Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 5th March 2024

Colourful fundraiser

By Dongyun Kwon

After successfully fundraising for the upgrade of the Grade 3/4 playground, Healesville Primary School students decided to do one more fundraiser for another playground.

Students are aiming to raise $20,000 for the upgrade of the Grade 5/6 playground, including getting new platforms and monkey bars.

To reach the target, the students decided to run a Colour Fun Run and shop call again.

Healesville Primary School principal Tracey Robertson-Smith said the whole school community including parents, teachers and students worked together as a team to run the event.

“Having the whole school community involved in the Colour Fun Run event is incredible,” she said.

Ms Robertson-Smith is happy with the positive impacts of the fundraising activities on her students.

Story page 14

Staffing squeeze

By Dongyun Kwon

Small businesses in all different industries in Healesville are struggling with staff shortages.

The issue has become significant since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said the

staff shortages have hit many regional towns acrossVictoria.

“We don’t have enough people to fill the vacancies that are currently available,” he said.

“When we shut the borders and sent all of the temporary visa holders home, they chose different destinations due to the uncertainty of [the possibility of] being able to get back to

Australia.

“One of the solutions would be the combination of having more people who want to work and having more houses in regional towns for them.”

Healesville Advantage Pharmacy, which is owned by the same proprietor of Healesville Walk Pharmacy, had to reduce its opening

hours due to staff shortages on 18 December 2023.

The store now runs from 9am to 1pm instead of 9am to 5.30pm.

Retail manager Jessica said both pharmacies have faced significant staff turnover and shortages since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Continued page 2

Tyre course in the Colour Fun Run.

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

Uncorking Chinese market

By Callum Ludwig

China’s tariffs on wine look set to be lifted by the end of March in a move that should result in a huge boost to the Australian wine industry.

As reported by the ABC, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell have met continuously over the last four months and the tariffs are expected to be removed by the conclusion of China’s review on 31 March.

In an interview for the ABC Afternoon Briefing with Greg Jennett, Mr Farrell said his latest meeting with Mr Wentao was his sixth in the last 18 months.

“He made it clear that their processes were on track, and we would get a result by the end of March,” he said.

“I’m very confident that the discussions I had yesterday with Wang Wentao will result in them carrying through on what they undertook to do, which was to expedite the review of the tariffs.”

The Australian Government suspended its dispute with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding the tariffs in October last year after China agreed to conduct a fivemonth review.

Mr Farrell said it’s not just bulk wine producers that have been affected.

“The loss of that largest trade market affected winemakers right around the country, including in my own town of the ClareValley. I’ve seen, very tragically, local winemakers simply

leave their grapes on the vines,” he said.

“We have made it very clear that we want those bans lifted. We want them lifted in the time frame that we have discussed. If we don’t get them lifted, then we will resume our World Trade Organisation dispute.”

Handpicked Wines has vineyards in Yarra Glen and Gladysdale and has exported wines from its vineyards across the country to China.

Chief winemaker Peter Dillon said the impact of the tariffs was significant for them as China was a key market for their exports.

“Because of what wines were preferred by the market there, we probably saw the bulk of our South Australian ‘reds’ going into China, so when the tariffs came in, that pretty much dried up overnight,” he said.

“It obviously had a huge and significant impact on the business and where those wines go, just as it would have for so many other Australian producers.”

In March 2019, Handpicked Wines held its largest Chinese distributor visit after experiencing huge growth in markets across Asia in the years prior, inviting 120 of its top-performing distributors to Australia.

Mr Dillon said the timing of the tariffs was also absolutely huge.

“At the time the tariffs had come in, Australia had just got to the top position as the number one importer by country, we had just managed to overtake places like France and Chile to get to the pole position,” he said.

“If you consider the size of that market and the quantity of Australian wine that would have been going in, it would have affected a huge portion of the Australian industry, particularly for the producers in the southeast of Australia.”

Before the tariffs were introduced, Australia’s export of wine to China was raking in $1.3 billion annually, which tanked to only $10.1 million in 2023 according to Wine Australia’s Export report.

Mr Dillon said it would be fair to say there’s a lot of excitement out there about the pros-

pect of the tariffs coming off.

“The boost is going to be twofold; in a mental sense, the relief that will come for a lot of people who probably have been doing it slightly tough will be significant,” he said.

“Once it opens there’s going to be a little bit of a delay because, like any relationship that you haven’t been engaged or active with for a number of years, people will have to find their way to a certain extent and rebuild those relationships in terms of importers and distribution,”

“But I think that’s a challenge that everyone’s looking forward to embracing in reality.”

The tariffs were originally imposed in late 2020 after a diplomatic fallout between the two countries over investigations into the spread and origins of Covid-19, which then Prime Minister Scott Morrison endorsed an inquiry into. Tariffs were also applied to barley, beef, cotton, lamb, lobsters, timber and coal.

Mr Dillon said he hopes the Australian government will keep fighting on behalf of the industry should the tariffs not be lifted.

“We definitely would be hoping that the government would be mindful of the position that the Australian industries are in, especially given I think there’s so much promise there with industries like the barley industry, which has had some success there,” he said.

“In many ways, we’ve got a pretty positive outlook and are pretty hopeful, but we’re still holding our breath to a certain extent and won’t get too ahead of ourselves.”

Staffing squeeze: Small businesses under pressure

From page 1

“To manage the staff shortages, Healesville Advantage Pharmacy has had to reduce its hours with staff members working the remainder of their shifts helping with the workload at Healesville Walk Pharmacy,” she said.

“This difficult decision wasn’t made lightly given the impact it has had on our community, but was necessary to protect our staff’s wellbeing, morale and to minimise staff burnout during this time.

“It has taken a few months and we are finally starting to see an increase in staff among our pharmacy assistants, however, the struggle persists in finding qualified pharmacists to fill essential roles, this is due to the existing shortages of pharmacists in the industry and our regional location, making it difficult to find people, let alone those willing to make the commute.”

The impact of these staff shortages is not only being felt by the pharmacies themselves but also by the community they serve.

Jessica is concerned that the pharmacies may no longer be able to provide the level of support and care they have given to the community, especially in the evenings and on the weekends.

Yarra Valley Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said staff shortages have affected the tourism industry in Yarra Valley as well.

“In terms of staff shortages within the tourism sector [in Yarra Valley], we’re seeing continued pressure on local businesses, trying to identify skilled people to work in the industry,” he said.

“As many people moved into other jobs and industries during the period of the pandemic, a lot of the work in the tourism industry was closed.

“We work alongside about 350 local businesses and all have experienced difficulties with staffing at some point.”

Grand Hotel Healesville had to close the restaurant on Sunday nights and Monday nights due to staff shortages.

Business owner Lisa said the chefs left the hotel and decided to start a new career in an entirely different industry as the hospitality industry was the first one closed down and the last one reopened during the pandemic.

“We just started Sunday nights again about two weeks ago and Monday nights a few months ago,” she said.

“The recent [hiring] ad that I’ve just put out [on Facebook] is probably the best response that I’ve had since Covid. People are looking for a second job now because everyone’s struggling with the cost of living.

“We’re fine with the front of the house for both bar and dining but we cannot find a security and cleaning staff.”

Simon said there are a couple of opportunities which would train people to be skilled enough to get into the industry.

“For school leavers, a certificate for tourism is available through Free TAFE, so that’s a great opportunity which can be done through any of the TAFE organisations,” he said.

“Yarra Ranges Tourism has developed a workforce plan as the regional tourism organisation.

“We completed it late last year and we’re working with that plan to see what we can do to support the local industry and particular workforce initiatives to encourage people to enter the tourism industry.”

Shore Hire Melbourne East is also one of the businesses which has been struggling with hiring new staff members.

It’s been in Healesville for about 18 months and is the first branch of Shore Hire which has suffered from the staff shortages.

Sales and operations manager Adam Brown said it’s 10 times harder to find people for every single role compared to the other branches that he worked for in the past.

“I’ve worked for this company in three different states and it [staff shortages] has never been a problem,” he said.

“Jobs weren’t normally advertised and got 20, 30 plus applications and now I’m getting one application per month even though we have them advertised in five or six different recruiters.“

“I’ve been trying to fill two positions for four months. We’ve got great staff incentives including employee assistance programs and cash bonuses.”

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell is confident China will lift tariffs on Australian wine by the end of March. Picture: ON FILE

Grand Hotel Healesville.

Adam Brown.

Shore Hire Melbourne East.

Pharmacy technician Ally, pharmacist Doris and retail manager Jessica. Pictures: DONGYUN KWON

on Tuesday 27 February.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Two OK after crash

By Dongyun Kwon

Two cars collided head-on on the Maroondah Highway in Coldstream on Tuesday 27 February.

Emergency services responded to the collision at about 4.55pm.

When the services arrived on the scene, one occupant was out of their vehicle and the other was still in the vehicle however the person was not mechanically trapped.

Victoria State Emergency Service crews worked in conjunction with CFA crews to safely remove the doors and assist the injured

patient out and into the care of Ambulance Victoria.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two occupants were taken to hospitals safely.

“A man in his 40s was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with upper and lower body injuries,” they said.

“A woman in her 50s was transported by road to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition with upper and lower body injuries.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Emergency

Pumpkins uprooted, used to smash glass

By Dongyun Kwon

Unknown offenders entered The Coombe Cottage in Coldstream between 4pm on Saturday 24 February and 9am Sunday 25 February.

Lilydale Police Station Sergeant Tim Stewart said that the offenders picked up pumpkins, other vegetables and fruits that were growing on the grounds.

“The offenders have then thrown the pumpkins through glass greenhouse windows smashing the windows,” he said.

“The damage cost approximately $5000.”

Police are seeking witnesses.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lilydale Police on 9739 2300. Unknown offenders entered The

IN BRIEF

Monbulk-Seville Road to be closed for spray sealing

The Department of Transport and Planning (DOTP) is spray-sealing a section of MonbulkSeville Road, approximately 250 metres south of Holden Road to repair damaged areas and improve the condition of the road surface.

Works were expected to start on Tuesday 5 March and be completed in mid-March. Crews will be working between 8.30am and 5pm.

The road will be closed for the duration of these important maintenance works.

Monbulk-Seville Road will be closed with a detour in place via Ferndale Road, Monbulk Road and Parker Road.

Plan ahead and allow an extra 10 minutes of travel time.

Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained.

There will be medium to high noise levels – the DOTP will work towards minimising noise as much as possible. Crews use modern equipment to reduce noise, however the works will unavoidably emit some noise and light. For the safety of road users and workers on site, reversing beepers are a requirement on all machinery.

Expect some vibrations and dust around work areas.

A 40km/h speed reduction was in place during the wait for the road to be resealed.

The road was previously closed after geotechnical engineers assessed a section of unstable ground and identified an active landslip on Monbulk-Seville Road near the intersection with Charteris Road in late 2022.

Eighteen trees that became unstable during the landslip were removed. Additional drainage works were also undertaken to reduce water pooling under the road surface.

Almost 29,000 Toyota Landcruiser and Tundra models recalled

Approximately 28,491 2021 to 2024 Toyota Landcruiser and Tundra models have been recalled due to an issue with the transmission.

Due to a design issue, the transmission control module may not operate as intended. If this occurs, the automatic transmission may continue to transfer engine power to the wheels when shifted to the neutral position. If the brake pedal or park brake are not applied it may result in unintended vehicle movement if the shift lever is not moved to Park position.

An unintended movement of the vehicle may increase the risk of an accident causing serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Toyota and are asked to make an appointment to update the transmission control module software, free of charge.

Prior to updating the transmission control module software, owners are encouraged to use the shift levers Park position rather than Neutral.

The affected models are the Landcruiser 300 (FJA300) and Tundra (VXKH75) including the Landcruiser Wagon GR-S, Landcruiser Wagon GX, Landcruiser Wagon GXL, LandcruiserWagon Sahara, LandcruiserWagon Sahara ZX, Landcruiser Wagon VX, Tundra Limited variants.

Two cars collided head-on on Maroondah Highway in Coldstream

Coombe Cottage in Coldstream. Picture: DONGYYN KWON

A rainbow of perspectives

By Callum Ludwig

The potential for a specific LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee was put to councillors at the 27 February Yarra Ranges Council meeting.

As reported by the Star Mail in January, the Victorian Pride Lobby’s Rainbow Local Government campaign is calling on councils across the state to establish LGBTIQA+ advisory committees or sub-committees similar to others that are comprised of community members who offer insight on other community concerns.

Co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government Campaign Dr Sean Mulcahy spoke at the meeting and said without an advisory committee, there’s a risk that the specific needs of local LGBTIQA+ people might be lost.

“According to the Victorian Population Health Survey, at least 6600 residents in the Yarra Ranges identify as LGBTIQA+, and an advisory committee is about giving those residents, alongside LGBTIQA+ people who work and recreate in the Yarra Ranges, a voice on issues that affect them,” he said.

“I know that Yarra Ranges Council has participated in theVictorian Pride March and also signed the Embracing Equality Pledge, which is a public commitment to making positive change as allies to LGBTIQA+ communities and our families,”

“I also note the comments from Council’s Director of Corporate Services in the Star Mail that Council is committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing the strength of diversity and addressing and preventing any discriminatory or exclusionary practices and I again want to thank you for this commitment.”

Advisory committees to Council are made up of community members affected by or involved in the topic of interest such as disability, rural areas, health and wellbeing or sustainable environment practices, which are

all examples of current advisory committees established in the Yarra Ranges. Occasionally, a councillors will also be included among the committee members or may chair the committee.

Dr Mulcahy said neighbouring councils such as Casey and Manningham have established LGBTIQA+ advisory committees in their municipal districts, and he thinks it’s now time for Yarra Ranges to do the same.

“It’s important that LGBTIQA+ residents and ratepayers in Yarra Ranges have a direct

engagement on council policy, major projects and other matters, and an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee that incorporates local community members and community organisations like Rural Rainbows is an important way of providing direct engagement on that work,” he said.

“We ask that the appropriate officer speak with us to understand the terms of the petition and to allow us to understand council’s position on it, we stand ready to work with council and yourselves as councillors to advance LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Yarra Ranges.”

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar spoke to the motion first and asked if Dr Mulcahy was aware there are some LGBTIQA+ representatives on the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee to which Dr Mulcahy said he was, but the benefit of a specific committee would be having a particular purpose of LGTBIQA+ inclusion unlike the Health andWellbeing Advisory Committee.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton spoke next and said she is very enthusiastic about this and does see the benefit.

“I’m very strong on people who are most affected being the best advocates for their needs in the community and we certainly see that from all the advisory committees,” she said.

“I do have the concern that gender and sexuality is still something that in a general advisory committee people may not want to bring, especially if it’s something that is personal to them,”

“I’m just wondering if you have a vision of what you found is an effective advisory committee form for councils.”

Yarra Ranges Council is currently developing the next iteration of its Equity, Access and Inclusion Strategy and is planning direct engagement with community groups such as Rural Rainbows to help advise on it.

Dr Mulcahy said what has been quite successful, particularly the Casey LGBTIQA+ ad-

visory committee, is that it’s very clear that that committee is working with the purpose of helping the council to develop an action plan.

“Often if it’s tied into a particular plan that the council’s developing, and I know the council is at the moment reviewing its Access, Equity and Inclusion policy, then that can be a really constructive way to frame the work of the advisory committee and make people feel as though they’re making a real difference in their contribution,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Sophie Todorov, who has been a member of the Q-East Alliance made up of community workers of seven eastern region areas to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIA+ locals, also asked Dr Mulcahy if it might be appropriate to have an advisory committee across an eastern region group of councils such as Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Manningham.

Dr Mulcahy said that has been successfully used before.

“If you go a bit south to Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, they have a combined advisory committee, what they call a collaborative, and I think that works quite well because people move across council boundaries firstly,” he said.

“Secondly, I think the learnings that one council has can be shared with other councils as well too, particularly in areas where this might be a first, collaborating across different council areas can be a really effective way of supporting an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee,”

“I would encourage, if this officer’s recommendation is supported today, for the appropriate officer to engage in consultation with neighbouring councils, particularly Casey and Manningham, that have already done some work within this space with a view to the potential of a regional LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.”

