Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 23rd November 2021

Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

Lilydale

Mail

Plants donated to celebrate station opening

Calls for a Kilsyth playground

Vietnam Vet commemorates 50 years since leaving the war

How medicinal cannabis is treating pet aliments

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Project and construction staff, both locals and people from further away, were pleased to see the Mooroolbark station open to the public.

Maureen and Rex were excited to get back to using the trains after a long two years.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Construction of the underpass and community spaces, as well as the multi level car park will still be going into early 2022.

Stations opened The anticipation was rife as Mooroolbark and Lilydale residents and commuters made a return to using train travel for the first time in months as the new stations opened to the public.

Before dawn broke on Friday 19 November, young and old gathered at the stations to witness the first train pulling into the brand new skyrail platforms.

School students could be seen boarding

trains all morning, as well as many eldery residents who had been awaiting the return of their public transport network.

But more people were just curious about the construction and being able to head inside the new stations for the first time.

Local Mooroolbark resident Peter said his son and his wife had been to the station earlier in the morning and they told him he had to head down to have a look.

“So my wife and son came down this morn-

ing because my son goes to school at Hawthorn,” he said.

“Today’s the first day he has been able to actually catch the train from Mooroolbark again and so he’s wrapped and my wife said you’ve got to get down here and have a look at the new station because it’s fantastic.”

Peter said after having a look around, he could not believe the difference it has made to the area.

“It’s been a long time coming and as I was

just saying to one of the workmen, remembering how the station was prior to the works starting and after having a quick look just now, there’s no comparison, it’s brought us into the 21st century actually.”

The other aspect of the upgrades at Mooroolbark station is the inclusion of a 900 space multi deck car park, something Peter said will only encourage people to use public transport more in the future.

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NEWS

Shade a priority Lilydale Bowling Club and Kilsyth Cricket Club will share in new funding released by the State Government to improve and upgrade shade apparatuses.

The clubs will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays thanks to the sixth round of Community Shade grants released by the Government to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks and playgrounds.

Monbulk MP James Merlino announced 10 local organisations in the Yarra Ranges will share in over $1.3 million of funding from the latest round of the Community Shade Grants program.

“We know how much Australians love the

outdoors. These grants mean that the community can still enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle while having the necessary shade to protect them from the sun,” he said.

“Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Australia. That’s why this program is so important to ensure Victorian communities are protected from harmful UV rays which could contribute to skin cancer.”

The Shade Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s skin cancer prevention election commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives.

The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or

create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.

Good quality shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation when used in combination with other sun protective measures such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Through this program the Government is supporting the Yarra Ranges to keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer.

Net zero goal for YV water

By Parker McKenzie

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Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty believes the company will be able to achieve net zero carbon emission before 2030 as they continue to explore new ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

The government-owned retail water corporation committed to an ambitious plan to generate 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 when it joined the UN March to Zero campaign on 11 November.

According to Mr McCafferty, Yarra Valley Water plans to maximise the efficiency of their current infrastructure alongside new renewable energy projects to achieve their set targets.

“We’ve got a second food waste to energy plant planned at the Lilydale sewerage treatment plant,” he said.

“Together with the Wollert waste to energy plant both of those will supply about 50 per cent of our needs in renewable energy.”

The utility company is investigating the concept of a floating solar array at their Wollert ReWaste facility and is aiming convert their fleet of vehicles into hybrid and electric models by 2030.

Mr McCafferty said other plans to reduce emissions are being developed at Yarra Valley Water.

“We have a green hydrogen project in the pipeline, but we are waiting to see if we can get some government funding to help that along,” he said.

“That’s also exciting because green hydrogen is an important part of the solution going forward.”

Mr McCafferty said sectors involved in natural resources need to be aware of their environmental footprint before they can begin to tackle emissions.

“The first step is knowing your impacts and looking at what are the most viable ways to reduce them,” he said.

“We need make the environment a priority in our decision making.”

Yarra Valley Water have employed climate and energy specialists to audit the impacts of projects on the environment.

He said there is an expectation from the community for Yarra Valley Water to play a role in dealing with climate change.

“We are really on the pointy end of climate change, it affects the long term reliability of rain fall after all,” Mr McCafferty said.

“For instance here in Melbourne we’ve had a 30 per cent reduction in stream flow catchments over the last 30 years.”

While he said that one entity can’t responsible for the fight against climate change, Mr McCafferty recognises the responsibility Yarra Valley Water has.

“We as a sector have the highest energy use in the state of Victoria for instance,” he said.

“Water uses 24 per cent of the energy needed by government sectors because we have treatment processes. I think we have a pretty strong responsibility.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Illegal hunters found

Sowing the seeds

By Mikayla van Loon

Robbie, Sophie and Scott Buckland were able to tell James Merlino about the plants and even give him a free one to take home from Mooroolbark station.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON to six months, that’s great but you need that for years because these guys need jobs.”

Mr Buckland said historically it wasn’t known when partnerships between a social enterprise and a major building project occurred, if they even happened at all.

“Years ago, social enterprises weren’t seen as something that was really important from the economic point of view but these days it’s a lot different and people understand the importance of it and the opportunities it creates.

“There’s a lot more awareness and I think more and more that’ll allow us to have a lot more confidence to be promoting to the public.

“A lot of our promotion historically has been behind the scenes to projects like this because they get it and there’s a government drive whereas the consumer doesn’t really drive the change.”

For the staff at Yarra View Nursery who have

Mooroolbark assault

Scott Buckland explained to James Merlino what kind of plants Yarra View Nursery would be supplying to the station projects. been working on getting the plants ready for the station landscaping, Mr Buckland said it has been a really exciting project to watch take shape and the lasting impact it has on the staff who get to say “I did that” is incredible.

Residents thrilled by new train stations From page 1 “[Parking] has always been a problem and to encourage people to use public transport you have to have the ability for people to park either at the complex or within close proximity.

“So this would be a great asset and it would encourage a lot of people to use the train system, which is what everyone wants.”

Fellow Mooroolbark resident and employee at Sadie and Co Boutique, Nicky said with the stations opening, taking her children to school was also much easier on Friday 19 November as Brice Avenue reopened to cars.

From a business perspective, Nicky said having cars able to use Brice Avenue again and having people walking the streets has only been a benefit.

“Just the foot traffic now for us, there’s going to be so much more traffic because the trains are going to run today and that’s the thing, it’s been really quiet because there’s not really been as many people walking past getting off trains,” she said.

“But also they haven’t been able to drive down and because it’s so unclear, you can’t turn right and there’s so much going on that people think I’m just going to avoid Brice Av-

enue so it’s been a bit of a nightmare.”

Nicky said all morning people were stopping to sit outside and watch the trains go past which was so nice to see.

