs. ENs are likely to receive credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing from the units they completed through the Diploma of Nursing which speeds up the process and reduces the extra workload.

AdventCare also received funding in December to help recruit more staff to help meet the total minutes of care mandated.

Mr Reece said more training is always talked up and is something will always encourage, but it doesn’t provide a short-term solution.

“There’s a supplement if you’re a smaller home with under 60 beds and you have 24/7 nursing, you get a supplement, which for Warburton would be another $15,000-16,000 a month, which is very useful money because it’s costing us about three grand to have on-call support from RNs, but if you don’t meet 24/7 you get nothing,” he said.

“If they gave us some of that money and we were able to recruit a whole lot more people, the supplement would help us cover it,”

“If when you get to say 50 per cent coverage, you got half of the money or even if it 75 per cent, there’s some incentive, but the way it is now we are so far off it that we are not going to get there.”

The Department of Health made about 10,000 scholarships of up to $16,500 available for new domestic students between 1 January 2023 and the Semester 1 census date for courses in 2024, to encourage Victorian students to complete an undergraduate (entry-to-practice) nursing or midwifery qualification, such as a Bachelor of Nursing.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission-

er Janet Anderson said aged care providers are required to comply with their workforce responsibilities.

“The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will continue to take a fair and sensible approach to regulating providers’ compliance with these obligations,” she said.

“In any circumstance where we find that residents in an aged care home are at heightened risk of harm, we will not hesitate to take regulatory action to protect the safety and wellbeing of those older people.”

The Department of Health and Aged Care currently forecasts the aged care workforce will be short 5918 RNs by 2024-25 when the increased care requirement comes in, revealed in additional Senate estimates this month.

Ms Anderson said if a provider is falling short of full compliance with their workforce responsibilities, the commission will give priority consideration to whether the non-compliance presents a risk to residents.

“If the risk is assessed as low and the provider has arrangements in place to ensure that its residents’ needs are being met, then we will also consider the efforts they are making to recruit and retain the required staff,” she said.

“Where a provider can demonstrate that they are delivering safe, quality care and also making progress towards meeting their workforce obligations, the Commission will monitor their efforts and is unlikely to take regulatory action,”

“However, if the provider is not able to demonstrate one or both of these requirements, then we will engage with them more closely and are more likely to take regulatory action.”

IN BRIEF

Skoda recall

3801 Skoda Superb and Octavia model cars with a year range of 2020 - 2024 have been recalled.

Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.

As a result, a connection to the brake fluid reservoir could melt. If this occurs, brake fluid may leak and cause a reduction in braking performance and/or if brake fluid leaks on to a hot exhaust there is a risk of a vehicle fire.

A reduction in braking performance and/ or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage property.

Owners of affected vehicles can contact their preferred Skoda dealership to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and rectified, free of charge.

Warburton-Woods Point Road works

The Department of Transport and Planning (DOTP) has advised that Warburton-Woods Point Road will be closed in both directions between Stream Road, Reefton and Cumberland Junction Cambarville from Thursday 29 February to Thursday 14 March, and from Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March, for Critical Maintenance Works.

· During this time, the road will be closed to all vehicles.

· Access to Marysville will be available via Maroondah Highway in Healesville.

· Warburton-Woods Point Road will be open from Friday 15 March to Sunday 17 March under changed traffic conditions.

The works are being carried out to repair the early stages of a landslip and prevent further damage to the road.

The DOTP will be excavating the full length and width of the road at the impacted area to a depth of 1m, anchoring and rebuilding the section of the road and reconstructing and repairing drainage.

Due to a narrow strip of vegetation along the length of the site having to be removed for the works, the DOTP will be purchasing voluntary offsets to account for the loss.

Thursday power outage

Towns in the Yarra Valley suffered from power outages once again on Thursday 22 February.

One outage was reported at 10.42am in Lilydale and the other one was reported at 11.30am in Emerald.

An Ausnet spokesperson said trees had fallen on power lines in Emerald.

“ETR’s 6.30pm tonight [for the Emerald incident],” they said.

“There are currently 630 houses off from the broader incident from last week and 2 new faults from today from winds, affecting 4933 houses in Lilydale and surrounds and 1743 houses in Emerald.”

The impacted towns for the Lilydale power line included Wandin East, Wandin North, Seville, Silvan, Gruyere, Mount Evelyn, Kalorama and Coldstream, and for the Emerald power line were Macclesfield, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and Emerald.

The AdventCare Aged Care in Warburton is struggling to meet new nursing requirements set for homes. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

IF YOU’RE BACK AT YOUR AFTER A DAY AT THE TO FIND A AND YOUR AND ARE MISSING…

Ejection from interjection

By Mikayla van Loon

Casey MP Aaron Violi was asked to leave the chamber in parliament last week for repeated interjection during question time.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick used his right under Standing Order 94(a) to eject MrVioli from the chamber for an hour on Thursday 15 February.

It was during a question being answered by treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers about the stage three tax cuts that passed earlier that day and unemployment that Mr Violi was said to have interrupted.

“In that answer, the member for Casey interjected eight times continuously. He will leave the chamber under 94(a),” Speaker Dick said.

“He’s been continually interjecting for the last two weeks. It is simply not acceptable for people not to show some restraint and to just continually interject during a question and an answer.”

This made it the fifth time, according to data published by The Sydney Morning Herald in January, that Mr Violi was removed.

MrVioli told Star Mail he would always be a voice for his community.

“Our community sent me to Canberra to be a strong local voice and this includes holding the government to account in Parliament,” he said.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“Local residents, families and small businesses are struggling under Labor’s cost of living crisis. I hear this every time I’m out in our community.”

The stage three tax cuts bill was amended to provide a larger return for taxpayers who earned under $150,000, with those over the threshold receiving a slightly better tax cut than normal.

Dr Chalmers said in question time on Thursday the government did this for “the truckies and for the teachers…the steelworkers and the health workers…the nurses and the plumbers”.

“It means all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers can now look forward to a tax cut on 1 July.

It means 11 and a half million of them can look forward to a bigger tax cut on 1 July,” he said.

“[The cuts] are relief, they are reform, and they are responsible. They’re better for Middle Australia and better for the economy.

“They lay bare the main difference between this side of the House and that side of the House. We want more people to earn more and to keep more of what they earn. Those opposite want people working longer for less.”

In Parliament on Wednesday 14 February, Mr Violi spoke on a matter of public importance brought forward by Deakin MP Michael Sukkar; the cost of living.

MrVioli claimed the“Prime Minister misled the Australian people over 100 times” having promised pre and post election to implement the previously agreed to tax cuts legislated by the former Liberal government.

“His solution to these challenges for the Australian people is $15 a week in five months time.

“But the other bit he doesn’t talk about is when the government made a decision last year to let the low- and middle-income tax offset lapse. That was $1,500 a year taken away from the Australian people.”

Mr Violi said on Wednesday the tax cuts were “all about the politics” but the prime minister has previously said the current economic situation required the amendment.

“The treasurer may claim his government ‘genuinely care about the cost-of-living pressures that people confront’ but Labor’s track record shows otherwise,” he told Star Mail.

“The Labor Government has broken its promise to make life cheaper and easier. Labor promised to cut power bills by $275 a year, instead electricity is up 20 per cent.

“Labor promised cheaper childcare, yet families have told me their costs have increased by up to $13 per day. Under Labor, fuel prices, insurances and groceries are soaring, interest paid on mortgages has tripled and renters are paying the highest rents since 2009.”

A further four MPs were also removed by the speaker with Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, Groom MP Garth Hamilton and Moreton MP Graham Perrett ejected on Thursday.

Rowdy behaviour in question time has been common practice of the debate since parliament’s inception in 1901.

The Sydney Morning Herald article on 4 January found that Federal MPs had been ejected 118 since the Labor Government was elected in 2022 as the 47th parliament.

The Liberal Party’s Mr Sukkar and Barker MP Tony Pasin topped the table at 15 times each for being asked by the speaker to leave the chamber.

Could advocacy lead to peri-regional recognition?

By Callum Ludwig

The push for the Yarra Ranges to be considered peri-regional to reflect the varied needs and lifestyles of the region continues.

Peri-regional is a term not yet recognised by the State or Federal Government, despite the recognition of peri-urban status, following the advocacy of the Peri-Urban Group of Councils (PUCV) and similar groups in states around the country.

Newly-appointed Chair of the PUCV and East Ward Councillor at Baw Baw Shire Michael Leaney said an invitation had been extended to Yarra Ranges Council to join the group.

“We need to get a definitive answer as to what peri-urban is so when you look at the Yarra Ranges as an example, Lilydale and Chirnside Park are not peri-urban, they’re basically suburban Melbourne,” he said.

“But when you go to Healesville or Warburton, they’ve got different needs and they’ve got to have different funding streams, you can’t apply what applies in Chirnside Park to what’s going to work in Warburton.”

Yarra Ranges Council confirmed that they were offered the opportunity to join the PUCV in 2023 but politely declined.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Sophie Todorov said councils under both terms share similar characteristics and can be eligible for similar funding opportunities.

“The PUCV Group is made up of Councils classified as regional under the Local Government Act – typically characterised as growth Councils or having areas of growth, such as regional cities,” she said.

“Peri-regional Councils are, meanwhile, on the urban fringe, classified as metropolitan but have regional characteristics that are intentionallyandstrategicallybeingretained. For example, slower population growth, high conservation value areas like Green Wedge, agriculture and tourism industries,”

“However, peri-regional is not a recognised term by the State Government, and more used to describe the balance of our formal definition as a metropolitan Council, alongside our regional characteristics.”

Mornington Peninsula Shire has joined the Yarra Ranges in pushing for the recognition of peri-regional status, sharing similarly large contrast between townships, such as between the increasingly residential Mornington suburb and a town like Red Hill, where viticulture and agricultural ventures dominate the landscape.

Both councils are also part of the Interface Councils group of ten local councils in outer

metropolitan Melbourne that form a ’ring’ around the more inner suburban or metro areas.

Mr Leaney said between these councils around the outer ring of Melbourne, quite often there are existing towns and communities that are seeing huge growth pour into them and are having to be retrofitted to accommodate it.

“It’s not like those areas where they just have bare paddocks and they build a whole entirely new community, these are existing locations that are developed and have very strong farming communities in these areas and people want to maintain their right to farm,” he said.

“It’s part of the reason why people find these communities highly desirable is because they want that mix of the lifestyle and the environment but we’ve got to be very careful that we don’t kill the golden goose,”

“We’ve got a very challenging line to go down to make sure that we maintain our character and we maintain the look and feel of our communities yet cope with the growth that is happening and will happen into the future.”

The PUCV consists of the Bass Coast Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Coun-

cil and the Surf Coast Shire Council.

Mr Leaney said the PUCV have regular delegations to Canberra and Spring Street to advocate to the Federal and State governments.

“One of the things that we’re talking to the politicians in Canberra about next week is the development of what we’re calling a PerUrban Future Fund, because both the Federal and State governments have come out with these big housing statements, which is great, but we need to have the enabling infrastructure on the ground to make it happen,” he said.

“We’ve been saying that there needs to be money put into the gaps that already exist, by the state and feds, because there’s no point in saying we need to build more houses if we don’t have any money to build the childcare centres or schools.”

The PUCV has prioritised Transport and Digital Connectivity, Planning and Land Activation, Local Liveability Infrastructure and Tourism Infrastructure, with digital connectivity, public transport and tourism infrastructure in particular concerns that are shared in the Yarra Ranges.

Mr Leaney said he thinks that branching away from basing funding access on shire boundaries would be of benefit.

“A shire boundary holds almost no relevance to the communities within it, they do that for administrative ease,” he said.

“Federal and State government need to take a look at making zones and allow the maps to be a little bit more fluid as opposed to the hard and fast line of a council boundary that in Victoria’s case, was written up in the mid-1990s,”

“I think as an organisation we’ve been able to make some really strong strides in the last few years, especially in Canberra. It often feels like three steps forward, two and a half steps back but this is a long road and to get key policy or directional changes takes time.”

The needs of Yarra Ranges townships differ greatly from one another, with townships like Warburton more regional in nature. Pictures: ON FILE

Towns like Lilydale form the more suburban aspect of the Yarra Ranges.

Casey MP Aaron Violi was removed from the chamber on Thursday 15 February after continuous interjections. 331688

Site restoration under way

By Callum Ludwig

The first stage of a substantial effort to restore the Sanitarium factory site in Warburton has begun, with community input key to the plans.

The walkway and land behind the factory are the first points of consideration, with a landscape architect and arboriculturalist called upon to make a first assessment.

Landscape architect Matthew McFall was involved in the first effort to revive the factory site in 2006 and said one of the key problems the first time was the selective thinning of the vegetation.

“When it first started, the plan was to have two flanking buildings on each side of the main building and to renovate the factory into a food and wine centre with a car park, so I had to design everything on the outside of the buildings and to position the buildings to make sure it all works in the landscape,” he said.

“People can get a little bit negative about removing trees so we have to do it right to get it all rolling, and I think what we have done is right and is going to be great, and if we get the first part right, there’ll be more trust in the project.”

The Warburton Advancement League and Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee are helping provide community oversight to the works, and also see the initial stage as an important opportunity to make the river access tracks more accessible.

Vice President of the Warburton Advancement League David Pratt said significant community representation will be a critical element in the development of not only the implementation plan but the ongoing management plan for the site.

“We recognise that it’s hard for the volunteer Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee to do all the physical work in maintaining the weeds and the health of the whole riverway, so this partnership together with the devel-

oper not only ensures that the crown land is accessible at all times to the community but enhances the ability for people to experience it,” he said.

“This track will be important for all-ability access to the site and to the riverside, we have so few access points in Warburton, albeit we have kilometres of river access tracks, so we want to be able to tie that in and make sure these tracks are safe, are appropriate from a gradient perspective and that people can enjoy this area.”

The Crockett group acquired the building in 1997 following the factory’s closure, having madeWeet Bix at the factory since 1925. In August 2022 after discussions with owner Garry Crockett,Yarra Ranges Council, theWarburton Advancement League and local contractors conducted makesafe works at the site, securing the building, removing debris, knocking out all the glass, fixing and repairing damage from several water leaks, restoring power, installing floodlights and gardening. Arboriculturalist Rob Galbraith has been brought in for his expertise and said for the

concept to work there has to be some thinning of the trees and it’s a matter of picking out those which are the least significant.

“When you are looking for the most significant trees, they’re going to be likely based on the size, importance, landscape and whether they have significant habitat potential for wildlife,” he said.

“They’ve got to be in reasonably good condition and reasonably safe and we also want a situation where you’re keeping a good representation of the species diversity and that maintains the natural bushy feel of the area.”

It is expected most of the trees and vegetation that would be removed are the smaller trees in the lower canopy, which will thin out the vegetation and be positive from a fire risk management perspective.

Mr Pratt said managing people’s safety is all a part of the balance they hope to achieve.

“Many residents use this walking track, and given that this is also the place of last resort (theWarburton Recreation Reserve), there’d be a number of people that might use this track to access the place of last resort, because the highway may be very busy,” he said.

“We will also incorporate the landscaping of the La La turntable as well, revitalising that part of our rail heritage, and celebrating it as part of the landscape plan. “

The initial $50 million proposal for the ‘Edgewater Spa and Resort’ at the Sanitarium factory site was halted due to regulations, lapsed permits and the Global Financial Crisis.

Mr McFall said he believed the proposal in 2006 was still based on sound principles.