Bill brought to parliament aims to end pork barrelling

By Callum Ludwig

Pork barrelling scandals have plagued Australian politics in recent years and one Independent MP has introduced a bill hoping to crack down on the shady practice.

Indi MP Helen Haines has introduced a Private Members’ Bill to the Federal Parliament to try and improve the fairness, transparency and accountability for where government funds are directed.

Dr Haines said taxpayer money should be spent on the needs of communities not the wants of the major parties.

“Funding decisions should be evidencebased, with grants awarded on merit and need,” she said,

“At election time, the major parties use taxpayer money to shore up votes in marginal seats. Rorting grants programs wastes money and destroys public trust in government processes.”

Dr Haines has worked with the Centre for Public Integrity, including Executive Director Dr Catherine Williams and Director and lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC, to help draft the bill.

“When there are so many unmet areas of need in our community, the misuse of public money is a problem Australia simply can’t afford,” Dr Williams said.

“We are not talking about millions, we are talking about billions of dollars of taxpayer’s money allocated incorrectly, inadvisably and contrary to public interest.Why not bring the spending under control?” Mr Watson said.

Both major parties have come under scrutiny for potential pork barrelling in recent times, with the Coalition called out by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) for the ‘sports rorts’ and ‘car park rorts’ in 2020 and 2021 respectively, while the Auditor General has found the current Labor Government was only partly consistent with guidelines in awarding funding through the Building Better Regions Fund, with the third and fifth rounds of funding deemed to be‘not appropriately informed by departmental advice’ or ‘based on merit assessment results.’

Labor is also currently subject to an audit of the first round of the Community Batteries for Household Solar program.

Dr Haines said at its best, pork barrelling is maladministration, at its worst its corruption.

“My Bill would require ministers to report to the Parliament when they have delivered money to their own electorates or gone against the advice of their department when awarding grants,” she said.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and by forcing Ministers to front up and explain themselves if they go against official advice, we are less likely to see dodgy decisions made on the eve of elections to win votes.”

The Casey electorate has featured among a few of the recent pork-barrelling scandals, with $500,000 awarded for a Belgrave reserve netball court development that didn’t meet the required merit score during the sports rorts, featuring as one of the electorates

promised a project in the car parks rorts and potentially being caught up in another with Yarra Junction the recipient of a community battery.

Casey MP Aaron Violi said he’s got some concerns with the bill.

“The reality is that the role of a local member of parliament is to represent our community and to fight for the needs of our community, no one knows better than a local MP the challenges that a community faces and that’s our job,” he said.

“We should not be abdicating responsibility because a bureaucrat in Canberra looking at a spreadsheet or looking at black and white words cannot understand the intangible needs of our community.”

Mr Violi is on the Federal Government’s Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit which works with the Auditor General to review government spending.

Mr Violi said he thinks the proposed bill is a bit of grandstanding and is quite disrespectful to the Audit Committee and the Auditor General.

“We need to continue to support the Auditor General to make sure that they’re independent and that they’re well funded, and we can’t let governments or executives of any side be able to limit the workload of the Auditor General,” he said.

“We also haven’t seen any cases come before the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), so this is a new body that will potentially, and in theory, and was argued by many, stamp out some of these practices,”

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the Member for Indi, I know her quite well, but I think given the processes we’ve got in place, let’s see how the new anti-corruption commission impacts this and we’ve already got an independent Auditor-General that needs to be fully supported and funded.”

A netball court upgrade at the Belgrave Recreation Reserve became entwined in a recent pork-barrelling scandal.

Picture: ON FILE

A petition for an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee was discussed at a Yarra Ranges Council meeting. Picture: ON FILE

Local clinics buck the trend

By Callum Ludwig

The Casey electorate has featured as a surprising outlier among concerning statistics as the number of bulk-billing GPs plummets around the country again.

Data from healthcare comparison directory Cleanbill’s Blue Report released at the start of January identified that 132 out of the 151 Federal electorates recorded a decrease in bulk billing offerings between the 2024 report and Cleanbill’s Health of the Nation report in April 2023.

Not in Casey however, as the electorate recorded an increase of three bulk-billing practices, taking the total from a dire four to a still concerning seven.

Dr Dan’s Medical Clinic in Monbulk has continued to offer bulk billing since opening at the start of 2020, despite a tough period where the clinic couldn’t accept new patients, and principal practitioner Dr Dan Jeyaseelan said that won’t be changing anytime soon.

“Even though there is pressure on businesses, there’s so much pressure on families due to the cost of living crisis that maintaining equitable healthcare I think is a pillar of what a modern society should be, so that’s why we’ve kept it,” he said.

“I think it’s crucial because a lot of people are ending up in an emergency room and so on because they cannot get access to quality health care, so I’m glad to see that the numbers of bulk-billing clinics locally have increased.”

The increase in bulk billing clinics in Casey means 18.4 per cent of the clinics in the electorate now offer bulk billing, compared to 11.8 per cent in 2023. It was the third-largest increase recorded in the country.

Dr Jeyaseelan said people need access to quality care, otherwise they delay care.

“If they delay care, then what happens is they end up with delayed presentations which are often much more significant,” he said.

“I really think maintaining bulk billing at least for standard consultations will reduce a lot of the pressure and improve total health

outcomes because, through Covid, virtual medicine has sometimes meant that people have not been seen face-to-face at all.”

From November 2023, the Australian Government tripled the incentives for GPs to bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other concession cardholders to help reduce the cost of a visit to the GP for these demographics.

Dr Jeyaseelan said this change was the one

they were waiting for.

“Interestingly, when you do bulk bill someone with a pension or healthcare card now, obviously we’re getting paid a little bit more for it but we can use that to offset bulk billing someone who doesn’t, though that’s not to say those people who don’t qualify don’t have their own financial concerns,” he said.

“These are all individual business choices,

we’re passionate about maintaining bulk billing but some places, depending on their viewpoints, will be looking at different strategies to maintain the buoyancy of their practice, it is a challenging time for general practice.

“The key is Medicare and improving rebates to then improve access and then hopefully those clinics will follow suit, but I don’t think there’s a simple solution.”

The bulk billing incentive that kicked in back in November increases with the rurality of the practice, ranging between $6.85 and $20.65 in metro areas and from $13.15 to $39.70 in very remote areas, and is paid on top on top of the Medicare patient rebate for a GP consultation.

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the improvement in Casey is positive news and a step in the right direction.

“With an electorate that’s 2500 square kilometres, there’s a lot more that needs to be done, there’s no bulk billing in Lilydale for example, one of our larger suburban areas,” she said.

“I am planning to engage with local GPs around understanding the positive effect of the changes and discuss what more can be done because it is good for us, but we need to recognise, is around 1.2 million Australians avoided seeing a doctor last year due to due to the cost.

“When we have people not going to the doctor because they can’t afford it there are short-term, medium and long-term implications for their health which ultimately cost the system more, but more importantly, there is a significant impact on their quality of life, their family’s quality of life and it ultimately impacts our whole community.”

Mr Violi said he was also concerned about the Victorian Government’s changes to the payroll tax that will now impact GPs, which has also concerned the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, and the reduction of subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to 10, which he believes both would help to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

Life-saving move for the Upper Yarra amid new defibs

Two new community-accessible defibrillators are now in place the Upper Yarra thanks to the Bendigo Community BanksWarburton and Yarra Junction as part of their commitment to provide up to five annually.

The Yarra Valley Bee Group applied under the Inaugural Community Defib program and was successful, with the new defib now at Yarra Valley ECOSS in Wesburn for the whole community and Yarra Valley Bee Group to access.

“The defib has been installed in a central location outside Tonantzin Chocolate at ECOSS, and proved its worth the day after its installation when it was almost used in an emergency, just prior to paramedics arriving. While we hope never to have to use this life

saving tool, it’s reassuring to know it’s there just in case,” said LynWilliams from theYarra Valley Bee Group.

“We would like to thank and acknowledge the support of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, through the Grant application and for making it all happen, Yarra Valley ECOSS and of course a big shout out to Bendigo Bank for continuing to provide community support for everyone.”

“It feels so good to have this life-saving device available to the community here,” said executive pfficer of Yarra Valley ECOSS Chelsea McNab.

The Warburton Advancement League also applied and was successful, with their new defib located in front of the Warburton IGA.

“A wonderful partnership between Warburton Advancement League, Warburton IGA and the Bendigo Bank (Warburton and

Yarra Junction branches) resulting in an additional Community Accessible Defib Unit for our Warburton community,” said Alison Fitzgerald from theWarburton Advancement League.

“We know defibrillators are key to surviving a cardiac arrest and these defibs help keep people safe and save lives. It’s just another way we are having a big impact every day,” said branch manager of the Bendigo Bank Community Banks in Warburton and Yarra Junction Kristy Sumner.

It forms a new link in the chain of defibrillators in the Upper Yarra, with the Woori Yallock and District Community Bank also having distributed a number of the life-saving devices further down the line in recent times.

Dr Dan Jeyaseelan is glad to see bulk billing options have increased in Casey, alongside his clinic in Monbulk continuing to do so.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Members of the Yarra Valley Bee Group with their new defibrillator. Picture: SUPPLIED

Road reserve compromise

By Callum Ludwig

A petition put to the Yarra Ranges Council in 2022 has been revisited at the council meeting on Tuesday 27 February, with a solution put forward that will hopefully absolve concerns for all parties involved.

Twenty-nine local residents and property owners signed the 2022 petition to create emergency and recreational access to theYarra River at Stuart Road in EastWarburton, as they believe the owner of the property at 35 Stuart Road had unlawfully constructed gates and retaining walls restricting access for vehicles.

Owner of the 35 Stuart Road property Damian Arnell spoke at the Council meeting and said his family’s primary interest in this matter is the safety of the family and the security of their property.

“Understanding the layout of our property and the historical facts are essential to making the decision on this matter, the dead end of Stuart Road is unmarked and runs seamlessly into our property, which has been gated for 35 years,” he said.

“The proposal would sever our property into two disconnected parcels, a paddock which represents 90 per cent of the property, as we can see on the map from the report and a smaller 10 per cent triangle parcel on which our home is located.

“We originally wanted to build our home on the paddock away from the road, instead the Yarra Ranges planning department mandated that we build on the smaller parcel.”

When the Star Mail visited the Stuart Road property to try and contact the owner in September 2022, the gate was padlocked and adorned with signs warning trespassers to keep out.

Mr Arnell said they were concerned about building too close to the road, but were told at the time that the road would never be reinstated or used for public access because the new steel bridge along Hazelwood Drive would provide emergency vehicle access.

“Our home sits in a secluded location, which is the reason we purchased the property, unfortunately this secluded setting lends itself to unlawful behaviour and not mere antisocial behaviour as described in the council report,” he said.

“We have experienced bullets fired from the

road, shattering our kitchen window and the window of our children’s bedrooms, as well as the glass balustrade of a balcony.”

Stuart Road up to number 35 is in Council’s Public Road Register, while the setion which bisects the property is uncontructed road reserve.

East Warburton resident Tim Herbert also spoke at the meeting and said broadly speaking, he believes the Council report has sensible advice and is a reasonable compromise, despite some loss to the community.

“Past the bridge (on Hazelwood Road), the only place the river can be accessed and crossed is via Stuart Road which is conveniently in the middle of the three kilometres,” he said.

“In 2012 after finding Stuart Road and the connecting ford blocked I spoke to another neighbour with a long family history and extensive knowledge of the area and he was also concerned.

“Fundamentally it’s historically well used by the public, the CFA also trained to cross the river at that point. Eventually around 2020 or

slightly after, the gate that number 35 installed was locked and marked as private property and no public access.”

Another speaker named Harvey Bolt who resides at 175 Hazelwood Road endorsed the comments of Mr Herbert and raised concerns about the rights of access for pedestrians and emergency situations. Under the Road Management Act 2004, members of the public are individually entitled to a right of passage along the road unless a road was discontinued or closed. Councils also have the power under the Local Government Act 1989 to require the removal of all or any obstructions within a road reserve.

Yarra Ranges Council considered the possibility of reinstating the ford located at Armitage and Stuart Road but it was not supported due to safety, financial and environmental concerns.

In August 2023, locks were first removed from the gate to allow for pedestrian access as per a Council recommendation to the Arnell family, but concerns when then raised following several instances of vehicle access and antisocial behaviour being reported.

Council has recommended for a locked gate to be installed that can be unlocked with a standard S100key for emergency or maintenance access while also having a narrow opening for pedestrians to prevent private vehicles from accessing the road reserve. All signage preventing pedestrian access is to be removed, while if any further concerns arise, further action such as delineating the road reserve and the property at No. 35 Stuart Road will be considered.

O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said there had been some passionate support either way but when he looked at the report and the recommendation, he saw a balanced outcome.

“I believe, councillors, that we’ve got an appropriate outcome for this petition and I think this is a fine example how petitions work when they’re brought to this council,” he said.

“They’re thoroughly investigated, everyone has the opportunity to have their say and that’s right through to the appropriate agencies, members of the public and us as councillors and I think we’ve followed due process.”

Council faces questions over public toilet cleanliness

By Dongyun Kwon

Concerns regarding the state of cleanliness in Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) Facilities were raised through a question during the recent council meeting.

Resident Eric Adams asked a question to the Yarra Ranges councillors and introduced his experience on Tuesday 27 February.

“In September of last year, I asked for the ones [public toilets] at Brice Avenue to be cleaned properly,” he said.

“[After] I got a response that it had been done, I went back, checked and nothing had been done, they were still as bad as they were.”

Mr Adams said he had to contact the council several more times to get it cleaned.

“There had been a large clump of toilet paper thrown up onto the sensor for flushing urine and apparently it had been there for three months, so the urine hadn’t flushed for three months,” he said.

“[After the team cleaned it] the toilet paper remained and we had to get them to come back again to do another clean.

“That was not my issue, my issue is the goop that’s running down the wall that has been there for three or four months.”

According to the YRC’s annual report 2022-2023, the council allocated over $6 million to property and facility management.

Mr Adams said the services that the contractors provided should have been better for the amount of money the council paid for the contract.

“I understand that when you clean a toilet, half an hour later, someone’s used it and

it’s not the same as when you cleaned it,” he said.

“But, it is just unacceptable [considering the amount the council paid]. It’s just not being done to any great standard.

“It [cleanliness of public toilets] is not the only part of the council that the checking needs to be done, the street sweeper is supposed to come around and sweep the streets every six weeks and I don’t think he comes up my street every six weeks.”

StreetonWard Councillor Andrew Fullagar said it’s a wake-up call for the council to work together to solve the issue.

“As Mr Adams pointed out, we’re a high tourist area and it’s not just the tourists that use the toilets but it’s also our local residents who deserve better [public toilets],” he said.

“I’ve heard, time and time again, that the service is going to improve [with] different contractors but these problems persist.

“We really do need to take apart, get a new piece of paper and work on this together, community and the council.”

Built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp responded to the question, stating that the team is looking at the current contract.

“Over the last three months, we’ve appointed more of a focus on an auditing role,” he said.

“There’s the whole back to basics on what are the specifications that are right for the council, particularly given the comments around tourism and that’s the part of what the team is looking at and they’ll come back with the specifications to the council for the next tender.

“As part of the draft budget discussions today, we’re looking at extra funding for upgrades of toilets as well, so there’ll be for the council’s consideration as part of the budget process.”

A public toilet in Healesville.

Pictures: DONGYUN KWONThe hand dryer in the Healesville’s public toilet.

The original gate that prevented pedestrian access to the Yarra River on Stuart Road,East Warburton. Picture: ON FILE

Hall of spirits

By Dongyun Kwon Co-founder and

head Histiller of Healesvillebased gin distillery Four Pillars Cameron Mackenzie was inducted into the Gin Hall of Fame in London by UK’s Gin Magazine, becoming only the second Australian, and 20th person in history, inducted into the industry’s most prestigious realm.

An induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest accolade bestowed by Gin Magazine as part of their World Gin Awards series and celebrates those who have left a lasting mark on the global gin industry.

Mr Mackenzie said he was pumped about it.

“It’s a huge honour and I am humbled they thought of me,” he said.

