Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 7th December 2021

Mount Evelyn

Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

Mail

Christmas decorations fill Lilydale and Kilsyth

Lights switched on in Montrose for Corey

A book documenting the local impact of WWI

Students go sky high with Lilydale Flying School

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Christmas crowd

By Mikayla van Loon Cire Services’ biggest ever Christmas Twilight Market didn’t disappoint with hundreds of people turning up to experience the festive spirit and buy local.

With 98 stall holders and food trucks, as well as kids entertainment and the Yarra Valley Singers, there was truly something for everyone.

Many people, both running the stalls and buying from them, had never been to the Twilight Market before but wanted to support a local event.

Frequent market goers Emily, Ben and Adriana liked the idea of shopping for some Christmas gifts while experiencing Cire’s market for the first time.

“We thought it’s a nice way to catch up outside in the nice weather and buy some Chritsmas gifts,” Adriana said.

Ben said it was probably the largest, most local event they had been to since the lockdown ended and it was nice to see so many people there.

As the gates opened from 5pm, crowds appeared from every direction, filling Kimberley Reserve with life again after months of lockdown and restrictions.

For local photographer Kelly Hoinville, her first market experience was a positive one.

“It’s been easy. Everyone’s really friendly, I made a friend next door who helped me set up my marquee,” she said.

Having started her own business selling prints last year, Kelly was excited to get her name out there and introduce her photography work to others, something the Twilight Market allowed her to do.

“There are so many [markets] to choose from but this one was really local and was really affordable, especially for my first go.

“I didn’t know how successful I would be selling things. So it was quite a low entry cost, which was really attractive to someone for their first time. And I’ve been really lucky, it was just very convenient.”

Continued page 6

Myla and Maddy enjoyed the Twilight Market for all the Christmas activities.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

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Decorations have livened up the Olinda Creek bridge. 260254

Decorations can be found in every corner of town, even hanging from the trees. 260254

The festive spirit spreads

By Mikayla van Loon When it comes to Christmas decorations, Lilydale has built a bit of a reputation for having some of the best over the last few years thanks to some passionate community members.

Since 2019 the Lilydale Main Street Beautification committee has been bringing Christmas joy to town and what started as just a small project has grown year on year.

Sharryn Manning and Helen Darvell are the planners behind the decorations and even though the committee only had limited time, they decided to go bigger this year.

“We just didn’t have as much time as we would have liked but we got it done. Because of Covid, we didn’t start until quite late, we only had a month to get everything done,” Ms Manning said.

“We started planning by advancing on what we’d done last year and so I suppose we worked out how many extra things we wanted,” Ms Darvell said.

“We had the topiaries and we had about 20 of those. So we ended up making another 40 and we had the wooden Christmas trees. We had about 13 of those and we ended up with 50 of them, which we put through the main street.”

The committee also made the reindeers, snowmen and Santas placed around town, spreading from one end to the other.

Ms Manning said last year around six people helped paint and make the decorations,

as well as put them out along the main street.

This year that had doubled, with around 12 people getting involved.

The Christmas decorations have become a real community effort, with the Rotary Club of Lilydale, the Lilydale Township Action Group and local residents lending a hand and donating funds to ensure the spirit of Christmas can live on in Lilydale.

But the most amazing part is the feeling it brings others when they stop to have a look and the smile it brings to people’s faces.

“So many people stopped us on Sunday (29 November), when we were putting them up and said, ‘thank you’. It was really very pleasing,” Ms Darvell said.

“When we were installing all our Christmas trees, there were people all along the cafe’s watching us and waving, people coming past tooting. So they do appreciate it,” Ms Manning said.

When the beautification committee formed, one of the biggest requests from the community was the return of Christmas decorations along Main Street and for another year, they have been delivered in spectacular form.

“I thought there was a need for some Christmas cheer in Lilydale and it seemed to me there hadn’t been for quite a few years,” Ms Darvell said.

“I think it’s nice to do community things.

That’s why I got involved because it’s just a nice feeling and a nice way to contribute to the town.”

Helen and Ian Darvell and Sharryn and Max Manning spent a month preparing Lilydale’s Christmas decorations with the rest of the committee. 260254 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bringing Christmas decorations to the heart of Kilsyth

By Mikayla van Loon For four years now, the Kilsyth Community Action Group (KCAG) has been brightening up what has become the heart of the town with Christmas decorations.

