Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 8th June 2021

Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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RANGES TRADER FERNTREE GULLY BELGRAVE

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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RANGES TRADER FERNTREE GULLY BELGRAVE

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Bank closure concern

Sleeping rough in the Ranges

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Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

Mail Carving a new Covid life PAGE 7

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PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Ravaged by fire

A store of goodwill Josephine Horn from the Kallista General Store and Cellars expresses her gratitude to the Hills community for their support during the extended lockdown. Full story on page 9. 239808 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Owners of a much-loved foothills Indian restaurant have been left devastated after fire tore through the business as it closed to the public during the Victorian lockdown.

Upper Ferntree Gully’s Indian Rogan Josh owners, Ranjeet and Sandy, got a call from police about 2am on Monday 31 May alerting them that their beloved business had been damaged by fire.

“We were working our normal hours and finished up around 9.30pm on Sunday night after organising take-away only. We just came home and started our normal routine, we had no idea what had happened until we got the call,” Sandy said.

CFA crews from Upper Ferntree Gully and Ferntree Gully worked together to prevent the fire spreading, however the business suffered significant damage.

A CFA spokesperson said firefighters were called to a fire at the rear of the restaurant just before 1am.

“Seven CFA fire trucks, three support vehicles and more than 30 volunteer firefighters from Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully, Upwey and Bayswater fire brigade responded to the fire,“ the spokseperson said.

“A shed measuring about 15 by 15 metres at the rear of the restaurant was on fire, with firefighters able to stop it from spreading to adjoining buildings,“ they said.

The incident was declared under control by 1.50am and control was handed to police at 3.25am.

Sandy said her husband went to their business after the call, but there was “nothing left at that time.“ “We were shocked, how could this happen,” Sandy said.

“It’s very disappointing, it’s the only income source for us. It took us nine years and we raised that business as a child. We were doing really well too, the community has supported us a lot in the last eight years.

According to Sandy, the popular Burwood Highway restaurant was “flat out” with takeaways during last years extended lockdown, with support from the community never going unnoticed.

But the outpour of emotional support the community have provided to Sandy and Ranjeet during this horrific week is something they will never forget.

“We have been well looked after by the community. We have been in Melbourne more than 15 years, we have no family and no one else here, but I just feel in this situation this is my family. Money comes and goes, but the relationships we have and the emotional support they are giving, words aren’t enough to say thankyou,” Sandy said.

“We can’t thank the community and the CFA enough for supporting us in this hard time. We just want to build up the business again and get back on our feet,” she said.

A member of the community has set up a Go Fund Me page to support Sandy and Ranjeet get back to business, which currently sits at $1,315. The Go Fund Me can be found at: https://au.gofundme.com/f/help-supportrogan-josh-indian-restaurant

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By Taylah Eastwell

NEWS

Artist’s initiative pays off

By Taylah Eastwell They say if you never ask, you’ll never know.

That saying rings true for a 13-year-old Cockatoo boy, who confidently walked into a new Emerald art studio asking how he could get his art on the walls.

Caelan Rabot, an aspiring local photographer, walked into Raven Orb Gallery in May to pick the brains of owner, artist and businesswoman, Martha Silver Breninger.

“Caelan is a very interesting, confident young man. He came in and wanted his photos in the shop and asked how he can make it happen and how much it costs to print his photographs,” Ms Silver Breninger said.

“He was very matter of fact and new exactly what he wanted. We were all blown away,” she said.

Impressed by his initiative, Ms Silver Breninger sat down with Caelan to chose which prints they would display and helped give them names.

“I connected with his mum and she gave him a budget, so he’s now got a few prints in here that me and him worked on on the computer to choose the right ones and give them names,” she said.

Since that day, Caelan has gone and created his own website, called the Starlight Realm Studios, and has asked for Ms Silver Breninger’s help in establishing a youth art group.

“He has asked me to help him gather a youth group that will meet up at the Emerald library every Monday with other creative young people,” she said.

“He is really engaging with me to get that lifted off the ground and help him figure it out.

I think the idea is for them to eventually do a market and have their own personal artwork on sale. They could do it in the gallery here because we have some space they could use,” she said.

Ms Silver Breninger’s two step children are

An example of Caelan Rabot’s photography. also creative, with her 10-year-old daughter Milly running an online felt doll business that sells internationally. Her son, Callum, 9, is an “incredible” singer, with both children keen to join Caelan in a creative youth group.

“To me, this all happened because that’s what I was already aspiring to do. I am really passionate about young people in the arts, so it made sense that a little young man came in and started this because I want to have an exhibition of young people’s art, that has always been my plan, we’ve just opened two months

Picture: CAELAN RABOT ago,” Ms Silver Breninger said.

“Caelan just has these visions and ideas and just goes for the, he is going to do some great things and has some great talent.

For Ms Silver Breninger, the importance of encouraging youth artists comes from a place of experience.

“As an artist myself, who is quite successful and a professional artist, as a young person I grew up with the idea that art is a struggling area, but I live solely off my artwork and ive been able to create a gallery, sell internation-

ally and make good money off my art.

“I don’t want young people to get that feeling when they start to be creative that this is a dead end street, it’s just absolutely not. It’s about wanting to help them combine the knowledge of the business side of things as well as their creative outlet and show them that it can actually be a career,” she said.

Caelan’s artwork are is on sale at Raven Orb Gallery, 3A Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

The youth group plans to kick off meetings after lockdown.

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Payments are available to help you stay home.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12499309-DL24-21

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IN BRIEF Wellington Road speedsters

Strong signal sent

By Taylah Eastwell Residents of Emerald and surrounds have taken to social media to express their frustration at network coverage in the Hills in recent weeks.

Avonsleigh resident Christine Weller took to the Emerald and Around Notice Board to express her disappointment in local coverage of late, asking residents in neighbouring towns whether they were having any similar issues.

With her post receiving hundreds of comments, it quickly became evident reception is a widespread problem in the fire-prone suburbs of Cockatoo, Gembrook, Emerald and surrounds.

“I couldn’t believe the response I got. I just thought I’d ask the question, but so many people replied and said they had the same problem,” Ms Weller said.

Ms Weller said she cannot get mobile coverage within her home, but walking into the streets of Emerald and Avonsleigh, reception jumps to full bars.

“I got onto Telstra and was on the phone to them for over two hours about three times, and they finally said it’s your sim card. How can it be the sim card when you walk out the door and in the street and it works fine,” she said.

“My landline is my new lifeline. But not ev-

eryone has a landline these days,” she said.

As someone who lost everything in the Ash Wednesday fires, Ms Weller knows all too well how important communication is in the Hills.

“We rely on the VicEmergency App that we have all got downloaded to our mobile phones.

You have to have that. Also being someone who was actually burnt out in Ash Wednesday bushfires, it’s a shocking thing to know you don’t have any communication,” she said.

Having lived in Avonsleigh for 25 years, Ms Weller said the issue with reception only really began about a month ago.

“We have been here on this property for 25 years and never had a problem with signal. But lately, we haven’t been able to use our mobiles for well over a month,” she said.

Ms Weller suggested there may be something wrong with the tower, and feels for those working from home following recent Covid-19 restrictions.

“I have lived through all the bushfire seasons and I can’t imagine what it will be like next summer if they can’t fix this problem,” she said.

Other residents left comments on Ms Wellers post, agreeing the service has been extremely poor in recent weeks.

“Cockatoo has the same one and only tower that was here in 1993 when I bought the land that I later built on. Population and mobile use would have to have increased by 1000% but no increase in serviceability,” one resident wrote.

Others said NBN coverage is also “rubbish”, some left with no choice but to use costly mobile data over paid wifi services.

A Macclesfield resident said they have “never been able to get 4G, and lately 3G has been dropping out”.

Ms Weller has contacted the Telecommunications Ombudsman in hopes of action being taken to improve reception in the fire-prone suburbs.

A Telstra spokesperson said Telstra became aware in May of 3G performance issues causing drop outs and degraded services in and around Cockatoo and Gembrook.

“Following investigations, we found the cause was interference coming from an address in Emerald which was impacting all 3G carriers across multiple mobile sites in the area,” the spokesperson said.

Telstra reported the issue to the Australian Communications and Media Authority and says it is now monitoring the network for stability.

MECS production persistence pays off

By Taylah Eastwell Student at Mount Evelyn Christian School (MECS) entered lockdown on a high note after finally getting to perform their school production to a live crowd after 15 months of Covid-19 disruptions.

After a tumultuous year of lockdowns making it impossible to prepare or perform, MECS students finally performed their ‘Wizard of Oz’ spectacular to a crowd of parents and friends on Thursday 27 May. Auditions for the production began in February last year, with rehearsals kicking off just prior to the first lockdown in March.

MECS Drama teacher and Production Director, Marlene Magee said both students and staff remained committed to their goal of performing to a live crowd.

“We continued rehearsals online during lockdown, the kids were really great and just soldiered on,” she said.

“We came back after the lockdown, the show was going great, we were back rehearsing, doing choreography and songs, then the second lockdown hit,” she said.

But Ms Magee remained “determined” to perform the show, postponing from August to October and later postponing again until May this year.

“I was determined to make sure it hit the stage and that we actually got a performance in front of a live audience, in one way or another, the show would go on,” she said.

The students worked “extremely hard”

A man was detected driving 40km/h over the speed limit in Narre Warren East last week.

The 28-year-old was caught travelling at 120km/h in an 80km/h zone on Wellington Road on Tuesday 1 June.

He was issued a $620 penalty notice and lost his licence for six months.

A 20-year-old man was also caught speeding at 120km/h in an 80km/h zone in Belgrave South over the weekend.

Officers intercepted the man on Wellington Road on Saturday 5 June and issued a $720 fine and six month licence suspension.

A 30-year-old man was detected driving at 100km/h in an 80km/h zone on the same road in Lysterfield.

The man returned a positive preliminary breath test for alcohol and an evidentiary breath test of 0.076.

He was issued a $496 penalty notice and six month licence cancellation for drink driving.

Lesson learnt A learner driver was caught driving without anyone accompanying her over the weekend.

Police intercepted the 22-year-old woman in Wantirna South, where a search of her car revealed drugs and a controlled weapon.

The woman was remanded in custody to appear before the court at a later date.

Hoon caught Police would like to thank members of the public who contacted 000 to report a hoon driver at Boronia Mall on Wednesday 2 June.

As a result of calls, police attended and spoke to the driver of a Ford Ranger ute.

