Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 14th September 2021

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Ice dealer caught in Cockatoo

Concerns proposed laws will hurt climate

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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CFA Captain brushes up on his skills

Firey climbs Mt Everest for mental health

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A tribute to The Walking Man If you’ve lived in the Yarra Ranges for some time or a frequent visitor, the chances are you’ve seen ‘The Walking Man’ on your travels through the region.

The man behind the legend was Joe Pulcin, a gentle soul who sadly passed away in July.

Joe’s neighbour and friend Inga Cogan shared with the Star Mail a great insight into the man who was an inspiration to so many.

Turn to page 4 to read his tribute

Cartoonist and illustrator Danny Zemp was one of many who saw Joe walking through the region.

Cartoon: DANNY ZEMP

Tragic accident From early investigations, which happened all throughout Friday and over the weekend, sergeant Holtzinger said it looked like a case of “wrong place, wrong time.”

“There’s nothing indicating anything other than a freak accident,” he said.

Highway Patrol investigators can usually determine whether speed, distraction or other factors were involved in an accident quite quickly and sergeant Holtzinger said it doesn’t seem like any of these causes were involved.

Police will continue to investigate all avenues, however, to determine whether this accident could have been prevented, including

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the stability of the tree after the storms in June.

Woori Yallock Road was closed in both directions near Rainy Hill Road to allow police and the SES to conduct investigations and make the area safe.

The Department of Transport issued a statement, asking motorists to avoid the area between Belgrave-Gembrook Road and Avon Road and to follow the directions of emergency services.

Woori Yallock Road has reopened to the public.

Investigators from Highway Patrol will now prepare a report for the coroner.

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Two people sadly died in Cockatoo on the morning of Friday 10 September, after a tree fell on their vehicle.

The driver, an 82-year-old Cockatoo man and his passenger, a 78-year-old Cockatoo woman, were travelling north along Woori Yallock Road around 10.30am when the tree fell and crushed their utility vehicle.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to the scene around 10.35am but the occupants of the vehicle died at the scene.

Emerald SES unit controller Ben Owen confirmed two SES vehicles and four crews were

also in attendance.

He said the SES fulfilled its role by assisting police in recovering the bodies of the two deceased persons throughout the day.

Cardinia Highway Patrol sergeant Paul Holtzinger said it’s never easy attending a job like the one on Friday.

“The circumstances are extremely tragic.

What hits home for us is they were just driving along, going about their business,” he said.

“All emergency services are never great at attending these things, no one’s ever quite the same afterwards but we have the agency support to help us get through.”

FERNTREE GULLY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Hwy (towards Belgrave)

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By Mikayla van Loon

NEWS

A puff of funding It’s full steam ahead at Puffing Billy, with the Victorian Government funding restoration works to get Locomotive A6 back on its tracks.

Planning minister Richard Wynne announced on Thursday 9 September, 19 restoration projects will receive funding under Round 6 of the Living Heritage Program.

“The Living Heritage Program is about protecting significant sites across Victoria for future generations to enjoy and learn from,” Mr Wynne said.

“These are the sites that tell stories about our history and play a major role in rural and regional Victoria’s tourism industry – we’re proud to protect these treasured community assets.”

It’s the government’s biggest investment into heritage – with more than $2.3 million for conservation works to revive and repair ‘atrisk’ places and objects on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Round 6 will return one of Puffing Billy’s iconic locomotives to operation with $200,000 to repair its boiler, water tanks, cab and other components, plus the replacement of cracked wheels.

The Puffing Billy Rolling Stock Collection is an important archive of Victoria’s railway history, preserving locomotives that operated on narrow gauge tracks from 1899 to 1962.

Heritage provides a cultural and physical

link to understanding our past and contributes approximately $2.4 billion towards our tourism industry, supporting 184,800 jobs.

Since 2016, the Living Heritage Program has invested more than $60 million in more than 160 conservation projects with 89 completed so far.

Applications for Round 7 of the Living Heritage Program will open early next year. For more information and a full list of grant recipients visit heritage.vic.gov.au/heritage-grants/ browse-projects.

COVID-19 has affected all of us, but there is a way forward. It’s time to arm yourself by getting vaccinated. Protect yourself and the people you care about.

The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it.

Book your vaccination today.

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Cash splash for schools Schools in the Dandenong Ranges have benefited from recent Victorian government funding to improve facilities and access, with some projects now completed and some about to begin.

Menzies Creek students now have the facilities they need for a great start in life with an upgrade at Menzies Creek Primary School now finished.

Monbulk MP James Merlino announced on Wednesday 8 September works are now complete on Menzies Creek Primary School’s $135,125 upgrade to deliver resurfaced basketball and netball courts and other asphalted areas.

“We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed,” Mr Merlino said.

“Local families can now enjoy great new facilities at Menzies Creek Primary School.”

Mr Merlino also announced that Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School will receive funding from the Accessible Buildings Program, to improve school facilities and infrastructure that supports students and staff with disabilities.

“The program helps to ensure all Victorian government students of all abilities can get a great education and have access to modern, functional learning spaces to give them the best chance to succeed and thrive in school and in life,” Mr Merlino said.

“As we build the Education State, we’re continuing to invest in schools to ensure students of all abilities can get a great education – no matter their circumstances.”

The funding will assist Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School in providing automatic doors, pathways and an accessible bathroom to ensure students and staff have access to appropriate school facilities, in line with their peers and colleagues.

Four schools including Belgrave South Primary School, Menzies Creek Primary School, Sassafras Primary School and Upwey South Primary School will be able to complete essential maintenance jobs to ensure facilities are safe for students and staff.

The program ensures schools can undertake essential work to grounds and classrooms, fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as external landscaping works like pathways and lighting.

The four schools will share in a total of $260,000 which has been divided depending on the school’s maintenance needs.

In the past seven years, the Victorian government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades.

While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to help meet increasing demand, this fund is about delivering the small projects that make a big difference while also supporting local jobs.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invests $20 million in the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools.

More than 300 Victorian government schools have been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools.

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Man dies in Yellingbo

Cases spike in YR

By Mikayla van Loon Covid-19 cases in the Yarra Ranges have spiked over the last week, with the shire recording a further 10 active cases in five days.

This brings the total number of cases to 20 as at Monday 13 September, with four cases announced in the 24 hours prior.

These cases were recorded in the postcodes of 3138 and 3766, being the Mooroolbark area and Kalorama area respectively.

The Yarra Ranges is on par with the council area of Knox but has the highest number of active cases compared to other surrounding councils including Maroondah, Cardinia, Monash, Whitehorse, Murrindindi, Nillumbik and Manningham.

According to the most recent Australian Department of Health local government vaccine rollout data released on 5 September, the Yarra Ranges also has lower than average vaccine rates when compared to local councils with similar population sizes.

Currently, of the 129,169 population aged 15 and over, 59.6 per cent have received their first dose and 36.2 per cent have received their second dose.

Knox Council has a population of 135,647, with 61.7 per cent having received a first dose and 38.1 per cent receiving a second dose.

Of Whitehorse Council’s 149,611 eligible population, 63.1 per cent have had their first vaccine and 40.7 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

As announced on Sunday 12 September by

Premier Daniel Andrews, a number of Yarra Ranges locations will be included in the 100 pop-up vaccination centres coming to the suburbs most in need of vaccines.

“We are tailoring our vaccination rollout to remove any barriers that might otherwise stop someone from getting vaccinated. There are a million reasons to get vaccinated and vaccination is our only way out of this pandemic,” Premier Andrews said.

Yarra Ranges Council mayor Fiona McAllister, along with her fellow councillors, has been actively requesting the extension of vaccination facilities in the shire and was pleased to hear the Yarra Ranges had been included.

Pop-up clinics will be located in the postcodes 3799, 3139, 3770, 3777, 3138, 3781, 3796, 3137, 3140, 3765, 3775 and 3116 in coming weeks, with more details to be released in the DHHS website.

The first of these clinics will be located in Yarra Junction, with Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) setting up a facility to welcome 200 walk-ins a day from Monday 13 September until Wednesday 15 September between the hours of 10am and 3.30pm.

Mayor McAllister said this was welcome news for the Upper Yarra area and hopes this will help get people vaccinated quicker so that the state can be released from current restrictions.

“While this is welcome news for our Upper Yarra communities, there are still many communities across the Yarra Valley, and potentially residents in Murrindindi Shire, who do

not have access to vaccination clinics close by,” she said.

“The council has written to the Victorian Minister for Health, The Hon. Martin Foley, requesting resources to enable EACH to establish an additional Covid-19 vaccination service at Coldstream Community Hall.

“A new 10 booth vaccination at Coldstream would enhance access to vaccinations for communities across the Yarra Valley, and potentially also for residents of Murrindindi Shire.

“These areas are popular tourist destinations that connect directly to regional Victoria.

Achieving high vaccination rates in these communities will be essential as restrictions ease in parts of the state.”

Mayor McAllister also said by establishing another vaccination centre in Coldstream, it would help close the vaccine gap between council areas and within the shire itself.

The council’s analysis of the Australian Immunisation Register indicated that vaccination rates in the Yarra Valley – which includes regional townships such as Healesville and Yarra Junction – were lower than the municipality overall.

“We have estimated with confidence that 49 per cent of those aged over 16 in the Yarra Valley had received a first dose and 30 per cent a second, compared to 53.6 per cent and 31.8 per cent respectively in the broader municipality.”

Police and emergency services responded to reports of a male who was located deceased in Yellingbo on Sunday 12 September.

The 38-year-old Warburton man was located deceased on the side of Healesville-KooWeeRup Road about 12.30am. A motorbike was located near the man.

The exact cause of the man’s death is yet to be determined but it is believed he may have been riding the motorcycle and crashed earlier in the evening.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling along Healesville-KooWeeRup Road late on Saturday evening to check dashcam footage and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have any information.

Driver caught A 21-year-old male probationary driver was detected speeding at 112 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Friday 10 September.

The Mercedes Benz driver was caught by police while travelling along Boronia Road in Boronia. His vehicle was immediately impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,325.

He will be charged on summons with speeding, speed dangerous and driving a probationary prohibited vehicle.

Fatal stabbing Homicide Squad detectives have charged a 42-year-old man following a fatal stabbing in Bayswater North on Sunday 12 September.

Emergency services were called to reports of an injured male at an address on Mason Court around 7.10am. A man aged in his 40s was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A Croydon man has been charged with one count of murder. He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 September.

Ice dealer faces court A Cockatoo man has faced the County Court and plead guilty to a number of offences, after he was caught driving unlicensed, possessing and trafficking a “commercial quantity” of methylamphetamine (ice) - over 200 grams - and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Mitchell Evans, a 34-year-old Cockatoo man with previous convictions for driving and drug offences, was caught out by an unmarked police vehicle earlier this year for driving a motorbike without a registration plate - an offence which led the police to a much bigger discovery.