“It’s also great to see so many other members of the Four Pillars team nominated and win so many accolades at the Gin Awards this year including our entire production and distilling team.”

Four Pillars Rare Old Tom Gin was picked up World’s Best Old Tom Gin 2024 as well as the Four Pillars distilling and production team being awarded Production Team of the Year at the Gin Magazine’s World Gin Awards.

Four Pillars operations director Michelle Hall was awarded Sustainability Officer of the Year for her efforts making Four Pillars one of the most sustainable distilleries in the world and Australia’s first carbon-neutral gin distillery.

Venue manager Scott Gauld was also recognised and awarded the Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year for his incredible efforts running a world-class distillery and hospitality venue in Healesville.

Four Pillars started back in 2013 with two more co-founders Stu Gregor and Matt Jones.

“We started at the back of Rob Dolan’s winery in a tiny space hoping to make about

15,000 bottles in the first year,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“We won some international awards quite early, and this propelled us into shops and bars all around Australia.

“The momentum just didn’t stop and this year we will make around 1.2 million bottles.”

Before Mr Mackenzie founded Four Pillars Gin, he was a professional athlete who went to the Olympics in 1996 to participate in the Athletics Men’s 4x 400m Relay.

Mr Mackenzie said he didn’t grow up thinking about athletics or going to the Olympics.

“I was a good sprinter at school but had never trained a day in my life,” he said.

“I wanted to keep fit when I went to university, so I joined a training group and that unearthed far more ability than I knew I had.

“I ran my first 400m when I was 25 and went to the Olympics a year later. I was very lucky and I loved every minute of it.”

Mr Mackenzie had stepped into the wine industry before he got into the gin industry.

“When I was training as an athlete, I was also working in the wine industry and when I stopped running, I threw myself into wine,” he said.

“I spent 15 years in wineries before taking a sidestep into gin.

“I love gin and I realised that for most people in the wine industry, gin was their white spirit of choice.”

Four Pillars’ home in Healesville is the most visited hospitality destination in regionalVictoria with more than 180,000 annual visitors. Even though both his co-founders are in Sydney now, he has lived in Healesville for over 15 years.

“I love this region and it is always going to be the home of Four Pillars,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“Four Pillars is building a great team within a community I love.

“It’s great to front up to work and hang out with such a great group of people.”

Your say on park plans

By Callum Ludwig

With the Wandin North Masterplan approved by Yarra Ranges Council in July 2023, one of the first major projects is up for community engagement.

A proposed upgrade to the PJ Mould Community Park is the first cab off the rank, with residents asked to share their thoughts on plans to give the area an uplift.

Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said they’re seeking community member feedback on concept plans for PJ Mould Reserve.

“In July 2023, after extensive community consultation, we finalised the Wandin North Masterplan, a document outlining works and projects to improve the town centre over the coming 10 years.

“In the Masterplan, we identified several opportunities to revitalise PJ Mould Reserve and the surrounding area, including improved gathering spaces, extended and upgraded paths, new landscaping and park furniture.”

An open invitation to talk to the planning team at the reserve on Wednesday 28 February was planned but had to be post-

poned due to adverse weather conditions.

“In addition, an opportunity to upgrade the toilet facilities at the reserve, to increase safety, access and amenity at the same time has presented itself and this important upgrade has been brought forward to be delivered alongside the landscape improvements to PJ Mould reserve,” Ms McClusky said.

“We will continue to consult with stakeholders, including the RSL and Wandin Rotary Club – particularly on a proposal to relocate the town’s War Memorial into the reserve - and we encourage community members to share feedback at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au before 24 March.”

The toilet facilities are one of the key upgrade opportunities, having been impacted by previous flooding incidents.

Residents can view identified issues and opportunities for the space on a pair of interactive maps accessible on the Shaping Yarra Ranges webpage to find out more.

Yarra Ranges Council estimates the feedback will have been reviewed and relevant changes made by April 2024, an exhibition of the final design held in May 2024 and construction is anticipated to have commenced by July 2024.

Cameron Mackenzie and Michelle Hall at the World Gin Awards. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Four Pillars Distillery.

Cameron Mackenzie.

PJ Mould Community Park in Wandin North is set for an upgrade. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

From the world of wildlife

By Callum Ludwig

The United Nations’ World Wildlife Day was held on Sunday 3 March as animal lovers and conservationists around the world celebrated successes and shared concerns in the animal kingdom.

There’s a plethora of animal rescue and wildlife organisations in the Yarra Ranges, and some of them shared their important messages to the Star Mail they want to highlight in the world of wildlife.

Owner and operator of Mt Evelyn’s Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter Emma Cash urged locals to look up their local wildlife shelter and offer them support.

“All registered wildlife shelters are run by volunteers, we don’t get paid to look after wildlife that are sick, injured or orphaned,” she said.

“Most need volunteers and if you can’t regularly volunteer, maybe you could donate to help with the feeding costs.

“Australia has one of the highest extinction rates of fauna and flora in the world, over 50 per cent of all fauna found in Australia are only found in Australia, once gone, we cannot bring them back. As Australians, we should care about our wildlife, because if we don’t, no one else will.”

This year is the 11th annual World Wildlife Day, with the date of 3 March selected as it is the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973. CITES is an international treaty that was signed to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade, helping to crack down on illegal hunting, monitor imports and improve the welfare of the plants and animals.

Ms Cash said caring for wildlife starts in your own backyard.

“Fruit netting is one of the biggest killers of wildlife during the spring/summer months, if you can fit your finger through the netting spaces the net is now illegal and you could be prosecuted. Consider using branch stockings to protect the fruit, or even better share it with your furry and feathery locals,” she said.

“Roaming cats (and dogs) are also a major threat to native wildlife, letting domestic animals roam at night not only increases the chance of native wildlife being attacked, but your furry friend also runs the increased risk of being hit by a car or picking up diseases such as FIV from cat fights.

“Whether we like it or not, if you ask an overseas traveller what they know about Australia one of the first things they mention is our Australian wildlife, the koala (and no, it is not a bear!) and kangaroo and wouldn’t it be amazing if as Aussies we stopped thinking of these animals as pests and started to celebrate how unique our wildlife is.”

The theme of 2024’s World Wildlife Day is ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’, aiming to raise awareness of digital innovation in wildlife conservation, such as the implementation of electronic CITES permitting systems which are helping crack down on illegal wildlife trade, ever-developing sustainable agricultural and fishing practices and new cameras and devices helping record all sorts of flora and fauna.

Owner of the Waratah Wildlife Shelter Raewyn Jeganathan said it saddens her to see how so many of us have little regard for our amazing wildlife.

“We need to work towards recognising the effect our lives have on theirs and find ways to live in a manner that respects both the environment and the wildlife. We have such a unique and diverse range of animals in Austra-

lia, they’re all so fascinating and yet the majority of people know so little about them,” she said.

“I started Waratah Wildlife Shelter because I became painfully aware of the impact humans are having on our wildlife and feel that we should be working towards rectifying that. For the most part, I can only help individual animals whose paths cross mine but I really hope that one day I can have a greater impact.

“I hope I can help to change people’s mindsets, to encourage them to respect and appreciate the native wildlife and work together to improve the health and wellbeing of our environment and its inhabitants.”

Carol Seeger runs the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, looking after permanent and temporary residents who find themselves in need of care.

Fem Koenders is a foster carer for the shel-

ter and said people need to be aware of the importance of looking out for our wildlife on the roads.

“Slow down at dusk and dawn, report injured animals and educate yourself so you have a better understanding,” she said.

“Carol takes in an enormous amount of animals on a daily basis.The cost and time it takes to nurse each and every one of them back to health is enormous, and that’s not counting dealing with the heartache for the ones that don’t make it. I think most people would be stunned at how hard she works, day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year.

“Our wildlife is unique, fragile and yet robust, they need all the help they can get because our environment is a harsh one to survive in and on top of that we are encroaching on their home at an alarming rate.”

Platypus enthusiasts gather for survey at sunset

By Callum Ludwig

Twenty-three people passionate about platypi gathered in Yarra Junction hoping to catch a glance of the elusive native critter on Friday 1 March.

A platypus survey was hosted by Upper Yarra Landcare and Healesville Environment Watch Inc (HEWI), gathered near the Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve as the sun was setting for the event.

Secretary of Upper Yarra Landcare Tom Day said it was great to have had really good numbers for a nice evening.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t see any platypus, but it was just really good to learn the skills on how to conduct a proper survey, so I think that’s what everyone took home from it,” he said.

“It was a nice evening to do it because it was nice and calm, there was no cloud cover and no rain obviously, so I think everyone enjoyed it, the mood was really positive.”

Despite the lack of platypus presence, it was not a wasted opportunity as attendees also contributed to an early Clean Up Australia Day effort.

Mr Day said they integrated the clean-up

event into their survey efforts.

“We cleaned up rubbish along the Little Yarra river and around the Yarra Junction Recreation Area,” he said.

“I’d say the amount of river that we were able to actually monitor was probably about 200 metres in total, and then we reached property boundaries where we couldn’t walk any further.

“There’s a chance that the platypus were probably in a bit more of a quieter area be-

cause where we monitored was close to the oval, traffic and where people walk their dogs, who scare them off pretty quickly.”

While surveys remain the most accessible way to survey for platypi in local waterways, there are DNA tests which can test for platypus presence in the water even when they are hidden away.

Mr Day said an observation sheet was their method of surveying on the day.

“We split up into groups of three and went

along the river at 50m intervals and what we do is we take observations every 10 minutes which includes the cloud cover, the amount of light, any rain, etc,” he said.

“The best thing about a group survey like that is that if one group sees a platypus and the platypus happens to be moving up or downstream it stops the repetition of the same platypus being counted more than once.

“It was just unfortunate that we didn’t see them but they’re more active at this time of year, they’re starting to head out for finding a mate and they tend to be more active at dusk and dawn.”

Upper Yarra Landcare will continue to hold more platypus surveys and other environmental events throughout the year that Upper Yarra residents can get involved in.

Mr Day said it’s always good for people to keep in touch with how our native wildlife is doing.

“We live in such a great area with all these natural resources and streams around and obviously our native flora fauna is important to keep tabs on, especially as we have development and urbanisation out in the Yarra Valley,” he said.

Attendees all geared up for an evening of spotting platypus and litter in Yarra Junction. Picture: SUPPLIED

One happy resident recovering at Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter. Picture: SUPPLIEDHaving a munch.

Revegetating the billabong

By Dongyun Kwon

EcoWarriors Australia will receive a grant from the Victorian Government as part of the Green Links Grant Program.

It will collaborate with local schools to revegetate Yering Billabong in Yering for its project Planting the Seed while teaching the students the importance of the environment.

Eco Warriors Australia member Fiona Deppeler said five local schools,Yarra Glen Primary School, Lilydale Primary School, Coldstream Primary School, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Lilydale, and Yering Primary School are involved in the project forYering Billabong.

“As part of the program, we’ll teach students how to collect local native plant cuttings and they’ll get to propagate and take care of them,” she said.

“We’ll use the native plants that they’ll grow and we will also use some tubestock to revegetate part of the Yering Billabong.

“They’ll monitor their revegetation site, so we’ll give them a really simple digital app and they’ll go out and see how their plants have grown, what wildlife might be using the site.”

Students will revegetate about 10 ha of floodplain riparian woodland in Yering Billabong for two years.

Eco Warriors Australia started the Planting the Seed project last year and it has gone successfully with five different primary and high schools across Melbourne, revegetating seven different sites.

Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) is in partnership with Eco Warriors Australia for the Planting the Seed project in Yering Billabong.

“My understanding is that parts of the site [inYering Billabong] are in fairly bad condition from an environmental point of view, so it’s a good site to choose,” Ms Deppeler said.

“We really believe we’re going to be able to make a difference to the natural environment by doing the revegetation.”

YRC biodiversity grant program facilitator

Isabel Ebsworth said the partnership with Eco Warriors Australia would help the council restore and protect the endangered habitat type.

“We have been working to restore the hydrology on the site so there is more water available throughout the year to support wetland habitat,” she said.

“Along Olinda Creek, we have floodplain riparian woodland habitat. There is not much of this left across the shire as it was historically cleared for agricultural use.

“Planting the Seed is such a great way to get kids involved in protecting their local patch, and we hope it helps highlight the importance of all kinds of habitat to the kids, from floodplain to forest, and the way it is all connected. Ultimately, we hope it inspires them to become stewards for the environment.”

YRC will keep on supporting all the ecofriendly projects to protect the environment of the shire.

“We’ll be supporting all the work the kids do with weed control and additional revegetation with help from our partners at Melbourne Water,” Ms Ebsworth said.

“In the future, the site will eventually become an extension of Spadoni’s Reserve and will be able to be enjoyed by all of the community.”

Get set for next trail stage with $4.9 million boost

Yarra Ranges Council is pleased to announce the approval of $4.9 million in funding for the next stage of the Yarra Valley Trail (YVR).

In mid February, the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program signed a funding agreement, with $4.9 million provided to Stage 2A of the trail connecting Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra via the historic railway reserve.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov said the project was crucial inYarra Ranges Council’s goal of developing a comprehensive network of trails across the Yarra Valley and beyond, weaving through some of Australia’s premier wineries and cultural hotspots.

“When the Yarra Valley Trail is fully complete, community members will be able to hop on their bike in Lilydale, make their way toYarra Glen and Healesville on theYarraValley Trail before heading to the Upper Yarra and connecting up to the Warburton Trail,” she said.

“Down the track, this will also connect to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to

spend days exploring the region, the trails and local businesses.

“This work will complement the considerable volunteer efforts of the Yarra Valley Railway, in restoring heritage rail services between Healesville and Yarra Glen. This work has been a heartening display of community spirit, passion and volunteerism, and we’re proud to work with YVR to make this trail a reality alongside their work.”

A dedicated trail node will be established at Yarra Glen Railway Station as part of current works to connect Yering to Yarra Glen along the trail.

Cr Todorov said the project was an example of an integrated tourism product, giving trail users multiple options to see the region.

“Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the region on foot or bicycle, hopping on a heritage train journey on the way to take a break and see the railway restoration project firsthand,” she said.

“The valley will become more walkable; towns will become connected by trails for the very first time and users will get to experience advanced cycling infrastructure.

“Our forecasts for Stage 2A reveal substantial opportunities for economic growth and jobs creation. We anticipate $3.4m in regional income, and 15 new jobs for locals as this project continues, and a 43 per cent increase in trail use – which will bring tens of millions of dollars to the local economy and generate more than 60 jobs over the coming decade.

“We’re all extremely excited to see this project continue and come to fruition. Thank you to the Australian Government for their consistent support, to sporting clubs, community organisations and industry bodies who have worked with our staff to help make this a reality.”

For more information about this project, visit rideyarraranges.com.au

YarraValleyTrail. Picture:ONFILE

OlindaCreekfloodplain. Picture:SUPPLIED

Shining a light on carers

By Mikayla Van Loon

Gratitude and thanks filled the main dining room at Sky High last week as Anchor hosted an appreciation dinner for all the foster and kinship carers currently supporting young people.

Over 100 carers joined staff on the evening of Thursday 22 February, with Anchor chief executive officer Heidi Tucker acknowledging that “a lot of your hard work goes unseen”.

“You give your time, your resources, your space. You make room within your own families, and spend a great deal of emotional and physical energy doing what you do every day,” she said.

“It is our absolute honour as an organisation to support you in your carer work, because we know you do such an amazing job.”

Heidi said since she joined Anchor in 2015 she has seen the kinship offering “almost quadruple in size” particularly as child protection has required more foster opportunities for young people.

But so too while there have been positive changes, Heidi said the pandemic brought with it challenges as people reassessed their lives.

“The Covid pandemic and the lockdowns that followed created a seismic shift in how people prioritise their time and their home life,” she said.

“And in the years that have followed, the rising cost of living has impacted the way families make big decisions about their lives.

“For foster care, this has meant a lot of carers choosing to exit the system and a far lower rate of new carers coming into the system.”

This is especially true for younger foster carers, Heidi said, creating somewhat of a crisis, as young people struggle through living pressures of their own, making them unable to add the needs of a child to their lives.

For one young married couple, Liam and Sarah, growing up around Sarah’s parents who fostered children, Liam said helped them to understand “we didn’t need to be able to commit to long term placements”.