The driver, a 41-year-old Ferntree Gully man, underwent a preliminary breath test but refused to accompany police for an evidentiary breath test. He was arrested for allegedly being drunk in a public place.

A 22-year-old Doveton male, who was passenger, allegedly began to threaten police and was subsequently arrested for allegedly being drunk. A male from Mooroolbark was also arrested for allegedly being drunk in a public place and fined.

The driver and passenger will appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court at a later date.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Boronia Police on 9760 6600.

Stolen dinosaur?

Knox Police are seeking information after a dinosaur statue was stolen from a Ferntree Gully business on Monday 31 May. The large t-rex, which stands at the height of an average human, was stolen from a Dempster Street property about 2.30am.

Anyone with any information regarding the theft, or who may have spotted a dinosaur, is urged to contact Constable Johnson at Knox Police on 9881 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MECS students performed their Wizard of Oz production on Thursday 27 May. this year to get costumes, sound and lighting all together and were preparing for a live production on 27, 28 and 29 May. “Then for a lockdown to occur on the very week we were set to perform, it was frustrating, but again we said ‘this is the situation, there are worse things than this. Let’s just go for it’,” Ms Magee said.

This years production marked the first year MECS has stepped into the “more traditional, school musical, broadway type of show”, and was the schools largest production yet.

“Our lead, Millie Richardson, who played Dorothy, was in Year 12 last year and she is a beautiful singer and this was something she really wanted to pursue. When we said we had to postpone until May this year she said she was still on board and made it happen

even though she was working, which was great for both us and her,” Ms Magee said.

Because the show was postponed a year, it fell on a year where MECS Year 6 students would typically do their production, with the high school and primary school hosting productions in alternate years.

“So we invited a group of year sixes to be involved which has got to be a first. They brought a really lovely energy and boosted our core characters,” Ms Magee said.

Despite the whirlwind year of preparation, the show was an overwhelming success.

“There was a great buzz in the audience, everyone really got behind the fact that we had one chance to perform after 15 months of rehearsals, we just went for it and it was a really exciting evening,” Ms Magee said.

Boronia arrest A 37-year-old Boronia man will front Ringwood Magistrates Court after a string of alleged robberies in the Boronia and Ringwood areas.

Police allegedly caught the man red handed while conducting investigations into the his alleged previous offending. It is alleged he was spotted carrying more stolen goods near Boronia Railway Station. After a short foot chase, the offender was remanded in custody and refused bail.

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Local branches to close

By Taylah Eastwell A number of bank branches in the Ranges have closed as a result of Covid-19, as more customers move to online banking.

The most recent local branch to close its doors is Mt Evelyn’s Commonwealth Bank branch, with CBA announcing on Friday 4 June the village branch would permanently shut its doors.

The local branch had been closed since May last year, with staff redeployed to call centres to assist with online banking during the extended lockdown.

Commonwealth Bank Australia Regional General Manager, David Castle said the Mt Evelyn branch had a “58 per cent drop in transactions over the five years before the pandemic”.

“We regularly review our branch locations across Australia to help us make informed decisions on where to open new branches, where to renovate or upgrade existing branches, and in some instances where to close branches,” he said.

“We recognise some senior customers prefer to do their banking face-to-face. We’ve ensured customers who prefer over-thecounter service still have access to this option.

For Mount Evelyn customers, we have other branches in the region at Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and Croydon.

Mr Castle said a recent review found that 43 per cent of Mt Evelyn CBA customers were already visiting other local branches before the village branch closed last May. For those who prefer face-to-face bank-

Mt Evelyn CBA is set to permanently close. ing options, the Mt Evelyn Post Office can be accessed for personal and business banking transactions including withdrawals, deposits and bill payments.

The news comes after CBA also closed a branch in the neighbouring suburb of Monbulk earlier this year, claiming the branch had a 55 per cent drop in transactions in the five years prior to the pandemic.

Mr Castle said all Monbulk CBA employees

were placed into other roles within the company.

“Around 15 per cent of customers” from Monbulk were said to be already visiting Belgrave and Emerald branches prior to the Monbulk branch closing in May 2020.

Similarly, Monbulk customers can now engage in some face-to-face banking transactions at Monbulk Post Office.

CBA said it expects a gradual reduction

in branch numbers and ATMs to continue over the rest of the year, with the coronavirus pandemic “accelerating” a continuing shift in banking behaviour to online and over the phone services.

The banking giant reports seeing twice as many customers over 60 years of age accessing online services than those that visited inbranch.

It appears Bank of Melbourne has similar ideas, with a Ferntree Gully branch also closing earlier this month.

The Mountain Gate branch closed its doors officially on 14 May after amalgamating with Bank of Melbourne at Knox City, five kilometres away.

A spokesperson from Westpac Group, which owns Bank of Melbourne, said the closure follows a “seismic shift towards digital and cash-less banking and a declining foot traffic in bank branches”.

“When we do close a branch, it is not a decision we take lightly. Branches will continue to remain an important service option for Bank of Melbourne, especially in areas that have high customer usage.

Ferntree Gully customers can bank at Knox or an Australia Post outlet, said to be 200m from the closed branch.

“Customers can deposit cash, cheques, withdraw cash and check account balances etc. free of charge,” the spokesperson said.

Westpac Group is expected to shut 48 branches across the country, while an unofficial list of expected CBA closures currently sits at 62.

Sporty senior lifts the bar

By Taylah Eastwell Monbulk’s Robert Frost is lifting the bar for seniors.

At 72-years of age, the powerlifting champion is preparing to compete in yet another Australian Masters Games in Perth, where he aims to achieve an “Australian first” in his weight and age class in the one deadlift.

After discovering the gym in 2006, Mr Frost has never looked back, having previously taken out first place for his age category at the 2015 Adelaide Masters Games and numerous other titles.

“I began competing when my wife was very ill and I was caring for her. I realised I needed to be strong to do that, so I thought, if you get your body strong first the mind will follow. So I used to go very early and train in Broadmeadows, which got me through the caring role,” he said.

The Broadmeadows gym was run by a lady Mr Frost’s age, and had people attending in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

“Power lifting is very safe. It’s the safety that appeals to me. We were all there in the gym three times a week so I got to know people in the power lifting system and from

there it began at Eleiko, a weightlifting centre in Hawthorn,” Mr Frost said.

Now, Mr Frost can’t get enough, having fallen in love with the entire competing process.

“My message is anyone can do this, they just need to have a go. If you’re coming in new, be careful. Build up to it, there is nothing you can’t do. Anyone can run a marathon, it just might take some people more time,” he said.

While Mr Frost normally begins training 8-10 weeks out from a comp, the uncertainty with Covid-19 lockdowns has seen him in the gym training 30 weeks out.

“I train five times a week. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday is my deadlifting day so I always have a break the day after. Then I do Thursday and Friday, and rest again on Saturday,” he said.

Training at Monbulk Aquatic Centre, he has gained much support from the local team in the gym.

And with the games not until October, Mr Frost is placing himself in good stead to smash his latest goal.

“Lifting keeps you disciplined. You care

Robert Frost from Monbulk will compete in the 2021 Australian Masters Games in Perth in October. about when and what you eat, when you sleep. You just feel sharper, fitter all round,” he said.

“It’s a very rewarding lift. It’s the opposite to running or rowing in that you exercise for 10 seconds and rest for four or five. I enjoy it because I can socialise in the gym or relax and watch videos in the rest time,” he laughed.

When his not in the gym, Mr Frost enjoys volunteering as a local school crossing supervisor.

“I think most older people want to have an activity every day that doesn’t stress you too much but it’s there,” he said.

His advice to seniors – “just do what you like doing. Anyone can do anything”.

The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

How you can help The Star Mail has compiled a list of places you can donate to in order to help people experiencing homelessness: 1. Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief, 1616-1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Phone: 9754 7777.

Taking donations of warm clothes and sleeping bags to help those sleeping rough in winter. Donations of food and money are also appreciated.

2. Food is Free Tecoma, 1566 Burwood Highway, Tecoma.

A community initiative in collaboration with Tecoma Uniting Church and The Hills Food Frontier and Yarra Ranges Council that provides free, healthy and organic foods to those in need. Community members are encouraged to leave any surplus fruit, vegetables, herbs, seedlings and dry goods.

3. Holy Fools. Phone: 1300 133 889 An entirely volunteer run service that fosters positive change for those experiencing homelessness and provides food. Seeking monetary donations after a recent surge in people seeking food assistance. Donate online at: https://www. holyfools.org.au/about-us/ 4. The Mustard Tree, 3/28 John Street, Lilydale. Phone: 9735 3500 An op shop which takes in many types of donations. Clothing and knick-knacks are sold to fund a Food Bank and free weekly community lunch to help those in need. Contact them to see how you can help.

5. Discovery Community Care, Factory 1, 122-124 Beresford Road, Lilydale.

Phone: 9739 5969.

Provides support through emergency food parcels and essential services such as phone and pharmacy vouchers. Also runs FoodStop, a once weekly evening meal and chat for those in need. Contact them today to ask how you can help.

Are you concerned?

If you are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness or if you observe someone sleeping rough, you can contact Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333.

An experienced member of council’s team will work with local welfare agencies to assist the person if they are willing to accept assistance.

If a person is an immediate risk to themselves or others or appears to be under the age of 16, please contact the police on 000.

For information about local welfare agencies, please check out Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Directory.

Homeless shame SLEEPING ROUGH IN THE RANGES

Winter nights, hungry bellies, fear and isolation…...

As part of a new campaign, the Star Mail seeks to shine a light on the hurdles faced by those experiencing homelessness, to break down stigmas and inform the community about what we can all do to help.

As we head into another winter in lockdown, it is now more important than ever to support those in need as wage subsidies like JobKeeper are no longer available.

Sleeping Rough in the Ranges aims to raise

awareness about the growing issue of homelessness in the region, while highlighting the feats of locals doing great things to help those in need. We talk to those on the front line of this growing problem, those who have experienced homelessness themselves and those who have ideas on how this seemingly intractable problem can be solved.

If readers have any story tips or are happy to share their own story of homelessness, please get in touch with the editorial team at editor@ mailcommunity.com.au

Rough sleeping surges in the Ranges

By Taylah Eastwell While businesses grapple to stay open and employees struggle on reduced hours, bills continue to pile high, rent continues to fall due and bellies continue to grumble.

For many across the Yarra Ranges, the impact of lockdown has become unbearable, with a local homelessness support service seeing a surge in those reaching out for help.