At about 11.40pm on Tuesday 16 March, police were patrolling the Ferntree Gully area when they spotted Evans riding the motorbike along Burwood Highway.

The unmarked police car did a U-turn and followed Evans for about 200 metres, observing him as he slowed to pass a separate, marked police vehicle and turn into another street before pulling up at a carwash.

It was then that the unmarked police showed themselves and approached Evans, asking him to remove his helmet (to which he obliged).

When asked about his motorbike’s missing registration plate, Evans told the police

that it “must have fallen off” and when asked to provide his name, he claimed to be one “Mitchell James” and said that the bike was registered in his girlfriend’s name.

After completing their routine checks, police came to the conclusion that Evans had provided them with a false name and he was then arrested and searched at the scene.

During that search, police discovered an ice pipe, a snap lock bag containing methylamphetamine weighing 38.8 grams and his wallet, which contained multiple cards which portrayed his real name, Mitchell Evans.

After identifying Evans, police discovered that he had been disqualified as a driver back in February 2021 and was subsequently taken to the Knox Police Station, where he was further arrested for the drugs found and for driving unlicensed.

In the early hours of Wednesday 17 March, with Evans still in custody, police executed a search warrant at Evans’ Cockatoo home, during which they discovered over 175 grams of methylamphetamine (most of which was hidden in secret compartments), a cash counting machine, a vacuum seal machine, a number of incriminating messages on his computer and over $36,000 in cash.

Police later confirmed that overall, 214.3

Police seized over 200 grams of the drug ‘ice’ from both Mr Evans person and home, as well as over $36,000 in cash. 137393 He was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment on Monday 2 August for these unrelated charges and the breaching of a community corrections order, which will be taken from his days already served in custody, meaning that he will have 147 days applicable to this matter by way of pre-sentence detention.

The maximum penalty for trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence is 25 years imprisonment, while Evans’ other offences carry penalties of jail time too.

Evans will be sentenced by the County Court at a later date.

grams of methylamphetamine (0.86 times commercial quantity) with a pure weight of 178 grams (3.56 times commercial quantity) was seized from Evans through both the searches of himself and his home.

Evans has been in custody since his arrest on 16 March 2021 and as at the date of his determination hearing on 24 August 2021, he will have spent 161 days in custody.

However, at the time of his offending, Evans was undergoing a community corrections order for an unrelated matter.

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Goodbye ‘Walking Man’

By Renee Wood If you’ve lived in the Yarra Ranges for some time or visited here often, the chances are you’ve seen ‘The Walking Man’ striding on a trek through the region with two walking sticks.

The man behind the legend and familiar sight was Chirnside Park resident Joe Pulcin, but sadly The Walking Man has taken his final steps and passed away on Sunday 15 August, just shy of his 86th birthday.

Joe was a well loved member of the community, named The Walking Man and previously known as ‘The Running Man’ with Joe unknowingly made his presence felt one step at a time since 1984.

Joe was seen as an explorer but he was also filled with kindness and had a caring nature, something his neighbours the Cogan family came to learn after moving next door to him nine years ago.

Inga Cogan said, “Joe was a soft hearted, soft natured man who kept to himself, we couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. He will be dearly missed by so many.”

The Cogan’s met their neighbour when they moved in just before Christmas and he quickly became a close friend.

“Christmas Day came and we noticed he had no visitors, we prepared a plate of hot Christmas lunch and took it over to him.

“Our then one year old Darcy walked up to Joe with his arms up wanting a hug, Joe put his two walking sticks down, knelt on one knee and picked up Darcy and gave him a cuddle.

“We introduced ourselves, gave him his meal and told him we were always there if he needed anything.

“Joe shed a tear, gave us all a hug and wrote us a note to say thank you, we realised then that he couldn’t speak. From then on we took Joe over regular meals.

“In the end he was more than a neighbour, he was an extended part of our family.”

Joe was Croatian and arrived in Australia in 1964 and after 20 years he moved to Chirnside Park, which is where he started out on his adventures through the region, becoming an inspiration to many.

“Joe would walk everywhere, no matter whether it was sunny, cold, raining or blistering hot - if Joe wanted to walk, he would, if Joe needed to go to the shops, he would.”

Ms Cogan said nothing stopped Joe from getting out and about but home was also his happy place.

“He liked to wander around his garden and he would do incredible things with tree branches.

“When a tree started to grow a bit out of control, he would twist the branches around itself and around the tree, making such pretty and intriguing patterns.”

Joe was also a lover of music and artistry and was a talented guitar player and painter.

“He would often sit on his back verandah for hours playing different tunes. He was also a talented painter, with an easel set up in his living room.”

Sadly Joe’s journey has now come to an end as he walked on to his next life, he will be deeply missed by the community and friends.

“Joe’s passing has brought great sadness to our entire community.

“It is going to be a very different Spring and Summer in particular, not seeing Joe walking the streets of the Yarra Valley with his walking sticks,” Ms Cogan said.

Inga Cogan captured this moment on Christmas Day when then one year old Darcy was greeted with love by Joe Pulcin.

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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Sparking much debate

By Mikayla van Loon Burning off already comes with a number of risks and concerns but Emerald resident David Tunks, fears the new laws proposed by Cardinia Shire Council will be detrimental to the climate.

Under the new laws, the council plans to rezone urban, bushland and rural areas, meaning each will have different requirements for burning off, including the days in which residents can burn green waste, as well as the capacity in which they can burn.

Emerald falls into the bushland and periurban category and could mean under new laws that residents can legally burn two, three cubic metre green waste piles four days a week.

This equates to 216 cubic metres of green waste per week, which is an increase from just 24 cubic metres per week in the current system.

“This will inevitably mean more toxic smoke billowing over neighbourhoods and more greenhouse gases released into the environment” Mr Tunks said.

“In fact, burning wood releases six times more carbon dioxide into the environment than letting the wood rot or compost.

“In a time when the global environment is on a knife edge with all major governments and many industries working towards zero emissions I would have expected the Cardinia Shire Council would do more towards limiting unnecessary pollution from the burning of green waste rather than enabling more burning off.”

A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said the council will consider and review all concerns raised by residents before the final local law is approved.

“The Open Air Fires Local Law aims to provide for flexible fuel reduction and fire prevention while discouraging unnecessary health and environmental hazards caused by smoke,”

A smoke haze wafts over David Tunks’ backyard caused by a neighbouring properties burning off.

Picture: SUPPLIED the spokesperson said.

Cardinia Shire Council said it hopes to find the right balance between fire prevention and the impact on the environment by focusing on how smoke impacts the community and alternative methods of green waste disposal.

“These changes are proposed to reduce hazardous smoke caused from burning wet material. This is intended to encourage an uptake of alternative methods of waste disposal during wetter months and reduce smoke impacts.”

Mr Tunks said he currently has neighbours who burn off every week, both on the days they are allowed to and the days they are not.

“The increased burning off will mean more smoke more often. Currently, when the smoke is heavy I have to retreat indoors so with the proposed changes to the law that will mean I will not be able to spend as much time outside in the garden and doing work around the house,” he said.

“Occasionally we have even smelled it inside so I guess that will get worse too. Even when the smoke is not heavy you can still smell it and that is not pleasant either.”

Burning off also has a two fold impact - it releases more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causing the planet to warm which then

creates a higher risk of bushfires.

“Increased global temperature means more frequent, larger bushfires. So, these polluters who are contributing to global warming on the pretence of limiting the hazards of bushfires are in fact making the situation worse,” Mr Tunks said.

Understanding that people need to clean up their properties prior to the summer bushfire season, Mr Tunks would like to see more options made available to residents to dispose of green waste and higher permit costs and fines to deter people from unnecessarily burning off.

“People definitely need to clean up their properties in preparation for the summer. But burning off and adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere simply adds to the increasing threat of bushfires,” he said.

“We need a more environmentally and socially responsible means of disposing of green waste.”

Mr Tunks has submitted a request to the council asking it to expand its green waste collection in the peri-urban and bushland zone by offering extra green waste bins and extra green waste curbside collections for larger properties.

Having moved to the hills a few years ago from Ferntree Gully, Mr Tunks said he loves the lifestyle Emerald provides, it’s tranquility, clean air and greenery but wants it to remain that way into the future.

“We, like many others, made a conscious choice to live in Cardinia Shire to enjoy the beautiful natural environment and to benefit from a healthier environment,” he said.

“My hope is that the council will see that it’s time for change. It’s time to put the environment and our future before the selfish wants of some shortsighted individuals. It’s time for the council to consider new ways to tackle old issues before it’s too late.”

Residents fight loss of trail to development

By Taylah Eastwell Upper Ferntree Gully residents are fighting a Knox City Council decision that will see a double-storey medical clinic built next to the Ferny Creek Trail, fearing a car park will be built for the facility over part of the muchloved footway.

Neighbours have vowed to fight the decision, which was approved by council in December last year for 1 Mount View Road, having recently enlisted the help of a planning expert and lawyer ahead of the VCAT hearing.

Knox City Council received 51 objections to the proposal from 47 separate properties.

A fundraiser has been established to fund the fight against the development, having currently raised $1640 of a $5,000 goal.

“Ferny Creek Trail is a ‘wildlife corridor’ in Upper Ferntree Gully next to a National Park.

Here are rosella’s, king parrots, kookaburras, eagles, wombats, echidnas in backyards, trees and (the) sky. On green paths cockatoos and wild ducks sometimes greet passers-by,” the Go Fund Me page says.

“Yet this is fast disappearing. A developer wants to place a large ‘Medical Centre’ next door to the Trail. Planning part of the carpark over the trail, destroying the canopy trees, and narrowing the entrance. Many schoolchildren, walkers, bike-riders, families, all ages, use this trail,” it reads.

Ultimately, residents feel they have been misled by council about the application due to the fenceline not being marked in documents, making it unclear that trees were being removed to allow a carpark to be built on part of the trail.

A representative from Save the Dandenong Foothills said “it is our understanding that the development extends to the title boundary which encroaches Ferny Creek Trail.”

“At the Dawson Street entrance of Ferny Creek Trail, the canopy trees on the trail will all be removed,” the representative said.

The issue of increased traffic on the residential street is also a cause for concern among locals. mailcommunity.com.au

Residents are fighting the development planned for 1 Mount View Road, Upper Ferntree Gully.

Dawson Street resident Vicki Toes lives opposite the site and fears looking out at the “monstrosity of a building that is so out of keeping with the area”, saying the street is full of homes from the 1940’s.

“I’m not opposed to a medical centre going there, but does it need 13 doctors, does it need to be double storey?,” she said.