“This is just about seeing if anything’s changed in terms of the landscape, which it looks like it hasn’t, other than that there might be a bit of regeneration of vegetation,” he said.

“What we proposed back then is all pretty solid, it just needs a bit of tinkering at the edges, but not anything significant.”

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Landscaping works are the first project in the pipeline for the Warburton Sanitarium factory site.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Storms ease, fire risk up

Residents across the east were asked to brace yet again for both storm and fire risk with winds up to 80km per hour expected and a total fire ban in place for the central district on Thursday 22 February.

While the storm did not “pack as much punch” as the previous week’s storm in the east, fire crews from District 13 responded to a major blaze that’s not yet under control in the state’s west.

Firefighters from Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Silvan, Kallista-The Patch, Belgrave, Badger Creek, Warrandyte and Scoresby were among the initial strike team who responded to Beaufort.

More than 500 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which has burnt through 17,000 hectares.

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan has expressed “grave concern” about the forecast, particularly on Wednesday 28 February.

“We’re expecting not only high temperatures but also wind...and given the hot weather that we’ve had in recent weeks a lot of drying has occurred,” she said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted extreme fire danger in western Victoria for Wednesday.

“There’s a possibility that even more areas could see that extreme fire danger rating or even a chance they could be upgraded to catastrophic fire danger,” meteorologist Angus Hines said.

Last week, several thousand homes were without power again with the Lilydale power grid experiencing a fault.

Wandin East, Wandin North, Seville, Silvan, Gruyere, Mount Evelyn, Kalorama and Coldstream were impacted, with close to 5000 homes without power.

Further incidents were recorded along the Emerald power line in Macclesfield, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and Emerald.

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio

has commissioned an independent review into the wild weather event on 13 February which left more than half a million properties without power.

“We had a similar review following the 2021 storm events,” Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters on Tuesday 20 February.

“It is appropriate and usual practice that following a weather event like this you engage the expert advice to look at what happened and then put in place any further recommendations.”

Ms D’Ambrosio also criticised the outer eastern suburb power supplier AusNet last week after a delay in the application system for compensation.

She said the delay was not on and made her anger clear in conversations with the provider.

“Here is another example where a privatised power company has failed to deliver in time for communities that are in need,” Ms

D’Ambrosio told reporters at state parliament on Wednesday 21 February.

“It is absolutely unacceptable.”

The Federal and Victorian Government’s have partnered on a coordinated cleanup, with the help of disaster recovery specialist Hansen Yuncken.

The cleanup will include the demolition of damaged houses, asbestos and other hazard disposal, as well as hazardous tree removal.

The Victorian Government will also establish a centralised green waste facility for the cleanup and is continuing to work with the Commonwealth Government to finalise its location.

It adds to the emergency re-establishment grants of up to $49,300 for people who are uninsured and their primary place of residence has been destroyed or is uninhabitable and the Community Recovery Officer deployed to Ararat Rural City, Casey City, Cardinia Shire, South

Gippsland Shire andYarra Ranges Shire to help identify the recovery needs of individuals and families.

The Emergency Recovery Hotline has also been established for anyone affected to call 1800 560 760.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch confirmed that since Tuesday 13 February units had received over 6000 calls for assistance.

“We’ve now seen over 1000 requests for assistance in the Monash council area. We’ve seen, up around Emerald and Cockatoo and Gembrook, almost 500 requests for assistance,” he said.

“I can now report that there have been 37 homes that have been deemed uninhabitable as a result of the storms from last Tuesday and the devastating impact that they’ve had across many communities.”

Unused road reserve could be sold on open market

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) discussed the discontinuance of the remaining portion (721 square metre) of unused road reserve known as Ormond Street abutting 2 Edward Street, Healesville.

At the council meeting on Tuesday 13 February, the YRC councillors agreed to investigate the sale of the land on the open market.

Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said the meeting was a step in the direction of the notice of discontinuance which would be followed by further process.

“It is a little bit more complicated than normal and the size of the piece of land which is over 700 square metre of developable size,” she said.

“So, a process has gone through advertising it, looking at public use and the future use of the property.

“It has been determined the best approach [the sale of the land on the open market] given the size of the property rather than for it to be resolved through a private treaty and a purchase to the individual that put in the request.”

If the road is to be discontinued, the council would choose one of the following options; retaining the land for the short or long term, selling the land by private treaty to the abutting owner or making the land available for sale on the open market.

The councillors agreed that the sale option has the potential to provide the highest possible return on the land asset which meets the Local Government Best Practice Guidelines for the Sale, Exchange and Transfer of Land.

YRC received two public submissions and one of the submitters would like to purchase the discontinued portion of the road by private treaty.

Streeton Ward councillor Andrew Full-

agar said he supported the motion about the sale of the land on the open market.

“I just want to acknowledge the submit-

ters, particularly the one who requested to purchase the land,” he said.

“Although we acknowledged that request,

we have an obligation as council to do what’s best for the community as a whole

Ormond

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Fire crews from the outer east, including Badger Creek, formed part of the strike team sent to Beaufort. Picture: AAP IMAGE/POOL, DAVID CROSLING

V Centre boosts veterans

After an extensive journey from inception to construction, The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program celebrated its official opening on Wednesday 21 February.

Despite operating from Ivanhoe, the new support service is targeted to all ex-service personnel and with 2.2 per cent (2768) of the Yarra Ranges population having served, which is higher than theVictorian average, the centre is a first for providing targeted, personalised and thoughtful care.

Federal Jagajaga MP KateThwaites, a champion of the project, officiated the inauguration ceremony, marking a significant milestone in veteran support initiatives.

The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to addressing veteran homelessness in Australia. Through the provision of safe housing and comprehensive support services, the program will empower veterans to lead fulfilling lives beyond their military service.

The Federal Government has played a significant role in the realisation of The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program by contributing $1.2 million towards the project.

Vasey RSL Care remains committed to advocating for additional funding and has submitted a budget proposal for a $10.75 million co-contribution for the 2024-25 Federal bud-

get. This allocation will complete the facility’s fit-out and sustain operational costs for the initial pilot period of three years of operation.

Kilsyth local and Vasey RSL Care board chair Mike O’Meara said this project adds to the already existing housing services, community connection and aged care supports offered throughVasey RSL Care, like the property in Croydon.

“Today is an important day. The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a major part of our strategy to address the changing needs of the veteran community. It will allow veterans to overcome their challenges to lead a life they value,” he said.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to partner with us on this vital initiative, which needs a collaborative approach.”

Vasey RSL Care chief executive officer Janna Voloshin highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“After extensive research, we know that this is the gap that needs to be filled – veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general public. This will support them where they need it the most,” she said.

Vasey RSL Care plans to continue their advocacy for this project in the lead up to the Federal Government’s May Budget.

Stable One a step towards affordable long-term rentals

By Callum Ludwig

Stable One is set to realise a long-term goal in the near future with a new project to help quell homelessness in the Outer East.

Announced on 9 February, ‘The Village’ will provide 11 long-term rental homes in Bayswater North for people experiencing homelessness.

Stable One is partnering with the Emmaus Christian Community, Habitat for Humanity Victoria and Servants Community Housing to make a safe and stable home a reality for more people.

WooriYallock resident and founder of Stable One Jenny Willetts OAM said it’s been a two-year journey to this point and they still have a long way to go.

“We’ve had a relationship with Servants, Habitat and Emmaus and we’ve all bought into this project to help build some homes, which is a vision that we’ve had since we began seven years ago, it’s been in the back of our minds as what we would love to do,” she said.

“We developed the model, based on a supportive housing model and we’re on our way, we are about to sign a long-term lease with Emmaus to lease the land from them,”

“We’re going to build 11 homes, six twobedroom and five one-bedroom homes, which will be long-term affordable rentals for those who are homeless or might be at risk of being homeless.”

As well as leasing the land net to the South Croydon Anglican Church for The Village, the Emmaus Christian Community will also be selling the land behind it to Habitat for Humanity Victoria to contribute to the fundraising effort, bringing the estimated $3 million cost down, though Ms Willetts estimates about $2.5 million is still needed.

Ms Willetts said Habitat for Humanity will bring the house-building skills and Servants Community Housing already has boarding houses in the Boroondara area.

“We’ve worked quite closely with them over the years when we’ve been running a winter shelter, a number of our guests at the shelter have ended up being accommodated in their boarding houses, which are unusually well-run boarding houses with live-in managers, we know when people go there they go into a good environment,” she said.

“We’ve been able to provide a crisis response up until now but the hardest thing is always knowing that people have got no good options of places to go afterwards where they actually can feel safe and not just that, people need communities,”

“So many people that we meet don’t re-

ally have other people in their lives, it’s never been just about housing, our vision is for more than a place to stay, it’s not just building a bunch of houses and walking away, it’s about building houses and then building community for the people that live there.”

One of the 11 houses will be reserved for the ‘Placemakers’. Supported by Stable One, will live in the community and help transition new residents into their life in The Village.

Ms Willetts said the Placemakers are an integral part of the model, especially as residents may be transitioning from a difficult or dramatic life to a life lived well in The Village.

“This might mean helping them connect with other people in the community, it might mean referring them to local services or finding local services that will come and visit The Village and provide on-site services or might be helping them learn to be good neighbours,” she said.

“There might be some training activities that go on there, and there will be a community garden but it will just be about walking alongside and supporting them to take responsibility for their neighbourhood and be good neighbours.”

As part of the plight to make the rentals af-

fordable, the rent to live in TheVillage will remain at least 25 per cent below market value.

Ms Willetts said for people who are insecure in their housing, it’s really hard for them to do anything else in their lives other than think about housing.

“They might need to grow in all sorts of ways but to think about getting skills to get a job or improve their life, it’s extremely difficult when you don’t know if you can stay where you’re living for the next week or month or year,” she said.

“Our goal with this village is the same as it was the winter shelters, we never set out in the beginning to do more than just run our local winter shelter, but that has developed into a network of other shelters across the country that’s growing all the time,”

“We’d love to see these little villages just cropping up all over the country next to churches on vacant land that they’ve never known quite what to do with.”

While a number of businesses and services have offered their services pro bono or at discounted rates to support The Village project, the fundraising effort has already begun.

The dedicated fundraising page where anyone can make a tax-deductible donation

or start their own fundraising event can be found at village.stableone.org/.

Anyone interested in providing an interest-free or low-interest loan, has a connection with any foundations or philanthropists who might be interested, has skills to help the build they’d like to volunteer or would like to donate cans and bottles to Stable One that can raise money through the Container Deposit Scheme can contact Stable One at 0466 565 866 or info@stableone.org.

11 homes will be available in ‘The Village for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

An artist’s impression of ‘The Village’ which will be located at 203 Bayswater Road, Bayswater North.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

L-R Federal Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites MP, Vasey RSL Care Board Chair Mike O’Meara OAM, Victorian Veterans MP Natalie Suleyman MP, Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin, planting rosemary to commemorate the official opening of The V Centre - Veteran Empowerment Program.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Pharmacists here to help

By Mikayla van Loon

Cutting out the middleman to access treatment and medication for common health problems in participating pharmacies has seen a slow uptake in the Yarra Ranges.

The Community Pharmacist Pilot, a State Government initiative, launched late last year, allows people to seek treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI), refill an oral contraceptive pill prescription and receive travel or other vaccines in local pharmacies without having to see a GP.

From March, nearly 730 pharmacies will also offer treatment for mild psoriasis or shingles, the newest expansion of the pilot.

Healesville Walk Pharmacy, one of the participating pharmacies, has been providing these services for UTIs, contraceptives and vaccinations since the start of the year.

“We haven’t seen much of an uptake yet. The pilot itself started I believe it was late last year, but it didn’t roll out in this pharmacy until early this year,” pharmacist Mary said.

Pharmacist at Mt Evelyn Pharmacy Niemy said similarly the uptake and awareness of the program has been “a bit slow” since starting the pilot in December.

Niemy said at this stage Mt Evelyn can only offer the UTI treatment, with the other services to commence in the near future “once the training is completed which will be soon”.

Both Mary and Niemy said for the most part it is women who are inquiring or accessing the services, particularly for UTI treatment.

“Sometimes they’re just desperate for something and we are now in a position where we can recommend antibiotics for certain people,” Mary said.

“It’s not something that a pharmacist can do for everyone. There’s very strict criteria but yeah, they usually come in straight up asking for antibiotics or just asking ‘what can I do to help with my UTI?”

The State Government figures have also shown that women are more likely to access these services, with 2000 women seeking care

Step Into The Past

The Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society is the “guardian” of our local Upper Yarra Valley settlement history. With a small group of dedicated volunteers we look after the grounds, buildings and collections of the Upper Yarra Museum in Yarra Junction. We welcome visitors on Sundays and offer guided tours for groups on special arrangements.

Our first event this year takes place in Warburton on March 15 & 16. “Step into the Past” is a combination of short theatrical performances - or vignettes - performed by the members of our local theatre group, Mad Hatter Theatrics, with projections of historical images by Little Projector Company.

We start the evening with a performance up on the Rail Trail, behind the Waterwheel, where Mr & Mrs Hewitt discuss their honeymoon in Warburton in 1920’s. We then continue by foot to the Peace Garden behind the Warburton RSL where we experience a moving scene from the war years. Our last performance takes place at St.Mary’s Hall where Betty and Mavis discuss the current affairs of the Valley (in 1950’s) on the train from Lilydale to Warburton. Our evening finishes with hot drinks and some sweets at the Hall accompanied by acoustic live music from the “olden days”.

Our second event, the “iconic” Crank Up, has been taking place annually since about 1978. This event showcases vintage machinery and cars, an exciting wood chop competition, live music and fun kids’ activities. It’s our biggest fundraiser and a great family outing for all! This year Crank Up will be held at the Museum grounds on the weekend of April 6-7.

from a pharmacy out of the 3700 total Victorians.

Niemy said the benefits for people who are unable to get an appointment with a doctor but are in need of quick relief has been invaluable.

“One patient suffered severe UTI symptoms and was unable to access a doctor the same day. She was treated with antibiotics and was better soon after and didn’t need to see a GP at all.”

For Mary, seeing the impact across more regional areas where access to a GP may be limited has shown the need for this pilot program to continue.

“I work in two pharmacies. So I work in Healesville and Yea. I know in Yea it’s more of an issue where there’s just no services on weekends,” she said.

“So there’s no chance that people can get in to see a doctor, especially their regular doctor unless they’re going via the online route, which can have a long waiting time. So it’s definitely beneficial for people just to really get in and get started and get better.”

While still working through getting all the current available services set up, Niemy said expanding to offer the shingles treatment might be a possibility.

“There is room in the pharmacy to expand the services and we are reviewing whether to offer the shingles vaccination. [We’re] still deciding.”

The services provided by pharmacists are completely free to the patient with $20 million in funding from the government. Any prescriptions required will require payment from the patient just as those from a GP would be.

The pilot will run until October 2024 where it will then be evaluated, with long term recommendations put forward.

For more information on the Community Pharmacist Pilot or to locate a participating pharmacy in the Yarra Ranges, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/community-pharmacist-pilot

The Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society PRESENTS

Accessing treatment at local pharmacies for things like UTIs means cutting out a visit to the GP.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Sustainability, can at a time

By Mikayla van Loon

From saving a few extra dollars to supporting the health of the environment, the state’s container deposit scheme has proved popular in the eastern suburbs.

Montrose News, Gifts and Lotto has seen a steady demand since providing the service in mid-December.

“Our bins are full every week and they’re emptied out twice a week. There’s a lot of people coming in. The demand is there. I thought after Christmas and New Year, it might peter off but it’s just constant,” co-owner Manny Sarellis said.