CEO of Holy Fools, Neal Taylor, said his organisation has seen a “dramatic increase in people wanting to take food and hampers” since the first Covid-19 lockdown.

“We have handed out lots of hampers and taken them to people who have been placed in motels during lockdown, but we’ve also helped people at their homes who are in danger of losing their home so they’ve at least got some food to feed their families,” Mr Taylor said.

And that is the heartbreaking reality of this pandemic. People in jobs they once considered to be stable are finding themselves in a newfound position of vulnerability, and with JobKeeper axed, for many the income is just not there.

“We have spoken to people who have just lost their jobs or have lost their accommodation because of losing their jobs due to Covid, and they are sleeping rough or in their cars,” Mr Taylor said.

“Majority of those people are fairly positive and working very hard to rectify the situation.

Mr Taylor said other local support agencies have also seen an increase in people at danger of becoming homeless because of lockdown and job losses.

The state government introduced a Home for Homeless Scheme last year which has seen thousands of rough sleepers offered hotel accommodation during the pandemic.

“The state government was very bold and said all people in motels would get accommodation, and yes, most of them have, but unfortunately its only for two years and after that they’ve got to work out their own situation again. The problem is that most people who are rough sleeping don’t fit the criteria for many of the places offering winter accommodation,” he said.

A shed where someone has been sleeping rough in the Yarra Ranges.

The reason many don’t meet “criteria” is often to do with addiction and related factors, Mr Taylor said.

And when on the streets, the restrictions imposed by a lockdown make it difficult to seek help.

“The problem with lockdown is that sometimes people don’t understand where they can get help and it’s a big scary proposition. People get afraid with the 5km/ph limit and feel that they can’t go get help because they’re stuck within the 5km/ph or now 10km/ph limit,” he said.

Mr Taylor said that he has noticed some local agencies that support the homeless have shut down during lockdown, but said there are “still several open”.

“I think there is still a shortage of awareness around where people can go to get some help with food,” he said.

Holy Fools run a “Street Angels” free food service each Wednesday from Melba Park, Lilydale, and have continued to do so in a Covidsafe way to ensure bellies are full.

“We have been following all the restrictions, everyone’s in masks, hand sanitiser is available and we don’t encourage people to hang around. We just provide a take away lunch and ask them that they don’t hang around and we don’t put our chairs out, which means we miss

out on the social interaction,” Mr Taylor said.

“The lockdown has affected lots of things.

With our Street Angels we are getting less numbers with people afraid to venture out over the limit and feeling a bit afraid about interacting with other people,” he said.

Mr Taylor said discussions were had between Holy Fools volunteers and those experiencing homelessness at last weeks Street Angels around the Covid-19 vaccine as a further protection.

“People were very misinformed about the vaccination and what it would entail, so we are hoping to work with them around that,” he said.

With an increase in people sleeping rough and in cars, Mr Taylor’s advice to community members is to simply acknowledge others as human beings.

“I’m not encouraging people to go up and talk to people. But acknowledge them, give them a wave, majority of them are very alone because of the fact there is a bit of a fear. A smile goes a long way to helping them understand they are still a part of the community,” he said.

Despite the need for help being at an alltime high, monetary donations to Holy Fools have dropped. Anyone wishing to help can contribute at www.holyfools.org.au.

Inspiro CEO sleeps out to help those doing it tough Inspiro Community Health CEO Sue Sestan is participating in Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the second year in a row to put the spotlight on homelessness.

It’s an issue rife amongst the community that Inspiro services in the Yarra Ranges Shire.

Ms Sestan will sleep outside on 17 June, one of the coldest nights of the year—alongside hundreds of CEOS and community and government leaders—to raise funds for essential services for Australians experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Last year’s sleepout was an eye opener for me. I was awake all night, aware of every small noise and rustle. It was cold and I felt very vulnerable. But I was safe in my own backyard.

“Over 116,000 Australians will be homeless tonight. And many people in the Yarra Ranges don’t have access to secure or affordable housing,” Ms Sestan said.

Homelessness has skyrocketed in the Yarra Ranges over the last decade, partly due to rising house prices and unaffordable rental properties. The secondary impacts of Covid-19 – job uncertainty, exacerbated mental health issues, substance dependency, family unrest – have seen more people access support and mailcommunity.com.au

emergency relief services than ever before.

“While there are wonderful organisations and volunteers working to help – including Inspiro, we can always do more. Vinnies Sleepout does a great job of raising money to provide food and accommodation to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Ms Sestan said.

Inspiro offers low cost health care services to people at risk of homelessness in the Yarra Ranges.

The organisation also runs a No Interest Loans Scheme in partnership with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services to provide loan funds to low income families.

“Homelessness is closer to home than most of us realise – and it can happen to any of us.

If you’d like to help kick homelessness to the curb, why not sponsor me this year or encourage your workplace leaders to take part in Vinnies CEO Sleepout?” Ms Sestan said.

To sponsor Ms Sestan head to this website. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/ suesestan/victoria.

Funds go directly towards individual support programs, beds, meals, financial and mental health support for the people who need them.

Inspiro CEO Sue Sestan will sleep outside this June to raise money for homelessness services and raise awareness around the issue.

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NEWS

Councillor slams rate rise

By Taylah Eastwell Yarra Ranges Council has plans to increase property rates, the draft budget has revealed.

The draft budget, handed down on Tuesday 11 May, proposes a 1.5 per cent increase in rates, which is said to equate to approximately $43 extra per rate payer notice.

The proposed increase comes despite the 2021-22 budget leaving a surplus of $29.7 million.

The suggestion has been slammed by Streeton Ward councillor Cathrine Burnett-Wake, who is sticking by her election pledge to fight for a hold on council rate increases until the economy recovers sufficiently.

“I am of the view that we do not have sufficient economic recovery to justify a rate rise at this time,” she said.

“The pandemic has been devastating and this fourth lockdown we are living through will be the final straw for many and cause financial ruin. Since the beginning of this pandemic, businesses have closed, and many of those still open are struggling. People have lost, or stand to lose, their jobs. Our community has been significantly impacted,” Cr Burnett-Wake said.

Following the budget announcement, Yarra Ranges Council mayor Fiona McAllister described the rate increase as a “head and heart” decision.

“As my fellow councillors know, it wasn’t something I was on board with, initially. And I know a heavy body of work has gone into – what do we need to keep this very large complex organisation supporting the lives of 150,000 people in the Yarra Ranges on the right track.

“Proposing to increase rates is never popular – especially as we’re still working as a community to recover from the pandemic – but will help us continue to provide 120 services to the Yarra Ranges community, continue building and maintaining our infrastructure and prepare for future programs and challenges.

“And we still have an expanded policy of flexible options available to support ratepayers who need assistance in paying their rates,” she said.

Council applied ‘Covid Credit’ to rates last year which meant rates paid in 2020-21 were

no more than the previous year.

However, a Victorian Ombudsman investigative report into how local councils responded to ratepayers in financial hardship, delivered earlier this month, revealed that Yarra Ranges Council took 75 court actions to recover unpaid

rate debts in the 2019-20 financial year.

378 court actions were instigated in 2018-19.

The average Yarra Ranges Council household rates in 2019-20 were $1,907.

“I am only one of nine councillors. Although I oppose the 1.5% rate rise for the 2021-2022 financial year, at least five councillors need to agree so that this can be stopped,” Cr BurnettWake said.

Feedback on the draft budget and its proposals can be given online until Tuesday 8 June. https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/ Latest-news/Draft-Budget-documents-openfor-community-feedback?

Some readers took to Star Mail’s Facebook page to express their outrage at the proposal for a Yarra Ranges wide rate increase. Here’s what they said: “Absolutely disgusting! If they have, as reported a $27.9 million dollar surplus, they shouldn’t have their hands outstretched for more $. We are in a pandemic, many people can’t pay their bills and put food on the table” - Janine Rigby “How ridiculous! We already have very expensive rates that are naturally increasing with booming property prices. In the middle of both a pandemic and a lockdown, this is heartless timing. And not to mention that as a decent proportion of the shire is zoned rural, we already get fewer services (ie green rubbish bins etc).”

- Aimee Page “If you’re outraged (and so many of you are) please don’t forget to give the council feedback!!!”

- Donalea Patman “Shame Yarra Ranges Council. Council is not, and has never been, a for-profit organisation.

So many people are doing it tough, you should be more concerned with assisting your rate payers, rather than profiting from them!”

- Vanessa Greatorex

What will networking look like in the wake of Covid?

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH other countries around the globe are still doing it so tough.

As I moved around both functions, there as one word that surfaced more than any other and that of course was ‘Covid’, so I was curious to get an understanding of how the coronavirus had impacted some of these local businesses.

The EDRA Business Breakfast tends to be attended almost exclusively by business

owners, I asked those present how many of them were as busy now or busier than they were prior to the pandemic. I would estimate that approximately 60 percent of the hands went up and just about everyone I spoke to professed to being ‘busy’ now. This turnaround in business tends to be echoed by government statistics as well and whilst we are not yet where we would all like to be, things definitely continue to improve.

Having said that though, recent events in various states have shown that we cannot afford to be complacent and relax our guard when it comes to practicing safe social behaviours. As humans, we need social contact to function as a society and notwithstanding excellent tools like Zoom and Microsoft’s Teams for connecting people online, people do business with people they know like and trust and building relationships is always far

more effective by meeting face-to-face as opposed to through a computer screen.

Going forward then, even after mass vaccinations have ensured a level of herd immunity in Australia, the prevalence of the disease worldwide implies that Covid-19 is something that we are going to need to live with and manage, rather than assume that this can be completely eliminated in a reasonable timeframe. From a business perspective, this means increased identification and management of risk within our own businesses, inherent flexibility in ways of sourcing and delivering products and services and continued caution, but certainly not disassociation from networking with other business owners.

Stay safe!

Ian Ash is the Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

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Recently I MC’d the EDRA Business Breakfast which in October this year will celebrate ten years of putting on business breakfasts in and around Emerald.

It was the first time we had run a face-toface business breakfast since October 2019 impacted, of course, by Covid-19 and it was fantastic that the event sold out with almost 30 attendees.

In the same week, I also attended an excellent presentation on marketing by Ros Weadman hosted by the Berwick Business Group which also had a good turnout. At both events, it was clear that everyone really enjoyed the opportunity to network once again to share ideas and news about their business.

