Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 24th August 2021

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Veteran’s shock at fall of Kabul

Artworks bring Upwey to life

PAGE 3

PAGE 6

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

Mail Little Lucy facing a big battle PAGE 17

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

WIN a $1000 SHOPPING SPREE

SCAN QR CODE

12509696-SN35-21

A Star News Group Publication

PROPERTY GUIDE

mailcommunity.com.au/competitions

Trees to tell tale

By Taylah Eastwell

Fallen trees cover Kalorama Recreation Reserve after the storm in June. 241037

•฀TYRES฀•฀WHEELS฀•฀SUSPENSION฀•

12493585-LB19-21

Your best outcome is my motivation.

• Differentials • All mechanical repairs and servicing • Manual transmissions

Look forward to being of service soon.

Widetread

AMANDA CHARLES

• Electronic transmission diagnostics

Contact me, Joseph Licciardi on 0418 509 722 for local professional advice and a no obligation Market assessment of your home.

76a Monbulk Road Kallista 9755 1888 www.kallistarealestate.com.au

• Front wheel drive transaxles

• Quality workmanship

0400 347 968

12506511-HC32-21

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTRE

Can’t decide whether to sell your home or not.

• Changeover auto transmissions

76 Main Street, Upwey | Ph: 9754 7533 | David and Lisa Clark UV฀฀ 4฀&฀S the฀4x ialsts c e Sp

!

nuff said

Approved Dealer for

F E R N T R E E G U L LY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Highway (towards Belgrave) www.widetread.net.au

12394728-ACM32-18

OMEGA

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

12464887-JW42-20

A group of Hills locals have joined forces in hopes of turning timber that fell during the June 9 storm into a commemorative community art project.

Choosing to look at the disaster from a positive side, residents have attended a number of meetings to discuss ways in which the timber could be reused in the community.

Creator of the Facebook page, ‘Rescue Logs – Keep our trees in the Dandenongs’, Julia Hall said one of the bigger projects being considered is a nature walk that follows the story of the storm using fallen logs.

“It will explain the pathway the storm took and have different points that talk about a significant event from the storm, whether that be a tree into a house or the many trees that impacted Mt Dandenong Primary School as well as the many stories of human resilience,” Ms Hall said.

“Telling our story and reliving that is part of our healing journey and everyone at our meetings has agreed. It’s really important to talk about it so you process it because the more we process it we realise we survived and came out the other end,” she said.

According to Ms Hall, the meetings have been full of emotion, with some committee members having lost their homes on the devastating night.

“It’s pretty full on but it’s just amazing. We all want to see something good come out of this and they’ve all got such positive attitudes.

The whole group is very like minded around the fact that we want to use trees that have already fallen for something spectacular in the Dandenong Ranges. We are all so different but have this common cause,” she said.

Continued page 5

$

1000

SHOPPING SPREE

Bounce into Spring with the chance to

WIN a $1000 Woolworth’s gift card!

But, you must be in it to win it!

Scan the QR Code for more details or go to mailcommunity.com.au/competitions NOW! Entries close Noon Tuesday September 28, 2021 Spring into action and invite your friends to enter too!

12508436-AV35-21

2 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Chris May said all veterans need support now as Taliban takes control of Afghanistan

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Chris May was a Lance Corporal during his second tour of Afghanistan.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Anguish over Afghanistan

By Shelby Brooks A decade after returning from Afghanistan, army veteran Chris May said he was left feeling horrified and disappointed as he watched the fall of Kabul earlier this week.

The Emerald man, who served two tours in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011, said the speed in which the Taliban took control of most of the country shocked him.

“We always knew in the back of our minds that the Afghan National Army (ANA) would have to step up to maintain the status quo but ultimately we all knew the country would fall back into a type of its old habits,” Chris said.

“What we didn’t expect, and personally from my point of view, was to see it fall so quickly. We all thought it might happen in five years time, not the same week.

“I’m sure the ANA put up a good fight to try and protect the people of Kabul but the speed that the Taliban took control, seeing the media and the videos of the rapid decline back into

the old ways and some atrocities occurring of people being killed in the streets – that’s tough to watch.”

Chris said there were many unique perspectives about the situation among the 39,000 young Australian veterans who had served in Afghanistan over the past 20 years.

“I’ve had a few guys contact me and say what a waste of time, what a waste of lives, it was all in vain, why waste 41 lives - all those comments are getting thrown out there,” Chris said.

“But everyone is going to see it differently but the common theme among all of us is a general disappointment.

“We made amazing progress while we were there but to see it all go down the drain is pretty tough to watch.”

Confronting and disturbing footage and photographs from the Taliban’s takeover have been hard to escape from on social media and the 24-hour news cycle.

Chris said many of his fellow Afghanistan

veterans have been struggling to switch off.

“I had to go into the shed last night and put some music on and leave my phone in the corner. I was stuck watching things unfold,” he said.

“The influx of media is really starting to hamper on veterans’ minds.

“I’ve urged some of them to turn their phones and Facebook off.”

The role of social media is unique to the younger generation of war veterans, however older veterans are able to empathise, Chris said.

“I’ve had a few Vietnam veterans reaching out who watched the fall of Saigon and they said they understand how we feel,” Chris said.

“The difference is now we are watching Kabul fall on our phones as it happens, we aren’t getting that break in the media between the newspaper and the 6pm news.”

Seeing the desperation of Kabul locals is the hardest part for Chris.

“That is the truest desperation. They don’t want to be there. I really do feel for them,“ Chris said.

“Women are being executed in the streets of Kabul as well as the men who supported the previous government or the ISAF forces.

“If we are true to our word and we want equality and we want people to stand up for what is right, we can’t watch what is happening in another country and do nothing.“ Chris urges everyone to support their local Afghani communities during this difficult time.

“We have seen around Dandenong and the south east suburbs that we do have a large influx of Afghan migrants who have come here who escaped the Taliban rule in the peak of fighting,” Chris said.

“Supporting our local Afghan population is one way of going about it.

“Supporting our veterans through RSL Victoria and the local branches is important too.”

MP backs regional move Cries from Cardinia’s railway towns begging to be reclassed from metro to regional have been backed by the local MP. Narracan MP Gary Blackwood said he would be taking the concerns of the communities to Parliament later this week, armed with results from a review he conducted with 800 of his constituents.

“From 800 responses to our survey, 95 per cent supported a review of the metro regional border,” Mr Blackwood told the Gazette.

“I’ll be raising those in Parliament first chance I get, maybe this week I think I will be doing an adjournment to the minister for local government and explaining we’ve had this response to our review and consid-

eration be taken into this issue urgently.”

Mr Blackwood said a review was needed on towns in Cardinia, Yarra Ranges and Mornington Peninsula shires which should all be reclassed from metropolitan to regional.

“Given the nature of those small towns and being rural communities and very much farming communities they don’t feel they should be classes as metro, and I’d certainly agree,” he said.

“I think it needs a change regardless of Covid. Covid has brought it all to a head but I think beyond Covid I think they would like to see their areas classed as regional.

“We would support a review into the status of these small towns.”

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

For the latest information, please go to

www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au If you have concerns call the Coronavirus hotline

1800 675 398 (24 hours)

LABOR MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

STATE MEMBER FOR MONBULK

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

1635 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Vic 3160 P: 9754 5401 E: james.merlino@parliament.vic.gov.au mailcommunity.com.au

DELIVERING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES AS WE GROW. Harriet Shing MP

James Merlino MP Authorised by J Merlino, 1635 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

Gary Blackwood MP has backed the campaign to have parts of Cardinia Shire deemed regional.

12477005-JW03-21

By Shelby Brooks

12472457-SN49-20

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

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A What is something people don’t know about you?

I am a fully qualified tradesperson.

What was your most memorable moment?

Why? The day I received my qualifications as a Cabinet maker. I’ve never in my life had to work so hard for something that others took for granted. Being in a very male dominated industry and always being the only female in the factory or on site, I had to prove myself every single day that I had just as much right to be there than the next person. It was a huge accomplishment and one I will treasure forever.

What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

The community, for sure! That and the trees.

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

I would love to witness the Sakura festival in Japan.

Which six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Right now the only answer I can give is my family. My mum and dad, brother and two sisters, and of course Teddy the cat.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

For my 30th birthday I went to the Mofo festival in Tassie. I lined up to order a hot drink, and never having tried a chai before, I cleared my throat and asked for what I thought was a type of chai latte written out on the board, it went something like…. “Can I please have a Chai Tumeric hot chocotate tea coffee latte?” Still makes me cringe, especially given that I am now a barista!

What are your hobbies?

I love to paint, I’m no artist but I will give any medium a go. And I love writing, mainly science fiction or speculative fiction but

with owner of Upwey’s Enchanted Pines, Cat Sloman

Cat Sloman, owner of Enchanted Pines Upwey. again I like to give any genre a go.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Art, for sure because my sister and I were in the same class. We spent more time chomping on chunky Kit Kats then we did with a brush

in our hands and laughed ourselves silly.

We both received A+ but after the board reassessed our work for the year we were downgraded to C-. Looking back now it was a fair call but worth it!

THREE … acts of kindness

1

Check in with a neighbour Do you have a neighbour who could do with a little extra help to mow their lawns? Or maybe you have excess citrus fruit in your yard you could leave in go-bags for people in your street.

2

Pick up litter

3

Pay it forward

Within your 5km radius, litter could surely be found where it doesn’t belong. Perhaps a walk to pick up rubbish in your neck of the woods could be a nice thing to do for the environment and your town.

Why not surprise a stranger with a free coffee by giving an extra $5 to your local cafe next time you frequent it. Just let the barista know you want the next person who comes in to have their coffee shouted.

12508398-HC34-21

4 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Tree tales

Eliza Henry-Jones with her young adult novels. 247814

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Pages come to life

By Renee Wood There sure is a talent to making the written word hum, dissolving away the real world to find your imagination drifting into another life or place.

But alongside the escape, reading can also offer the chance to embrace how other people live, or understand your own path by seeing yourself in a character – and that’s just what Eliza Henry-Jones’ books offer.