“Apparently they can open 24-hours a day, which isn’t ideal because it’s a residential street. I don’t want to be looking out at bright lights and all the traffic,” she said.

As it stands, Ms Toes already has to look in six directions when leaving her house, with traffic from the Royal Hotel carpark, the two entrances to Maxi Foods supermarket, Mount View Road, the bend coming into Dawson Street and traffic coming down from the traffic lights on Burwood Highway.

“When I reverse out I have to look six ways with traffic as it is now, let alone with a huge medical clinic across the road,” she said.

Ms Toes said 10 people’s objections were missing from the official list of objectors due to issues opening the documents, but this was later corrected.

Residents are also concerned about the loss of trees along the trail and feel they have “no voice” when it comes to developments in Knox.

“You just feel as if you’ve been paying rates forever and you can’t have a say about

Upper FTG residents are fighting a council decision that they fear will see a carpark built over part of the much-loved Ferny Creek Trail.

Knox residents fear a development will encroach on Upper Ferntree Gully’s Ferny Creek Trail. what goes on in your area. We had a big meeting and they ask for your opinion and then they just do what they wanted to do anyway,” a resident said.

According to a council report, “the development of the proposed medical centre will strike an appropriate balance between

providing a well-located essential service, protecting the amenity of nearby residential area and complementing surrounding commercial uses.”

The Go Fund Me can be viewed at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/SaveDandenongFoothills Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 5

STORM AND FLOOD

BULLETIN

This bulletin provides regular updates and stories about recovery and clean-up from the June 2021 storms and floods both in our local community and across Victoria’s affected areas.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria proudly works in partnership with council and the local community to support recovery.

CLEAN-UP PROGRAM More make-safe works are underway across the state. Our current focus is to remove hazardous trees that threaten the safety of residents and work-crews, or to make these trees safe by eliminating large overhanging branches.

Over the past month, our Residential Storm and Flood Clean-up program has been receiving high volumes of registrations for the assessment of hazardous trees.

Getting out to everybody with registered trees is a big job and takes time. While you wait for your site assessment, or for an arborist to return, it’s essential that you have a safety plan in place that includes alternative accommodation options if strong winds are predicted.

PARTNERS IN WELLBEING It’s normal in these challenging times for small business owners to sometimes feel stressed or overwhelmed. It’s normal and important to get support.

For support, members of the public are encouraged to call the Recovery Support Hotline on 1800 560 760 to speak to a dedicated local Recovery Support Worker who can assist.

To find out more about the clean-up program, visit: brv.vic.gov.au/cleanup

Your wellbeing is vital to the health of your business. The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is here to help.

Talk to one of the trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors, or business advisors today. It’s free and they’re here for you seven days a week. Call 1300 370 330 or chat online seven days a week, visit: partnersinwellbeing.org.au

AN UPDATE FROM YARRA RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL Free Firewood Collection Council is running a firewood collection program for the community during September and October, enabling residents to collect unseasoned green firewood that Council has been stockpiling as part of its storm clean-up activities.

The firewood has been sourced from log wood material that was split or had shattered during the storm, as well as logs that had to be cut into sections to enable removal from roadways.

Due to the limited amount of firewood available, a registration process has been developed to enable Council to safely manage how it is shared amongst the community. The wood will be available at sites throughout the municipality on specified dates.

Members of Council’s Parks and Bushland Team will be onsite to check bookings, direct traffic and ensure collections are undertaken safely. Residents should also read all safety information the on Council’s website when making a booking.

Further dates may be added to the program depending on demand and availability of firewood. Please refer to Council’s website for further information and updates at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/FirewoodCollection

PARKS VICTORIA UPDATE Parks Victoria crews have made significant progress managing the severe impacts of the June 9 storm event at the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges.

While local rangers have cleared more than 100 kilometres of roads, walking trails and picnic grounds throughout the district, it was hit hardest by the wild weather and clean-up efforts continue. Extended closures at key locations including the 1000 Steps (Kokoda Memorial Track), Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve, Olinda Falls Picnic Grounds and William Ricketts Sanctuary will allow them to be made safe for the public once again.

Rangers are working with professional arborists and skilled crews to identify and remove hundreds of hazardous trees and tonnes of debris, with clearing vehicle and fire access tracks, fuel breaks and green waste debris a priority ahead of summer.

Parks Victoria will continue to work with Bushfire Recovery Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to ensure a coordinated response on public land.

Visitors are requested to observe site closures, signage and fencedoff areas as trees, rocks and soil may continue to move – especially during or after rain. Please refer to the Parks Victoria website for up to date information relating to closures and change of conditions.

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NEWS

Get bushfire ready

By Mikayla van Loon Just like that, we are on the cusp of another bushfire season and now is the perfect time to start clearing properties of excess debris.

But as much as it is important to be prepared, it’s also important to be safe.

Kallista-The Patch CFA captain Martin Noonan said now is the time where CFA crews are called to jobs where burning off has gotten out of hand.

“It’s this time of year where we’re finished with the common fire events like house fires or car accidents that occur across the winter months,” he said.

“With strong winds and if people are burning off, it’s invariably going to catch into a tree or elsewhere on their properties and that’s something that we’re really wanting people to be very mindful of.”

Mr Noonan said Victoria’s fire season forecast has been marked as a normal fire season, while New South Wales and Queensland are preparing for a very extreme fire season, but that does not mean people can be lenient.

“At this point in time, they’re saying that we’re not necessarily looking at a tough fire season but that can change very quickly and all you need is about six weeks of dry weather, and then things will catch,” Mr Noonan said.

“So we just want people to be very conscious, as they do, but be very conscious of their property preparation.”

The other thing residents need to be aware of are fire hydrants on or near their property.

“Make sure it’s clear of grass and shrubs because we’ve got to get into that fire hydrant very, very quickly and to have to contend with vegetation growth, it just slows the process down.”

While clearing larger items from a property is essential, Mr Noonan said ensuring smaller branches, leaves and other debris is also cleared is very important, particularly from gutters and roofs.

“That’s perfect for sparks that can drift kilo-

By Renee Wood

Bushfire season is approaching and CFA brigades are wanting people to be mindful of burning off getting out of hand.

Picture: SUPPLIED metres, as was found in the 2019/2020 fire season in Gippsland, they travel and that’s what we want people to be very mindful of.”

The Yarra Ranges Council has a one metre by one metre burn off pile rule, which must be done away from trees with a hose on standby.

“The one thing that we really want to emphasise is once winds get over 15 kilometres an hour then those little one meter piles turn into big, big problems.”

“The more that people stack their dry debris to burn, the bigger the piles, there is a likelihood of fire going underground and traveling

depending on what’s under the ground fires can pop up metres away.”

With a number of properties in the hills also being owned for accommodation purposes, Mr Noonan hopes that residents will take it upon themselves to notify the owners of neighbouring properties should there be any identifiable risk factors.

To find out more information about burning off in the Yarra Ranges go to, https://www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Burning-off.

Greens’ Jenny Game puts hand up The Victorian Greens has launched its campaign for the federal seat of Casey, with longterm Upwey resident Jenny Game running for the second time.

With the retirement of Liberal Speaker Tony Smith, the seat of Casey falls within the marginal range for the first time and will be highly contested.

The Victorian Greens will run a strong campaign focussed on urgent climate action and fair taxation for the mega-rich and corporations.

Jenny Game is a senior academic and musician who has lived in the Casey electorate for more than 20 years and raised her two children there.

“As a musician and senior academic, I’ll bring integrity back to politics in Casey. Our beautiful region has been dismissed by the Liberal government for too long,” Ms Game said.

“It takes millions in donations from big corporations, while ignoring the climate crisis, the ever-growing wealth gap and the needs of our community. This will change.

“Logging our beautiful native forests in what everyone can now clearly see as a climate emergency, is nothing short of criminal - but we can stop it.”

Ms Game is committed to fighting the wealth gap in Casey, and will push to create secure jobs in renewable energy.

Ms Game is also focussed on the Covid recovery, and is committed to prioritising investment in clean, green infrastructure and creating a more equitable society — importantly with the inclusion of a treaty for First Nations Australians.

The campaign will kick off on Friday 10 September with a virtual Women in Politics panel featuring Jenny Game, Greens Victoria Senators Lidia Thorpe and Janet Rice, as well as the Greens candidate for Cooper, Celeste Liddle.

All are welcome with funds raised going towards the campaign. To attend the event go to, https://victoria.greens.org.au/csey_ soc_20210910 mailcommunity.com.au

Are you really okay?

Jenny Game will run for the federal Casey seat in the upcoming election.

Picture: SUPPLIED

On September 9 the community was asked to turn to loved ones, friends, colleagues and ask an important question - R U OK? R U OK day aims to raise awareness for suicide prevention while also being a driver for starting supportive conversations.

It’s also an important day within schools as mental health and wellbeing remains at the forefront of remote learning discussions.

Mater Christi College Principal Maria Haggett said it’s a vital topic for the College and its encouraging students to open up to see if they ‘really’ are ok.

“In this area with the storms and the lockdown, there’s this kind of sense of ‘she’ll be right’ and I think we have to be really careful about that. We have to give people an opportunity to articulate how they’re actually feeling,” Ms Haggett said.

It comes as the need for mental health support rises across Victorian schools as lockdowns continue.

“Our psychologists are flat out and they’re doing a fabulous job, but we are seeing a waiting list for our psychologists and they are triaging and prioritizing the most severe cases and we’re working with parents as much as we can who,” Ms Haggett said.

“They’re (parents) going to their GPs to get a mental health plan for their daughter, but there’s a three month wait for a private psychologist in some areas.

“We’re trying to hold our students in the best frame of mind that we can, but it is tough for them and tough for staff as well.”

Mater Christi College School Captain Cassidy Ede said it’s the uncertainty and not knowing what’s ahead that worries students the most.

“You begin to think that you’re in the clear and getting back to normal and then everything changes,” Miss Ede said.

“Not knowing exactly when this is all going to be over or when we can go back to school creates a bit of stress and anxiety for people because you just don’t know what’s going to happen and everything can change so quickly.”

It’s the conversations, albeit virtually, that are helping her and her friends get through it.

“We know what each other are going through we’re able to give each other advice and just be there for each other. So we’ll zoom and have a catch up and just talk.”

Principal Haggett said looking at mental health as we do physical health will help to understand when you need some assistance.

“We accept we have to look after our physical health by eating well, by walking by running, so we need to think about our mental health like that too.

Let’s not wait until we’re really mentally unfit to do something, lets be proactive,” Ms Haggett said.

“Find something that you can do every day that will lift your spirits. That might be a walk, it might be listening to music, it might be creating something, it depends on what you really love. We’ve got to find in each day something that brings us a little bit of joy.”