The stations were the forty eighth and forty ninth level crossings to be removed across Melbourne and Monbulk MP James Merlino toured the Mooroolbark site to see the works first hand.

“We’re thrilled these dangerous and congested level crossings are now a distant memory – they’ll slash travel times and make roads safer for 53,000 motorists that use them each day.”

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Police are appealing to the public for information about an alleged assault of a woman in Mooroolbark.

Lilydale Police are wanting to speak to anyone who witnessed the assault at the Mooroolbark Temporary Bus Stop on Brice Avenue on Saturday 25 September between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

It is believed the victim has run from the offender after the incident and sought assistance from a member of the public who has allowed her to take refuge in his vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lilydale Police on (03) 9739 2300.

At about 4:10am on Saturday 21 November, a pedestrian was struck on Dorset Road between Burgess Road and The Gateway in Bayswater North.

A man was conveyed to hospital with lifethreatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Police are urgently seeking witnesses to the collision or anyone who has dash cam footage from around the time of the incident.

Police would also like to speak to a taxi driver who stopped at the scene.

Please contact Senior Constable Phillips at Knox HWP on 9881 7900

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To mark the occasion of the new Lilydale and Mooroolbark stations opening, Yarra View Nursery came along to hand out free native plants to the public.

Yarra View Nursery has been working for months on end to be able to supply 60,000 plants to the level crossing projects for the landscaping works.

Knoxbrooke’s executive general manager of the social enterprise, Scott Buckland, said lots of people were interested to learn about the nursery and the work they do as they stumbled on the team at Mooroolbark station on Friday 19 November.

“People don’t really know [about us], there’s trouble in that connection. They just see plants and plants come from a nursery but I mean when you tell them the story and that we’re local, that we’re just down the road they’re amazed,” he said.

“Lots of people have also been interested in what we’re doing in terms of the plants that are going into the landscape here so there’s been plenty of interest.”

As a token of what people can expect as the landscaping gets underway in the next few weeks at both stations, Mr Buckland said they were handing out plants similar to what will be planted.

“It’s quite an interesting mix. It’s majority native but there’s a few exotic plants right in the station area, which I think they’re trying to get back to what it was like years and years ago when the station first opened up.”

The supply of plants to Lilydale station will start as of next week, while Mooroolbark won’t begin until early next year.

Having first worked with the South East Program Alliance on the level crossing removal at Bayswater station, Mr Buckland said Yarra View Nursery has now been locked in to supply plants on another two projects with the Alliance.

“That’s what we need. This is great to have one project but you need to have sustainable projects ongoing all the time to keep people employed not just for the life of the project,” he said.

“This project itself probably generated 5000 hours but in a short period of time, so for four

Three men from Mooroolbark are among seven people to be charged on summons following a police operation to detect deer hunters illegally spotlighting in the Mansfield and Jamieson areas.

Mansfield and Jamieson uniform officers, supported by staff from Game Management Authority (GMA) and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), led overnight patrols in a number of illegal spotlighting hotspots between Thursday 11 November and Saturday 13 November.

Mansfield Acting Senior Sergeant Geoff Hutchison said although the weather conditions made it a tough operation it was worth battling the challenging high country conditions.

“Illegal spotlighting is not only against the law, it is dangerous, unethical and reduces recreational hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters,” he said.

A 27-year-old man, a 33-year-old man and a 58-year-old man all from Mooroolbark were apprehended by police and were allegedly committing numerous offences against the Firearms Act, including: prohibited person possess firearm; possess loaded firearm in public place; possession of spotlight and firearm in recognised deer habitat.

A number of other charges are likely to be laid in relation to offences against various Wildlife Game Regulations.

Police seized six firearms, seven spotlights and ammunition during the operation.

Six of the seven alleged offenders have had their firearms licences suspended while the seventh person was unlicenced.

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Adapting to new normal

By Mikayla van Loon As restrictions eased once again across the state, it meant a lot of different things to businesses in both Lilydale and Mooroolbark.

While some were left confused about what they had to do, others were overjoyed that they didn’t have to turn customers away for inside dining.

Owner of Harrow and Harvest in Lilydale, Frazer, said going from a capped 70 patrons to not having to turn anyone away was such a relief.

“It’s amazing. I think everyday we were probably turning away about 100 people at the door. So that was really hard for business obviously,” he said.

Now the cafe located on Castella Street can safely seat up to 150 people to bring them to full capacity.

“We opened our business in July last year and that was six days before stage four so this is the first time in history we’ve ever not had a restriction. We went from three staff members to 30,” Frazer said.

Harrow and Harvest have also been able to return to doing functions and bottomless brunch for larger groups, as well as welcome mums and bubs groups back to the designated play and seating area.

For places like Brycee’s Tavern in Mooroolbark, the lifting of capped patronage means the live music venue can get back to selling out a full house for local bands every Friday night.

But while the excitement about getting back to normal is how most people are feeling, there is an overshadowing of uncertainty for retailers.

Nicky from Sadie and Co Boutique in Mooroolbark said as just an employee of the shop, it is nerve racking to potentially have to tell people they cannot shop in the store because they are not fully vaccinated.

Harrow and Harvest staff members Natalie Kost, Erin Taube and Mackenzie Rose O’Brien were all very pleased to not have to turn people away from dining in the cafe for the first time.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON “I don’t feel very comfortable but I also think that it’s necessary. There’s a couple of people that really make a point of saying [they are not vaccinated],” she said.

“I guess that kind of makes me feel uncomfortable because I know that from today, if they were to come in and they’re loyal customers, they love shopping here and they’re always coming in, if I have to then tell them to leave because this isn’t my shop then it makes things really awkward.”

Although she hasn’t had to have the conver-

sation with anyone about being unvaccinated yet, Nicky is dreading it.

“I do know the ones that will be coming in and I do dread it because I think they’re not going to be happy about it.

Even though the change in restrictions was expected when Victoria reached the 90 per cent vaccination target, Nicky said it was much more of a challenge swapping from just thinking about it to actually doing it.

“It’s kind of like that dreaded day, like this is the day that I have to actually act on it.”

Stevie was happy to be back playing with friends at the mums and bubs playspace in Harrow and Harvest cafe in Lilydale.

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Petition for playground

By Mikayla van Loon

Mieke Alexander would like to see a small community play and leisure space established on Forest Way along the aqueduct trail in Kilsyth.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON der said without public areas for activities in this housing estate, exercise and recreation will become less convenient.

As someone who has always believed in doing things for the community, Ms Alexander helped get the Kilsyth Centenary Pool covered when she first moved to the area.