Eliza started writing when she was 14 and wrote throughout her teen years as a way to explore her own life and find empowerment.

“It was a really safe way to explore issues I was dealing with, I could put a character in a situation that has similarities to mine, but was also different enough to feel safe,” Eliza said.

“I think I missed about a third of school because I had a lot of anxiety and felt happier at home writing.”

Eliza wrote a novel a year during her teen years and signed her first book deal at 24, with Harpers Collins Australia for three novels.

Personal experiences, employment and studies all helped shape the tone of her writing.

“I was studying psychology, and I was working in the drug and alcohol sector with families with parental substance abuse,” she said.

“So I was doing a lot of therapy work with children and work with parents around attachment and harm minimisation.

“I think it really opened my perspective on things and it gave me a lot of insight into how people tick, and why people are the way they are. And I think it gave me a lot of compassion.”

Compassion, overcoming family issues and finding inner strength are all common themes in Eliza’s latest young adult novels, P is for Pearl and How to grow a family tree.

“I wrote P is for Pearl because I was grappling with what it means and trying to understand having a parent with mental illness,” she said.

Eliza’s latest release How to grow a family tree is a fictional story following a 17 year old’s journey dealing with her father’s gambling addiction, while trying to navigate her birth mother reaching out through a letter.

“How to grow a family tree is actually inspired by my own family and my grandmother actually having my father as a teenager and being forced to put him up for adoption.”

Eliza hopes her books will allow readers to find themselves or provide the opportunity to look at the world through a new lens.

“I’d love people to read it and feel like some part of what I’ve written, speaks to their own experiences or articulate something that they’ve had trouble articulating, thus far for themselves,” she said.

“Or I hope that people that haven’t had those experiences read it and maybe they think about something a little bit differently.”

The full time novelist lives in Silvan and is currently spending her days between the writing desk and small flower farm, as she works on a new plot.

“After publishing my two latest YA novels, I’m currently working on my next novel for adults – it’s a bit witchy and eerie and set in Scotland and I’m pretty excited about it.“ Eliza’s best tips for aspiring writers is to not feel pressured to write every day and to find a way that works best for you.

“Working out whether you are a plotter, and that you’re going to enjoy it the most satisfaction out of having to cast the plans and the plot outlines and the character profiles.

“Or whether you’re the sort of person who, like me, you know, writes a lot more chaotically. And you don’t really where the stories going or what the characters are going to do next.”

And for those stuck in a reading block, looking for a little reading inspiration, Eliza said life’s too short to read a bad book.

“If a book’s just not capturing me and doesn’t seem like it’s not challenging my thoughts, or it doesn’t feel living to me, then I’ll put it aside.”

With this Book Week offering the perfect opportunity to dive in to a fresh paperback to escape the lockdown lows.

“I think that reading is probably one of the most valuable things we can do as human beings.”

From page 1 “Everybody has been able to tell their story of the night and their experience and why they want to be a part of this, which is very much part of the healing process for people to tell their story and share it with others who also went through similar things. It’s nice to be able to share with people who were there, because many people off the mountain still don’t understand what it was like,” Ms Hall said.

While Covid-19 restrictions quickly put an end to face-to-face meetings, the group has continued on, having conducted meetings with architects and council virtually.

Ms Hall said Yarra Ranges Council “loved” the idea and are really interested in the proposal of the walk for Kalorama Park.

The group have submitted a proposal to council and are expecting to be assigned a case manager in the near future to assist with anything else they may need to provide council with regarding the project.

One of the group members is in charge of researching incorporation so the group can begin raising money towards the end goal.

The walk isn’t expected to be complete for a few years to allow timber the chance to dry out.

“It takes around two years for it to dry out. The hardest thing now is working out exactly what we want to do so we can cut it into pieces that can be used for what we want in two years time because with logs you mill it into what you want and then dry it in that form.

The group are also in discussions with council about creating a memorial using a fallen tree.

“At the moment we have two sites we are going to propose, the first being in Kalorama Park where a gum tree has fallen over. It’s in a nice position as you drive down the hill and turn left. We are thinking of creating that as a memorial to the storm and a place of reflection for people to sit and read the story and understand what happened here on the night,” Ms Hall said.

“The second place is Green Trees Reserve where there is a big tree down with a huge root ball. Because it’s a reserve that doesn’t get used much it lends itself to being developed into something,” she said.

Ms Hall said that by the time all of these visions come to fruition people who have been displaced will be back living in their homes.

“We will have all these beautiful stories of mother nature dropping the trees but not hurting the humans and those resilient stories of the rebuild for many.

The projects will be about those stories of rebuilding after the storm and hopefully about how we have reused these logs in our rebuilds, decks, furniture and in the park,” Ms Hall said.

Proposed Open Air Fires Local Law 20 12509495-JW35-21

Cardinia Shire Council’s Draft Local Law 20 – Open Air Fires is now on public exhibition.

The local law will be on public exhibition until Friday 17 September and details the proposed local regulations for open air fires - commonly known as ‘burning off’ – outside of the fire danger period.

To view the proposed Local Law 20 – Open Air Fires, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Phone: 1300 787 624 Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 5

NEWS

Sole traders ‘forgotten’

By Taylah Eastwell Sole traders across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges feel they are at breaking point, with the state government’s most recent round of grants still not providing any practical financial assistance to businesses not earning enough to be GST registered.

The new wave of business grants were announced in response to the current lockdown which came into effect on August 5, leaving many sole traders hopeful for reprieve.

The $400 million package, funded jointly by the state and federal government, provided businesses who had already received a grant under the Business Costs Assistance Program with further payments of $2,800.

In a media release provided to Star News, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenburg and Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas announced the payments as ‘automatic payments to almost 100,000 eligible businesses, including sole traders’.

Sole traders were said to be covered under the Small Business Covid Hardship Fund which offered grants of up to $10,000 to businesses that weren’t eligible for other grant pro-

grams and had experienced a 70% reduction in turnover.

Millgrove resident and sole trader, Jen Holmes said that upon closer look, sole traders were again only eligible if registered for GST. Ms Holmes expressed her frustration in a TikTok video that she posted to Facebook, and was overwhelmed by the comments and messages she received from struggling sole traders.

“It was marketed as if it was going to help everyone who missed the previous grants, a lot of people were relieved they would finally be getting some help,” Ms Holmes said.

“Then when they went to apply the clause is that you must be GST registered. A lot of the businesses had deregistered themselves because they simply haven’t earnt enough with the last year of Covid. Once I put the feelers out it was bad. It’s devastating. They didn’t qualify again because they weren’t registered or had de-registered due to it not being financially worthwhile,” she said.

“I’m not political, but to me, that is just making people become GST registered while giving them no guarantee of any earnings,” she added.

As a house keeper, Ms Holmes said the last

18-months without support have been extremely tough.

“When money is tight everything turns to sh** at the house. I’m a sole provider like a lot of people doing the best they can. There are a lot of businesses and people that have been around for a really long time hanging on by a thread and it’s just really really sad,” she said.

“So many people just don’t know what’s going on. Lots of people still have their incomes so they don’t have a clue. This announcement was put out there to say that they are helping everyone, but it was a lie. It was very sneakily done,” she said.

Ms Holmes has had people contact her fully believing she was getting help from the government without realising the hurdles small businesses need to jump through.

“I had a woman at the bank ask me why I can’t work from home. I’m a house keeper, unfortunately I can’t keep my own house and invoice someone else for it. They’ve just got no idea,” she said.

Instead, sole traders have been left limited options, including contacting a concierge service or Partners in Wellbeing Helpline for financial and business counselling.

They can also apply for $750 Covid-19 hardship payments through Centrelink, a move Ms Holmes described as “like dangling five cents to a kid to go and buy a lolly”.

“The money doesn’t even touch the sides with the debts people have got. They are grateful, the sole traders are the ones who have been forgotten and they haven’t said a word this whole time,” she said.

“I know someone who tried to get help for four and a half weeks and then had a breakdown. This curfew has knocked everyone, so many people in the Valley are about to lose everything, and there’s not even a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

“They stand there and say they understand the struggles of small business but they don’t.

They don’t understand what they are doing to kids and to people. They say there are plenty of other jobs but there aren’t,” she said.

“They’ve got to look after the little people keeping the community going. If everyone gets on the unemployment, there goes the building trade, there goes every trade and everything you can imagine, and there’s not even a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel,” Ms Holmes said.

Art-tastic murals brighten up the streets of Upwey

By Mikayla Van Loon Art has brought Upwey to life and stage two of the town’s mural project is currently being completed, adding to the already great display of local artworks.

After a community meeting in 2018, artist Jacob Arnold was commissioned by the Upwey Township Group to help design and paint a number of murals that would freshen up blank walls and the Main Street bridge.

Community member of the Upwey Township Group’s art working group Linda Fullagar said the murals followed the same theme of birds, insects and perhaps even a wombat.

“They were such a hit with the community and it just puts such a smile on your face because there were so many nice comments and you go past and you see little kids pointing at them and it just warms you up, the reaction these murals have created,” she said.

The new murals will be located on the railway bridge at the Tecoma entrance of the town.

Ms Fullagar said these murals really were a passion project for the town, having received many suggestions for more art displays from the local community.

“We try to empower people who have ideas and make them happen because often people in the community have an idea and they don’t know how to go about making it happen so that’s what our community group is all about, empowering people to make these ideas happen.”

Another project that has just been com-

Ĉă

ƁüĽħŵĤ

Ʊ

Upwey train station subway has had a revamp with local photographs and artworks installed on the walls. 247109

The Upwey billy cart race has been highlighted in the subway. 247109

pleted by the township group is the installation of photographs in the train station subway.

Bringing together an historical pho-

tograph, a community event photograph and student artworks from the three local schools, as well as a ‘welcome’ sign of a powerful owl, the subway has been refreshed.

¹ĤĈůĈ żō Ŭħýĺ ƁŬ á @ ,, ŬůħŅżĈă ýōŬƱ ōĝ ƱōƁůǧǧǧ

12455682-JW31-20

ƁĈŵăá

Jacob Arnold has been commissioned to paint more murals which will be located on the Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS opposite side of his stage one artworks. 247109

Ms Fullagar said the idea stemmed from a previous project called Bollart, which saw students from Upwey Primary School, Upwey South and Upwey High School design vinyl bollard covers.

