Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 20th July 2021

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

Mail

Speaker takes his leave

Station on the move

Winter charity drive

Horror film debut

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Burgers deliver

Gina, Amanda, Paul, Ben and Neal celebrating the success of the Burgers 4 Beds campaign.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Three Yarra Valley restaurants teamed up to help those sleeping rough this winter with a special burger campaign.

Across the month of June, Seville’s Branded Burgers and Bar, Kilsyth’s Just Cruize-In Diner and Healesville’s My Little Kitchen teamed up to raise funds to purchase backpack beds for those in need across the region.

The Burgers 4 Beds campaign saw each venue create a specialty burger, where proceeds from each meal would go towards Holy Fools. Each of the business owners came together on Thursday 15 July to present a cheque to Holy Fools founder and CEO, Neal Taylor.

Branded Burgers co-owner Gina Braidner said the campaign saw over $6200 raised, enough to purchase 60 backpack beds.

“It’s amazing. It still only feels like a small contribution, but we’re proud that it went really well,” Ms Braidner said.

She said she loved the fact that several businesses could work together to achieve a goal.

“Many hands make light work and if we could all contribute something, then the load’s not just on one person.”

Mr Taylor explained the usefulness of the backpack bed and said that they would be shared amongst other support organisations.

“The backpack beds are designed for homeless folks to use while they are rough sleeping.

It’s a single swag for one person. The difference between this and most swags is that it is able to be compacted into a very small bag that can fit on someone’s back. It also has room in it for clothing and for keys and a phone… It’s waterproof, it’s fireproof and has good airflow. In the summer, if you want to escape the mosquitos, you can do that quite comfortably. In the winter it’s a lot better than sleeping on pieces of cardboard.”

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Burgers fund warm beds SLEEPING ROUGH IN THE RANGES From page 1 Mr Taylor provided an update on the current challenges faced by those who are experiencing homelessness.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in rough sleepers. I guess for me, we’ve seen a lot more people sleeping in the doorways of places. In Lilydale we’ve had a couple of guys who have been sleeping in the doorways of businesses.

Things are getting worse.

“The real problem is that there is nowhere to go, there’s no affordable accommodation.

Yarra Ranges has got no crisis accommodation and rentals are becoming difficult to afford.

We’re kind of in between a rock and a hard place at the moment and I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

“Things like these backpack beds will go a long way for people, who unfortunately do have to stay rough sleeping for a while. And there are some people who opt to do that rough sleeping as opposed to going to a boarding house, because sometimes a boarding house can have a rough situation with drugs, alcohol and even violence in some of those situations.”

My Little Kitchen owner and chef, Ben Taylor, said it was a “pretty awesome feeling” seeing the success of the Burgers 4 Beds campaign.

The money raised will be used to purchase backpack beds.

“I didn’t expect to feel this emotional about it, but you can see now the effect that it’s going to have on so many people’s lives.

“There are some huge issues that personally, we didn’t think we could have much of an impact on, so what I’ve learned working with

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

these guys is that three small businesses working together can make an impact.”

Just Cruize-In Diner owner Paul Barlato said the restaurant owners planned to run the campaign again next year.

“It’s such a good cause, we’re talking about,

hopefully next year, getting a few more businesses involved. Make it a bit bigger, getting more people involved and hopefully raising double that amount.

“We just wanted to help people out and that’s what this is all about.”

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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NEWS

IN BRIEF EACH housing support

Smith bows out

By Jed Lanyon and Mikayla van Loon Federal MP Tony Smith will not be contesting his long held seat of Casey after announcing he will be stepping away from politics at the end of his current term.

Mr Smith will step away after serving for 20 years, marking the end of an era as the longest serving member for Casey having been reelected on six occasions.

“After a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided that this term as a member of the House of Representatives will be my last,” Mr Smith said in a statement.

“I love our parliament and serving the Australian people. I am honoured that the Liberal Party and the electors of Casey voted to give me this privilege for two decades,” he said.

“However, I believe now is a good time to give the Liberal Party and the people of Casey the opportunity for renewal.

“I also believe the time is now right for me to pursue other endeavours following the conclusion of this forty-sixth Parliament.”

Mr Smith said by announcing his decision now, it gives the Liberal party time to choose a candidate to run in the next election.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence posted on social media to thank Mr Smith for his dedication to the local community and for being a mentor over the years.

“Tony’s outstanding contributions to our community and his ability to deliver local projects and services, and support local organisations and businesses, will be remembered well.”

“I’ve known Tony since I was 18 years old, and he’s been a true friend and mentor - well before I entered politics, and now as State MP.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison also took to social media to send his best wishes to a “great mate”.

“Tony has served as the Member for Casey for more than twenty years, where he performed a wide variety of roles in both Government and Opposition,” Mr Morrison said in a statement.

“However, it has been in his role as Speaker that Tony has certainly made his mark. Tony has been an outstanding Speaker, in the true Westminster tradition.

Casey MP Tony Smith is retiring from politics.

“Tony Smith’s intellect, temperament, dry wit, staying above the fray and respect for the Parliament as an institution, has earned him respect, far and wide.

“Many Speakers can get caught in the crossfire of parliamentary debate. Instead, his actions have elevated debate and demonstrated the great strength of parliamentary democracy.

“On the last two occasions Tony Smith was elected Speaker, he enjoyed the universal support of the Parliament, a remarkable achievement.”

Mr Smith gained election as Speaker of the House in 2015 following the resignation of Bronwyn Bishop. Since overtaking the role, he was held in high regard from both sides of politics for his fairness and was returned to the role unopposed on three occasions, becoming the first to do so since the inaugural Speaker, Frederick Holder.

Picture: JESSE GRAHAM Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Mr Smith would be greatly missed.

“Authoritative and respected, he is a commanding presence in our Parliament and universally regarded as the most effective Speaker in decades.

“His sharp wit has often brought a lighter moment to what is usually a trying and tense environment,” he said.

Mr Smith recently delivered on several election promises with the completion of the Seville War Memorial and the Wandin Sports Pavilion upgrade, as well as delivering $1 million for much needed upgrades at Esther Park in Mooroolbark.

His legacy across the Division of Casey will be felt long after his retirement from politics as a ten year, $150 million infrastructure project to seal hundreds of kilometres of unsealed dirt roads will transform local roads, halving the cost placed on residents.

Change coming for Smith’s Casey seat

By Jed Lanyon For two decades the Division of Casey has been held, relatively safely, by outgoing Liberal MP Tony Smith.

Mr Smith held firm with a 4.6 per cent margin at the 2019 federal election, but with a familiar face removed from the picture, the marginal Casey electorate could be up for grabs at the next election if Labor decides to make a strong contest for the seat.

Any potential competition can only be a good thing for Yarra Ranges residents as both

major parties could look to spend big to appeal to voters in what has traditionally been a safe and quiet Liberal seat.

Mr Smith pushed for, and delivered on several projects across the Yarra Ranges at the 2019 federal election, when a predicted Labor victory threatened, but ultimately failed.

The ALP haven’t held the seat of Casey since Peter Steedman was in office in 1984.

Responding to the announcement of Mr Smith’s retirement, former Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Tony Stevenson, said it would

be a “healthy development for our democracy”.

“Our Parliament is better when there’s a mix of youth and experience,” he said. “Fresh people bring fresh ideas. Mr Smith should be congratulated for his service and for his willingness to move over to allow a fresh choice of local MP.” Mr Stevenson had worked with the longtime Casey MP to secure the $150 million in funding to seal Yarra Ranges roads as well as other projects such as the Seville War Memorial.

Vulnerable people will have more stable housing with an expansion and upgrade of residential rehabilitation services in Healesville.

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins announced $2.3 million to deliver two new buildings and expand the current residential facility at EACH, which provides support and housing to people with complex needs.

EACH is a not-for-profit community services provider that works with vulnerable people through an integrated range of health, disability, counselling and community mental health services.

The new buildings will feature a dedicated dining hall, community meeting area, counselling spaces, a medication dispensing room and a large outdoor deck and activity area.

Construction will expand the total capacity to 23 beds, providing 12 additional places for vulnerable clients.

The funding is part of an almost $500 million social housing boost through the Maintenance Stimulus Package, which included $50 million to create secure and stable housing for Victorians in contact with the justice system.

EACH also provides housing and services to support people with complex needs, with residents able to access alcohol and drug counselling, health and other vital supports needed to support their successful reintegration into the community.

Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins said, “This project is about creating safe homes for vulnerable people and providing them with the support services they need.

“The combination of an integrated 24hour service by EACH and our investment of $2.3 million will mean more people have the chance to get their lives back on track.”

House fire warning Lockdowns and winter can make for a dangerous combination but it is also the best time to do some simple fire safety checks in your home.

On average, there are 3000 house fires in Victoria each year, most of which could have been prevented.

The kitchen is the most common place for fires to start, usually due to cooking being left unattended, electrical faults and flammable items like paper towel and curtains being too close to a heat source like a toaster or stove.

Keeping a stove clean from grease and fat is also important to prevent the fire spreading.