There’s hope by taking action and asking ‘are you really okay’ it will drive the sentiment past the 24 hour cycle to ensure supportive conversations remain top priority.

“We definitely need to check in on each other more than once a year, it’s very important. Even doing little things just like a message or put together a little care package for your close friends and send it in the mail,” Miss Ede said.

“It’s definitely something we need to be doing all year round, not just on this one day.”

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THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Matthew Crymble

What is something people don’t know about you?

Nothing, I’m an open book.

What was your most memorable moment?

Why? Three moments. Each of my daughters’ births, Hayley, Kaitlyn and Piper. Why? Any parent knows why.

THREE … facts about the Aussie flag

1

In 1901, Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, announced an international competition to design a flag for the new Commonwealth of Australia. After receiving 32,823 entries, a winner was chosen and five nearly identical entries were awarded equal first (and so the Australian flag was born).

2

The flag was flown for the first time on 3 September 1901 at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne, which was then the seat of the federal government.

Ever since, this day has been celebrated as ’Australian National Flag Day’ and this year, the flag marked it’s 120th birthday!

3

The flag features three symbolic elements on a blue background: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. The Union Jack represents the history of British settlement; the Commonwealth (or Federation) Star below has seven points, representing the unity of the six states and the territories of Australia; and the Southern Cross (a constellation only seen from the southern hemisphere) is a reminder of Australia’s geography.

Favourite holiday spot in Australia?

Anywhere sea side.

What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

I enjoy walking the tracks and trails of the Yarra Ranges.

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

A successful Ashes campaign in England.

What is your favourite book?

South: The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition 1914-1917 by Ernest Shackleton and Peter King.

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

Horatio Nelson, James Cook, Don Bradman, Basil Fawlty.

Who is your favourite musician?

Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes.

What are some of your hobbies?

Watching local sports with my mates.

Matthew Crymble is the Mount Evelyn RSL president.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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What does an ideal weekend look like for you?

Footy/Cricket, barbecue and cold beverages.

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OPINION

Anxiety in children Last time I wrote I talked about how hard it was for most of us being jerked in and out of lockdowns.

Since that time we have been in constant lockdown and it is taking quite a toll on us with regard to schools being closed, as it is with eating out venues, ‘non-essential’ businesses, hair dressers, gyms, churches, sporting clubs and theatre events and the list goes on.

My observation now tells me that the fear stage we went through in the first half of 2020, has dissipated somewhat as we have now come to know the ‘enemy’.

However, the amount of fear mongering and miss information that is about on social media is overwhelming – the fear now is around vaccination, and people are ringing me seeking the truth.

I, of course, although well informed, am not an adequate answer man. My advice is to talk with your personally trusted family doctor for facts and advice.

However what I want to address in this article is a growing concern for our young people.

From the littlies at pre- kinder and big kinder, pre-school and early primary grades; these children are really missing their little friends they play with more the missing the learning.

Yet someone said to me today, “Oh well it won’t hurt then, they will soon forget”. In my case not true – I can clearly remember trauma in my kinder room over 70 years ago.

Then we think about students in the middle years - many in a battle between themselves and a parent as the latter attempts to home school. Some in the higher grades are missing school socials, excursions, and camps – all in a sense, rites of passage. In this cohort, calls for help to the Children’s Hospital have jumped from 30 to 80% during lockdown six.

Then the ones that I am very concerned about are the VCE students studying by themselves most times, at home on their PCs, attempting to achieve a score that will in many ways determine their future university options, and to find career avenue choices in the future as well. These are big issues.

Focal Point

Graeme Dawson

It is a sad fact that the pressure and isolation and lack of connection with peers, after a world record lockdown of 340 days was recorded on the 2nd of September, has seen calls to Lifeline jump 30%, and a significant rise in youth suicides this year.

We of the human race are designed for connection with others. Most times that happens within the primary family and to a slightly lesser extent the extended family. The latter is where holes in our socialization are prevalent.

If we live over five kilometers from the extended ones, we can’t meet. Not all of the elderly have the capacity to share on line, so two sides miss out – the children and the grandparents.

I see and I know that many of us are going a little stir-crazy being locked down and restricted. Most of my individual Chaplaincies ceased weeks ago, and I have missed the funeral of a dear friend – only 10 allowed and rightly so, the family has taken those places.

Let me finish with an old blessing that you can take with you in these uncertain times.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you And be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you And give you peace.”

With blessings - Graeme (Feedback, questions or need for support can be fielded to my email, csrsmokey@gmail. com) Graeme Dawson, B. Min. Grad. Dip. C.C. Chaplain to Community

No theatre in The Basin The Basin Theatre advises that all the remaining seasons in 2021 now have been postponed due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Even with the releasing of restrictions in Victoria it would be impossible for The Basin Theatre to safeguard the patronage attending the theatre for the remainder of the year.

The Basin Theatre will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all the members and patrons are regularly informed about the developing situation throughout The Basin Theatre’s web pages, Facebook pages and newsletter emails.

Kemp’s curtain call The company is currently planning an exciting performance program for 2022 with the expectation that shows will be able to be staged by February 2022.

Proposed Complaints Policy Cardinia Shire Council’s draft Complaints Policy is now on public exhibition.

On a mission to Mars Stowaway Starring Toni Collette, Anna Kendrick and Daniel Dae Kim Rated M Stowaway is a tense, deeply-affecting science fiction drama.

A three-person crew on a mission to Mars must deal with an unexpected stowaway.

Stowaway does an excellent job of both fleshing out its characters and establishing the ship’s layout, its critical systems and the cascading damage therein. As such, you care deeply for the crew and have a clear awareness of the obstacles they face. The intricate, cramped sets and stark, minimalist sound design make the film even more immersive.

The performances are authentically lowkey, which you would expect from highlytrained professionals, and the characters steer refreshingly clear from archetypes.

David the biologist (Daniel Dae Kim)

is logical but warm and good-humoured, Marina the commander (Toni Collette) is authoritative but kind, and Zoe the doctor (Anna Kendrick) is intensely compassionate but still sees the bigger picture. Shamier Anderson forms the film’s bittersweet emotional core as Michael, the titular stowaway.

Fans of Danny Boyle’s 2008 film Sunshine will love Stowaway, as both films feature an understated tone, stowaways in space and strong suspense drawn from malfunctions and dwindling resources.

I won’t give anything away, but the ending of Stowaway was such a beautiful display of self-sacrifice and making peace with a hostile cosmos that it made me cry. What more endorsement do you need?

Stowaway is the best space-based movie of 2021 by far, and is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

MWF online takeaways For the second year in a row, all live events planned for the Melbourne Writers Festival were cancelled. It’s disappointing news to all storytellers and story lovers, but we’re grateful that festival organisers have brought forward a series of online programs in the most difficult of circumstances.

In the words of Lord Mayor Sally Capp: “Now, more than ever, it is time for us to come together to help make sense of the world.” As we prepare ourselves to bounce back “bigger, better and brighter than ever”, the MWF’s online programs help us re-energise ourselves with culture and creativity, for “we are, and always will be, a city full of literary minds, readers and thinkers”.

The “MWF Digital” program features 10 events to be streamed online until September 15. The international authors highlighted include Rumaan Alam, Natasha Brown, Rachel Cusk, Emma Dabiri, Jhumpa Lahiri, Sigrid Nunez and Viet Thanh Nguyen, just to name a few. Events are available individually on a Pay-What-You-Can basis or via a Digital Pass.

Meanwhile, “Writers on Film” is a specially commissioned documentary series mapping the creative lives of three beloved Australian authors. Viewable via YouTube, these short films feature Jennifer Down, Sophie Cunningham and Tony Birch doing self-narrated tours of neighbourhoods and personally significant sites that informed their award-winning books.

After watching the series, why not check out the books themselves? Birch’s latest collection of short stories Dark as Last Night was published last month, and his novels Ghost River (2015) and The White Girl (2019) are must-reads. Also worth perusing are Canningham’s Melbourne (2011) and City of Trees: Essays on life, death and the need for a forest (2019), and Down’s latest novel Bodies of Light will arrive later this month.

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Another MWF Extra to be found online is “Writing Melbourne”, a total of 11 works of fiction and non-fiction that reflect life in our city. Part of the Metro Tunnel Creative Program, the project displays excerpts of each commissioned work alongside illustrations by local artists at the City Square.

The writers highlighted include Melanie Cheng (Room for a Stranger [2019], Australia Day [2017]), Stephanie Convery (After the Count: The death of Davey Browne [2020]), Laura McPhee Browne (Cherry Beach [2020]), Thuy On (Turbulence [2020]) and Nova Weetman (The Edge of Thirteen [2021]), just to name a few.

This reviewer recommends “Cats of My Neighbours” by Ronnie Scott (The Adversary [2020]), a subtle story with an interesting twist. It’s about observing cats, yes, but it’s also a reflection on the “push and pull between states of loneliness and independence” that characterises life in a city apartment.

Finally, if you know an international student studying with a Victorian education provider, why not invite them to submit a story about their real or fictional life in Victoria? The ‘Melbourne Beginnings’ program requests written and visual stories of “This is how my story began...” that are inspirational, nostalgic or fantastical, entries close on September 20.

The draft policy will be on public exhibition until Tuesday 28 September and is a formal expression of Council’s commitment to providing a fair, transparent, and consistent process for our customers when they wish to make a complaint.

To view the draft policy, visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Burning love for painting

By Mikayla van Loon It’s never too late to try something new and for recently appointed Kallista-The Patch CFA captain Martin Noonan, that philosophy has been guiding him for the last year.

Having never picked up a paint brush or drawn anything in his life, Mr Noonan decided to challenge himself last year when Victoria was in the midst of its longest lockdown.

“I have never been able to draw or paint in my life. I could never do anything like this at school, my mother did paint a little bit that only was only real basic stuff,” Mr Noonan said.

“I thought, now I’m gonna really try and push myself because lockdowns can be pretty boring and I’ve done all the garden projects and tidying up the house.”

Mr Noonan started by painting an 1800s shack that his daughter in law stumbled upon in Gippsland, which turned out to be his ancestors.

“I painted that and it worked out really well.

So my partner suggested that I start painting certain buildings of Kallista because they’re really quite interesting.”

Taking the suggestion and running with it, Mr Noonan has now painted Kallista Post Office, The Patch Post Office, Cooks Corner, Kallista Deli, the Kallista Tea Rooms and the fire brigade.

Thinking of ways Mr Noonan could help raise some much needed funds for the CFA, all six artworks have been turned into postcards which are for sale at Kallista Post Office, The Patch Post Office and Cooks Corner.

“I can’t believe it’s actually real but it’s actually happened and a proportion of the sale of each postcard goes to the fire brigade for equipment.