Witnessing the push by the younger generation, Manny said there’s “a lot of kids taking it on board”.

“They record everything, they’re separating everything so they’re doing a lot of the heavy lifting and the parents and grandparents are just encouraging them,” he said.

Six-year-old twins from Millgrove, Annabelle and William, are doing just that; collecting, sorting and recording hundreds of cans and bottles each week.

Mum Sarah Marshall said as soon as the option to deposit cans and bottles was made available, the twins started collecting.

“They sort it all out and half the time they count it all as well then we take it down to the chook farm at Yarra Junction (Little Yarra Free Range Eggs),” she said.

“They’ve managed to save up a fair amount of money from doing it. They average about $200 a month.”

Annabelle said mostly “we pick them up on the ground when we’re going for walks” as well as getting family and friends to collect them.

Learning about sustainability and recycling at school,William and Annabelle said they understand the importance of cleaning up but also it is helping them in other ways as well.

For William, he said it has improved his counting and money saving.

Using the first lot of money they ever made to buy themselves something, William bought a basketball, while Annabelle bought a squishy toy.

But ultimately, the twins are both saving for riding accessories for their ponies.

“They really enjoy it. When we go shopping we take some of their money. All their money gets put into a jar to go into their bank and they can see over the course of the month how much they’ve made and how it grows,” Sarah said.

“We take it down, put it in the bank and they’re allowed to spend half each. So say they make $10 that’d be $2.50 each they can spend.”

Sarah said the kids collect and sort every

week to make a deposit every fortnight.

On the other end for a drop off centre like the Montrose news agency, Manny said they too are seeing regular people bringing in hundreds of cans and bottles at a time.

“We have quite a few regulars that we’ve got from mums and dads, grandparents, young kids, to people who work in hospitality and they’re clearing all the bottles at the end of the day,” he said.

“People are falling into a rhythm now and they know what days we can cope with large amounts.

“Also [people are] being mindful of bringing in two tubs instead of bringing large amounts because some people just want to bring huge amounts to make it worthwhile, to get $40 to $50. We encourage them to bring it in a couple times and bring it regularly.”

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Manny said while for some people it is a way of paying for a gas bill or groceries, for some it is a way of being able to provide for others.

“I’ve noticed a lot of people are starting to donate to charities as well. So Cancer Council, locally, the Montrose cupboard and the CFA… we’re seeing more and more of that now.

“We’ve got a couple of ladies that come in and they collect [for Montrose Community Cupboard] so they can provide programs to assist them in getting food to people that need it.”

Carrying on a legacy of sustainability and recycling instilled by Manny’s mother-in-law Georgia was the initial reason for signing up as a drop off point but now seeing the value and the benefit from the community, Manny said “the service is pretty popular”.

My Place Yarra Valley inviting ‘freedom fighters’

By Callum Ludwig

Just over a year has passed since My Place Yarra Valley (MPYV) made headlines by attending Yarra Ranges Council meetings in large numbers to object to the ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ planning concept and share their fears of increased surveillance.

The group remains active, holding fortnightly meetings, including guest speakers, and notably welcomed Monica Smit, founder and director of the Reignite Democracy Australia freedom movement on Thursday 22 February.

Founder of MPYV Belinda Modesti said the potential of a visit from Ms Smit was put forward by a member of the group who was interested in what she has to say.

“We’re not about censoring people or putting my personal views ahead of the requests of others in the community, there are some people in the community who question her, perhaps her ethics or her morals, in terms of funds and things like that, but we just want to hear what she has to say and make our own decisions about whether we want to support her or not moving forward,” she said.

“I’m personally actually interested in hearing her out, I’m not a follower of her, as some other people are, but I’m interested in forming my own thoughts about her once she comes and gives her talk.”

Ms Smit is currently conducting a national tour, making unpaid visits to community groups who book her. Ms Smit rose to prominence after founding Reignite Democracy Australia in 2020 and being held in custody for 22 days, refusing bail conditions after being accused of inciting others to breach public health orders and attend anti-lockdown protests, of which those charges were later dropped. She also wrote a book, ‘Cell 22’, detailing her experience.

Ms Smit said as it reads on her mission statement, that her mission is for attendees to leave the event feeling more connected, empowered and inspired for whatever comes next.

“I will talk about the lessons I learnt on the front line of Victoria’s pushback movement, what I think we should be focusing on now, and my experience meeting our European freedom family,” she said.

“Afterwards, I’d love to hug and connect with as many freedom lovers as possible. I will have copies of ‘Cell 22’ with me for signing and discussion.”

Not all MPYV members are welcoming of Ms Smit’s appearance, sharing their displeasure in the comments of a post in the group’s private Facebook group. Ms Smit also returned to headlines in late 2023 after appearing at a hearing where Consumer Affairs Victoria alleged that she and Reignite Democracy Australia had failed to register the organisation when conducting a fundraiser between September 2021 and October 2022 that raised more than $86,000 to fund her legal defence against separate criminal charges. Ms Smit is slated for another court date on 29 April 2024, blocking out her tour calendar for almost two weeks prior. The offence carries maximum penalty of $46,000 for a company and more than $23,000 and 12 months jail for individuals if proven.

Ms Smit said she was not concerned at all that her tour would impact on the impending trial.

“Their case is weak and a complete waste of time. I have nothing to hide, and plenty of support, so these types of things don’t concern me in the slightest. In fact, I look forward to my day in [sic] court with them,” she said.

“I don’t see why they (My Place Yarra Valley members) would be concerned about that. Isn’t Australia meant to work on the basis of innocent until proven guilty? It’s their choice whether to come to one of my events or not,”

“If they don’t like me for whatever reason, they wouldn’t come to the event I guess. Pretty simple.”

Other figures set to appear at MPYV meetings include former professional cage fighter and anti-lockdown protester Nick Patterson and ‘Passion Provocateur’, motivational speaker, former tax lawyer and president of the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance Charles Kovess, who has also previously shared anti-lockdown sentiments.

Ms Modesti said it’s about time people stop making assumptions and start having conversations and being open and transparent.

“We are demeaned as being some rightwing conspiracy group, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said.

“I’ve made it very clear that if people do want speakers and they are asking for a

monetary sum upfront or anything like that, that that’s not something that I, on behalf of the My Place community, would be able to agree to.”

Given the controversial nature of Ms Smit’s appearance and the police intervention at council meetings attended by MPYV in 2023, the Star Mail asked if there would be a security presence at the meeting. Ms Modesti confirmed that there will be no official security, but there are MPYV members with crowd management experience and they won’t hesitate to shut down the meeting if trouble arises.

Ms Modesti said MPYV has been focusing on sustainability practices in recent times, as well as having a continued interest in their surveillance fears and bureaucracy concerns.

“Being more self-reliant is something we’ve pushed from the very beginning, that people need to start to be reliant on themselves and their communities, so we’ve been reaching out to people to gain the knowledge that enables that self-sufficiency,” she said.

“We do have some other people who are looking into the increase in CCTV, we have a person who’s ex-military who’s very knowledgeable on this and is looking at the necessity of technology versus a more sinister use which may be an element of future control,”

“There’s still a lot of council interest, making sure councils are accountable to the residents, primarily from asking questions at and attending council meetings as a collective to make sure they know there is a community group that won’t sit there and allow them to push through decisions.”

Information about the upcoming council elections this year and the new mandatory training for local government candidates has also recently been shared on the group’s Facebook page. When asked if MPYV would be running any candidates in the elections, Ms Modesti confirmed that no members have put their hand up at this stage but that the different perspective they could potentially bring to the council would be ‘invaluable’.

Monica Smit speaking in front of a group in Benalla.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Six-year-old twins Annabelle and William love collecting and sorting the cans and bottles each week.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Montrose News,Gifts and Lotto’s Manny and Georgia have been seeing hundreds of bottles and cans dropped off for cash since December.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rare plants a treasure

By Tanya Steele

Green thumbs can look forward to the 18th Annual Plant Collector’s Expo hosted by the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society over the weekend of March 9 and 10.

Salvias, rhododendrons, maples, perennials and more will be on display at the show in Sassafrass at 100 Hilton Road.

Member from the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Emma Moysey said the expo is for gardening enthusiasts or anybody interested in gardening in the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

“Our rare plant Expo can attract all kinds of gardeners,” she said.

“There will be a huge range of plants available, including roses, daffodils, succulents, natives, deciduous trees, perennials, salvias, rhododendrons, camellias, alpine bulbs - and many many more. Gardeners can buy up ready to plant for autumn.”

“Our own propagation stall is well stocked with parts propagated from our garden and the member’s garden.”

Now in its 18th year, the expo will host a free speakers tent for the first time and the two day plant fair will host rare plants, trees and hard to find bulbs from a variety of vendors.

“There will also be a program of speakers throughout both of the days giving short talks on specific topics including rare bulbs, growing plants from seed, and regenerative horticulture,” Ms Moysey said.

Attendees can participate in free garden tours of the Ferny Creek property itself over the weekend, giving the community a chance to see the historic horticulture site up close.

“The garden has got plants that are 100 years old and they’re still healthy and maintained and weeded,” Ms Moysey said.

Ms Moysey said that the volunteer group meet twice a week and enjoys morning tea together after their gardening sessions.

“The garden provides people with a lot of opportunity to make great friends whilst they garden and get their exercise,” she said, “we have a strong community feel.”

The Ferny Creek Horticulture Society has been active for over 90 years and has its own 10 acre property, all funds from the expo go towards keeping the garden estate maintained.

“We always welcome new members, and currently have around 350 members” Ms Moysey said.

The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society holds three flower shows and a plant collector’s sale each year.

“Our propagation stall is well stocked with parts propagated from our garden and the member’s garden,” Ms Moysey said.

Local CFA, Scouts and school students will be at the expo running the parking and a sausage sizzle and Ms Moysey said the society like to work together and often with other community groups.

“We’re proud to have the event in such a beautiful setting,” she said.

18th Plant Collectors Expo

· March 9 and 10

· 10am to 4pm

· 100 Hilton Road Sassafras

· 10 dollar admission and kids under 14 free.

Free parking, buses welcome on arrangement

Details at: www.fchs.org.au/events/plantcollectors-sale-garden-expo/ or phone 03 8719 6924

The plant fair is in it’s 18th year and aims to keep growing and offering more to the public.

The expo offers community a chance to find some rare garden treasures. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Hats off to the community

By Dongyun Kwon

Kasey Day is a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in December 2021 and the Yarra Glen community has given her huge support.

She has undergone treatment for the last 18 months and lost her left kidney, and the cancer spread to her lungs.

Kasey underwent radiation at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and also attended The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for stem cell recovery.

Kasey’s mum AnnMaree Roberts said the whole Yarra Glen community has shown them a lots of love which has enabled them to get through all the hard times.

“My mother who is living inYarra Glen went to all the local businesses and they all donated certain things from what they had,” she said.

“My mum went around and asked for raffle tickets for $1 and she raised over $1000 which helped us immensely from all the little things, including parking tickets, food and fuel, to the hospital cost.

“All the things that the community did for us blew me away and I want to thank everybody for all their support.”

Unfortunately, Ms Roberts became homeless 18 months ago.

“We’ve been in and out of motels and I’m now living with my mum with (my) two daughters in Yarra Glen.”

“I’ve spoken to all the housing people in the area and no one could help me because we’re in a crisis and I can’t afford $500 or $600 a week in rent when I’m Kasey’s carer,” Ms Roberts said.

“I’ve reached out to every service and I’m tired of ringing and repeating my story.”

Kasey has to go to the hospital every 10 to 12 weeks to check her Wilms tumour.

“It’s not about me, it was about knowing that I can’t change my situation,” Ms Roberts said.

“When my children say ‘when will we get our own house and when will we be together and have our animals back together?’, I don’t have the answer.”

Kasey with (L-R in the second row) Khloe, AnnMaree and the owner of Yarra Glen Ice Creamery and Lolly Shop who is a big supporter of Kasey’s family.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Kasey bravely walking. Picture: SUPPLIED Khloe and Kasey are Yering Primary School students.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Khloe (right) has been a wonderful supporter of Kasey. Picture: SUPPLIED

Kasey on a trampoline. Picture: SUPPLIEDKasey on her 9th birthday. Picture: SUPPLIED

McLovin’ it, 50 years on

By Mikayla van Loon

As a mere 19-year-old George Caruana had his dreams come true with a job opportunity at one of the first McDonald’s stores to open in Melbourne.

Now, 50 years later he’s the longest standing employee in Australia for the multinational company and loves every minute he gets to spend with customers.

Celebrating the milestone at his current store in Lilydale, Mr Caruana was commended by locals and head office staff over the course of Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February.

Visiting the Collingwood store in 1974, just after it opened, Mr Caruana never expected to walk away employed.

“Me and mum decided to go and get something to eat and try this new McDonald’s. It was the third McDonald’s in Melbourne and as we were enjoying our food, a manager came out exactly like I do today.

“He comes out into the dining room and says, ‘G’day, is everything okay with your food? Do you like it?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I love it’.

“He said to me, ‘would you like a job?’ and he started showing me around the store and he came out to mum and said, ‘I gave your son a job’. I started the week after.”

For Mr Caruana, getting offered a position at Maccas was more than just a job, it was a chance to shift his future.

“I got sick of working in a factory because I started working at 12-years-old to support mum and I always wanted to get involved in food,” he said.

Moving his way up from the kitchen to customer service to manager, Mr Caruana soon found his calling in promotion and training.

“Once they knew all the stuff I learned, they started moving me from store to store to open them and train new managers and new staff and I just love it so much.”

Still to this day, seeing young people starting their employment journey brings joy to Mr Caruana but he said he wished more would see the potential in making a career at the company.

“I really like to show how important customers are and how to be treated by customers and how to handle them,” he said.

“I want to be involved with the new generation. Hopefully I can encourage them to stay on like me. I don’t think I could see it because a lot of people do not like the food industry anymore or any restaurant business I believe.”

Seeing and meeting lots of people over the five decades, one moment in particular remains stark in Mr Caruana’s mind.

“One day, I was on my shift and we were ready to close the door. In those days we used to shut by 11 o’clock, and we had to be out by 12 o’clock.

“We were across from Dallas Brooks Hall, which is a concert hall, and a fellow came in and said‘Bette Davis is across the road and she wants to come out and get an apple pie’.

“I was so young that I didn’t think I should take a photo with Bette Davis. I didn’t realise how big she was.”

A second star meeting Mr Caruana had and still cherishes is the day he met McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.

“I’ve still got him in my heart and I honour him,” he said.

Continuing every year to support Mr Kroc’s legacy in the charity space, Mr Caruana has been a big supporter of the Ronald McDonald House.

When it came to Australia, Mr Caruana said people were rather apprehensive about where the money was going but over time it has become a well-loved aspect of the brand.

“When the Ronald McDonald House came to Australia, I think I was the first person to start raising money and I remember I raised $8,000.

“It’s 33 years this year and I am still collecting money. I think I’ve collected $157,000. I usually raise about $7000 a year just selling McDonald’s and other stuff in McDonald’s and let customers know every penny goes to the kids.

“And I always go and visit the house. And we put on barbecues for them and feed them for nothing.”

Seeing the phase out of Ronald McDonald and other characters like Hamburglar, is some-

thing Mr Caruana said he was sad to see go.

“Because of the McCafe it’s more of a restaurant compared to in the old days where there used to be families with kids. It’s still happening but not as much as with the characters.”

While the characters may not feature in store anymore, Mr Caruana doesn’t have to look far to see one, with his collection of memorabilia being so extensive.

