Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 13th April 2021

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Memories of a prince

Helping heal grief

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Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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PROPERTY GUIDE

A ‘wizard’s’ tale

By Taylah Eastwell

Belgrave’s quirky “wizard” Baba Desi with Upwey photographer Pauline Klemm.

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Sitting at a bustling Belgrave cafe with the town’s very own “wizard“ Baba Desi, the love for the quirky Hills local quickly becomes apparent.

From small children yelling out ’It’s the pirate!“, to local shopkeepers and curious tourists, 91-year-old Des Burgen takes the time to strike up a conversation with each and every human that glances his way.

Mesmerised by his colourful robes, turbaned head, ever-growing collection of rustic jewels and his hand-crafted wooden staff that makes him all the more wizard–like, there aren’t many who would pass up the opportunity to get to know the loved Hills local.

But when Baba Desi was approached by Upwey documentary photographer Pauline Klemm late last year, he had no idea the friendship that was about to form.

“Anyone that lives in the Hills sees him walking around all the time, and so had I. You always have thoughts when you see him, you think gosh he’s an interesting guy, I’d love to go talk to him,” Ms Klemm said.

“For the last six months or so, every time I saw him I thought – he is a photographer’s dream, I need to ask if I can photograph him, but I just kept passing him thinking it,” she said.

One day, as Ms Klemm was driving past Upwey train station, she saw Baba Desi walk past.

After doing a quick U-turn, she pulled up and approached the friendly wizard, asking if she could take a photo of him for her portfolio.

“He said he’s used to it, that’s he’s been on TV, on this show and interviewed by this and that, and I thought wow, this man has such a story,” she said.

Ms Klemm asked Baba Desi if she could sit down with him over a coffee.

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A Belgrave ‘wizard’s’ tale From page 1 “He said you can catch me anytime, I’m always in Belgrave. I sat down with him for about three hours and when I walked away I just thought wow, this is so much more than three or four photos,” she said.

“I realised he has got a story that needs to be told and we got on really well, it would be so suitable as an Australian Story, he’s woven into the fabric of the Hills,” she said.

Since then, Ms Klemm has spent a lot of time with Baba Desi, learning about his past, teaching him how to use his mobile phone, even spending Christmas together – but perhaps most importantly, Ms Klemm has worked with Baba Desi to recreate his life in multimedia form.

The pair have been all over Melbourne to take photos at places of significance throughout Baba’s life in hopes of compiling enough media to leave behind a time-capsule for Baba Desi’s family.

“My project involves documenting his life so he can leave behind a time capsule for his family because some of them he has very little contact with,” Ms Klemm said.

“The most important thing to him is his family and the fact he is not as connected to them as he would like. The aim is to leave behind a legacy so they know who their father and grandfather was, and to honour the man that is so loved in the Hills.”

Ms Klemm and Baba Desi’s adventures have included a day shooting at Melbourne’s Gas Works, where he was once on a steering committee, and a day at RJ Hamer Arboretum in Olinda.

“I took him there (Gasworks) and he had a coffee with the CEO for 40 minutes and we got some photos and I filmed him walking around,” she said.

Ms Klemm has also tried to locate places where Baba Desi ran jazz dances in the 1950’s,

and aims to take videos and photos in locations that have been a part of his life over his 91 years.

She has also recorded some of their conversations to add an audio aspect to the overall project recounting his life, which he has devoted to activism and healing others.

“He will say start telling me some outrageous story and I say, are you kidding me, hang on a minute, I’ve got to record this,” she said.

Ms Klemm said her overall aim is to put on a multi-media exhibition at Burrinja Cultural Centre, with audiovisual elements, photographs, and a tactile of Baba Desi’s quirky clothes on display in a “really creative way”.

She said she had received an “overwhelming” amount of support from other creative locals.

“I am utilising the skills of local community to fill in the gaps of skills that I don’t have to get this happening,” she said.

“I’ve never done anything like this, it is huge. I feel like I’ve unleashed a monster, but it is making me very happy doing it and it is making Des very happy. It’s good for him because we talk about things and he is always coming out with anecdotes and stories. He really wants his family to know who he was,” she said.

Baba Desi is getting just as much joy out of the project and his newfound friendship with Pauline, smiling as he describes it as “rewarding“.

“It’s great. I’ve always wanted a daughter,“ he said.

He hopes the time capsule of his life inspires others to stand up for what is right in society.

“Being an activist, I hope it makes people realise that if I can get out there and fight the system, they can do it too. We can’t just rollover and say yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir, it’s not the Australian way. Our ancestors gave us the go-ahead when they fought for our independence, we need to stand up, stand together and be counted,“ he said.

Baba Desi has been working with Upwey photographer Pauline Klemm in a multi-media project retelling his colourful life.

It’s never you, until it is.

More people die on farms than in other workplaces – let’s change that.

You might think you’re bulletproof and know your land like the back of your hand.

But accidents can happen to anyone.

You can prevent accidents. You can prevent deaths. worksafe.vic.gov.au/agriculture 12481296-SN16-21

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IN BRIEF Operation Nexus

Memories of Philip

By Taylah Eastwell As the world unites in mourning over the passing of Prince Philip, Yarra Ranges residents have shared their memories of the Duke and his visits to their leafy pocket of the world.

When the Queen announced the Duke of Edinburgh had “passed away peacefully” at Windsor Castle on Friday 9 April, residents were quick to flick back through their memory boxes, some posting photos to social media of interactions with the Prince during his many visits to Australia.

Upper Ferntree Gully’s Renee Radisich recalls Prince Philip as a down to earth man, having been chosen as one of five Monbulk Primary School students to ask him a question during a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) event at Melbourne Zoo in 1990.

“He was the international president of the WWF and they were launching some new campaign. Our music teacher, Pamela Miskin (late) was an environmentalist and raised a lot of money through our school so we got invited to go to the zoo for the launch,” she said.

“I was one of about 30 kids from Monbulk Primary School that got to go and one of five or so that got to ask him a question,” Ms Radisich said.

Ms Radisich, who was11 at the time, said she asked the Prince “what he does in his role as international president of the WWF?“.

“I don’t remember there being any pompous circumstances about him. There was no bowing or curtseying, he seemed pretty down to earth,” she said.

The Warburton Motel also took to Facebook to share the fond memory of a Warburton woman who encountered the royal couple as a child.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth visited

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at O’Shannessy Lodge, Warburton in 1954.

Picture: YARRA RANGES BUSH CAMP Warburton Hospital in 1954. At the time the original homestead ‘Wonwondah’ stood directly across the road, where the Warburton Motel now stands.

The now elderly woman lived in the homestead as a child. Opposite the hospital entrance, on the fenceline of the homestead (now the motel) was the last spot the postman would stop. As a result, there was a whole row of letterboxes all lined up out the front, where residents would come down off the mountain to collect their mail.

While Prince Philip and the Queen exited the hospital driveway, kids from the homestead were all hanging over the fence to try and get a glimpse of the royals.

As the car left the driveway, the Queen ushered her driver to stop and wound down her window. Both she and Prince Philip were curious to know why there were so many letterboxes but only one house. The kids explained how it worked and, happy with the response, the royals said their farewells and went on their way.

“It’s odd to think that a 99-year-old royal from half way across the world was once hang-

ing out the window of his car at the motel property shooting the breeze with some local kids now in their 70s. Truly a small world. RIP,” read the Warburton Motel post.

Visits to Australia were not uncommon for Prince Philip, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison commending him for his service to the Commonwealth and his ties to our country.

“He presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia. Given his full service, Prince Philip also had a strong connection to the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Morrison said in a statement shortly after Philip’s death was made public.

One particular visit by the Queen and Prince Philip to the Yarra Ranges has become infamous, despite the royals keeping it under wraps for over 50 years.

During their gruelling 1954 Commonwealth Tour, the couple spent the weekend of March 6 to 8 relaxing at O’Shannessy Lodge in Warburton. It was their only free weekend in Victoria during the trip and the only place the royals stayed other than Government House and aboard the Royal Train.

With 27-year-old Elizabeth only recently crowned Queen, the 1954 royal tour was the a huge event for Australia and the royal family .

But the loved-up young royals proved they were not immune to a quarrel, with an argument between the pair retold years later in royal writer Robert Hardman’s 2011 novel, ‘Our Queen’. The incident, during which the Queen is alleged to have thrown sports equipment at Philip, has also been recreated in season one of the Netflix drama ‘The Crown’. Allegedly the tiff was caught on camera but the footage later destroyed on request of the royal couple.

Monbulk CFA lowered its flag to half mast on Saturday 10 April in respect of the Prince.

Early snowfall attracts cool crowds

Police were left shocked by the number of people caught breaking road rules just hours into the Easter long weekend, as Victoria recorded its worst weekend on the roads since 2007.

Five people lost their lives on Victorian roads over the four day weekend.

On Friday 2 April, an 18-year-old female, who had only held her licence for three weeks, was detected speeding at 101 km/ph in a 70 km/ph zone on Burwood Highway in Upwey.

The woman lost her licence for three months and was handed a $454 fine.

A 23-year-old male was also detected speeding at 107km/ph in an 80km/ph zone on Wellington Road, Belgrave South on Good Friday.

He also lost his licence for three months and was fined $454.

A 48-year-old male will be off the road for six months after he was detected speeding at 108km/ph on Melba Highway in Coldstream on Friday 2 April. He was fined $620.

A learner driver who was caught driving alone on Eastlink returned an Evidentiary Breath Test result of 0.076 and a positive reading for illicit drugs. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,355 and he is expected to be charged on summons for the incident.

A 45-year-old female also returned a positive reading for illicit drugs and is expected to be charged on summons and face a minimum 12-month licence suspension if convicted.

As part of the operation, police also intercepted 502 drivers who should not have been on the roads as a result of disqualified, suspended or unlicensed driving.