“We had a few left over because there were only so many bollards and we thought ‘they were too good, where should we put them’ and we thought of the subway. It was great to have them brightening up the subway, and they did look good,” Ms Fullagar said.

“So we thought ‘let’s add to them’, so we have ordered a historical picture of Upwey Main Street from the early 1900s, the billy cart race and then we’ve got the two beautiful Upwey High School Bollart artworks and we’ve also got a powerful owl from Glenfern Valley Bushland.

“So it was a twofold thing because we had these extra lovely artworks and always in the back of our mind we thought wouldn’t it be great to brighten up the subway.”

The next task for Upwey Township Group is to clean the subway properly and they already have a few ideas of what to do with the remaining panels that line the subway’s walls.

But already the subway is feeling more safe, clean and bright. “It’s amazing how things like that can make you feel safe. Just making places look a bit more loved makes you feel safe,” Ms Fullagar said.

“I always think of people going to work and they walk through such drab tunnels, perhaps this might put some happiness into the start of their day.”

6 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Anger over height change

By Taylah Eastwell A Ferntree Gully resident is furious that the state government increased building height limits in the foothills late last year to the surprise of locals.

In December last year, a two-storey limit was introduced simultaneously with an increased building height limit of nine metres in foothill suburbs including Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully.

According to Knox Council’s website, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne introduced Amendment GC172 to correct height inconsistencies that occured when the previous Amendment VC110 was implemented in 2017.

Upper Ferntree Gully came under Neighbourhood Residential Zone Schedule 1 (NRZ1), which was amended to modify the maximum building height from 8m to 9m in suburbs of Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Lysterfield, The Basin and Upper Gully.

According to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP) the move was intended to ensure the neighbourhood and landscape values of the Dandenong foothills are respected while allowing buildings with pitched roofs to be built.

Maximum building heights in residential zones across Melbourne have allegedly been aligned to make planning simpler and more consistent.

Knox City Council resident Chris Day said the first he heard of the amendments was from Member for Eastern Victoria Edward

O’Donohue who placed letters in the letterboxes of Upper Ferntree Gully residents.

Mr O’Donohue’s letter said the Dandenong Ranges foothills are of the utmost significance to Upper Ferntree Gully residents and to the greater Knox community.

“Not only do they provide a beautiful backdrop and wonderful amenity to Upper Ferntree Gully and Knox, they are also of immense ecological significance, providing a habitat for important native species of flora and fauna,” the letter reads.

“Recently, without any consultation, the State Government introduced new building height limits. These planning changes will allow applications for increased building heights in the foothills, including Upper Ferntree Gully, undermining the importance of the transitional buffer between metropolitan Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges,” it adds.

Mr O’Donohue’s letter goes on to state that for many years the Knox community had achieved important planning protections to “preserve the character and ecology of the foothills area, thereby mitigating the risks of overdevelopment”.

“These planning controls and protections relating to the Dandenong Ranges foothills and Upper Ferntree Gully in particular, were hard fought and won following enormous local community consultation and following proper process, including the convening of a planning panel. These protections recognised the unique character of your community and its location at the base of the Dandenongs. The

newly introduced building height change by the State Government is totally unacceptable,” it states.

Mr O’Donohue and Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling are calling on the state government to urgently reinstate the previous maximum building heights applicable to the Dandenong Ranges foothills and to properly consult the local community before making any further changes.

Mr Day has lived in Upper Ferntree Gully for 13 years, and before that spent 38 years in Belgrave South, and is deeply saddened by the thought of high-rise buildings impacting the feel of foothills living.

“The bottom line is it’s terrible. Knox Council have for many years stated that important areas need to be protected. There has been a lot of development in the Knox area already,” Mr Day said.

“One of the things people like to do is drive in the Dandenongs. Do they really want to see high rise apartment blocks all the way along.

If you go down to Knox City you can see all the high rises, soon enough Knox will look like Box Hill, Mitcham or Ringwood. Certainly the people living here don’t want to see that happen here because one of the advantages of living up here is that it’s a bit different to Knox,” he said.

Mr Day holds fears about the capacity of Upper Ferntree Gully to house high-numbers of people in high-rise apartments.

“The only carparks are Upper Ferntree Gul-

ly pub and the shopping centre car park. There just isn’t the space, really there isn’t even the space for the hospital, all the cars take over the primary school and the sports grounds because there’s just no where to park,” Mr Day said.

“There’s no room for new infrastructure,” he added.

Mr Day said the news affects Upper Gully more so than Ferntree Gully given the latter is already being developed.

“It’s like living in the Dandenongs without being up on the mountains. We are on the electoral roll and are ratepayers so it came as a bit of a shock to only hear about this when the Libs sent it out,” Mr Day said.

The Star Mail understands overlays introduced by Knox City Council still apply to protect landscape significance and views towards the Dandenong Ranges. These overlays intend to protect the foothills from inappropriate development.

Further information on the changes can be found at: https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/ changes-knox-residential-zones-amendment-gc172 and https://www.planning. vic.gov.au/schemes-and-amendments/ browse-amendments?query=GC172&search_ mode=id.

General information on the updated residential zones can be found at the link below. https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policyand-strategy/reformed-zones-for-victoria/ reformed-residential-zones.

Humble Roger recognised for his commitment to RSL

By Mikayla van Loon It was a special Vietnam Veterans Day for one former RSL president and veteran, Roger Boness.

The Mount Evelyn RSL community announced they would be honouring Mr Boness with a plaque for his dedication and service to the RSL and the local community, especially as president from 2011 to 2021. Mr Boness was instrumental in obtaining the Vietnam era M2A2 Howitzer cannon which is now placed in the memorial gardens and will soon be called the ‘Boness Gun’.

“When they announced it, I was completely taken off guard and it is the sort of recognition that you don’t get everyday, it only comes around once in a lifetime,” Mr Boness said.

“And so I said to them, ‘I don’t know what to say’ and I suppose because of that, it says it all, I can’t find the appropriate words but when I started thinking about it, I’m really honoured and humbled at the same time to receive that sort of recognition.”

As a forward observer in the Vietnam War, Mr Boness was well acquainted with the different types of artillery and guns used to fight the battles, this Howitzer cannon being one of them.

“So my job was to ring the guns up and tell them where to shoot them. So I have an affinity with the gun. I served with 106 Field Battery and we had six guns in the battery and I always had those when I was out in the infantry in the jungle,” he said.

“It was my job to bring in supporting artillery when they got into a contact. So it was a real surprise yesterday [Wednesday 18 August] when they’d named the gun after myself.”

It took six years for the gun to be acquired from the American government, decommissioned, welded and put into place in Mount Evelyn.

Current Mount Evelyn RSL president Matthew Crymble said Mr Boness played such a significant part in making the war memorial and gardens what they are today.

“We are very proud of our memorial garden. With the support of our RSL, Roger and the committee were instrumental in making the memorial garden what it is today. It is very much a centerpiece of our Mount Evelyn community,” he said.

Mr Crymble said this plaque represents mailcommunity.com.au

The ‘Boness Gun’ plaque will be placed on a stand next to the howitzer, with plans to officially unveil it on Remembrance Day.

Roger Boness and John ‘Fingers’ Sumner with the plaque on Vietnam Veterans Day. Pictures: SUPPLIED the dedication Mr Boness showed in building the Mount Evelyn RSL, from increasing memberships to establishing relationships with other community groups.

But on a personal level, Mr Crymble said it was a symbol of Mr Boness’ continuing support, commitment and advice not only to the RSL members but to himself as well during his transition to president.

“He is very loyal to his friends and a hard working community minded leader. I am

lucky to say Roger is a mate of mine.”

Mr Boness was disappointed that commemorations could not go ahead as normal for the second year in a row.

“It is very important to us, it did change our lives. All conflicts change your lives. It is a very important day to us, Vietnam Veterans Day,” he said.

“When we came back from Vietnam, Vietnam was a public war. It was on the TV every

Wreaths were laid at the Mount Evelyn Cenotaph to honour those who served in the Vietnam War. night, there were moratoriums in the streets of Melbourne, people complaining about our presence in the war and when we came back from Vietnam, we weren’t welcomed by the public apart from our own private families and even the RSL turned their back on us.

“So what we did was, we started the Vietnam Veterans Association and in that regard, we had to find a day to commemorate those veterans that had served and some of them didn’t come home.”

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 7

OPINION

Cave Hill Tramway David Mitchell’s Cave Hill lime works in Lilydale commenced operation in 1878. The lime kilns required huge quantities of firewood, and 100 acres of timber were cleared from the estate each year to fire them. The wood was hauled by a steam engine on narrow-gauge tram tracks, which in time reached to all parts of the estate.

Mitchell’s land included the north-west corner of Mount Evelyn, and it is likely that the early narrow-gauge tracks extended into this area. The late Ralph Alger (whose article ‘Reminiscences of the Cave Hill Tramway’ is the main source of information on the tramway) thought this branch ran close to the David Road/ Fuller Road alignment, and was largely obliterated when the roads were made.

Alternatively it could have gone via a cutting that ran up the length of the creek gully. Isolated sections of formation remain on private land, but not enough to reconstruct the route with certainty.

Mitchell bought two locomotives from the

Looking

back Karen Phillips

Mount Evelyn History Group editor Bendigo Tramways in 1903. By 1907 the timber on his estate had been exhausted, and he applied for a permit to build a tramway beside Olinda Creek to collect wood cleared by settlers. The new tracks, which were standardgauge (4’8½”), extended along the west side of Olinda Creek.

About halfway along there was a huge stack of firewood, and a siding where empty trucks were left and full ones collected. Parallel to the level part of York Road, the line ran through en-

closed paddocks, with the tram tracks fenced off and gates at each end. An additional person was required on the engine, to open and shut the gates.

The line then branched in three directions, which can still be identified. One branch continued straight ahead into what is now the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve; this route is now Tramway Road. The middle line extended up the west side of Olinda Creek to approximately level with Hunter Road.