From original food trays, burger boxes and happy meal toys, over the 50 years, Mr Caruana has collected items showcasing the changes from each decade.

Having worked in up to 40 stores over the years, Mr Caruana said Collingwood would always be his favourite as the first one he ever worked in but Lilydale is certainly up there.

Locals can expect to see Mr Caruana around for many years to come, with his love for the work still driving, and a small sense of competition.

“I’ve just been nominated number one in Australia [as the longest employee] but I am number two around the world.

“There’s a lady in America who is beating me by three years. She must have started in 1970 but she’s older than me.

“If I can stay another five years to beat that record [I will]. I just want to be a proud Australian all around the world. I don’t think afterwards they’ll ever beat me.”

George Caruana celebrated 50 years of employment at McDonald’s with a burger cake and certificates at the Lilydale store on Friday 23 February.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Staff from head office presented Mr Caruana with a certificate of congratulations in store on Friday. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Dating back 50 years, Mr Caruana prizes himself on the collection of memorabilia he has been able to acquire.

Picture: MAREE BEVERIDGE

Mr Caruana started as a 19-year-old at the Collingwood store. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

From the 1974 designed food tray to the burger boxes throughout the decades, Mr Caruana has quite the collection. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Mr Caruana’s very own Ronald McDonald.

Free festival aims to unite

By Dongyun Kwon

A free event is set to bring the community together with a festive vibe in Healesville.

Connecting Community Festival will be held in and around the Memo Healesville and the Healesville Library between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 10 March.

Connecting Community Festival coordinator Catherine Nolan said the event is funded by theYarra Ranges Council and Bendigo Bank with the vision of connecting community members.

“It’s a one-day event and going to be held at the Healesville pop-up space, inside the library and the Memo,” she said.

“It’s a cultural experience where visitors can get inspired by local musicians and broaden their perspective.

“I’d really love some of the children in our community to be able to come along as well.”

In the Memo, Poets’ Breakfast will mark the beginning of the festival at 10am followed by Tall Tales ‘The Butcher, The Bakers and The Undertaker’ at 11am.

“Poets’ Breakfast is going to be run by Andrew Darling featuring a wonderful bush poet called Laurie Webb but also people who’ve written poems themselves can come along and put their name down on a chalkboard and read the poems that they’ve written,” Ms Nolan said.

“Tall Tales is an event run by Kersten Gentle and it started way back in 1992 as part of the Healesville Gateway Festival, and it showcases our elder community.

“This year it’s called The Butcher, The Bakers and The Undertaker and it’s featuring Eric Duff who ran a butcher shop for 50 years in Healesville, Lyn and Neville Johnson who ran a Bakery in Healesville for many years and Robbie Heritage who ran Heritage Funerals for many years.

“They are going to be interviewed by Kersten and talk about how it was running businesses in Healesville.”

Writers and Rhythm, which is about people who write their own songs and poems, will highlight the festival from 2.30pm to 5pm while Country Women’s Association (CWA) Healesville will be providing afternoon tea from 3.30pm in the Memo.

In the Healesville Library, Kids’ Quiet Space activities and morning coffee will be prepared to kick off the day.

Zine Making is the next activity in the library at 12.15pm followed by Wayapa demon-

stration at 12.30pm which will begin outside at 12.15pm.

There will be full of a festive vibe at the Healesville pop-up space outside the library with a bunch of stalls of community groups as well as free food and drinks.

Badger Creek Primary School students will perform music from 10.30am and U3A Healesville ukulele group will start performance at 11am.

From 12pm, the opening ceremony and welcome to the country will be held while a free barbecue will be being provided by Healesville Uniting Church and free drinks by

the Healesville SES Unit.

Stilt Walker Amelia the Magnificent will hang around the pop-up space from 12pm to 2pm.

Wayapa demonstration will be held by Sharni Steele at 12.15pm and will be continued in the library from 12.30pm.

U3A Healesville will perform line dancing outside at 12.30pm followed by a performance of Irish dancers from Victorian Irish Dance Academy.

Soulsville will have a one-hour gospel-style concert with choir, band and soloists from 1pm.

Ms Nolan said she felt really proud to be able to bring everybody together.

“I’ve been running Soulsville for the last 10 years without funding and also have been running Writers and Rhythm for the last 10 years without funding,” she said.

“I was encouraged to apply for funding to showcase those two things.

“Little did I know that was going to have to cover all these other things like providing free food and it turned into a one-day festival.”

The festival would be held inside the Memo if it’s raining on the day.

“If it’s a hot day, bring a small umbrella to provide shade and also bring your own folding chair for outside,” Ms Nolan said.

“We do have those tables and chairs but they won’t accommodate everybody.

“I do encourage people to arrive early for the seated events in the memo.”

People who have problems with mobility will be also able to enjoy the festival in the Memo where comfortable chairs are available.

“We’re going to open the windows and for the people who have problems with mobility, they can sit up in the comfort of the Memo with very comfortable back chairs, look out over the pop-up space,” Ms Nolan said.

Harvest day arrives at Upper Yarra Secondary College

By Callum Ludwig

The Upper Yarra Secondary College’s viticultural escapades have continued to expand as students chipped in for the annual harvest on Wednesday 21 February.

Hats, sunscreen and plenty of water were the order of the day as staff and students ventured to the vineyard to pick the bountiful bunches of grapes.

Innovation Specialist and VET teacher Marcus Cook said the school’s continued partnership with Oakridge Wines and their Vineyard Manager Steve Faulkner has been fantastic.

“It’s a hot day for picking, but we’ve had over 200 staff and students out helping and we are hopeful of picking up to three tonnes of Pinot Noir grapes today,” he said.

“We had just been feeling our way initially, so to have an expert on-site or easily contactable to guide us on how to make the best possible Pinot has been good for the learning of myself and the students,”

“We’re going to have a quality product, something to be proud of.”

Established in 2021, grapes from the school’s vineyard were first sent toYarrawood

Estate before partnering up with Oakridge Wines in 2023. Throughout the year, the vineyard is tended to by students completing a Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations.

Mr Cook said it’s not just the class that benefits from it now, it’s the whole school.

“It helps with creating a big community spirit because everyone’s getting involved, it’s become a calendar event for the school.”

Bottles of the school’s wine from 2023 and eventually 2024 will become available in Dan Murphy’s stores under the label ‘YarraJunction Vineyard and Co’.

Year 12 student Tom said the course appealed to him because he loves working outdoors.

“Our involvement is about keeping everything nice and tidied up, making sure that the ripe grapes are getting the right flavour, and it’s also just good learning about how vineyards work and the skills we might use later on in life,” he said.

Year 11 student Alex said she might explore working in the field in the future.

“It’s definitely something I would be interested in when I leave school, it’s just really fun and I also like working outdoors, so it’s quite possible.”

L-R: Alex and Tom with a haul of grapes from the vineyard. Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

New equipment, partially funded by Oakridge Wines and Dan Murphy’s, has helped streamline the school’s efforts.

A group of students get instructions before they set out to help pick grapes.

Ripe bunches of grapes adorned the vines.

L-R: Technical services officer Matt at the Memo Healesville, Ms Nolan and Your Library children services officers Rose.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Remembering Richard

By Dongyun Kwon

The Healesville Tennis Club (HTC) community was grief-stricken when it lost one of the club’s legends Richard Frances Highett on Saturday 17 February.

Rick’s family moved to Healsville when he was 14 and lived in Healesville until he relocated to a unit in Cobram about 8 years ago.

Rick’s younger sister Angie Sneddon said Rick took after their father and grandfather who loved playing tennis.

“Dad was always playing tennis and our grandfather was aVictorian tennis champion,” she said.

“My other brother Chris never played tennis but he was a good table tennis player and I went horse riding, so that [the fact only Rick liked playing tennis out of his three siblings] left one tennis player in the family.

“Apparently, he had a tricky serve which we loved and one of my sons serves one hand and plays the other hand which really upsets people too.”

Rick joined the HTC in 1957 and his dedication to the club spanned over six decades.

HTC life member Alan Honeycombe said he had known Rick for 46 years.

“He was a really good friend. He subsequently moved to Cobram to be closer to his family when he was unable to look after his farm anymore and then moved into a nursing home,” he said.

“He was a genuinely brilliant person and he was always there to help whenever you needed assistance.

“Personally, I feel privileged to call him friend.”

He played in premiership teams in the 1958-1959 and 1962-1963 summer seasons and was proud to have his name added to the honour board as the 1968-1969 men’s singles club champion.

Rick also served the club in a few different roles as president for six years, secretary for one year and treasurer for nine years.

Additionally, he held the esteemed position of vice president and played a pivotal role as the chairman of selectors, showcasing his unmatched dedication to the sport and the club’s growth.

An unlucky situation even couldn’t stop his love for tennis.

While holding his position on the committee of HTC, he unfortunately had to play for Warburton for one period.

“The most unusual story to me was he could never get in the A grade in one period because six players already got in,” Angie said.

“So, that year he played for Warburton but he was still on the committee of Healesville and Warburton beat Healesville in the first semi but then in the grand final, they lost to Healesville.”

For his consistent dedication and service, he was awarded a life membership in the late 1970s as well as a life membership of the then Upper Yarra and District Tennis Association.

As the HTC boomed with over 30 junior and senior teams in the mid-1980s, four new en tout cas courts were constructed in the Don Road Recreation Reserve in Healesville.

In 1990,The courts were named R.F. Highett Tennis Reserve as an acknowledgement of his endless contribution.

Rick was also instrumental in establishing HTC’s Tuesday night competition.

In the book Advantage Healesville: the 120year story of HealesvilleTennis Club written by Bryn Jones, Rick is aptly described as “a great tennis player with a wicked, unconventional serve, but more importantly, he is the best team and club sportsman.”

Rick was the heart and soul of the Healesville Tennis Club for his commitment to the successful running of the club over 60 years.

The HTC will forever remember Rick’s diligence and guidance.

RickintheHealesvilleTennisClubclubrooms.

Pictures:SUPPLIED

Rickreceivedanawardin2009(L-R:AlanandRick).

HSC set to upgrade

By Dongyun Kwon Healesville Swimming Club (HSC)

is excited to receive a $1000 grant as part of the Sporting Club Grants Program from the Victorian Government.

The grant is expected to rejuvenate the club after a long ebb since the Covid pandemic.

HSC president Glenn Riley said it’s fantastic to receive the grant as a small community club run by volunteers.

“We have five committee members who are all doing on a volunteer basis,” he said. “We’re always struggling to make ends meet and bring extra money into the club to

upgrade the club and run special coaching events.”

HSC successfully applied for the grant last year thanks to one of the Healesville Soccer Club members who alerted the HSC committee members about the Sporting Club Grants Program. The grant will be used to develop the club’s website content to reduce volunteer workload and strengthen membership connections.

“We don’t have a system on our website for our members and potential members to register for the club and also to RSVP for special events,” Mr Riley said.

“We are also making it easier for us to be

able to advertise on our sponsors so that they have a platform where sponsorship and their contribution to the club are visible.”

The club has started operating 4 squad times (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) from term 1 at Jack Hort Memorial Hall, Healesville.

“What we’re trying to do is providing our kids professional coaching so they can improve their swimming skills,” Mr Riley said.

“We’re developing our coaches through a formal coaching course.”

Anyone wishing to join the squad is welcome to contact healesvilleswimmingclub@ gmail.com for more information.

Grant to assist bowlers of all abilities

By Callum Ludwig

The Warburton Bowls Club has successfully secured a grant to improve its capacity to cater to bowlers of all abilities.

As part of the Victorian Government’s latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program, the Warburton Bowls Club received $1000 to put towards adaptable equipment for all-abilities bowls.

Grants Officer at the Warburton Bowls Club Aimee Dostie said that the grant will be fantastic for keeping people in the sport longer.

“One of the things that we’ve identified at the Warburton Bowls Club is that about 20 per cent of our members use a bowling arm, of which there are four different styles that are approved by Bowls Australia,” she said.

“To be able to do this and provide this for not just our bowlers, but anyone in the community who might either have previously bowled and is no longer doing it because of either the cost of the equipment or the stigma around using that equipment, is something e are very excited about.”

Bowler’s arms are used when a player is no longer able to bend down to deliver the bowl correctly, mostly due to hip or knee complaints.

There are four approved types; The Bowling Arm’, the ‘Bionic Bowler Arm’, the ‘DHB arm’ and the ‘S-R Model’, which are available in different lengths and with varying release mechanisms for ease of use. Only devices made by approved manufacturers can be used in pennant competition.

Ms Dostie said these pieces of equipment typically cost around $300.

“Because the price point is relatively high, we thought it would be beneficial to purchase three different types focused on our demo-

graphic and get the ones that tend to be most universally used,” she said.

“That way people can come to the club who might be thinking that they need it, may have been told that they need it or are reluctant to buy one and give it a try in their own time,”

“It’s a fantastic sport that is for all ages and abilities, we’re very excited to be able to provide this as an additional service to the community and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to encourage people to join the sport.”

The Warburton Bowls Club are one of 560 recipients sharing in more than $694,000 dis-

tributed through the grants program.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers are integral to community sport, and it just wouldn’t happen without them.

“That’s why we’re backing more clubs with help to purchase uniforms and equipment, and investing in their future through training and development,” she said.

“This is about helping to boost memberships, supporting volunteers and getting behind grassroots sport, which is a vital part of local communities.”

Gender equality boost

Grants have been awarded to two outer eastern organisations to help them in supporting and empowering women.

Homelessness and foster care service Anchor received $10,000, while autism awareness and support not-for-profit Different Journeys was awarded $5000 in the investing in women grassroots program by the State Government.

The funding program aims to improve gender stereotypes and health and wellbeing, while creating respect and better economic outcomes for women.

Anchor will use the grant for its Heart Through Art Project aiming to “support creative expression and foster a sense of safety and connection” for those overcoming homelessness.

“ Female and non-binary artists will conduct workshops exploring the impact of gender stereotypes and envisioning future communities,” the project outline states.

“The project includes workshops on Wurundjeri culture, creative art therapy sessions facilitated by a female identifying arts therapist, and photography sessions documenting gendered experiences.”

A community exhibition will be held at the conclusion of the project to showcase the work of the participants and invite broader interaction and discussion.

Different Journeys aim to fill a gap for women, girls and gender-diverse people who often face more barriers in receiving an autism diagnosis or accessing support.

“Diagnosis of autism in women is often late in life, resulting in systemic, life-long disadvantages to autistic women in employment, education, their personal and social lives. Many women fill caring roles, which impacts their ability to pursue their own goals and needs,” the proposal reads.

“These barriers also prevent women from engaging with Different Journeys’ existing services, which are often male or child-dominated spaces due to the prevalence of male and child diagnosis compared to women.”

Looking to change that, Different Journeys will look to “open the door” for women to “provide holistic empowerment and accessibility” led by them to alter the perception that they can’t do something or are unable to join spaces.

“[The focus will be on] women’s needs, wishes and leadership to design, carry out and evaluate our women’s events.

“We will create a women’s group for the project, focusing on women who are autistic or disabled, carers, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or culturally diverse.”

The project will look at gender, respect, women’s rights, leadership and confidence through the hosting of two to three events throughout the year, planned and evaluated by these women.

“We hope to provide a new way for autistic women who are not carers to enter the Different Journeys community as they first begin to explore their diagnosis, which will allow us to support them throughout their lives and their individual journeys.”

Minister for women Natalie Hutchins said these community organisations are an important part of advancing gender equality.