At the same time, there was a palpable sense of relief and gratitude that we in Australia are able to meet in person when nearly all the

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NEWS

Embracing Covid change The Covid-19 pandemic has made many people reassess their work/life balance. Some have pivoted into essential jobs, others have embraced working from home, while others have turned their back on the corporate world to pursue a creative passion. This week MELISSA MEEHAN profiles two Yarra Ranges residents who have embraced change and opportunities presented by the pandemic.

Helping students study during remote learning Victoria Gilbert was always heavily involved in her work.

So it’s no surprise when the primary teacher was on maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter Nellie, she really missed teaching.

After the second round of remote learning last year she had the idea to create premade learning boxes targeting each strand of the Victorian curriculum.

“I saw how much parents were struggling to get their hands on resources,” the Ferntree Gully mum said.

“It made me think that parents who don’t have an educational background don’t know how to find them.

“And it’s really important that it’s available.”

Each box includes real resources that are used in the classroom that can now be purchased by parents to have at home.

It also targets children who are beginning school, and gets them on track - particularly with writing.

Victoria has returned to work as a prep

Ryan in his workshop.

teacher (one day a week).

But it has cemented her belief that these learning boxes are so important.

“I am constantly undoing children’s writing, as parents have tried to do the right thing by purchasing resources from the newsagent/book shops, but in turn, have actually taught their children the incorrect writing formation,” she said.

“The resource boxes are affordable and very aesthetically pleasing - I can’t stand the ugly resources we are often presented with.

Each box is personalised and custom boxes are also available to target specific learning needs.

“My dream for this side hustle is to make the connection between school and home learning so much stronger, and for parents to feel supported - particularly if remote learning is to ever come around again,” she said.

For more go to www.instagram.com/ theclassroom.collective.

Originally published in Yarra Ranges Kids magazine.

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Covid helps Ryan choose his family over career At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in Victoria, Upwey father of two Ryan Vanderhorst was right in the thick of things.

He was working as social media manager for the Department of Health and Human Services managing their Covid-19 response.

The hours were long, the stress was high and he was spending nearly three hours a day travelling to and from work.

“I worked out that was 13 hours a week, that’s 13 hours lost on a train and not spending it with my kids or doing the things I enjoy,” Ryan said.

“It was a huge wake up call for me.”

He decided it was time to do something he enjoyed, so resigned and hasn’t looked back.

“My passion for woodworking has continued to grow over my life, and that continued during lockdown,” he said.

“So I went from a secure, honest job with the government to making custom furniture and I’ve never been happier.”

So he resigned in November, and started his new career on December 1, 2020.

“I started getting orders straight away without even advertising,” he said.

“I had made a couple of (kids play) mud kitchens and started getting heaps of enquiries.

“One customer had posted on a couple of “mum” facebook groups and it went crazy from there. mailcommunity.com.au

“She was the one who really helped it become a full time gig.”

Soon enough he was getting orders from Sunbury and across the state.

So now that his hobby has become his full time job, Ryan makes how-to videos for lovers of woodworking.

“I guess that has become my side hustle now,” he said.

Making things are great, but Ryan says there is a lot of time and effort that goes into making his videos.

“It takes a million times longer - because you just don’t make something,” he said.

“It’s setting up the camera, making sure there’s enough lighting, the angles and sound are OK and then there’s hours and hours of editing.”

He says its nice to make things without being in front of the camera, but some friends were already making money by posting the videos on youtube.

And he’s even been asked to do influencer videos for an Australian tool company.

It’s a busy life, but there is no commute and Ryan is clearly enjoying himself.

“I have so much more time with my family and I’m happier than I have ever been,” he said.

Originally published in Yarra Ranges Kids magazine.

Nellie with Mum Victoria and Learning Boxes. 234965 Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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OPINION

Short stories a quick kiss U.S. author Stephen King famously said, “A short story is like a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger. That is not, of course, the same thing as an affair or a marriage, but kisses can be sweet, and their very brevity forms their own attraction.”

In this sense, Marian Matta’s short stories may be described as “quick kisses in the dark”.

Collected under the title ‘Life, Bound’, these 16 stories are brief yet with lingering attraction, for we often catch glimpses of their subjects and themes out of the corner of our eyes.

Matta’s stories are snippets of human lives, like slices of a savoury pie lovingly prepared by our local bakery. One bite of a single slice is enough for us to imagine how rich and delicious the whole pie is. The taste is familiar – a reminder of our hometown.

Matta’s characters exist everywhere in our community – people chasing fame and glory,

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN people fleeing violence and trauma, people seeking redemption, and people striving to self-define.

Inevitably, there are couples in love, couples bound by love, couples liberated from love, and couples missing out on love.

But there is often a touch of kindness in Matta’s calm and detailed illustration of the

many tragedies and triumphs of humanity. As an author, she shows much compassion and empathy to her characters who are trapped in situations not of their own making and/or out of their control.

In each story, Matta observes how her characters react to their restrictive circumstances.

While some choose to rebel against their oppressors, others patiently wait for salvation.

Still others are able to endure their misfortune by taking action to care for each other. All are graciously documented.

It is this sense of grace subtly conveyed through Matta’s writing that reminds this reviewer of Vincent van Gogh, whose eyes “watch the world and can’t forget”. To borrow Don McLean’s words, as “weathered faces lined in pain / are soothed beneath the artist’s loving hand”, readers are able to find comfort and peace. Life once again becomes bearable because someone else has (temporarily) exor-

cised its dark shadow.

Matta has a clear knack for writing, her excellent choice of words vividly projecting images straight into our imagination. For example: “She is dowdy like the other hundred or so wives in the dying town are dowdy, their colours all drained away, their blues sucked up into the hot sky, their greens absorbed into the sombre gums which fringe the small holdings, their reds bled out every month until another pregnancy intervenes. Grey wraiths are all that’s left.”

Matta is also unafraid of experimenting.

The 16 short stories vary considerably in terms of length, style, atmosphere, perspective, and message, their only shared feature being a distinct focus on discovery. Whether it is discovery of oneself or others is beside the point, as long as the process is worth it.

And, as many of the characters in Life, Bound have told us – it is.

Writers head to the Yarra Valley for 2021 festival A word-filled winter weekend awaits in Warburton as the second Yarra Valley Writers Festival comes to town, featuring an extraordinary line-up of contemporary Australian writers and thinkers discussing the theme of resilience.

With topics covering sex, history, motherhood, environment, crime loneliness, music, vulnerability and family, Warburton will become the home of conversations and ideas with Don Watson, Helen Garner, Jock Serong, Tony Birch, Kate Mildenhall, Nardi Simpson, Stuart Coupe, Rick Morton, Jessie Tu, Victoria Hannan, Garry Disher, Monica Dux and more featuring across the program.

Yarra Valley Writers Festival Director Brook Powell said the winter weekend of words is for readers, thinkers and wine lovers who are seeking inspiration and creativity as well as wanting to be challenged through thought-provoking conversation.

“This year’s program will champion resilience,” she said. “Conversation by conversation we will dissect what society thinks it is, what we believe it to be and how it shows up in both daily life and global acts.

“The program explores how true resilience can often sit in the small repeated acts of survival, as well as the enormously impressive ‘against-all-odds’ stories. The au-

thors will discuss cultural, personal, financial, creative, environmental and community resilience and together we will leave feeling inspired, humbled, joyful – and maybe even ever-so-slightly changed.”

Taking place in Warburton throughout July, the Yarra Valley Writers Festival will feature talks, lunches, workshops and special events. The main winter weekend event will be held across various locations in Warburton 16-18 July. Bookings essential prior to arrival.

One of the locations includes the Alpine Hotel. Co-owner Rachael said she looks forward to attracting newcomers to Warburton.

“The Yarra Valley Writers Festival has a great theme Resilience, the opportunity to explore the multiple author’s perspective will be a highlight in July especially with the pandemic extremes we experienced as a community and state this year and last year; getting together is a blessing,” she said.

“The Alpine Hotel is super excited to host a series of discussions, the team look forward to seeing the grand building return to life hosting festival events, we are grateful for this opportunity and encourage everyone to secure tickets earlier and support all events in the village of Warburton.”

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NEWS

Community spirit kicks in

By Taylah Eastwell With usually bustling Hills streets currently dead still, finding a positive during the extended lockdown doesn’t come easy.

But in Kallista, a central community hub is helping both community and business see each other through.

The Kallista General Store and Cellars is fortunate enough to still be open for the post office, with take-away wine, meals and coffee going some way towards alleviating the blow from lost tourist and after work customers.

Owner Josephine Horn said the General Store and Cellars has been “very fortunate” to still be able to operate, but also provide locals with their daily dose of positivity as they passby.

“The best thing is our community. We just feel so fortunate to be up here and people who come are happy to be here, they are happy we are open and it’s just our responsibility to make their experience as positive as possible,” Ms Horn said.

“We know that some people are coming in because we are their daily stop while they are on their allowed exercise so they are stopping in for a chat,” Ms Horn said.

The social interaction and a much needed laugh is just as important as the daily exercise, according to Ms Horn, who has set up a suitcase full of toys and magazines for local kids to help themselves to when out in the street.

“I think it’s really important and we are trying to make sure we are as positive as we can be because we are aware it might be the only outing people are getting,” she said.

While the General Store is a hub of positivity, the rest of the quaint village has a “very eerie feel to it”, with other small businesses forced to close or reduce hours.

“I really feel deeply for all my fellow traders, out of the whole town it’s only us and the pizza place that can open,” Ms Horn said.

“It’s got a really eerie feeling to it. We’ve lost the tourist traffic, we normally have the school, but what’s hit us the most is people not coming in after work, because people

Kallista General Store and Cellars owner Josephine Horn. 239808 aren’t going to work,” she said.

While an extended lockdown would take its toll, Ms Horn said the general consensus amongst the community was “OK”.

“There was a certain point it got to last time where people were just so depressed. People seem OK so far, the general feeling we’re getting is not confident, but OK,” she said.

But Acting Premier James Merlino has cautioned that movement will continue to be restricted between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria after the expected lockdown period.

“Even if all goes well we won’t be able to have people travelling from Melbourne to regional Victoria over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the risk of exposure is just too high,” he said.

Residents from regional Victoria will only be able to travel into Metropolitan Melbourne for permitted reasons and will have to abide by the area’s restrictions.

Yarra Ranges Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said the lockdown extension comes at an already difficult time for tourism operators heading into a quiet winter period.