Bedroom fires are the most common cause of house fire deaths which are mostly related to improper use of electrical appliances or home heating.

Be sure to keep portable heaters at a safe distance from clothing, curtains and bedding, as well as turning it off once in bed.

Power boards should not be overloaded with adapters, as too many devices could cause it to heat up and start a fire.

Complete the Home Fire Safety Checklist here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home/home-fire-safetychecklist to see if you are safe from fire in your home this winter and lockdown.

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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MAIL 3

NEWS

Council storm plea

By Taylah Eastwell

Storm damage remains at Kalorama oval.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Yarra Ranges Council is calling on a number of senior government officials to deliver extra funding, resources and support to residents of storm-ravaged communities across the shire.

An urgent motion was called at council’s Tuesday 13 July meeting by Streeton Ward councillor Cathrine Burnett-Wake requesting that council write to those in authority to explain the magnitude of the storm damage and clean up required across the Yarra Ranges.

The motion was passed unanimously, with council also vowing to request a review of eligibility for private property owners in bushfire prone areas, such as the Dandenongs, to ob-

tain assistance with tree and debris clean-up efforts.

The passed motion will also see council request additional funding be provided to enable council to support and facilitate further storm-related recovery programs. It is hoped the correspondence may help to secure a commitment and timeline for additional funding and resources, including further support from the Australian Defence Force, to assist with clean-up before the summer bushfire season hits.

To date, federal and state governments have jointly provided $55.5 million to Bushfire Recovery Victoria, the agency leading the poststorm clean up.

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

The funds are to assist residents whose homes, businesses and sheds were destroyed to have their properties cleaned up. For residents who did not suffer property damage, there is currently no assistance on offer to clean up trees and debris that pose significant fire risks if not addressed.

The state government also announced on July 1 that $8.2 million would be provided to 10 councils across the state that were significantly affected by floods and storms in June.

While Yarra Ranges Council will receive a portion of this funding, no public announcements have yet been made as to how the funds will be shared.

Council estimates post-storm clean-up and recovery will cost around $60 million not including drainage repairs, road works or cleaning up private properties. According to Council’s 13 July meeting agenda, it is expected that cleaning up private land settings could see this estimate run well into the “hundreds of millions”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cathrine BurnettWake said council has not yet received any “solid assurance of a funding amount”, arguing the tentative figures mentioned so far are a “tiny fraction” of what is needed.

“While we are grateful for the support received and commitments made to date; it is clear that an enormous shortfall remains,” Cr Burnett-Wake said.

“If Council were to fund the storm recovery over the next three years, we would need at least an additional $20 million in each year to cover the expense. To raise $20 million per year through rates, as a percentage of our current rate base, would equate to a 15.2% rise in rates in year one, with similar large rises accumulating in following years.

“Clearly this is not only outrageous, but impossible, due to rate capping. If we are not provided with sufficient assistance, there is every possibility that Council will be forced into debts that will impact the rates, services and infrastructure for years to come,” she said.

The Star Mail understands the federal government established a Disaster Recovery Fund in 2018 to reduce the financial burden on the states and territories in the aftermath of natural disasters.

“Under these arrangements, the Victorian government determines what assistance is available to individuals and communities, and what they are able to request federal funding for - which covers up to 75% of costs, with the implication that the state would fund the remaining 25%,” Ms Cr Burnett-Wake explained.

“To be clear, the Victorian state government is the gatekeeper to these federal funds. Anything we get must be either requested by them, or provided by them, in addition to the federal scheme,” she said.

Mayor Fiona McAllister said the last minute motion was “very worthy of being accepted as urgent business”.

Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan agreed, telling fellow councillors “we have to go all out”.

“The task before us up in the Dandenongs and in other areas is going to be quite challenging,” Mr Heenan said.

But Cr-Burnett Wake said we do not simply need cash.

“We need direct help for our severely affected communities. We need qualified disasterrecovery personnel, and we need them now, not after a prolonged hiring process.

“For the last four weeks we have had numerous Victorian Government Miniisters along with high-ranking Public Officials come and see first-hand how bad the situation is. I have met number of them. All remarked on how terrible it is, and how surprised and shocked they were with what they saw and heard … and that help will come.

“Although we are hearing from the state they will continue to work with council and community and to identify further programs and support. To date, what this support and these programs might look like is absent, as are timeframes. Feedback from community members to me is they feel abandoned,” Cr Burnett-Wake said.

“Our community and Council deserve a response, and certainty, from the state government on the degree to which it will assist us with a viable pathway out of this disaster. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Last stop for old station

By Mikayla Van Loon Moorolbark’s station building has a long history and has had a long working life.

It is now marked for removal as construction of the new station gets underway and despite all efforts, the building will be relocated to Tarrawarra as part of the Yarra Valley Railway.

Mooroolbark History Group president Marion Stott said she can’t understand why the building isn’t being repurposed for community use as originally promised.

“It was meant to be repurposed for community use and there are lots of stations throughout Victoria where reports had been done and they were repurposed for community use.

Anyway it’s not happening, we’re not getting any of it,” she said.

The original section of the station dates back to 1887, when George Clewett was employed to build the platform and station building for £343.12 and one patent earth closet for £4.15.

A newer section was added in 1922 when electric trains came into action and a signal room had to be built.

Prior to the Level Crossing Removal Authority starting works at Mooroolbark, discussions were had about the future of the station building.

Initially, the crossing authority was going to demolish the entire building, until the Mooroolbark History Group made a plea to save it.

From there the crossing authority was going keep the 1922 end of the building in Mooroolbark, with the proposed location being the Red Earth Community Park.

It was an ideal location Ms Stott said because it was beside the senior citizens centre, near the peppercorn tree, which were a common feature around stations and it had accessible amenities nearby.

But instead of being included in the discussions, Ms Stott said the council and the crossing authority met in confidence, deciding that the building would be relocated and the council would look after it.

“They hadn’t done a [feasibility] report on the station because initially they thought it was just going to be pulled down, until they heard the local sentiment about it,” Ms Stott said.

“So we took it onboard to find funds, to get sponsorship, in actual fact it was the Bendigo Bank, they supported having an independent report done on the station.”

The report came back showing that the original end of the building was the oldest and largest of its type in Victoria, which made the crossing authority change their minds.

“Now they have changed their mind yet again, the crossing authority, and they are giving them the other end of the station which is the original part of the station.

“It is to be dismantled, put on a truck and taken to Box Hill TAFE in Lilydale for the students to restore, then it’s meant to be shipped out to the proposed tourist line from Yarra

The 1922 end of Mooroolbark’s station building is marked for demolition while the 1887 end will be relocated to Tarrawarra. 243824 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mooroolbark station from the north west showing both new and old sections of the building.

Glen to Healesville near the Tarrawarra Abbey.

“So in actual fact Mooroolbark doesn’t get anything, that’s what is so disappointing.”

Although Ms Stott is pleased the 134 year old history of the Mooroolbark station building won’t be demolished, she said that is exactly what would have happened if the history group had done nothing about it.

“There could be such community involve-

A 1950s view of Mooroolbark station showing the signal bay windows, published in the Mooroolbark Station Heritage Review in 2020.

ment and something for us to be proud of, that we’ve kept the 134 year old building, which has been working all its life and the thing is once they’re gone they are gone.”

While the 1887 end of the building will be restored, Ms Stott expects now that the 1922 end will be demolished, with no plans in place for its restoration.

Ms Stott said, however, the remaining part

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of the building could still be saved and used for the community if the council allowed it.

“We’ve got the men’s shed, we’ve got people who are interested. If they had moved it, fair enough we would like council to put electricity and water on but the community could restore it but we weren’t given the chance, the opportunity to, it never came back to us as an opportunity, as an option, it just wasn’t an option.”

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MAIL 5

NEWS

Funds fuel power hub

By Jed Lanyon Local renewable energy group, Healesville CoRE, has obtained a $428,500 grant from Sustainability Victoria to establish and develop a community power hub for the greater Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges area.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, made the announcement on Thursday 8 July as $3.73 mil-

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lion was allocated to seven not-for-profit and non-government organisations to work within their regions to develop community renewable energy projects.

Healesville CoRE (Healesville Community Renewable Energy Inc) formed 4 years ago, running renewable energy programs in the Healesville and surrounding areas. They will now establish and develop the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub. It will be made up of Healesville CoRE and seven other community energy groups: Yarra Glenergy, Clean Energy Nillumbik from Kangaroo Ground, Upper Yarra Community Power from Warburton, Yarra Valley ECOSS from Wesburn, Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association from Emerald, Bunyip Renewable Action Group and Eastern Climate Action from the Whitehorse City Council area.

Healesville CoRE president, Jeff Barlow, will become the new executive officer for the Yarra Valley Community Power Hub. “We have worked very hard over the past four years, putting in thousands of hours of voluntary work into developing awareness of renewable energy, and running renewable energy projects with our community, and we are thrilled to now be able to collaborate with seven other community groups to initiate, develop and deploy renewable energy projects across the greater Yarra Valley and ranges area.”