“We’re making in-roads towards a better future for all women, and recognise grassroots programs have a vital role to play in leading communities towards a more equal Victoria,” she said.

The Warburton Bowls Club is set to purchase new bowler’s arms to keep players on the green for longer. Picture: ON FILE

A $1000 grant will develop the club’s website content to reduce volunteer workload and strengthen membership connections. Picture: SUPPLIED

Raise your hand for arts

By Dongyun Kwon

YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub Healesville is calling for locals to volunteer.

Many volunteer roles are open to anyone who loves art, likes talking to people or is willing to share their expertise.

YAVA gallery manager Vanessa Flynn said YAVA wouldn’t exist without its volunteers.

“There are lots of different opportunities,” she said.

“We’ve got a whole curatorial panel and we’ve got people who assist with workshops, we’ve got a volunteer coordinator and there’s also our board.”

Susanne Richards has volunteered for YAVA since October 2019 and has done several different roles.

“The first role was basically to welcome people into the gallery and answer any questions that they may have,” she said.

“[Additionally] because I’m a lecturer in computer graphics at RMIT, I absorbed as much computer work as I can to help with photography work.”

Susanne said YAVA is like a melting pot where she could meet many people unexpectedly.

“I met people who I hadn’t seen for many years,” she said.

“All of a sudden, I met people that I taught with at Upper Yarra High School 30 years ago.

“Or some people might come in one day and they’ll come back a couple of weeks later with some more people.”

Mary Anderson is a retired teacher and joined the volunteer team in September 2023.

“I was a teacher for over 30 years and one of my subjects, when I first started teaching, was art, and I left it to become a full-time artist,” she said.

“I relocated from Melbourne to Heales-

ville, and YAVA is one of the reasons I like Healesville.

“I love the way it is run with accepting volunteers to come on board with whatever role they can play.”

Mary said while she has been giving her volunteer effort to YAVA, she has gotten many things back from it.

“The sense of belonging is important to me,” she said.

“From a teaching background, I used to be part of a team and I wanted to be part of a team again but I didn’t want to be back in the

classroom.

“To me, it’s [volunteering at YAVA] is like feeling part of a team.”

“Another reason I volunteer here as a gallery guide is to get the chance to interact with the artists and to learn about their processes.”

Mary is about to start learning the exhibition installation process and will join the exhibition installation team.

Gallery guides volunteer on a three-hour shift either in the morning (10am-1pm) or afternoon (1pm-4pm).

“If you’re going to be a gallery guide to

come to the opening of the exhibitions, you would get to talk to the exhibiting artists, learn about their work, what’s driven them, what’s their passion behind their work,” Mary said.

“If you can communicate that passion to people coming in, then they would get a better understanding and feeling.”

Support staff are on the site all the time to help volunteers out.

Anyone wishing to be a part of YAVA’s volunteer team is welcome to contact YAVA at (03) 5906 1149.

L-R: Mary and Susanne

Looking back on reservoir

By Dongyun Kwon

Maroondah Reservoir in Healesville has played an important role in supplying water for Melburnians for almost a hundred years.

The Maroondah water supply system, originallycalledtheWattsRiverScheme,wasopened on 18 February 1891.

As population and water demand continued to grow, by 1927 the early system was replaced with a new, larger dam and the Maroondah Reservoir has been supplying water to Melburnians ever since.

Melbourne Water principal heritage advisor Paul Balassone said the Maroondah water supply system was the second water supply system in Melbourne with the Yan Yean Reservoir built in 1857.

“It just basically comprised of a couple of concrete weirs across theWatts River and a network of 66 kilemotres aqueducts all the way down to Preston Reservoir,” he said.

“The Yan Yean was running from north to south and the Maroondah was the first of a series of dams that would be built further to the east.

“The Maroondah Dam was built in 1927, since the aqueducts were already in place, all they did was just build a large dam wall across the Watts River.”

The Maroondah Reservoir is one of the 10 major reservoirs managed by Melbourne Water and one of the six on-stream reservoirs.

“It [being referred to as an on-stream reservoir] means that it’s a dam that was actually built on the river and it harvests water from the surrounding catchment,” Mr Balassone said.

“So the Maroondah continues to play an absolutely crucial role in the long-term strategy and planning for a wide water supply for Melbourne.”

The Maroondah Reservoir system supplies Melbourne with approximately 200 million litres of water per day, flowing via an aqueduct and tunnel system to the Yering Gorge Pumping Station on the Yarra River, near Yarra Glen.

From there it is pumped into Sugarloaf Reservoir where it is then treated and supplied through an intricate network to Melbourne’s northern, western and inner suburbs.

In 2018, the Maroondah water system was added to the Victorian Heritage Register affirming its rightful place in Victoria’s history.

“It was nominated by the community and so when MelbourneWater was informed of the nomination, we were very happy,” Mr Balassone said.

“We worked extensively with Heritage Victoria to run it as an essential infrastructure.”

Mr Balassone said the Maroondah Reservoir has also taken an important part in Melbourne’s social history.

“Generations of Melburnians have actually either worked on construction or management,” he said.

“Not only did it provide employment, but it also helped develop the nearby towns such as Healesville.

“It was also a destination for tourists to go all the way to see this infrastructure and also the Maroondah Reservoir Park is quite iconic.”

Rarely-spotted reed re-recorded in conservation area

By Callum Ludwig

FriendsoftheHelmetedHoneyeater’s(FOHH)

Seeds and Weeds group went hunting for a rarely-spotted reed in the Yellingbo Nature Conservation area this week.

They were searching for the Narrowleaf Cumbungi, a native species that hadn’t been documented at the site since 1991.

FOHH volunteer, committee member and Seeds and Weeds program lead Richard Case said it had only been recorded at one place in the reserve.

“About 30-odd years ago, a team of botanists put together a very detailed report on Yellingbo, which was the first major descriptive report of the reserve, and I’ve just been interested in chasing up some of the odd little sightings that they have of things that don’t very often come up,” he said.

“The Narrowleaf Cumbungi is one of those plants, and I went through the report and found that there was only one place where it was recorded in Yellingbo and then I further looked through other records held online at things like VicFlora, which is a wonderful online resource, and I saw that there weren’t too many others in theYellingbo area either.”

An introduced species of cumbungi called Lesser Reedmace (also known as bulrush or cat’s tails) can be found much more prevalently, making the search a little tougher for participants. The most notable differences are in the leaf length, leaf colour and flower colour.

Mr Case said a lot of people will find Lesser Reedmace on farms in dams or creeks.

“You see it all around the place, so people may be confused by the two species, and it’s interesting to know what dynamics exist be-

tween those two species, why one exists in a certain place and the other doesn’t, for instance,” he said.

The Seeds and Weeds group started their search in a swamp called Q65, where the Narrowleaf Cumbungi was found in 1991, and somewhere where even in his 34 years of volunteering with FOHH Mr Case had only been once before.

“Originally, the botanists named the area Quadrant 65, and they named about 90 quadrants in the whole reserve and after a bit of running around and going in the wrong direction, there it was,” he said.

“We couldn’t identify it at first because we were unable to see the flowering material apart from some old stuff, but we went back in the afternoon and coming in from a slightly different angle, we managed to pick out some of the flower heads or flower spikes, which are quite distinctive from the other cumbungi species.”

The Seeds and Weeds group help keep an eye out for weeds within the reserve that need to be eliminated, as well as collecting seeds to propagate within the FOHH nursery and plant out in the reserve and on surrounding properties.

Mr Case said the Narrowleaf Cumbungi was an interesting little plant and the search for it made for an exciting day out.

“This thing seems to be surviving quite happily, so it doesn’t seem as though there are any actual threats apart from perhaps invasion by its introduced cousin,” he said.

“I think it’s always important to know what plants we have because if we don’t know we’ve got it, we won’t know to preserve it.”

The Narrowleaf Cumbungi was spotted amidst other vegetation in the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area.

Postcard of Maroondah Reservoir Park in 1960s.Dam wall under construction in 1925.

The opening of the Maroondah water supply system on 18 February 1891.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Showcase young talents

By Dongyun Kwon

An exhibition, where visitors can see young local artists’ artworks, is on its way to open in April.

Creative Showcase, an annual art exhibition for young talented student artists, is hosted by Yarra Ranges Council in a partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre.

32 artists all around theYarra Ranges Council’s district will showcase their art pieces in Creative Showcase 2024.

It was eligible for students who completed units 3 and 4 inVCE Art and Studio Art or in the final year of VCAL in 2023.

Burrinja Cultural Centre cultural development producer Toni Main said Creative Showcase is to celebrate the incredible and unique talents.

“Yarra Ranges Council [district] is full of artists in a professional capacity,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see these young artists coming out of school and continuing on to develop the region as an artistic and cultural district.

“It’s really great that they’re choosing to make a career out of art and we were there when they first started.”

Madison Wandmaker, who graduated from Edinburgh College, said she decided to apply for it when a lady came to her school and explained about the Creative Showcase.

“My grandparents live around here [the Memo] and I thought I would like for them to see my artwork,” Madison said.

Madison’s artwork Butcherbird is based on the theme around tragedy with heavy symbolism.

“My artwork is oil on canvas, and it’s got heavy symbolism with a butcherbird and small blue wrens to pray in a serene environment.”

“It was a long process. It was a lot of talking to people about how the composition was, and also I had to try to make sure the symbolism made sense with the scenery and everything in it.

“So it was a lot of trial and error and I was trying to get it to look nice and also symbolic.”

Former Lilydale High School student Ken Roberts will display two dresses that they sewed.

Ken said they had waited for an opportunity to exhibit their artworks.

“When I was in VCE, we came in here [The Memo] seeing some different artworks and seeing different emotions and opinions, I was like‘I want mine to be projected, I want people to experience mine.’,” they said.

“Both of my artworks are about identity, and the black one [My identity is stigma] is more of a reflection about my identity, how people’s perception can restrict and harm me and how I view myself.

“The white one [Your identity is…] is more of a focus on how broad and different everybody experiences identity and how identity runs through our blood and determines our whole entire lives.”

Ken has always loved art in their whole entire life.

“Musical artists share who they are, what they want to do and their opinions through

their music,” they said.

“I want to project and share my views, opinions and everything I’m feeling, and art is just the way I found to do it.”

Elliot Mctinerney, who graduated from Monbulk College, also desires to show his works to the public because his artworks are based on intimate and personal themes.

Elliot grew up in the family of artists and he naturally got into art as art runs in his blood.

“My mum is a photographer and both my grandmas are painters, one is a realistic painter and the other is a very surrealistic and impressionistic painter,” he said.

“I’ve always been inspired by my mum’s photography and how she would display herself so authentically.”

Elliot will exhibit four of his art pieces.

Coming out and Mirror are two of main pieces he wants to introduce to the future visitors.

“My biggest one is called Coming out and it’s about my experience coming out as transgender, and it deals with the theme of hiding and showing yourself through the butterflies in the foreground of the image,” he said.

“I think of coming out as a game of hide and seek, like showing parts of yourself that are deemed acceptable but hiding parts of yourself that aren’t palatable to a larger audience.

“I was also really inspired by graphic and poster designers for a lot of my works, so making them look like movie posters was my big goal.”

Elliot’s other artwork Mirror portrays himself in a shattered mirror.

“It’s about how my idea of myself has been shattered and it no longer matches what I see in the mirror, linking to themes of gender dysphoria that I experience daily,” he said.

Former Mount Lilydale Mercy College student Liv Mackowiak used acrylic paint and mixed media for her artwork A Simulated Universe.

“It took a couple of months on and off to finish my artwork,” she said.

“The idea itself took a while to come up with and then it was a lot of trial and error on top of that.

“It was good to get thoughts in my head out of paper through my artwork. I think it’s more fun for me to express my thoughts through art than words.”

The Creative Showcase has been running for a long time launched separately by two different groups at first.

“It was started as two different things, so Yarra Ranges Council started their version and Burrinja also started their version, and then we combined and created a group effort.”

“It is more than a school show, so come and see the exhibition because it got through the application process.”

“The students had to apply to get in and the work is incredibly exquisite, and the young people have such a strong voice and they really delve into some beautifully poignant and personal stories in their artwork.”

The Creative Showcase will be open from Saturday 13 April to Sunday 5 May in The Memo, Healesville.

New film makes headway amid press freedom decline

By Gabriella Vukman

With its premier at the Cameo in Belgrave on Sunday 18 February, the enthralling Julian Assange documentary‘TheTrust Fall’ is making waves worldwide.

In line with Assange’s last chance at avoiding extradition to the US before he is sent to be detained there for the rest of his life, the film is a call to action.

Founder of ‘Films For Change’ and director of ‘The Trust Fall,’ Kym Staton said, “Assange is just the canary in the coalmine in terms of what is going on with our freedoms in the western world.”

Spanning a duration of 130 minutes and starring narrators Susan Sarandon, Roger Waters, Tom Morello and rapper M.I.A, the film is an expose on the “travesties of justice” associated with “the most famous political prisoner,” as Mr Staton explained.

The film has gained traction on social media across various platforms and its GoFundMe has raised $137,000 so far with an aim of $145,000.

Mr Staton said, “press freedom is declining all around the world.”

“There are currently over 500 journalists in prison today for their work and Julian is just one of those over 500,” Mr Staton said.

“If 50 per cent of the population knew what was going on, politicians would just have to do the right thing but because of ignorance, they can continue to hide away from responsibilities and avoid taking action on it.”

The film is an ensemble of animation, archived and ‘never before seen’ footage of Assange and other recent interviews with journalists, activists, avid Assange supporters, government leaders among other highprofile experts.

“I wrote the documentary over around a

six week period,” Mr Staton said.

“I had all of these ideas in my head after a year of production, interviews and research so I started a routine of every morning writing a little bit.”

Mr Staton said, “I was sharing my words on social media every day and whichever bits of writing got the best responses, ended up in the film.”

Community cinema is playing a large role in spreading awareness via ‘The Trust Fall’ documentary.

Mr Staton said, “at the moment what we are asking people to do is suggest the film to their local cinema and we’re seeing that work.”

“The first cinema to take up our documentary turned out to be Mareeba drive-in in a small town of 7000,” Mr Staton said.

“We drove 24 hours up there not knowing if anyone would turn up but when we rocked up to the drive in there were 215 people and over 100 cars there - it was full and it was awesome! That told us that it doesn’t matter where we go, there’s going to be people interested in this issue.”

Mr Staton’s passion is education and

awareness-building.

“From my perspective the best thing we can do with this film is to raise more awareness,” he said.

“The only way that is possible for an Australian journalist to be kept in solitary confinement for years and years which is essentially torture, is because of a lack of awareness,” Mr Staton said.

“Our aim is to get it out and encourage cinemas everywhere to show ‘The Trust Fall.’

Warning the documentary editors that hacking, limitations and a potential shut down were risks in ‘The Trust Fall’ project, Mr Staton was wary of the project being shut down before its release.

“Thankfully we were able to get the film out, get it classified in Australia and we successfully showed it at parliament house in Canberra,” Mr Staton said.

“I think the reason why we have been able to continue is because the people who are responsible for this persecution and false narrative of Julian Assange are expecting a passive documentary that just covers the ‘what’ and ‘when’, confirming their depiction.

“They will be surprised to view the never seen before footage, especially of the victims of the collateral murder incident which have never been seen before. they are going to realise that this film will rapidly increase opposition to their agenda,” Mr Staton said.

‘The Trust Fall’ is currently showing at various cinemas across the country and donations are still very much welcome.

Mr Staton said, “All the way through the film we hoped that Julian would end up watching it from his sitting room.”