“I think I got 5000 signatures and they covered Kilsyth pool. I can’t say that was me. I’m not even claiming that was me but what I’m saying is it makes people sit up and take a bit of notice.

“And it also gives other people an idea that

yes, someone cares about what’s happening around here.

“So there’s nothing ventured, nothing gained, according to my philosophy but I’m huge in believing in communities.”

Even though Ms Alexander is not expecting the same response as that of the Kilsyth Pool, a petition will show Maroondah Council the interest of the local residents.

Seeing how much her grandchildren use local parks and playgrounds, Ms Alexander can see the value in having small areas for children to play and that’s why she has also

been working towards getting a playspace at the Kilsyth Recreation Reserve.

This part of Kilsyth, Ms Alexander said is feeling slightly forgotten as it is on the border of the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah shires.

“It’s kind of the sad bit of Maroondah but the council is doing amazing things in Croydon, no complaints, but it’s just this area’s a bit, ‘Hello, there. We’re still here.’”

To sign the petition, go to: https://www.petitions.net/signatures/children_need_place_to_play-petition_to_council_to_build_a_playground_on_forest_way_ kilsyt/

Creating coffee connections in Mt Evelyn

Motor Mechanic/Used Car Roadworthy Technician

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A Roadworthy Tester’s License is essential for this role.

Duties and responsibilities • Diagnose and repair general mechanical faults • Quality control and inspection of vehicles • Test driving of vehicles • Ensure all vehicles meet the quality repair standards Skills and experience • General mechanic repairs and servicing experience • Understanding of automotive workshop processes • Roadworthy License • Air conditioning license advantageous • Current drivers’ license What’s on offer: • Competitive salary + super, salary subject to experience • Management support • Uniform Supplied Please note this is a permanent role for someone who is committed to the role long term. If you think you have what it takes please APPLY using the link provided, marking attention to Ross Waterson. rossw@lilydalemitsubishi.com.au.

After a successful community outreach program last year, Mount Evelyn’s Community Bank has just finished handing out vouchers as part of the Coffees for Community for the second year.

Community Bank director Lisa Glassborrow said after noticing how tough the extended lockdown had been on the local community last year, the board decided to help cheer people up.

“We decided to put aside some money and offer 500 $10 vouchers to give to community groups to give out to the people because we thought we can’t reach those in need but our community partners can,” she said.

“So all of the local churches and disability support services, and other community groups, schools we connected with and gave them a number of vouchers.”

Working with local shops, cafes and even supermarkets the Community Bank was able to support people in the local area by allowing them to purchase food or drink up to $10.

“We had some really beautiful feedback and so this year, again, we thought we’re coming out of this extended lockdown but we know that there’s just this real, I guess need for a bit of joy in people’s lives at the moment. We’ve all been doing it pretty tough and so we thought we’ll do it again.

“When we reached out to both the community groups and the businesses, they all jumped on board and said, ‘yep, we’d love to do it again, we’d love to be part of it’.”

Having just handed out the vouchers to places like Holy Fools, Discovery Church in Mount Evelyn, schools, the Men’s Shed and the Mount Evelyn RSL, people can get a coffee with a friend until 10 December.

“It’s not extravagant but it’s something mailcommunity.com.au

Mount Evelyn’s Community Bank have been busy handing out vouchers to local community groups for use at local cafes and eateries like Harry’s Bakery. Pictured Taylah Dunn, Peter and Tracie Harrington and Melissa Guy. 258438 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS small with a reach of 500 people each time and so we’re hoping that that’s 500 people we bought a little bit of joy to,” Ms Glassborrow said.

“So people who have received a voucher can go to one of the participating stores and have a cuppa, you might even get two cuppas for a friend and just enjoy reconnecting back into the community basically.”

Hitting a milestone of 20 years in the Mount Evelyn and Montrose area, the Community Bank has been able to support a number of initiatives, this just being one of them and has provided $3.2 million back to the community over that time.

“We are really proud of the value that we bring to the community. We’re grateful for our customers that trust us with their banking, but they are part of a community bank because they understand that their connection and business helps support the rest of the community that we all live in.”

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As Kilsyth grows with housing developments, parks and leisure spaces are becoming more and more of a luxury.

Kilsyth Community Action Group member Mieke Alexander is hoping to give children a playspace on Forest Way along the aqueduct trail to help cater for this need.

“Around me all these families are having children and apart from behind Hawthory Road which is the Shire of Yarra Ranges the Maroondah Council has not got one skerrick of free land for people to use for leisure,” she said.

“Not one block, between Dorset Road, Hull Road and Mount Dandenong Road and as a consequence, anyone who has a child here either has to go for quite a long walk or there’s absolutely nothing except the Melbourne Water Trail.”

Ms Alexander has now set up a petition to gauge the communities desire for a play and leisure space to be established on the corner of Forest Way and Churchill Way. Having called Melbourne Water, Ms Alexander said the proposal to use the land would have to come from the council.

Not only wanting a space for children to play, the proposed space would be used as a resting spot for the elderly as they go on daily walks or walk to get their shopping.

“I don’t know if they’ll do it but I think Maroondah Council owes the people in this triangle some leisure because we’re all in support of the environment, we’re all in support of building communities,” Ms Alexander said.

“If everyone has to go in their car to go to the playground, that’s step one against the environment. And also the kids don’t play outside anymore because there’s a lot of development here.”

Although not against the housing developments and the growth of the area, Ms Alexan-

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NEWS

Shop recycled for Xmas

By Mikayla van Loon As most people rush to shopping centres to buy new toys for Christmas, one shop in Mount Evelyn is helping people recycle those unwanted or unused items while saving the environment.

The community driven Pipsqueakz Recycle would have normally been prepared for the lead up to Christmas and for the summer intake but because of lockdowns owner Rachel Shepherd said they have been in need of good quality toys.

“We usually stop taking consignment at the end of November and we usually get quite inundated but Covid has thrown a big spanner in the works with all our intake,” she said.

“So basically [we need] any toys, anything in good clean condition from baby toys right up to older kids toys.”

Ms Shepherd said Lego, action figures, PAW Patrol, Bluey and any traditional toys like Barbies, trucks and cars are really popular.

The weather has also been playing havoc with the Pipsqueakz’ intake, as the chill of winter still remains, Ms Shepherd said people are still buying winter clothes.

“So usually we’re taking summer stuff right now but we’ve ended up with a shop of winter stuff now that the weather’s awful we’re selling winter and not the summer that’s pouring in,” she said.

“We’ve actually had to stop taking summer clothes because we’ve just got no space because the weather hasn’t been conducive to selling summer stuff.”

Over the next two to three weeks, Ms Shepherd said Pipsqueakz Recycle will be busy with selling toys and clothes as presents for Christmas.