“Obviously it has devastated businesses who had held stock for weddings and events in the first week and that has a significant impact in waste and costs that businesses can’t recuperate.

“For some businesses, coming into winter, every dollar counts right now. Many of them are seriously hurting coming into winter in a market that generally gets softer for us without running for weeks without any income, particularly when the government grant doesn’t equate anywhere near the losses these businesses will see on a weekly basis.

“There are a whole heap of other small businesses in the tourism sector that won’t be eligible for any grants that are available because of their size and business structure. The government has indicated that they will have a specific package for tourism operators but it hasn’t been announced so we’re waiting on that detail.”

With the upcoming Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Mr O’Callaghan anticipated a busy week for businesses if restrictions were eased.

“We don’t understand the implications of the long weekend yet… If Melburnians are allowed to move within metropolitan Melbourne, then we’d expect the Yarra Valley to be absolutely overrun no matter what the weather or conditions.”

Empty streets and closed shops as restrictions bite Things are eerily quiet in the Hills as local businesses in usually bustling tourist towns were forced to close during the extended Covid-19 lockdown. Star Mail photographer STEWART CHAMBERS took to the streets to showcase the only thing happening - people getting some exercise and cafes open for takeaway services.

A silent Belgrave.

A Belgrave business forced to close.

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Service with a smile! Corin, Jas and Nat from The Patch Store happy to have the option of take-away orders. 239808

Monbulk’s Emese and Brian enjoy their two hours of exercise with dog Khai. 239808 Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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NEWS

Green power agreement

By Taylah Eastwell Both Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire Council’s join a group of 46 Victorian councils to sign on to an all-new energy collaboration, VECO. VECO is the largest ever emissions reduction project by local government in Australia.

Led by Darebin City Council in Melbourne’s north, the emission saving initiative is expected to save Councils’ 35 per cent on their electricity bills by using 100 per cent renewables.

The ground-breaking project is expected to reduce each of the Council’s current energy bills and reduce electricity prices by using clean renewable energy generated right here in Victoria.

By joining the project, Yarra Ranges will power streetlights, which account for 40 per cent of its total energy use, with 100 per cent renewables.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Fiona McAllister, said the VECO partnership was a key part of Council’s path toward 100 per cent renewables.

“Last year, we finalised our Liveable Climate Plan – a map of how we will reach our goals of 100% renewably-sourced power and net-zero emissions, along with our plans for helping the community to work towards the same,” Cr McAllister said.

“Projects like VECO are essential for us reaching those goals, and I’m so pleased that more than half the Councils in Victoria have signed on to this collaboration, pooled our buying power and have made a great commitment to renewable energy.”

Lyster Ward councillor, Johanna Skelton, said the partnership had the dual benefit of keeping costs down and reducing emissions

across the state.

“Environmental sustainability is a key role of government, and everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to manage their impacts – the fact that we can do something this significant while saving money means our community benefits twice,” Cr Skelton said.

Cardinia Shire Council also announced on 1 June that it had signed up to the VECO program.

The bulk of Cardinia Shire Council’s buildings and facilities, including streetlights, will begin to be transitioned to the renewable energy procurement project from July 1 2022, following the conclusion of its current energy contract.

Cardinia Shire mayor and councillor Brett Owen said that council was proud to join the

VECO initiative which supports council’s commitment to reducing the impacts of climate change.

“In 2019, Council declared a climate emergency and we continue to recognise that we must work together to take action,“ he said.

“By joining the VECO project we believe we can make this influence more positive through the use of renewable energy,” Cr Owen said.

Once all councils are on board, 45% of Victorian council electricity will be sourced from wind energy, reducing a combined total of greenhouse emissions by 260,000 tonnes of C02-e every year - equivalent to powering 48,000 homes or taking 90,000 cars off the road annually.

For more information about the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), visit veco.org.au

Think twice before cutting firewood illegally in winter A multi-agency operation has begun to target illegal habitat destruction when sourcing firewood for the upcoming winter season.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Parks Victoria rangers have combined for Operation Hollows, targeting people attempting to illegally cut or remove trees for firewood from parks, forests and reserves.

Parks Victoria senior manager enforcement Ron Waters said it was important to remember cutting trees for firewood was habitat destruction.

“Anyone illegally taking firewood is taking a home away from one of our threatened native wildlife species,“ he said.

“Do the right thing: source your firewood legally and help our native species survive.”

It is important that people collect firewood from designated areas during the two collection seasons, as trees and fallen wood outside these areas are crucial habitats for native wildlife like the Powerful Owl, Greater Glider, Fat-tailed Dunnart, Spotted-tailed Quoll, and small geckos, skinks and lizards.

Some trees also have cultural significance.

The ongoing operation also targets people selling large quantities of illegal firewood.

Those purchasing firewood can help preserve habitat and heritage by ensuring they buy from reputable sources.

The maximum penalty for people caught illegally destroying habitat trees is $8,261 plus potential seizure of equipment, including vehicles and chainsaws and/or one year in prison.

From March to November 2020, 183 people were fined a total of $98,801 for illegally removing wood from widespread areas across the state. These fines ranged from $165 to $661.

Rangers and officers are patrolling public land across the state, enforcing the law and educating people about firewood collection rules.

For details of where, when and what firewood can be collected, visit www.ffm.vic. gov/firewood and https://www.vic.gov.au/ collecting-firewood.

People are being asked to seek firewood legally.

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CIRE - FOCUS ON TRAINING

A perfect time to upskill Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of others? A Diploma of Community Services may be the key to a new job with powerful and positive impact.

Now, more than ever, families and individuals throughout the community need skilled people to help provide quality services. And for those with an interest in working in the Community Services sector, there has never been a better time to start.

Acting Premier and Minister for Mental

Health, James Merlino, recently announced an investment of $3.8 billion to build Victoria’s mental health system. The funding aims to address the increasing demands on current services, with Merlino commenting that “We’re ensuring Victorians have the mental health support they need, when they need it – while at the same time giving more Victorians the security and certainty of a job.”

As part of the funding package, it is exciting to see an increase in local services, thanks to the budget including $954 million to deliver

community-based health and wellbeing support. This inclusion will mean more opportunities for people to work close to home, assisting their own community.

Completing a Diploma of Community Services will help you gain the skills and knowledge required to successfully support clients within the community. You will learn how to communicate with a range of diverse people and organisations, learn reflective practice, planning and development of programs, participate in group work, and the fundamentals

of case management. Most of all, you will learn how to assist people in the community to live their best lives.

With an increase in flexible training options, including online classes, you can start almost immediately, to take the first step towards your new future!

“I love the idea of being involved in the community as a part of my new career. Helping people and making a difference is a fulfilling feeling,” said Cire student Sarah, Lilydale.

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MAIL 11

OPINION

Mt Evelyn’s sliding door In the 1998 film ‘Sliding Doors’, the heroine’s life takes two different courses, from the moment she either catches or misses a train. Mt Evelyn’s existence depended on the route of a train line.

As the railway from Melbourne was being extended from Lilydale towards Healesville in the 1880s, attention turned to its proposed sister line to Warburton. Three possible starting points on the existing line were suggested: Croydon, Lilydale or Coldstream. Routes were assessed for their cost (based on distance and terrain) and the number of residents who stood to benefit.

The Croydon Railway League formed in 1888. They promoted a route from Croydon through Montrose, up the Olinda Creek Valley, through South Wandin and Wandin Yallock.

‘South Wandin’ was the old name for Silvan, but it included the south-eastern end of Mt Evelyn.

The Croydon and Lilydale routes were surveyed, and it was recommended that the line should pass as close as possible to South Wandin. By the time the survey reports were in, the Depression of the 1890s was at its worst and there was no money available for construction. Work did not commence until 1898. The line opened in 1901.

The chosen route started from Lilydale but joined the proposed Croydon-South Wandin route. That was the reason for its serpentine course. Heading northeast from Lilydale, it turned south, ran southeast up the hillside, through a station plonked into a berry farm

Looking

back Karen Phillips

Mount Evelyn History Group editor at the highest point on the line, down the hill again, and then north and east to Wandin.

The ‘sliding doors’ were at work. The proposed route from Coldstream to Seville (the cheapest but least useful option) would have bypassed the productive fruit-growing districts of Wandin and South Wandin. Result: no railway through what is now Mt Evelyn.

Had the line run from Croydon (most useful but most expensive), it would have passed through the locality we now call Mt Evelyn, but the station could not have been at the same point on the ridge. There would have been a station serving Montrose, and another, convenient for the South Wandin farmers.

If either the Croydon or Coldstream starting point had been adopted, there would have been no Mt Evelyn station, and the township would not have developed when and where it did. Different population centres would have emerged, under other names.

Mt Evelyn, as we know it, would never have existed.

SNIPPETS

MAIL SNIPPETS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS

Drivers wanted Are you available Mondays or Thursdays from 1-4pm or Saturdays 10am - 1pm?

Do you have a current working with children check card, or are willing to get one?

Do you have a valid driver’s license and a car with a reasonable boot capacity?

Are you friendly and welcoming?

Are you willing to deliver packages contact-

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ƁüĽħŵĤ

Ʊ

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.

‘Here we go again’ is the cry I hear most.

The second cry is declared by many an average punter, who seems to know more that the experts: “I told you so”.

I note that on my favorite radio station, they are constantly trotting out a professor of this and a professor of that, yet I wonder how many ‘professors’ we have on the streets – surely we must be running out of University professors?

Then the blame game starts. Federal Government v State Government.

State Government V the Opposition.

Funny term that, as it seems to infer that their sole job is to oppose.

A quote on my office wall on ‘Blame’, says; ‘When you blame someone else, you give away your power. When you blame, you play the victim, which only makes you feel powerless. Accept what has happened and decide to make the best of life as you have it’.

Enough quotes and philosophies, let’s get down to how we are feeling and coping in this fourth lockdown. I feel like I am going over much of what I wrote on last year and in our last five day lockdown this year. Uncertainty seems to be the dominant state.

This was observed by a journalist visiting an aged care home. He told of a palpable sense of fear generated by that uncertainty, The aged are feeling fragile, yet most of us also want answers and direction to allay our fears as well.

It hasn’t helped to hear ‘Our Commander’ say in answer to a press question, “I don’t know what I don’t know”. And then speak of an indefinable black hole in the system.