Other offences detected across the state include: 835 unregistered vehicles 280 unlicensed drivers 222 disqualified/suspended drivers 3956 speeding offences 346 mobile phone offences 443 disobey signs/signals 179 impounds 195 seatbelt offences.

· · · · · · · ·

By Taylah Eastwell

Hills burglaries

Fields of autumn snow blanketed parts of the Yarra Ranges this weekend as an icy cold front lashed parts of the state.

The early cold front hit the Hills and the Yarra Valley overnight on Saturday 10 April, with Ferny Creek’s Bureau of Meteorology weather station recording the highest rainfall levels across Victoria, copping 59mm by 9am on Sunday morning.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbournians woke up to bitter temperatures of 8.3°C this morning, the coldest morning recorded since 20 October last year.

The low temps and ice cold winds did not deter locals from getting out and enjoying the early snowfall, with Parks Victoria in attendance at crowded Mt Donna Buang to block vehicle access to the summit for safety reasons.

According to Hillcrest Fire Brigade, 15cm of fresh snow had fallen on the mountain by 10am requiring VicRoads to grade the road.

Knox Crime Investigation Unit are investigating a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Belgrave, Upwey and Tecoma areas.

A 52-year-old male offender was arrested and remanded into custody on April 1 for the offences.

The offender has allegedly made admissions to attending a number of premises in the area on a bicycle and asking after a fictitious name if a person answered the door. A number of these incidents do not appear to have been reported to police.

Police have also received information that images of this male may have been shared on local township groups.

If you believe you have been approached by this male, or have information about the Facebook group posts, please contact Acting Detective Senior Constable Michael WEST at Knox Crime Investigation Unit on 9881 7983 or via email at VP42328@police.vic.gov.au

Crowds of families flocked to the mountain, some making snowmen while others enjoyed tobogganing or lined up for a warm hot chocolate from the mobile cafe that set up shop on the side of ice-covered Mt Donna Buang Summit Road.

Residents in the Hills also got a glimpse of the snowfall, with locals taking to social media to share images of the light frost covering parts of Olinda and Ferny Creek.

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REVIEWS

Death town Winner of the 2017 Aurealis Award for Best Horror Novel, Lois Murphy’s Soon is suitable for those enjoying classic Australian tales like Picnic at the Hanging Rock and Wolf Creek.

The fictional town of Nebulah here is partly inspired by the true story of Wittenoom, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, that was once our country’s only supplier of blue asbestos. The town had been slowly dying since 1966, when asbestos mining ended.

Wittenoom was degazetted in 2007, and its name has been removed from official maps and road signs. It receives no government services, but a handful of stubborn stragglers remain. Murphy describes them as being “completely isolated and, in a bureaucratic sense, kind of non-existent”.

Like its real-life counterpart, Nebulah is tiny and forlorn. In this remote community lives Pete, the book’s first-person narrator, a misfit in his own life as a husband, father and policeman. To him, isolation means escape from all his existing and potential failures.

However, one night, a mysterious mist appears, and inside it are the ghostly figures of the town’s dead. The ghosts call to their loved ones, trying to lure them outdoors, and those who venture out are taken by the malicious mist.

Slowly but surely, the townspeople are either devoured or driven out, leaving only six residents. Each night when darkness falls, they seal up their doors and windows, draw their curtains and turn up the volume of their music, trying to ignore the enticing calls of the mist.

Reading this story is a delightful exercise of being tormented by dread and suspense, as we see the characters struggling to remain safe and sane. Living under siege, their sense of loneliness and isolation is intensified by the merciless mist, which taunts them with their own memories and secrets.

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN On top of their fears and anxieties, the residents are warned that they must leave Nebulah for good before the forthcoming winter solstice – or face death. It is here that we ask: Exactly what is it that keeps them from leaving this godforsaken place?

In Murphy’s words: “To say unequivocally to these people, ‘It’s dangerous, you must go’, ignores fundamental human concepts of home, such as identification and community and sense of place.” We have learned such concepts from our beloved 1997 film The Castle.

The question here is far more complex than leaving or staying. Again in Murphy’s words, around our world today there are “legions of displaced people forced from their homes and communities, the places they had invested in on so many levels: financially, culturally, socially and emotionally”.

Perhaps the most frightening part is that Negulah, like its real-life counterpart, is forgotten by the outside world. There is no rescue.

Those who have lost everything after falling through the cracks are left to fend for themselves. That, surely, is the true horror.

Lois Murphy’s Soon was published by Transit Lounge in October 2017. You can find a digital or print edition of the book in your local library.

A compelling film voyage 12463280-AV16-21

Voyagers Starring Ty Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp and Colin Farrell Rated MA15+ Voyagers is a taut, well-acted science fiction character drama.

Thirty children are dispatched on a long mission to colonise a distant planet, only for their tightly-controlled existence to violently break down.

Voyagers is a tense, clever allegory about adolescence in a cosmic setting.

The performances are authentically low-key, in keeping with the sterile environments, and Colin Farrell portrays a sombre, nurturing man who cares deeply for his crew but must keep important information from them.

When the now-teenage crew gives up a mood-suppressing drug and starts exploring

In times of crisis, you can give

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their emotions, indulging in the independence previously denied to them, the narrative balances a livelier, more energetic tone with resentment bubbling to the surface.

Fionn Whitehead plays a charismatic, chilling villain vying for control of the ship, while Ty Sheridan and Lily-Rose Depp play the beleaguered voices of reason. Voyagers has an enthralling escalation, as paranoia, ego and poor judgement cause the crew to splinter and clash, and the plot builds to an exquisitely stressful climax.

Voyagers feels like a less explicit cousin of Claire Denis’ 2018 film High Life, which also features unstable crew in a spaceship environment where emotion and sexuality are strictly regulated.

Voyagers is a subtle, extremely suspenseful sci-fi drama, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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Jacinda and her friend Kiah Erich collect rubbish in memory of Harper who was an avid environmentalist.

Harper loved his animals and the environment.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Turning the page on grief

By Mikayla Van Loon Grief is a tricky and uncomfortable thing to talk about, usually because with grief comes conversations around death and mourning something as a society we tend to avoid.

For Jacinda Erich, the sudden death of her son Harper threw her into a deep and uncontrollable period of grief, pain and shock.

She would have days where she was unable to move or couldn’t stop crying while at the supermarket or a cafe.

She had moments of not feeling the water run over her body while in the shower.

Numb by the pain but unable to stop feeling.

Harper Wilson, 10 and his father Matt were both killed in a tragic accident when a tree fell on their car while driving through the Dandenong Ranges on 14 July 2019.

Just over 18 months later and Ms Erich is turning her experience with grief into a book.

“The last thing I want to do when writing my book is to write a book on how to do grief because I absolutely don’t think for a second that the way I’m doing it is the way to do it,” Ms Erich said.

She started by sharing her stories on her private Facebook page, in the safety net of her friends and family.

“I found that the friends who were commenting were really encouraging me to keep expressing myself and sharing how I felt,” she said.

“I think that was probably for two reasons - one, that people who weren’t near to me, particularly through lockdown last year had a sense of where I might be at but other than that I was genuinely encouraged by my friends for my style of writing, many many people told me I should be writing.”

Having never been an oversharer of her private life, posting these things to Facebook was daunting but perhaps not as much as the idea of writing a book and whether she was capable.

Ms Erich said she has never been much of a writer except in a professional capacity and she didn’t know if she could make the word count needed for a book.

The other thing that sticks in her mind is that she is conscious people may not like the content and it may be too soon for friends and family who are also dealing with the death of Harper and Matt.

“That’s probably the hardest part for me is that I know it’s confronting for some people and obviously it’s confronting for me but it’s part of my process but there was a real reluctance around it,” Ms Erich said.

“Do I have something to say that other people want to hear [knowing] that some of it is really hard to hear.”

But while the vulnerability scared her, she knew it had to be done, if not for anyone else - for herself.

“I’ve never been a person who says they’re going to do something and then doesn’t do it,” she said.

And although that may seem brave - sharing a challenging experience in a public space mailcommunity.com.au

Jacinda and her son Harper share an unbreakable bond even in death.

- Ms Erich doesn’t view herself that way.

“Grief is so multifaceted, so I know that it might be brave and it does take courage to put a public post out saying I’m writing a book and to share my thoughts publicly but grief is so multidimensional and I wanted to write the book to show all the facets of grief.”

Ms Erich believes that sometimes it is easier to focus on bravery or courage when someone is grieving than to recognise the hurt and pain that is happening internally.

This idea is something Ms Erich wants to explore in her book, her own relationship with bravery and with resilience and the ever changing form grief takes.

“Grief is a whole lot of things, it’s me smiling and laughing with my friends and remembering Harper and Matt the way they were. It’s

Picture: SUPPLIED

that I’m just now starting to wipe surfaces in Harper’s room or that I went to visit a friend last week who was friends with Harper and I was fine while I was having dinner and when I left I cried all the way home because my son will never be 14 and his voice will never be dropping the way [this boy’s] is.”

Ms Erich said she has also had the realisation that there were really only two options for her - to live or to die.

And she has explored both of those.

“There was a point where I didn’t know if I could live without him,” she said.

Although not actively suicidal, Ms Erich said the pain was so great that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to live like that.

Now she has emerged from her deep grief and is grateful when she is having a good day

but can accept when she is having a bad day.

But with leaving grief came guilt.

“Leaving grief felt like I was leaving [Harper],” Ms Erich said.

“Now I’m reflecting on ‘how does Harper live in my future and how do I bring him with me’ without always feeling like he’s only in my sadness.”

She is still navigating grief, pain, loss and her mental health with the help of friends and family and a counselor.

And while she didn’t set out to use this book as a healing process, she says that part came organically.

Some parts are still too difficult to write, particularly the days and weeks after the accident.