“It costs a lot to run the brigade and buying equipment is a hard slog each year with fundraising.

Martin Noonan holds his painting of The Patch Store while Corin holds the newly printed postcards. 249645 “With no markets for us to be out with sausage sizzles, and those normal fundraising activities with all of that sort of closed down last year, people are putting their minds to creative ideas.”

Mr Noonan said other CFA members have been making jams and chutneys to sell at the Kallista and The Patch Post Offices.

As a thank you for the support both businesses have shown the CFA, Mr Noonan gifted the paintings he had done of the buildings to each store.

“I’ve dedicated the Kallista post office painting to Jo there at the post office and, unfortunately, last year, she lost her business partner Liz, so it’s a dedication for them.”

Even though photographing each building Mr Noonan tried to make as accurate as possible, the same technique does not apply to his paintings.

“It’s not about trying to be accurate, kind of like a photography type artwork, it’s about kind of a caricature almost of the building,” he said.

An artwork takes Mr Noonan anywhere between two to three weeks, working on them in short bursts of time.

“I started in little bits and pieces, in terms of timelines in the beginning, I now sort of spend maybe half an hour to an hour but quite frankly, that just goes in seconds, you just get so immersed into the challenge of dimensions and proportions and color.”

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mr Noonan said he already has some ideas of what he’d like to paint next, perhaps the Kallista Primary School entry.

He’s also had requests from people to paint their houses which he has found very humbling and without that encouragement, Mr Noonan said he wouldn’t have painted everything he has.

“Through people’s encouragement and this is the important part, that what I think was sort of ok, other people think is more than ok,” he said.

“The girls at the patch post office have been really encouraging, together with my partner and other community people that we know that have said, ‘hey, that’s not bad’.”

In times of crisis, you can give

where it’s needed most Please donate now 1 3 S A LV O S S A LV O S . O R G . A U

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BE KIND-BUY, EMPLOY, ENJOY LOCAL

Employ local There are so many benefits to working locally, particularly the ease and convenience. But here in the Yarra Ranges, there’s much more to it than just that - our region is home to an abundant range of diverse and interesting industries, from hospitality to advanced manufacturing, agriculture to health care through to retail and horticulture.

Our local hospitality and tourism industry opens up employment into one of Victoria’s most exciting and vibrant visitor destinations.

Hospitality offers numerous career pathways, from business management and leadership roles through to becoming a barista, sommelier or a chef. It can also offer the perfect flexibility during certain stages of life, such as studying or parenting young children, or there is the opportunity to build a rewarding lifelong career.

Right now, hospitality businesses are struggling to find enough staff. The significant impacts of consecutive lockdowns, and the pressures of re-openings have contributed to this shortage in staff despite the many advantages of a career in hospitality.

The Hospitality Jump Start for Jobs Program, a partnership between Yarra Ranges Council, Cire Training and Box Hill Institute, supports unemployed and underemployed locals to get the skills and training they need to get started in the hospitality industry.

Students in both the Front of House training and Kitchen Skills course earn certifications in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Food Hygiene, along with a suite of other skills from barista training to knife handling. Students’ new skills are then put to the test in real life work experience at pop-up cafes. Best of all, the Hospitality Jump Start for Jobs Program results in real employment opportunities: Many Hands Winery in Coldstream, en-

couraged their team member Joshua Lovell, to undertake the Front of House training course, and get his RSA. ‘We knew Josh had potential, but it was amazing to see how his confidence had grown after doing the course,” said winery owner Jenny Walsh.

Elsewhere in Yarra Ranges students have been in employed in a variety of hospitality venues; the Burrinja Cultural Centre cafe employs four graduates of the course, while other students have gone on to work in kitchens at local aged care facilities, or even to begin an apprenticeship at a Yarra Valley winery.

The next round of hospitality courses will run later in the year.

Another exciting development supporting local employment opportunities is the launch of the Yarra Ranges JobLink, an online jobs portal connecting local staff with local businesses. It’s a free resource for all, whether you are an employer posting a job or a prospective employee sharing your CV. Yarra Ranges JobLink allows the user to explore the region’s trending industries and gain information on pathways into these careers.

One of the industries with the most advertised jobs has been in trades and services, which comes as no surprise given construction and trades are one of the top employers throughout Yarra Ranges. The number of jobs in this industry has been increasing steadily over many years and is estimated to keep growing 12% between 2020-2024.

The opportunity and incentives for training in this area are growing as well. Working in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council, Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale campus is home to a state-of-the-art trades training centre, which delivers a variety of industry apprenticeships training in wood, electrical, plumbing and automotive trades.

Hospitality Jump Start for Jobs Graduate, Grace, practising her kitchen skills.

If you’re looking for employment, a local Yarra Ranges Jobs Advocate can help. This free service provides jobseekers with information and advice, and connects them with the right local support to help find the perfect job, training or other assistance to become jobready. Local Jobs Advocates are running daily Zoom sessions during lockdown. You can find out more on the Yarra Ranges Council website www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Business-YarraRanges/Employment-Resources.

Council is committed to helping local businesses and industry recover from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. An important part of the economic recovery plan for the region is to facilitate employment in Yarra Ranges. And while the pandemic has disrupted our daily lives on every level, as we slowly build a pathway into a ‘COVID-normal’ life, the opportunities to live and work locally are growing. So, where possible, let’s all find ways to support our local economy and Employ Local.

EmplOY local YA R R A R A N G E S

As part of council’s recovery efforts, Yarra Ranges Council is launching Buy Employ Enjoy – a campaign created to encourage our community to choose local. We’ve been kind to each other, to business and to ourselves. Now it’s time to #BuyEmployEnjoy and support our local business and community.

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Peace, love and yoga for crisis

By Mikayla van Loon

The donation table for Open Door Pantry located in Community Bank Monbulk & District.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Filling the pantry Community Bank Monbulk and District has been working closely with the Open Door Pantry Monbulk, run by Monbulk Care Network since it first opened in early 2020.

Monbulk Care Network is a not for profit community support organisation operating the Monbulk Care Network Op Shop located in the main street.

With all profits going back into the community to support local people in times of need, Monbulk Care Network also provides practical support to schools, people facing financial difficulties and homelessness.

Monbulk Care Network also runs a food service to help people when they are finding it hard to get food for themselves or their families.

When the Covid-19 pandemic first started in early 2020 the team at Monbulk Care Network found they could not open the Op Shop or support the community in the way they once had. This was the starting point for the

Monbulk Open Door Pantry.

This grass roots initiative meant local people could visit the pantry and take what they needed, or give what they could to help each other.

Within a short period of time it became clear that the community was supportive of the idea and some changes needed to be made to the church hall to enable this fantastic community initiative to expand.

Community Bank Monbulk & District proudly supported the Open Door Pantry when they opened by providing a grant to enable internal locks to be put on the church hall doors and kitchen area to allow the verandah to remain open 24/7. Powerpoints were also installed to enable a fridge freezer to be kept on the verandah, meaning that chilled goods, fresh vegetables and frozen meals can also be left at the pantry as well as non-perishable foods and essential items.

During the current lockdown, many mem-

bers of our community are needing more assistance than ever before, and with the current travel restrictions in place Open Door Pantry is finding that there are less donations coming in.

If you are in a position to contribute and would like to drop off any items such as non perishable food donations, baby items, toiletries and pet food and just about anything else grocery wise that you can think of, the Open Door Pantry would be so grateful to receive your donation.

All donations can be delivered directly to the Open Door Pantry who are located at the Open Door Community Church on the corner of Moxham and David Hill Road Monbulk or non perishable donations can be dropped directly into the Community Bank Monbulk & District.

Together we can try and make a difference in our local community by supporting one another.

Climbing Mt Everest for mental health

By Shelby Brooks On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, an Emerald firefighter climbed Mt Everest from his home in a bid to raise $10,000 for mental health charities.

Fire Rescue Victoria firefighter Chris May climbed 41,185 steps, the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest, as part of the virtual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.

In its eighth year, the event raises funds for Lifeline, Fortem Australia and the 000 Foundation to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues like depression, Post Traumatic Stress Injury and suicide, especially for those within the emergency service and defence communities.

“Post Traumatic Stress is an incredibly close topic to me, having many friends that live with this injury including myself, some of whom have succumbed to the trauma and taken their own lives,” Chris said.

The event always has strong ties to the anniversary of 9/11, but this year being 20 years on made it more potent than ever.

Chris said his life was shaped by the events of 11 September 2001.

As a grade six student waking up to watch the morning cartoons, he remembers watching the towers falling live on TV. “Since 9/11 I have lived a crazy life- I joined the army, I was injured, I won an Australian of the Year award, I started a charity and that’s all come because of that day,” Chris said.

Chris joined the ADF and served in Afghanistan as part of the global war on terror with 12 MAIL

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Chris May climbed over 40,000 steps. 249896 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the intent on making the world a better place than that of that fateful day.

He served 10 years in the army and was wounded in an IED blast in Afghanistan and is recorded as one of the 200 Australian soldiers

wounded in action in the Afghanistan missions.

Intent on continuing his passion to serve and help people, Chris began the charity ‘Young Veterans’, which is now an Australiawide organisation that assists veterans in their post service life.

Chris was a finalist in the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards in Victoria, and he carried the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton on behalf of the veteran community in the same year.

Chris came to firefighting as a CFA Volunteer after leaving the defence force and searching for a new path in life.

Finding his passion in firefighting, Chris knows first-hand the trauma emergency service personnel witness.

“All emergency services, paid or volunteer, are the ones that go towards an emergency while others go away from it,” Chris said.

“They are there for people’s worst days of their lives and the incidents we see can take a toll.”

Chris raised $14,321, starting a 17 and a half hours stair climb at 9am on Saturday 11 September.

He also auctioned off custom-made decorative firefighter helmets.

“It was a bit tough to walk yesterday but I am up and about now,” Chris said on Monday.

“I stepped from 9am to 2.30am, resting and re-hydrating of course.”

Chris used a step mill on loan from Vibe Health and Fitness Emerald.

Head to firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/ chrismay/ to donate until 10 October.

Seeing the terror that has been unleashed on Afghanistan and how quickly Kabul fell to the Taliban was heartbreaking for anyone keeping up with the news but for Hills resident Jess Nabb it inspired them to start a fundraiser.

“I just was watching on helplessly and I was reading the words, particularly of women in Afghanistan, who were university students, and were talking about what was happening on the ground there,” Jess said.

“And some of the things that were being said to them, particularly by men, and I just felt like I was watching on helplessly and I really wanted to help in whatever way that I could.”

As a musician, watching footage of musicians’ houses being raided and instruments being smashed, caused a great amount of distress for Jess but also ignited a feeling of needing to help.