Fear mongering and a lack of good leadership is not helping our uncertainty – I believe we need some positive language to help us take up the cudgel; and for those of us who can, do what we have done well before: sanitize – wear our masks at all times except when eating; (Now mandatory on

Graeme Dawson

public transport), don’t travel more than 10kms from home, and observe the other four rules, and get vaccinated.

Granted our leaders and health officers have a difficult task at hand, riding between instilling fear and calming waters. So which one is this when our Chief Health Officer comes out and says, ‘If this is allowed to go further, many people will die’?

Depression case numbers are rising due to fear and anxiety, and calls to Beyond Blue have risen 39% since lockdown four was announced.

Domestic violence too is rampant too.

Watch out for vulnerable ladies, in particular, and report whenever you think something unusual is going on to 000.

Commensurate with my normal finish, I would like to offer you what I use to sleep well when I go to bed on top of a stressful day – no, not the latest sleeping pill being pushed on TV atm, but I take up an offer from a promise Jesus left us with just before he left this earth: “My peace I give you, My peace I leave with you”. I take that and ask him to actually let me feel that peace and I usually sleep soundly for 8 to 9 hrs.

Try it. At times I feel like I am being a pest in asking so often, however my wonderful old Christian mentor with a life time of experience in God, says, ‘you will get sick of asking Him before He gets sick of you asking’.

Graeme Dawson Chaplain to Community

Watching through a window The Woman In The Window Starring Amy Adams, Gary Oldman and Julianne Moore Rated MA15+ Based on the novel by A.J Finn, The Woman In The Window has the bones of a good thriller, but suffers under a narrow perspective and empty pacing.

Agoraphobic psychologist Anna Fox (Amy Adams) investigates the reclusive Russell family across the street after witnessing a murder from her window, but faces pushback from the family and police.

Adams delivers a solid performance of weary resolve, but it doesn’t really escalate, staying at the same nervy wavelength for most of the movie. The big exception is an impassioned monologue at the end of the second act, as Anna’s investigation seemingly collapses and her tragic past is revealed, but this monologue

is extremely inorganic and forced.

The Woman In The Window decently drives us to question Anna’s sanity, but unlike Hitchcock’s Rear Window, of which this film is a clear homage, we are given far too little information from the outside world for us to draw our own conclusions about the Russells. The Woman In The Window also has slow, languid pacing and some very contrived dialogue.

The climax contains an effective twist and a couple of early planted details return in satisfying ways, but the over-the-top violence clashes almost comically with the overall film’s eerie understated tone.

Available for streaming on Netflix, The Woman In The Window has some well-executed elements, but viewer engagement is crucial for a good thriller, and this film won’t let its audience in.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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12457333-DL33-20

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less to people’s homes?

Foothills Community care needs your help to keep up with demand for community casseroles in 2021.

Apply to become a volunteer through the ‘Get Involved’ at www.foothillscare.org.au.

Locked down yet again Focal Point

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

SHOP LOCAL MONBULK

Drycleaning with a smile With 50 years in the dry-cleaning business, Michael Alexander is now bringing his experience to Monbulk. Michael is a strong advocate for customer service, a professional approach and extra care when it comes to handling people’s garments.

“Clothing often seems to be a reflection of someone’s personality. In other words you put it on, wear it, it makes you feel good. So as the drycleaner, who is entrusted to its care, it’s incumbent on me to provide just that……..care!“ said Michael, the new owner of Neat N Clean in Monbulk.

Michael started in the business as a kid with Spotless Drycleaners, and took on his first business at 22. He has subsequently owned and operated 3 successful dry-cleaning shops, including 16 years at Belgrave Drycleaners.

“The Hills people have been a wonderful group to deal with, and in 2007 I introduced Sasha and Amber to them. The two little white puppies lived in the shop window in Belgrave for 10 years, and you don’t reckon the locals embraced them big time. They made so many friends and brought out the absolute very best in everybody who came into my shop. Customers even used to borrow them for ’walkies’. They are sadly both gone now, but have left a legacy in Belgrave that lives on to this very day, and has followed me up to Monbulk.

Michael said he was pleased to announce that he was introducing a WETCLEAN SYSTEM to Monbulk.The system is a computurised controlled environment technology, which combines with water-based cleaning for a great

result.“Most of the stains we put on our clothes are water based. In many cases dry-cleaning will only remove the oily or fatty components of that stain. The residue has to remove (by hand) via the skilled drycleaner. That’s where the experience comes into play,“ Michael explained.

“However, the WETCLEAN SYSTEM is an excellent method of stain removal, without harsh dry-cleaning chemicals, and most certainly no left over residual odour.“ Michael said the system was “absolutely “environmentally friendly“ using crystal clear water. “It will leave your fabrics clean, fresh and soft to the touch, ready for the next onslaught, thrown at them by the outside world. There some fabrics and dyes that will require drycleaning only. That is why I retain the old system for that very scenario. If you like, the best of both worlds.“ Michael also has vast experience in cleaning bridal, debutante and evening wear. Bedding including doonas, blankets, soft furnishings and drapes are all catered for. Garment repairs/ alterations can be arranged.Trading hours will be extended to cater for early starters, and Michael will also offer a Saturday morning service.

“People often ask if I hate working Saturdays….but I find that Saturday morning is not only catchup time for me, it can be also quite social, with the weekend mood of the people often showing through.”

Neat N Clean is open Mon-Frid 7am until 5pm and Saturday 8.30am until 1pm. Telephone 9754 3151 or mobile 0418 547 484. Email bel_dry@telstra.com

Margaret knows banking

Michael with a freshly laundered garment.

Neat N Clean Dry Cleaners From Belgrave to Monbulk 116 Main Street - Monbulk 50 yrs Dry-cleaning experience

Experts in: • Soft Furnishings & • Bridal Drapes catered for • Debutante • Repairs & • Evening Wear Alterations arranged • Bedding…

Doonas, Blankets

Using the new

WETCLEAN SYSTEM Environmentally friendly using Crystal Clear H2o Water Based Cleaning

Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat 8.30am – 1pm 9754 3151 0418 547 484 bel_dry@telstra.com

Amber & Sasha

12496902-HC24-21

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB 11 MOORES RD, MONBULK

Monbulk Bistro Specials by Day Thursday Bowlers Special Burger, Beer & Bowls

If you need help with yours, you need to meet Margaret.

Margaret shares her knowledge of banking so you can achieve what you want from life.

$25* Wednesday Parma Nigh Nightt

$15* $15 If you need help with your banking, call Margaret Trezise, Business Development Manager on 0493 107 901 or search Bendigo Bank Monbulk.

Sunday Kids Eat Free

$12.90*

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. A1415949 OUT_2106121 27/05/2021

Make a booking 9756 6183

12498417-AV24-21

Community Bank • Monbulk & District

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB DOORS OPEN 6.30PM FOR MEALS $60 PER PERSON-DINNER & SHOW 2 COURSE MEAL (CHOICE OF 5 MAINS & 2 DESSERTS) Contact the venue to reserve your tickets

* Conditions apply for Specials' Dine a la carte Wed to Sun from 5.30pm Our Menu includes gluten-free & vegetarian dishes to suit special needs.

12498953-CG24-21

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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MAIL 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 032

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

6

2 3 7 2 1

6 4

1 4 9 5 8 6 9 3 5 3 8 8 1

8 7 1

4 1 6 7 6 8

Systematic (10) Losers (8) As one (6) Playthings (4) Mean (7) Bird of prey (5) Inexorable (10) Prized items (9) Protector (8) Filled (with holes, e.g.) (7) Recommended; guided (7) 22 Imprudent (6) 23 Vishnu worshipper (5) 25 Scorch (4)

Solid geometric figure (5) Thwart (9) Energy (11) Ovum (3) Presented for the first time (10) Free from danger (4) Looked at (8) Modern (6) Strand (6) Drink (8) Conceal (4) Perks (10) Nothing (3) Coiffeur (11) Jocks, etc. (9) Flanks (5)

12 14 15 18 20 23 24 26 27 28 29

No. 032

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 17 19 21

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11

DOWN

5

Head of state (9) Passivity (7)

1 2

medium

6

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

No. 032

1

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

9 4 7 2 6 8 1

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

T W 19

20

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”.

O

Today’s Aim: 23 words: Good 34 words: Very good

5 9 6 1 2 3 4 7 8

8 6 7 2 9 1 3 4 5

5 2 1 4 3 8 9 7 6

46 words: Excellent

R

B

G

T

6 1 8 9 2 3 7 5 4

2 4 9 1 7 5 6 3 8

7 5 3 6 8 4 1 2 9

1 7 2 8 4 6 5 9 3

9 8 5 3 1 2 4 6 7

4 3 6 7 5 9 8 1 2

7 8 4 6 5 9 3 2 1

1 3 2 4 7 8 9 5 6

6 5 1 9 8 7 2 3 4

4 7 3 5 6 2 1 8 9

8 2 9 3 4 1 7 6 5

9 1 7 8 3 6 5 4 2

2 4 8 7 1 5 6 9 3

3 6 5 2 9 4 8 1 7

6 2 1 5 4 8 9 3 7

3 8 5 7 9 6 4 2 1

7 4 9 2 3 1 5 6 8

1 6 3 4 5 2 7 8 9

2 9 8 1 7 3 6 5 4

5 7 4 6 8 9 3 1 2

9 3 7 8 1 5 2 4 6

8 5 2 9 6 4 1 7 3

4 1 6 3 2 7 8 9 5

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

D

U I

N

bound, bout, bruin, bruit, brunt, brut, bunt, burg, burin, burn, burnt, burton, doubt, doubting, dour, drub, drug, dung, during, gourd, gout, ground, grout, grub, grunt, OBTRUDING, outbid, outing, rotund, round, rout, routing, ruin, ruing, rung, runt, tour, touring, tubing, turbid, turbo, turgid, turn, undo, unit, unto

3 9 4 5 6 7 2 8 1

hard

18

medium

17

easy

16

7 8 9 3 5

2

3

15

8

2

14

3 5 2 4 5 7

1

QP Y L CNH X VOD Z J

1

B GKME A U R S F I TW

6 3 2 1 5

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ATE BOA CHI DEN DYE EGO END GAL GAP GEL HIP ICE INN LAX LSD ODE OUT PEP PUS RIP SEC SEW TEE TNT TVS WET 4 LETTERS AGES BENT CUES DATA DINE GLEN GRIT LIKE PERT SOAK SPAS SUDS SWAP TASK TEAK

TWEE WOKS WOVE 5 LETTERS ABHOR ACIDS ADOBE ADORE AGILE BEGIN BIBLE BRAND CHINA EARNS ENDOW ERASE EXIST GLEAM HALVE HASTE

No. 032

HAULS ISLES LAPSE METER OCTAL OTTER PASTA RABBI RESET ROBIN SANER SLATS SLEEP SPASM SPEAK SPERM STRAW SUEDE SUNUP SWEPT TEARS

TENSE TESTS THETA TILES VERSE WISPS WORRY 6 LETTERS ASSAIL TRACTS 7 LETTERS ELLIPSE EPISODE

MOLESTS REWROTE SEEDIER SURPASS 8 LETTERS ASSUREDS DUSTIEST STRIKERS TABULATE 10 LETTERS AMPERSANDS ASTERISKED

11-06-21

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, 8 June, 2021

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

A BEAUTIFUL ENTERTAINER NEAR LAKE IF you imagine pristine parklands near your door, picturesque treetop outlooks, and plenty of space to entertain as top features of your next family home, this is the property for you. Set upon a sealed drive with single carport and single garage with workshop situated near beautiful Belgrave Lake Park, you won’t believe your luck that you found this brilliant home.