Other parts Ms Erich doesn’t have any memory of because she was in such a state of shock.

“There’s no way for me to have really processed being at my son’s funeral or sitting with his body because you literally are on automatic pilot.”

She can now view everything from a different perspective and really process everything that happened during her first months of grieving.

Her hope for this book is to build a conversation around death and grief and to challenge the barrier we have put up as a society that hides from these types of conversations.

“I don’t know where we’ve departed as a society that just does not want to talk about the hard stuff,” Ms Erich said.

Having spent much of her life researching for work, Ms Erich is fascinated by this concept and is looking forward to delving into why people are afraid to talk about grief.

Now that Ms Erich has started sharing her experience publicly on social media, a community is starting to build.

“There is an instant and immediate understanding when someone else says ‘my child died’,” she said.

And her book is for those people - who have had a child die.

“My story of having a child die is not unique, I know it’s a little more unique because I lost two people in that accident and that doesn’t happen a lot,” Ms Erich said.

She is also hoping to reach those who are unsure how to talk to someone who is grieving.

Even though she doesn’t want to offer advice, she wants to use her experience to maybe guide some else or help them navigate grief by knowing they are not alone.

So far, Ms Erich has written 27,000 words of what she thinks will be 90,000 word memoir.

Writing as her mind and body tell her it is ok, she doesn’t have a plan on when it will be finished or how she is going to publish it but for right now, none of that matters.

You can follow Jacinda Erich’s journey on Facebook and Instagram at Grief is an Inside Job. Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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Leah’s sons Matias and Tiago with some of the animals.

Leah with rescued calves Hope and Alaska. 229091

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Alaska (in red) and Hope (in blue) back in winter when they were babies.

Farming a safe sanctuary

By Mitchell Clarke Leah Folloni has always wanted to dedicate her life to saving animals, so much so, that ten years ago she decided to turn her 11-acre Emerald property into a sanctuary specifically for farmed animals.

Like many impressionable young people, Ms Folloni became a vegetarian when she was just 11. But unlike many that age, this was no phase.

After growing up surrounded by dairy farms, she says she awoke to the “hidden secrets” of the dairy industry, which prompted an overnight shift to a vegan lifestyle.

Now, a prolific animal activist, Ms Folloni, who is a volunteer for the Farm Transparency Project and has run as an Animal Justice Party candidate in three elections, has been involved in the forefront of some of the most daring and bold actions across the state.

“Once I really found out what was going on in the animal agriculture industry, I sort of felt it was my duty to do something about it,” she explained.

During her duties in dairy, Ms Folloni often worked with calves, but it wasn’t until she was a bit older that she began asking questions.

“There were always calves but I would wonder where their mothers were, and the farmers would make up excuses like ‘the mother rejected their baby’. They’d tell me they were going to market but never really explained what that meant. When I was older, I started going to those markets,” she recalled.

“There are hundreds of calves at markets, especially at Warragul saleyards on a Monday. All babies, all crying for their mums, just days old. It broke me seeing that. You see the slaughterhouses come and buy them all and you watch as they’re innocently lead onto trucks and taken away.”

It was this realisation that led Ms Folloni to dedicate so much time “educating people about the industry”.

“I find a large proportion of people I speak to are totally oblivious to the suffering within this industry. From the forced pregnancies, to removing the baby from their mother straight after birth, to the killing of nearly all the bull 6 MAIL

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calves (and some of the heifer calves), to the cows being killed at around five years of age after a life of exploitation and separation from their babies,” she said.

“I think I was disappointed in myself that I didn’t figure it out a bit earlier and so then I made it my mission to make up for lost time.”

She invited the Gazette out for a tour of her land, which she shares with 45 animals from rescued bobby calves to sheep and goats, roosters and ducks, and even an alpaca named Reggie.

“I always wanted to have more land to rescue more animals but space is an issue,” she laughed.

Each animal has legally been brought to the sanctuary from the animal agriculture industry, Ms Folloni explained.

“Every animal here has their own story, and a lot of those stories are quite harrowing,” she said.

“These animals have escaped slaughterhouses, been saved from markets, rescued from hoarders, dairy farms and brought out of bad backyard environments.”

Her three calves - Hope, Alaska and Fergus - all came from the dairy industry, as have her two older steers - Tiger and Bobby. The latter, now more than 600kgs, was rescued from a saleyard when he was just days old.

One of the sheep, who is now fortunate enough to be grazing the paddock, was thrown off a slaughterhouse truck when she was born.

“She was dumped on the side of the road like an object left to die,” Ms Folloni said.

Another was left to die in a paddock during winter.

“We often rescue sheep from these situations but a lot of the time they succumb to their injuries,” she added.

The sanctuary’s newest editions - two goats - were brought to safety after they were seen running wild around Selby.

“One was caught first and brought here, and the other was caught a couple months later,” Ms Folloni explained.

“They lost each other for a bit but we’ve brought them together, and they’ve been stuck by each other’s side ever since.”

While Ms Folloni said she’s scarred from what she’s seen in her activism, it’s also the push she needs to keep going.

“It does take a toll and I think it sometimes takes a toll on how you view humanity. Sometimes I feel animals have more humanity than a lot of humans,” she said.

“But do you sit around and sulk and do nothing, or do you go out and do something about it? I think the best way is to try and do something about it.”

Part of that action is dedicating each day to living on and maintaining the land.

The alarm strikes at 7am each morning and Ms Folloni’s first job is to fix some fresh water for the ducks and roosters, before the calves get their breakfast.

She then heads up the road to Woolies, where she picks up leftover bread and vegetables, before returning home with a Ute load to feed the rest of the herd.

“The animals just wait for me. As soon as Bobby and Tiger see the Ute drive past, they start mooing at me,” she laughed.

It’s then off to her day job for eight hours only to return home for the afternoon feed run before repeating the process over again.

“I never really take a break, even if I’m sick.

I’m just used to it. I’ve always worked hard since I was young so it’s not a big deal,” she said.

The entire sanctuary is totally self-funded and the Folloni family don’t receive donations.

“It can be very expensive, but thankfully we have good relationships with local vets and Woolworths,” she said.

Despite the hard slog, Ms Folloni feels her passion is starting to be heard, noticing a big shift in the vegan movement in the past few years.

“I think that most people, even be it on some subconscious level, understand that eating animals is wrong,” she said.

“Most people have seen disturbing footage of animals being killed and turned away and told themselves ‘that doesn’t really happen here in Australia’, or ‘that only happens in extreme cases’ and blocked it out of their conscious so they could live on without mak-

ing any changes, when in fact there is inherent cruelty and suffering in every morsel of flesh, dairy or eggs that are consumed.

“You don’t even have to really love animals to not want to harm them and have them suffer. Some of my best animal activist friends don’t even particularly like animals, or are awkward around them, but they still understand that what is happening to them is unjust and they dedicate their lives for their rights.”

Despite her often-strong views, Ms Folloni maintains she doesn’t have any beef with farmers.

“It’s not like I have anything against farmers ... often they’re really nice people,” she said.

“But it’s the whole system that needs to change and I think the government should help people like that get into kind farming like plant farming - because humans are animals, and we wouldn’t want to be treated like that.”

Speaking on the topic of ‘extreme activism’ and whether it had the potential to hinder the cause, Ms Folloni said she always remained respectful, regardless of opinion.

“It’s always best to treat people with respect. They’re more likely to listen to you that way,” she said.

“However, a lot of animal activists see a lot of things that are very bad on a daily basis. They see what’s happening behind closed doors. They have to share it which can be frustrating when people mock or don’t want to know the truth.”

She urged non-vegans to consider watching Dominion, a confronting feature-length documentary which puts a spotlight on animal agriculture.

“It’s a great eye-opener. Pretty much every section of the film is filmed in Australia in recent times. Most is not footage taken from foreign countries, this is happening right here and it’s what people are paying for,” she explained.

“People know what they’re doing is wrong, but they often want to turn a blind eye to it, and sometimes all you need is a bit of a push in the right direction.”

Leah can be contacted at leah.folloni@ farmtransparency.org. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Seasonal workers boost

By Jed Lanyon Some 200 Pacific Island workers have taken to Victorian farms to increase seasonal workforce, including to Yarra Valley orchards during apple picking season.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas met with workers at Launching Place’s Vernview Orchards as they started their first day on the job on Tuesday 6 April.

The workers were among the first of 1500 to fly in from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Samoa last month as part of the restart of the seasonal worker program.

“We have an agreement in place with the Tasmanian Government for up to 1500 workers to arrive and support the big Victorian harvest,” Ms Thomas said.

“What the pandemic has exposed is that the horticultural industry is over reliant on overseas workers, that’s why the Victorian Government has taken a multi-pronged approach to support our horticultural industry and our growers across the state.

“In any given year the majority of workers come under the backpacker scheme, now backpackers are not coming back anytime soon so it’s important that we all work together to find other ways to get labour to our farms.”

Vernview owner Sue Finger said she is currently employing 15 seasonal workers from Vanuatu, nine who had been in Australia since March last year and six who arrived on Good Friday.

“It was getting pretty desperate. Coming up to Easter all of our team were working particularly long hours,” she said. “We were working weekends and nine and a half hour days just to get on top of it ... With the guys here now we hope to be on top of things by the end of this week or early next week.”

It was the first day in the orchards for Apia Samuel, a Vanuatuan man from the island of Malekula. He said he came here to help support his family back home.

“It’s a privilege to come here to support my family,” Apia said. “I think i’m feeling good when I’m doing this job, out in the sun doing my work with my fellow friends.”

Orchardist Sue Finger, Apia Samuel, Kaltac Takaua and Mary-Anne Thomas MP. For Kaltac Takaua, a father of four from Pele island, he is yet to meet his daughter Daisy who was born while he was isolated in hotel quarantine in Tasmania.

“When I was in my first night in quarantine, that is when my wife went into labour,” he said. “For me, I’ve never been in quarantine.