While the shop operates on consignment, meaning the donor gets an account and customer number so when their items sell they

Alaska was able to find some amazing toys at Pipsqueakz Recycle. 258571 get 40 per cent of the profits, Ms Shepherd believes for most people it’s not about being able to afford new toys and clothes but about the environment.

“I feel like we sell more to people who are just environmentally conscious. And once you’ve had kids, you realize that with the toys, they grow out of them so quickly.

“So to pay like $40 for a new toy that might last a few months, or they might not even like, where you can come here and get it for eight or $10 kind of thing.

“So they know that they can sort of get a good bargain and save the environment and save money at the same time. I really do feel like it’s not all about not being able to afford

stuff. It is a lot about reusing and not wasting plastic.”

While not entirely about affordability, Ms Shepherd said knowing the money spent on these toys and clothing items goes back into the community is really rewarding and people can use the credit from their donated items in store again or withdraw the cash to use elsewhere.

Everything the shop sells is of the highest quality, including wooden toys and well known brands of clothing.

In the lead up to Christmas, Ms Shepherd would like people to consider the environment before purchasing cheaper clothing or plastic toys and would encourage people to shop second hand.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “So many people are like ‘oh I’ll just go to Kmart’ and the kids will wear something a few times and then it’s literally like disposable clothing. They just throw it out because it only costs a few dollars and it stretches and goes all yuck after a few wears.

“Whereas people are realising that it goes to landfill or they’re sending a lot of the clothing like that overseas now that’s been donated and then overseas don’t want it anymore.

“There’s this whole huge thing about landfill and where all that stuff’s going so a lot of people are happy to come here and we only sell, in clothing, the better brands so it’s more quality that can be worn by a number of kids not just be disposable.”

Tours return at Mt Ev zoo

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Back to school!

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

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

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

By Jed Lanyon

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

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

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

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

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

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

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

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

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

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

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A worthy brand

The Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo reopened on Monday 22 November to pre-booked tours and school groups, bringing back the joy of seeing native animals.

The zoo features an array of native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, lizards, possums and owls.

Owner Steven Handy, who runs the zoo with his wife Loo Scoon, said they reopened once Victoria hit the 90 per cent vaccination benchmark.

“We do tours in the morning at 10.30am and 12:30pm in the afternoon that go for an hour and a half,” Steven said.

“Small groups like a family or two ladies with a few kids, we take them through the zoo to get up close and personal.”

For $10 an adult or $5 for a child, prebooked groups can take a guided tour through the facility and pet koalas, feed kangaroos and hold a snake.

Most of the animals are nocturnal, so the zoo also runs night tours for people to see them when they are most active.

Visitors will get the chance to meet the inquisitive dingoes – who act more like dogs after being taught mannerisms by Red Dog, the Zoo’s friendly guard dog, while quolls, tawny frogmouths, quokkas and kookaburras are also housed at the zoo.

You may get the chance to spy on an endangered masked Australian owls.

“The reason they are so endangered is because they only breed in the old growth forests in the hollow logs,” Steven said.

“They are critically endangered because there are only 200 pairs left, but our females in there are sitting on two chicks.”

The owls aren’t the only threatened species the zoo is currently breeding.

“These are South Brush tail Wallabies.

They are critically endangered with only about 60 of them left in the wild.” Loo said.

“To be able to breed joeys, which there are two of them in there at the moment, is pretty significant for Mount Evelyn.” Steven said.

Loo Scoon, Steven Handy, Adem Torey-Toth, Jack Hewitt and Jack Hewitt.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE The zoo serves a bigger purpose beyond caring for animals and protecting endangered species.

The couple run the zoo with funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, supporting people with disabilities to help learn job skills, social opportunities and community integration.

“A lot of people ask why we only charge $10 for tours, we essentially do the tours so the guys can get some experience showing people around.

“All these guys are on the NDIS and are learning how to work with animals, but more importantly we teach all job skills to the guys at work.

Towards the end of the tour people will have the chance to visit the reptile enclosure, where snakes, lizards and even a crocodile make their homes.

Visitors are sure to learn plenty from the friendly staff through the tour, including about the Oenpelli python.

“This is the rarest snake in the world,” Loo said.

“He comes from Arnhem Land.”

“If you’re into snakes, this is the holy grail,” Steven said.

“We’ve had the guy who owns the Ballarat Zoo come down and his big ambition was to touch one.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER RELEASE

Outlander to turn heads Lilydale Mitsubishi is proud to announce the all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Launched in November this year with an array of driver assistance and safety systems, all new features and a significant refinement upon previous models, the team at Lilydale are proud to have the newest model on offer to customers alike.

As the best equipped vehicle that Mitsubishi has ever sold in Australia, the 2022 Outlander features bold and distinctive exterior styling as well as a serene and luxurious interior with high-end finishes and thoughtful engineering touches in the first update to the Outlander design and look in 10 years.

With proportions and muscular fenders, the all-new Outlander also features either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, depending on the model, to add a robust presence that emphasises strength and security.

Inside the new Outlander, third-row seating is now standard in all models LS and above.

It features more technology and connectivity than any previous Mitsubishi model, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration standard, as well as a nine-inch infotainment display.

With different models come different features, including wireless smartphone charging standard on LS models and above, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system standard on Exceed models there is sure to be more than even the fastidious of buyers to enjoy.

A 10.8-inch full colour windscreen projection heads-up display is standard on Aspire models and above.

Powering the Outlander is the newly developed 2.5 litre, four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission, with paddle shift-enabled dport mode to access eight preset gear ratios.

Lilydale Mitsubishi is proud to welcome the all-new 2022 Outlander, the best-equipped vehicle that Mitsubishi has ever brought to Australia.

The reengineered Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system provides drivers with six drive modes that adjust to the electronically-controlled 4WD system to best suit the road surface and conditions. Allowing drivers to feel more confident and comfortable in an array of driving situations, the new SAWC system includes rear wheel brake control for independent control of all four wheels, and

a faster all-wheel response.

Buyers are covered by Mitsubushi’s industry-leading 10/10 Diamond Advantage warranty comprising up to 10 years or 200,000km manufacturer’s warranty with 10 years’ capped price servicing. All vehicles are also sold with 12 months’ roadside assist, which can be maintained for up to four years when the vehicle is serviced with an authorised Mitsubishi dealer

in accordance with the service schedule.

With models starting at $34,490 RRP, now is the time to call into Lilydale Mitsubishi and test drive the new Outlander for the drive of your life. See the team at 56 - 70 Main Street Lilydale and check this great new addition to the stable of Mitsubishi models and test drive this beauty for yourself.