“I started listening basically, to as many Afghan voices as I could, and looking into different ways of fundraising and so that’s what prompted me.

“But also, the reason that we’re doing it this weekend is that we figured it’s gonna start dropping out of the news cycle. And we really wanted to keep it in people’s minds that the Taliban has taken over and women in particular and children are losing a lot of their freedoms.”

Combining their love for yoga, music, meditation and non religious prayer, Jess reached out to their community at the Tecoma Uniting Church to organise an event called Peace for Afghanistan.

With the help of Matt Cutler, the church’s minister and local yoga teacher Shakti McLaren, Jess was able to get yoga teacher Alison Briggs-Miller, musician Saint Ergo and spiritual leader Marilyn Copeland on board.

“Part of the afternoon, we’re also doing an interview with Hamish and Mariam, two doctors who have worked in Afghanistan,” Jess said.

“They’ve got colleagues on the ground [in Afghanistan] that they can send money to, who are helping families and children who have been displaced and are living in camps outside of Kabul, and just helping with really basic supplies like food and water and basic medical supplies.”

Having experienced the 9 June storms and being witness to the community support that stemmed from the horrific event, Jess hoped the community could come together in a similar way.

“All of that happened not long after the storm up here in the Dandenong Ranges and just seeing how quickly a community can mobilise, I thought, we shouldn’t just be mobilising for people in our own communities.

“I’m a real believer that our liberation is tied with the liberation of all and helping those who are worst affected by any event.”

Not having any expectations on how much they would like to raise, Jess hoped it would also be a positive inclusion in people’s weekend timetables while in lockdown.

“I’m coming at it as just a person who wanted to do something, so anything is better than nothing,” they said.

“We really wanted to make sure that it’s accessible to anyone who’s at least got tech access, so we’re saying, even if you can’t afford to make a donation, please come because I do believe that people’s presence and their awareness is really valuable as well.” mailcommunity.com.au

MONBULK

Bank grows community Community Bank Monbulk and District really is a part of our local community and everyday we seek to strengthen, support and build our community by listening to the needs and wants of our town.

Our vision is to support not only our customers, but our local clubs, groups, schools and organisations. The Community Bank Model is one of the most unique business models in the world, and we are so proud that our town has its own bank and is able to give profits straight back to the community.

Since opening in 2012 Community Bank Monbulk and District has given back over $590,000 to our community and this is a wonderful achievement for all involved. Our board of directors get to make the decision on how our funds are spent and really make a difference in Monbulk.

Our sponsorship and grants program opens twice a year, April and September, and we encourage local groups, schools and organisations to apply for sponsorship for their local event or project.

The September round is now underway so if your club, group or school is looking to partner with us, please contact us for details on how to apply.

Community Bank Monbulk & District also runs a ’Tokens of Appreciation’ wall, which allows customers to decide which community groups they would like to support in the process of doing their banking with us. All of our local clubs and groups are represented on the wall and customers can choose to support one or many of the groups when they bank with us.

With the support of the Monbulk and surrounding communities we can continue to grow our business and most importantly our community. As an essential service our branch is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday or our team can be contacted on 9752 1130.

The Community Bank Monbulk & District Branch Team - Ella, Fiona, Aimee, Margaret, Ellie, Rebecca, Sarah and Tania.

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB 11 MOORES RD, MONBULK

Monbulk Bistro Specials by Day

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Thursday

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Make a booking 9756 6183 Dine a la carte Wed to Sun from 5.30pm Our Menu includes gluten-free & vegetarian dishes to suit special needs.

12512908-NG38-21

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12506997-JW33-21

12512908-NG38-21

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

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MAIL 13

NEWS

Men’s shed goes online

By Gerran Wright For members of the Upwey Men’s Shed turning to online meetings has helped to keep spirits up during lockdowns.

“Whilst we can’t meet physically, we have been meeting regularly via the zoom app,” president Gerran Wright said.

One of the club’s members volunteered to become zoom captain and coordinates the online catch ups.

Members can check in every Monday and Wednesday mornings which provides support and laughter to help keep everyone’s spirits up.

With all the lockdowns, they have developed a well-heeled and smooth system now for keeping in touch.

They have also kept members updated via their Facebook page where UMS has also actively promoted local businesses and encouraged members and others to support businesses in the Upwey and surrounding areas.

Following retirement, many members lost contact and social interaction with work friends and colleagues but have discovered new friendships through Upwey Men’s Shed.

Whilst the Men’s Shed still don’t have their own workshop space, many members have participated in community projects involving local schools, upgrades to the Upwey Township Hall, providing relief to storm affected residents, fundraising activities and responding to Upwey residents requests for assistance where we can help.

Once lockdown is over UMS will continue to meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings and conduct bicycle maintenance workshops and evening social gatherings.

After lockdown, a bicycle maintenance workshop is planned to be held in the Upwey Township Hall on a Saturday morning where people can bring along their bicycles to get maintenance advice and assistance to check over their bikes; making sure they are safe to ride.

This will be a free service and if popular UMS will undertake more workshops.

Those who work during the day or cannot get to the weekday morning zoom or physical meetings, UMS have you covered too!

After lockdown, they plan to hold evening gatherings. Upwey Community Group has ap-

Upwey Men’s Shed will be hosting bike repair workshops once lockdown is over. proved use of the Upwey Township Hall for the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month for UMS members to drop in. Nonmembers are welcome to attend as well.

UMS also plans on holding coffee shop trips, motorcycle rides, camping and fishing trips, a first aid course as well as engaging in community projects.

While the support and use of the Upwey Township Hall has been integral to UMS, they are still without permanent premises of their own.

UMS members have succeeded in raising

$230,000 to build their own workshop with amenities and are currently looking forward to positive news of their efforts to get a site to build a Shed.

After three years UMS are still seeking a home in Upwey and need support to get a permanent site for their operations.

Unfortunately they have had to put on hold requests from the public who want to donate tools and equipment as they have no room to store or use them until they get a Shed.

Men’s Sheds have truly demonstrated their value to the community and to their members

Picture: SUPPLIED physical and mental health through supporting each other and sharing their skills and experience.

There are 360 Men’s Sheds in Victoria alone and UMS is the only one without a workshop.

“We are not going to be defeated and will continue our three-year struggle to get agreement to build our shed and continue to provide a valuable service for the Upwey community,” Mr Wright said.

Check out the Upwey Men’s Shed Facebook page for up-to-date plans, news and events.

Upwey community to benefit from united groups Changes are afoot in the Upwey community.

Two well-established and active groups, Upwey Township Group (UTG) and Project Upwey (PU) have merged to establish the Upwey Community Group.

UTG and PU have operated independently for many years on behalf of the Upwey community.

In recent times the groups have collaborated on a number of projects and represen-

y

Tuesda

In August 2021 the merger was formally finalised.

The Upwey Community Group will continue the traditions of community events such as the Grassroots Markets, the Upwey Archies, Light Up Upwey, Community Film Nights, and the Foothills Festival when Covid restrictions allow.

Other on-going art projects such as the underpass and bridge murals will continue when possible.

“This is a great outcome for Upwey. Our new team is highly motivated and it’s indeed a privilege to be elected leader of this talented group. The future looks bright for our unique town and special people,” newly elected President Andrew Fullagar said.

If you would like to get involved with Upwey Community Group, they’d love to hear from you at upweycommunitygroup@gmail. com

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ed

Publish

tatives from both groups often consulted with Yarra Ranges Council officers.

A meeting was held between the two committees early in 2020 to discuss and assess the proposal of a merger between UTG and PU. It was considered beneficial to the community to merge into one group to provide a single public presence and grow the membership base.

mailcommunity.com.au

GENEROUS FAMILY HOME ON A FLAT BLOCK 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.

With sophisticated features such as full height doors, parquetry floors, double glazed bay windows, curved brick feature walls and gorgeous open staircase, the build of this home was well ahead of its time and has stood the test of it.

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 of the home comprises a bedroom or study and a lovely sunken living room with bay window and double glass sliding doors to the rear yard, a feature shared by the adjoining open plan dining and kitchen, so you can keep an eye on the kids whether you’re watching television, preparing a meal or dining. Also located on this level is the bathroom and laundry with built in infrared sauna.

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 where the iconic Puffing Billy can be seen as it rolls along the tracks.

This remarkable view can also be appreciated from the elevated studio space, kids retreat area or loft bedroom.

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.

Homes of this calibre, and in this location are seldom offered for sale. Don’t miss your opportunity.

Please note: All property details shown

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

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Naylors Road, EMERALD Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day, 0407 365 994 or Anna Peake, 0450 669 723, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

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

Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

A TRUE HILLS CHARACTER COTTAGE IF you have been searching for all the charm of yesteryear, you have just found it.

With pride and perfection, this timber home has been lovingly maintained for many years as a family home. Ideally located in the heart of town so you or the kids can walk to everything.

Popular open plan design with high ceilings, lots of natural light and neutral fittings throughout.

Timber kitchen with soft close cabinetry, deluxe Ilve cooker and double draw dishwasher. Two magnificent period style bathrooms.

Each of the four bedrooms is comfortable with the downstairs bedroom and bathroom on its own level.

With a gently sloping block of 1,067 sqm and a second road frontage at the rear, it offers further development potential worth exploring.

Tradies will love the huge garage/ workshop, a through driveway past the shed the barn and to the rear road- Laurie Avenue.

Click on the photos, floor plan and video then give me a call to discuss your virtual inspection options.

You can’t be too early but you can be too late so call Grant Skipse, 0418 528 102. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 8 Clifford Grove, TECOMA Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $985,000 - $1,080,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey, 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges SEpARATE STudiO

SpECTACulAR ViEWS

BElgravE 104 MARTin STREET Charm and Convenience

$700,000-$770,000 3A 2B

This charming home set on a terraced ¼ allotment is spread over two levels offering a flexible floor plan, an abundance of natural light, a modern kitchen with a wood-fired stove, double-hung windows, timber floors, generous bedrooms with high ceilings, two modern bathrooms and three living zones. Additional features include a brick feature wall in the family room, open fireplace, ducted heating, split system, low maintenance gardens, a separate studio, sealed driveway and ample off-street parking.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

$875,000-$950,000 3A 2B 4C

private and hidden away, this is the ideal setting to escape & relax in total peace & quiet in this immaculately presented home. featuring a stunning updated kitchen, two large zoned living areas, high ceilings, a study area, two gas log fires & two s/system heating/ cooling units. Outside offers a large paved entertaining area, a 12 person swim spa, Bali hut, 4 car garage, circular sealed driveway, plenty of parking, water tanks, garden shed, plus a securely fenced rear yard. All with easy access to Cockatoo Township.

rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

$1,200,000-$1,320,000 4A 1B 4C

privately positioned on the top of a hill on a flat 1829 sqm sits this home offering a fantastic opportunity to get into the lifestyle you always wanted. features a flexible floor plan with multiple living areas, solar heated indoor pool, outdoor sauna, modern kitchen with a 900mm S/S stove and plenty of bench space, newly renovated bathroom, dual wood and gas heating, polished floorboards, beautiful gardens and in-ground water tanks.