“We became involved in foster care because we understood the need for support for young people in out of home care and saw emergency and respite foster care as a way we could offer this support,” Liam said.

Respite care, Liam said, goes a long way to “ease the pressure on families and carers and provide better support for young people”.

Knowing how much need is out there and hearing the stories of “young people facing such challenging circumstances” is saddening for Liam and Sarah.

Despite it sometimes being challenging, Liam and Sarah said it is “very fulfilling” and being able to share just some of the privileges they have been afforded in life to create such a difference is someone else’s future.

“We see that with sufficient support and

care, young people are able to flourish, families are able to build resilience and strength and communities can come together for the best futures for our next generation.

“Being involved in the lives of young people is encouraging and joyful, although challenging at times. We find immense value in how small change to our life can offer such a meaningful contribution to the broader community and impact a young person in any small or big way.”

As foster care faces the obstacle of shortages, Heidi said the future is relatively uncertain but seeing everyone in the room on Thursday brought her great comfort.

“I am reminded of the incredible strength and dedication that you demonstrate day in, day out,” she said.

“I can’t help but feel confident that wherever the system lands, there will always be people like yourselves who are willing to stand up and say ‘I care. I want to fight for our most vulnerable children to be safe’.”

For Liam and Sarah, they were grateful to have been able to share space and conversation with other foster and kinship carers, to feel the support of Anchor’s staff and know their contribution was being recognised.

“It was wonderful to see so many carers in one place and to see carers who have given so much time and investment being recognised for their efforts.

“We enjoyed seeing the wealth of experience in the care team behind the young people in foster care and feeling like we could contribute to that in some small way.”

Albanese leads tributes for Senator Linda White

By Andrew Brown, AAP

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remembered Victorian Senator Linda White as a “beloved friend and valued colleague“ following her death.

Senator White, who was elected to the upper house at the 2022 federal election and represented the outer east, died overnight on Thursday 29 February after a health battle, although the exact cause of death is unknown.

In February, she announced she would take leave from the Senate due to health issues.

Mr Albanese said the hearts of the Labor Party had broken following news of her death.

“Linda was formidable, a beloved friend, a valued colleague, a dedicated parliamentarian and through all her efforts in the wider Labor movement, a devout supporter of working Australians,“ he said.

“As it has sadly turned out, Linda was not in the Senate for long, but she made powerful use of the brief time she had.“

Before entering federal politics, she worked for 10 years as a solicitor, while also serving as the assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union from 1995 to 2020.

She also spent a 10-year period as the vice president of the ACTU.

Mr Albanese said Senator White left a proud legacy.

“Linda’s legacy is everywhere – from protecting workers’ entitlements in the Ansett collapse, to leading the campaign for equal pay for social and community services workers, to fighting for the right to income for members feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,“ he said.

“Linda believed in a better, fairer and more compassionate Australia, a belief that was always backed by her energy and action.“

Foreign Minister and government Senate leader Penny Wong said her life had been defined by integrity, persistence and skill.

“Linda fought the illness that has now claimed her life privately, but with all the tenacity and determination that has marked not just her short time in the Senate, but her decades of commitment to the labour movement and Australian workers,“ she said.

FellowVictorian Labor senator Raff Ciccone gave an emotional tribute to his colleague at the start of a parliamentary foreign affairs and defence committee on Friday, which Senator White also served on.

“A formidable senator, I know that her loss will be mourned by many in this place,“ he said.

The committee also rose for a moment of silence before the start of proceedings.

Opposition leader in the Senate Simon Birmingham said the coalition also extended sympathies following Senator White’s death.

“In her first speech, SenatorWhite made a promise that no one in the Senate would be left wondering what she thought; that people will always know where she stands and know that she is not afraid of saying what’s on her mind,“ he said.

“Senator White lived up to that promise.“

In a statement, the Australian Services Union said the organisation was grieving the loss of one of its “greatest warriors“.

“Linda’s influence extends to thousands, if not millions of Australians who never had the privilege of knowing her,“ the union said.

“She was relentless, passionate, highly skilled and determined to win, not for herself but for others who deserved fairness

and justice.“

Workplace Minister Tony Burke said Senator White had left an extraordinary legacy.

“Linda campaigned for years in the union movement for paid family and domestic violence leave,“ he said on X, formerly Twitter.

“As a senator, she helped make it law so no one would have to choose between safety and pay.“

Greens senator David Shoebridge also paid tribute, saying the upper house had lost a“fundamentally decent, honest, empathetic and intelligent force for good“.

“Right now, I’m remembering all the good she did, the principles she held and thinking of her family, friends and colleagues,“ he said.

Senator White is survived by her brother Michael.

Senator Linda White took leave from the Senate due to illness and sadly died on 29 February.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker said she was filled with gratitude for the work of the foster and kinship carers who dedicate so much to young people.

The room saw over 100 carers join Anchor staff at Sky High on Thursday 22 February.

Wee bit of Scotland here

The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival invites you to join them for a day of fun, music, and culture on Sunday 24 March, from 9am to 4pm at Eastfield Park, Croydon.

The festival is a gathering in the tradition of the Highland games held in Scotland, around Australia and other countries to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage. The festival will feature pipe bands, dancing, heavy events, clans, stalls, children’s activities and more.

The highlight of the festival will be the Victorian Pipe Band Championship, where the best pipe bands in the state will compete for the coveted title. You will also enjoy the spectacular massed bands display, where bands of pipers and drummers will perform together in perfect harmony. The festival will also showcase the talents and skills of:

1. The Highland dancers, who will perform traditional dances such as the sword dance, the Highland fling, and the SeannTriubhas.

2. Heavy Games: See the strength and agility of the athletes, who will participate in the heavy events such as the caber toss, the hammer throw, and the stone put.

3. Scottish and Celtic Clans: This is your chance to learn more about your Scottish and Celtic ancestry, as you visit the clan tents and discover your family history.

4. You will also find a variety of stalls selling Scottish and Celtic merchandise, such as kilts, tartans, jewellery, books, and more.

The festival is a truly family event, with activities and entertainment for all ages. You can join the children’s games, watch demonstrations, listen to the Celtic music, and sample the delicious food and drinks.

The festival is organised by the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival, a not-forprofit organisation that aims to promote and preserve Scottish and Celtic culture in Melbourne. The festival is supported by the City of Maroondah, and the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation.

Tickets are available online at the festival website or at the gate on the day. Adults (16 and over) $25 / Concession $20 / Children under 16 – free.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Scottish and Celtic culture at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

Millions to flow for power infrastructure and more

AusNet announced a $10 million Energy Resilience Community Fund (Community Fund) on Wednesday 28 February with a focus on supporting local recovery efforts and enhancing energy resilience in communities severely impacted by recent catastrophic storms and other electricity reliability challenges.

The Community Fund, which is in addition to the guaranteed service level payment and prolonged power outage payments already being provided, will function in close collaboration with relevant local councils to ensure its effective and appropriate administration.

“AusNet is committed to helping communities get back on their feet in the short term, but we also recognise the importance of working with local governments and their communities to strengthen community infrastructure and businesses and help ensure they are better prepared to withstand future weather events,” AusNet chief executive officer David Smales said.

“The recent storms caused unprecedented damage to local electrical infrastructure which unfortunately resulted in prolonged outages.

“And it is predicted these weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. In fact, this was the third catastrophic storm to affect some of these communities in as many years.”

These urgent efforts are in addition to longer-term investments AusNet will make on its electricity infrastructure to enhance its ability to withstand increased weather events due to climate change. The power supplier is working with the applicable regulators as part of its next price review to target investments.

Mr Smales said the Community Fund was recognition of the urgent need to support communities now and into the future and

would focus on three key areas:

· Immediate support: The Community Fund will provide immediate support to boost local recovery efforts and assist small businesses most impacted by the power outages who are not eligible for other payments. AusNet has already provided funding to local food relief charities in affected communities to boost their capacity to feed locals who may have needed to dispose of frozen and refrigerated food during the prolonged power outage.

· Community infrastructure and resilience: The Community Fund will collaborate with local governments to support and enhance existing community facilities that are used during and after extreme weather events so communities can access essential supplies, information, and services. This will build on work already being done as part of the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program and the Energy Resilience Systems program.

· Small business energy resilience: The Community Fund will consult with local businesses to determine their specific needs, offering support such as education and facilitation of solar and storage solutions to aid in business continuity and other initiatives aimed at fostering recovery.

“AusNet acknowledges the remarkable resilience and community spirit demonstrated in the face of adversity.We stand with the communities we serve, offering our support as they rebuild and recover,” Mr Smales said.

AusNet will collaborate closely with relevant local governments to finalise application and funding guidelines and ensure the effective management of the Community Fund.

To register your interest to receive further information and updates on the Energy Resilience Community Fund, please email ercf@ausnetservices.com.au.

See the varieties of dance from the Scottish to the Irish.

Hear the sounds of the pipe bands.

All the Highland Games action will return to Eastfield Park at the end of March. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Vibrant retirement living

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

Our village boasts an array of accommodation options, from stunning homes with valley views to cosy terrace living.With 139 homes, including semi-attached 2/3 bedroom units, each designed to ensure a family-like atmosphere, we prioritise creating a space that fits the unique preferences of every resident. What sets Lilydale Valley Views apart is the commitment to offering a comprehensive retirement experience. Picture a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, providing residents with an oasis for relaxation and exercise. Imagine weekly Tai Chi and dancersize sessions, tailored to keep both the body and mind active and engaged. Our village bus takes the hassle out of shopping, offering a convenient door-to-door service, freeing residents from the need to drive and park.

One of the key pillars of our community is the vibrant social committee. This dedicated group organises a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring residents always have opportunities for connection and enjoyment. From outings to social events, our calendar is brimming with activities that cater to diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for everyone. Yet, the true magic lies in the residents themselves. A wonderful group of people with a wide range of interests, they form the beating heart of our community. The warmth and genuine sense of camaraderie that have flourished over the years are truly heartwarming. Newcomers quickly find themselves embraced by the community, invited to various

BreathtakingviewsawaitresidentsatLilydaleValleyViews.

activities and social occasions, allowing them to tailor their level of engagement. At Lilydale ValleyViews, we recognise the importance of social connections for overall health and wellbeing as we age. Our environment is curated to facilitate an active and connected lifestyle, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the village.

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

Pictures:SUPPLIED

less blend of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the opportunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we are proud to have built a retirement village that has evolved into a close-knit community. Lilydale Valley Views is not merely a place to live; it’s a place where people flourish, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.

In celebration of our journey and the joy of

Enjoysomequitetimewithabookfromthe extensivelibrarycollection.

Meetandminglewithfriendsinthecommunity centre.

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

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

Become a support worker

Local nurse Chris Dawson found himself tired of working in a sterile hospital setting and, following several years working in the in-home care sector, founded his own in-home nursing Practice, Yarra Nursing.

The team currently service clients in the Yarra Valley, but also neighbouring towns, including Yea, Alexandra, Seville, Warburton and the eastern suburbs.

Yarra Nursing mostly assists NDIS, Aged Care and private clients with daily living activities such as gardening and ironing, housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, as well as general nursing, including health assessments; wound management; post-surgical, catheter and stomal care.

One of Chris’ first clients, David, is the son

of a former Anglican Vicar from St Johns but left town when he was just 12.

Upon retirement, he and his wifeVal moved back to Healesville to be closer to the hills and the bush that he loves.

Although he enjoys being back in Healesville, David misses working and has found some elements of retirement challenging, such as the reduction in income and the general decline in health.

When it became apparent that he and Val weren’t coping with simple tasks, like changing a light bulb, he reached out for help and applied for an Aged Care Package with local provider Just HCP, who engaged Yarra Nursing.

David describes the service he receives

Locally Owned and Run

from Yarra Nursing as “excellent” and likes having someone that is competent and that knows what they’re doing.

“It’s fantastic to have a trained and confident nurse, and secondly, someone who makes an effort to do things to make it all work,” he said.

Elaine also supports David, she takes him to visit Val who recently moved into permanent care. David describes Elaine as ‘a great gift who can turn her hand to most things.’

Elaine has been with the business since its inception, and loves having a laugh and joke with David, while still managing to get what is needed done.

“It’s really rewarding work that makes me feel that I’m doing something worthwhile,

supporting others and giving back to our community,” she said.

She finds the team she works with friendly, caring and flexible.

Chris also enjoys his time with David.

“He’s really easy going, has some great stories, and he’s a great gardener with an amazing range of hydrangeas, so I’m frequently asking him for advice. He has such a positive attitude and positive outlook on life,” he said.

David has some final words of wisdom to those unsure about whether they need assistance.

“Why struggle when there’s someone who’ll come and do it for you. I just recommend to people who need help, get it, and Yarra Nursing is a good place to go,” he said.

We need you!

About Yarra Nursing

Yarra Nursing is a locally owned care provider based in Healesville, supporting clients in the Melbourne Outer Easter, Yarra Valley, Upper Yarra and Murrindini regions. Our small, cohesive team has a focus on friendly and simplified holistic care. As a family run care provider, we offer competitive remuneration and flexibility to our team with the option of casual, part time and permanent employment.

About the role

We are currently on the lookout for experienced, Aged Care and Disability Support Workers to join our team. You will be responsible for:

• Working one on one with our clients, focusing on delivering on their individual care plan objectives

• Supporting our clients with enjoying a fulfilling life whilst remaining in their own home for as long as possible

• Travelling across the wider region to provide both in-home care and support taking our clients into the community and attending appointments

About you

• Experienced within the Aged Care sector and/or Disability support

• Hold a current NDIS worker screening check or be willing to complete

• Collaborative, reliable and confident, as well as flexible with start and finish times, remote and weekend work

• A full drivers licence and a vehicle appropriate for transporting clients

If you are compassionate, capable and looking to join a fun, professional and dynamic team, we would love to hear from you!

As this is a Home Care role and the clients are located in the Melbourne East and outer regions, please include your current suburb or township in your application. For more information, please contact Chris Dawson on care@yarranursing.com.au or click the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Elaine and David. 392039

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSDavid appreciates the skills and effort of the Yarra Nursing team. 392039

Banking on shaded bliss

By Callum Ludwig

A project over three years in the making has finally come to fruition at the Wandin North Primary School.

With an agreement for $25,000 previously in place, the large new shade on the school grounds has been supported by the WandinSeville Bendigo Community Bank.

Branch manager Jackie Butler said being able to provide funds for a project that they knew would have such a positive and longterm impact for the Wandin North Primary School Community was really exciting.

“Not only did it mean the school community would now have access to an undercover area for outdoor classes, whole-school assemblies etc, it also meant the new structure could be utilised by our wider community groups,” she said.

“This isn’t the first (or last) project we’ve been involved in with our local schools: most recently in 2022, we saw the official re-opening of the Jubilee Gates at Wandin Yallock Primary School - the restoration of the gates was solely funded by Wandin Seville Community Bank with a sponsorship of $20,000.

“Yearly we offer our local students Scholarships: (Primary School to High School, University and TAFE). These scholarships range from $1000-$2500 and any student with a connection to the Wandin-Seville and surrounding community is eligible to apply.”

Wandin North Primary School previously didn’t have an outdoor area that was protected from the sun or rain, and the new shade allows for the school to continue to hold PE lessons or whole-school assemblies in allweather conditions.

Ms Butler said they are always looking to support education within our community and enjoy seeing the positive outcomes that

our sponsorship/grants provide.

“Our local schools are an integral part of our community and the future of our communities. Being able to support them means we can be a part of fostering growth and development for the next generation which aligns

with our purpose of supporting/feeding into community prosperity, not off it. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community which is why we love to support our local schools,” she said.

“These sponsorships are only made pos-

sible by having customers banking with us at Community Bank – Wandin Seville, by banking with us you are enabling our community bank to reinvest its profits into projects just like this one at Wandin North Primary School.”

Splash of colour helps to raise playground funds

By Dongyun Kwon

After huge success in fundraising for the upgrade of the Grade 3/4 playground, Healesville Primary School students decided to do one more fundraiser for another playground.

Students are aiming to raise a $20,000 fund for the upgrade of the Grade 5/6 playground, including getting new platforms and monkey bars.