TEST DRIVE NOW

LILYDALE MITSUBISHI 56-70 Main Street Lilydale • T 9735 5800 • www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au 12524145-SG48-21

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

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MAIL 9

OPINION

Job well done to all Firstly, I’d like to congratulate all the Victorian students for completing their VCE exams for 2021.

Our years 12s have tackled these exams in the shadow of a global pandemic – their determination and resilience through the challenges of 2020 and 2021 has been inspiring to see.

I’m sure I can speak for their teachers, principals, parents and carers and all school communities when I say how proud I am of every single student’s effort over the past two years.

To the year 12s, now is the time to put your feet up and relax and think about the next chapter of your lives – whether that be further study, training or jumping straight into the workforce.

Once again, congratulations – I hope you are as proud of yourselves as we are of you.

Now, I’d like to congratulate all of our local area for taking the time to roll up your sleeves to get vaccinated - protecting yourselves, your families and our whole community.

Thanks to your extraordinary efforts, we

The state of

affairs James Merlino MP Member for Monbulk will soon hit the key 90 per cent double dose milestone for eligible people.

With this milestone our restrictions have eased further, with nearly all remaining rules now lifted state-wide for fully vaccinated people.

Whilst this is great news, it may take time for those we know and love to adjust to this new normal. The pandemic has affected each of us in different ways, so please be patient with those that aren’t ready to swing open their doors just yet.

As always, I’d encourage everyone to shop local and spoil yourselves to celebratethis amazing milestone.

If you haven’t yet taken the time to get vaccinated for whatever reason, please do so. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves, those we know and love, and the Victorian community from this virus.

For hopefully the final time, I would like to thank all those in our local area for doing their bit throughout the last 20 months. Our area has tackled so much over 2020 and 2021 and we rose to the occasion to support each other, each and every time.

For the latest COVIDSafe settings please visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings.

If my office can be of any assistance with any State Government matter, please do not hesitate to reach out.

CARTOON

Cage great in ‘Pig’ film

Pig Starring Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff Rated MA15+ Pig is a poignant paring of cinema down to the fundamentals of acting, dialogue and theme.

Rob (Nicolas Cage), a former chef turned reclusive truffle forager, travels to Portland with his business partner Amir (Alex Wolff) to find his stolen truffle pig.

Cage delivers a soft-spoken but powerful performance of loss and determination, and Wolff is fun as an ambitious, impatient young man with a good heart.

First-time director Michael Sarnoski shows a superb command of subtle details. Within ten minutes, we get a clear sense of Rob’s introverted nature, his love for his pig and a past tragedy before the main conflict erupts. Small gestures and compassionate half-truths carry profound weight, and painfully beautiful memories rush back through a meal.

Sarnoski and Cage avoid portraying Rob as noble for withdrawing from society to live in the woods: Rob’s repressed grief is palpable, and he isn’t wise, so much as brutally to-the-point.

Pig features an engrossing thread of growth and clarity, with Rob coming out of his shell and opening up to the world even as he confronts its vain illusions.

The film also has a slight surreal edge, with dementedly-cheerful chefs and a dark underbelly in the Portland restaurant industry.

The only notable issue is the shaky camerawork in some scenes. Like with The Guilty, the annoying shaky-cam can detract from dramatic moments and harm our immersion.

Pig is a truly outstanding character study, and is playing in select Victorian cinemas and available to rent or buy on iTunes.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Delving into creative writing with ERL online event The Eastern Regional Libraries recently presented the “Introduction to Creative Writing” event with the Centre of Adult Education (CAE).

The online session was for anyone interested in creative writing who is unsure how to get started.

The instructor, Beverley Eikli, teaches “Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction”, “Beginning Creative Writing” and “The Short Story” at CAE. To this reviewer, the session seemed to highlight creative writing courses as a resource, rather than the writing process itself.

According to Beverley, writing courses are designed to help aspiring writers unleash their creativity.

While some may want to compose personalised stories for their loved ones, others may be interested in blogging or recording family history. Still others may want to compile a book of poems or daily musings.

Depending on each participant’s chosen project, writing courses help them find the “entry point” where they can begin to envisage and shape their stories. It’s a matter of overcoming barriers and making progress, until they can get their first draft on the page.

Some of these barriers include the so-called “writer’s block”, “internal editor” and even “imposter syndrome”.

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Many aspiring writers worry how their contents, styles and even themselves may be judged when others find out they are trying to write. This is where writing courses come in handy because no one is put on the spot.

In other words, writing courses are designed to encourage and inspire, to help participants have fun creating what they intend to create.

According to Beverley, people often lament that they want to write but lack someone to share it with. That “someone” can be a critique partner who helps you explore various possibilities and polish certain specifics while providing you with enough incentive to keep going.

A pair of fresh eyes can help writers check what is well done, what has potential, and what needs a bit more work. Editorial feedback and opportunities such as writing awards,

A review on an event discussing creative writing skills. competitions and grants are among the useful resources that writing courses provide.

Exactly what do you want to write, who do you want to write for, and what do you hope to achieve? Having ascertained your unique ideas, writing courses use prompts and exercises to help you brainstorm the “goal, motivation and conflict” that make your characters compelling.

Whether you are a “plotter” or “discovery writer”, whether you want to write romance, thriller or magical realism, and whether you encounter obstacles at the beginning, middle or end of the process – writing courses help

you find the questions you want to ask to help get the story going.

At the end of the session, Beverley answered some important questions from participants, such as “what’s the best exercise to unlock creativity”, “how to overcome the tyranny of a blank page” and “how do you know when to stop editing”. These keen, in-depth inquiries demonstrate how writing can excite the heart, exercise the mind and soothe the soul.

Readers are advised to check with their local libraries regarding the availability of future creatively writing courses. mailcommunity.com.au

BE KIND, STAY SAFE

Be kind and safe together Once again the Yarra Ranges community has shown that working together we can keep our communities safe, our businesses open and get back to what we love.

As Victoria celebrates reaching the 90 per cent double dose vaccination milestone, Yarra Ranges has been able to keep pace with the national average - and in some of our townships, even exceed it.

As masks come off and visitors return, we get ever closer to our pre-Covid lives. As impatient as we are to get back to normal, it is more important than ever to Be Kind and Stay Safe.

The past 20 months have re-shaped the way we live, work and play. Coming out of restrictions can be difficult as we navigate new social situations and remaining restrictions. While our vaccination rates are high, it’s important to remember there are still vulnerable members of our community. Continuing to follow updated health and safety regulations can help support them.

Many of our businesses will be struggling to return to business as usual. Whether it’s staffing shortages or employees are just a little rusty after a long break, your service and experience could well be a little slower, or just a little different as we all find our feet. Please be patient. After all, we’ve learnt to appreciate the things we’ve missed - and know it’s worth the wait.