“Together with our industry partner, Komo Energy, who will provide technical, professional and legal support, we are now well situated to develop a collaborative partnership with the other community energy groups to develop a range of small to medium renewable energy projects,” Mr Barlow said.

Mr Barlow said it was an incredibly important initiative by the Victorian Government.

“It will have a positive impact on our community, with the potential to support local businesses, create local employment and develop greater community support for renewable energy and other clean energy initiatives. The awarding of this grant now creates the opportunity for an exponential increase in community renewable energy in the region.”

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Fiona McAllister said the grant was a very positive development.

“I am thrilled that Healesville CoRE will be leading a new Community Power Hub in the region, and will be working with other community renewable energy groups in Yarra Ranges and neighbouring municipalities,” Cr McAllister said.

“Healesville CoRE was formed only a few short years ago and with support from Council has gone from strength to strength – this is community action at its best.”

“We’re working with our communities across the greater Yarra Valley and (Dandenong) Ranges region to implement local renewable energy projects, to enable the transition to a low carbon, clean energy future,” Mr Barlow said.

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Once again into lockdown

By Jed Lanyon The state’s lockdown has been extended as Victoria continues to grapple with cases from the New South Wales outbreak.

For the fifth time in 18 months, Victoria entered a lockdown as students return to home learning and non-essential businesses were forced closed from midnight Thursday 15 July.

The announcement of the lockdown’s extension came on Monday 19 July, where Premier Daniel Andrews said, “This is by no means over, we are running alongside this virus but we are not yet in front of it.

“We’ve got a containment line, we’re making significant progress but it’s not out yet.”

The five day snap lockdown meant the cancellation of in-person events including the much anticipated Yarra Valley Writers Festival in Warburton.

With less than 24 hours until the beginning of events, the festival was forced to pivot to a digital program, which is now running over seven days for online viewers.

Speaking to Star Mail, event director Brook Powell described her weekend as “full on”.

“On Thursday when we were told we would be going back into lockdown, we had that information but had to wait until we found out how strict the lockdown was to figure out could we be filming from the theatre or would everyone be doing it from their lounge room,” she said.

Ms Powell said the festival’s planners initiated their “back of house plan” to ensure the festival could go ahead in some form. After relaying the grim news that in-person events would not be able to take place, attention was turned to filming and adding to the digital experience.

“We always had a virtual program in place as part of our Covid planning. We wanted to run a digital program concurrently to the real life events as part of our Covid strategy,” Ms Powell said.

“We said there would be a festival, so we delivered one.”

And despite the unfortunate timing of the latest lockdown, Ms Powell remained positive about the festival.

CARTOON

“It’s amazing to offer a platform to these writers and an audience. The readers need to feel connected to something. The messages we’ve received online and over Twitter have been extraordinary and overwhelmingly supportive.

“People are locked down at home and everything feels so unreliable in their worlds yet we can be the one reliable source of creative nourishment for them and I take that seriously.”

The Yarra Valley Writers Festival’s digital program will be running until Sunday 25 July.

Ms Powell encourages people to reach out via social media and to purchase a virtual ticket to support the festival’s writers.

“Most people have been extraordinarily generous. This is not a transaction with a big business. That ticket pays to support a writer, it pays to support a cog in the wheel and it keeps the festival going.”

Branded Burgers and Bar co-owner Gina Braidner said she was “frustrated” by the latest lockdown, but acknowledged it was one “we needed to have”.

“I get anxiety over it. I can’t run a roster properly and can’t do any ordering or buying properly.”

Having dealt with five lockdowns now, Ms Braidner said her business is able to plan for the worst.

“The beauty is we’ve done it so many times

before, so we’re ready for it and just need to turn it on, but it’s not good that our staff lose their hours.”

Ms Braidner said her focus turns to providing meaningful employment and serving the community during these difficult times.

“During these times, our priority is not to make money but to cover the cost to keep staff going and keep the community fed. As a business owner, we just realign our expectations.”

The State Government announced cash grants will be available for some businesses impacted by the snap lockdown on Friday 16 July.

Automatic payments will be made to eligible businesses and sole traders across the state to minimise delays and swiftly get money into the pockets of businesses who need it most.

Up to 90,000 businesses that have and will receive payments through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Business Costs Assistance Program relating to the May-June lockdown will receive the Victorian Government’s new support payments of $3000 and $2000 respectively.

Eligible businesses will include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.

Payments are due to commence over the course of next week – with total funding of $201.8 million.

The State Government has also reached an agreement with its Federal counterpart to fund income support payments from day one of the lockdown.

Payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of the lockdown Payments of $375 will be made to individuals that lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments All applications can be made through the Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia. gov.au More information about businesses support is available at business.vic.gov.au

· · ·

Drive-through testing facility opens in Mooroolbark

By Taylah Eastwell Mooroolbark is now home to the only drive-through Covid-19 testing facility in the Yarra Ranges.

DHHS announced on Wednesday 14 July that the all-new site would be established at a former netball facility in Wyuna Walk, Mooroolbark.

A DHHS spokesperson said the Wyuna Walk testing site is a relocation of a testing site formally located at Boronia Train Station which was recently decommissioned.

“The Wyuna Walk site aims to provide a convenient and safe drive-through testing option for this community. There are currently no active cases in the area, but we encourage all Victorian residents, regardless of where they live, to come forward for testing even if they have the mildest of symptoms,” the spokesperson said.

The site will operate between 8am and 8pm each day and will be under strict infection control standards.

The community centre will be cordoned off to the general public while the testing clinic is in operation.

Other testing facilities in the area include EACH Lilydale in Lakeview Drive, which is open from 9-3.15pm each day and EACH Ringwood, which has an estimated wait time of 30 minutes to get tested.

Testing facilities are also set up at EACH Ferntree Gully, located on Francis Crescent, Eastern Health Living and Learning Centre in Healesville, EACH on Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald and EACH Yarra Junction at 268 Warburton Highway.

For information on clinic opening times visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ where-get-tested-covid-19. mailcommunity.com.au

A drive-through Covid-19 testing centre has been established in Mooroolbark.

Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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MAIL 7

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with YAVA’s Dakini Maddock

What is something people don’t know about you?

I am studying Druidry What was your most memorable moment?

Why? Leaving England to live in Australia at 21. Why? Would be a very long answer.

What would your last meal be?

Perfect Italian food with lots of cheese and good red wine, finished off with lots of dark chocolate.

What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

The quiet wilderness on one hand and the warm community on the other.

What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

An end to the mindless destruction of the environment, respect shelter, food, health and wellbeing for all beings.

Favourite book?

There are so many. Currently it is by Sharon Blackie, If Women Rose Rooted: a life-changing journey to authenticity and belonging. Alltime favourite is the ancient Welsh Tales of the Mabinogion Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

The Dalia Lama, Brooke Wandin Powell, Starhawk and Jacinda Adern.

What is something you’re looking forward to?

Seeing my Mum and Dad in Manchester again.

What are your hobbies?

All things creative, live music, dancing, reading, gardens, swimming (in the Yarra in summer especially), spending time with family, friends and dogs, mythology, ancient history, guerrilla art, pondering belief systems.

What was your favourite subject at school?

My school was pretty dreadful, a rough, poor Manchester school. Fortunately my love of Art was encouraged and fostered by my family.

YAVA Gallery Director Dakini Maddock.

THREE … of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden

1

Snow Peas The delicious vegetable likes growing in cooler weather, and grows best from seed. Snow peas grow extremely quickly, are easy to manage and can be eaten directly off the vine.

2

Spring onions One of the most versatile vegetables when cooking, spring onions can be easily grown in the backyard from scratch. Better yet, you can also use leftover spring onions, trim the tops and plant them again.

3

Silverbeet One of the great things about the trusty old silverbeet is that they can be grown all year round, and the more fertiliser and water used, the bigger the leaves will be. Depending on how long the leaves grow, silverbeet can be used in salads or matured longer and used in a variety of cooked dishes.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Stay close, go further.

VISIT MELBOURNE

Rob Hyatt Koorie Heritage Trust Urban Aboriginal experiences can be discovered at every turn in Melbourne. The Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to connect diverse Aboriginal communities and the broader public in meaningful ways. Through art, culture, education, nature and architecture, it brings to life Indigenous experiences within Melbourne’s urban landscape on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. Discover a connection with the land, and stories traversing thousands of years. visitvictoria.com

12504373-DL30-21

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mailcommunity.com.au

YARRA RANGES STORM RECOVERY

Storm branch collection Yarra Ranges Council would like to thank the community for its patience as they work through the clean-up of the significant amount of tree debris left after the 9 June storm.

Over 600km of roads in the Yarra Ranges were impacted by the storm, so needless to say, there is a lot of work to be done.

While council is facing its own challenges in terms of clearing trees from roads and roadsides, they also acknowledge the significant challenges facing its residents who have their own debris to clear from their yards.

The volume of material that has been left in residents’ yards is a lot more than what can be disposed of with council’s fortnightly green waste collection, and burning off is not an option either given the current weather conditions coupled with the green tree material, as the smoke created would have a negative impact on the health of the community.

So, to help residents with disposing of bulky tree branches from their properties, council has initiated a Special Storm Event Tree Branch Collection.