It’s kind of like living in a prison cell.”

Despite the quarantine, he said it was worth it to make the journey after Covid-19 severely

hampered Vanuatu’s tourism and economy.

Ms Finger said Vernview had potentially one of the biggest apple crops this year across Australia and that the orchard would usually plan 12 months in advance for workforce requirements.

“We’ve got quite a few Australian workers on the farm who are our permanent workforce but during harvest season we rely on the seasonal worker program and have for the

last eight years.

“We were lucky, we’ve got the guys coming in off the first plane load but for other farmers around Victoria and around Australia it is a particularly stressful time.”

For other Yarra Valley farmers, they may not have been so lucky as Visit Yarra Valley notes the end of summer coinciding with the season’s end for other favourites such as blueberries, strawberries and cherries.

A movie with attitude

Lilydale RSL President Bill Dobson and historian Anthony McAleer. 232308

A centenary of service

By Taylah Eastwell A local historian, who has spent 30 years researching the history of Lilydale RSL, has compiled his findings in a new book to commemorate 100 years of the Lilydale sub-branch.

Mt Evelyn RSL Secretary and Historian Anthony McAleer said he was commissioned by late Lilydale RSL president Don Parsons to compile the book as a way to commemorate the centenary milestone.

“It all started in the lead up to the clubs centenary, which was happening in 2019, they wanted to produce a history of the club seeing as 100 years is a significant event,” Mr McAleer said.

“We got a grant from Yarra Ranges Council that helped cover the cost of researching, writing and designing the book, and the RSL have funded the printing,” he said.

Titled ‘A Century of Service’, the book tells the story of the club, formed in early 1919 by World War I veterans at a meeting at Lilydale’s Athenaeum Hall.

“The RSL was formed by a group of WWI vets soon after they returned home. Ralphe Goode was the first man to enlist in the AIF mailcommunity.com.au

from Lilydale in 1914, and when he returned in late 1918, he got together with a number of other veterans and formed the RSL, with their very first meeting being in the Athenaeum building in Lilydale,” Mr McAleer explained.

“The history is certainly a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, it is really only still around because over the years hundreds of members have dedicated themselves to the values of the RSL and serving and looking after their mates, that’s all that’s kept it going over the years,” he said.

Mr McAleer said around 400 copies have been printed, which will be available on fundraising tables at shopping centres when RSL members sell their ANZAC tokens and at the Lilydale club.

The book will be launched on Sunday 11 April at 11.00am in the Athenaeum Theatre, in Lilydale, with special guest Jaime Twidale, CEO of RSL Victoria.

Later that afternoon the club will also unveil the new marble soldier on the top of the Lilydale War Memorial at a special ceremony at 2.00pm at the Ralph Goode Reserve in Main Street, Lilydale.

The Dandenong Ranges Music Council is calling on past Music with Attitude participants and invites newcomers to join as it creates its exciting new community film, Music with Attitude: The Movie.

Music with Attitude, an umbrella organisation under the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, has been impassioned with creating and facilitating an inclusive music program for musicians with disabilities for over 30 years.

Musical Director and Registered Music Therapist, Cath Russell said the group began brainstorming ways it could involve participants and create something musical during Covid-19 lockdowns.

“We decided if we make a film then if people are limited in how far they can travel or how many can be together at once, we could film small numbers of people at a time with a cinematographer as a way to make something meaningful without having to get a whole heap of people in one place,” Ms Russell said.

“That’s where the idea came from, trying to problem solve Covid, but when we started talking about it we said it’s actually

a really awesome idea. We would love to see participants in a film because of the joy they get from performing and the confidence and excitement it brings about,” she said.

The movie has received funding through Yarra Ranges Council and will involve community musicians, with and without disabilities and will be co-facilitated by cinematographer Rainsford Towner, dramaturg Genevieve Messenger, Ms Russell and fellow music and dance therapist Monica Espinoza.

Rehearsals begin on April 10 and conclude on June 5.

Anyone interested in being part of the film - whether it be by singing, dancing, playing an instrument, performing or helping out behind the scenes - is invited to attend rehearsals on Saturdays between 1.30pm and 3.30pm from April 10 until June 5 at the Dandenong Ranges Music Council Building at the rear of Upwey High, 451 Burwood Highway, Upwey.

Questions? Contact Cath Russell at mscathsemail@yahoo.com.au.

Music with Attitude is creating a new community movie.

Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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NEWS

Women’s stories retold

By Jed Lanyon A new book sharing the stories, poems and artwork of First Nations women in the Yarra Ranges was recently launched.

Balit Bagurrk: Strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women of the Yarra Ranges features historical information, deeply moving personal accounts and photographs to tell the stories of strong Indigenous women whose actions shaped the Yarra Ranges and many who live here.

The book, created by Yarra Ranges Council and Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation (formerly HICSA), and funded by VicHealth’s Gender Equity for the Arts Program, was launched on Tuesday, 9 March.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Fiona McAllister said the women in Balit Bagurrk, have been and continue to be, a source of strength and inspiration to the Yarra Ranges community.

“These stories have been brought together by the community, who wish to share the experiences of the many strong Indigenous women - Aunties, Sisters, Mothers, Grandmothers, Daughters, Elders, leaders and activists - who came before us, who live amongst us and are yet to come,” Cr McAllister said.

“The women honoured in this book have been and continue to be guardians of knowledge, culture, language and country; carers of family and community; creators and storytellers.

“There are many kinds of strength and this is reflected in the diverse nature of the stories woven through this book.”

Oonah CEO Anne Jenkins told Star Mail, “It’s a book that looks at lots of Aboriginal women, not just Wurundjeri women but they certainly feature, telling their stories and their connections to their country and their culture and community.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Fiona McAllister speaking at the launch of Balit Bagurrk.

The book features Annie Boorat, sister of William Barak (1866).

“I think most of the people have some kind of connection with the Yarra Ranges, whether they have grown up or lived in the area for some considerable time or have some kind of connection to the area.”

Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin shared her thoughts on the new book, which features the work of her niece, Brooke Wandin.

“I think it is a wonderful initiative ... I love the book and I think it’s great. There’s some beautiful craftwork in there by one of my nieces.

“I think that overall feeling of acceptance and people hearing and being able to read those stories is why I participated because I’ve always wanted to inform people as much as

emerging female leaders,” Cr McAllister said.

One of the cultural leaders, Wurundjeri woman Brooke Wandin, who is featured in the book, wrote: “I’m carrying the story of my mob and my Culture. It’s good for me and it’s good for my Ancestors. I belong to the oldest continuous living culture on the planet and one that will never finish.”

The book was created on the lands of the Wurundjeri People and is available for purchase at the Yarra Ranges Council Community Links, Memo in Healesville, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, TarraWarra Museum of Art, Burrinja Cultural Centre and some independent bookstores.

you can. I think that goes a long way.”

The project was inspired by the history of Aboriginal community organisations in the Yarra Ranges from the 1970s by women from the community, including the Healesville Aboriginal Cooperative, Swinburne’s Oona, and HICSA. Using this history as the starting point, First Nations community members contributed stories, poems or visual artwork to the publication that honour Aboriginal women who have been important to them.

“Balit Bagurrk will build knowledge of these women within and outside their communities, shift the historical narrative to include their stories and provide more inspiration for

Holiday fun at Hills Hub The Hills Hub, together with the Emerald Library, is excited to host a free ‘Play and Discovery’ morning for local families on Wednesday 14 April.

Families are invited to attend a morning full of arts and craft, play and discovery, while learning more about the range of services on offer at both the hub and library.

A number of free activities will be available at the Hills Hub and the library throughout the morning including bubble blowing, Puffing Billy Toy Library play sessions and a scavenger hunt. There will also be an indoor play area set up for preschoolers, a second-hand toy stall and live musicians.

Cardinia Shire Deputy Mayor, Ranges Ward Councillor and Casey Cardinia Libraries board member Councillor Jeff Springfield encourages families to head down to the Hills Hub and Library between 10am and 12pm.

“The Hills Hub is a fantastic, accessible

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Back to school!

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and integrated facility that supports volunteer, community and local business groups.

It also provides a great location for community, arts and social events,” Cr Springfield said.

“Our Play and Discovery morning is a great opportunity for residents to come down, check out the new facilities and enjoy the free activities on offer.”

Casey Cardinia Libraries Chief Executive Officer Chris Buckingham said Emerald Library would also be hosting free events for kids.

“This is going to be a fun day - we’re really looking forward to welcoming community members back to their local library with story-time sessions and animal encounters in the reading garden, face painting and a second-hand book sale,” Mr Buckingham said.

“It’s terrific to be working together with the Hills Hub to activate the precinct and encourage our community to get together.”

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

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

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

By Jed Lanyon

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

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

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

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

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

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

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

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

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

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A worthy brand

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Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Chris Buckingham, Emerald Library Acting Team Leader Sue Walters, Hill Hub Placemaker Ellen Prior and Cardinia Shire Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield at the Hills Hub. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New jab hub

By Mikayla Van Loon A community vaccination centre is set to be established in Lilydale as part of an expansion to Victorian coronavirus vaccination hubs.

The Lilydale centre is just one of five new community centres which will be placed in a targeted area for those most vulnerable to coronavirus.

The State government has recognised that those who require the vaccine in phase 1a and 1b may not be able to travel long distances to receive their injection.

“Our targeted approach will mean we’re reaching even more of the cohorts and communities we need to,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.

Mobile vaccination vans and pop-up locations will also be available as part of this expansion to help reach those communities.

Both Mr Foley and Acting Premier James

Merlino are pleased with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program in Victoria.

“Victoria’s vaccine rollout is time, on target and on track to deliver 300,000 total doses by the middle of May,” Mr Merlino said.

As at 7 April, over 120,000 doses of the vaccine had been administered at state commissioned sites to health workers, emergency services and public sector aged care workers.