Let’s all do our best to be kind to business, and buy local whenever we can.

Council has had teams out and about visiting businesses and talking to them about how we can help establish outdoor activation. Some of the support we’ve been providing includes printing and laminating services for Covid-related signage, sharing the Buy, Employ, Enjoy Local campaign and inform-

ing businesses of support and grants available.

Customer service officers have also been able to respond to community queries about sourcing information about current regulations and providing proof of vaccination.

Kay Trembath, of Crumbz Craft in Healesville, was happy to have the team visit.

“Every bit helps after the last two years.

We’re so happy to be welcoming people back, and keeping safe as we do so,” she said.

If your business hasn’t had the Be Kind, Stay Safe material delivered as yet, get in touch with business@yarraranges.vic.gov.au and they’ll be able to help.

It’s a busy time of year in Yarra Ranges, especially as visitors return and re-discover all our region has to offer. With 55 unique townships to explore and some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the state, there’s something for everyone.

It can help to plan ahead and have a backup plan during peak times. Call early and book at a local cafe or restaurant, and afterwards, pop into the intriguing little shop next door you could find just the thing you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re stopping at the town next door, or you’ve come from further afield, supporting the local businesses when enjoying the area helps keep our communities vibrant and unique - the kind of places you want to return to.

As we celebrate coming back together and getting back to what we love, remember to be kind and stay safe while enjoying local in Yarra Ranges.

Lucy is happy to be out supporting local in Yarra Ranges.

1300 368 333

STAY SAFE Once again the Yarra Ranges community has shown that working together we can keep our communities safe, our businesses open and get back to what we love.

As impatient as we are to ‘get back to normal,’ it is more important than ever to Be

Kind and Stay Safe.

12522579-SG48-21

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

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MAIL 11

NEWS

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

Ken Mackenzie returned from the Vietnam War 50 years ago. 257277

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Marking 50 years on

By Mikayla van Loon

12516657-SG42-21

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Coles Supermarket 520-526 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate 88 Main Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

From a very young age Ken Mackenzie knew he’d one day join the army to follow in his family’s footsteps.

Although he didn’t feel just 17 when he joined the armed forces, Mr Mackenzie said looking back now he can see just how young he was.

Fifty years ago on Thursday 18 November, Mr Mackenzie safely made his way home from the Vietnam War, something not all were lucky enough to do.

“It’s quite a memorable day because it’s a big deal coming home from a war that consumed most of our lives for the best part of 10 years,” he said.

For Mr Mackenzie, Vietnam was exciting and although he saw a lot of hurt, he has quite fond memories of his time there.

“I have a lot of memories of Vietnam. It was a pivotal part of my life. You’ve got to live it to understand that you’re living on adrenaline.

For 12 months, your adrenaline is pumping the whole time. So it’s quite an experience.”

Having spent two years in Malaya prior to going to Vietnam, Mr Mackenzie said he felt reasonably experienced by the time he joined the war in Nui Dat. It was the men who had been taken from their civilian lives at the age of 20 and conscripted into national service who he felt sorry for.

“The poor national service guys got the dirty end of the stick in a lot of ways. They were taken either out of school or out of their jobs and put in the army where they were indoctrinated and trained in various skills, and then sent across to Vietnam, where they could be wounded or killed.

“And they came back totally different people from the person that traveled across to Vietnam. They were older than their years, wiser and far more worldly.”

Mr Mackenzie said as someone who had chosen to become a soldier, the experience he had returning to Australia was a lot different to that of the men who had been conscripted.

“Veterans were considered to be poison.

People didn’t like us. We were abused, shunned and discriminated against.

“Fellows like me that were in the regular army, we were okay because we were still in a military family as it were. But these poor guys, the poor national servicemen, were shunned by a lot of people.”

For those who served in Vietnam, Mr Mackenzie said there was no discrimination, everyone was a soldier fighting a war, so it was difficult to watch on as his fellow servicemen were booed upon returning to home soil.

One of the hardest parts for Mr Mackenzie however, was leaving Nui Dat when Australia pulled out of the war altogether.

“I was really angry that we left when we did because where we were we had it won and the government just turned its back on Vietnam and walked away,” he said.

“They turned their backs on every soldier that served there, every soldier that died there, every soldier that was maimed there and every soldier that came away damaged in some way, shape or form.”

For a year Mr Mackenzie served with 160 fellow Australians at Nui Dat and in the field with the 4th Battalion, before returning home on the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney.

Strikes at the Garden Island docks meant that he and all the other soldiers on board were forced to descend near vertical stairways onto floating pontoons carrying two large bags and a rifle – that was his welcome home.

After Vietnam, Mr Mackenzie went on to serve in Sumatra as a communications specialist and then in Cambodia as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission after Pol Pot had been in power.

A 39 year career in the army saw Mr Mackenzie experience a lot that people will never understand but his memories of camaraderie and excitement, friendship and service is something he said he “lived and breathed.”

“I was privileged to serve with the best men and women in Australia, over 39 years and the soldiers that I served with, without exception, were terrific people.” mailcommunity.com.au

EVERYONE LOVES A STORYBOOK! PICTURE and position perfect, this gorgeous fairytale home in the beautiful Yarra Valley could just be your ticket to the holidays you have been searching for or the forever home you have been dreaming of.

Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the master is of grand proportions with a large ensuite and huge walk in robe, and the additional bedrooms are all spacious and have lovely views out of every window.

You will be taken by the soaring ceilings that instantly welcome you into the light filled home and the rustic feel of the slate floors that ooze the country charm.

The generous open plan design of the kitchen, meals and living, enjoys the ambience of wood heating and the comfort of split system air-conditioning. The kitchen presents ample bench and cupboard space and overlooks your beautiful and low maintenance near level back yard, which is complete with garden shed and access to your lock up garage and carport.

Just minutes’ walk to the pristine Yarra River and just a short drive into the Warburton township, this gorgeous home is an opportunity not to be missed. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Hazelwood Road, EAST WARBURTON Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $640,000- $680,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price, 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

13

HOME FOCUS

STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS THIS property has been very much loved and cared for by the one family for over 20 years and is now available for someone else to call home.

Sitting proudly on over 1600sqm with lovely mountain views and a quiet setting in a friendly neighbourhood.

Enjoy the spacious feeling with 3 comfortable bedrooms, study which is perfect for working from home, a large separate formal lounge which is naturally light filled and a fabulous spot to sit and take in the surrounds, an open plan dining, kitchen and further sitting area blends lovely with the outside entertaining and overlooks the established gardens.

The timber kitchen is a wonderful space to cook up a storm, with plenty of

cupboards, bench space, dishwasher and is situated central in the home. Overall a well thought out floorplan inside to cater to all the family’s needs.