To find out when their local collection begins, Yarra Ranges residents can visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/stormcollection, or call council on 1300 368 333.

Council is asking residents to neatly stack branches in a safe place outside of their property. These branches can be up to 250mm wide and between 2-3m in length (think the width of a football and what could fit in a standard trailer).

Council is organising contractors to pick up the branches, which will then be mulched with some made available for community members to pick up from designated locations around the municipality.

This will also help residents reduce fuel

loads on their properties before the fire season, and of course help them with tidying their yard.

The priority in non-urban locations continues to be the clearing of roads and roadsides for community safety, so the collection

of branches from private properties in these areas will be left until last.

Council, government agencies and other services will continue to assess the damage and impact from the storm across the municipality, with council focused on both the imme-

diate needs and the longer-term support that will be required to help its residents and businesses recover.

For more information, please visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/stormcollection or call council on 1300 368 333.

Special Storm Event Tree Branch Collection The Yarra Ranges has been split into three zones for collection, dates for Zones 2 and 3 are now available after Zone 1 was announced last week.

Residents are asked to leave their bulky branch material in a safe spot outside of your property by: Residents in Zone 2 - Sunday 8 August Residents in Zone 3 - Sunday 15 August

mailcommunity.com.au

Branches can be up to 250mm wide and 2-3m in length (think the width of a football and what could fit in a standard trailer).

To find out which zone you’re in and your date of collection, please visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/stormcollection.

Scan for more information

1300 368 333

Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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Collection dates have now been set for the Special Storm Event Tree Branch Collection across the Yarra Ranges municipality.

MAIL 9

NEWS

Live music hits the stage

By Jed Lanyon Live music is set to spring into action in October as the Yarra Valley plays host to several exciting events across the region.

It comes after 18 months of uncertainty and cancellations that have plagued the arts and entertainment industry. But with Australia’s slow vaccine rollout and New South Wales entering a strict lockdown to curb the latest outbreak over the next month or so, plans could very easily unravel.

A big month of music kicks off in October starting with the Marysville Music Weekend from 15-17 October. Marysville will invite roots duo Pierce Brothers to town, along with Australia’s leading jazz man James Morrison with his Motown Experience, Alt-country trailblazer Freya Josephine Hollick and many more.

Event director Bill Bate said he’s excited to launch the Marysville Music Weekend, which builds on the success of the Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend.

“This weekend is a showcase event in our region, bringing locals and visitors from far and wide. We’re pumped about the new direction of the new brand of the Marysville Music Weekend,” he said.

To aid in maintaining social distancing, the event will be presented as four concert sessions in the Marysville Community Centre Stadium.

Just down the Maroondah Highway in Healesville, the Grapevine Gathering will take place the very same weekend on 16 October.

The already sold out event will see Australian music giants Peking Duk, The Veronicas, Vera Blue and The Jungle Giants perform live at Rochford Wines.

The Healesville winery will follow that event by hosting Kate Miller-Heidke for her Child In Reverse tour on 23 October as part of the Cellar Door Series.

Developed by the team behind Australia’s iconic outdoor summer concert series a day on the green, the Cellar Door Series offers an up-close, intimate, boutique experience adjacent to the cellar doors of some of the most picturesque wineries across the country.

Across the other side of the Valley, the River

A day on the green at Rochford Wines.

Folk Festival will return to Warburton across 22-24 October.

While a lineup is yet to be confirmed, the event will feature multiple venues across the Warburton township, showcasing local, regional, national and international performers in a cultural celebration that brings vibrancy and colour to the region.

Last year’s event was set to take place in

Picture: ROMY STEPHENS March, but was forced to cancel at the last minute as the Coronavirus pandemic first hit our shores. News of the cancellation came so abruptly that some of the artists had already arrived in Warburton and performed an intimate session before we were plunged into lockdown.

The action continues in November as the Healesville Music Festival returns to Heales-

ville Racecourse on 12-14 November, where about 2000 people will enjoy live music and workshops. The following weekend will see Wandin Park Estate host Valley Sounds, an acoustic festival headlined by James Reyne, Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour and Ash Grunwald. The event is billed as the Yarra Valley’s first acoustic festival and will take place on 21 November.

Artists take up residence at Yarra Ranges Tech School Yarra Ranges Tech School (YRTS) has announced the launch of its innovative Artist in Residence Program. The inaugural artist, John Monash Scholar Jess Coldrey, developed her Retro Futurism project using the YRTS’ state of the art technology.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino opened YRTS in 2017 as a high-tech learning hub for the Yarra Ranges Community. Its mix of general purpose and specialised spaces, highly skilled and experienced facilitators coupled with state of the art technology including virtual reality, robotics, precision manufacturing and electronics. This allows YRTS to deliver real-world, challenge based programs for students, introducing them to the skills and career pathways they will need into the future.

For the current artist in residence, Jess Coldrey, the UR5 robotic arm captured her interest. She said, “This residency gave me the opportunity to use the universal robot and realise my dream of using it to choreograph interactions with humans.“ YRTS is passionate about expanding access to STEAM. Director Ashley Van Krieken said, “It’s important that students gain exposure to technology, processes and skills demanded by industry in addition to appreciating the multi-disciplinary approach to create innovative solutions to challenges.

“Demonstrating the link between STEM topics and equipment and the Humanities Arts and Social Sciences is a key aspect of YRTS programs promoting inclusion for all students regardless of their level of knowledge in technology.

“YRTS’ partnerships with industry and community and the support of Box Hill Institute ensure that we deliver programs in the area of horticulture, sustainability, robotics 10 MAIL

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

Jess Coldrey calibrating the robotic arm. and digital design that achieve these aims,“ he said.

Ms Coldrey hopes her project will inspire other young people to use STEM creatively.

“It can be very intimidating learning about technology and engineering as a young person. I hope that students seeing my studio work will be intrigued about how they can apply their skills in a fun, out of the box way,” she said.

Inclusion is an important goal, especially

for young women, who currently represent less than a quarter of national STEM enrolments. Furthermore, in a post-COVID environment, many believe that creativity will be essential in rebuilding Australia’s STEM industry.

Ms Coldrey’s work will be exhibited throughout the YRTS, open to the public from 14 July. She believes that her artwork will help people consider their relationships with technology and the stories that create their experiences.

The YRTS residency program will continue to provide opportunities for artists from around Australia to create innovative arttech projects from the school labs.

“Yarra Ranges Tech School strives to be a lighthouse in the development of creative and innovative programs, which expand access to young people with diverse interests and backgrounds, and we hope that our Artist in Residence program exemplifies that,” said Mr Van Krieken. mailcommunity.com.au

SHOP LOCAL HEALESVILLE

Cooling, electrical, music Shorelec Electrical Wholesalers is your local supplier of Fujitsu air conditioners.

Shorelec supplies and installs air-conditioners, offering the best price on all Fujitsu and Mitsubishi units.

“We work closely with professional tradespeople to get your air-conditioner installed, as well as in-home electrical repairs and maintenance,” said owner Glenn Shorter.

The independent store has 20 years of history serving Healesville and San Remo.

With a focus on quality products at competitive prices and exceptional customer service, Shorelec specialises in Jaycar products.

The store’s extensive range includes cables, phone accessories, connectors, measuring equipment, security systems, cameras, UHF transceivers (hand-held and auto), antennas (UHF and home), torches and floodlights.

Shorlec offers competitives pricing on home lighting, both standard and hard to find globes.

It also stocks globes for ovens and fridges.

“We provide electrical trade supplies including cable, conduit, tools, fittings, and Clipsal products,” said Glenn.

“We are also able to source and order odd electrical parts, fittings and elements for hot water systems and ovens.”

At Shorelec customers can buy domestic or auto electrical cable by the metre or 100 metres rolls for trades.

The store recently introduced a musical range and is one of the very few musical suppliers in the Yarra Valley.

“We try to source and stock great products for those starting out but have access to sourcing any of your musical needs from guitars, bass guitars, drums, harmonicas, violins, strings, and accessories,” said Glenn.

Shorelec staff Jack, Rod and Scott. 239068 “We offer full instrument servicing and repair, please contact the store for more information.”

Glenn is joined by staff members Rod Barrett, who has 40 years’ experience in electrical stores, and Jack Brew, who has an extensive knowledge of musical instruments and equipment.

“Having serviced the area for such a time we have built up a large base of specialists, technicians and tradies and act as a hub of lo-

Café

cal trades services,” said Glenn.

“If you require any electrical work, air conditioning installation, air conditioning repair and service, electrical item repairs, looking to upgrade to a more efficient energy saving system, then please contact us through the quote page on our website or calling the store and we will endeavour to be of assistance.”

Shorelec is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm at 10-12 Green Street.

Now is your final opportunity to take advantage of the Bonus Gift Card offer with the purchase of an eligible Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner.