In another two weeks, the State government estimates that all public residential aged care facilities will have been visited to administer the first dose of the vaccine.

Phase 1b is also underway with 40,000 doses administered to date.

Other community vaccination centres will be located in Prahran, Broadmeadows, West Melbourne and Deer Park, as well as two new high-volume centres at the Melbourne Showgrounds and the Mercure Ballarat.

Children’s entertainer Peter Combe with students at Upwey South Primary School.

Sing-along with author

By Taylah Eastwell

LENSCAPE

The view from Jeanette Maree Court, Kilsyth, of planned burns glowing on Mt Dandenong.

Picture: MADELINE McCARTY

Students at Upwey South Primary School got to test out their vocal cords in a sing-along with award winning children’s entertainer and singer Peter Combe recently.

Mr Combe visited the school on Wednesday 24 March ahead of his upcoming Greatest Hits Tour where he will take a trip down memory lane, performing his best known songs all over the country.

Six Upwey South Primary School students were invited by Mr Combe to sing on stage with him at his concert at Melbourne Recital Hall on Tuesday 13 April.

The concert promises to be a performance “for today’s kids, for parents who used to be kids and for grandparents who

originally bought his albums for the parents who used to be kids”, with Mr Combe’s music played on children’s radio throughout the generations.

Upwey South Primary School Performing Arts Teacher Penelope Lang said it was an honour to have Mr Combe come to the school and rehearse with the students.

“They sung 21 songs with him. I don’t think they’ll forget it in a hurry,” she said.

“Some of these kids have grown up listening to his music in the car from the age of two. Some know the songs better than I do, they are super excited to be singing them with him. It’s a bit surreal for them,” she said.

“They’ll never forget getting to perform on stage with Peter Combe,” Ms Lang said.

Better Local Roads project N

O'Neil Rd

Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre

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Janet Bowman Blvd

➜ On O’Neil Road, two-way traffic is operational on the newly constructed western side of the roundabout and duplicated lane. Works are currently in progress on the eastern side of the roundabout and traffic lanes. ➜ Temporary night closure of O’Neil Road from 9pm until 5 am may be required for 2 nights (only) prior to 17 April 2021. Please see onsite VMS Boards for updates.

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O’Neil Road Recreation Reserve

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Glismann Rd / Princes Hwy Intersection Upgrade

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➜ Temporary lane closures at Int of Glismann Rd and Beaconsfield Av Princes Hwy Int with one lane remaining open at all times

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➜ For your own safety and the safety of our workers please obey all works signage and instructions from Traffic Management staff at all times

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➜ The right turn on Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield Bound is currently restricted to one lane, day and night until 17 April 2021. The right-turn into O’Neil Road will be closed off during nighttimes (2 nights only) between the hours of 9pm-5am.

O’Neil Rd / Princes Hwy Intersection Upgrade

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Please be advised of some temporary traffic delays related to these works.

Completed Intersection configurations

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Currently works are ongoing on Princes Highway at the intersections of O’Neil Rd (Beaconsfield) and Glismann Rd / Beaconsfield Av (Beaconsfield); both of these are scheduled to be completed

by June 2021.

➜ On the Princes Highway, Pakenham bound, the traffic lane is restricted to one lane operation for day and night. The Princes Hwy is reduced to one lane just East of O’Neil Road. West of O’Neil Road two lanes operate.

O'Neil Rd

Several priority intersections along the Princes Highway in Cardinia Shire will be upgraded over the next 3 years as part of our Better Local Roads Program.

The $36 million Princes Highway Intersection upgrade project has been jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government.

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St Francis Xavier College

For further information about Better Local Roads please visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/betterlocalroads mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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MAIL 9

OPINION

Have your voice heard I recently attended a breakfast for local business representatives, and had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with some of the many people who choose to run their businesses in the Yarra Ranges.

More than 98 per cent of businesses in Yarra Ranges have less than 20 employees so have been heavily impacted in 2020. This will be a tough week for many of those business owners and their employees, with the end of the JobKeeper payment. Though we’ve come so far in the last few months, so many of us are still adjusting to a Covid-normal way of living and working.

We’ll continue to offer ongoing support through our economic development teams, continue reaching out to businesses and ensuring their stories, their experiences and their needs influence the work we do at Council.

From my

desk Fiona McAllister

Mayor of Yarra Ranges On that note, I wanted to use this column to talk about the importance of having your voice heard. We’re currently putting together our Council Plan, which will guide the entirety of our term on Council until 2024.

Soon, we’ll have the Council Budget for 2021-22 and a major survey about our waste

services coming up. Every one of these things will have a big impact - whether it’s the projects we prioritise during our elected term; how we spend our Capital Works Program funding for the next year and the way we collect your rubbish and recyclables going into the future.

What I want to emphasise to everyone is that we would love to hear your thoughts - no matter how big or small those thoughts may be.

We’re not looking for an essay - though you’re welcome to write one if you have many things to say. If your submission on a project is a single sentence, that’s fine, as long as it reflects your thoughts. We read over every submission and adapt our plans accordingly.

After the year we’ve had, so many of us are in different positions and need different things

to thrive in the community. We want to hear from you - to hear about what you want to see in the Yarra Ranges in the future, both near and far - so we can provide those things.

Our business community, still rebuilding and adapting; our community members volunteering, living on unsealed roads, visiting our libraries, pools and community links; those who have great ideas for community projects, or constructive criticism about how we can improve projects already on the go; our sporting club members, pet owners, young people and older adults - we’d love to hear from you, and your voice will shape what we do.

Our Draft Budget for 2021-22 will soon be ready for feedback, but until then you can visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to look over all of our current community engagements and share your thoughts with us.

SNIPPETS Olinda Community House.

Stall bookings contactus@och.org.au

Men wanted

Circus skills with Ruccis Olinda Community House are hosting a fun workshop with Ruccis warm ups, including juggling, hula-hoops, devil sticks, and spinning plates with a fun coach.

Suitable for kids aged 5 to 13, the event will take place from 11am until 1pm on Tuesday 13 April. $10 entry fee.

Bookings via contactus@och.org.au or call 97511264

AFLW footy clinic Carlton AFLW player Charlotte Wilson is hosting a footy skills clinic, covering warm ups, kicking, hand-balling, tackle bags and general playing tips on Friday 16 April.

The clinic, held from 9.30am until 11.45am at Olinda Football Ground, is suitable for ages 7+ and caters for all skill levels.

Entry is $10 Bookings via contactus@och.org.au or call 97511264

Olinda Market and Car Boot Sale Over 70 stall holders, great food and music.

Kid can join in with the painting of our water tanks.

Free event.

Saturday 24 April from 9am until 3pm at

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Monbulk Men’s Shed is seeking new members to join in and be involved in meetings and helping the shed progress.

Men of all ages are encouraged to come along on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9am until 12pm to share stories and have a chat.

You may also like to tell your experiences and work that you have done in earlier years.

The group of friendly men create woodwork masterpieces and complete various other projects for the local community.

They meet in the shed behind the Open Door Church in Moxham’s Road, Monbulk. For further details ring Phipps Gay, President of Monbulk Men’s Shed on 5968 4101.

Walking and adventure group Mount Evelyn Walking and Adventure Group are looking for new members. The group meet regularly for a range of activities, including kayaking, cycling, yoga, hikes, forest walks, swimming and some fundraising. The group go swimming on Tuesdays and walk Mount Lofty on Thursdays. They also walk Lilydale Lake together on Saturday mornings. The group provides a place for the community to come together and enjoy likeminded activities. You don’t need to be an expert at anything to join. All events are BYO equipment. If interested in joining, phone Elly on 0402 429 405.

Friendship Cafe The Women’s Association South East Melbourne Australia (WASEMA), a registered charity, offer a welcoming environment where all women can relax, make friends and contacts, share experiences, learn new skills and find pathways to connect to services and opportunities through weekly meet-ups at Emerald Friendship Cafe.

The Friendship Cafe aims to build commu-

nity resilience through increasing the ability of women to connect and support each other through both opportunity and adversity and empower families to identify and provide local solutions to local issues.

The group meet every Thursday from 10am until 12 noon at the Hills Hub, 402 BelgraveGembrook Road, Emerald.

Women of all ages, abilities and cultures are welcome to come along and develop friendships while participating in info sessions, workshops, exhibitions, expos, mentoring, coaching and wellbeing programs.

For more information contact Anu Ravindernath on 0432246674 or email: emeraldwfc@wasema.org.au

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SHOP LOCAL MONBULK

Caring for the community Now that Covid restrictions have been eased, the Monbulk Care Network Op Shop is going great guns - and how good it feels to be free again.

Winter clothing is now available, so it is a great opportunity to take advantage of the

really good stock being unpacked, and prices are highly affordable.

While there, check out winter casserole dishes, the wide variety of craft items, the home made jams and sauces and free range eggs and, of course, the best little book shop

in town for your autumn reading enjoyment.

Check out the ever-changing window display. There is always something there to catch the eye.

Browse the laneway nursery to either create a new garden or to fill that bare spot.

There are a great range of natives, herbs and perennials available.

Money raised from shop sales supports the operation of the Open Door Pantry which is available free to all who are struggling. It is currently found on the veranda of the Open

Door Church hall. Organisers are looking forward to moving to larger facilities next to the church in the near future.

Money also supports student wellbeing programs in nine local schools and many other groups in the local community.

Monbulk Care Network volunteers thank the community for all the wonderful donations. They look forward to welcoming back regulars and the many new customers who have discovered the op shop.

For more information call 9756 7800.