The right branch ran up a creek gully for a short distance, following a snig track that once led to a sawmill. This branch appears on Google Maps as ‘Tramway Track’. A loading platform, much overgrown, can be seen beside it.

The tramway ceased operation 1934. Most of the formation, including a trestle bridge, was destroyed by the construction of the Board of Works pipelines from Silvan in the 1960s and 1970s.

A probe into the mysterious Pine Gap PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN It’s purely coincidental that this reviewer was reading Peace Crimes: Pine Gap, National Security and Dissent by Alice Springs-based journalist Kieran Finnane (2020) when a documentary about the book’s subjects – known as Peace Pilgrims – was shown via the ABC program Compass.

The Pilgrims are six non-violent activists who stepped through a fence at Pine Gap, the closely guarded military facility in Australia’s Northern Territory, on September 29, 2016.

They were there to lament the dead of war – especially those dying by drone strikes in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen.

Finnane describes the Pilgrims reaching the base’s outer boundary and starting their lament.

“Lamenting is not a solution in the physical world... but to people who are alive it says ’what happens here is wrong’, and to the people who have died as a result, ’you are released’.”

In the documentary, the musical lament is a soft, sombre melody commenced by a guitar and then joined by the deep, almost pensive sound of a viola. As the Pilgrims stood there – witnessing Pine Gap’s massive radomes and knowing its hidden antennas were busy intercepting and sending intelligence data to those on the other side of the world whose job is to

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

12442924-LB10-20

Reach out to Afghan veterans

The Star Mail is published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty Ltd ABN 98 238 557 339. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For terms and conditions please visit www.mailcommunity.com.au Print Post Number PP33445700014.

8 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

kill by pushing buttons – one of them held up a poster. In Finnane’s words: “It shows a turbaned Iraqi man holding a little girl, possibly his daughter or granddaughter.

Her face is blood-spattered, eyes closed.

She is wearing a long fluffy mauve cardigan, bedraggled now, over green track pants. What is left of her legs and feet hangs in a mangled mess. The turbaned man seems to have picked her up from a pile of dead bodies. The photograph was taken in 2003 following a US strike in Basra at the start of the war.”

As the Pilgrims and we all know: WAR IS REAL. Images of a three-year-old refugee found dead on a beach in Turkey and footages of innocent people desperately clinging onto evacuating military helicopters and transport planes then in Saigon and now in Kabul are “gut-wrenching”, as described by world leaders. Yet buttons keep being pushed.

In Peace Crimes, Kinnane details how the creation of Pine Gap in 1966 was supposedly for “space research” when it’s in fact a secretive US satellite surveillance base. Since the end of the Cold War in 1991 and the rise of the War on Terror in 2001, the facility’s functions have changed, from intercepting and recording weapons and communication signals, to collecting geolocation data for intelligence purposes and high-tech military operations, including drone and missile strikes.

Kinnane’s voice is firm and clear, urging us to reflect on Australia’s responsibilities as a global citizen. When non-violent activism is deemed a menace to national security and threatened with seven years of gaol time, just to protect a top-secret military facility whose surveillance contributes to the merciless killing of innocent people in those nations we’re NOT at war with, what are we going to do about it?

Peninsula Starring Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan Rated MA15+ An action-focused spin-off of the 2016 South Korean zombie thriller Train to Busan, Peninsula is an exciting, wellstructured film, but not quite as good as its predecessor.

Former Marine Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won) joins a small team to retrieve a truck full of money from infested Seoul, four years after a devastating zombie outbreak.

Peninsula’s premise is notably similar to Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, but Peninsula has much better characters and more robust suspense.

Haunted by loss and inaction during the initial outbreak, Jung-seok has an engaging journey of redemption, and Lee Jung-hyun is a compelling action lead as Min-jung, a mother determined to get her children out of fallen Seoul.

Every major character has an active role in the plot, unlike the several redundant characters in Army of the Dead.

Jung-seok, Min-jung and conniving Unit 631 militia leader Captain Seo (Koo Kyo-hwan) converge and clash over the focal point of the money truck, and Unit 631 is a cruel, intelligent threat beyond the mindless zombie hordes.

However, the film has a camp streak that may put off some viewers.

The action sequences are tense and generally well-executed, but the climax features an out-of-place Mad Max-style car chase. Despite many cool moments, the chase feels silly due to its over-thetop stunts and floaty CGI. Peninsula is a fun, suspenseful character-driven zombie action film that loses its way slightly by the end, and is available on DVD and iTunes.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

LETTERS

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

General Enquiries Tel: 5957 3700 Email: enquiries@mailcommunity.com.au Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910 Advertising Group Advertising Manager – Tracey Aitken Email: advertising@mailcommunity.com.au Editorial Editor – Garry Howe Email: editor@mailcommunity.com.au Classifieds Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Deadlines: Display Advertising: 4PM Wednesday Trades: 4PM Thursday Classifieds: 4PM Friday Sports Results: 9AM Monday Managing Director: Paul Thomas

Star Mail book reviewer Christine Yunn-Yu Sun. 228125

Take the next train to Busan

With the Taliban having taken control of former Australian bases in Afghanistan in recent weeks and now Kabul, I encourage you to reach out to any Afghan veteran you may know.

Many of them are struggling at seeing the country they put their life on the line for, so quickly capitulate to the Taliban.

I ask this as I recall my feelings when, 5 years after serving in Vietnam with 7 RAR, I witnessed the nightly TV News of the mercy chopper flights hovering above the top of buildings when Saigon fell.

For our Afghan vets it’s worse due to social media, where recently I witnessed a video of at least a dozen dead men laying on the road.

They had been killed by the Taliban after they accepted an offer to surrender.

Our Afghan vets are currently experiencing a wide range of emotions particularly as those who have helped them in the past have been

left stranded, now being hunted down and slaughtered by the Taliban.

The slower than a snail pace response by our government to evacuate Afghan interpreters and their families, the former so vital to the security of our ADF personnel, has exacerbated the trauma many veterans feel.

Many Vietnam veterans are also doing it hard as it brings back memories of the fall of Saigon. I recall a feeling of helplessness, despair and thinking it was all for nothing. Like many younger veterans today, I was already having issues with DVA and had to go to appeal to have medical conditions accepted, medical issues that first manifested in Vietnam.

I was struggling with these health issues that resulted in many more instances of sick leave compared to my peers. I suspect my health issues then were relatively minor compared to many of our Afghan vets.

When South Vietnam fell to the Communists there weren’t large mass killings, instead there

were re-education camps. It is even worse for our Afghan vets as the locals who for years supported them on the ground are murdered having been abandoned by our government.

The imminent takeover of Afghanistan will be more brutal than that which occurred in Vietnam, particularly for women.

Please reach out to any Afghan vet you know. Thank them and tell them it wasn’t all for nothing. You put girls in schools and built hospitals that resulted in improved health care and much more. Above all you gave the Afghan people 20 years of a level of freedom that wouldn’t have been previously been allowed.

We now need an emergency intake of Afghan refugees, ones that have helped our troops and others at significant risk. Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke have shown us how it wasdone. The question is will Scott Morison now fly or fail?

Only time will tell.

Alan Ashmore, Selby mailcommunity.com.au

COVID-19 update

A message from the Mayor -----“Entering COVID-19 restrictions again was not the news we wanted to receive.

“It’s a difficult time for many in our community – our residents, our businesses and our community groups and organisations.

“As we face the ongoing challenges and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, please remember that there is support available. You can read more below or head to our website for information and resources.

Community support COVID-19 online help hub Find information including local support services for food, mental health, financial counselling and housing. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

COVID-19 update

Council services Stay up-to-date with changes to Council services: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/servicechanges

“We’re still here for you. It’s more important than ever that we continue to work together and follow the latest advice from health authorities.

“Thank you to everyone who is doing the right thing and following the guidelines that are in place.

“I’m proud of the strength and resilience of the Cardinia Shire community and the way in which we support and look out for

COVID-19 testing sites Two COVID-19 testing sites are operating in Cardinia Shire: Pakenham IYU and Emerald. More info, including opening hours and wait times: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au Vaccination clinic EACH Health Service is running a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic at James Bathe Community and Sports Hub, 67 Caversham Drive, Pakenham. www.each.com.au/covid-19-vaccination-clinics

COVID-19 update For the latest Victorian Government COVID-19 information including current restrictions, exposure sites, testing and vaccine sites: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

one another.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other and support local businesses whenever you can.”

Cr Brett Owen Mayor, Cardinia Shire Council

Business support Cardinia Business Whether you need help with business support, COVIDSafe plans, grants information, or fasttracking planning permits, our Cardinia Business Concierge is here to help. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniabusiness Buy Local Map Find local businesses or add your business. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/buylocal

Shire update Meet our new councillor Cr Kaye Cameron is the newly elected councillor for Westernport Ward, filling the vacancy left by much respected former councillor Ray Brown.

You can read more about our new councillor online: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/mayorandcouncillors

Draft Open Air Fires Local Law The proposed Open Air Fires Local Law will be on public exhibition until Friday 17 September. This new law will provide the community with more opportunities to reduce bushfire risk through burning off while ensuring public safety and amenity remains a key priority. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay Playground projects We’re renewing a number of playgrounds and reserves across the shire and we want to hear from you.

New playgrounds: Ray Canobie Reserve (Pakenham) and Walnut Way Reserve (Pakenham).

Playground renewals: Dutton Place Reserve (Pakenham), Bayles Flora and Fauna Park (Bayles), and Barker Road Reserve (Garfield).

Draft Disability Action Plan Our draft Disability Action Plan 2021–26 is on public exhibition until 21 September.

The draft plan has been developed following consultation with the community, disability sector service providers, advocates and organisations.

It sets out what Council will do to make our workplace, services, programs and community more accessible to people with disability.

The plan is available in an easy read version.