• Family Friendly cafe open for Breakfast and Lunch • Enjoy a ‘Seriously Good Coffee’ and something to eat while the kids keep entertained in our new kid’s corner • Escape the cold and enjoy a relaxing break by the fire Open 8.30am – 3.00pm everyday – except Thursday (Formerly Church & Main – Under New Ownership since Dec 2020)

177 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville T: 5962 3327 www.willowandjackson.com.au

Café - Wine Bar - Functions 12504482-DL30-21

Misss Spelt Your Local Health Food Store • Certified Organic Fruit and Veggies • 400+ Bulk foods • Bread Making Ingredients and Equipment • Herbs, Supplements and Superfoods • Gluten-Free, Vegan and Allergy Free Food

“HE WHO HAS HEALTH, HAS HOPE; AND HE WHO HAS HOPE, HAS EVERYTHING” - Thomas Carlyle

ENDING SOON OFFER ENDS 31 JULY 2021

• Eco-Friendly Products and much more 10-12 Green Street, Healesville T 5962 6500 E enquiries@shorelec.com.au Trading Hours | Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm Saturday: 8am - 1pm

250 - 252 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 03 5962 6470 info@missspelts.com.au 12501764-AV30-21

mailcommunity.com.au

Terms & Conditions apply.

Reedem online: www.mitsubishielectric.com.au/promotions

12504367-DL30-21

Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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MAIL 11

OPINION

Historic engineering feat The Watts River weir and Maroondah Aqueduct were built in the years 1886 to 1891 because Melbourne’s population had grown significantly and the water supply from the Yan Yean Reservoir was reaching its capacity. The water was gravity fed via the Maroondah aqueduct to a junction basin at Preston where it entered the Yan Yean system. The Maroondah Aqueduct was 66km long including 9.6km of tunnels and 14.5kms of inverted siphons with a fall of 30.5cm per kilometre (1 foot to a mile). The original capacity was for a flow of 25 million gallons per day but to meet future demand the tunnels were built large enough to carry flows up to 50 million gallons per day.

The Maroondah Dam was completed in 1927, providing potential for a much-needed storage capacity of up to 6,000 million gallons.

This was made clear during a period of drought in the summer of 1926 when water restrictions had to be imposed. It was noted in The Argus in March of that year that, whereas Sydney had ‘huge storage reservoirs’, Melbourne had ‘much smaller reservoirs and relied on running streams.’

Melbourne now has ten water storage reservoirs with a combined total of 1,812,175 million litres (400,000 million gallons). The lower section of aqueduct between Yering and Preston was decommissioned in 1978, but the original aqueduct between Healesville and Yering still provides water to Healesville, Tarrawarra and Yarra Glen. At Yering water is now pumped up to the Sugarloaf Dam where it continues to contribute to the supply for Melbourne.

The tunnels were a major part of the construction of the Maroondah system. They were numbered 1 to 9 starting at the Preston end and measure 8 feet high by 8 feet 9 inches wide (2430mm x 2660mm). The longest is no.9 which

Looking

back Helen Mann

Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre History Group was drilled through the hill between Long Gully and Chum Creek: it is about 1,950 metres long.

This tunnel was a challenge to work on because brackish water continually seeped through the walls, said to be caused by fissures in the rock.

Due to the hard porphyry (igneous rock consisting of large crystals) it took 18 months to drill the tunnel from both ends, and also from the hill top where they made two shafts 300ft deep, half a mile apart. The compressed air drills for this work had to be imported from New York.

A camp for the workers on the no.9 tunnel was established at the western, or Long Gully end.

Another camp, called the Italian camp, was at the head of the shaft sunk into the no.8 tunnel which is between Long Gully Road and Pauls Lane. These men, from northern Italy, were valued for their tunnelling skills. They earned 10 shillings per day compared to the local men who earned 7-8 shillings. Their camp was better organised, many had waterproofed tents with wooden floors.

At the western end of no.8 tunnel was the ‘Big Camp’ which was home to about 150 men, including a few women and children. Here there was a large canvas tent or shanty for ‘boarders’

They’re doing what we did Focal Point Sending mixed messages If you are a Baby Boomer reading this, you built your own foundation on top of the ‘Silent’ Generation, upon which your Gen X children are in turn building.

Your dad may have just returned from a war, or had arrived by boat from Britain or Europe. Those early ‘boat’ people had to work hard, and many of the ‘re-pats’ couldn’t cope with re-entering society as it had become.

Then the Boomers and their children started to build a life based on the belief that they could do anything and become anybody.

Sadly competitive greed started to spread like a cancer to feed a ‘Me first,-get out of my way while I climb’ culture.

Karl Marx said that ‘Religion was the opium of the people’. (Which therefore, was no threat).

The new opioid, which is now our greatest threat, is affluence.

Many years ago Gandhi prophesied that if we didn’t watch out we could end up with commerce without ethics, and in many ways he was right.

Back in ’04, I wrote in these papers about corruption in banks, bad behavior being openly displayed on TV shows, and a real shift in morals.

By ’08, we had our own real life gangster shows like underbelly.

What messages, therefore, were we sending our children? MIXED. They’re just doing what we did In a manhood group that I led for sixteen years as an adjunct to my counselling, I met many fatherless, directionless, angry Gen X men. Yes they had fathers but they were never there for them.

Whenever I started to talk about fathers it was like throwing a match into petrol.

Many of these men had no, or poor role models and no tools in the tool box for life.

What hope did they have of modelling for their children?

Absent father syndrome used to be caused by wars, or socio/ecnomical disasters like the Great Depression, but for a number of years now it is has been absentia due to relationship break downs.

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and an iron store as well as tents in clusters or set apart over the hills. The boarders paid 17 shillings a week for board. Many spent the remainder of their wages on drink and gambling at the ‘skittle alley’. (Skittles was a popular English pub game). The store offered tinned meats and fish, flour, groceries, tobacco, rough boots and flannel garments. The children did not usually attend a school due to distance and the fact that the families often moved from one camp to another. Two young Irish boys aged about 9 and 12 were seen working alongside their father, crushing blue metal into small pieces to make concrete. Like their father they were sunburnt and covered in dirt and dust.

To make the concrete to line the tunnels, a gang of six men worked on a wooden floor under a rough canvas awning. A wooden frame, or ‘gauge’ was placed on the floor and it was filled with the crushed metal like that being broken up by the boys. This was levelled by the gang and another finer grade layer laid on top, which was covered in turn by sand. The heap was sprinkled with water and the frame was removed. A cask of Portland cement was then rolled up a plank to the top of the heap and emptied. Then three men on each side, used shovels to mix the concrete. In 10 minutes of hectic spade work the mix was ready. It was loaded into a tram truck which was then pulled by a horse along rails into the bed of the aqueduct and thus into the tunnel. The six men then started the next ‘gauge’. They were expected to complete about 3 ‘gauges’ an hour.

At this camp if they finished their 8-hour quota early they were allowed to ‘knock off’ early.

The concrete was laid on the walls of the tunnel behind round frames shaped like the letter D, the men often having to stand in knee-deep water which was seeping through the walls. After seven days the concrete set to a consistency

harder than stone. The men employed on this work were usually Scotsmen and Irishmen.

The cement barrels or casks were about 45cm high. They were discarded where they were used. Fred Sadlier, employed on the Yarra Glen length for many years, recalled seeing hundreds of them lying in places along the aqueduct. The cement, and other materials not available locally, were brought by train and then transported across the flats by horse and dray. At places with no convenient bridge to cross the river they would be loaded into a boat, then into another horse-drawn dray on the other side. As the railway was still being built at the same time as the aqueduct, the closest station was Yering. The sand was usually obtained from the river.

No.5 and no.6 tunnels were much shorter and there was no trouble with seepage, so they were just lined with bricks for a short distance from the entrances.

Advertisements were placed in newspapers for men to work on the aqueduct and also for the Lilydale to Healesville railway.

The Argus 7 Nov 1887 TIP-DRAYS and Horses, 13s per day. – Wanted, 50 immediately. McNeil and Bath, Watts aqueduct, 4th section, Healesville The Age 1 Nov 1888 STONEBREAKERS. – Wanted, 50 good Stonebreakers, on fourth section Watts River aqueduct, near Healesville, long job. McNeil & Bath The Herald 1 Jan 1889 NAVVIES, 100 good men wanted. Watts aqueduct (3rd and 4th section). Apply main camp, near Healesville.

PICK and Shovel Men, 100 good, wanted, for Lilydale to Healesville railway. Apply contactor’s office, Yarra Glen.

LENSCAPE

Graeme Dawson

Children need roots As a consequence many children are being uprooted, through those family breakdowns, as many parents are going through relationship changes.

One day dad goes and another so called dad arrives and the child is left to adjust. Or mum moves to another area with her new lover and the children find themselves having to adjust to new teachers, new ‘friends’, with little or no time to adjust to a new family. Mum or dad might be moving to exciting new pastures, but most times it is traumatic for their children.

Many children therefore have been growing up in boundary-less confusion, hence taking what they can get for themselves by fair means or foul - floundering without good role models.

The movie and gaming world has not helped, with violence on their phone screens, gambling in their faces without respite, and unfettered explicit porn that any child can access.

Need we wonder where the flood of domestic violence was bred?