Winter Clothing now available

Monbulk Care Shop

Winter Clothing Now Available Monbulk Care Network Open Door Community Church 12490835-NG16-21

61-63 Main Road, Monbulk Phone : 9756 7800 Mon-Fri 10:00-4:30, Sat 10:00-1:00 Winter Clothing now available

Jenni Nash and Alison Brain of the Monbulk Care Network. 182627 Picture: DEREK SCHLENNSTEDT

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB 11 MOORES RD, MONBULK

Monbulk Bistro Specials by Day Wednesday

Thursday

Parma Night

Bowlers Special Burger, Beer & Bowls

$15* $15

$25* $25

Sunday

Wed to Sun

Kids Eat Free

Seniors’ Specials

$12.90*

$15*

NEW! ALL WEEK KID’S MEAL DEAL UPGRADE

Upgrade any kid’s meal for $4 to include a kid’s drink, ice-cream and an activity pack.

1 FREE KID’S MEAL per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. Dine-in only.

12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions. * Conditions apply for Specials'

Make a booking 9756 6183 Dine a la carte Wed to Sun from 5.30pm 12490592-SN16-21

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Our Menu includes gluten-free & vegetarian dishes to suit special needs.

Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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12484792-DL11-21

MAIL 11

ANZAC DAY

Stories from a war zone Fifty years after they served Australia in the Vietnam War, sixteen local veterans of that conflict who live in the Yarra Valley sat down with the Mt Evelyn RSL’s historian, Anthony McAleer OAM, and revealed, some for the first time, their wartime experiences.

The information gathered together has now formed a unique book entitled ‘Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans’, published by the Mt Evelyn RSL sub-branch.

Their stories tell of our nation’s involvement in Vietnam and spans the period 1964 to 1972. Those interviewed served with the Royal Australian Navy, with the Regular Army, with the CMF and as National Servicemen.

Their backgrounds varied as much as their experiences ‘in country’ during that time.

It is a story of sacrifice and endurance, bravery and loss, good times and bad times.

It reveals the environment they were forced to exist in and the role they played, from the mundane to the terrifying.

Surviving all of this they then returned home to a nation where many people ignored or even condemned them.

For most, those decades after the war were an ongoing battle to deal with the physical and mental scars.

If ever you wanted to know what Australians had to go through in the Vietnam War, these men will tell you.

If you read one book this Anzac Day – make it ‘Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans’. The book contains a foreword by Neville Clark MC. Available from the Mt Evelyn RSL clubrooms or via the club’s website.

Ken Mackenzie.

Mt Evelyn RSL’s historian Anthony McAleer OAM details the real stories of Vietnam.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

John ‘Fingers’ Sumner.

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12477005-JW03-21

DELIVERING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES AS WE GROW.

ANZAC DAY EVENTS – 2021 Sadly, we can’t all be together in the once place this year to commemorate Anzac Day. So we have created some other activities for you.

Saturday April 24th - 6.30pm-9.30pm Mt Evelyn War Memorial (Cnr Wray Cres & Birmingham Rd) During this time we will be projecting Anzac images up on to the trees.

Come along and see this marvellous display and bring a flower from your garden to place at the war memorial.

Sunday April 25th No Dawn service but we will have online a special service we have filmed for you to watch during the day. See the Mt Evelyn RSL facebook page for details.

Harriet Shing MP LABOR MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

Mount Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch 49 Birmingham Rd, Mount Evelyn

216 Commercial Road, Morwell VIC 3840 P: 1300 103 199 E: harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au harrietshingmp @ShingvWorld

(03) 9737 0767 mtevrsl@gmail.com • Follow us on facebook

Authorised฀by฀H฀Shing,฀216฀Commercial฀Rd,฀Morwell.฀Funded฀from฀Parliamentary฀budget.

12488812-SG16-21

Mount Evelyn RSL Books for Sale • The Last Light Horseman – The Story of Joe Clark - $20 • Monash’s Militia Camp Lilydale – February 1914 - $20 • A Stretcher Bearer’s War – The Story of Ralph Goode – $30 • Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans – $35.00 Download order forms for books from our website. www.mountevelynrsl.com

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Lest we forget. /BradBattinMP

bradbattin.com.au

Brad Battin

brad.battin@parliament.vic.gov.au

12490797-SN16-21

5953 0216

/bradbattinmp

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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ANZAC DAY

RSL’s ready to remember All over the country people will commemorate Anzac Day a little different to normal but Upwey Belgrave RSL want to make it as memorable as possible for their veterans and their families.

This year, Upwey Belgrave RSL is asking members of the community to commemorate the Dawn Service at their gate, front lawn or driveway, to remember Australia’s fallen heroes.

There will be a small memorial service at the sub branch, attended only by service members of the committee.

A parade up the Main Street of Upwey, will be available for veterans, their carers and veterans’ families. If people want to attend the parade, registrations are now open and will stay open until the night before Anzac Day. Those attending the parade are being asked to gather outside IGA from 8.30am to ensure that all participants have registered.

The RSL bus will be used for veterans who wish to participate in the march, but are physically unable to do so.

The march will then commence at 9.45am taking the usual route and enter the sub branch grounds via the gate on Mast Gully Road.

The morning service will then commence at 10am, with a presentation by retired Wing Commander RAAF, David Robson.

Should people wish to attend the 10am service, but not the parade, Upwey Belgrave RSL ask they proceed to the foyer of the RSL from 8am for contact details to be recorded. A wrist band on will be provided on registration.

Again, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the service can only be open to veterans, carers and their families.

Morning tea will follow the main service.

The committee wants to express its apol-

Anzac Day march 1950.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

ogy for not being able to include the general community again this year. The RSL committee is looking into the possibility of streaming the service and will provide updates regarding this.

The Anzac dinner will also proceed this year on 17 April where a three course meal can be enjoyed for $50 from 7pm.

Those who booked and paid last year will automatically have a place this year. If circumstances have changed and those who booked no longer wish to attend please contact the RSL for a refund.

In the year of the centenary of the RAAF, the RSL has invited David Robson to speak about his time as a fighter pilot, test pilot and in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller.

His speech will describe the roles and experience of these pilots who, in their small, unarmed planes, targeted the enemy and protected our troops.

Upwey Belgrave RSL has the only accredited military museum in Australia that is attached to an RSL, which is staff by knowledgeable volunteers in history, ammunitions and

Anzac Day march 1985. other aspects of the military.

The museum is open Thursdays and Sundays, from 10am to 2pm, and entry is free.

The RSL is also open for meals, events and functions, as well as happy hour Monday to

Friday 3pm to 6pm.

Upwey Belgrave RSL is located at 1 Mast Gully Rd Upwey and can be contacted on 9754 3665 or via email at upweybelgraversl@gmail. com.

ADVERTISEMENT

This Anzac Day we should all take the time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of many brave Australians.

Running Rabbits Military Museum Displays weaponry, documents and equipment from The Boer War through WWI & WWII to current day.

Open Thursday & Sunday 10am – 2pm or by Appointment * Entry Gold Coin donation * TOURS AVAILABLE

Poppies At Upwey Belgrave RSL

Please call the RSL to book your table Weekend Specials We cater for all private functions

We should acknowledge the sacrifices of generations of these men and women and give thanks to all those Australians who served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Their legacy has helped shape our national identity and should never be forgotten.

LEST WE FORGET

Bistro Open Wed - Sun 6pm – 9.30pm Bistro Open for Lunch Sat & Sun 12pm – 2.30pm Bar Open from 3pm – 7 Days a Week

12490584-CG16-21

1 Mast Gully Rd, Upwey Check your Facebook for more

Upwey Belgrave RSL “Your RSL” Ph: 9754 3665

DEPUTY PREMIER  MINISTER FOR EDUCATION  MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH Authorised by J Merlino, 1635 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave.

This material has been funded from Parliamentary budget.

12490495-DL16-21

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Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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MAIL 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 024

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

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

6 1

2

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Biking (7) Keepsake (7) Come together (3) Chance (11) Objects of worship (5) Unspoken (6) Keenness (6) US state (7) Merriment (3) Section of a book (7) Water-surrounded land (6) Half-conscious state (6) Wildlife (5) Purchase order (11) Help (3) Reading or copying machine (7) Carefree (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 26 27 28 29

No. 024

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 16 18 21 23 24 25

Awareness (10) Informal (10) Golf clubs (5) Plaster ingredient (6) Sharpshooter (8) Indian Ocean nation (9) Metal fastener (4) Ornamental quartz (4) Knowledge of words (10) Female servant (10) Exaction (9) Limit (8) Acme (6) Conclusive (5) Weapons (4) Prefix meaning water (4)

DECODER

No. 024

2 8 8

4 7 3 1 4 2 7 6

9 2 3 5 1 5 8 9 2

8 3 7

4 5 hard

1 4 1

7

8

9

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21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

E

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

O

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3 9 1 2 7 4 6 8 5

5 3 9 4 6 8 1 2 7

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3 LETTERS ACE ADO ARE COB CPA DIN EKE GAL GEE HEW LEE LET NUT OUT OVA PIG ROE RUE SAD SOB TAN TAP TRY TWO VIA ZAC 4 LETTERS ACID ACRE CANS CLAN GAIT ICED JARS PAST RASP RAZE ROAM SEWS SODA TART TUBE

WONT YELL YOUS 5 LETTERS ACORN AROMA ASSET AVERT AWAIT AWAKE COMAS DIDNT ELDER ENDER EVADE GENRE HEELS ICIER INNER JOLTS

No. 024

KANGA LEDGE MALES NUDES NULLA OMEGA ORALS OUSTS PANDA PIERS RADII RANGE REELS RESET SANER SASSY SEEDY SEWED SMALL STILL STONY

TIDAL TILED TREAD TRIAL VENUE WAKED WASPS 6 LETTERS DERAIL ONSETS 7 LETTERS ALBINOS AUDITOR

CANYONS HERALDS NOWHERE STATION 8 LETTERS GREENEST NEUROSES SCHEDULE TRANSMIT 10 LETTERS CHEMICALLY DIVINITIES

acme, ahem, amen, calm, came, camel, cameo, CHAMELEON, clam, coma, come, enema, helm, holm, home, lame, lemon, loam, mace, macho, male, mane, manhole, meal, mean, melon, menace, moan, mocha, mole, name, nome, omen