A wrap-around deck welcomes you into this wonderful residence. The open concept layout with a warm wood fire in the lounge and sunny skylight in the dining area take pride of place as the hub of the home.

The adjoining gourmet kitchen with Bosch dishwasher, Smeg freestanding cooker, and stylish benchtops will please the most discerning chef.

With a second living area adorned with a private bathroom and walk-in robe, plus

bright family bedrooms and an elegant main bedroom with modern ensuite, walk-in robe, and deck access, this floorplan can be configured to fit your needs.

Bonus features including ducted heating, private patio, garden shed, gated rear garden access, and the charming sounds of Puffing Billy in the background ensure this is the idyllic place to experience Hills living. This home won’t last on the market for long, so plan your viewing today.

Picture-perfect location near Belgrave Lake Park and bus transport.

Sealed drive with single carport and single garage with workshop.

Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with Smeg cooker and Bosch dishwasher.

Dining area and lounge with warm wood fire and deck access.

Second living area suited to a spacious 5th bedroom with separate access. ●

· · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 66 Park Drive, BELGRAVE Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $890,000 - $970,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sam Adamson, 0421 023 760 and Suzie Brannelly, 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

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

Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

|

MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

PRIVACY PLUS IN YOUR OWN WORLD YOU will feel like you are tucked away in your own private 2 acre ( 8,472 sqm ) sanctuary with the views of mother nature before you.

A stone pillar marks the entrance to a large loop driveway that provides ample extra parking space for cars, trailers, plant, and equipment and with a huge high set garage/ workshop ( 9.5 m x 6.8 m ) it would ideally suit a tradesperson.

Here you will find an architecturally inspired multi level home that will absolutely amaze you. The carport provides shelter to the entry/ sunroom then you pass the curved feature wall to the dramatic open plan living.

The kitchen is a dream with lots of bench space, glass splashbacks and modern appliances. It is the hub of the home and overlooks the low set octagonal lounge with

cosy combustion wood fire and split system heating and cooling.

Doors flow out to the balcony /alfresco dining that really brings the outside in. On one side of the home is the kids wing with a bathroom between the two bedrooms. The other side is the main bedroom with it’s own bathroom and massive laundry utility room.

The large bedroom under would make a great studio or teenagers retreat. That would make four bedrooms.

The land all flows to huge level lawn areas with feature stone walls and of course the views as the backdrop to the fire pit area. Lots of room for kids or four legged family members to play.

This is not just a home but a real lifestyle opportunity for you so don’t delay your inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 39 Upper Coonara Road, OLINDA Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,035,000 - $1,138,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey, 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

10 ACRE PRIVATE RETREAT FROM the moment you drive through the stonework entrance down the sweeping driveway with views along the way, you will be captivated by the privacy and the beautiful natural habitat this property offers.

This five-bedroom two-bathroom home has garden and treed aspects from every window, and as you enter, you cannot help being impressed with the stunning stone feature fireplace, parquetry flooring and fabulous entertainers’ kitchen with granite benchtops.

The flexible floorplan offers generous formal and informal living areas both with wood fireplaces and both with access to the covered outside entertaining areas and leading to the heated inground swimming pool for year-round enjoyment.

The driveway also takes you to the gorgeous timber cabin with kitchenette, wood fire and currently being used as an artist’s studio and sits next to the 8 x 11 approx. metre workshop/garage which has light and power.

The 10 acres of natural bush opens onto a 3-acre pasture suitable for grazing with a small dam, great walking trails where you can discover wallabies, wombats, a natural creek.

This fabulous property would suit those seeking a lifestyle change and yet, is only a 5-minute drive from Belgrave central. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 26 Grantulla Road, SELBY Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,375,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jan Brewster, 0409 558 805, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges FLEXIBLE FLOORpLAN

SELby 26 GRANTULLA ROAd 10 ACRE PRivATE RETREAT

OWN pRIVATE RESORT

$1,250,000-$1,375,000 5A 2B 2C

From the moment you drive through the stonework entrance down the sweeping driveway with views along the way, you will be captivated by the privacy and the beautiful natural habitat this property offers. This home offers an impressive stone feature fireplace, parquetry flooring, entertainers’ kitchen, heated inground swimming pool, powered workshop/garage and a gorgeous 8m x 11m timber cabin with kitchenette & wood fire. The 10 acres includes 3 acres of pasture & a small dam, walking trails & a creek.

Jan brewster 0409 558 805

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

$1,250,000-$1,375,000 3A 2B 9C

Open spaces blending indoors with outdoors effortlessly, captivating views, secluded & tranquil. Elegant and timeless, the open plan, light & bright interiors are finished to an exacting standard. Features include an indoor pool, spa, sauna, full-length deck, minimalist kitchen with butlers pantry, abundant storage & dual oven, European laundry, powder room, ducted heating & cooling, 4 car garage & 4 car workshop, sealed driveway, auto. gates, bush tracks, a creek and above all, privacy on 5 stunning acres!

Emily hudson 0418 570 474

INVITING FAMILY HOME

$675,000-$742,000 5A 3B

If you’re looking for lots of room, this is the one, with the flexibility to create a space that suits your needs. Features 3 separate living spaces, plus dining, upper & lower level decks extend the living, plus a good sized yard with lawn for children and pets. You may have a dependent person that needs their own accommodation, extended family or even a business requiring separate access (STCA). Set in the lovely township of Avonsleigh, close to the General Store, Bam Bam Restaurant, walking trails, schools & bus connections.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

MACCLESFiELD 28 pATONS ROAd NOThiNg TO DO bUT ENJOy

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

2 LEVELS OF FLEXIBLE LIVING

AvONSLEigh 17 UppER GRIEVE ROAd SET ON 826sqm ALLOTMENT

We put you first

Emily hudson 0418 570 474

FERNy CREEk 140 MT dANdENONG TOURIST Rd MiLLiON DOLLAR viEWS

$1.025M - $1.125M 4A 3B 2C

Lifestyle rings true with this stunning home set upon almost 1/2 an acre with amazing views to the peninsula & bay. Featuring an expansive deck, fully equipped home theatre, parent’s retreat-style bedroom layout, 3 living areas, home office/sitting room, dormer windows, double carport, huge workshop and lower level extra parking (approx. 8 vehicles), this home has it all, creating a relaxing and abundant lifestyle. Ideal central location, close to public & private schools, transport, shopping, cafes and 1000 Steps.

grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

“We put You First”

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

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MAIL 17

1280 Macclesfield Road Yellingbo

Contact Agent

One In A Million Business & Lifestyle Opportunity!

67 Pakenham Road Cockatoo

$680,000 - $740,000

‘Riverview’

Here is your opportunity to purchase a successful poultry business and residence on 21 acres of land on the fringe of the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Currently this property is running 3 businesses, including Free Range Eggs, Free Range Hen Rearing and a Commercial Pullet Rearing venture. The 21 acres is fully fenced and dammed, and features 11 fully functional poultry sheds of different sizes with 100kW of solar and an existing rights permit for all types of poultry (Yarra Ranges Council). The main residence is a large 4 bedroom brick home, master with walk in robe and ensuite with a fenced off rear yard. This fantastic property with all its infrastructure, beautiful grazing land and family home offers the ultimate in lifestyle property.

‘Riverview’ welcomes you inside and charms you with delightful fixtures and styling, timber flooring and spacious rooms with good natural light. The main living area provides plenty of space to relax and has a great flow into the elevated sitting room with built in bar area. The adjoining dining area opens into the spacious timber kitchen with a wood heater and large walk in pantry, and beyond is the spacious mudroom with direct access to the superbly renovated bathroom. There are 4 bedrooms, master with walk in robe and separate triple robe. There are front and rear entertaining areas, the rear featuring rock retaining gardens and is fully enclosed for birds, cats, dogs and small children. The land also features a good sized paddock, a double garage with double stables cleverly built inside, plus a remote gate along the front for safety.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 Bethany Day 0438 844 968

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

29 Seaview Road Cockatoo

$365,000 - $399,000

7 Naylors Road Emerald

$1,250,000 - $1,350,000

Ready To Build!

Rare As Hens Teeth!

This elevated, corner block of vacant land in Cockatoo with mains water connected and all services available, plus established circular driveway is ready to go!

Opportunities like this do not present often and with all the hard work done with council all that is left to do is watch your dreams become a reality! So if you’re in the market for a brand new home, contact the listing agent before you miss out.

This impressive multi-level brick veneer home is situated on a flat ¾ acre in a quiet Emerald location where homes are rarely offered for sale. Featuring 5 bedrooms, master with huge walk in robe and ensuite plus an additional 2 bathrooms servicing the remaining bedrooms, this home is perfect for the growing family or those wanting to work from home. The first level accommodates the kitchen and living areas, while the second level presents the bedrooms, main bathroom with spa, and a large, 2nd living area with access to the huge balcony complete with captivating views to the hills beyond. Outside the grassed yard is fully fenced for animals and children and also features a back decking, water tanks and vegetable patches, triple bay workshop and garage, and additional bungalow with power.