There is also plenty of off-street parking, plus a double garage and garden shed.

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

Sunny And flAT 3.1 ACRES

CoCkatoo 28 MOunTAin ROAd Immaculate Hideaway on a great ¾ acre Block

9754 6111

MEnzIEs CrEEk 16 JACKSOnS Hill ROAd Indoor Pool, Flat Block, Ideal for Entertaining

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

ROOM TO SpREAd OuT

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

We put you first

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

MonBulk 345 MACClESfiEld ROAd Botanic Bliss With Creek Meandering By

$1,250,000-$1,375,000 5A 3B 1E

One of the prettiest private acreages available, surrounded by lush lawns & stunning gardens, ‘ROSE COTTAGE’ presents an envious lifestyle. Special features include a wide 2.3m veranda, a study or 5th bedroom, two wood fires and the 6th bedroom within the barn, which has its own lounge & kitchenette. Outside includes 18 solar panels with a 4.6KW solar inverter, four 3 metre sheds joined together, an enclosed chook pen, citrus trees, ample off-street parking as well as the gentle flowing creek for swimming or fishing.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

“We put You first”

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 17

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

202 Emerald Monbulk Road, MONBULK

FOR SALE

$1,020,000 - $1,120,000

SPECTACULAR RESIDENCE WITH LANDSCAPED GARDENS

12 Kia Ora Avenue, UPWEY

4A 2B 4C

$730,000 - $800,000

CHARMING PERIOD HOME WITH PRIZED NRZ2 ZONING

2A 1B 1C

This spectacular residence situated only 850m from schools, shopping, transport, and cafes is about to elevate the lifestyle of lucky new owners. With style, substance, and a superior location steps from Sassafras Creek, this is a slice of Hills living not to be missed. The remote gate entry and exquisite, established landscape with sealed drive and feature lighting provides a peek into the quality you can expect inside.

Savvy buyers will see instant potential at this charming period residence merely 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD. Situated only 600m from bustling Upwey township and easily accessing public transport and picturesque Dandenong Ranges National Park, this property has all the makings of a magnificent investment.

Brad Conder

Sam Adamson

M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

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

FOR SALE

$660,000 - $720,000

4 Park Boulevard, FERNTREE GULLY

MAGNIFICENT MODERN HOME IN PREMIER POSITION

2A 1B 1C

Raising the stakes in style and sophistication, this modern residence is a magnificent investment at any stage of life. Manageable and well appointed, it is easy to imagine how this home can work for you. From the beautifully landscaped garden and front deck, an invitation is extended to step inside. Here, new owners will be enamoured with the contemporary palette showcased throughout and the significant attention to detail that sets this home apart.

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 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

Book your free property appraisal with our team at Emerald and you’ll go into the draw to win a $200 dining voucher to one of our local restaurants!

EXTENDED TO THE END OF OCTOBER!

54 Avon Road Avonsleigh

$900,000 - $990,000

Ticks All The Boxes!

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: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 Declan Palmer 0427 062 148

Lot 1 Orchard Road Gembrook

Asking $2,000,000

7 Naylors Road Emerald

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

Land Opportunity!

Rare As Hens Teeth!

Here’s your opportunity to purchase substantial acreage close to town!

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.

The property is over 39 acres of fertile land with gorgeous views of green rolling hills and a small dam, close to sporting facilities, The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, and the Gembrook township.

This stunning piece of Residential Land is the place you will want to build your forever home (STCA)!

Inquire today!

Contact: Bethany Day 0438 844 968 Grant Day 0417 565 745

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

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

5968 6222

311-313 Main St, Emerald

Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 19

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 046

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

easy

6

8

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

7

4

3 1

1 7 5 9 7

6 2 9

1 4 5 9 9 6 3

7

2

1

6 1 4 8 3

QUICK CROSSWORD 2 3

ACROSS Variety of nut (9) Boss (4) Tavern (3) Confusing (10) A rectangle halved from diagonal corners (8) Special abilities (6) Objurgation (4) Group of organisms (7) Obliterated (7) Circle of light (4) Spectacles (6) Rocky (8) Impregnating (11) Biological blueprint (abb) (3) Calm (4) Worsen (9)

1 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DOWN

No. 046

Conscious (8) West Australian port city (6) To admit one's failings, eat — (9) Musical instrument (4) Treble (6) Abstract (6) Book of the Old Testament (7) Purifying (9) Non-specific (7) Asian country (8) Temper (8) Employable (6) Car fuel (6) Brand (6) Middle Simpsons child (4)

Office machines (8)

1

DECODER

No. 046

hard

1 1

8

9

10 11 12 13

Q W 21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

Y

F

Today’s Aim: 5 words: Good 7 words: Very good

5 9 7 6 2 8 3 1 4

7 3 8 1 2 9 5 6 4

9 4 5 6 3 8 2 1 7

10 words: Excellent

2 1 6 4 7 5 9 3 8

4 6 9 2 8 1 7 5 3

8 7 2 5 9 3 1 4 6

3 5 1 7 4 6 8 9 2

R

L

O

O N

L

R

4 LETTERS EARN EBBS EDDY KNEW LEST LYRE MUST REAR REND ROLE ROTS SENT STAG TOMB

4 9 5 1 6 3 2 8 7

5 LETTERS ABATE ABOUT

5 2 7 3 1 4 6 8 9

6 9 3 8 5 7 4 2 1

1 4 3 5 9 7 2 8 6

2 6 8 4 3 1 5 7 9

6 3 2 7 4 9 8 5 1

7 1 4 8 5 6 9 3 2

8 5 9 3 1 2 4 6 7

9 7 5 2 6 3 1 4 8

3 2 6 1 8 4 7 9 5

4 8 1 9 7 5 6 2 3

3 6 8 2 4 7 5 9 1

7 1 2 8 9 5 6 4 3

6 4 7 3 2 8 1 5 9

8 5 9 4 7 1 3 2 6

2 3 1 9 5 6 8 7 4

9 8 6 7 1 2 4 3 5

5 2 4 6 3 9 7 1 8

1 7 3 5 8 4 9 6 2

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

ACRES ALARM ALIEN ALOUD BASTE BLADE BRAIN DINER DREGS ELITE EMITS ERASE GENRE HALON HALVE ICIER IDEAS IDIOM KNEEL LYRES MISTS MUSIC

No. 046

ODOUR RAGED RARER REEDS ROUSE SADLY SAWED SCARF SHARK SHEER SIREN SNARE SNEER SPEAR STORY TABOO TIARA TSARS UNTIE WHITE WINED YEARN

6 LETTERS ASSURE LETTER PRISMS STONED

8 LETTERS DECANTER DYNAMITE ELIGIBLE INITIATE

7 LETTERS BLUSTER CONSOLE ELASTIC LINKAGE RELEASE STREETS

11 LETTERS FORERUNNERS SECRETARIAL

floor, folly, fool, forlorn, FORLORNLY, loon, lorry, only, roll, roof

1 8 4 9 6 2 3 7 5

hard

7

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

20

medium

6

19

easy

5

18

7

4

17

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

3

3 LETTERS ADO ARE ATE BAN CAD EAR EVE GEE GET HID ICE IRE MEN OPT RAN RAP RID ROT RUE TEN TIE TOE USE YOU

H L UO J V B NAG T E F

5

2

16

5 8 7 2 3 4 9 3

15

8 5 3

14

7 1

P C D R I K S Y Z M X QW

4

WORDFIT

17-09-21

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24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

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Interiors • Exteriors

“Servicing the hills for over 30 years”

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

Ph: 9761 4092 info@kallistaelectrical.com

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

12440513-DV06-20

Daniel Brown Mobile: 0409 395 635

www.sjchomemaintenance.com.au

A.G & E. WILLIAMS

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS

DANDENONG RANGES PAINTING SERVICE

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A Grade Electrical Contractor

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

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For all your plumbing needs phone Nick on 0413 422 842

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0419 683 392 V Plumbing

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. 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

12510292-CG35-21

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Call Mick 0424 414 495

12503528-HC29-21

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL DRIVEWAY WASHED OUT?

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

C1024520-KG18-12

C1039154-JM27-12

J.L. Hutt Electrical

12438941-CG04-20

Lic No. REC 30504

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

Lic 106275

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

‘Your Local’ Qualified Tradesman

Close

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Service

SJC HOME MAINTENANCE

We NEVER

section of Network Classifieds.

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V Handy Persons

SERVICING THE PATCH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

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

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Sangster’s

yes we can

Motoring

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C456410-KK31-6

12451054-SN24-20

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

12456635-CG32-20

g All Pricin t Up-Fron 12461776-LB38-20

section of Network Classifieds.

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

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1170652-HM05-15

The Patch Electricians

See website for details

0418 327 737

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12424506-ACM33-19

V Electricians

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

EST. 1984 29 Years’ Experience All work guaranteed

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LOCAL PLUMBER

Find work locally in the

• Air Conditioning Get ready • Split Systems for Summer!!

• Evaporative Evaporative Cooler & Split Cooling System Service Specials

5968 8493

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Call Steve 0417 192 009

Pensioner Discounts

9870 7059

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PETER’S FENCING and GATES 12358958-PB30-17

12493755-SN19-21

Excavators 3 to 20 ton * Bobcats & Tippers * Mini Digger * Augers * Compactors

V Air Conditioning

www.fairbairns.com.au

C762441-KK7-10

V Bobcat/Earthmoving

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

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CALL GREG 0438 683 141 OR REGAN 0439 208 693.

CALL AFTER HOURS 5968 3140

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

(include your name, address and phone number)

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1003429-PJ6-12

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

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FAST AND RELIABLE

1178985-CG14-15

Phone: 1300 666 808

EARTHWORKS

C683684-SJ2-9

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

V Plumbing 12450405-AM23-20

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

V Excavators

12436017-SN51-19

V Bathroom & Kitchens 12415450-FA15-19

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Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

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Place your ad in print and online

RWH SOUND FOUNDATIONS PTY LTD

808667

ABN 19 625 260 737 ACN 625 260 737 House Restumping REGISTERED BUILDER & Reblocking Specialist DB-L 59996 CBD-L 60480 Robert Hubbard Mobile: 0419 539 402 | Email: office@rwhsoundfoundations.com.au

Celebrations section of Network Classifieds.