7 8 1 2 3 5 9 4 6

3 7 2 8 5 9 6 1 4

6 4 8 7 1 3 2 9 5

1 9 5 6 4 2 3 7 8

9 6 4 3 2 7 5 8 1

8 5 7 1 9 6 4 3 2

2 1 3 5 8 4 7 6 9

5 2 8 1 3 6 4 9 7

7 6 4 5 9 8 1 3 2

8 5 3 6 2 9 7 4 1

9 7 6 4 8 1 2 5 3

4 1 2 7 5 3 8 6 9

6 3 9 8 1 2 5 7 4

1 8 7 9 4 5 3 2 6

2 4 5 3 6 7 9 1 8

7 6 4 8 9 5 2 3 1

5 9 8 2 1 3 6 4 7

3 1 2 6 7 4 9 5 8

9 8 1 5 6 2 3 7 4

4 7 3 9 8 1 5 6 2

6 2 5 4 3 7 8 1 9

1 3 6 7 2 8 4 9 5

8 4 7 3 5 9 1 2 6

2 5 9 1 4 6 7 8 3

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

10 11 12 13

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

33 words: Excellent

hard

6

19

medium

5

18

easy

4

17

9 7 6 8 3 4 1 9 8 4 7 8 8 9 6 3

3

Q F H A P Z NMR E U D T

2

2

16

1

15

2

14

9

K L V B S O C X Y GW I J

7 5 6

WORDFIT

16-04-21

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE! EVERY so often a house comes along that skilfully accomplishes the delicate balance between antique charm and modern comfort.

Exquisitely maintained, this home is an absolute delight from the moment you enter through the stone column and iron gates where the character of the home, surrounded by mature established gardens, becomes discernible.

Cream boards with character window awnings and vintage portico at the main entrance creates an irresistible draw to the interior of the home. Here the spectacular period features truly become evident and leave you feeling in awe of the appreciation this home has been granted over the years.

Built in 1890, the home has an old world charm with its 11” ceilings with roses and intricate cornice, polished floorboards, and decorative open fireplace in the kitchen.

The home has 2 carpeted bedrooms, the spacious master with a respectfully updated ensuite and complementary main bathroom, plus separate toilet proximate to the main living zone.

The large galley kitchen impresses with classic white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and timber bench tops that will make even the most reluctant cook want to bake like a chef to fill the home with the comforting aromas of a home cooked meal.

Your culinary masterpieces can be enjoyed in the bright dining alcove where French doors open onto the outdoor entertaining deck to become an alfresco eating space.

The deck takes you into the flat rear yard, separately fenced for animals and children and provides a secondary access to the large workshop, storage area and studio behind the double carport.

The home also features a water tank for the raised vegetable patches, air

conditioning and ceiling fans plus ducted heating and gorgeous wood heater so that you are comfortable all year round.

This impressive home only minutes walk to local shops, schools and public transport, has all the comforts you need while maintaining the integrity of the era and will

capture the heart of everyone that inspects it.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 305 Olinda Monbulk Road, MONBULK Description: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $840,000 - $920,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Richard Birtchnell, 0438 747 357, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

SUBURBAN, COUNTRY & LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES ACROSS THE REGION mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

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MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

EXPERIENCE THE WONDERFUL VIBE

WELCOME to ‘Behala’…. Upon entering you will experience the wonderful vibe of the home, a characterful interior brimming with lots of natural light in a setting offering privacy, and flat land with beautiful gardens.

The three-bay barn with mezzanine and power, also the inground pool are sure to entice.

A welcoming home with a charming

retro feel, high ceilings and timber floors, a stone-topped island centres the kitchen that boasts the latest stainless-steel appliances.

3 bedrooms, or the current owners enjoy 2 bedrooms and the 3rd bedroom as a sitting room to take advantage of the morning sun and lovely garden vista.

Whatever takes your fancy, it is possible here.

The allotment of just over ½ an acre has established fruit trees, lemon, pear, quince, and plum, lush lawns and plenty of spots to settle with a good book.

An envious location as you can just stroll into town for brunch, a coffee or with a bus stop out the front, venture further afield.

Benefit from living in a vibrant country town, supermarkets, speciality shops,

community hub and library.

Short walk to Emerald Secondary College, also there are nearby primary schools, sports clubs, RSL, places of worship, and of course the iconic Puffing Billy and Emerald Lake Park.

Just minutes to Emerald Township, you will enjoy living here and the fantastic community that awaits. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2 Royal Parade, EMERALD Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $760,000 - $836,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin, 0429 684 522, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

An unrepeatable land Opportunity!

FULL OF CHARACTER

Monbulk

ACT

NTR O C R E ND

12490058-JW15-21

U

This rare parcel of level vacant land spanning a huge 972m2 in area is situated so close to town you could sell the car.

Cleared with pleasing local views, it’s situated approximately 150 meters walk to Main Street, and that’s taking the long way.

Services available: Made Road, Mains Water Connected, Mains Gas, Power and Sewer.

This property is all about position and potential (STCA) so If you’re thinking of moving closer to town now or at some stage in the future you couldn’t wish a better block in a more convenient location.

Contact Joseph now on 03 9755 1888 or miss out on arguably the best land find of 2021.

THIS character cottage has great natural light, an excellent ‘feel’ and welcomes you to stay awhile.

It’s typical of a ‘hills’ cottage with polished floorboards, sash windows, brick and timber fireplace also fretwork.

The timber kitchen features custom timber shelving, SS upright stove, a dishwasher and an industrial style island.

There is an adjoining dining area, a cosy lounge with open fire, 2 bedrooms with builtin robes, a study alcove, laundry, bathroom with spa bath, shower over bath and WC. The rear yard is fenced, with a garage, carport access, a barbecue deck, wood store, garden shed, brick and rock walls showcasing amazing, aged tree ferns.

The front yard has plenty of off-street parking. Feel comfortable all year round with ducted heating, split system and not to forget that toasty wood fire. Avonsleigh is

a wonderful place to live, with a convenient General Store, Bam Bam Restaurant close by, also both Emerald and Cockatoo township nearby, walking trails, parks, and a wonderful lifestyle as you listen to the sounds of Puffing Billy echoing down the valley. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS kallistarealestate.com.au 76a Monbulk Kallista 97551888 16 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

Address: 475 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, AVONSLEIGH Price: $600,000 - $660,000 Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin, 0429 684 522 and Emily Hudson, 0418 570 474, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges CONTEMPORARY FAMILY hOME

NANGANA 755 WOORI YALLOCK ROAD PICTURESQUE SETTING ON 10 ACRES

JUST LIKE BRAND NEW

$1,300,000-$1,430,000 4A 3B 9C 1E

Equine lovers & those searching for an idyllic lifestyle will appreciate this property which offers a versatile floorplan, several living areas, study/5th bedroom, new floorboards, undercover entry, a huge deck with magical views, a spa, remote blinds to deck, auto solar gates, instant GhWS, satellite NBN, 3KW solar, fireplace. Outside features a laneway to 7 paddocks, mesh fenced, round yard, stables, tack room, hot wash, 10.9M x 9M shed, 4M x 7.7M 3 bay shed, double carport, dam with jetty, access via a sealed road.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

We put you first

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

BELGRAvE SOUTH 5 ENGELKE ROAD CHIC STyLE ON 10 ACRES

$1,690,000-$1,859,000 3A 1B 4C

Enter through the 140-year-old French front door and see that this residence has undergone a complete transformation! Works done include rewiring, replumbing, new commercial-grade floors, plaster, dbl glazing & all ceilings raised to 2.7m. Other features include a new bathroom, kitchen, Dh, refrigerated cooling & heating, wood heater, spa, new riding arena, machinery shed, tack shed-all powered, 4x 22,000L water tanks, paddocks all with new internal electric fencing and 240L water troughs in each paddock.

Jim Conder 0408 597 558

7 YEARS YOUNG

FERNTREE GULLy 48A ThE AvENUE

$1,095,000-$1,200,000

BUILT ON TRADITION WITH AN AWESOME GARAGE This luxurious Roseleigh home built on 1000sqm to a timeless and distinctive style features the ever-popular open plan family living with a central islanded bar kitchen, granite stone benchtops and glass splashbacks, premium 900mm gas cooker, integrated Bosch dishwasher and an extra large walk-in pantry. The large kid’s bedrooms all have ample robes storage and a study desk nook, the master with full ensuite with bath & shower and walk in robe. The quiet front lounge is a great retreat and ideal home office space. Outside includes a covered BBQ area, purpose-built FOUR CAR garage/workshop with remote entry & rear roller door. Private and set back from the street and secured by distinctive stone pillared remote controlled entrance gates. Best of all is the location, situated near the crown of the hill in a quiet no through road yet the town centre and train station is at the end of ‘The Avenue.’

Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

9754 6111 rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

4A 2B 4C

“We Put You First”

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

|

MAIL 17

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

5 Broadway, BELGRAVE

FOR SALE

$690,000 - $750,000 3A 1B 2C

CHARMING HOME IN LIFESTYLE LOCALE

27 Ferny Creek Avenue, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

$730,000 - $799,000 2A 2B 1C

PHENOMENAL BLOCK!

Set in a peaceful location with a sealed drive and double garage, this ultra-charming home offers undeniable appeal. With its single-level design and wrap-around decking, buyers at any stage of life can live a brilliant lifestyle here. With easy access to Belgrave’s Train Station, Birdsland Reserve, and bustling local restaurants and shopping, this property makes the most of its picturesque surrounds.

