Ferntree Gully
Belgrave
Mail Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
3 Tuesday, 4 December, 2018
Hunt for garlic bandits
5
Tecoma height battle
A Mail News Group publication
33-34
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Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Ferntree Gully
Belgrave
Mail Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
Vets Kylie Frank and Stephanna Betts with vet nurse and manager Susan Santoro at the site for their new clinic. 188257
YEAR IN REVIEW
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Dr Betts said they wanted to be involved with the community through school and kinder visits to teach children how to look after animals, and through wider community education about wildlife. "We will offer free vet treatment for wildlife and reduced rates for animal welfare groups," she said. Mayor Tony Stevenson said he was quite touched and impressed by the group's submission, and said they came across as really caring, community-minded people. "I think you'll be a great asset for the community," he said.
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One of Belgrave's oldest buildings is about to get a new lease on life - or should that be leash? Yarra Ranges Councillors agreed to sell 1632 Burwood Highway to veterinarians Stephanna Betts and Kylie Frank and vet nurse and manager Susan Santoro at their Tuesday 27 November meeting. The council resolved to sell the property at its 10 July meeting and started an expression of interest process. The Mail reported at the time that local history and community groups pleaded with the
above the independent valuation the council obtained, and intends to use the premises for a small veterinary clinic. They identified the area as under-supplied with veterinary services, and Dr Betts said they'd been looking for a site for about six months. "As locals, we value and appreciate the heritage," she said. "We are excited to restore the building sensitively in its original style and character. "We believe it would go well with our concept of a local, friendly, approachable vet clinic." 1238678-CG32-16
council to retain the 1920s building for its historic value. It acted as a grammar school as well as an antenatal clinic in its formative years, and was most recently the home of the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Centre. The objectors to the sale suggested the council re-purpose the site as an information centre, a museum and a home for the Belgrave Trader's Association. But a council report showed the building would need more than $250,000 in upgrades to make it suitable for community use. The veterinary team made a financial offer
By Casey Neill
Tuesday, 8 January, 2019
A Mail News Group publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
The Soupee man Ferntree Gully
Belgrave
PERSON OF THE YEAR
2018 By Derek Schlennstedt
There are very few people who have given as much back as Gavin (Soupee) Smith who has run Soupees in Upwey every friday evening, for nearlly 10 years. "People don't have to pay for anything, they're welcome to just come along."You can come get soup, pizza, and a listening ear. "Sometimes people don't even eat, they just want to come along and unburden themselves."Gavin's rock-solid community benefit program started ten years ago when he became aware of primary school children going hungry in the mornings, so he initiated a breakfast one day per week at Upwey and Upwey South Primary Schools. Of course, this wasn't enough, and soon he launched Upside Pathways Learning Centre
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"What I particularly like about Soupees is you see young people who start off very very young, and you see them growing up in front of your eyes," Gavin said."It has its own reward ... I really love what I do, being able to meet people, to show them compassion, and to make friends and help in any way."
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Having received a new van this year to help him assist the community, it seems likely that Gavin is an enduring part of the hills community and will be around for years to come.
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to allow individuals to learn a craft or subject away from the normal academic stream - free and in a fun, casual environment. Over winter Gavin also takes it upon himself to support marginalised members in St Kilda and provides donated blankets and other comforts while walking the streets and giving a friendly ear. This year in conjunction with Bendigo Community Bank, over 1000 blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing was distributed all over Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges by Gavin.
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There are a small number of people, groups and organisations in the Dandenong Ranges which have become synonymous with the region. These people and groups have not become well-known for their names, but for displaying the qualities that the hills are known for. Here at the Mail we love our community and we enjoy highlighting the achievements of the many inspiring individuals and organisations in the region that give back so much - the only tough part is trying to whittle down the list of candidates because, let's face it, there are too many to mention in just one edition. In 2018 there was one individual who stood out against the rest and who displays everything the Dandenong ranges is, and should be. For those who don't know Gavin Smith, he's become a well-loved institution of Upwey. For nearly ten years, on every Friday afternoon, rain, hail or shine, Gavin - also known locally as 'Soupee' - can be found in Upwey's Main Street dishing out hot soup, pizzas and other refreshments, while offering a kindly word, and a cheery smile. He has served countless pots of soup, and although he has been assisted over the years by Belgrave Rotary and Upwey Township Group, it's Gavin himself who provides the rock-solid community benefit. "Soupees has always been about the fact that I just want to get out and help people in a practical way," Gavin said.