If you require a hard copy, or support to provide feedback, please contact our Customer Service team on 1300 787 624. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Round 1 feedback closes Sunday 5 September. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

The information on this page was correct at the time of print, but for the most up-to-date information:

Cardinia Shire Council Phone: 1300 787 624

Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Translated resources: Cardinia Shire Council: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/translate Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450 (ask for 1300 787 624) 12508966-NG35-21

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 9

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 043

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

8

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

6 2 4

5 8 3 9 7

1 5 6 9

6

9 7

5 4 3

ACROSS

24 26 28 29 30 31

No. 043

DOWN

Entry (6) Grow rapidly (8) Collision of vehicles (5) Able (9) Leaves (5) Oslo resident (9) Flank (4) Tractable (6) Commercials (3) Video recorder (abb) (3) Expenditure (6) Small bit of land surrounded by sea (4) Alaska’s largest city (9) Weak (5) By law (9) Humble (5) Outfits for actors (8) Counsel (6)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 21

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 18 19 22 23 25 27

5 medium

1

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tolerates (7) Seat (5) Division (6) Labeller (5) Any place (8) Citizens of the US (9) Women with South American heritage (7) Associate (7) One of the two major US political parties (9) Visuals (7) Hawaiian capital (8) Definitive (7) Very (7) Craven (6) Sundried brick (5) Baghdad citizen (5)

DECODER

No. 043

1 8 5

7 6

2

3 7

1

5 3 7

9

3 9 2 8

5

1 hard

7

5 9

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

7

1

6 8

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

U D F Z B H OMA L E G C U D 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

2 1

14

QV R J S P T YWKN I X 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD

easy

medium

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”.

C

U

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good

8 1 3 2 9 6 5 7 4

1 7 2 9 6 8 5 3 4

8 5 4 3 7 1 2 9 6

23 words: Excellent

6 3 9 5 2 4 1 8 7

3 6 5 8 9 7 4 1 2

9 2 1 4 5 3 7 6 8

7 4 8 6 1 2 9 5 3

2 9 7 1 3 6 8 4 5

4 1 6 2 8 5 3 7 9

5 8 3 7 4 9 6 2 1

9 7 5 3 1 4 8 2 6

2 4 6 8 7 5 9 3 1

3 9 2 1 5 8 6 4 7

4 5 1 9 6 7 3 8 2

6 8 7 4 2 3 1 5 9

5 3 9 7 4 1 2 6 8

1 6 4 5 8 2 7 9 3

7 2 8 6 3 9 4 1 5

hard

D

V

C I

6 5 3 8 4 9 7 2 1

1 8 2 7 3 6 4 9 5

9 7 4 1 2 5 6 8 3

2 3 6 4 1 8 9 5 7

7 1 5 9 6 2 8 3 4

4 9 8 3 5 7 1 6 2

5 6 9 2 7 1 3 4 8

8 4 7 5 9 3 2 1 6

3 2 1 6 8 4 5 7 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

N

O

E

3 LETTERS ACE ARM AWE BRA EAR EGO GAL HOE ICE ILL IRE LAD LAX MAR MES MOP ONE PEA PEG RAG RED RUM SEW TAP TEA UGH 4 LETTERS ACED CLOD EARL GONG HOST KEEN KNEW MINE ODDS PAST PEST RAPT SLOT STEW TEEN

THEE TREE WANT 5 LETTERS ACRES ADEPT AGREE ALPHA ALTER APPAL APPLE ASHED ASKEW CAROL CLUED DATED DIETS DRAIN DREAM EATEN

No. 043

ENDOW ENEMA EXULT GENRE GNOME HYMNS LANCE LEACH LEAST LOCAL MEMOS NIECE OASES OASIS OBESE OPERA PLIES ROGUE SEDAN SEEMS SELLS

SIEGE SIGMA SPILL SPIRE STEAL THUGS WHEEL 6 LETTERS SLEWED TRENDS 7 LETTERS ADMIRAL AWESOME

PRUDENT REWRITE SCRAWLS SELLERS 8 LETTERS AWAKENED GUERILLA HOLINESS STRONGLY 10 LETTERS TRANSIENTS WATERSHEDS

code, coin, coined, conduce, CONDUCIVE, cone, coned, conic, cove, coven, dice, dunce, iced, icon, induce, nice, novice, once, ounce, unvoiced, vice, voice, voiced

8 2

3

WORDFIT

27-08-21

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 10 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

LOVELY HOME, BLOCK AND LIFESTYLE READING like a list of features from a lifestyle magazine, this premier residence is the best home on Best Street. Stylishly updated and ready for new owners to enjoy, this property promises to capture imaginations with how much is on offer.

The interior is an array of instantly appealing features fixed within a familyfriendly floorplan. With a lovely lounge awash with natural light residing at the front and an open concept living area at the rear, this is a home you will be happy to grow into.

The family room, dining area, and crisp white modern kitchen with stone benchtops, gas cooktop, and sunny skylight boasts a cosy Nectre wood fire and bi-fold doors that lead out to the enviable covered deck.

Designed for functionality and determined to impress with quality and style, this will be a wonderful place to call home.

With 4 spacious bedrooms with organic wool carpet, including an ensuite main bedroom, plus a show-stopping family bathroom with soaker tub, ample storage, gas ducted heating, and split system heating/cooling units for a surplus of comfort, this property pulls out all the stops to fulfill every wish.

From this sought-after pocket near Belgrave Pool, Belgrave Recreational Reserve, bus and train transport, and Belgrave’s thriving main street a beautifully

balanced way of life awaits. The highlight of a highly coveted level block with double carport and sizeable shed ensures this you will get the most out of this magnificent property.

Promising to inspire, this property requires prompt inspection. Plan your viewing today.

Featuring: Sought-after location near Belgrave Pool,

·

· · · ·

Belgrave Recreational Reserve, bus transport, and Belgrave Station Level block with double carport and sizeable shed Beautiful family home with dual living areas and a magnificent modern kitchen Sizeable bedrooms with organic wool carpet, including main with ensuite Luxuriously renovated family bathroom with soaker tub ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Best Street, BELGRAVE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $880,000 - $960,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly, 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 11

2 Avon Road Avonsleigh

$950,000 -$1,045,000

54 Avon Road Avonsleigh

$950,000 - $1,040,000

An Acre on Avon!

Ticks All The Boxes!

Set on a flat acre of beautifully maintained gardens is this outstanding dual accommodation property with 2 bedrooms in each home. The main home features dado paneling, timber floors, wood heater, double oven, gas ducted heating, split system air conditioning, walk in robe & spacious bathroom. The wrap around verandah separates the 2nd home which has robed bedrooms, main bathroom with spa bath, spacious lounge, dining & kitchenette with split system air conditioning & wood heating for that important country ambiance. Outside, the property is securely fenced with electric gates, a single & double carport, double garage, wood shed, machinery shed, & huge barn with vehicle hoist.

There is an outdoor dining area, citrus and fruit trees, raised vegetable gardens and 7 majestic oak trees that absolutely come alive in spring.

This immaculate brick veneer home on a sunny acre in sought after Avonsleigh features a gorgeous outdoor entertaining deck, spacious kitchen with white cabinetry & stainless steel appliances, plenty of bench space with a breakfast bar, & an adjoining meals area with large windows overlooking the deck & established gardens. Beyond is the formal lounge & dining rooms, separated by a stone chimney with inset wood heater. The other end of the house comprises 3 secondary bedrooms serviced by the main bathroom & the master bedroom which has a walk-through robe to ensuite plus split system air conditioning. The acre of land features an almost flat rear yard with a wood storage area & a large cleared area to the side of the home, plus a large 2 car garage with concrete & power, a double carport & an additional carport for the boat or van!

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 Anna Peake 0450 669 723

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

7 Naylors Road Emerald

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

Rare As Hens Teeth!

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

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 Anna Peake 0450 669 723

bellrealestate.com.au 12 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

5968 6222

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

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

9 Best Street, BELGRAVE

$880,000 - $960,000

LOVELY HOME, LEVEL BLOCK, AND A LIFESTYLE LOCATION

4A 2B 2C

Reading like a list of features from a lifestyle magazine, this premier residence is the best home on Best Street. Stylishly updated and ready for new owners to enjoy, this property promises to capture imaginations with how much is on offer. The interior is an array of instantly appealing features fixed within a family-friendly floorplan. With a lovely lounge awash with natural light residing at the front and an open concept living area at the rear, this is a home you will be happy to grow into.

FOR SALE

106 Mt Morton Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$1,600,000 - $1,760,000

INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE WITH CITY VIEWS 3A 2B 2C Originally designed by architects Max May and George Hatzisavas, and inspired by a mix of Japanese aesthetics and Frank Lloyd Wrights “Fallingwater” this inspiring steel, glass and brick home set on just over one acre has been recently redesigned and renovated to a superb standard, resulting in one of the most intriguing and sophisticated residences in the area.

This family friendly Hills property is sure to impress on every level!

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

Suzie Brannelly

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

FOR SALE

32 Sandells Road, TECOMA

CONTEMPORARY STUNNER WITH SENSATIONAL OUTLOOK

$1,100,000 - $1,200,000 3A 2B 2C

Starting from humble beginnings this outstanding property has recently been renovated and extended to an exquisite standard (Certificate of Final Inspection issued 2021) to become the modern Hills masterpiece it is today. Situated near Tecoma township and train station and brimming with spectacular features, this is a one-of-a-kind offering in picture-perfect surrounds.

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

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

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 13

HOME FOCUS

HOME WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL STEPS from the very beautiful andpicturesque Emerald Lake Park stands this comfortable 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom clinker brick home. Ideal for families or professional couples, for those wanting to live within a very short stroll to town.

Low maintenance living is assured with its solid construction and an easy to maintain, almost 1/3 acre allotment. With lounge, kitchen and dining at one end and bedrooms off the hall, this straight-forward layout provides ample opportunity to add your flare and make it your own.

A large covered outdoor deck provides excellent entertaining options. A room under the house provides ample storage. Double carport to the front door gives protection from the elements as you arrive home.