“In the short term I am hopeful that the people that are persecuting Julian do the right thing and let him go free but if it continues to drag on, the film will continue to raise awareness for him as long as he needs it,” Mr Staton said.

“People watching a hundred or thousand years from now can think ‘what were we doing?’ ‘How did we let this happen?’”

Mr Staton confirmed that Julian Assange “is aware of the film” but could not say anything more for confidentiality reasons.

Visit the documentary’s website at: thetrustfall.org

New Julian Assange documentary ‘The Trust Fall’ in cinemas now.Pictures: FILMS FOR CHANGE

The Film is a call to action and raises awareness for Journalist Prisoner Julian Assange.

Four of Creative Showcase 2024 artists. Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

Not just another pop singer

WOORILLA WORDS

By Maria Millers

She’s come and gone in her private jet and whether or not you have ever listened to a Tay Tay song or watched a video, you would surely have been aware of her presence in our city.

The mainstream press gave wall to wall coverage, nudging aside issues of national significance.

Love her or leave her there is no denying that Taylor Swift cannot be dismissed as just another pop singer.

She has been Times Person of the Year for 2023 and has been credited with political influence.

Questions abound whether she will again endorse Joe Biden in the upcoming US presidential election.

She’s won a swag of Grammy Awards, has beaten Elvis Presley for the most albums to debut at number one and the most number one albums by a woman in history.

She is now reputed to have achieved billionaire status.

As a pop star she sits alongside Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna and as a songwriter she has been compared to Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell.

Academics search her lyrics for associations with famous poets: Wordsworth, Dickinson even Shakespeare.

University of Melbourne hosted A Swiftposium 2024 to better understand Taylor Swift’s global impact on the music industry, fandom, popular culture and the economy.

Some couldn’t get enough, others wished she would get on her private jet and be off.

The hard fact is that 98000 attended her ERAS Tour concert at the MCG and were prepared to part with large sums of money for the privilege.

Her presence in Melbourne is said to have contributed millions to our economy as fans willingly paid for inflated prices on air fares, hotel accommodation, food and outrageously overpriced merch (Are these the same people who are doing it tough in the current cost of living crisis?).

Managed by her mother and father she often compares herself to a family business and indeed whoever is responsible, the marketing has been impressive.

And, at a time, when family and community networks are frayed, she offers to her fans a sense of belonging and symbols of friendship to what some say is akin to a cult.

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Platypus survey in Yarra

Junction

Upper Yarra Landcare is encouraging locals to join them and Healesville Environment Watch Inc (HEWI) for an evening platypus survey by the Little Yarra River.

The survey will be held from 6.30pm to 9pm

Her lyrics feature friends, lovers, enemies and ex partners and fans love this insight into her personal stories of heartbreak and revenge.

This correlates with our current obsession with confessional memoir, from stories of misery and the macabre to celebrity tell all.

Her lyrics range from early songs about teenage crushes to betrayals, from a wholesome image to now one of a powerful female protagonist in a patriarchal society.

Is she a good role model for young women? And is she a force for good?

Certainly no role model in sustaining long relationships.

So is she a great 21st century poet or just a marketing success story?

She has certainly unashamedly owned the narrative of her life, warts and all from the painful and cringe worthy to the triumphal Maybe that explains the extraordinary loyalty and following she enjoys from young females.

Her relatability is often cited, particularly by anyone who has been victimized in a society that still dismisses women’s feelings as inconsequential.

Her confessional style has been often compared to other well known poets who have mined their own emotional lives: Ann Sexton, Adrienne Rich , Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath. But Swift’s poetry never reaches the lyricality and depth of these poets.

Her work when read (as distinct from her highly

on Friday 1 March, with groups asked to meet at the Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve.

The evening will start with a chat about how to look for platypus and record observations before splitting into small groups to sit at good viewing sites for 45 minutes.

Attendees will also collect any litter at the playground, rotunda and river as part of Clean Up Day 2024.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own fold-up chair, cup and a drink, torch and binoculars if they have some. Wear warm clothing and covered footwear, and bring insect repellent. Suitable for ages 6 years and above. Light snacks will be provided.

Please reply by Wednesday 28 February with your name and contact number to Karen admin@hewi.org.au or 0418 999 936—children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Upper Yarra Landcare also thanks Yarra Ranges Council for supporting this community engagement activity with a HEWI Community Partnerships Grant

polished videos) appears simplistic, self - obsessed, as the following extract from Look what you made me do shows:

don’t like your little games

Don’t like your tilted stage

The role you made me play of the fool

No, I don’t like you

I don’t like your perfect crime

How you laugh when you lie

You said the gun was mine

Isn’t cool, no, I don’t like you (oh!)

But I got smarter,I got harder in the nick of time

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

I got a list of names, and yours is in red, underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh!

Ooh, look what you made me do

Look what you made me do

On the other hand the following extract(with no accompanying video) from Sylvia Plath’s famous poem Daddy written not long before her suicide and shortly after being abandoned by her husbandTed Hughes shows a much higher poetic sensibility as she reflects on the impact of her father’s death when she was a young child.

You stand at the blackboard, daddy,

In the picture I have of you,

A cleft in your chin instead of your foot

But no less a devil for that, no not

Council elections info

2024 is an election year for all Councils in Victoria.

Eligible residents will be asked to vote for a Councillor in their ward to represent them over the next four years, with mail ballots sent out by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) later this year.

The election will take place on Saturday, 26 October. TheVEC is responsible for running all local government elections, and will send out information to residents as the election approaches.

Residents already enrolled to vote in state elections who have lived in the Yarra Ranges for more than one month will be required to vote.

Residents can vote via a postal vote (after being sent a ballot pack in the mail), or in-person at a designated polling booth.

Anyone unsure of their electoral status can check and update their address on the Victorian Electoral Commission website: vec.vic.gov.

Any less the black man who

Bit my pretty red heart in two.

I was ten when they buried you.

At twenty I tried to die

And get back, back, back to you.

I thought even the bones would do.

But they pulled me out of the sack,

And they stuck me together with glue.

And then I knew what to do.

I made a model of you,

A man in black with a Meinkampf look

Taylor Swift whether you like her songs or not cannot be dismissed nor her impact minimized or ignored and as someone once said writing is revenge without the need to ask permission or apology, where ethics can be pushed aside to not give in to gendered expectations of etiquette and propriety.

The personal is always political.

But I got smarter,I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

I got a list of names, and yours is in red, underlined

Now in her 30s it will be interesting to see how she evolves and reinvents herself in the future.

au/enrolment/check-my-enrolment.

Running as a Candidate

Are you passionate about your community and looking to make a difference? If you’re considering running as a candidate in the upcoming election, Yarra Ranges Council will have more to share over the coming months on what being a councillor is all about, as well as upcoming information sessions for you to attend.

There are eligibility criteria and requirements of candidates, which the VEC and the Municipal Association of Victoria will be publishing over coming months to inform potential candidates. We will be sharing this information also.

Yarra Ranges Council will keep its Election Hub webpage up to date with the latest information for local voters and candidates - with information sessions and opportunities to get involved throughout the course of the year at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/2024-Council-Elections

Picture: SUPPLIED

Looking back

By Joy Gothe

I have lived in the Lilydale District since the early 1970s and have seen many changes since then and thought I knew everything about the town.

I have been a member of the Society for over 10 years and find that almost every day I am learning something more about Lilydale that I never knew before. There is a rich and fascinating history behind every one of the old buildings that still remain in the Main Street.

Lilydale township was first surveyed in 1860 and land sales in the town were held.

Within two years there were a post office, a store, a butcher’s shop and a hotel.

The northern area was planted with several large vineyards and some smaller vineyards adjoining the township.

Lilydale was now beginning to grow.

I am introducing you to an old remnant of that time, a Lilydale business that has now gone and no longer exists, only a ghost of it remains. It was the first industry to take off in Lilydale and it was a Tannery.

Tanning was the process of transforming animal skins into leather.

The Lilydale Rate Books for February 1872

show the Tannery owner as a Richard Hand, a Currier (old term for a work who tans hides), The Tannery buildings occupied two blocks on the south side of Market Street between Clarke Street and the Olinda Creek Reserve.

The tannery works comprised a series of pits used for soaking and cleaning the hides and there was also a bark mill which chopped up the wattle bark for the tannin which was to be used in the tanning process.

The machinery at the tannery was operated by a four horse power water wheel, which was fed by a tributary that was cut from the Olinda Creek in 1879.

The great rush of water flowing down the tributary kept this wheel in motion.

The fine leather produced from this valuable industry was used to make book covers, harnesses, saddles, bridles, gloves, etc.

Today, all that remains of the Lilydale Tannery is the David Wilkinson Pavilion owned by the Lilydale Agricultural Show Society, with the Jean Eales Pavilion standing on most of the old tannery site.

If you would love to find out more about the history of some of our buildings, industries and places, read our book Public Places Public Lives 1860s to 1870s available from our website shop at www.lilydalehistorical.com.au for $25.00.

Book review makes a comeback!

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

Greetings, dear constant readers!

After several months of absence, I am now back at work, and I want to wish you all a very belated Happy (Lunar) NewYear.

I hope you have been happily reading your favourite books!

I was unable to read and write for a while, due to two cataract surgeries and some related complications.

I can honestly say that being unable to read books, not only print but also digital, was absolutely a pain.

Worse than that was being able to listen to audiobooks but unable to write proper reviews.

Renowned American author Helen Keller once said: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

By the time I was struggling to read mobile phone menus, I knew I had to stop reading and writing altogether.

The impact was just as Confucius described it:“Three days without reading makes one feel abominable.”

Luckily, as American literary critic and translator Barbara Johnson suggested: “It never hurts your eyesight to look on the bright side of things.”

The bright side of life helps me recognise

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

the importance of good health, and of having families and friends guide me through a myriad of challenges and obstacles.

For this, I am very grateful.

I also realise there are more constructive ways to give back to our community.

Instead of reviewing and recommending one book at a time – with intensive reading likely being one contributor to my eye problems – perhaps I can utilise my other skills and contribute to our society by promoting arts and cultural events with a focus on literature and literacy.

Via the “Passion for Prose” column, I have been doing this with The Star Mail’s assistance to some extent.

Indeed, before the column came to a halt in October 2023, I had reviewed and recommended 93 books and 25 literary events and

trends in Australia and overseas.

Looking ahead, in 2024, I would like to increase the number of arts, cultural and literary events featured in this column.

The focus will still be literature and literacy, but I want to bring my reviews and recommendations more aligned withThe Star Mail’s operations to provide news and information relevant to communities across Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.

From time to time there will be arts, cultural and literary news of national and international significance to be introduced to our local readers.

With that said, if you find a specific literary event or a book worth reviewing or recommending, please get in touch.

Simply drop a line to my Gmail address (christine.yunnyu.sun@gmail.com) and I will respond ASAP.

I very much hope that via The Star Mail as an important regional newspaper, we can work together to promote literature and literary across our diverse communities.

Since the launch of the landmark “National Cultural Policy – Revive” in January 2023, our arts and culture has been recognised as being central to our country’s future.

We can all do our small bit to contribute.

Mother and Son - a wonderful evening

1812 Theatre

Mother and Son

First my congratulations to Director Pip Le Blond for such a wonderful evening of Mother and Son.

The stage setting was brilliant, a lounge room, a kitchen to audience left and then when required a wall was moved to give a dentist’s rooms and a respite area.

The players all had high standards making a delightful evening. Maggie (Mother) was played by Anne B. Smith an absolute extraordinary performance of an elderly lady not sure of her memory and the trouble that causes her son Arthur.

Something many of the audience could relate to. Her son, Arthur, was given an understanding yet frustrating performance as the son who looked after his mother but was not her favourite son.

Tony Clayton caught the essence of such a character giving a superb and sympathetic performance.

His brother Robert, the one mother calls her favourite son was played by George Thompson.

A wonderful performance of the somewhat sleazy character, two timing his wife.

Kemp’s curtain call

Robert’s wife Liz, who put up with so much then did something about it was played by Anna Ruth Laird A remarkable performance living up to the standard of the other performers.

The author, Geoffrey Atherden, the original writer of the TV show wrote the stage production bringing it up to date with mobile phones and skype. Maggie communicated with her grandchildren. 1812 theatre had twoTV screens each side of the stage where the audience saw what was happening when Maggie used skype.

The two grandchildren were played by Skyla Cleverley and Josh Cleverley both giving good performances.

There various voice overs used as fill ins as the sets were changed for various scenes.

The BasinTheatre

Hatched,Matched and Dispatched

A story of life, birth marriage and death. An interesting concept by author/actor Chris Hudson.

Three plays with an interesting introduction including the author playing a car and the door lady playing the usher.

Both were extremely good in their roles and the audience was left wondering of this was or was not part of the show.

ThestoryofHatchedrevolvedaroundayoung couple who were parents for the first time and their respective parents/grandparents arriving. The girl is Greenie and so are her parents.

The husband goes along with his wife, but his parents are business people ,and the father has notimeforGreenies.LucyButlerwasFleurinthis palay as the young new mother. A good performer and handled the role with finesse.

She also played Sarah and Judith in the followingstorieshandlingtheofcharacterswithfinesse.

Kai Ratiteri was the young father in this story and was Simon and Stan in the other stories.

Klai projects well but does need to speak up a little. As the other roles he did a good job of handling different characters.

Top comedy

Drive-Away Dolls

Starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan and Beanie Feldstein

Rated MA15+ 4.25/5

The first solo feature film by Ethan Coen (half of the iconic Coen Brothers), DriveAway Dolls is an offbeat, touching roadtrip comedy.

In 1999, two lesbian best friends – the free-spirited Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and the closed-off Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) – decide to move to Tallahassee, Florida together, but get tangled up in a criminal operation on the way.

Written by Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke, Drive-Away Dolls is a funny, endearing, character-rich film with a scintillating screenplay.

Qualley and Viswanathan have extraordinary chemistry, and the dialogue is endlessly witty but feels natural. Through cozy slow pacing sprinkled with danger, Marian and Jamie, who start the film as polar opposites, grow closer and progress as people amid adversity.

Jamie is pushy and reckless but cares deeply for Marian, and Marian slowly loosens up and becomes more adventurous. Joey Slotnick and C.J.

Wilson provide levity from a different angle as a bumbling criminal duo on the ladies’ trail, and if you’ve ever wondered what’s inside the briefcase in Pulp Fiction, Drive-Away Dolls offers perhaps the funniest answer possible.

Drive-Away Dolls has plenty of laughout-loud moments, vibrant cinematography and several brief animated interludes that evoke primitive nineties CGI (though some viewers may find these interludes irritating, along with some abrupt editing). It’s also good to see a sex-positive film about two lesbians in a mainstream cinema. The sex scenes are hot without being explicit and aren’t exaggerated for our titillation; they are, first and foremost, a medium for the characters to bond.