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 Declan Palmer 0427 062 148

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

Set on almost 1/2 acre, plans have been approved to build your very own gorgeous story book home with delightful dormer windows and elevated rear deck, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, carport, 2 sheds and bunker.

bellrealestate.com.au 18 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

5968 6222

311-313 Main St, Emerald mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

1683 Burwood Highway, BELGRAVE

$590,000

FOR SALE

$620,000 - $660,000

5 Nation Road, SELBY

SPACIOUS RETAIL BUILDING IN GREAT LOCATION

RENOVATE OR DETONATE!!

This superb retail freehold in Belgrave is for sale. Occupying 104sqm of a high profile position in the heart of the Belgrave precinct. This is a high exposure site located in close proximity to Belgrave train station, Puffing Billy, on street parking and is ideally suited for a retail store.

Set on a stunning 3478m2 approx block filled with established trees and a gentle slope that allows you to take in the lovely outlook. This property offers a chance to secure a great large block in a peaceful and private location in Selby. With 4 bedrooms, two living areas and plenty of space to move, the home is ideal for first home buyers or a family looking to renovate and is waiting for the right family to fill its rooms with love once more.

Glenn Chandler

Glenn Chandler

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au|

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

4A 1B 1C

FOR SALE

3/10 Nathan Street, FERNTREE GULLY

$590,000 - $610,000

FOR SALE

$297,500 - $327,000

509A/400 Burwood Highway, WANTIRNA SOUTH

INVESTMENT IN LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH STUNNING VIEWS

Stop shopping and start building at this beautiful block. A rare offering in a revered location only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, this property promises to be an impressive investment in both location and lifestyle.

From this slightly elevated allotment exquisite hillside outlooks are offered. Ready to remain a joy for owners for years to come, your new home will capture the views, so there is no need to shop around when you can settle into a beautiful brand-new home.

Taking in stunning nearby views, this modern 1 bedroom apartment is ideal for those seeking a handy location close to Westfields Knox City that allows you great access to both Melbourne CBD and the nearby Dandenong Ranges. Beautifully maintained, the apartment offers open plan living, modern, galley style kitchen with stone benchtops, dishwasher and good bench space plus a resort style bathroom.

1A 1B

Sharyn Chandler M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Suzie Brannelly

Glenn Chandler

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

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

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

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MAIL 19

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MAIL 21

SPORT

The season so far

By Tyler Lewis Across the two divisions – both Premier and Division 1 – the contenders have emerged.

In Premier Division, it was the three clubs that were earmarked as front runners before the season: Beaconsfield, Cranbourne and reigning premiers Narre Warren.

And in Division 1, the top five is a little tighter, while Monbulk still remains undefeated.

Beaconsfield faced its two largest tests in its first two rounds of the year.

The Eagles hosted Narre Warren on Anzac Eve to open its season, it was wet, feisty and the only possible resemblance of a final in April.

In the second round, the Eagles held off a fast-finishing Marc Holt to keep its fellow Eagles at bay by less than a kick.

With the state of play in the Premier Division, Beaconsfield claiming both those wins has gone a long way towards the Eagles going undefeated until it plays either one of those two sides again.

The unbeaten Eagles outfit has been led so far this season by the electric Jafar Occa, now forward Jake Bowd, and the ever impressive Nick Battle.

Battle – who was set to play for Narre Warren leading into the 2020 season – has polled 31 coaches votes, polling in each of his outings.

If he is being recognised this regularly by the coaches, he would simply have to be ahead in the league best and fairest award.

Narre Warren and Cranbourne, meanwhile, are quietly going about their business.

Before the Covid lockdown, the Eagles were starting to find form, rattling home an impressive score each week, of course, led by Holt, who has 26 majors.

Narre Warren has been very quiet about their business in recent weeks.

The Pies handled Woori Yallock – boosted by the addition of ex-West Coast Eagle Kurt Mutimer – and have played just two games in four weeks.

Trent Cody wouldn’t be far behind Nick Battle in the league best and fairest race, as he is in the Pakenham Gazette’s coaches award.

A surprise to some, but none within the walls of Toomuc Reserve, Pakenham have been chalking the wins as they mount injuries along the way.

The Lions were tougher on the day when they hosted Narre Warren, but couldn’t collect the points.

And in recent weeks have collected the points over Wandin and Doveton.

While Ash Green’s men sit inside the five, it seems they will have to test their depth, losing a number of injuries in recent weeks, none more impactful than Dermott Yawney – who is also being recognised by coaches – with a broken arm.

In a demonstration of Yawney’s impact on the game – he was rewarded with two coaches votes from Doveton coach Daniel Charles, despite being escorted out of the venue in an ambulance mid-way through the second term.

While it would like to claim a scalp, if Pakenham can continue to beat the teams below it, the segregation of the Premier Division will eventuate in the Lions playing finals football.

In Division 1, there is a similar segregation between the best and the worst.

Monbulk, Emerald, Seville, Officer, Mt Evelyn and Gembrook-Cockatoo loom as the sides in the mix.

Monbulk, led by Taylor Joyce, has yet to leave a game without the four points.

Most recently defeating fellow undefeated side Mt Evelyn.

Division 1 seems to be a competition that would be valued by an old fashion football fan.

The monster forwards are the players to always watch.

Michael Gibbons (Mt Evelyn), Taylor Joyce (Monbulk), Leigh Williams (Seville), Nathan O’Keefe (Seville), Michael Firrito (GembrookCockatoo) and Jesse Longmuir (Officer) are all worth the $10 paid at the gate.

The Hawks have passed each and every test it has faced this year, defeating several of the top-five teams that are set for finals football.

Officer has been the closest club to knock off the Hawks in round one, but unlike Monbulk, the Roos are yet to claim a scalp.

Win for Knox Basketball

By Mikayla van Loon

Emerald and Gembrook-Cockatoo clashed on Anzac Day. The Roos have demonstrated they can kick a big score, with huge wins in recent weeks, but is desperate to claim a scalp and really assert itself upon the competition.

Perhaps when football returns, the Roos will be freshened and ready to kick start its campaign to the top flight.

Knox Basketball has been announced as the winner of Basketball Victoria’s Association of the Year award for 2020.

Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said it was important to celebrate the best in the sport and congratulate the Victorian athletes, coaches, referees and associations that stayed positive all throughout an unprecedented year.

“While 2020 was a year of immense challenges, with lockdowns and the postponement of basketball testing our resolve as a community, the resilience our associations, clubs, players, coaches, referees and all involved showed throughout was nothing short of incredible,” Mr Honey said.

During an incredibly tough year of lockdown and cancellations, Knox Basketball was able to stay connected with its players, keep children active and help staff stay employed.

From online training sessions with coaches and icons, to Sports and Life Training and VJBL Rep Ready Sessions, Knox Basketball engaged its community both physically and digitally.

To help support children who did not have access to a basketball, Knox Basketball held a basketball giveaway to ensure kids stuck at home during the lockdown could remain active and practice their skills.

“Knox Basketball had an exceptional 2020 under difficult circumstances and is a worthy winner of Basketball Victoria’s 2020 Association of the Year,” Basketball Victoria spokesperson Jarrod Potter said.

“The association’s incredible efforts helped maintain its community and rebound from the 2020 postponement of basketball with a number of digital and physical activities.”

Knox was also able to utilise government funding and grants to ensure staff stayed at 75 per cent of their normal salary throughout the lockdown, which allowed the association to be debt-free by 31 March.

“We’d like to congratulate Knox CEO Grant Harrison and everyone involved at the association for their tireless work throughout 2020 and beyond,” Mr Potter said.

Lockdown lowdown for Olinda-Ferny Creek The unexpected pause in the football and netball seasons has given clubs a chance to take stock of where the season is heading and to perhaps look at some bigger picture issues as well.

It’s the second year of the new AFL Outer East competition which started when seven suburban clubs from the old South East Football League asked to join AFL Yarra Ranges.

Only two Hills clubs, Olinda-Ferny Creek and Upwey-Tecoma and two Yarra Valley teams, Wandin and Woori Yallock play in the elite AFL Outer East Premier Division.

The other local Hills and Yarra Valley clubs are in the two lower divisions.

Olinda-Ferny Creek President Michael Hill said he’s proud that his small community has been able to maintain football and netball teams at the top level of the competition.

Mr Hill said Olinda and Ferny Creek were two of the original founding members of the old Mountain District Football Association in 1911, along with Monbulk and Belgrave and the continued success and growth of OFCFNC is paramount.

However the Olinda-Ferny Creek President says the gap between the suburban clubs and our local clubs was “bigger than we thought it would be when we first allowed them to join us .”

Narre Warren, Berwick, Beaconsfield and Cranbourne generally smashed the Hills and Valley teams on the football field when they met in 2019, and the trend has continued in 2021.

But Mr Hill points out the AFL Outer East is still a “work in progress.”

Berwick departed at the end of the first year and Pakenham and Doveton were pro22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

Olinda-Ferny Creek’s Mitch Bonuda set to play his 300th game against Cranbourne.

Picture: TREVOR CURRIE moted to the Premier Division.

Pakenham, Doveton and Officer,which is still in a lower division, have all fielded teams of similar strength to local clubs.

Mr Hill also said it’s not all about football.

Olinda-Ferny Creek’s A Grade netballers won the flag in 2019 and are again on top of the table unbeaten.

During the last round of matches, OlindaFerny Creek’s senior footy team was thrashed

by Beaconsfield but the reserves side only lost after the siren and the netballers beat Beaconsfield in four of the five matches they played.

Mr Hill is hopeful the A Grade netballers will be in with a chance of taking the flag again this season.

While at this early stage of the season it’s possible all footy teams, including the new women’s side, will make finals.

“After that,” Mr Hill said “in the next couple of years we’ll just have to wait and see how the new competition evolves because it’s possible some clubs will leave and others may ask to join. Who knows.”

Meantime Olinda-Ferny Creek waits to host another big suburban club, Cranbourne, and will celebrate the 300th game of 2017 premiership star Mitch Bonuda.

17-year-old Hayley Howard, in the red and white, shot 30 from 31 attempts in her first match for Olinda-Ferny Creek A Grade last round.

Picture: GARY HIPWELL mailcommunity.com.au

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MAIL 23

Excellence in Aged Care

We believe it is the right of every Australian to have affordable access to high quality residential aged care services within a homely, safe, supportive and nurturing environment that is able to meet the individual needs, goals, preferences and care requirements of our residents.

Our residents always come first.

We recognise and value the resident’s family and/or other representatives in partnering with care, ensuring where relevant communication is strong in developing relationships.

We treat our residents as individuals and promote individual choice and decision making.

We take great pride in the professional quality of our work and have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in what we do.

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