12454729-SG29-20

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 21

NEWS

Getting cats desexed Animal

aid Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO Social media’s being used as a tool to help retired Greyhounds find their forever home.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Power of social media

By Philippa Lavery Social media has become a very powerful tool for Greyhound Adoption Program to rehouse greys that are looking for their forever homes. With Covid restrictions and lockdowns, GAP hasn’t been able to hold an adoption day since April which means one of the only ways to advertise and promote greyhound adoption is via social media.

One story that highlights how effective socials can be, is that of how Kylee found her new family member, Lilith. After seeing a GAP Facebook post shared on a friend’s personal page, Kylee became very interested and showed her husband. “It was he who pointed out Lilith. We loved her colourings and smiley face. From there we decided we were both keen to meet her.”

Trades & Services

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Paul 0418 570 231 paulnobes@live.com.au

Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

Roof Restoration Specialists

12462305-LB39-20

One call, We do it all!

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

10 year Guarantee.

Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173

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

12382862-RA13-18

5962 4841

$20 MILLION INSURANCE

9735 3700

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

General Classifieds

Tree Lopping/Surgery

FULLY INSURED

9703 1530

Find work locally in the

section of Network Classifieds.

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

DIN TREE SERVICE WAN

• TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

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BELGRAVE TREE SERVICES

9754 6686 ฀

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Call Darren on 0404 040 686 12481756-DL07-21

Call the team today 0421 574 444

Massage Therapists

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

0473 326 333

www.transformedtreeservices.com.au

22 MAIL

www.windows1.net.au

☎ 9720 5111

General Notices

Find your Local Specialist in our section of Network Classifieds.

Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote

Member HIA and MBA

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

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Professional Services

WINDOWS 1

TREE SERVICES

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

Mobile 0419 131 958 SERVICING ALL AREAS BOB WALLACE AND SONS

12447720-LB18-20

Lic. 25035

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

DAWSONS

Windows

Upholsterers

Specialising in Antique Restoration Recovery & Repairs to all types of furniture FREE FABRIC PROTECTION *FREE QUOTE, PICK UP & DELIVERY Luke Wilson Mob: 0402 020 554 Ph: 03 5964 2166 12378576-DJ07-18

General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.

Pets & 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

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12386568-ACM19-18

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YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

12499475-CG25-21

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12402861-RA44-18

All types of Roofs

Tree Lopping/Surgery

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12395220-HM32-18

The Re-Roof Man

Septic Tanks

12496966-LB23-21

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C936869-KK25-11

Roofing

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www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

1238899-CG33-16

Places will be filled on a first come first served basis, and all appointments must be booked via our vet reception on (03) 9739 0500.

For more information visit: animalaid.org. au/desexing-grant/

Lilith (or Lil for short) in now a certified member of their family, “She’s affectionate, to us as well as anyone she has met so far, she doesn’t bark, is great to walk on a lead, she loves her walks and we just fell in love with her when we met her, we only wish we’d adopted sooner,” says Kylee.

There new four-legged friend is also keeping them entertained during lockdown as Kylee explains, “We wondered why there was water splashed all around her water bucket…she stands her two front legs in it, and stomps about…. not great to clean up but it is funny.”

A huge thank you to everyone that shares GAP’s Facebook posts about available greyhounds. Until adoption days can resume, this is the best way for GAP to spread the word about greyhounds needing homes.

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Wanted

WANTED TO BUY • 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.

COIN COLLECT AND TRADE For appointments call Chris 0438 582 575

12504869-DL30-21

Did you know that felines can reproduce at just four months of age and that cats can have two litters of kittens per year?

Every year we see kittens having kittens.

This cycle has the potential to increase exponentially, so it is so important that our community desex their pets. We see the number of homeless cats and kittens increase year on year, this takes a huge toll on our community, impacting Animal Aid’s resources, our local wildlife and the welfare of unowned and unwanted cats.

Animal Aid is proud to be delivering free desexing, microchips and health checks to 100 female and 50 male cats at our Veterinary Clinic in Coldstream, the program has been hugely successful thus far!

We know that cost can be a huge barrier for our community when making the decision to desex their pets – this program will allow our community to access desexing and health services without the financial implications. This program has the potential to prevent 316,000 unwanted cats and kittens in our community over four years.

Our mission is to address animal homelessness and the number of unwanted pets in our community, this program is an exciting step in the right direction. Every year we see more and more litters of unwanted animals – we know too well the importance of desexing to stop the reproduction cycle.

To be eligible for our Free Desexing Program, owners must hold a current health care or pension card and reside in Knox, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Whitehorse or Murrindindi local government areas.

www.coincollectandtrade.com • sales@coincollectandtrade.com

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Preparing for disasters With the increase in severe disasters in Australia in the last decade, new research by Australian Red Cross has found for the first time that preparing for a disaster has a positive impact on recovery.

Lead author Red Cross National Resilience Adviser John Richardson said the research looking at the emergency experiences of 165 people who lived through disasters between 2018 and 2019 proved for the first time that the more prepared people feel, the lower their stress levels at the time and better their recovery after an emergency.

“Emergency recovery is a complex process that can extend for decades, with lasting economic and health impacts,” Mr Richardson said. “While there’s a widespread assumption that preparedness makes for better recovery, there is little research to prove it, and most preparedness advice focuses surviving disaster and its immediate aftermath.

“We know that the level of preparedness

is low in Australia, with around 10 per cent of people saying they take some form of action, and we know the impacts of disasters are increasing, through climate change, increasing disadvantage and urbanisation, so the need for people to take action is urgent.”

Key findings Six months after a disaster more than three in five people had not recovered.

The more prepared people felt they were, the less stressed they were at the time of the disaster. And the more people were stressed, the worse their state of recovery was, even ten years after their disaster.

Those on low incomes were over-represented among those who said they had not yet recovered (67 per cent compared to 56 per cent).

The research also highlights the importance of family and friends, with around 70 per cent of people saying they sought support

· · · ·

from these people, regardless of whether they’d recovered.

A greater proportion of those who had not yet recovered required government assistance, did not get any preparedness education and if they did it was more often through friends and not Australian Red Cross, relative to those who had recovered at the time of the survey.

The source of preparedness advice mattered to peoples’ feelings of being in control and confidence in the decisions made during the disaster. Those who received preparedness advice from Australian Red Cross were more likely to feel in control of their actions during an emergency. Those who received preparedness advice from multiple sources such as Fire Service, SES, CFS, local government or workplace in addition to Australian Red Cross were the most likely to feel confident with their decisions during an emergency.

When we looked at the actions people

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wished they’d done, the most common responses were making copies and protecting important documents such as wills, ID and financial papers, followed by protecting items of sentimental value, and managing stress.

Recommendations Mr Richardson said on the basis of the findings Red Cross is making four recommendations: An increased focus on preparing for the long-term impacts of a disaster in preparedness programs More tailored approaches to preparedness, taking into account peoples’ profiles and needs Ensuring that preparedness programs focuses on psychological preparedness during and after a disaster More research to further investigate which actions support a better recovery.

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Funding support to help renters and rough sleepers The Victorian Government is providing more relief for Victorians struggling to pay their rent with new grants to help them keep their tenancies.

The funding will support Victorians in need to continue to have a safe place to stay – because nobody should have to worry about losing the roof over their head in a pandemic.

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Grant program will help renters who are experiencing rental hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Grants of up to $1500 will provide direct financial support to renters by making a contribution towards the cost of their rent directly to their landlord on their behalf.

The one-off payment is specifically for renters paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent who are living in a primary residence to help them maintain safe, secure, and stable accommodation. Grants will be targeted at those who have lost an income of 20 per cent or more due to the pandemic.

There is an annual income limit of $62,860 for singles and $94,300 for couples, and to be eligible applicants can’t have more than $2,000 in savings. The landlord and renter will also need to enter into a rent reduction agreement for a period after 27 May 2021.

Applicants who may be eligible include casual workers on holiday and working visas, international students, skilled visa holders,

seasonal workers, New Zealand citizens and all refugee and temporary protection visa holders.

Emergency hotel accommodation during lockdowns for people experiencing home-

lessness has also been boosted by almost $45 million, reducing the spread of coronavirus and ensuring rough sleepers can continue to have a safe roof over their heads.

A previous round of rent relief grants,

which ran from April 2020 to March 2021, helped more than 33,000 Victorian renters maintain their tenancy. To find out if you’re eligible, visit housing.vic.gov.au/help-renting/rentrelief

Fallen trees after storms allow seeds to be collected Mountain Ash trees that fell in the devastating June storms are providing a rare opportunity for seed collection.

The fallen trees have enabled land managers and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning seed collectors to build their stores of Dandenong Ranges Mountain Ash seed, with many fallen trees full of seed following a mass flowering event last year.

The tiny seed capsules are usually found 30 metres up in the tree canopy where they can only be accessed by qualified seed collectors but with so many trees brought down by the storms, land managers have the rare opportunity to gather seed at ground level.

“Ensuring our sensitive alpine forests are re-seeded following fires is critical and this opportunity for seed collection is one that couldn’t be missed,” Energy, Environment and Climate Change minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“This is an opportunity for the Mountain Ash seed stores to be boosted so we can continue the work to ensure we maintain these beautiful forests for future generations.”

“It is great to see land managers making the most of this opportunity by collecting the seed from the Mountain Ash trees.”

The Alpine and Mountain Ash forests were severely affected by the 2019/20 bushfires as well as previous fires.

The seed collection is part of a Labor government initiative to collect and store seed to mailcommunity.com.au

help our forests recover from extreme fire and weather events.

Many of our forests are adapted to regenerate after fires, but our alpine forests are fire sensitive and may not recover if another fire occurs before the trees can reach maturity and produce their own seed.

In stage one of the Forest Restoration Project the department, with partners VicForests, Parks Victoria and contractors from regional Victoria, aerially seeded about 11,500 hectares of the bushfire affected forest.

Stage two of the project will see VicForests and other contractors continue to deliver this important work, focusing on rebuilding seed stores and putting arrangements in place to more rapidly respond to future events.

Mountain Ash seed crops take a year to mature after flowering and seeding cycles can be unpredictable.

Seed collection needs to take place to ensure availability of stored seeds for this incredible tree, with the collection relying on suitable conditions for bud, flower and seed maturity over several years.

The Victorian Government has invested over $60 million in biodiversity recovery following the 2019/20 bushfires including $7.7 million for the second stage of the restoration project to help gather, replenish and store new seed to replace seed used last year. This will create a seed bank to buffer against future events.

The fallen trees from the June storms have helped land managers and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning seed collectors to build their stores of Dandenong Ranges Mountain Ash seed.

Picture: MARKUS SPISKE ON UNSPLASH Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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MAIL 23

$

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

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Tuesday, 14 September, 2021

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