Stepping outside is simply delightful, the garden has an array of fruit trees, a veggie patch and loads of usable yard to enjoy.

The yard has some gorgeous spots, where you can enjoy a barbecue on a sunny day and even hear the tranquil sounds of the nearby creek.

Further benefits of this home are two carports, a double garage both with their own access, a bungalow/studio and large tool shed.

So much on offer, they don’t build them like this anymore, this home truly needs to be seen to believed. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3 Anne Crescent, WARBURTON Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 3 garage Price: $750,000 - $800,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rebecca Doolan, 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

1715 Healesville KooWee Rup Rd Woori Yallock

$1,450,000 - $1,550,000

3 Anne Crescent Warburton

$750,000 - $800,000

10 acres for the lifestyle seeker

Stunning mountain views over1600sqm

This warm and inviting 3 bedroom home provides spacious family living, master bedroom offers a walk-in robe & ensuite.

Country kitchen with walk-in pantry, open plan in design with the dining and living areas, which enjoy plenty of natural light. A mighty rumpus room, beautiful hardwood flooring and wall paneling are featured throughout. Multiple paddocks with water & shelters, a frog and duck filled dam, stables, holding yards, a full size ménage, 6 bay machinery shed, stone fruit orchard, berries and vines, veggie garden, 3 water tanks, & various other shedding for firewood and hay.

This is a very well maintained property that delivers the whole package. Escape to perfect country lifestyle living.

With lovely mountain views & a quiet setting, 3 comfortable bedrooms, study, a separate formal lounge and a fabulous spot to sit and take in the surrounds, an open plan dining, kitchen and further sitting area. The timber kitchen is a wonderful space to cook up a storm, with plenty of cupboards, bench space, dishwasher and is situated central in the home. Outside is delightful, the garden has an array of fruit trees, a veggie patch and loads of usable yard to enjoy.

Further benefits of this home are two carports, a double garage both with their own access, a bungalow/studio and large tool shed. So much on offer, they don’t build them like this anymore, this home truly needs to be seen to believed.

Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190 Inspection: Saturday 3-3.45pm (Photo ID Required)

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: Saturday 12.15 -12.45pm (Photo ID Required)

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton com.au

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

Shop 11, 343-347 Main Street Lilydale, VIC 3140 mailcommunity.com.au

com.au

12493650-AV19-21

Outstanding Service | Exceptional Results Your Local Real Estate Experts

9727 5300 Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

15

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 056

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

3

9 8 4

2 5

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

8 3 5 9

2

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS Plant cultivated for its grainlike seeds (9) Main actor (4) Goop (3) Accusations of subversion or treason (11) Advantageously (8) Overseas (6) Nerd (4) Waitstaff (7) Mythical horse-man (7) Scheme (4) A spice (6) Any place (8) Extreme conservatism or rightism in politics (11) Siesta (3) Yin counterpart (4) The world’s largest island (9)

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

2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

No. 056

Schools of a university (8) Native American beads (6) Capital (9) Teaching period (4) Greek sea god (6) Fix (6) Reddish stalk used in pies (7) Grant (9) Token (7) European country (8) Dauntless (8) Power (6) Lineage (6) Coloured pencil (6) Shallow bell (4)

DOWN Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

1

DECODER

No. 056

4 7

8

6

7 3

7 5

4 6

1 4

1

4

5 2 9

7 4

7

5 hard

7

3

4

5

7

8

9

S W 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

I

H

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

K

N

G

C

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NEWS

Dog’s new lease on life

By Mikayla van Loon The use of medicinal cannabis in humans has been approved since 2015 but the ability to treat similar medical conditions in animals has only been allowed for the past two years.

When Belinda’s competition trained blue heeler dog, Shackleton, started to limp and was unable to move properly, she knew something wasn’t right.

Taking Shackleton to his vet in Lilydale, Belinda quickly found out it was cancer of the blood causing her furry companion a great amount of pain.

“He has too many red blood cells in his body and the cancer is either leukemia, which is the bone marrow producing too many red blood cells or it’s cancer of the kidneys, liver type area that’s releasing too many blood cells which therefore makes his blood quite thick,” Belinda said.

“It was suggested that if it was leukemia, then as the disease progressed, he would become very sore and the bones would ache and all that sort of stuff. I didn’t want to put him through a barrage of tests to find out which cancer it was. Basically it’s cancer. It’s growing.

That’s it.”

Having tried a standard pain medication without success, Belinda asked about the use of cannabidiol or CBD oil, a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

Shackleton’s veterinarian at Lilydale Vet Centre wasn’t able to prescribe CBD oil initially but after doing the training, became an eligible vet as Shackleton’s condition was deteriorating.

With a diagnosis of living just two to three weeks, Belinda was desperate to try anything, not necessarily to extend Shackleton’s life but to improve the quality of his life.

“So we only got a small bottle of CBD oil.

Well, it changed his life. It was almost like black

Belinda was desperate to give Shackleton a happy and comfortable life when he was diagnosed with cancer. and white. He went back to running again. He just became the way he was, quite an athletic dog, basically pain free. That was, I think we’re up to about five months ago.”

CBD Vets Australia director Dr Chris Lee said all living things have a hormonal system known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that works in the nervous system and immune system.

Medicinal cannabis helps regulate these systems, meaning the list of treatable conditions with CBD oil stem from pain relief to epilepsy, anxiety to arthritis and even skin diseases.

“It’s also anti cancer as in Shackleton’s case.

General Classifieds

It’s really quite interesting because the CBD oil can actually kill the tumor cells themselves by encouraging the tumor cells to die,” he said.

“All cells grow and die at a set rate and they communicate with each other when those processes are happening and the CBD oil has been shown to increase the rate of cell death of tumor cells.”

Accessibility is getting better as pet owners and vets turn to natural remedies but sometimes the cost can be outside some people’s budget, particularly in larger sized animals.

Belinda said in her case she was lucky enough to be able to afford the CBD oil and she’s extremely grateful to have seen the bene-

Picture: SUPPLIED

fit of the medicinal cannabis, not having many expectations.

“I suppose my hope was that it would do something but I just wanted him to be happy.

I never expected it to extend his life the way it has, the length that it has. I didn’t think he’d ever be running around the way he does,” she said.

Like all medical treatments, CBD oil is not without some minor side effects but it does not have the same toxic elements that can hinder organs, as other treatments do.

CBD Vets Australia do over the phone consultations and are the major supplier and dispenser of CBD oil.

Employment PAKENHAM OFFICER Mountain Views

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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

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CADET JOURNALIST SUIT YEAR 12 LEAVERS An opportunity exists for two year one cadet journalists to join the team at Star News Group.