Future development potential (NRZ1 zoning) STCA guarantees this will be a sound investment. Central Emerald – it doesn’t get much better than this! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 6 Emerald Lake Road, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $865,000-$950,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Denise McKay, 0479 184 147 and Justin Barrot, 0438 683 781, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD, 5968 452

SENSATIONAL STYLE IN GREAT LOCATION CLASSIC character meets modern style to produce a show stopping home that is situated in what is arguably Upwey’s premier location.

Originally built in the 1930’s the home retains its graceful charm and boldly displays the beauty and functionality of today’s standard.

Featuring an open floor plan that includes a family room with high ceilings, exquisite wormy chestnut floors, cafe stacker sliding door and walls of windows allowing full view of the enormous, completely useable rear yard where alfresco dining can be enjoyed on one of two decks, the scene is set for the very best lifestyle.

The kitchen is part of this section of the home and caters beautifully to relaxed living with stone benches, 900mm Ilve stove, Asko dishwasher, plumbing for fridge, walk in pantry, soft close drawers and an abundance of bench space.

A second living area allows a quiet place for spending time with your loved ones or is ideal as a place to enjoy a movie.

The luxurious master suite is large

enough for a king sized bed and has double doors out to the balcony where Sunday brunch can be had. An ensuite with double shower, raised vanity and backlit mirror plus a fully fitted walk in robe completes the indulgence.

The remaining bedrooms have a full wall of robes and drawers. Storage is a theme here with another wall of cupboards in the hallway, attic ladder and a fully fitted laundry.

The family bathroom continues a theme of opulence with free standing bath, large shower and modern style.

Ducted heating throughout and two split systems provide year round comfort.

Outdoors a double carport, double garage, fenced rear yard, chicken pen, fruit trees, water tank and cubby house completes a picture perfect property.

Set on over 1/3 acre within walking distance of the vibrant Upwey shopping centre with its popular cafes and is close to the train station, kindergarten and schools; this is as good as it gets. Hurry to arrange you inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 34 Bayview Avenue, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,100,000- $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gayle Barrot, 0408 195 767 and Riley Nicholas, 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD, 5968 4522 14 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

11 Mulhalls Road, Macclesfield

262 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Menzies Creek

10/11 Westlands Road, Emerald

Stunning Views, Sanctuary & Observatory on 13.5ac

HOLMLEIGH - POSITION PERFECT ON 4293m2

FULLY RENOVATED LIFESTYLE UNIT

4 T

A

3 T

B

4 T

C

3 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

1 T

A

1 T

B

1 T

C

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,900,000 - $2,090,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $750,000 - $790,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $510,000-$560,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

32 Alexander Road, Cockatoo

6 Emerald Lake Road, Emerald

34 Bayview Avenue, Upwey

Cozy home plus bungalow on 2000m2

Perfect Family Home with Development Potential

SENSATIONAL STYLE IN A DRESS CIRCLE LOCATION

4 T

A

2 T

B

8 T

C

4 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

3 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $600,000 - $660,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Jacqui Ryder 0433 095 278 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $865,000-$950,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Denise McKay 0479 184 147 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,100,000- $1,200,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

VIRTUAL PROPERTY APPRAISALS VIRTUAL HOME INSPECTIONS

nothing h is Impossible.

VIRTUAL AUCTIONS These are just some of the ways that Barry Plant has adapted to provide a safe, innovative real estate process for all our clients.

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 15

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Electricians

V Painters/Decorators

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS/BANK TRANSFER (1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

No job too small

We NEVER

Close

w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Interiors • Exteriors

Lic No. REC 30504

A Grade Electrical Contractor

0419 683 392

S&V RELIABLE EARTHWORKS • Excavator 5 Tonne and 15 Tonne • Bobcat Hire • Tip Truck Hire • All Types of Excavation Work • Holes Augered • Site Cuts • Driveways • Blocks Levelled and Shaped • Retaining Walls • Trenching • Free Quotes • No Jobs Too Big or Too Small

Sangster’s

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

1003429-PJ6-12

CALL GREG 0438 683 141 OR REGAN 0439 208 693.

CALL AFTER HOURS 5968 3140

REPLACE IT WITH ASPHALT! IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN!

Daniel Brown Mobile: 0409 395 635 Email: daniel@topcatdriveways.com.au Visit our website at: www.topcatdriveways.com.au

V Fencing & Gates

PETER’S FENCING and GATES

Free Quotes

0408 901 088

Phone Mike 0419 887 499 www.mjbathroomrenovations.com.au

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

Lic 106275

฀

Lic No. 29938

Call Steve 0417 192 009

House & Property Maintenance No job too small Quality work at a great price, Fully insured

Call Mick 0424 414 495 www.sjchomemaintenance.com.au

V Heating

Hot winter specials

V Electricians

฀

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀

฀

Pre-winter Service Specials extended till 1/9/21

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

Jason 1300 644 698

฀

General Notices section of Network Classifieds.

16 MAIL

฀ ฀ ฀

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

(Terms & Conditions Apply) 12503000-AV28-21

฀ ฀

PIC: 38148 REC: 17042 AU: 06212

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀

paulnobes@live.com.au

Lic. 25035

Find your Local Specialist in our

Plumbing & Gas Fitting, Excavator Hire, Water Renewals, Metal Roof & Gutters, Hot Water Unit Repair & Replacement, All Sanitary & Stormwater Drainage, Septic, Sewer & Treatment Plants, Pumps & Rain Water Tanks.

Richard - 0419 502 949 Simon - 0417 399 750

LOCAL PLUMBER FAST AND RELIABLE

Pensioner Discounts

12438941-CG04-20

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12456635-CG32-20

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Professional Services section of Network Classifieds.

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS.

12450405-AM23-20

฀

12358958-PB30-17

฀

฀

฀

Alan 5968 5191 Mob 0418 176 159

‘Your Local’ Qualified Tradesman

฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

General Plumbing Gas Fitting Hot & Cold Water Roof & Spouting Pumps & Tanks Farm Water Boring & Trenching Sewerage Connections Septics & Sand Filters

SJC HOME MAINTENANCE

Small Job Specialist

฀

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS

V Handy Persons

V Builders & Building Services

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

Specialist in Gutter Cleaning / i`ÊÀ vÊÀi«> ÀÃÊEÊ i> ÃÊUÊ,i i`ÊEÊ* ÌÊ vÊ, và 25 Yrs Experience Call Matt for a free quote

฀

A.G & E. WILLIAMS

All types of fencing – rural, timber or colorbond Gates and Retaining Walls Expert Work at Mates Rates No job too small

1178985-CG14-15

COMPLETE OR PARTIAL BATHROOM RENOVATIONS 20 Years’ Experience in all facets of the building trade RELIABLE TRADESMAN

12415450-FA15-19

V Bathroom & Kitchens

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

Paul 0418 570 231

For all your plumbing needs phone Nick on 0413 422 842

฀ ฀

฀

12382862-RA13-18

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Licence No 21425 Maintenance, Bathroom Renovations, Gas Fitting, Dishwashers, Spouting, Replace gas & electric hot water service, General Plumbing.

EARTHWORKS ฀ ฀ ฀

The Re-Roof Man All types of Roofs

Service

12424506-ACM33-19

C1039154-JM27-12

Phone Steve Ph: 5968 2508 Mobile: 0417 723 745

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL DRIVEWAY WASHED OUT?

10 year Guarantee.

Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173

5 SHERIFF ROAD, EMERALD

12436017-SN51-19

C694915-SJ10-9

0418 327 737

EST. 1984 29 Years’ Experience All work guaranteed

đŏ ((ŏ(! 'ŏ.!, %./ŏđŏ ++"ŏ /$%*#ŏđŏ ++"ŏ %*0%*# đŏ (!4%ġ,+%*0%*#ŏđŏ % #!ŏ0%(!ŏ.!ġ ! %*# đŏ ((!5ŏ $ *#%*#ŏđŏ 100!.ŏ (! *%*#ŏ".+)ŏĸāĂĀ đŏ ((ŏ05,!/ŏ+"ŏ.++ü*#ŏ * ŏ .,!*0.5

• Domestic • Commercial • Installation & Maintenance • Sewerage Connections • Septic Tanks & Stormwater Drains • Drain Blockages • Burst Pipes • LPG to Natural Gas Conversions • Hot Water Service Repairs & Renewals • Spouting, Roofing Repairs & Installation

V Excavators • Driveways • Car Parks • Pathways, Tennis Courts, Draining, School Yards, Machine or Hand Laid Asphalt Repairs • Commercial & Domestic • Free Quotes • Timber & Brick Edging

C683684-SJ2-9

Plumbing Contractor Reg No. 15348

12462305-LB39-20

One call, We do it all!

Roof Restoration Specialists

C456410-KK31-6

info@kallistaelectrical.com

5968 3334 or 0408 335 077 IAN WOODHOUSE

1170652-HM05-15

Ph: 9761 4092

C1024520-KG18-12

V Asphalting

5968 8493

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

V Plumbing 12440513-DV06-20

For all your electrical work including: Extensions Safety Switches Faults Repairs Farm Work Commercial and Domestic

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

“Servicing the hills for over 30 years” 12493755-SN19-21

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

V Roofing

DANDENONG RANGES PAINTING SERVICE

SERVICING THE PATCH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9999-8193

Mobile: 0419 539 402 | Email: office@rwhsoundfoundations.com.au

12451591-NG25-20

yes we can

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Robert Hubbard

MIKE FERNLEY | Mob: 0488 158 556

12447720-LB18-20

12451054-SN24-20

(include your name, address and phone number)

12402861-RA44-18

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

808667

ABN 19 625 260 737 ACN 625 260 737 House Restumping REGISTERED BUILDER & Reblocking Specialist DB-L 59996 CBD-L 60480

Lifetime Warranty!