To reach the target, the students decided to run a Colour Fun Run.

Healesville Primary School principal Tracey Robertson-Smith said the whole school community including parents, teachers and students worked together as a team to run the Colour Fun Run.

“Having the whole school community involved in the Colour Fun Run event is incredible,” she said.

“We’ve had a group of parents since nine o’clock this morning setting this course up and helping to run the event and we are really lucky to be part of such a good community.”

Grade 5 student Brandon said he fully enjoyed this year’s Colour Fun Run.

“Everyone enjoyed it and got colourful,” he said.

“Sunglasses were very helpful to run through all the colourful spray powders.

“We’re looking forward to the upgrade of the Grade 5/6 playground.”

Parents Rhianon Swindle and Ellesha Emary helped to run the event by spraying the powder at the hopscotch area.

“It’s good for the kids and they really loved it,” they said.

“It’s good that all the funds are going back to the school to upgrade its facility for the students.”

Grade 5 student Macey Norman said she also participated in fundraising last year.

“It was for the upgrade of the Grade 3/4 playground,” she said.

“I went along the streets and knocked on doors of houses and shops.

“I also went to the Rotary Club and did a speech at the RSL.”

Macey is doing the same thing to fundraise for the Grade 5/6 playground this year.

Macey said she was nervous before she started it last year.

“I find it helps build confidence and I also can improve my public speaking skill that I

learnt at my school,” she said.

“But I don’t really find it nerve-wracking at all anymore.”

Ms Robertson-Smith is happy with the positive impacts of the fundraising activities on her students.

“Having to go and talk to older people in an unknown situation like the students have

done has really raised their self-confidence and their ability to work with others,” she said.

“The students have gone to the nursing homes and local businesses asking for donations, so they’ve been interacting with the wider community.”

Colour Fun Run course one.

Pictures: DONGYUN KWONMacey.

Students were excited for the Colour Fun Run.

Brandon liked his sunglasses.

Wandin North Primary School principal Paul Bailey and Community Bank Wandin/Seville branch manager Jackie Butler.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The shade will allow the school to continue to hold PE lessons or whole-school assemblies outdoors despite the weather.

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Dry eye causes,

Dry Eye Syndrome goes beyond a simple feeling of dryness in the eyes; it stems from inadequate production or imbalance of the tear film components. Various factors, including environmental triggers, hormonal issues, and the natural aging process can influence this condition. In addition to the familiar dry sensation, individuals experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) may encounter gritty or stinging eyes, intermittent blurred vision that improves with blinking, a foreign body sensation, and heightened light sensitivity.

Dry eyes can occur naturally as a result of aging or hormonal changes, typically in women who are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives or going through menopause. In fact, women over 50 have a 50 per cent greater risk of dry eye disease than men of the same age. It can also result from taking certain medications that reduce tear production such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Environmental factors can also play a role in drying out the eyes, simple daily routines such as being around air conditioners or heating systems play a part, as does excessive time spent staring at a computer or television screen, this can dry out eyes and exacerbate symptoms due to the lack of blinking while staring at our screens.

Individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes, blepharitis, lupus, arthritis and thyroid problems are also more vulnerable to developing DES. Other causes can be due to eye surgery including LASIK, certain conditions in which the eyelids don’t close properly or extended contact lens use.

If you are suffering from DES it doesn’t always mean you have red, itchy eyes and surprisingly, watery eyes can also be linked to Dry Eye Syndrome, creating confusion for many who associate dryness with the condition’s name. If you identify with any of these symp-

toms, it’s crucial to schedule an eye exam with one of our friendly optometrists.

At Yarra Junction Optical we have a special interest in the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome and our gentle, non-invasive Blephasteam treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms of Dry Eye, providing you with instant

and long-lasting relief. We have a range of other treatment options including eye drops and heat compresses, don’t endure discomfort in silence; let us help you pinpoint the causes and find a solution that suits your specific needs.

Give us a call on 5967 2065 or head to our

website for more information www.yarrajunctionoptical.com.au

Pamper your eyes with $50 off our Blephasteam Dry Eye treatments at Yarra Junction Optical. Simply mention Star News during the month of March and April to receive your discount.

Leah and Bec of Yarra Junction Optical. Picture: SUPPLIED

Portraits uplifting women

By Callum Ludwig

has returned with her 13th annual International Women’s Day (IWD) series, featuring portraits of 26 inspiring women.

Made up of raw black-and-white portraits of the women involved, the series asks each of them to share what IWD means to them.

Ms Phoenix said she was excited to bring together another 26 people into her IWD portrait series in 2024.

“We continue to live in a society where gender-based violence and oppression is ever present so I continue with this self-funded series and I hope this work contributes in some way to changing perceptions and challenges everyone to reach beyond the staid IWD breakfast events,” she said.

Among this year’s participants in the project are several residents of the Yarra Valley, including sisters Brooke and JacquiWandin, and artist and poet Belinda Rogers.

Ms Rogers said she was so glad to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the project, mostly because it was an opportunity to pay her respects to an artist she has admired for years.

“I came across her work when I moved into the area years ago and was instantly intrigued. I thought to myself ‘This is an artist with something to say and a lot to give the world’, what I love most about her is the places she goes to find beauty,” she said.

“She isn’t at the seaside clicking pretty pictures. She wanders through ragged and forgotten streets with the grace of a street cat shimmering from shadow to shadow, she is diving into the very soul of modern culture and capturing the faces of the people experiencing it, she is looking for something, and yet it moves with her,”

“To the people coming across the project for the first time and wondering what it’s all about, Isay,takeagoodlookandthenlookagain,these are the faces of women owning their own sacred

mark on this day, behind each face is a clear and present voice, felt and shared for women everywhere, it is our voice, the voices of women we carry with us and the voices yet to be.”

Living in Warburton, Ms Rogers has exhibited her works, namely her large-scale oil paintings on cloth, near and far including featuring in YAVa exhibitions and having her own exhibit atYering Station in 2022.

For Jacqui Wandin, the IWD exhibition was an opportunity for her to acknowledge the lives and importance of the women who came before her, including her Nana Ollie.

Ms Wandin said her nana was one of the kindest women who went through so much heartache yet still carried her dignity so beautifully.

“She was always one of those people that you would never hear say a bad word about anyone and as well as her, I think of the women of Coranderrk who were so self-determined,” she said.

“It was nice to see back then there was almost equal standing for men and women when they were doing their deputations and writing letters to the government, the women were just as important,”

“At one stage they were making more money than the men, making their rugs, blankets, baskets and all sorts of things.”

Ms Wandin is a proud Wurundjeri Woiwurrung woman, elder and educator and is currently Executive Producer in the development of a Barak miniseries.

Ms Wandin said that there has been an incredible lack of their history told, so being involved in the project is great because it gives her people a platform.

“It also celebrates the women who are still here with us or have continued this with whatever it may be, whether it may be weaving, or language as with my sister whereas I’m more of a storyteller, we all carry those genes and we carry them with a lot of pride,” she said.

Empowering women with an exhibition of their own

By Callum Ludwig

An empowering exhibition has opened at the Warburton Waterwheel for the month of March.

Body of Empowerment will be on display in the gallery, coinciding with International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March.

Sponsored by Body of Wellbeing Ltd. (BOWL), the exhibition features new or existing artwork from Yarra Ranges-based women artists aged over 18.

Local mosaic artist Leonie Claire said when this exhibition was first mentioned to her it, resonated as she has battled with body image for many years and feels strongly about it.

“I believe that our body is a shell and it’s more important what’s on the inside: your heart and soul, being a kind, generous, supportive and uplifting person. Judging someone on how they look is so damaging not only to them but also the person doing the judging who is missing out on getting the whole picture,” she said.

“I’ve been enjoying mosaic for about 30 years and love the process of putting things together to create new works of art. For my mosaic piece I have used a full figure torso and she is a big, bold and beautiful Burlesque/ show girl.”

The exhibition grew from a body empowerment program that Executive Director of BOWL Louise Wigg and yoga teacher and video artist Cat McKay developed a few years ago called My Body’s Story. Michele Osterhoudt who coordinates exhibitions at theWarburton Wheel and who is also a BOWL director proposed the idea of sponsoring an exhibition to bring together the works of women around the Yarra Valley and the Body of Empowerment exhibition was locked in for March.

Ms Wigg said they hope they have created a space where women can come together and celebrate everything they are in the world.

“Throughout March we will offer a range of workshops related to self-nurturing and creativity to provide a space that women, and all genders, can enjoy and walk away feeling

nourished,” she said.

“Body of Wellbeing Limited, is a recentlyformed Not for Profit that has evolved to fill a gap within our local community to lead work focusing on the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic approach to prevention of eating disorders, body image distress and weight stigma.”

Lucy Pierce and Crystal Tan are two artists who will host workshops, with Ms Pierce offering an Embodied Clay workshop on Tuesday 12 March and Ms Tan offering a watercolours workshop on Friday 15 March.

“For me, all creative expression is a grap-

pling with the body, with my body, with my sense of embodiment. To me the body is intrinsically beautiful, all bodies are. It is through the body we experience the beauty of life,” Ms Tan said.

“I usually paint flowers and sometimes landscapes. But painting myself, using myself as a reference, observing the shadows and curves and lines and textures in a non-judging way, was indeed quite a therapeutic and loving experience,” Ms Tan said.

Body of Empowerment runs from 10am4pm every day in March at the Waterwheel Gallery inWarburton

Ms McKay created a mesmerising video called ‘how do I feel, what do I need,’ depicting three women taking time to drop in and listen to and nourish their bodies through self massage for the exhibition.

She will also be running a stretch and selfmassage workshop on Sunday 17 March from 4pm to 6pm and said this practice has helped her through so many challenging times.

“I love to share this practice with my yoga students and hope to share it with more through this exhibition. I hope that we can all find a way to come home to our bodies and listen to her, honour her, and give her what she needs.”

The gallery was packed for the opening of the ‘Body of Empowerment’ exhibition at the Warburton Waterwheel.

Pictures: CHRISTINE JOHANNA PHOTOGRAPHY

Artists from across the Yarra Ranges came together for the exhibition.

L-R: BOWL Board of directors Melissa Grasso, Louise Wigg,Michele Osterhoudt and Cat McKay.

Millgrove photographer Suzanne Phoenix

Indigenous elder and educator Jacqui Wandin.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX

Looking through the lens

By Dongyun Kwon

The new exhibition Thru The Lens My Place, My People is now available at YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub in Healesville showcasing photographs of how photographers look at the world with a particular eye.

The photographers in the exhibition present their own interpretations of their place and their people.

Photographer Khoi Bui said his place is where he feels comfortable in his mind.

“I want the audience to feel intimacy, closeness and belonging through my photographs in this exhibition,” he said.

“I want them to feel comfortable looking at them and feel like they are the places that they want to be in for a few minutes.“

One of Bui’s photographs in the exhibition The Winemaker was taken at Christmas lunch last year.

“The person, who is a winemaker, is opening his own wine,” Bui said.

“It [the photograph itself] is inviting people

to come and have a glass with me.

“I want the audience to feel the way I felt at that particular time while I was playing violin. I felt like I was going to have amazing wine in this cosy place of this winemaker who is my brother-in-law.”

Another photographer Kate Baker showcases a series of ocean photographs called Great Ocean.

“They are not local but the reason I chose this subject is because I grew up by the ocean and for me, the ocean is a place for freedom,” she said.

“It’s a place where I feel like I completely belong and I am truly myself.

“I produced a paper negative which gives it a very textual field that feels old-fashioned.

“I tried to give it a sense of being timeless so that people will relate to a feeling that they’ve had that expansiveness, that sense of freedom or that sense of something almost in their dream that they remember, as a place of deep comfort.”

Both Bui and Baker have gotten into photography due to their families.

Bui said his grandfather, father and uncle loved playing around with gadgets, old films and cameras.

“When I was young, I looked at their photos and I thought ‘That’s to be overexposed or that doesn’t look good.’ and I felt like I wanted to touch the camera and use it but I couldn’t because I wasn’t allowed to,” he said.

“After I got older and I was allowed to use a camera, I got into photography.”

Baker said she and her brother started taking photographs together underneath the house when she was 16.

“I discovered the magic of putting a white piece of paper into chemicals and seeing a picture emerge,” she said.

“My dad was also into photography when I was young and he still has film cameras.”

The other photographer John Bodin exhibits only one artwork Vale Neville for this exhibition.

Neville was the colourful local identity of Warburton who was a former barrister from Lancashire UK arriving in Australia in 1965.

Bodin said he wanted to show the colourful characters of Warburton.

“The theme of this exhibition is the people or places of the Yarra Valley,” he said.

“Neville was a very talented barrister in his professional life and an extremely good piano player. He was playing Rachmaninoff and also telegraphing him at his home in Warburton.

“Vale Neville is representative of lots of the eclectic group of characters and personalities in Warburton.”

Bodin has been a professional photographer for all his working career and he couldn’t think of himself without photography.

“I’ve always loved visual arts and the photographic medium,” he said.

“When my commercial professional photography career phased out, I concentrated on my personal work and exhibited through various galleries in the city.

Baker, Bui and Bodin.

Disaster legal help check

The extreme storms that swept across Melbourne in February 2024 caused significant damage for communities and community members in the east.

These storms caused severe damage to homes, businesses, roads and infrastructure, including disruption to services, with many homes still without power.

Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) remains very concerned for many communities hardest hit in the Knox andYarra Ranges areas.

The Centre has since engaged its Extreme Weather Event Response program to assist people to move from crisis to recovery, working in close collaboration with other local services and support providers.This includes the release of an updated Disaster Legal Help Check tool: eclc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Disaster-Recovery-Legal-Help.pdf

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

The Disaster Legal Help Check tool guides people through a list of common legal issues and how to access help.

It also aims to help people working with community members affected by the recent storm event to identify legal needs and related issues that may have arisen or been exacerbat-

CPP, Gemco productions

CPP Presents Little Women

Christmas Eve, 1862. With their father away on the frontline of the American Civil War, the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – journey into adulthood, each determined to pursue a life of their own terms.

But growing up means contending with love and loss, as well as the myriad twists of fortune that can shape a lifetime.

Season: Friday April 5 – Saturday April 13.

Venue: Performing Arts Centre Boronia K-12 College Albert Ave. Boronia.

Live in the Lyre: Festival of folk – Daoiri Farrell.

Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player, Daoiri Farrell is a product of Dublin’s famous club An G?ilin Traditional Singers since launching his own solo career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoiri Farrell has gone from strength to strength.

On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from BBC, Radio 2, Folk Awards to ALSR Celtic Music Accolades.

Season: Thursday March 7. At 8pm.

Songs From the Bool of Life – Deborah Conway and Willie Zygier

In a work of musical theatre written by Deborah Conway and Willie Zygier based

Kemp’s curtain call

around her memoir Book of Life, a shimmering piece of autobiography told in eight scenes, around eight songs with Conway and Zygier exploring the nature of performing a musical life.

Season: Saturday March 23 at 8pm.

Gemco Players Community Theatre

Millies War

Based on historical events, MilliesWar is set in the 1980’s when a number of women attempted to join official Anzac Day marches across Canberra to commemorate women raped in war.

When the sleepy local branch of the local RSL met with the women in order to dissuade them from upsetting their sacred parade of remembrance, the crochety president of the RSL Club is appalled to find his own granddaughter is one if the feminists attempting to spoil their day.

Season: Friday April 12 - Sunday April 28.

Denis done delivered

Dune Part 2

Starring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson

Rated M 5/5

The follow-up to writer-director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune from 2021, Dune Part 2 is one of the greatest science fiction epics ever made.

On the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) grapples with his destiny as a messianic figure for the planet’s Fremen natives.

Dune Part 2 is an enthralling, majestic sci-fi war film with a rich texture of loyalty, prophecy and conspiracy, immersing you in both a bloody multi-world conflict and one man’s struggle against controlling forces and his darker nature.

Once again, the art direction is stunning, infusing every location and artefact with life and heritage; Giedi Prime stands out with its largely black-and-white colour scheme, which highlights the stark cruelty of the Harkonnen villains.

