Ranges
2 Tuesday, 30 May, 2017
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Bondi bound?
5
Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
CFA debate rages
A Mail News Group publication
21-22
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‘Breach of trust’ By Peter Douglas Bayswater woman Marion Myra Mills, 62, had suffered a stroke and was enduring financial hardship when she stole more than $28,000 from the Upwey-Belgrave RSL Sub-branch, according to defence lawyer Beth Warnock. Mills, a former Upwey-Belgrave RSL treasurer, on 24 April was sentenced to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years, after she pleaded guilty to obtaining financial advantage by deception. Over an almost three-year period - from 26 November 2010 to 5 August 2013 - Mills made 80 fraudulent payments on her and her husband’s accounts, totalling $28,918. Mills had issued fake RSL gift vouchers to pay back the tab. In a court recording obtained by the ‘Mail’, Ms Warnock said around the time of offending, Mills had stopped work due to eyesight issues, with her husband also ceasing full-time work in 2012. Although Mills received an income insurance payout, the couple were forced to sell their home after struggling to meet mortgage repayments and racking up credit card debt. Ms Warnock said that Mills had been battling significant health issues. “(She) also suffered a stroke and is still recovering from that physically ... (she) also suffered personality changes after that (often becoming) quite nasty and easily frustrated,” Ms Warnock said. “Both from her eyesight and stroke, her selfconfidence disappeared and it affected her ability to find work. “I think it’s very clear to the court it’s been a horrible few years for my client.” Ms Warnock said Mills had no prior convictions and had not committed any further offences. Mills also reported a history of heavy drinking and a gambling addiction. In handing down the sentence at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Susan Armour said she took into consideration Mills’ clean record, guilty plea and her health issues. However, she said the seriousness of Mills’ actions could not be ignored. Continued page 3
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Developed by children from the Yarra Ranges, their song ‘Bells of Peace’ is set to be further developed before being played Birrarung Marr on International Day of Peace on 21 September. Dandenong Ranges Music Council originally commissioned the song for the Anzac Centenary, and it was performed on the Federation Bells. To assist in the song’s latest development, famous choral specialist and arranger Kate Sadler paid a visit to Upwey High School. Pictured with Kate, right, is Christine Wallis, Creative Director for ‘Bells Picture: ROB CAREW of Peace’. 168435
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Bells of Peace ring for the children