This position would suit a Year 12 school leaver seeking to become a trained professional, be paid while training and not incur tertiary education fees.

You will be trained as a cadet through the Deakin University training program for three years.

We pride ourselves on quality journalism with a strong community connection. The company is Australian owned by individuals with significant news media publishing knowledge and experience.

Our company is committed to providing an inspiring, creative workplace, and career that is rewarding.

The two positions will be based in Pakenham and Healesville.

We are seeking a person with the ability to display initiative and with a minimum Year 12 completion with good study results. You will be trained to newsgather and to produce compelling and timely content for our readers. Duties will include general news reporting, producing editorial content to support advertising features and special publications, photography, covering local events across the region, including some after hours, the ability to file stories to meet production deadlines and to assist with weekly print production, daily online content and proofing of editorial content.

Establishing strong community connections and being willing to take on a range of journalism tasks is important.

Essential Qualifications: A current driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle.

Please forward cover letter and resume to Garry Howe: garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR We are seeking experienced journalists to assist the production editor and liaise with our reporters both here in Victoria and also with our reporters interstate.

You will assist reporters with their story lists, allocate stories to pages, ensure deadlines are met, provide feedback to reporters and ensure daily online story targets are met.

Ideally you will be based in our Pakenham office with part time and full time positions available.

Star News Group produces a number of news media titles across Melbourne and interstate with weekly printed newspapers and digital content.

Star News Group focuses on the local news and information that affects the lives of our community, and broader issues that directly impact our regions.

The Company is operated by experienced independent publishers and a local team of experienced media professionals.

Please send your resume to garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

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SPORT

Female players needed

By Mikayla van Loon As the popularity of soccer grows among women in the eastern suburbs, the newly formed Lilydale Montrose United Soccer Club is looking to expand after a successful inaugural year.

The merger saw a senior women’s team be created with players from both sides coming together to play in their first season this year.

Senior women’s coach Craig White said the team did extremely well for the first season playing as one.

“They bonded really well together. We knew we had some competitive players in there but we didn’t know how the team would pull together and gel being a new group and with a lot of new players too that hadn’t played together before as a team. So they did really well and became a really good, tight knit group,” he said.

Finishing fourth in the Women’s State League 4 East this year, the senior women are now looking to advance by recruiting some more experienced players for the 2022 season.

“We just need a couple more experienced players to bolster the squad up a little bit and hopefully take another step up next year,” White said.

With a couple of players also not returning

Lilydale Montrose United Soccer Club’s junior and senior girls are looking to their second season in 2022.

Picture: SUPPLIED for a second season, White said the team will drop to about 13 or 14 players but they really need between 16 and 18 to cater for injuries.

Recruiting players aged 16 and above, Lilydale Montrose United are looking for anyone

interested in playing in a lower division team, whether a newcomer to the game or someone who has been playing for a long time.

The long term vision is to provide a club for women and girls of all ages to enjoy and play

soccer competitively, particularly since there aren’t as many options available for females to play soccer in the local area.

“In terms of female soccer, there’s two or three bigger clubs in the Maroondah area but there’s no one really the Montrose Lilydale area apart from us I don’t think,” White said.

“So it is a growing sport. It’s definitely a growing sport for females but there it’s had a bit of competition from AFL in the last couple of years.

“We’ve only got one team at the moment, the extended vision would be to put a second team out. To do that we probably need to pick up another 15 or 16 players which would be a tough ask.”

Lilydale Montrose United are also looking to grow the junior competition, with a second team almost complete but just a few players short.

The senior women are back having a preChristmas kick before preseason begins in late January or February. The season will run from April to September next year.

To find out more or to inquire about playing soccer contact Craig White on 0438 889 992 or via the Lilydale Montrose United Soccer Club Facebook page.

Lilydale Croquet welcomes players back to the court

By Mikayla van Loon After missing the spring tournament because of the lockdowns, Lilydale’s Croquet Club players and members were eager to return to playing as soon as they could.

Heading back onto the green for the first day of play on Tuesday 16 November, only some very keen players battled the rain and the cold but more members took to the court on Wednesday, with the sun shining and conditions much better for social croquet.

Club president John Thomson said the last time they were able to play at the courts was just before lockdown number six.

“That was the last time we got together so it’s a long time ago. We had a committee meeting just after the lockdown finished but this is the first week we’ve played,” he said.

“It’s been a long time, a couple of months or something but we’re back. We’re here. So that’s good.”

Although the return to playing was delayed slightly because of resurfacing repairs to the main court at Melba Park, Mr Thomson said they couldn’t hold off any longer.

“We had to try and get the grass repaired because you can only play when the grass is growing, which is a difficult thing because you can’t do it in the middle of winter but that would have been ideal,” he said.

“So we had to do it at the beginning of spring and then it needs time to come back.

It’s slow growing again because of the weather, it hasn’t had the heat. So that’s been difficult.

“Hopefully in another couple of weeks, it’ll be a lot better than what it is now but we had to get back to playing because people were just too anxious.”

While some croquet club members play competitively, most just play socially with friends and Mr Thomson said his favourite part of being back is seeing everyone.

“You can text one another and email and all that all you like but to get back together and a couple of them have been away at different times and that sort of thing,” he said.

“So just to all get back together again and get the members coming back and enjoying it, that’s a big part of it, is the fellowship in the club and it’s a big part of why we do it, why we come down, especially some of our elders, to get them down here and playing and and mixing with other people is good.”

The Croquet Club is looking ahead to 2022 and the autumn tournament, which will be the first competition in a whole year.

In the lead up to that, Mr Thomson said some minor works will get underway to exmailcommunity.com.au

Lilydale Croquet Club president John Thomson said members were eager to get back to playing after such a long break.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Social games between friends happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. pand the court and improve the playing surface in Lilydale.

“We’re going to extend this court here and level it off so we’ve got a little bit more room and it’s a bit more level on the sides and the edges. We got a 50/50 grant from the Shire to do that and it will happen after New Year, I think we’ll get started on that, so that’ll be good.”

With future plans of adding another play-

The competition was rife between club captain Murray Howlett and president John Thomson on Wednesday 17 November.

ing court, Mr Thomson said it is still something they are working towards.

“Hopefully there’ll be one going out there but that’s a long way off. So we try to make the most of what we’ve got here and do what we can here,” he said.

Back to playing regularly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am, Mr Thomson said although they aren’t actively seeking more members, new-

comers are always welcome.

“We can’t get too many more but by the time they go through coaching with our coach Patrick and then when he’s got them ready, they’ll join if they want and come down and start to play regularly.

“We’re always on the lookout for new members because people come and go, so you’ve always got to have people coming back into the club.”

Tuesday, 23 November, 2021

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