From this compelling location on the cusp of Dandenong Ranges National Park, this property offers a premier lifestyle. With a blend of conveniences and key hotspots nearby including Upper Ferntree Gully Station and 1000 Steps parkland, this property offers balanced living on a beautiful scale. With a magnificent modern rustic vibe, this property will make a long-lasting impression.

Sam Adamson

Sam Adamson

M 0421 023 760 | E sam@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0421 023 760 | E sam@chandlerandco.com.au

AUCTION

4 Burnham Street, MONBULK

FOR SALE

$510,000 - $560,000

PREMIER LOCATION FOR PROPERTY DREAMS (STCA)

B

23 Terrys Avenue, BELGRAVE

$870,000 - $950,000

BLEND OF PERIOD AND MODERN IN PERFECT LOCATION

4A 3B 3C

Auction May 1st @12pm This impressive investment is a rare opportunity in the right location only 600m from Tecoma Station. With an original home ready for reinvention or removal plus a revered nearly level 1,008sqm (approx.) block, this property is a near impossibility in this natural wonderland near National Park. From this fabulous location within walking distance of Tecoma Primary, Upwey High School and several thriving townships.

With a perfectly executed blend of period and modern features plus a premier location only 600m from Belgrave’s train station, shopping, and restaurants, fortunate owners will find a beautifully balanced lifestyle here. This elegant home’s interior will adapt through the years as your family’s needs evolve. Currently configured to offer a luxurious upper level library and lower level home cinema, attic storage, good-sized deck, studio, and rumpus room/workshop, these beautiful spaces offer a brilliant variety of uses

Suzie Brannelly

Sam Adamson

M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0421 023 760 | E sam@chandlerandco@yahoo.com

9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au 18 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

245 Gembrook Road Gembrook

$730,000 - $800,000

305 Olinda Monbulk Road Monbulk

$840,000 - $920,000

Quaint Country Living!

Love Where You Live!

If you’re looking for a cottage getaway on 5 gorgeous acres only minutes to local shops, schools & entertainment then you’re going to love this! This property provides an opportunity to truly embrace the hills lifestyle in a 2 bedroom cottage with vintage fixtures that make you feel like you’re living in a whole new world. The story book cottage features open plan living, dining & kitchen with delightfully exposed beams & a functional wood heater plus antique double hung colonial windows. The secondary bedroom lies beyond the kitchen & is adjacent to the bathroom with a European laundry. Upstairs, the master bedroom is spacious & the pretty as a picture courtyard outside makes the perfect place to relax & listen to the sounds of nature. There are 2 additional studios/bungalows plus 2 sheds, & a workshop located behind the double carport.

Exquisitely maintained, this home is an absolute delight from the moment you enter through the stone column and iron gates where the character of the home, surrounded by mature established gardens, becomes discernible. Built in 1890, the home has an old world charm with its 11” ceilings with roses and intricate cornice, polished floorboards, and decorative open fireplace in the kitchen. The home has 2 carpeted bedrooms, the spacious master with a respectfully updated ensuite and complementary main bathroom. The large galley kitchen impresses with classic white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and timber bench tops where you can enjoy cooking meals to be enjoyed in the bright dining alcove where French doors open onto the outdoor entertaining deck. There is also a large workshop, storage area and studio behind the double carport.

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357

The market right now is hot, hot, hot!

18a Upper Grieve Road Avonsleigh Avonsleigh Land!

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! ¼ acre of vacant land with lovely elevated views over Wright Forest in sought after Avonsleigh.

Located on a quiet road only a short stroll to local shops, schools, restaurants and Emerald Lake Park, and with a driveway and letterbox arealy in place, this land has everything you’ve been looking for to build the house you’ve been dreaming about (STCA)!

$365,000 - $399,000

We are receiving multiple offers on sale properties and achieving prices above vendors expectations

So if you want to sell - call BELL!

Vacant land in the hills sells quickly so don’t delay!

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 Kayla Turner 0448 440 495

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

5968 6222

311-313 Main St, Emerald Tuesday, 13 April, 2021

|

MAIL 19

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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SPORT

Brookers ready to excite

By Nick Creely Gembrook Cockatoo expects each round to bring different challenges, but is confident it has what it takes to do some damage in the AFL Outer East’s Division 1 competition in 2021.

The Brookers are up from Division 2 – where it placed fourth in 2019 – and understand just what is coming as they gear up for Division 2 reigning premiers Seville on Saturday 17 April.

“It’s good to get Seville first up being a team we played last year, it’ll be a good gauge of where both of us are at,” Brookers coach Brad Coller said.

“It’s good because we respect the unfurling of their flag a little bit more than if they were playing another side, so we’ll pay our respects to that, it’s a good achievement, and that’s where we want to get to.”

Coller said that his developing group was itching to get back into the swing of competitive football after a year off.

“We’ve got such a young side, everyone’s kind of jumping out of their skin to get going,” he said.

“It’d be a bit different if you were an older team where they probably appreciate that time away.

“But our guys are just hanging out to play to be honest. We can’t wait.”

The Brookers have secured the majority of its 2019 playing list once again, with just a handful of names departing the club – such as ex-AFL pair Hamish McIntosh and Tarkyn Lockyer – but Coller expects the senior core to stand up, and talented youngsters around the club to take the next step.

The Brookers’ under 18 side in 2019 was also unbelievably impressive, winning 11 games and making a semi-final in promising signs for the future.

But the Brookers have secured the signature of one serious local footy name – ex-Berwick champion and premiership skipper Michael Harold.

Multiple best and fairests, four premierships, interleague matches – the midfield star

Champion ex-Berwick footballer Michael Harold is back in local footy. 155676 is a serious addition to the division this season.

He’ll be a handful and a half for opposition players and coaches.

Coller said that the club was absolutely thrilled to welcome in Mick after a couple of years off football, not just from an on-field perspective, but the standards he’ll set off-field too.

“I went and watched him when he was winning flags for Berwick, he’s always been a champion bloke too and an incredible player so its massive for us,” he said.

“He came to training to run one of our fitness sessions, and then after training he said ‘I wouldn’t mind having a run’, and I nearly fell over because I tried to get him in ’19 when I started.

“So he came to me which was really good – Mick’s a great leader, he was captain there (at Berwick) for a reason and played some great footy for a long period of time.

“For our young list, he’ll be great, and he’ll help us develop even more with the likes of Spud (Michael Firrito) and a few others as well.”

The Brookers have also added Brayden Weller from Cora Lynn and Tyler Joosten from Nar Nar Goon, as well as welcomed back Braden Wood from Emerald.

With the Brookers to kick off its season in a matter of days, Coller said that he expects Division 1 to be remarkably competitive, and one where you simply can’t drop the ball at any stages.

Picture: ROB CAREW “I look at three competitions (in 2019) and I think Division One was the most even,” he said.

“Both Premier and Div 2 had two or three really quality sides and then it sort of fell away, whereas Div 1, I know from speaking to a few guys involved, you rock up every week not knowing if you’ll win or lose.

“It’ll be similar this year, both Seville and us have improved – Berwick Springs is probably the unknown, starting from scratch will be tough, but they have some good juniors coming through so hopefully they’re up to it.

“But it’ll be even, Monbulk and Officer probably are the benchmark, but we like to think we’ll be really, really competitive.”

Gully goes big as fans sign up in support

By Mikayla van Loon Ferntree Gully Football Club has sold a record breaking number of memberships this year.

The club’s mens and womens senior teams rallied together to call on family and friends to take up a membership with the club and be a part of all the action.

With the entire team on board, $12,100 in memberships was achieved in just one night.

Ferntree Gully club president Jackson Gardiner said the club usually relies on a select number of larger members but this year they focused on getting 50 to 100 smaller members.

“For our footy club, generally we’re lucky to get ten members and it’s probably two and a half to three grand. It hasn’t been something we’ve really pushed,” Mr Gardiner said.

The difference, Mr Gardiner said, was utilising both the mens and womens teams to do the ringing around, instead of just using the committee or a membership officer.

The club bought pizzas and asked the players to spend 30 to 45 minutes calling everyone they knew.

“We made it a bit of a challenge for them and gave them an incentive, so a one hundred dollar reward for the player that gets the top amount,” Mr Gardiner said.

“So it was all on the players who got it up and about.”

Mr Gardiner said the club really struggled last year throughout Covid-19 and this amount of memberships will help recuperate their expenses.

But for Mr Gardiner, the money is also part of his five year plan to see Ferntree Gully Football Club play in division one.

“We think we’re going to be competitive and for us to go up the divisions we need to start creating a bit of a backlog of cash,” he said.

After a tough year, players and committee 22 MAIL

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Division three, round one U19s game between Ferntree Gully and Fairpark.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON members were finally able to enjoy the season launch on Thursday 8 April, ahead of their first round playing Fairpark.

“So for us that was pretty special, everyone getting back together,” Mr Gardiner said.

Round one also held a special place in both teams hearts as they remembered and said goodbye to a beloved teammate and friend Ken Agarin, who died last week.

Ken played for both Ferntree Gully and Fairpark and was expected to play over the weekend for Fairpark’s U19s team.

In a fitting tribute, both teams stood in a huddle with Ken’s jumper in the middle and observed a minute of silence in his honour.

Both teams wore black armbands in his memory.

Round one results: FTG Under 19s won 125 to 18, kicking 19 goals, 11 points.

FTG Reserves won 101 to 21, kicking 14 goals, 17 points.

FTG Seniors won 93 to 54, kicking 13 goals, 15 points.

· · ·

11-year-old Tijana Luke.

Tennis star Black armbands were worn in remembrance of Ken Agarin.

Selby Primary School’s Tijana Luke won the Dandenong Ranges Division School Sport Victoria Tennis Tournament on Tuesday 6 April and received a gold medallion. She now progresses to the next division of competition.

Ms Luke’s grandfather, Graeme Luke, said he was very proud of her achievements. mailcommunity.com.au

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