Quirky, kinky, moving and very funny, Drive-Away Dolls is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

No. 15 84 5 817 4

ACROSS

1 Cicatrix (4)

3 New comers to the nation (10)

10 Marriage (7)

11 Sloping type (7)

7 453 2 63 25

easy 197 746 295

21 7 4972 54

48 1689 48 7

1945 46 1 8

12 Inventoried (8)

13 Publication (5)

14 Uncommon (4)

15 Bypass (10)

18 Process of change (10)

20 Help (4)

21 Homeland of Sachin Tendulkar (5)

23 Distinguishing badges (8)

26 Dizziness (7)

27 Ships (7)

28 A release of information (10)

29 Holy song (4)

DOWN

1 Cut (4)

2 More than one auditorium (9)

4 Provisional (9)

5 Homerian epic (5)

6 Practical view (7)

7 Fasteners (5)

8 Possibly guilty (9)

9 Composition in verse (4)

14 Recovered (9)

16 Bridge (9)

17 Elusively (9)

19 Having three dimensions (7)

22 Game of skill (5)

23 False gods (5)

24 Huff (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

hard

medium 27 7569 97

3 63 2 5846

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1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

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9-LETTER WORD

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SEAR SETS SWAB TREK

439726158

542697813 257961384

13 26 SL HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by The Heritage Family 1157336-CB40-14

No. 174

No. 174

No. 174

PROPERTY

CHARACTER COTTAGE WITH GORGEOUS VIEWS

THIS impressive Character cottage is said to be one of the original homes for the area dating back to around 1910, and has been beautifully renovated, an absolute standout property. Set in a location sometimes referred to by the locals as ‘the Golden mile’ a true treasure of Warburton, a classic and classy home in a sunny north facing location taking in the stunning Mountain views.

The home is oozing old school glamour with crystal chandeliers, a picture perfect palette of colours used throughout to create a wonderful blend of old and new. High ceilings, decorative cornices, sash windows, 3 gorgeously furnished bedrooms and of course a claw foot bath in the bathroom to complete that luxury feeling.

The living area is divine with a feature mantle fitted with an electric fireplace, a traditional look & feel with a cosy modern convenience, split system and evaporative cooling complete the creature comforts. A charming kitchen with updated appliances, with a cosy sitting area, an ideal spot to cook, chat and simply enjoy this feel good home.

The outdoor entertaining is a lovely extension to your living space, unwind with your evening cuppa or sip a glass of wine and watch the everchanging views over the surrounding mountains.

All set on just under half an acre, fully fenced with lush lawns, a garden to immerse yourself in, double garage with power and concrete flooring, and being tucked away from the road you can enjoy your privacy and indulge in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

So many features with this property, a must to inspect if you are after a charming escape to the country within an easy stroll to the Yarra river, coffee shops and walking trail. ●

36BELMONTAvENUE

CanYOUHElP?

Thetwobuyerswhohavemissedoutonthishomeareverykeentobuyinthearea IfyouareinterestedintheNEWvalueofyourproperty,pleaseemail,textorcall:-

GRANTSKIPSEY(45YearsRealEstateExperience) grants@rangesfn.com.au 0418528102

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

EMBRACEMODERNLIvING

design &featuressoaringcathedralceilings,spaciouslayoutbathedinnaturalsunlight, wood fire,updatedkitchen,6.75kwsolarsystem,spaciousdoublegarage,sealed driveway,fencedseparateareaforanimalsandnativegardensona 2295sqmblock

JanBrewster 0409558805

DUALOCCUPANCYON10ACRES

Olinda 35MCCARThYROAD

Views,PrivacyandPeace& Quiet Apropertylikethisisrareandneedstobeseen.Thesettingincludesutmostprivacywith over250well-establishedproductivenut,Manukaandfruittrees.Themainbrickresidence offersliving,dining &mealsarea,coveredoutdoordiningspacewithviewsand a3-car carport.Theprivate 2bedroomunitincludes astudy &interioraccesstothegarage.The self-containedofficehasa balconywithparkingbaysunderneath.Moreoutbuildings includea studio,shedding,pergola,greenhouse,chookpens,igloos &off-streetparking.

Mickdolphin 0429684522

Erindavies 0493136937

SENSATIONAL YARRA VALLEY VIEWS

SIT back and admire the amazing views from this stunning property, perched above and overlooking picturesque farmland and ever changing valley views.

The home is presented to perfection inside and out and offers comfortable family living boasting 3 bedrooms and a fresh main bathroom, spacious living/lounge area and a separate meals area.

The kitchen is fresh, modern, up to date and with ample bench and cupboard space. Venture outside to an entertainers dream with a huge covered entertaining areait’s the ideal spot to sit back relax and admire the colourful and picturesque valley vista.

Loads of car accommodation with a double carport, huge lock-up garage and neat well established landscaped gardens complete the picture perfect property.

All just a short stroll or drive to local schools, shops, public transport and the walking trail it’s the ideal place to call home. ●

4/15AnthonyGrove,WooriYallock

$640,000-$690,000

DeluxeUnitwithSpacetoMoveandMountainViews Fantasticopportunityawaitswiththisspacious,meticulouslyrenovatedbrickunit.Boasting2 bedroomsplusa versatilebonusstudio/office,thishomecaterstoyourevolvinglifestyleneeds.Step insidetodiscover astrikingkitchenfeaturingsleekstonebenchtops,abundantstoragesolutionswith ampledrawersandcupboards.Theopenplanlayoutofthelounge/diningareaisbathedinnatural light,creatinga warmandinvitingambiance.Theupdatedbathroomboastsgenerousstorage options.Stepoutsidetoanoutdoorentertainmentoasis.Equippedwithcafeblinds,outdoorheaters, andbreathtakingmountainviews,thisspaceseamlesslyextendsyourlivingarea.Thecharming cottagegardensprovideimmaculatelandscaping,meanderingpaths,anda vegetablegarden. With aconvenientlocation,thishomeofferstheperfectblendofserenityandaccessibility.

RebeccaDoolan

M 0401832068

Inspection:Tues5:30-6:00pm

50GlenwrightAvenue,WooriYallock

CharmingFamilyHavenwithConvenienceandStyle

$630,000-$690,000

Stepinto ahomethateffortlesslycombinesconvenience,familycomfort,anda touchofstyle. Nestledina fantasticlocation,just aleisurelystrollawayfromtheWarburtontrailandtownamenities, thispropertyis awinninginvestmentinbothconvenienceandconnectivity.Setamidstmeticulously maintainedgardens,thisimmaculatefamilyhomeboastsanundercoveroutdoorentertainment area.Inside,discoverthreegenerouslysizedbedrooms,eachequippedwithbuilt-inrobes.The modernkitchenoffersamplebenchandstoragespaceandseamlesslyconnectstotheadjacent mealsarea.Thefamilybathroomfeatures aluxurioustubfor asoothingsoak,floor-to-ceilingtiling, anda bright,airyambiance.Thetandemcarportensuresampleparkingspace.Withitsperfectblend ofpracticality,comfort,andstyle,thishomeleaveslittletobedesired.Don’tmissout!

SamanthaPrice M 0438795190

Inspection:

P 59662530

P 5967 1277

Unique,StylishHomewithDonRiverVista

ThismodernthreebedroomhomeboastsoneofthemostbeautifulbackdropsinDonValley.Relax onyourgenerousbalconywhilelisteningtothesoothingsoundsoftheriver.Setonapproxhalfan acreontitle,withbenefitsofenjoyingthedelightsoftheadjacentriverreserve.Thehomeoffers cathedralceilingsinthemainlivingarea,andallthemodernfeaturesyou’dexpectincludingtwo well-appointedbathrooms,ensuitewithtwinbasinandwalkinrobetothemaster.A delightful modernkitchenoffersplentyofcupboards &drawers,dishwasher,gascookingandoverlooksthe livingandmealszone.Extrasincludemainsgasductedheating,reversecycleairconditioning,mains water,doublelockupgarage/workshopwithbackyardviewsandfurthershedding.A greatfloor planwithabundantlight,surroundedwitha quaintgarden,thishomewilldelightallwhovisit.

1916DonRoad,DonValley$850,000 -$935,000 SamanthaPrice M 0438795190

15SussexStreet,Warburton

$740,000 -$790,000

CompletefamilyPackageonover1/2acrewithlargeworkshop

Surroundedbytheambianceof aferngullyforestandaccompaniedbythesoothingwaters of‘YthanCreek,’spanningacross ageneroushalf-acregardenparcelthispropertypresentsa myriadofopportunityateveryturn.Theupdated,stylishkitchenboasts aSmegcookerandBosch dishwasher,seamlesslyflowingintothemeals,living,anddiningareas,adornedbyexpansive front-facingwindows.Offeringthreebedroomsalongside aspaciousstudy,animpressiveupdated laundry,andabundantstoragespace.Thishomeensurescomfortwithsplit-systemheatingand coolingthroughout.Thefullyfencedblockboastswell-establishedfruittreesandtwovegetable patches, asubstantiallock-upgarageandworkshopattheendoftheseconddriveway.Embrace theopportunitytorelishandpersonalizethistranquilandidylliclifestylesetamidstnature.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

Inspection: Sat1.00-1.30pm

3 A 1 B 4 C

LARGE SCALE LIVING WITH VERSATILE FLOORPLAN

SPANNING over two levels of spacious living, this large-scale family home offers more than meets the eye. Having a flexible floorplan that offers the choice of options no matter your needs, this property is suitable for everyone including extended families and those looking for an extra investment.

The home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and either 3 living zones or a fourth bedroom option. The living areas include a comfortable lounge that extends onto the front decking and overlooks a beautiful treetop view, large rumpus room with built in bar plus a spacious family room that is the perfect extra bedroom / teenager’s bedsit.

Filled with natural sunlight, the kitchen is also enhanced by the gorgeous view and leads directly to a well sized meals area. Evaporative cooling and ducted heating can be found throughout and there is also a near new electric hot water heat pump.

A one-bedroom studio at the rear of the block is a fantastic addition to this property as could serve as extra accommodation or a work from home office set up – The choice is yours!

Great outdoor entertaining areas, a double garage, sealed driveway with extra parking and a great location complete the package and make this property an ideal investment for you and your family. ●

FORSALE

4MerrigumLane,BELGRAVE

$1,050,000to$1,150,000 ABEAUTIFULBLENDOFLOCATIONANDLIFESTYLE

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Sights set on winning end

By Bryce Edwards

Wandin 1st XI Vs Seville 2nd XI - written by Dave Thorne

With the last round of the season upon us,Wandin would take on Seville at home.

Seville would win the toss and choose to bat.

Wandin opening bowlers Leigh Curwood and Jarrod Dobson would open the proceedings with Leigh picking up the opening wicket in his first over.

From then on it would be hard going for the Wandin bowlers with Seville digging in with the bat, until Lain Senti came onto bowl, picking up 3 wickets to have Seville at 5/104 after 40 overs at afternoon tea.

After afternoon tea, Seville’s batters would be hard to get out with the next wicket falling late in the innings with the score 6/240 with Seville batting through the day and finishing on 8/272.

It will be a tough total to chase next week for the Wandin batters to hopefully finish off their season with a win.

Wandin 2nd XI v Eastwood 2nd XI - written By Rick

Painter

Wandin would win the toss and elect to bowl first and after a tight contest for the first dozen overs before Wandin got the first wicket and drinks would see the score at 2/48. The score would build to 68 when a double wicket would halt any forceful batting from the home team, and after another small partnership, two more wickets would fall to have Eastwood 6/110 at tea. The score would edge along to 133 before the remaining four wickets would fall on that score .

M Kogelman would bag 4/15 and D Trembath with 4/21 would be the key destroyers for Wandin whilst McKenzie, Thomas and Boote would all contribute 20 odd with the bat.

With 24 overs left in the day, Wandin would start nervously at 2/9 but a partnership of 68 between Galvin and Edwards would steady the

innings before Galvin (39) was one of two late wickets and would leave Wandin at 4/80 just 54 runs away from victory, with B Edwards on (32*) they would only have to hold their nerve and wickets to cement a top two finish at the end of the home and away season.

Wandin 3rd XI vs Chirnside Park 5th XI Wandin would host the top-of-the-table Panthers.

Dogs won the toss and bowled and were again unlucky with nothing going their way

early. Young guns Kai and Sam struck with a wicket each Blake Jules taking a scalp and Arch taking 2.Young Kai worked overtime in the field to keep the score to 6/240

With a fighting bulldog spirit, Wandin were determined to make a scrap of it. Greg showed the intent early as he pounded his first ball to the pickets. Game on. Greg and Lawsy fell chasing quick runs Ben 54* and Matt 26 would steady the side as they inched closer. The inform Jules (33) would stride out and make a

mess of the panther attack, before his brother one-upped him with (34) but Archie (30*)and Ben Cooly gotWandinhome after a flurry of late wickets with 2 balls to spare. Edge of your seat finish as Wandin scored 9/242.

Wandin couldn’t make finals so had nothing to lose and that makes the side a dangerous team as curtains close next week. Beware the wounded bulldog.

Wandin Womens vs Bayswater Park

Wandin faced Bayswater Park at Home. It was the inaugural ‘anything but a bag’ round for the girls, getting the energy up for their final game at home this year.

Bayswater Park won the toss and elected to bat. Bayswater Park came into the bat with O Edwards (1/6 off 5) and K Friend (1/26 off 5) tackling the strong bats. Holding a strong partnership, Bayswater Park was on 1/65 at drinks. A Peet (0/14 off 3) and K Peet (1//11 off 4) had the bats in all sorts, with J Lowrie (1/22 off 3) and N George (1/13 off 3) bowling strong overs too. Dismissing 3 strong bats, C Edwards (3/18 off 5.3) took out the last wicket with just 3.3 overs to go. With the fielding and bowling both very strong,Wandin kept Bayswater Park to just 118 runs, needing 119 off their 30 overs to win.

C Edwards (60*) and J Trembath (0) opened the batting, kicking off the innings. Unfortunately, Trembath was dismissed early, with K Friend coming in with Edwards. Their partnership set the foundation for Wandin’s innings, leaving both still in and the scoreboard on 70odd at drinks. After Friends dismissal, both T Clancy (0) and D Wilson (2) came in to bat, but it was the sister of Edwards, O Edwards (10*) who was able to lock in the win with C Edwards, getting the final runs with 7 overs to go. It was both an amazing batting and bowling innings by Wandin, keeping them strong going into finals.

Best on Ground for our ‘anything but a bag’ round went to Gayle Burgi, whose car was able to hold all her belongings for the day.

The Wandin Women’s team got creative for their ‘Anything But a Bag’ round. Picture: SUPPLIED

SPORT Weekend bowlers bow out

By Garry Lewis

The Warburton 1 weekend side finished the season on Saturday with a brave but unsuccessful attempt in the semi-final at Lilydale in superb bowling conditions.

Lilydale 2 held the edge overall for most of the game, but one Burras’ rink was overpowered, and the result ended in a solid win for the home team, 87 shots to 69.

Despite the disappointment of losing, the club is proud of its’ efforts and is determined to build upon this and improve further next season.

With several younger players coming through the Burras look forward to next season with great expectation.

Rink scores were as follows: C. Lord 12/ 28; T. Appleton 21/ 27; R. Zunneberg 18/ 18 and C. Neale 18/ 14.

Warburton’s Midweek side finished the regular season in disappointing fashion with a home loss to Mooroolbark 3. The match was close for most of the day and of a high standard. The Burras at one stage got out to a 10-shot lead, before it was whittled back and Mooroolbark pulled away to win by 17 shots, 62 to 45.

Rink scores were as follows: R. McKail 17/ 22; G. Walsh 16/ 15 and S. Lord 12/ 25.

The Burras finished in third place on the ladder and will play the fourth-placed Mooroolbark 3 again this week at home in the knockout Semi Final determined to reverse the result.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Triples Competition continued last Wednesday in perfect conditions. With one more round to go before the sudden-death Finals, all the teams are jostling for positions between the

top eight and bottom eight.