Rubbish Removal & Demolition • Rubbish Removal • Green Waste Removal • House Clean Outs • Backyard Clean-ups • Demolition Strip Outs

• Shed Removals • Soil & Concrete Removal • Free Quotes • Fully Insured • Family-Owned Business

Andrew 0408 242 015 | Chloe 0448 393 959 www.southerncrossrr.com.au

V Septic Tanks

YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Gas Ducted Changeovers Split Systems Ducted Refrig

• Septic Tanks • Treatment Plants • Grease Traps • EPA Licence • Portable Toilets

5962 4841

Senior discount Cards welcome

9870 7059

9988 9159

FAIRBAIRNS

HEATING & COOLING www.fairbairns.com.au Est. 1982

V Rubbish Removal

Lic No. 116785

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

12507097-BL33-21

Phone: 1300 666 808

RWH SOUND FOUNDATIONS PTY LTD

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

C936869-KK25-11

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

12510292-CG35-21

BRUSH STROKES PAINTING SERVICE

The Patch Electricians

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

V Reblocking/Underpinning

12503528-HC29-21

V Deadline

฀

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

9735 3700

Mobile 0419 131 958 SERVICING ALL AREAS BOB WALLACE AND SONS mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Little Lucy’s biggest fight

By Mikayla Van Loon Lucy McAleer is a thriving eight year old, who loves green sea turtles, watching Harry Potter and playing basketball.

She’s in grade two at Mount Evelyn Primary School. She’s smart, caring and the big sister to Olivia and Amelia.

She is, by any means, a normal kid.

But when Lucy started showing signs of fatigue, dizziness and slurred speech, her parents, Brian and Nicole McAleer, knew something wasn’t right.

At basketball training one Monday night in July, Lucy was hit in the head with a ball and in the car on the way home she appeared to be concussed and started falling over.

“We went off to hospital that night and we weren’t seen so I got her into the doctors on the Wednesday afternoon and we went to the [Royal Childrens Hospital] the next day,” Mrs McAleer said.

The hospital ran tests and MRI’s to get to the bottom of Lucy’s symptoms.

“I think in the back of our mind we had this fear that it was going to be something serious and they went through the scan results and told us they had found a lump and that was pretty hard to hear, a big kick in the guts,” Mr McAleer said.

Lucy was diagnosed just three days after her eighth birthday with a rare form of brain cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

It is the most aggressive of all childhood cancers because it is not well-contained, meaning it grows into other tissues and cancer cells mix with healthy cells in the body.

Right now, DIPG is incurable and the only form of treatment is radiotherapy.

“That’s as far as we are looking ahead for the moment because that will hopefully shrink the tumour and reduce some of the symptoms

A sisterly bond like no other between Lucy, Amelia and Olivia McAleer. 246601 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Lucy was having,” Mr McAleer said. “After that first round of treatment, we will see how successful it has been and there are other things we can explore beyond that like different types of treatments and medical trials which we haven’t delved too deeply into yet, we’re just waiting to see how the radiotherapy goes and then we’ll take the next steps.”

In as little as three weeks, two GoFundMe pages had been set up for the McAleer family and in that short amount of time over $50,000 had been donated to support them.

“It’s overwhelming and very humbling.

I knew once it was out there, that all of the people that know Nicole and I, that it would get some traction but we just weren’t expecting how fast it would happen and how much some people would donate, that was what really blew us away,” Mr McAleer said.

“It’s given us real peace of mind knowing that in the times ahead, we won’t run into financial trouble.

“It’s just a really nice reassurance that we’ll be ok and there’s so many people out there that

care about our family and we know not everyone gets that level of support in situations like this, so we feel very grateful and very touched.”

And the support hasn’t stopped there.

Family and friends have banded together to cook meals, babysit Olivia and Amelia and have even helped homeschool Olivia during remote learning.

Having the community’s support has helped Mr and Mrs McAleer stay positive throughout the process of hospital visits, doctors appointments and knowing Lucy’s diagnosis, without focusing on the what ifs.

“We’re trying not to think too far ahead and just taking each day as it comes is the best way to do it. Knowing that we’ve got a lot of support is huge and just being extremely hopeful for our little girl and that she will be the miracle child that gets through this,” Mrs McAleer said. “[We’re] just focusing on the good things, the fact that Lucy is reasonably healthy despite the little things that come with this, just feeling tired and groggy and a bit worn out but she is still the same old Lucy more or less and still do-

Trades & Services

ing things that she enjoys,” Mr McAleer added.

Around 20 children are diagnosed with DIPG in Australia each year and unfortunately, there is a zero per cent survival rate.

“I think this has affected a lot of people in the community, they’ve never heard of this like us, this type of brain tumor is new to us but it has really brought everyone together as a community,” Mrs McAleer said.

“I think it just highlights the reality of brain cancer and that it is not always up there in the discussions where other cancers are and the fact that this is one of the rarest types and it’s happening to a child as well, we’d just like to see more awareness raised,” Mr McAleer said.

“We just want to acknowledge everyone that’s come out and supported us, not only locally but people we don’t know directly, who are total strangers to us but have heard of our story through mutual connections and have donated and donated quite a bit, even people overseas as well, it’s really broken through a lot of those barriers and the response has been great, so we just want to say a big thank you to everyone.”

General Notices

Tree Lopping/Surgery

V

Tree Lopping/Surgery

V

General Classifieds

Public Notices and Event

V

DAWSONS

WANTED TO BUY

DIN TREE SERVICE WA•N TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED

1. Optus is proposing to co-locate new mobile phone base station equipment on the existing Telstra 30m monopole, including a 3m Monopole Extension, a steel bracing jacket at bottom of pole, three (3) panel antennas less than 2.8m long, one (1) parabolic microwave antenna and other ancillary equipment including remote radio units, filters and cabling.

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìià GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

12499475-CG25-21

Contact us 1300 301 678 ÜÜÜ°ÌÀii >Ã °V °>Õ

Call the team today 0421 574 444

0473 326 333 BELGRAVE

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sky Communications on 1300 845 444 or at optusplanning@skycomms.com.au by 8 September 2021.

฀ ฀

฀฀฀

฀ ฀

Call Darren on 0404 040 686

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

V

V

WINDOWS 1 Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote www.windows1.net.au

mailcommunity.com.au

Adult Services

30 MIN FUN TIME "Visit You". Mature, blonde, D-cup. Monday-Saturday, 9am - 8pm. Call Yvonne on 0491 609 933.

SWA10119XE

Windows

Member HIA and MBA

CALL 1300 666 808

Employment

V

V

Pets & Services

www.transformedtreeservices.com.au

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

1238899-CG33-16

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12395220-HM32-18

9754 6686 ฀

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

General Classifieds

TREE SERVICES ฀

12509882-DL35-21

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

www.coincollectandtrade.com • sales@coincollectandtrade.com

9703 1530

V

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

☎ 9720 5111

FULLY INSURED

COIN COLLECT AND TRADE For appointments call Chris 0438 582 575

2905 Gembrook-Launching Place Road, Gembrook, VIC 3783 www.rfnsa.com. au/3783009 (Optus site ID: M2089)

Pensioner discounts available

12449547-FA21-20

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

• Free appraisals and • Unwanted coin or advice given. banknote collections.

• Good service and prices paid.

• Emerald based licensed • Valuation service available. secondhand dealer.

We visit you.

• Medals, Tokens and Militaria.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT

12481756-DL07-21

• LARGE TREE SPECIALISTS • HEDGE TRIMMING EXPERTS • STUMP GRINDING • MULCH AVAILABLE • CONSULTING ARBORIST

12496966-LB23-21

TREE SERVICES

12386568-ACM19-18

$20 MILLION INSURANCE

Wanted

12504869-DL30-21

V

Nicole and Brian with their kids Olivia, Amelia and Lucy. 246601

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 17

SPORT

Wandin up there with best

By David Nagel What do these all-time legends of Australian Rules football have in common…Gary Ablett Snr, Ron Barassi, Kevin Bartlett, Wayne Carey, Alex Jesaulenko, Leigh Matthews and ‘Mr Football’ Ted Whitten?

Despite their brilliance and ever-lasting impact on the game these superstars of football were never fortunate enough to have the ultimate symbol of individual excellence draped around their neck – the Charles Brownlow Medal.

Those immortal names – but their inability to claim the games’ greatest individual honour – would indicate that winning a Brownlow, or a community football equivalent, is an extremely difficult thing to do.

On average, depending on the number of teams in a league, between 300 and 450 players might pull on the boots and saddle up in a particular competition each year.

Winning just one of those awards, voted by umpires, and that only spring to life once the all-important ladder positions have been decided, is an amazing achievement.

The Mail has done its homework, and a total of 334 league best and fairest awards have gone up for grabs across the major competitions that settle around our readership.

The Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL), now AFL Outer East, has records of league best and fairest winners that date back to 1930. The Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL) has been acknowledging its best and fairest player since 1938.

The West Gippsland Football League (WGFL), now West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC), has records of its winners dating back to 1944, although there was a gap between 2005 and 2016.

The WGFL finished in its original form in 2001, although the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League (WGLFL) kept the Breheny Medal as its highest individual prize from 2002 to 2004.

The WGFNC has revived some great memories of the glory days of West Gippsland football since it was reintroduced as a competition in 2017.

And a few clubs from the former South West Gippsland Football League (SWGFL) – which began in 1954 - have been part of the local landscape since way before that competition began.

Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne, Doveton, Hampton Park, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Rythdale-Cardinia (ROC/Officer) and Tooradin-Dalmore – formed strong bonds and created great rivalries through those generations that still burn strong today.

The SWGFL ended in 1994, but a few of those original clubs have since transitioned through the MPNFL, Casey Cardinia (CCFL) and South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) – from 1995 to 2018 – before finding a current home in AFL Outer East.

With that history lesson out of the way, it’s time to scour the lists of league best and fairest winners from across the region and see who the mightiest players have been.

And three players stand out from a pack of 62 glorious superstars who have won multiple honours along the way.

Healesville’s James Wandin was the first Aboriginal to play for the St Kilda Football Club in the then VFL, in 1952 and 1953, before returning to Healesville as a playing coach and winning four league best and fairest awards in 1954, ’57, ’58 and ’59.

Wandin was also a hugely influential figure away from the football field, being the ngurungaeta (tribal leader) of the Wurundjeri clan until his death, aged 72, in February 2006.

Wandin was a tall player for his generation, standing six feet tall, and dominated for Healesville at centre half forward.

Andy Soumilas, the champion midfielder of his generation, tops the list of great players with five league best and fairest awards – and they came a staggering 13 years apart!