We need to value our children When a number of mums brought their children to Jesus one day to be blessed, his disciples tried to send them away (They thought they were a nuisance) but Jesus rebuked them, and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, for these are the ones who make up my Kingdom’. HIGHLY VALUED. (Of course He meant children of a wide age group – even you and me) (Feedback, questions or need for support can be fielded to my email, csrsmokey@gmail.com) Graeme Dawson, Chaplain to Community

A kangaroo mob enjoying a sunny day on Healesville Golf Course’s 12th hole.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

LETTERS Waterway worry Just after the Yarra River was at its highest level in memory the Melbourne Water crew (five vehicles of them) spent a whole day planting vegetation with plastic protectors around them along the river. They are planted on the flood plain and even after this weekend of over 30mm of rain they are in the river again.

The plastic will wash down the river, putting the lives of our platypus at risk and other native fish species. When the plastic washes out to sea there are even more species at risk.

Is this what our water bill goes to pay? Total stupidity!

Rosalee Hoult, Warburton mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Vinnies need winter help

By Taylah Eastwell Every day, volunteers and staff members of the St Vincent de Paul Society see the human faces behind homelessness statistics.

Whether it be in their stores, during a faceto-face visit or at any one of their support programs, Vinnies are on the frontline, helping those who need it most.

But now, the organisation that has been helping Australians for over 100 years is asking a favour in return.

After a particularly busy lead up to winter, Vinnies stores across the state are desperately seeking donations of warm winter clothing.

Vinnies outer east area manager Evelyn Banavas said the stores find it harder to get donations in winter than summer.

“It’s a given that we really need winter clothing. Things like jackets, jumpers, knitwear, blouses, anything warm is the main criteria.

Winter shoes, scarves and beanies, nice boots, those sorts of things tend to get a bit forgotten as well,” Ms Banavas said.

With stores in Lilydale, Warburton, Ringwood, and Kilsyth, Ms Banavas encouraged locals to consider emptying out their wardrobes and donating any items that weren’t often worn.

“The thing with winter is most people layer, you tend to wear things underneath jumpers but your jumpers don’t get worn as often, so they sit in the wardrobe for a long time, so we’re encouraging people them down to our stores,” she said.

“It’s one way the community can help oth-

SLEEPING ROUGH IN THE RANGES ers because the funds raised from selling items goes to programs that help people in need that may need fuel costs covered, electricity and utility costs paid, or other rent and accommodation costs,” she said.

“The money goes into the local community, directly out to people in need and we have our own welfare group that goes out and helps those in need,” she said.

Ms Banavas said in the outer east areas, such as Warburton, items such as blankets and other camping equipment would be handy for tourists and campers that visit the township.

“A general rule is, if you would give it to a friend, you could give it to Vinnies,” she said.

All Vinnies stores across the Yarra Ranges are calling for donations following Covid-19 lockdowns which meant people were not buying as much new seasonal clothing, resulting in less people clearing out their wardrobes.

Regional areas also generally experience lower temperatures to the inner-city, making the demand for warmer clothes higher in the outer-east.

Vinnies Kilsyth volunteers Sam Offenbaume, Eddie Buzinskas and Jill Faulkner showcase some of Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the winter items Vinnies stores are seeking. 243622 Vinnies Victoria’s executive general manager of commercial services, Jeff Antcliff, said VInnies “rely wholeheartedly on the generosity of thoughtful Victorians who want to see their quality pre-loved goods go on to live new lives”.

“We know that our local communities love to help each other out, so we hope that our regional friends can find the time to go through their wardrobes and bring any cosy winter clothes they are no longer using into their nearest Vinnies Shop during opening hours,” he said.

Buy, employ local campaign launched

By Jed Lanyon Yarra Ranges Council has launched a new campaign urging residents to buy, employ and enjoy locally as part of its recovery from the pandemic and last month’s storms and flooding.

The initiative asks locals to buy from local businesses within their own communities, while Yarra Ranges business owners will soon be able to employ local residents more easily through the Yarra Ranges JobLink - an online employment portal for those who want to live and work locally.

The portal will be free for both employers and jobseekers to sign up, and will help connect prospective employees with local employers.

The campaign wishes for residents to enjoy their own backyard in the Yarra Ranges’ best offerings when looking to unwind, whether it’s visiting one of the 22 galleries on offer within the municipality or just getting a haircut from one of over 400 hairdressers across the region.

Council has partnered with local training organisations, Box Hill Institute Lilydale and Cire Training, to deliver the Hospitality Jump Start for Jobs program.

This series of face-to-face training courses will help local people learn essential skills for working in our hospitality businesses, and help our local businesses find and employ people with the skills they need.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Fiona McAllister said providing training locally will benefit many people in the community, from young people to older adults taking up training.

“Hospitality and tourism businesses are at the heart of our Yarra Ranges lifestyle and economy. Our cafes, restaurants, vineyards, gardens and other attractions draw thousands of visitors to the hills and valleys, and makes our region such a vibrant place to live,” she said.

“Having local training providers means that community members can learn skills locally, then put their hands up for jobs locally and put those skills to the test.”

These two short courses in Kitchen Skills and Front of House Skills, are free for unemployed or under-employed locals.

Both include certificate level components such as a Responsible Service of Alcohol - that are often a requirement for hospitality employment and can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars.

Coldstream resident, Shirley Poulter atmailcommunity.com.au

“All profits of Vinnies Shops go back into their local communities to fund our welfare services that help people experiencing homelessness or who are struggling to put food on their tables or pay their rent, utility and medical bills.

Every cent spent in a Vinnies Shop supports our good works for people in need, ”he said.

Ms Banavas said the Kilsyth Vinnies store is always looking for volunteers. Anyone interested is encouraged to pop into the shop and make their interest known.

Stylish new thriller Gunpowder Milkshake Starring Karen Gillan, Lena Headey and Chloe Coleman Rated MA15+

tended a Kitchen Skills course at Box Hill Institute, Lilydale.

“I think these courses are important, particularly for the younger people, or people who have had to change career due to Covid or other circumstances,” she said.

As well as skills training by experienced teachers, the courses aim to give participants the confidence they need to jump start their career in the hospitality industry.

Samantha Turner from Lilydale, was interested in the Kitchen Skills course in the hopes of turning one of her passions into professional skills.

“I did this course because I wanted to learn more about the hospitality industry. I love cooking. Sweets mainly I wanted to learn more

about knife skills and learn to prep and stuff.”

Working with the Skills and Jobs Centre at Box Hill Institute, local businesses can then be matched with the graduates of these courses.

Melinda Davis, from the Skills and Jobs Centre, said that they are able to connect local people to local jobs.

“Hospitality employers in the Yarra Ranges are desperately seeking staff for their businesses and cannot fill the roles, there is a major shortage of people for the jobs. There is a real opportunity for local people considering work in hospitality to undertake one of the Kitchen Skills Programs and learn valuable skills to help with confidence and to connect with employers looking for staff,” she said.

Gunpowder Milkshake is a funny, grisly and incredibly stylish thriller about Sam (Karen Gillan), an elite assassin, who reunites with her long-lost mother Scarlet (Lena Headey) and a group of heavilyarmed librarians to protect a little girl from the mob.

Gillan is a magnetic action lead, and it’s fun to watch Sam warm to and depend on Emily (Chloe Coleman), the girl she swore to protect. A dark secret looms between them, and the plot deftly balances power and confidence with an ever-worsening situation.

The cinematography and score are dripping with noir style, and this film’s world is reminiscent of John Wick, with dapper killers and ornate customs. The action is brutal, well-shot and frequently funny, with the highlight being a hilarious slapstick battle between a partiallyparalysed Sam and a trio of thugs doped up on laughing gas. Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett and Carla Gugino all have moments to shine as the badass guntoting librarians.

Gunpowder Milkshake muddies its driving conflict with two different antagonistic groups, which blur together somewhat, and Scarlet re-enters Sam’s life with bizarre abruptness. Even so, Sam and Scarlet have a deeply satisfying arc of growing close again under adversity.

It’s heartening to find a blood-soaked action movie that commits to themes of family, forgiveness and even mercy without being contradictory (and Gunpowder Milkshake surpasses similarlythemed Black Widow in many ways).

The better of July’s family-focused action movies, Gunpowder Milkshake is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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MAIL 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 038

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

4 9

9 1

3 6

3 2

DOWN

Alternative to vinyl records (3) Supplier of goods to retailers (11) 19th-century art movement (7) Particulars (7) Contend (8) Mercury (6) Unhinged (3) Restored (11) Peculiarity (11) Pouch (3) African country (6) Prank (8) Mountaineer (7) Products of a calculator (7) Recommendations (11) Finish (3)

3 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24 25 26 27

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Christian holiday (9) Traumatised (7) Performing (5) Made easy (10) Cycle (4) Power cells (9) Win (7) Hazards (5) City in North Carolina, US (10) Sustainable (energy) (9) Fell; lessened (9) Moving (on wheels) (7) Act of Parliament (7) Snot (5) Cars (5) Naughty child (4)

DECODER

No. 038

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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”.