The action sequences are brutal, riveting spectacles, but much of the tension in Part 2 comes from Paul resisting the centuriesold prophecy he is hurtling toward.

Frank Herbert’s 1965 source novel is critical of imperialism, fundamentalism and chosen one narratives, and unlike David Lynch’s sanitised Dune from 1984, Villeneuve’s Dune lucidly explores these themes.

Played to perfection by Chalamet, Paul shifts from a humble young man willing to learn from and serve the oppressed Fremen to an imposing leader of almost frightening zeal.

Chani (Zendaya) and Paul form a touching relationship early on, which sours as Paul begins to embrace his power.

Rebecca Ferguson is manipulative and captivating as Paul’s mother Lady Jessica, and Austin Butler conveys an inhuman elegance and sadism as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

Dune Part 2 is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

It’s hard to imagine any upcoming blockbuster in 2024 surpassing this thrilling, resplendent, thematically-rich sci-fi triumph, and I eagerly look forward to Villeneuve’s planned adaptation of the sequel novel Dune Messiah.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

ed following the storms.

Since 2009, ECLC has been providing legal help in response to extreme weather including bushfires, storms and floods, which continue to increase in regularity and severity due to climate change.

ECLC recognises that communities already experiencing marginalisation or complex life challenges are often impacted the most and need additional support to recover.

ECLC legal services director Belinda Lo said many people don’t realise they have a legal problem until well after the extreme weather event has occurred.

“We are working with all our local councils and other services to support people on the ground,” she said.

“This legal help check is another tool that can save people additional problems down the

track.

“People who identify legal issues can come to us for assistance or referral.”

Belinda mentioned that a major concern for the centre is also the often observed increase in family violence after an extreme weather event. “We’ve seen that historically, ECLC unfortunately sees a surge in calls for help for family violence post severe weather events,” she said.

The Centre will continue to work closely with its partners to provide legal help, support and referrals to affected community members.

We urge community members living in the east to reach out for help because no one should have to go through this alone.

If you or someone you know needs free legal assistance due to family violence or the severe storms, please visit eclc.org.au/help or call 1300 32 53 00.

Reading for Odesa focus

February 24 marked the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On that day, the “Reading for Odesa” event took place simultaneously around the world “to refocus attention on the current situation in Odesa and across the whole of Ukraine”.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the forced closure of Odesa Literary Museum, which, along with the city’s Archaeological Museum and Museum of Western and Oriental Art, was severely damaged by Russian missile attacks in July 2023.

Situated inside the World Heritage property “The Historic Centre of Odesa”, these buildings were marked by UNESCO with the Blue Shield, the distinctive emblem of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

“Reading for Odesa” was an international project celebrating Ukrainian literature.

The 15 participating Cities of Literature organised public readings of literary works by Ukrainian authors, in the belief that “literature can always constitute an instrument of memory and collective conscience, even in times of war”.

These 15 cities were Milan, Wroclaw, Krakow, Edinburgh, Exeter, Lasi, Kuhmo, Lillehammer, Ljubljana, Manchester, Melbourne, Nottingham, Quebec City, Reykjavik, and Tukums.

Odesa joined the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network in 2019, which now encompasses 53 cities in 39 countries across 6 continents and a combined population of over 26 million.

In Melbourne, those wanting to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine can visit the Ukrainian Museum of Australia, which operates to “preserve, exhibit and collect artefacts, documents, books and Ukrainian folk art for exhibition, research and education which reflect the culture and history of Ukrainian immigration in Australia”.

You can also check out Ukrainian-JewishAustralian author Maria Tumarkin’s books.

Tumarkin was born and raised in Kharkiv

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

in northeastern Ukraine, which was recently attacked by Russian drones.

Her 2018 debut Axiomatic won the Melbourne Prize for Literature’s Best Writing Award and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, just to name a few.

As praised by The Saturday Paper: “Everyone is looking for the next Helen Garner and Maria Tumarkin shares with Garner a gimlet eye for the flaws in official systems, along with a fascination for the narratives nested in everyday lives. Axiomatic’s symphonic structure, however, recalls Svetlana Alexievich, the Belarusian journalist and Nobel Laureate.”

Talk about Alexievich, her 2013 oral history

Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets delivers a powerful probe into Vladimir Putin’s nationalistic lies.

To conclude this article, we want to share the last stanzas of renowned Ukrainian author Lesya Ukrainka’s most famous poem “Contra Spem Spero” (1890), translated as “Against All Hope I Hope” by British poet Vera Rich.

In the long dark ever-viewless night-time

Not one instant shall I close my eyes.

I’ll seek ever for the star to guide me, She that reigns bright mistress of dark skies.

Yes, I’ll smile, indeed, through tears and weeping Sing my songs where evil holds its sway, Hopeless, a steadfast hope forever keeping, I shall live! You thoughts of grief, away!

Another statue

By Maria Millers

Ozymandias Percy Bysshe Shelley

I met a traveller from an antique land

Who said: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert . . . Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed:

And on the pedestal these words appear:

‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

Not long after the British Museum acquired a fragment of a statue of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses11, known as Ozymandias in Greek, English Romantic poet Percy – Bryce Shelley wrote a sonnet about the crumbling statue found in the desert as a reminder that no amount of power can stave off inevitable fate and the passage of time.

Even the ‘king of kings’ is powerless and all that survived of him is the king’s ‘sneer of cold command’, captured so well by the sculptor.

Here is art surviving and preserving past history.

But history is not set in stone and our understanding of the past changes.

Our views on women’s suffrage, sexuality, medicine, education, child-rearing and masculinity are not the same as they were 50 years ago, and will be different again in another 50 years.

So even though a work of art survives, its significance and meaning may change.

WOORILLA WORDS

Last week a bronze statue of Captain Cook was toppled off its plinth outside Captain Cooks Cottage, in the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne.

The cottage had been the home of Cook’s parents in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire and there is no record whether he ever lived there.

Yet it has stood as a tourist attraction since 1934.

And it’s the third time a memorial to Captain Cook has been damaged in Melbourne this year.

A statue at St Kilda’s Jacka Boulevard was also sawn off at the ankles the day before Australia Day.

This follows a series of recent attacks on other statues and monuments elsewhere, bearing Cook’s name, particularly around the time of Australia Day. But removing statues and monuments is not confined to Australia.

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter it is a worldwide phenomenon, particularly when they are of individuals associated with divisive aspects of history.

Statues are symbolic and so is the act of tearing them down.

Australia is only just becoming ready to accept the truth of its history the good, the bad and the ugly. But for many brought up in the romantic narratives of the settler society and on selective history taught in schools there is often a reluctance to face the reality of our past.There

is a high incidence of toxic nostalgia at large. Guardian journalist on indigenous affairs, Paul Daley believes that unless history strives for truth it is nothing more than propaganda.

There is nothing intrinsically educational about a statue, memorial or place name. What is needed is context.

But there are of course differences of opinion. ANU history professor Bruce Scales has said that removing statues altogether “removed that opportunity for discussion“, and suggested updating them with fuller historical accounts he calls ‘dialogical memorialisation’ rather than ripping down existing statues and monuments we should be adding plaques to explain their history from a modern perspective.

What then is achieved by vandalising statues of Cook?

Was he the ogre and instrument of dispossession that some paint him?

Or was he a man of his time?

To some Indigenous Australians Cook’s statues are symbols of the establishment of colonial Australia that resulted in the dispossession and destruction of thousands of indigenous communities.

Strangely statues of Cook appear in place he never visited.

Cook has many defenders who point out his voyages were prompted only by specific scientific goals.

A skilled navigator, surveyor, cartographer and captain he led three successful expeditions.

But there is no doubt that Cook sailed with orders to take possession of new territories in the name of the King of Great Britain “with the consent of the natives.“

And he certainly did not have the consent of indigenous people when he claimed New South Wales for the king, when he landed on what he called Possession Island at the tip of Cape York, on 22 August, 1770.

However, it seems that Cook may have been

made to shoulder the blame of our past mistakes unfairly.

There are many more (some we now recognize, others yet unnamed) who played a larger role in the wrongs against indigenous Australians.

The poet W H Auden once said: A dead man who never caused others to die seldom rates a statue.

Perhaps it’s time to erect statues to both men and women beyond the powerful, that we all might see ourselves in the figures that are represented.

Or do we need statues and monuments at all?

Could they be seen as outdated furnishings of civic space? A convenience for pigeons and a backdrop for tourist selfies.

Those in favour of statues argue that public art in cities offers a sense of meaning and identification for its residents whether in the form of murals, installations, sculptures and statue.

Ideally then, public art should inspire people to engage and encourage discussion.

Productive public discussions are however at a premium in our culture and would unlikely reach consensus.

But maybe it’s worth a try.

The last words should go to Spike Milligan’s short poem calling for a monument for that humble staple food, porridge.

Porridge

Why is there no monument

To Porridge in our land?

It it’s good enough to eat, It’s good enough to stand!

On a plinth in London

A statue we should see

Of Porridge made in Scotland

Signed, “Oatmeal, O. B. E.”

(By a young dog of three)

1, 19-down Author of Alice'sAdventuresin Wonderland (5,7)

4 Practical (9)

9 Controller of meeting (5)

10 Ship’s petty officer (9)

11 Birds of prey (6)

12 Severe or harmful (8)

14 Makes a good point (10)

15 – de toilette (3)

17 Extraterrestrial craft (1.1.1)

19 Black and white (10)

23 Period of instruction (8)

24 Protozoan (6)

26 Music-makers (9)

27 Soldier of Hebrew Bible (5)

28 Replicated (9)

29 Sham (5)

No. I M

DOWN

1 Cabinet (6)

2 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

3 Waitstaff (7)

4 Bars (4)

5 Extremely greedy (10)

6 Govern incompetently (7)

7 Acrobatic apparatus (7)

8 Interpret (8)

13 Group of owls (10)

16 Rump (8)

18 Perfect (7)

19 See 1-across

20 Member of ancient Germanic tribe (7)

21 Breastbone (7)

22 Somewhat (6)

25 Utilised (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

No. 175

nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

19 words: Good 28 words: Very good

Using M O A L R

FEDS

HEAD PEWS PROD

SEEP

PROPERTY

‘WARREEN’ –A CRAFTSMAN MASTERPIECE ON 47 ACRES

‘WARREEN’ – A CRAFTSMAN MASTERPIECE ON 47 ACRES

NESTLED privately into a pristine property that caters for equine enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, a truly beautiful home takes pride of place with a warmth and inviting charm that makes you want to simply stay. The architect designed and craftsman built, one owner home, is solid brick with natural stone features, and showcases bespoke exterior doors and windows made from Californian Redwood. Stunning timber features throughout include beautiful French doors, internal cabinetry, feature raked ceilings, and is of a quality we rarely get to see. Immaculate wool carpets, top quality insulation and fittings throughout make this a property that you would be proud to own.

Comprising of 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 with external French doors opening to their own private viewpoint and built in robes, there is ample family accommodation. The master bedroom boasts stunning timberlined raked ceilings and a beautiful ensuite complete with timber vanity and spa bath to luxuriate in.

The large kitchen has an expansive solid Jarrah bench top and hardwood cabinetry, with Bosch dishwasher and upright electric cooking right in the heart of the home and the adjacent meals and living areas make it perfect to work in and still enjoy the family frivolities.

With two equally beautiful living zones, both with a glorious outlook to the pasture, you will be spoilt for choice as to where to relax and unwind. Winter will have you enjoying the comfort from the warmth of a toasty Coalbrookdale combustion heater in the informal living, or from the gorgeous stone open fire in the formal lounge, and further comfort from 2 split a/c inverters for summer and winter. In this incredible home, with the exceptional quality of the build, you will be spared from the harsh elements outdoors while enjoying watching the seasons unfold with views from the many picture windows.

Equine enthusiasts will delight in the pristine pasture in the 6 main paddocks with high quality wire and electric fencing, underground piped water troughs, and for the easy movement of livestock, all paddocks are interconnected. The property also offers a beautiful 10 acre pocket of majestic bushland where you can feel as one with nature and enjoy the hidden gems within. Home to roaming wallabies, kangaroos and birdlife in abundance, the natural environment is a haven.

Further infrastructure includes a huge freshwater underground tank, a further

Address: 80

Contact: Samantha Price 0438

2 tanks at the stables, a deep dam with electric pump, diesel pump to the stables, double carport, large machinery shed and wood storage shed, two large stables, hot

wash, tack room, kitchen lunch/activity room, large garage/second machinery shed, workshop, covered cattle yards and loading ramp.

Located

HOME FOCUS

built stone home captures panoramic views and stunning sunrises over Kurth Kiln, Bunyip State Park and beyond, creating a picturesque backdrop for your everyday life. Ideally situated between Emerald and Monbulk townships, this home provides easy

to the award-winning wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Indulge with luxurious living throughout with 9 ft ceilings, Sydney Bluegum flooring, zoned refrigerated cooling/heating and four generous living/dining zones. Quality Axminster carpet, leadlight windows and doors, imported French stone tiling, double hung windows, French doors, open fireplace with antique mantle plus another log fire surrounded by Coldstream stone adding a touch of elegance. The master room is a sanctuary with stunning views, his and hers walk-in robes, and a relaxing large spa bath – a perfect retreat at the end of the day. The stylish Smith & Smith kitchen features granite benchtops, integrated Asko dishwasher and ilive oven and provides seamless integration to spacious family living zones and alfresco outdoor dining. The large wrap around verandahs set the scene for total relaxation plus absolute serenity is assured down by the fish stocked dam complete with wood fire barbecue, jetty and picnic area. The rose-lined driveway sets the stage for the picturesque journey to your dream home which is surrounded by 7 thoughtfully separated paddocks. There is also a huge 11 x 10m barn, expansive 4 car garage including workshop, separate hay and tractor storage, chook pen, dog run, wood storage and 2 top of the range horse

HOME ESSENTIALS

stables, hot/cold wash bay, cattle yards and ramp. Catering to the equestrian enthusiast within you there is easy access to the Pony Club grounds and many riding trails begin at your doorstep.

For those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with sealed road access surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, a thriving veggie patch and fruit orchard – we welcome you to embark on a journey of timeless elegance & country charm. When only the best will do, inspect today. ●

Address: 510 Macclesfield Road, MACCLESFIELD Price: $2,700,000 - $2,950,000

Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 12 garage Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Lana Maher 0408 535 075 and Jacqui Ryder 0433 095 278, BARRY PLANT EMERALD

COMPLETELY RENOVATED YARRA GLEN HOME

WHETHER you are raising young children or downsizing at a later stage of life, this home is the perfect choice.

Providing 3 bedrooms with walk-through and walk-in robes, master bedroom with jackand-jill bathroom, and 2 living spaces plus dining, 2 Miriam Drive combines a highly desired address with the show-stopping features that everyone wants. Located in the heart of the home is the large kitchen that features extra wide bench tops and 900 mm oven.

The home has been completely renovated – definitively turn-key – with extra attention given to a light, bright and spacious kitchen. The home is heated and cooled by 4 x split systems and ceiling fans, with a Coonara wood heater and companion exhaust system in addition. Renovations include new flooring, painting, laundry and bathroom, and dimmable LED lighting. Additionally, there is a 4.5kva solar system.

Another asset is the 8 m x 5 m covered entertaining pergola with cafe blinds, fully concreted with character trusses and Cyprus Gold posts. There is plenty of open car parking, along with a 2-car carport and

fully concreted drive, as well as a courtyard with enough room for a 6 m x 6 m shed. In addition, there is a 3 m x 3 m lockable garden shed.

The outdoor area is easy to maintain, with level access and a flat backyard. A beautiful feature of this property is its ornamental vine which keeps the house cool in the summer and retains heat in the winter. There are established nectarines, lemons, figs, oranges, pears, mandarins, tomatoes, and strawberries.

This property is close by the best that Yarra Glen has to offer: Yarra Glen Primary School and McKenzie Reserve are a short walk away. Main street services are only a few hundred metres stroll. All this, and you can still enjoy the privacy of a court address, and views of the Great Dividing Range.

So if you are looking for the perfect combination location and design, 2 Miriam Drive is the property for you.