The classy left-footer started his medal haul playing for Garfield in 2004, winning the Breheny Medal in West Gippsland Latrobe, before repeating the dose in 2005, in the same league, but with a different prize - the Trood 18 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

James ‘Juby’ Wandin. 168867

James Wandin was St Kilda’s first Indigenous player and won four league bestand-fairest awards with Healesville.

Picture: Supplied

And also up on a pedestal are the 47 remaining legends that have won two awards throughout their careers.

It’s not very often that names like Cleary, Drake, Gabriel, Hillard, Holland, Lenders, Miller, Scalzo and Young have to take a back seat – but on this very rare occasion even they would dip their lids and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of 16 absolute legends of the game.

5 LEAGUE MEDALS Soumilas 2004 - Garfield (WGFL), · Andy 2005 - Garfield (WGLFL), 2011 - Drouin

Award and Rodda Medal. Soumilas won the same prize in 2011, playing for Drouin in the Gippsland League, before returning to Garfield and claiming the Alf Walton Medal in 2013 – presented to the best player in the Ellinbank League.

A remarkable career was capped off in 2017, when Soumilas made it a unique Breheny Medal double, winning the last Breheny presented in 2004, and the first Breheny awarded after the rejuvenation of West Gippsland football 13 years later!

Soumilas would go on to play in a premiership for Inverloch-Kongwak that year under the coaching of his brother Ben. Another exquisitely talented left-footer, the mercurial Dan O’Loughlin, won back-to-back Breheny Medals for Pakenham in 2000-01, before claiming a Norm Walker Medal in the MPNFL, once again with the Lions, in 2003.

O’Loughlin would cap off a tremendous era of individual success by claiming another Norm Walker Medal with Tooradin-Dalmore in 2006 in the Casey Cardinia Football League.

Wandin, Soumilas and O’Loughlin may be the undisputed superstars of local football but a total of 13 other champions thoroughly deserve legend status around these parts, winning a remarkable three league best and fairest awards.

Current-day Korumburra-Bena coach Paul Alger won three on the trot with Nyora – in 1991, ’92 and ’93 – while Rythdale-Cardinia’s Gil Savoury also won three consecutive medals from 1955 to 1957.

The running power of Berwick champion Madi Andrews, the sheer athleticism of Beaconsfield ruckman Scott Meyer, and the sheer will to compete and desperation of currentday Phillip Island star Brendan Kimber, prove that it can take many different skills to make a three-time league best and fairest winner.

(Gippsland), 2013 - Garfield (EDFL), 2017 Inverloch-Kongwak (WGFNC) 4 LEAGUE MEDALS Dan O’Loughlin 2000, 01 - Pakenham (WGFL), 2003 - Pakenham (MPNFL), 2006 Tooradin-Dalmore (CCFL) James Wandin 1954, 57, 58, 59 - Healesville (YVMDFL) 3 LEAGUE MEDALS Paul Alger 1991, 92, 93 - Nyora (EDFL) Madi Andrews 2015, 17, 18 - Berwick (SEFNL) Rob Andrews 1966, 67 - Longwarry (WGFL) Brendan Kimber 2012, 13 - Cora Lynn (EDFL), 2018 - Phillip Island (WGFNC) David McMaster 1985, 86, 91 - Lang Lang (WGFL) Scott Meyer 2013, 14, 16 - Beaconsfield (CCFL/SEFNL) Wayne Morris 1975, 76, 78 - Warburton Millgrove (YVMDFL) Billy Morrison 1971, 72, 74 - Tooradin-Dalmore (SWGFL) William Murnane 1945, 47, 51 - Longwarry (WGFL) Ray Rouget 1935, 38, 39 - Wandin (YVMDFL) Gil Savory 1955, 56, 57 - Rythdale-Cardinia (SWGFL) Patrick Sharp 2007, 09, 10 - Woori Yallock (YVMDFL) David Wade 1983, 84, 88 - Narre Hallam (SWGFL) 2 LEAGUE MEDALS A Bateman 1990, 93 - Yarra Glen (YVMDFL) Brian Cash 1957, 59 - Garfield (WGFL) Mark Cecere 2011, 18 - Seville (YVMDFL) J Chapman 1968, 73 - Woori Yallock (YVMDFL) Tom Cleary 1983, 84 - Garfield (WGFL) Russell Cowan 2008 - Powelltown, 2010 Yarra Glen (YVMDFL) Billy Drake 1958, 62 - Pakenham (WGFL) Wayne Esler 1968, 69 - Kooweerup (WGFL)

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

2003 - Mt Evelyn, 2005 - Warbur· B.tonFarrugia Millgrove (YVMDFL) Gabriel 2009, 2015 - Doveton (CCFL/ · Russell SEFNL) · A Goodwin 1985, 86 - Wandin (YVMDFL) · P Halit 1960, 61 - Millgrove (YVMDFL) Harrison 1951, 52 - Mt Evelyn · Johnnie (YVMDFL) · Jack Hazendonk 2018, 19 - Poowong (EDFL) Hendrikse 1999, 2001 - Nilma Darnum · Dean - (EDFL) · Darren Hillard 1990, 95 - Pakenham (WGFL) Holland 2014 - Longwarry, 2016 - War· Tye ragul Industrials (EDFL) · Ken Leeson 1950, 52 - Lang Lang (WGFL) · Joe Lenders 1977, 78 - Garfield (WGFL) Lindsay 1985, 91 - Narre Hallam (SW· Peter GFL) · J Long 1996, 97 - Yarra Junction (YVMDFL) · Chris MacLagen 1998, 99 - Silvan (YVMDFL) Martello 1968, 69 - Cranbourne (SW· John GFL) Miller 2007, 2011 - Tooradin-Dalmore · Beau (CCFL) · Allan Nicholson 1947, 49 - Strezlecki (EDFL) · N. Oakley 2006, 07 - Alexandra (YVMDFL) Oakes 1977, 78 - Chelsea Heights (SW· Peter GFL) · T Ollington 1944, 46 - Lang Lang (WGFL) Oswald 1975 - Hampton Park (SWG· Kurt FL), 1982 - Garfield (WGFL) Pierrehumbert 1961, 63 - Buln Buln · Charlie - (EDFL) · C Richards 1984, 87 - Healesville (YVMDFL) Robertson 2012, 14 - Yarra Junction · Wayne (YVMDFL) Robins 1976, 79 - Chelsea Heights · Keith (SWGFL) · A Rogers 1955, 56 - Drouin (WGFL) Scalzo 2008 - Narre Warren (CCFL), · Brad 2016 - Warragul (GFL) · Jim Smith 1976, 77 - Poowong (EDFL) · Ron Smith 1948, 49 - Longwarry (WGFL) Stormer 1949 - Wesburn, 1955 - Seville · Max (YVMDFL) Sutherland 1933, 34 - Millgrove · George (YVMDFL) · L Telford 2016, 17 - Yarra Glen (YVMDFL) Tregoning 2008, 09 - Olinda Ferny · Scott Creek (YVMDFL) · Scott Wightman 1982, 87 - Nyora (EDFL) · Scott Wighton 1983, 84 - Nyora (EDFL) · Alex Winterton 1956,57 - Ellinbank (EDFL) Withers 1997 - Garfield (WGFL), · Lincoln 2002 - Pakenham (MPNFL) · Daryl Young 1972, 73 - Pakenham (WGFL) mailcommunity.com.au

12509611-HC35-21

Mail TIP-STARS THE FINAL SIREN FOR 2021 SEASON

Barry Cripps

Ken Hunt

Brendan Cox

Bill Matthews

Mick Dolphone & Emily Hudson

Healesville Toyota

Monbulk Jewellers

Monbulk Bowling Club

William Matthews Funerals

Ranges First National

128

128

120

110

104

Phone: 9739 6868

Phone: 9754 6111

Monbulk Bowling Club

Phone: 5962 4333

Phone: 9756 7652

Phone: 9756 6183

Ashleigh Skillern

Gary Lucas

Cindy McLeish MP

Clint Rose

George Habib

Yarra Glen Auto

Mark Gunther First National

State Member for Eildon

Clint Rose Motors

Harvey Norman Chirnside Park

127

123

126

127

99

Clint Rose Motors

Mark Gunther

Phone: 9730 1844

Phone: 5962 3030

Chirnside Park

Phone: 9730 1066

Phone: 5962 3144

Phone: 9722 4400

As the start of the 2021 season finals commence & the home & away season concludes for another year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Harvey Norman, Chirnside Park & Monbulk Jewellers for their valuable contribution to this year’s prizes to our tip-stars & to all our tip-stars, thank you for your support & contribution again this year.

Congratulations to our winners & once restrictions ease, we will be publishing in due course, photo stories of all our 2021 AFL Tip-star winners.

1st PLACE Phone: 5962 4333 mailcommunity.com.au

2nd PLACE

Barry Cripps

Ashleigh Skillern

Healesville Toyota

Yarra Glen Auto

Phone: 9730 1844

2nd PLACE Clint Rose Motors

Phone: 5962 3144

Clint Rose Clint Rose Motors

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

|

MAIL 19

Post Lockdown, see us at one of our showrooms in

Lilydale or Mansfield or visit one of our dealers throughout Victoria.

Olbia is Australia’s premium heat bank heater, Heat bank allows the heater to stay hot even when the fire has gone out.

Euro Fireplaces, Yarra Valley 119 Beresford rd Lilydale, VIC 3140 03 9739 4682

See our full range of heaters eurofireplaces.com.au Give us a call 1300 733 705

Opening Hours Post Lockdown Tues - Fri 10:30-4:00 Sat 10:00-1:00

Salzburg

Milano Milano is one of Europe’s most popular heaters for small homes.

Milano will produce instant heat after lighting.

Brunner Designed and manufactured in Germany, Brunner are leaders in large inbuilt woodheating systems, and you can save on inbuilt costs with assembly of these kits done in a day.

20 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

12503995-HC35-21

Australia’s most advanced Pellet Heater with wifi component, near zero emissions, 90% efficiency, the Future of wood heating.

mailcommunity.com.au