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Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 31 words: Very good 42 words: Excellent

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No. 038

EVENT EXPEL GASES HERBS LADED LEDGE LENDS LUCID MAYBE NURSE OBEYS ORDER PASTA PETER PIXIE RAISE REACH REEDS RISES SCRAM SEEDY

SEEMS SORRY SUPER TABOO TEASE TENSE TERSE TOTEM URINE 6 LETTERS ARABLE ERECTS MEAGRE RESORT

7 LETTERS ATTRACT BANDIER COLLECT SWEETEN TEETHES TWISTER 8 LETTERS INVENTOR RETRIEVE ROPEABLE UNFAIRER

abet, able, albeit, bale, bate, beat, beau, BEAUTIFUL, befit, belt, beta, bile, bite, bleat, blue, etui, fable, fate, fauteuil, feat, felt, file, filet, flea, flue, flute, futile, late, leaf, left, lief, lieu, life, lite, lute, table, tale, teal, tile, tube, tubule, utile

2 3 8 1 7 9 4 6 5

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5 8 7 6 3 1 4 2 9

3 4 1 2 8 9 5 6 7

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6 2 3 7 1 4 9 5 8

8 5 4 6 9 3 7 1 2

9 1 7 8 5 2 3 4 6

3 9 6 4 8 5 1 2 7

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7 8 2 3 6 1 5 9 4

9 1 5 2 3 6 7 8 4

2 7 4 1 8 9 6 5 3

3 6 8 7 5 4 1 9 2

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1 5 7 8 6 2 3 4 9

6 9 2 5 4 3 8 7 1

8 4 1 6 2 5 9 3 7

7 3 6 4 9 1 5 2 8

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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C U Z S V T L A Y NX I O

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WORDFIT

23-07-21

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

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NEWS

Film’s a hot button horror

By Taylah Eastwell Two Yarra Ranges filmmakers have created a horror film based on a series of eyewitness encounters with a ghastly bushman said to roam the Victorian High Country.

A number of stories have come to light over the years about a mysterious loner known as The Button Man, said to have earned his nickname from his habit of cutting buttons and ear piercings out of deer antlers.

Legend has it, the seasoned and territorial hunter has a base camp set up at a well-known crossroads in the Victorian Alps, allowing him to keep a close watch on campers and hikers entering the remote valley.

While you could read online for hours about the encounters people have had with the rugged bushman - who is described as around 70-years of age - one particularly hair-raising account comes from a wildlife photographer who was in the area taking shots near The Button Man’s headquarters.

The tale goes, when the photographer returned home from the High Country and downloaded photos he had taken onto his computer, he found a picture of himself sound asleep in his tent. To this day, no one knows who took the shot.

Others have taken to four-wheel-drive forum websites to report their own encounters, a common theme being The Button Man’s tendency to silently emerge in the dead of the night and grill people on why they are in the area.

Without retelling the myriad of personal stories, it is plain to see why Upper Ferntree Gully local Josh Todaro and Sassafras raised Jaime Lehman decided to create a horror film inspired by real life events flowing out of the eerie pocket of Victoria.

“I originally wrote a script for a haunted house film, until our OP suggested we do something more stripped back, low budget, that can be filmed in natural locations. He asked if I’d heard of The Button Man. I said, ‘no I haven’t, what the hell is that?’,” Josh said.

“He said ‘go home, Google it and call me later and let me know what you think’,” he said.

“That’s where it went down the rabbit hole.

There were a few articles and a few random eye-witness accounts. Some of the quotes people have said, the way he speaks, the way he looks, him appearing out of the blue but people feeling like they’ve been followed for days, that itself was pretty terrifying,” Josh said.

While there have been a number of suggestions that The Button Man was somehow involved in a number of disappearances in the Victorian High Country in recent years, that is not what the film intends to portray.

“I can’t think of any other story like it, where there’s this guy out there but everyone is sort of embellishing stories of his motive. Whether he’s linked to the mysterious disappearances or not, it’s kinda strange,” Josh said.

Josh said it was particularly interesting that The Button Man has taken “more of an urban legend status”.

“There might be eye witness accounts and facts about what he looks like but really the

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bulk of the story is this urban legend and people adding their own two cents to each story they hear,” he said.

“The crazy part is he is an actual guy. There is enough history to get you going but enough myth where you can play it up and embellish it,” he said.

The film is said to be a “blend of a few stories”, with the movie inspired by visions of what it would be like to come across an unknown character when you think you’re alone in the bush.

“The thought of going camping thinking your alone and it is fully dead silent and then all of a sudden you maybe hear some footsteps or get this sense that there might be someone else out there, I put myself in that position and just thought about what I would do in that situation, that’s what got the wheels turning,” Josh said.

“We don’t even need the big kills or action sequences, a very subtle glimpse of him in the background getting closer and closer and that suspense of the audience seeing him get closer without the characters noticing was a very easy thing to pull off. I wrote the script in two days,” he said.

Josh approached well-known Aussie actor Don Bridges to play the role of The Button Man, with the story centering around two sisters who go away on a camping trip to the High Country.

“I tried to imagine what this guy looks like in my head, eye witnesses say he is around 70 with longish hair, so I immediately thought of Don Bridges. We just lucked out with the cast,” Josh said.

The 30-minute short film was shot entirely in the Dandenong Ranges, including on Josh’s relatives property in Mt Dandenong.

Since releasing the trailer on Sunday 4 July, the response has been overwhelming.

“We clocked 11,000 views in two days and have around 1000 followers on Instagram.

Knowing it had been a hot topic in the media I knew that it was going to start some sort of conversation. We’ve had lots of messages of support, one person said her and her friend grew up in the High Country and have been saying for years there should be a film on The Button Man,” Josh said.

With the film idea sorted, Josh approached mate Jamie to help piece the project together.

Jamie said he was “pretty keen to jump on board“ as he knew the story really well.

“I do a lot of hiking and stuff in the country so it was right up my alley,” Jamie said.

As an avid videographer and photographer, Jamie helped to film and edit the movie.

“I’ve heard he’s just a normal, nice guy but the mystery behind it all is still very interesting,” he said.

For Jamie, some of the biggest challenges in producing the film were budget and finding local locations to shoot that resembled the mountain terrain of the High Country.

“I found locations in the High Country to shoot and really had my heart set on filming there so it was really accurate, but a big challenge was getting the crew and cast out there and all the costs of having everyone away from Melbourne,” Jamie said.

“The majority is just green background anyway, so we stayed local and filmed it in the Dandenongs, but we did get some drone shots in the High Country for the establishing shots,” he said.

Josh said the film “leaves you wanting more”, with the low budget concept a snippet of what a higher budget feature film could be.

“We hope that this will be seen by the right people and get noticed enough that we can hopefully get funding to make the feature length version,” he said.

“But don’t let the running time fool you. The way we see it is it’s all killer, no filler.

The film will premiere in Melbourne in coming months and at a film festival before it finds a home online or on a streaming service.

For more information, visit @buttonmanfilm on Instagram or search Button Man Trailer on YouTube.

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Josh Todaro (left) and Jamie Lehman (right) have created a horror film inspired by tales of The Button Man.

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In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council at its meeting of 13 July 2021 has resolved of its intention to declare a special charge for the Witnish Street and Victoria Street (Crescent Road to Witnish Street), Yarra Junction road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in the provision by Council of road improvements carried out under Part 1A of the Act.

In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council at its meeting of 13 July 2021 has resolved of its intention to declare a special charge for the Heath Road, Grandview Road and Huon Road, Belgrave Heights - road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in the provision

by Council of road improvements carried out under Part 1A of the Act. The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of those properties shown within the designated area for this special charge scheme as outlined by heavy lines on the plan below, being properties that have abuttal to or gain primary access via, Heath Road, Grandview Road and Huon Road, Belgrave Heights.

The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of those properties shown within the designated area for this special charge scheme as outlined by heavy lines on the plan below, being properties that have abuttal to or gain primary access via, Witnish Street and Victoria Street (Crescent Road to Witnish Street), Yarra Junction.

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A copy of the intent to levy is available for inspection at Council’s Community Links located at 40 Main Street, Upwey or at 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (enter via the Coles carpark). during office hours until 11 August 2021.

A copy of the intent to levy is available for inspection at Council’s Community Links located at 2442 - 2444 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction or at 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (enter via the Coles carpark). during office hours until 11 August 2021.

In accordance with Section 223 of the Act, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing to the undersigned by 11 August 2021. Submissions should be addressed to :-

In accordance with Section 223 of the Act, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing to the undersigned by 11 August 2021. Submissions should be addressed to :-

Public Submission The Chief Executive Officer Yarra Ranges Shire Council at either: 15 Anderson Street (P O Box 105), Lilydale, Vic. 3140, or mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Public Submission The Chief Executive Officer Yarra Ranges Shire Council at either: 15 Anderson Street (P O Box 105), Lilydale, Vic. 3140, or mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.

Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.

Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.

Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Act.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Act.

Submitters should be aware that copies of their submissions will be made available (excluding submitter’s names and addresses) at the Council meeting held when their submission is considered.

Submitters should be aware that copies of their submissions will be made available (excluding submitter’s names and addresses) at the Council meeting held when their submission is considered.