Text 2MIRIAM to 0448 820 022 for your exclusive opportunity to view. ●

Integrity Real Estate is a family-owned real estate agency servicing the Yarra Valley, Kinglake Ranges and surrounds. Our team draws on over 70 years real estate experience to provide premium property services, with unmatched personal service that only a family company can provide.

EMBRACE SERENITY AND LUXURY ON 8.5 ACRES

NESTLED amidst the picturesque beauty of Upper Beaconsfield, discover your dream home on a sprawling 33610m2 of lush land. This fully renovated four-bedroom haven combines designer style with the tranquillity of country living, offering the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.

Step inside to find spacious living areas adorned with polished floorboards and a central warm and inviting solid fuel fire—a welcoming space for both relaxation and entertainment. The heart of the home, a gourmet granite kitchen, awaits with its walkin pantry, abundant storage, and impressive array of appliances, including two ovens, hotplates, dishwasher, and a captivating tepanyaki plate that adds the Wow factor to any meal ensuring a culinary delight for any occassion.

Indulge in the luxury of state-of-the-art bathrooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling tiles, double vanities, and the latest fittings and fixtures, including a mirror defroster.

Experience year-round comfort with two

10kw reverse cycle systems, ensuring optimal climate control no matter the season. Convenience is key with internal access to the double remote garage, providing all-weather accessibility.

Outside, the possibilities are endless, with ample space for your four-legged friends to roam, along with equestrian facilities including shelters, a tack room, stable, dam, and a 20x40 arena—a paradise for horse enthusiasts.

A separate shed offers versatility, perfect for a man cave, hobbyist retreat, or extra storage space. Situated just a short drive from Upper Beaconsfield shops and schools, and surrounded by highly regarded private and public educational institutions, this home offers the country lifestyle you desire with the convenience you need.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own your slice of paradise in Upper Beaconsfield. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and make this stunning property your forever home. ●

4

3

4

DELUXE UNIT WITH SPACE TO MOVE

FANTASTIC opportunity awaits with this spacious, meticulously renovated brick unit. Nestled privately in a tranquil, no-through road within a welcoming neighbourhood, this property offers far more than your average unit.

Boasting 2 bedrooms plus a versatile bonus studio/office, this home caters to your evolving lifestyle needs. Step inside to discover a striking kitchen featuring sleek stone benchtops, abundant storage solutions with ample drawers and cupboards, all complemented by modern tones to ignite your culinary creativity.

The open plan layout of the lounge/dining area is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. With the added comfort of 2 split system heating and cooling units, along with ceiling fans in both bedrooms, this home ensures year round comfort. Plus, the inclusion of solar panels on the roof offers significant savings on

energy bills. The updated bathroom boasts generous storage options, completing the picture of convenience and practicality.

Step outside to an outdoor entertainment oasis, designed for year round enjoyment. Equipped with cafe blinds, outdoor heaters, and breathtaking mountain views, this space seamlessly extends your living area, promising endless moments of peaceful relaxation

The charming cottage gardens are a testament to care and attention to detail, with immaculate landscaping, meandering paths, and a vegetable garden. For the little ones, there’s a sandpit, ensuring hours of outdoor fun, fully fenced backyard with picturesque views, a safe haven for children and pets alike. With convenient access to the reserve, as well as walking distance to shops and public transport, this home offers the perfect blend of serenity and accessibility. ●

Address:

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401

23MichaelCourt,WooriYallock

SensationalYarraValleyViews

$695,000-$740,000

Sitbackandadmiretheamazingviewsfromthisstunningproperty,overlookingpicturesque farmlandandeverchangingvalleyviews.Thehomeispresentedtoperfectioninsideandout, offeringcomfortablefamilylivingboasting3 bedroomsand afreshmainbathroom,spaciousliving/ loungeareaanda separatemealsarea.Thekitchenisfresh,modern,uptodateandwithample benchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsidetoanentertainersdreamwith ahugecovered entertainingarea -it’stheidealspottositbackrelaxandadmirethecolorfulandpicturesquevalley vista.Loadsofcaraccommodationwith adoublecarport,hugelockupgarageandneatwell establishedlandscapedgardenscompletethepictureperfectproperty.Alljusta shortstrollordrive tolocalschools,shops,publictransportandthewalkingtrailit’stheidealplacetocallhome.

46HighfieldRoad,Warburton$740,000-$790,000

CharacterCottagewithGorgeousMountainViews

AtruetreasureofWarburton,a classic& classyhomein asunnynorthfacinglocationtakinginthe stunningMountainviews.Highceilings,decorativecornices,sashwindows,3 gorgeouslyfurnished bedroomsand aclawfootbathinthebathroomtocompletethatluxuryfeeling. Acharmingkitchen withupdatedappliances,and acosysittingarea!Theoutdoorentertainingis alovelyextensionto yourlivingspace.Allsetonjustunderhalfanacre,fullyfencedwithlushlawns, agardentoimmerse yourselfin,doublegaragewithpowerandconcreteflooring,andbeingtuckedawayfromtheroad youcanenjoyyourprivacyandindulgeinthenaturalbeautythatsurroundsyou.Somanyfeatures withthisproperty,a musttoinspectifyouareafter acharmingescapetothecountrywithinaneasy strolltotheYarrariver,coffeeshopsandwalkingtrail.

RebeccaDoolan

M 0401832068

Inspection: ByAppointment

3 A 1 B 2 C

P 59662530

P 5967 1277

80RosellaRoad,Wesburn

‘WARREEN’–ACraftsmanMasterpieceon47acres

$1,700,000-$1,870,000

Escapeto asereneparadisewherefamily,bothhumanandequine,thriveamidstpristinenature.This architect-designedhome,nestledprivately,exudeswarmthwithCalifornianRedwooddoors,French doors,andtimberaccents.Immaculatewoolcarpets,top-notchinsulation,andfittingsshowcase quality.Threebedroomswithrobes,a fourthas ahomeoffice,offeramplespace.Themastersuite boaststimber-linedrakedceilingsanda spabath.Thespaciouskitchenwith aJarrahbenchtopis theheartofthehome.Equineenthusiastswillappreciatethesixpaddocks,bushland,andquality infrastructureincludingtanks,dam,stables,andmachinerysheds.A uniquepropertyoffering completeprivacyandtranquility.

15JamesStreet,Millgrove

SpaciousFamilyHomewithExceptionalPresentation

$595,000-$650,000

Beautifullypresentedinsideandoutthissuperbfamilyhomeissuretopleaseoffering 3bedroomsall withbuiltinrobesincluding asemiensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Spaciouslounge/ livingareasboastplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilyplus aseparatemeals/diningarea,well appointedkitchenwithplentyofbenchandcupboardspace.Stepoutsideto agardenersparadise withsunfilledfrontandrearyardsandbeautifulestablishedgardenswithanarrayofflowering shrubs,plants,gardenbedsandpathways.Extrasincludea gardenshedandbonusbungalow/ studio,plusa coveredentertainingarea- theidealspotforsummertimegatheringsandentertaining. Afantasticpropertyin aconvenientlocationofferinggreatmountainviewsandjusta shortwalkor drivetolocalschools,shops,transportandthewalkingtrail, agreatplacetocallhome.

DavidCarroll M 0419539320 Inspection:

3 A 2 B

MEDITERRANEAN FLARE IN GREAT LOCATION

MAGNIFICENT “Lugano“ boasts a touch of Mediterranean style paired with a topnotch location. Situated steps from Belgrave Outdoor Pool, train and bus transport, schools, and Belgrave’s bustling restaurant and entertainment precinct, this splendid property blends prestige and position to perfection.

Electric gates leading into the formal front garden that makes a stellar first impression. The columned portico leads into the wide foyer that introduces the rich timber flooring and sweeping high ceilings. Versatility is offered in abundance with a beautiful sitting room at the front of the home as well as an upper level flexspace suitable as a sizeable home office, bonus bedroom, or rumpus room. The central corridor flows past 3 more bright bedrooms with ample storage and a luxe family bathroom with soaking tub. The main bedroom is a highlight with walk-in robe, dual sink and spa tub ensuite with atrium, and courtyard views.

At the rear of the residence, formal and informal living and dining areas await. The lounge and dining area are enriched with

vaulted ceilings. The rear open concept family room with wood fire and meals area with lush garden views lead into the gourmet kitchen with granite benchtops and Bosch appliances. With one step you can dine outdoors on the paved patio or relax on the private lawns.

With a long list of exceptional features including ducted heating and cooling, a large laundry, and a double garage with in-house access, this property is the best that soughtafter Best Street has on offer. This property promises to impress so plan your viewing today.

· 874sqm (approx.) property with landscaped front and rear gardens

· Beautifully rendered residence with double garage

· Stylish formal and informal living and dining areas

· Gourmet kitchen with granite benchtops and Bosch appliances

· 3 bright bedrooms including main with spa ensuite and walk-in robe

· Versatile 4th bedroom/rumpus room and relaxing sitting room l

HOME ESSENTIALS

CHARMINGHILLSHIDEAWAYON1.5ACRES

M

FORSALE

RS ALE 25-27ColomboRoad,BELGRAVE $750,000to$799,000 EXCEPTIONALCOMFORT&ENTICINGOUTDOORAREAS 3 A 1 B 2 C

ThiswonderfulweatherboardresidenceinapeacefulpocketofBelgraveoffersidyllic

serene2,971sqm(approx.)landscape,recently restumpedtocreatepotentialforfurtherlivingspace,andwrappedindeckingfor

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

2 A 1 B 1 C

Tuckedawayontheforestsedge,surroundedby astunningarrayoflocalwildlife,this originalcottageisthecharming,quintessentialHillshome,youhavebeensearchingfor. Boastinghardwood floorboardsthroughout,thehomeisbothspaciousandwelldesigned withtwolargebedrooms,over-sizedbathroomandalongwiththemainliving room,thereis also aversatilesunroomthatcanactasahomeoffice,diningareaorplayroom.

SharynChandler

FO

/diningand bathroompluslaundrythatoffersplentyofroomforextrastorageifneeded,thishome, althoughneedingupdatingthroughout,willnodoubtmaketheperfecthomeforany family.

SharynChandler

Annual clash’s back

By Bryce Edwards

Wandin’s 1st XI would bat chasing Seville’s score last week of 272.

Rod Aitken and Jamie Elliott would getWandin off to a great start almost reaching 50 without wicket before Jamie Elliott would fall for 12.

From then onWandin would lose a few quick wickets until Tim Thorne came to the crease and stopped the flow of wickets for a while but unfortunately, it wasn’t Wandin’s day with the bat only managing to reach 200.

Tim Thorne 93

Rod Aitken 41

Wandin 2nd XI v Eastwood 2nd XI

Week 2 would start withWandin in a strong position at 4/80 chasing 134 for victory after a fantastic bowling performance and 4 wickets each to M Kogelman and D Trembath.

Wandin would lose overnight batsman B Edwards for 38, but from there the incoming batsmen D Trembath (26*) and Wandin captain R Painter (26*) would guide the team to victory at 5 down after about 15 overs.

With luck also going Wandin’s way in other results, Wandin would secure a double chance and a home qualifying final next weekend vs St Andrews with the winner straight through to the grand final a fortnight later.

Wandin 3rd XI vs Mooroolbark

TheWandin 3rd XI hosted Mooroolbark atWandin East, and after winning the toss and sending the visitors in, Wandin had a very tidy start, keepingtheoppositionunder100atthehalfway mark of their innings with everybody chipping in. Chris Foden was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets. Unfortunately at the back end of their innings, Mooroolbark was able to put the foot down and reach the impressive total of 234. Wandin’s run chase was off to a rocky start after losing quick wickets and it was once again up to Ben Warren to stand tall with the bat scoring his third 50 in a row, with the required run rate being over 8 an over. Chris Foden once again

stood up and took charge scoring a quick-fire 50 to keepWandin in the game, however, the total was just too great in the end as Mooroolbark bowled the Dogs out taking the win by 22 runs. There were a lot of positives to take away from the game with everybody giving it their all.

Wandin Womens vs Mooroolbark

In their final game before finals, Wandin won the toss and Vice Captain Charlotte Edwards elected to bat first.

Gayle Burgi and Charlotte Edwards opened the batting, the two were off to a very good partnership. Unfortunately, Burgi was dismissed in the 8th over however her batting was crucial to the amazing start.

Kirwan Peluso, also known as K, came into bat and Peluso and Edwards kept the run rate ticking over until Edwards bottom-edged one and was caught behind on 29.

KP top scored for the day and finished on a superb 33 followed by her sister Belinda Cuddon on 12.

Wandin ended their innings on 111, they knew this was going to be difficult to defend however they were all up for the challenge.

Captain Olivia Edwards took the ball to start the bowling innings and as she did took a wicket in the first over sending back their opening batter.

Wandin kept it tight in the field and at-

tacked with the ball.

Wickets were falling the pressure was up, and Moorolbark needed 1 off 6.

Unfortunately for the Wandin Women Moorolbark got the run, but for the ladies to defend that score to the last over showed great determination.

Olivia Edwards finished on 3/14 off 6

Charlotte Edwards- 3/16 off 6

Nyree George- 1/4 off 1

It doesn’t end for the Women here though, Wandin finished second on the ladder and take on Templeton next Sunday in the semifinal to see if they can book their ticket to the big dance.

Wandin Cricket Club vs Wandin Football Club

On Thursday night, the Wandin Cricket Club hosted the Wandin Football Netball Club for the third instalment of the Dog vs Dog T20 up at The Kennell.

With the scores at 1 a piece this was a massive game seeing who would take home the cup.

Todd Garner won the toss and elected to bowl, sending in the Cricket Club who were ready to fire. Rod Aitken starred with the bat and Tim Thorne only damaged one car roof with some big hitting.The cricket club finished with a decent score of 178 off its 20 overs.

In stepped to bat the footy club who were off to a flyer with Fergy on fire until he was spectacularly caught by Olivia Edwards.

This slowed the run rate and things were looking good for the cricket club until some unbelievable hitting from Garner got the footy club right into the game.

But then a massive last 2 overs from Joel Galvin, taking out Garner and the tail, left the footy club 6 runs short.

In front of a full hill, the cricket club goes 2-1 up.

Issy and RWH horse Mims.

Horse talk

By Anita Prowse

A big congratulations to Upper Yarra Pony Club RidersWithout Horses (RWH) member Issy, who won a national competition run by Pont Club Australia, describing why horses should be given a second chance, Well done Issy.

Biggest news at the moment is the proposal for a national park in our area to be shut up and off limits to everyone for their recreational pursuits.

I would encourage everyone to contact your MPs and anyone else you can think of.

In such a large equestrian area, we need to be able to ride and enjoy our bushland.

We have so few safe places to ride left, this would be a very large problem on so many levels.

The Brumby Festival returns for 2024 date is confirmed, Sunday 6 October so pop that in your diary.

Don’t forget entries are now open for Upper Yarra Adult Riders Combined Training Day on the 14 April, keep your eye on Event Secretary for that and other upcoming events.

Happy Riding everyone!!

The Wandin Cricket Club took out the annual Dog vs Dog T20 cup. Picture: SUPPLIED

SPORT Two flags brought home

By Ian Milgate

Preliminary final

What a day it was for the Healesville Bowling Club.

Firstly, it is with sadness to hear the passing of Beryl Ayres.

Not only was she a great club member who won over 50 Championships while bowling for Healesville over many years, but also a beautiful lady who never had a bad word for anyone.

Beryl always welcomed everybody, asked how they were, and gave them that beautiful smile that she had.

The club is feeling the loss and the condolences go out to Robert and the family.

Prior to the two games being played the club held a minutes silence in memory of Beryl, Team 1 played Ringwood in the preliminary round at Ringwood, and although the team was all feeling the sad loss of Beryl,

The team believed she was looking over Robert and the team supporting and saying “Come on Healesville”.

Team 1 got away to a good start and by the half time break it was up by 30 shots.

After the break, the game started to shift a little, but they were not going to give up on this solemn occasion, and eventually ran over Ringwood by 18 shots. This puts the team into the grand final next week against Vermont South.

Team 2 played Mitcham at home, and again there was a lot of sadness after hearing the news of Robert’s mother Beryl passing away overnight.