Damian Key from the Three Stooges Team started the evening well by being the first per-

son to touch the jack. Well done, Damian. Social Bowls continue to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone in-

Memorial event for iconic Ralph Logan

By Ron Hottes

Monday’s V.V.V’s:

Another pleasant day for golf met the Venuses, seven of whom played. They were tackling the front nine, so the results were sure to be impressive. The most impressive was Annalies Duivenvoorden, who posted a 20-point result. Good shooting Annalies. The runner-up was the distinguished Merilyn McDonald, who’s now a member of the Golf Club Committee. M.M’s 18 points were good enough to take home that voucher. No NTP winners were recorded.

Wednesday 21 February, Ralph Logan

Memorial event:

Double par was played in memory of an iconic passed member, Ralph Logan. His widow, De, sponsors this event, which the Committee and all the members playing greatly appreciate. On this day, one member who especially appreciated the gesture was Kevin Conway, who just had one of those days, his +9 easily accounted for the 37 others who played. The runner-up on this day was none other than Allan Hubbard. Old Man River’s wife,Val had told me she never doubted that he still had good scores in him. A +3 was evidence of that good score. Neil ‘Mr. Scotland’ Leckenby’s +2 and Dale Horrobin’s +1 were the only other scores to beat Par. Well done to all. NTPs were taken home by Captain Gilmore (3rd), Junior Garside (5th), ‘Old Man River’ Hubbard (9th), Ron Wilson (12th) and Ken White (15th).

Twilight:

On a fiercely hot and windy afternoon, a surprisingly large field tackled both the elements and the back nine. Clinton Toohey conquered both challenges with a very impressive 21 points. As if that wasn’t enough for the very talented Clint, he picked up an NTP on the 12th, with an ace (This is the Club’s 5th hole-in-one since Christmas). Shane ‘Bomber’ Campbell posted a 20-point result to earn the runnerup prize. Balls reached down to 17. The other 2 NTPs went home with ‘Bomber’ Campbell (10th, second shot) and Troy Veenker (15th). A quick update on the Twilight standings will be included in next week’s column, as there are only 4 rounds left before the Shoot-

out on April 4.

Saturday 24 February, Stableford:

Darryl Ward topped the results on this day. His impressive 39 points were good enough for him to take home the A-Grade prize. Good to see, Dazza. The runner-up in A-Grade was Gary Vollmer, who recorded a 36-point round, reflecting his more consistent scores in recent weeks. In B-Grade, the voucher went home

Picture: ON FILE

with Tim Jones, as he won it with a 35-point round. Well done, Tim. Trish Eldridge posted a 34-point result, proving the Ladies are still coming. Great to see, Patricia. Balls only extended, in both Grades, to 35. The NTP winners here were as follows: Steuart Hawke (3rd), Lee Creedy (5th, just beating your Loyal Scribe), Paul Osbourne (9th), David Hatt (12th) and finally Ken Barratt (15th).

cluding new and beginning players encouraged to attend. Come along and give Bowls a try.

Events boom

By Anita Prowse

March is a massive month in the Valley for equestrian events:

Yarra Glen ARC hosts their first Dressage Day in their upcoming series at Wesburn Park on Friday 8 March with Pheonix running its Dressage Day on 16 Marchalso atWesburn Park.

Everyone’s favourite, the Wandin Park Horse Trials then runs over the following weekend 22-24 March at Wandin Park. Plenty to do and see.

Upper Yarra ARC Combined Training is on 14 April and the Upper Yarra Pony Club’s Dressage JackpotWeekend will run May 11 and 12 with entries open now at Event Secretary. The Pony Club will be raising much-needed funds for local volunteer-run charity ‘Forever Friends Animal Rescue’. An option to donate to the charity is available when doing your entries, and there will also be a raffle and other goodies available, and if attendees are lucky, some furry friends will be visiting on Sunday to say hello to.

A little birdie has also shared the news thatWesburn Park will also be welcoming back the much-loved Brumby Festival in October, so looking forward to hearing more about that.

Warburton Golf Club results.

Warburton Bowls Club results.

Club pushes on to finals

By Chris Handasyde

Senior Female - Healesville 33 defeated by St Andrews 7/133

Healesville captured early wickets as St Andrews slumped to 5/56. Summer Caldicott 2/16 narrowly missed out on a hat trick and was well supported by bowling from Belinda Harding 2/19, Megan Schelfhout 2/20 and Shannon Maile 1/12. Strong hitting late saw St Andrews reach 7/133. A torrential downpour threatened to end the match, but both teams stayed the journey and finished the catch under lights. Unfortunately, Healesville’s innings didn’t go to plan as they were rolled for 33.

U12-4: Healesville 2/106 defeated Mooroolbark 5/105

Mika Kerst 2/4 dominated early but steady partnerships from Mooroolbark enabled them to build to a score of 5/105 from their 23 overs.

Kael Senti 1/14 and Jackson Lehman 1/6 were Healesville’s other wicket takers. Healesville lost a wicket early but chased down the total with 9 balls to spare. Louis Keath 23*, Mika Kerst 15* and Angus Morcombe 14* were the top run scorers.

U12-9: Healesville 8/98 defeated by Lusatia Park 4/117

Arlo Turner 25 got the Bloods off to a flyer in the last game of the season with Alby Gotch 17* and Angus Holmes 19* also batting well to get the score to 8/98. Felix McMahon, Angus Holmes, William Ferguson and Alby Gotch all took a wicket each but strong batting from Lusatia Park saw them get over the line with 4/117.

U14-3: Healesville 9/213 v Knox City

Batting first, Healesville lost 4 early wickets to set the team on the back foot. Cooper Duff set about rebuilding the innings with a well-compiled 37 off his 50 balls in a partnership with Henry Harding 25 off 50 balls. Harry Duff made

the Bloods dead-ended the Warranwood attack thanks to some elegant strokeplay from Gabe Houlihan (32) and a well-compiled 20 from Eli Prentice. Cooper Bell (17) kept the runs ticking before Denzel Parsons (21*) and Tyler Braden (4*) saw out the day. The Bloods still needed early wickets to put Warranwood away and a chirpy cordon and good bowling did the trick with Will Watson (1/15), Denzel Parsons (2/11), Eli Prentice (1/9) and Lucas Frazzetto (1/12) giving the Bloods a strong position for next week.

Seniors 1st XI: Healesville Vs Lusatia Park 9/259

a combative 28 off 46 and other strong scores from Patrick Leonard (27*) and Ryder Hudson (17) saw the Bloods scramble to a very competitive 213 and bat out their 50 overs for the first time this season.

U14-7: Healesville 3/56 Vs St Andrews 4/85

In a must-win game, Louis Keath and Harry Thomas set the tone early with some boundaries and good running before Louis was caught at backward point. Harry Thomas soon fell and Taylor Caldicott followed suit leaving the Bloods 3/25. Tully Ellis and Austin Simmons showed great discipline to see the Bloods through to the end of the day with Tully ending on 21*.

Taylor Caldicott got the early breakthrough but wickets were scarce and runs were leaking until Summer Caldicott changed from pace to off-spin for the final 3 deliveries and managed to take 2 wickets to breathe life back into the Bloods for next week.

U16-4: Healesville 3/106 Vs Warranwood 6/92

In a match where the winner would make finals,

Healesville travelled to Woori Yallock for a must-win match against Lusatia Park to lock in a finals berth for the 1st XI. Sent into the field, MitchTampaline was able to get the early breakthrough and the second soon followed thanks to scintillating fielding from Josh Handasyde in the covers. Despite some missed opportunities for Healesville, there was some strong batting from Lusatia before Michael Jackson dismissed the two batters to leave them 4/133 at tea.Wickets quickly tumbled after tea, Josh Handasyde (2/31) before a late partnership saw Lusatia push their score out to 259.

Seniors 2nd XI: Healesville 4/52 Vs Lusatia Park 183

The Bloods made some early inroads thanks to a magnificent first spell from Jack Drummond eventually taking 2/45 off his 15 overs. The star of the show was Brenton Damrow who took his maiden 5-wicket haul finishing with figures of 5/53 off 13 overs. Healesville had Lusatia reeling at 8/144 before a late partnership saw them take their score to 183 with Brodie Grace taking the final 2 wickets ending with 2/9. With 20 overs to bat the bloods looked to put a dent into the Lusatia total, it didn’t start well with Curtis Adamson and Max Wallace being dismissed early. Riley Cameron and Ben Wallace soon

Healesville’s teams play semi finals

By Ian Milgate

Tuesday’s Team 1 played away at UpweyTecoma.

To get into the Finals, the team needed to beat Upwey-Tecoma and Warburton need to beat Mooroolbark.

Warburton should beat Mooroolbark on home turf, so it was up to Healesville to have a win.

Everything didn’t go to plan.

Warby lost to Mooroolbark and the team got taught a lesson in bowls going down by 57 shots, 38/95.

Tuesday’s Team 1 is now out of the finals until next year.

One shining light for the day, Steve Graham’s MVP award, was went to Hilda Gurney.

· Effie Laban, Bob Brown, Barry Parker, Judy Veermann 14/35

· Steve Bulled, Damian Key, Ian Milgate, Russell Smith 12/42

· Steve Graham, Chris Hawting, Hilda Gurney, Gerda Otto 12/18

Tuesday’s Team 2 played at home against

Chirnside Park.

Chirnside is sitting on top of the ladder and Healesville is on the third.

But it doesn’t really matter for Healesville to win below or above, the team will still be playing finals.

Obviously the second team came out to play today as there was no chance of Chirnside Park getting anywhere near Healesville.

As all rinks played exceptionally well, the team finally beat Chirnside Park by 30 shots 71/41.

Fitzy’s MVP award went to Jodi Ward, who seems to be playing great bowls on a regular basis.

Healesville will now play a home final next week, so come on down and cheer them on.

· Wally Mays, Mike Adams, Anne Holland, Robyn Turville 20/12

· Len Cosson, Mick Featherstone, Leonie Fitzpatrick, Jodi Ward 28/14

· John Fitzpatrick, Colin Jarvis, Glenda Graham, Karl Tok 23/15

Saturday’s Team 1 played Heathmont in the Semi Final at Healesville, and this was go-

ing to be a tough game as Heathmont has a large pool of players that they can choose from, while Healesville plays the same 16 players that are called upon every week.

The first couple of ends had Heathmont in front but after that all players in all four rinks knuckled down, and it never looked like Healesville was going to lose.

The team went into the half time break with a reasonable lead and continued that on after the break too.

Finally, Healesville beat Heathmont comfortably by 48 shots, 96/48.

Healesville beat Ringwood at Ringwood on Sunday in the Qualifying round and they will go into the Grand Final next Saturday against Vermont South.

· Steve Graham, Effie Laban, Rita Featherstone, Robert Ayres 22/10

· Adrian Beales, Colin Jarvis, Bob Brown, Gerda Otto 21/12

· Steve Bulled, Chris Hawting, Ian Milgate, John Howard 29/13

· Mark Ward, Colin Lowe, Barry Parker, Brad Chandler 24/13

followed before Jonny Heywood and Michael Davern saw the day out. The Bloods need 132 next week with 6 wickets in hand for a chance to play finals.

Seniors 3rd XI: Healesville 7/201 defeated by Montrose 3/202

Captain Ethan Nikcevich started the Healesville innings strongly with a well-compiled 49. With the runs flowing due to most batsmen being able to come to the crease and have an impact, it was good to see batsmen able to find the boundary with ease. The Bloods went into the bowling innings with a strong total on the board and required the early inroads that just never came, there must have been something in the wicket because Healesville was only able to take 3 wickets for the day and it all came down to the last ball. Scores level, Ball goes through to the keeper, Montrose runs, Gabe Houlihan throws down the stumps, Healesville is certain it’s a run out, square leg umpire says no and Montrose get the chockies.

Seniors 4th XI: Healesville 77 defeated By Montrose 1/79

Opting to bat, the Bloods quickly lost in-form opening batsmen Owen Morcombe and Adam Keath with the watchful Zach Coleman soon following, before the aggressive Sam Keath and evergreen Matt Harding built the Bloods total from 3/10 to 3/65 before Sam Keath fell quickly followed by Matt Harding, and the rest of the order folded quicker than a deck of cards with Montrose running through Healesville to bowl them out for 77. Montrose had no issues chasing it down with Megan Schelfhout taking the solitary Healesville wicket.

Cricket Blasters Program –The Cricket Blasters program wrapped up on Thursday night with Starman presenting each participant with a medal. Healesville had 48 registered participants with 9 sessions of cricket fun.

Saturday’s Team 2 was playing Monbulk at Monbulk in the Semi Final.

This was going to be tough due to the green which is the fastest green in the competition.

With a little wind, it is even quicker.

As the team was only given one rink to practice on, it was a bit hard to get any worthwhile practice in.

This showed as Monbulk came out fighting right from the start and held a convincing lead all day beating Healesville by 49 shots, 35/84.

Luckily Healesville had the second chance and won Mitcham at Healesville in the qualifying round on Sunday.

Now the team is looking forward to playing against Monbulk in the Grand Final next week.

· John Fitzpatrick, Mick Featherstone, Glenda Graham, Karl Tok,11/30

· Len Cosson, Leonie Fitzpatrick, Judy Veermann, Russell Smith, 11/36

· Wally Mays, Mike Adams, Anne Holland, Sarah Gallacher 13/18

Yarra Junction Bowling Club’s season comes to an end

By Peter Brennan

The Yarra Junction Bowling Club midweek team travelled to Mooroolbark for the final game of the season, and finished the season the way it started. It was a gutsy effort and a narrow loss that could so easily have been a win. It is a case of what could have been, so near and yet so far. It was a tight see-sawing match that went right to the wire, with the result of all three rinks coming down to the last bowl. On one rink Junction was playing with a depleted team one player down, but still managed to force a tie, a praiseworthy effort. The other two rinks were won by Mooroolbark by a solitary point apiece, and could so easily have gone the other way. But the gulf between winning and losing is so much greater than the actual margin. So the curtain comes down on a season full of promise, that yielded no reward at all.

tions to winning ones. The ability to transition a losing head into a winning one is the mark of a good player, and Mitcham are not short of good players. They ultimately won reasonably comfortably and progressed to the grand final, but Junction were left believing that on a neutral venue they would be in with a chance. But first they had to front up the following day and win a preliminary final, which against the odds turned out to be against Yarra Glen.

The weekend team returned to Mitcham, to play the undefeated ladder leaders in a semifinal with a berth in the grand final the prize. On their home green Mitcham exerted their dominance and managed to neutralise the Junction attack, converting many losing situa-

As everyone knows in any sport preliminary finals are often the most exciting and the hardest to win. Yarra Glen finished the season in good form after a scratchy beginning, and snatched fourth spot in the final game before comprehensively beating Upwey-Tecoma in their semi-final. They were not to be underestimated.

The game began with two wedge-tailed eagles circling overhead, which some construed

as a good omen. However in warm and windy conditions Yarra Glen went out to an early lead. Junction settled and began to haul them in, and by half time the margin was close, and remained close for the duration of what was an engrossing and compelling match. The wind died away and the temperature increased. At the end of the day Junction won three of the four rinks by narrow margins, but lost the fourth by a sufficient margin to give Yarra Glen the overall lead. It was a cruel way to lose, but sport is not known for kindness and life is full of things that make you swear. So Junction bows out of the finals in a weekend that many would like to forget, but will be unable to.

Congratulations to Yarra Glen, and good luck in the grand final.

Thanks to all who participated in the Pennant seasons, and better luck next year to the Yarra Junction Bowling Club.

Healesville Cricket Club’s Blasters wrapped up their season with a visit from Starman. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Yarra Junction Bowling Club’s weekend side geared up for a semi-final with Mitcham.

Picture: SUPPLIED