It is proposed to declare this special charge at the Council meeting to be held on 14 September 2021, or should this meeting not proceed then the next available meeting, after the consideration of the submissions received.

It is proposed to declare this special charge at the Council meeting to be held on 14 September 2021, or should this meeting not proceed then the next available meeting, after the consideration of the submissions received.

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer

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2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation is considered to not require a planning permit in accordance with ‘A Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria’ based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Daniel Hay at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0420 310 857 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com

by Thursday 5 August 2021. Further information may be obtained from the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au/3797002 12504361-HC30-21

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

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MAIL 17

SPORT

Sports hub builder chosen

By Mikayla van Loon

The 7th hole, 348m, Par 4.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

A par trick in the pear tree The RACV Healesville Golf Course presents some confronting challenges for golfers, particularly around the greens; so it’s well worth a moment to take in the surroundings and there’s no better example than when you arrive at the 8th tee block. From here you can look out over the course and the valley beyond.

Not only is it a magnificent scenic view but it also opens a window over the pear tree green where all its secrets are laid bare.

But how many golfers have arrived at this tee, unaware of what they can learn? I raised this question to fellow member Rob Johnston over a few beers last Thursday. Surely he, a surveyor, would have taken all this in.

“Yes,” he said with a smile. “I have studied the view from the lookout and it certainly gave me a better understanding of the greens intricacies and the best way for me to approach it.

“Of course it’s dependent on pin position, for example the saddle; to the high side in summertime, when the greens are hard and fast. It’s there your ball can run well off the back or reverse back down towards the 8th,” Johnston explained.

Johnston has been playing competition golf for 26 years on this course. At his best he was off a very respectable 16 handicap and last week he found himself in good form as he arrived at the Par 4, 7th.

As a right hander, Johnston knows that the guardian of the fifth won’t be worrying him, nor will he have fear of losing his ball into bush land that runs up to Ryan’s Road.

To the right, the fairway is lined by a variety of trees, but tragically the old Packham pear tree, an iconic symbol, is missing.

Long time golfing member Dickie Taylor reminisces, “It was such a magnificent tree, I doubt you could grow one as fine these days.

“Each season golfers would fill their bags with its fruit and in autumn the colours were spectacular. It must have been a heartless soul who ordered its removal.”

Further on up the fairway is the only bunker. It sits to the left of the fairway and from a distance the size of the green it protects is disguised. It does, however, offer the unsuspecting fair passage to the saddles putting surface to the right and good luck with that.

“I always try to hit my drive up the centre right of the fairway as close to the 150 marker as I can. From that position depending how far I’ve hit my drive; I’ll have a shot over that bunker to the green or I’ll lay up beside it,” Johnston said.

And he is right, the sand trap certainly makes you think twice about your next shot in; but either way, his third will have to get in close to the pin on this very difficult green if he’s to earn points.

From the Junction green on the 6th, you can find the 7th tee block, beside the 5th and on a busy day golf balls are liable to fly in all directions. It’s here that Johnston finds a place to tee up, steps back and looks up hill to find the 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 20 July, 2021

Callen’s column Ian Callen

distance flag pin.

With hands and arms Rob swings into the breeze, it’s a well timed strike and on a good day his ball would have run to the 150 marker, but still it’s in the middle and executed to plan.

Johnston second, a hybrid club sends his ball into the strengthening breeze where it seems to be suspended in mid air momentarily, before dropping to the right of the sand pit.

His critical third is a confident chip that runs from the saddle to leave him a 4 club length putt.

But Rob has always had good hands on the short grass and he exits the pear tree towards next week’s Par 5, 8th “The Lookout” with 4 stableford points.

For the ordinary golfer, having a good result on any hole; keeps us coming back each week and if you are thinking about taking up the game, why not join us… out on the course and let’s hope that is soon rather than later.

Members will have the opportunity to take on professional Ben Eyton-Jones this season with administration reviving the popular “Beat The Pro” competition.

It is certainly shaping up to be a busy season and with renovations coming along well, there’s no doubt it should be a good social calendar… and let’s not forget; the second round of the Donna Buang Challenge away.

Congratulations to last weeks winners: Tuesday Stableford Allan Davidson 40 points Craig Stewart 39 pts Harry Leigh 38 pts Thursday Mixed Stableford Ian McMinn 42 points Grant Handasyde 37 pts Barry Rust 36 pts Hats off to the ladies who played through the rain on Wednesday to take out the Goldie Locks Challenge.

· · · · · · · ·

The Mount Evelyn Sports and Community Hub is on track to being built after Yarra Ranges councillors approved a preferred tender application at the 13 July council meeting.

Five prequalified suppliers from the Department of Treasury and Finance Construction Supplier Register were asked to submit tenders by 18 May. Melbcon’s $3.8 million submission was the evaluation panel’s recommended tender from those five applications.

Mount Evelyn Sports and Community Hub (MESCH) president Bryan McCarthy said this was an exciting step to getting the building finished.

“We’re really pleased that a builder has been appointed, that allows us now to get on with getting the building built,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We’re looking forward to working with the contractor to get the details right, what the design will look like in real life and fitting it out with all the stuff we need for the building and then getting the handover in probably 12 months time.”

The process of getting to this stage took six years after the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve Master Plan was finalised in 2015, with Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan saying this project had been a long time coming.

“I remember having conversations with the football club back in 2005 and we said, ‘oh we should be able to get a pavilion in the next couple of years’,” he said.

“Well 16 years later, it’s great that it has come to this. It’s gone through a fairly rigorous process as have a lot of our sporting facilities in getting new builds.”

Speaking to the motion, Cr Heenan urged his fellow councillors to appoint Melbcon as the preferred builder and to get the project started as soon as possible.

“The sooner they get started the sooner they get finished and Mt Evelyn Football Netball Club, together with the cricket club, have a brand new facility for the next three, four, five decades,” Cr Heenan said.

Chandler Ward councillor and deputy mayor David Eastham also supported the motion, congratulating Cr Heenan and the community on their perseverance and input to the project.

“I would just like to take my hat off first of all to councillor Heenan, as you mentioned since ‘05 that initial conversation, I definitely wasn’t sitting around the table as a councillor back then,” Cr Eastham said.

“I take my hat off to yourself, to the com-

Melbcon has been appointed as the builder of the new sports and community hub in Mount Evelyn.

Picture: SUPPLIED munity members both from the respective sporting clubs but also some of the community groups as well associated with that reserve such as the environmental group for all the hard work that they’ve put in, it’s great to see.”

Cr Eastham was pleased the successful builder was local to the area and the council was supporting the local economy.

MESCH will liaise with Melbcon to get progress reports to keep the clubs and community up to date, as well as ensure they can supply the necessary appliances and equipment for the fitout.

Mr McCarthy said part of the consultation process with the builder will surround the safety of the players during construction and to ensure construction is not disturbed by games and training sessions.

“It’s not a big site that they are working on, so we have to all work together to make sure everyone can do what they need to do and do it in a speedy way and a positive way.”

Cr Eastham said he looks forward to the day it is opened to the public and seeing the impact it will have on the community.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this being another jewel in the crown for the Yarra Ranges, we do have a couple of nice, amazing pavilions and I think this will be another one that will be sitting somewhere up the top,” Cr Eastham said.

The current building will be demolished in the first week of August and MESCH will be hosting a ‘last drinks’ on Saturday 31 July from 7pm.

All past club members are welcome to join the building commemorations and reminisce about Mount Evelyn’s sporting history.

“It’s to share memories of the existing building and to celebrate the start of the new building and the new lease of life of the recreation reserve and the clubs having a new building to work in and operate from.”

Ranges players eye draft

By Jed Lanyon As the upcoming AFLW Draft draws closer, there are several Eastern Ranges prospects who could see their names called out on 27 July.

After a strong season where the club made a preliminary final and had many players featured in Vic Metro’s Under 19 Girls squad, there are a few players who could make a strong case for draft selection.

All-Australian ruck Georgia Campbell is eligible to be selected as a father-daughter candidate for Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, where her father Adrian played 30 and two games respectively.

Campbell put in an impressive 2021 season averaging 20 hitouts and kicking eight goals across nine games. Her impact at ground level and athleticism were a highlight during the 2021 NAB League season.

Tough midfielder Olivia Meagher played just three games with the Ranges this season. Meagher opted to join Collingwood’s VFLW team, where they were set to play off in the grand final over the weekend before the latest lockdown postponed the game.

Meagher, who played for Upper Ferntree Gully as a junior, averaged 18.7 disposals and five tackles in her three games with the Ranges.

Campbell and Meagher were both of-

Georgia Campbell is one of the Ranges players who could be selected at next week’s draft.

Picture: JED LANYON fered invitations to the AFLW Draft Combine along with Keeley Sherar, Cadhla Schmidli. Both Schmidli and Sherar featured in the Vic Metro Under 19s team.

Other senior players to keep an eye on include: Jorja Livingstone, Izzy Khoury, Matilda Hardy, Bridget Deed, El Chaston, and Ruby O’Dwyer. mailcommunity.com.au

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