The team had a reason to win today because Beryl would not had wanted it any other way.

All rinks got off to a good start and by the

break Healesville were up by 16 shots, 43/27.

They knew they had to win and win they did beating Mitcham by 29 shots, 72/43. Healesville will play Monbulk next week in the Grand Final with venue to be advised.

Well done all players from both teams and lets go one better next week winning the Grand final.

Tuesday’s Team 2 played Lilydale at home in the Semi Final.

Healesville had to win to go on to the Qualifying Final.

Healesville started off well and at the half time break were up by 7 shots.

After the break the game become a sea sawing exciting game.

Healesville dropped a 5 shotter, but Len Cosson’s rink picked up a seven, which put them back in the game.

For the last seven ends there was only a shot or two in it either way.

With 3 ends to play we were even, then 2 ends to go Lilydale went 2 up.

On the last end Healesville was holding

Burras continue finals trip

By Garry Lewis

In warm conditions, Warburton’s Midweek Pennant Side played in the First Semi Final of their section on Tuesday at home and reversed last week’s loss to Mooroolbark 3 in emphatic fashion.

The overall standard lifted to a much higher level across all the rinks and resulted in a convincing victory for the Burras by 30 shots, 66 to 36.

Congratulations to all twelve players who travel to Yarra Glen for the sudden death Preliminary Final on Thursday!

Rink scores were as follows: R. McKail 28/ 9; G. Walsh 22/ 12 and S. Lord 16/ 15.

In the Preliminary Final on Thursday against Yarra Glen 1, the Burras’ resurgent form continued as they came away with a brave victory by 6 shots.

They will now meet Monbulk 1 this week in the Grand Final at Mooroolbark Bowls Club.

The Burras were away slowly on the unfamiliar grass green and trailed 27/ 15 at the lunch break.

Immediately after resuming, the team went into overdrive and wiped off the deficit in a few ends.

From then on it was a dogfight, butWarburton proved the steadier team and prevailed 60/ 54.

Rink scores were as follows: G.Walsh 24/ 16; S. Lord 18/ 16 and R. McKail 18/ 22.

The Intra Club Singles Finals were played on Friday evening with Rayna Zunneberg defeating Madisyn Nicolandos in the Ladies’ Final and Chris Neale defeating Chris Lord in the Men’s Final.

Both games were of a high standard and played with great spirit. Congratulations to both winners!

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Triples Competition completed the Round Robin format lastWednesday in warm and gusty conditions.

All the games continued to be played in great spirit leading up to the finals’ evening this week to conclude another enjoyable season.

The top 8 ended up being Burra Boys, Pensioners, Bowls to the Walls, Thomos, Three Amigos, Can’t Remember, Bee Gees andWessie Wonders.

The second tier ended up being Giddy Gout, Sheep Assist, Bolters, Gunners, Noel’s Crew, 50 Shades of Gravy, Bowl Movement and Three Stooges.

Both sections will play off in sudden death 6 end games to eventually decide the overall winner for each section.

Gary ‘Garbo’ Adams from the Burra Boys Team started the evening well by quickly being the first person to touch the jack. Well done, Garbo!

Good luck to all the teams in the finals this week!

Social Bowls continues to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone including new and beginning players encouraged to attend. Come along and give Bowls a try!

GO BURRAS!

shot, but needed a 2 to draw or 3 to win.

Unfortunately their shot bowl was knocked out to give Lilydale the shot, and the team went down by 3 shots, 58/61.

It was an exciting game to watch, and the players deserve congratulating on their effort under very warm conditions.

Grand final day

Saturday’s Team 1 played Vermont South at Upwey Tecoma on neutral ground.

All rinks started off well and continued to keep the pressure on up until half time when the team had a 3 break shot 36/33.

After the break it started to tighten up a little as both teams were playing good bowls, although Mark Ward’s rink was playing great bowls and keeping the team in the lead.

With only 6 ends to play there were only 2 shots in it but Adrian Beales rink started to get bowls on the head, which held Vermont South at bay.

It came down to the last end and it was crucial to get bowls in the head, and thankfully Bobby Brown dropped 2 on the jack, making it

hard for Vermont South to make up shots and finally we beat Vermont South by 4 shots, 72/68.

Saturday’s Team 2 played Monbulk at Upwey Tecoma.

After losing to Monbulk in the semi final, Healesville had a score to settle, and was wdetermined to go one better.

The Healesville side came out of the blocks firing but by the tea break Monbulk had a 3 shot lead, 26/29.

After the tea break, Healesville could see that if it kept close to Monbulk, that it could topple the favourites.

All rinks started to fire up led by John Fitzpatrick and before long started to creep ahead.

Panic struck Monbulk and Healesville finally drew away for a 16 shot win, 68/52.

Congratulations to all players who played exceptionally well and showed how Healesville with its limited number of players in the club can achieve great results.

Twilight contest end nears

By Ron Hottes

Monday 26 February, Stableford:

Nine V.V.V’s played on this day as Michelle Jordon posted the best result with a superb 19 points. Good shooting, Jordie. Deb Hamment, in her new cart, celebrated by grabbing the runner-up prize with 17 solid points. There were no NTPs claimed. Sunday morning coaching clinics continue throughout March, ( on 3, 17 and 24 March) from 9.40-10.30 with the lovely Jess. I believe that during this month, the emphasis will be on chipping, putting and swing techniques. The Juniors precede those sessions, with 8.40-9.30 lessons, also with Jess.

Wednesday 28 February, Stableford: With very hot and windy conditions prevailing, the field was a little smaller than usual. But, not being put off by those testy conditions, Mario DeVincentis shrugged them off by posting an impressive 40-point result to take home the chokkies ( Uncle Chris will be pleased). My regular playing partner, Mick Eldridge, gained the runner-up prize with 38 solid points ( Bragging rights to Mick please Trish). Balls did extend to 36 only. NTP winners were as follows: Josh Hin (3rd), Ross Machar (5th), Junior Garside (9th), Trevor Porter (12th) and finally Jack Sheehan (15th). Twilight.

Now we arrive at the pointy end of this iconic event. With four rounds to go, every point counts unless you’re well out of contention for the Top Ten Shootout. Doing himself plenty of favours was popular member, Andy Gill, who posted a superb 21 points; to get 7 valuable Shootout points and to zoom into the Top Ten ( And to finally prove who is the talented member of that family). Michael Pinkster took home the runner-up voucher with a solid 20 points. If you posted 18+ points, you can claim a ball. NTP winners were Luke Patrick ( a superb 2nd shot on the first), Geoff Fall (3rd), Clinton Toohey (5th) and James Campion (9th). The latest list for the Top-Ten shootout sees Andy Gill’s latest win take him to the top of the pile with an aggregate 45 points. Paul ‘Ozzie’ Osbourne is chasing hard with

43 points, followed by Pacey Luttgens and Clinton Toohey. The current top ten finishes at 33 points, but there is a large pack of chasers including RJH who could still squeeze into one of those valued spots. It’s getting very tight, and exciting, at the top.

Saturday 2 March, Stroke and Monthly-

Medal:

Wow, we have some extreme scores to report fortheMarchMedalday.Firstly,TimMcKail’s Nett 62 would get him the Medal every day of the week most weeks, but not today, he had to just accept the A-Grade runner-up prize. Still, great shooting, Tim. The Medal winner was none other than the promising young golfer called Joel Coombs, who pipped Tim by 1 shot, a Nett 61. Joel takes home the top voucher as well as the prized Medal. In BGrade, the results were much more believable. Nonetheless, well done indeed to Rob Ferguson to win with an impressive Nett 65. The runner-up in this Grade was Aaron Henderson, who posted a Nett 71 and won that voucher on a countback. Interestingly, balls only got down to 72 in this Grade, but went all the way to Nett 68 in A-Grade. (As an aside worth noting, club legend Paul Kennedy ‘broke his age’ by shooting a 74 off the stick and P.K. is a little older than 74. Ironically, his Nett 63 only won him a ball.) NTP prizes went home with Josh Hin (3rd), Craig Staggard (5th), Tim McKail (9th), Tommy Barr (12th), and Joel Coombs (15th).

Warburton

Saturday’s Team 2.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDSaturday’s Team 1.

Warburton Bowls Club Singles Champions Rayna Zunneberg and Chris Neale. Picture: SUPPLIED

Mixed results for finals

By Chris Handasyde

U12-4: Semi Final - Healesville 7/70 defeated Mt Evelyn 8/69

A nailbiter at Queens park on Friday night sees the Healesville U12 division 4 team into the grand final next week.

Wining the toss and bowling first the Healesville team were alert in the field and bowled tight lines, giving away the least number of extras for the year.

A wicket to Manny Winrow 1/6 in the first over set the tone as the team collected 5 catches and two runouts to bowl Mt Evelyn out for 69 runs in the 22nd over. Other wicket takers were Jackson Leahman 2/11, AhrenWicker 2/7 and Arthur Coleman 1/1.

The modest total was almost too much for Healesville though, losing 3 wickets in the first 5 overs.

Some disciplined, steady batting in the middle kept the team in the game, but it was Ahren Wicker from the 10th over who played the aggressor smacking 3 boundaries on the way to top scoring with 18 off 15 balls allowing MannyWinrow 6 N.O. and Ryder Hudson 9 N.O. to bring the team home, winning by one wicket with 5 overs to spare. Mika Kirst with 12 runs and Gus Morcombe with 7 were the other batters in the runs.

A great team effort sets them up for a grand finale against minor premiers Mooroolbark next Friday

U14-3: Healesville 9/213 defeated by Knox City 6/217

With Finals not on the horizon for the U14-3 team but 213 on the board we were keen to finish the season with a win.

Knox City bought their A game and wickets were tough to get.

Unfortunately the team’s total was passed with 7 overs remaining.

Henry Harding 3/28 was our only multiple

wicket taker.

Having moved up into a higher division this season the team proved they are capable and this season was a great learning curve on the way to improving the team.

U14-7: Healesville 130 defeated by St Andrews 9/179

Half way through this split innings match where both teams had batted 25 overs last week, the team was 29 runs behind.

St Andrews resumed their innings on 4/85 and scored another 94 runs in their next 25 overs.

The highlight was Summer Caldicott claiming her first 5 wicket haul with 5/9 from 7 overs.

Needing 124 from the team’s last 25 overs, they stumbled early and the score was too great.

Alex Simmons made his highest score with 21 and Mika Kerst made 18.

Tully Ellis who had retired last week come back out and remained not out on 22.

U16-4: Healesville 7/205 defeated Warranwood 9/179

With the finals on the line we continued our bowling innings and kept Warranwood to 9/179 from their allotted 50 overs.

Denzel Parsons claimed 2/16 and most

bowlers got a wicket each.

Resuming the team’s innings on 3/106, they needed 74 runs from 25 overs.

Denzel Parsons 39* and Tyler Braden 27* continued on from last week and Sam Drummond 35* batted well to ensure we passed the total and book their place in the first final next week.

Senior Female - Tuesday 27 Feb Healesville 8/67 defeated by Bayswater Park 0/147

The last game had the team bowling first against some very good batting.

Unable to capture a wicket Bayswater Park amased 0/147 from their 20 overs.

The girls were determined to bat out our 20 overs and that they did.

Summer Caldicott the star with the bat scoring 33.

Thanks to all the girls for getting our Female team on the ground.

The enthusiasm and effort has been fantastic and look forward to building on this first season.

Seniors 1st XI: Healesville 151 defeated by Lusatia Park 9/259

Chased 259 at Woori Yallock and to remain in 3rd position, the team got off to a bad start losing opener Mark Powell for 2 then Josh Handasyde for 3.

Constant dismissals meant the run chase never had momentum.

The super reliable Ryan Webster 48 batted well and Ash Hamer made 38.

The team now had back toWooriYallock reserve this week to play Lusatia Park in an elimination final.

Seniors 2nd XI: Healesville 7/186 defeated Lusatia Park 183, Healesville 4/52 Vs Lusatia Park 183 (Two Day Match)

The team was 4/52 at close of play last week so needed another 132.

Jonny Heywood 108* lead the charge but

with wickets falling around him the game remained in the balance right to the end.

Darcy English made 16* from 36 balls to put on a crucial 46 run partnership with Jonny to get the team over the line and into the finals.

Coming from last on the ladder a Christmas, the team has played some great cricket to sneak into finals.

Seniors 3rd XI: Healesville 7/173 defeated Coldstream 4/168

A must win game to make finals, the team had to play top of the ladder Coldstream.

Coldstream batted first and wickets were hard to get as Coldstream batted solidly to reach 4/168 from their 36 overs.

Denzel Parson took 3/27.

It come down to make 169+ to play finals.

Father son combination Grant and Tyler Braden opened with Grant setting up the innings with 70.

Denzel made 19 and Eli Prentice was batting well for 30 until he was bowled.

Needing 22 from 24 balls the game was in the balance.

Some late runs from Tom Dalley and Jess Thomas got us over the line in the last over and into the finals.

Seniors 4th XI: Healesville 103 defeated by Kilsyth 5/105

With finals out of reach, the team batted first and was bowled out for 103 on a hard and fast ground.

Adam Keath top scored with 33 and Tom Robinson made his highest score this season with 10.

They bowled well and got ourselves in the game having Kilsyth 4/36 and then 5/65.

However Kilsyth got a partnership going to finish off the game.

Megan Schelfhout bowled well with 2/12 and Sam Keath bowled 3 maidens with figures of 1/8.

From Quarry Road to Anfield, Liverpool partners up

By Callum Ludwig

One of the biggest soccer clubs in the world has set up a base in the Yarra Ranges, as Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) becomes a home for the Liverpool Football Club’s International Academy in Australia.

The partnership might one day help students step up from training at Quarry Road to celebrating in front of The Kop, working with local kids with the same coaching curriculum and techniques as those back in Merseyside.

MLMC principal Phillip Morrison said the transformative partnership will bring together two institutions guided by principles that resonate deeply with the school’s community.

“The Liverpool International Football Academy, with its unwavering commitment to ambition, commitment, dignity and unity, echoes the spirit of resilience and excellence. Their phrase, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ encapsulates the ethos of solidarity and support that defines us as a community and also defines them as a community,” he said.

“The partnership is not merely a collaboration between institutions, it’s a promise. It’s a promise to nurture talent, to cultivate leadership and to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging,”

It’s a commitment to provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and development both on and on the field and in the classrooms and beyond. So in the spirit of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ let us stand together, to grow the potential of community, united in our pursuit of excellence and shared success.”

Originally a show tune from a 1945 musical, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ has become an anthem synonymous with the Liverpool Football Club, belted out by fans in their home ground at Anfield for over six decades.

Director of the Liverpool International Academy in Australia Kevin Kalinko, who also owns the Australian College of Physical Education, said it was a proud Australian day in the 113-year history of Liverpool Football Club.

“We’ve had many special days back home inthehistoryoftheclub,liketheMiracleofIstanbul, where Liverpool won the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2005, coming back from 3-0 down at halftime, or the moment we were, after a 30-year wait, crowned English League Champions,” he said.

“But whilst those are special things for us, today is different, as you have heard, Mount Lilydale Mercy College will become the home of the Liverpool FC International Academy High-Performance Program here in the northeastern region of Melbourne.

“Importantly, in addition to the Highperformance program, the partnership with

nity

and

Pictures:

available to all aspiring players

the broader community.”

Alongside MLMC staff and Year 7, 8 and 9 students in attendance were the principals of some local primary schools and representatives from a range of local soccer clubs in the outer east, all to hear about how the academy could go on develop their kids both as people and players.

At the time of writing, Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table and just picked up the latest piece of silverware in their illus-

The Liverpool Football Club has a solid reputation for promoting academy talent through their ranks; some of the club’s greatest-ever players such as Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler came through the youth ranks while a pair of the club’s current stars in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are local lads.

A few Australians have also called the Merseyside club home, with winger Harry Kewell, goalkeeper Brad Jones and left back Brad Smith all having made senior appearances for the Reds.

Mount Lilydale Mercy College will see the school host a range of Liverpool FC commu-

training

holiday programs

in

trious trophy cabinet with a 1-0 win in the League (Carabao) Cup final.

Director

U12 team won semi final to advance to grand final. Picture: ON FILE