KCAG chairman Mike O’Meara said it’s just a small gesture of community spirit to help bring some joy to the Coles shopping precinct during the festive season.

“We started off with putting bunting up and we combined that with some school art displays. So we got the local schools to do Christmas themed artworks and we spoke to all the traders and put it in the shop windows,” he said.

“Because this year with Covid school was on again off again until very late so we had to give that a miss this year but I’ve been wanting to do, for a long time, these hanging baskets.”

Battling the wind, rain and stormy weather on Thursday 2 December, Mr O’Meara, with the help of some Kilsyth Football Club players hung the decorations in the shopping precinct.

“The guys volunteered their time. So they are in the trades and we just needed somebody. The football people have been involved since its inception but this is the first time we’ve had the younger players involved.”

Mr O’Meara said it has become a community effort to ensure the decorations are in2 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

Kilsyth Football Club players Spencer Lamb, Drew Sells and Ben van Veen each volunteered their time to help install the Christmas decorations in Kilsyth on Thursday 2 December.

Picture: SUPPLIED stalled each year, with various people always lending a hand.

This is just one part in KCAG’s advocacy for improving the shopping precinct’s appearance and hopefully it starts a conversation with local shoppers and retailers about who does it each year.

“We do what we can and people do notice

it, shoppers comment on it,” Mr O’Meara said.

“We want to make this a thing so people go ‘oh I see the decorations are up again’ or if we missed a year they say ‘why aren’t the decorations up’. I want it to be a bit of a thing so people start to notice that it’s part of what we do.”

KCAG has been in operation as an organised group since 2014 and Mr O’Meara said that is relatively young in terms of other organisations of the same kind.

Kilsyth however is always changing being on the urban fringe of the Shire but one thing has always stayed the same and that is needing a sense of identity.

“There’s over 10,000 people in the area but the demographics are always changing. So there’s lots to do and we’re up for it. I think it’s just reaching different audiences and reaching a younger audience,” Mr O’Meara said.

“We did a lot of consultation when we were getting our act together and it was all about identity. People love living here without question but there’s always improvements they’d like to see.

“They want ownership. We call this one of the hearts. This area was identified as the centre of Kilsyth but there’s nothing to say that.”

While KCAG received funding from Yarra Ranges Council this year to build on the Christmas decorations, Mr O’Meara said he and the rest of the group will continue working with the Council to gradually improve year on year.

“The baskets are an enhancement and I think they just add something to it. Eventually we’d like a big Christmas tree in the middle of the car park. So yes, we do have plans.” mailcommunity.com.au

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IN BRIEF

The season ahead

By Mikayla van Loon On the final day before the official start of the summer season, Montrose and District 13 CFA members hosted a bushfire safety session at Richards Reserve.

The information session spoke about the upcoming season outlook and how to prepare for the bushfire period, particularly putting together a bushfire plan.

Montrose CFA community engagement coordinator Eddie Tichelaar said Montrose Captain Rob Waters spoke regarding fire hazards within the Brigade area and Ben Cash from CFA presented as well.

“Residents who attended were passed on informative information about creating a fire safety plan now, and they were given valuable information and guidance in the ways they can create a safety plan,” he said.

District 13 community engagement coordinator Tarryn Campbell said with the current weather outlook for the summer, CFA crews are expecting higher grass growth.

“We’re looking at a La Nina weather event, which is predicted through the Bureau of Meteorology and predominantly that will bring with it a wetter fire season similar to last year,” she said.

“But what we do get with that is we will get hot days and we will see increased grass growth and grass fire risk in and around the location.”

Ms Campbell said although a wet fire season is predicted, the chance of bushfires is still quite high, especially on those warmer days where grass and vegetation can dry out quickly.

The Montrose community came together on Tuesday 30 November to go over bushfire preparedness for summer. Picture: SUPPLIED The seasonal outlook for December to February, released by the Australian and New Zealand National Council for Fire and Emergency Services last week indicated the potential for an average to lower-than-average bushfire season in Victoria but CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was no time to get complacent.

“We know it only takes one bad day to have a bad fire season so we need to stay vigilant this summer,” he said.

“Many people have already prepared their properties, but recent wet conditions mean we’ve seen a lot of vegetation growth, so it’s important to keep maintaining your property by keeping your grass low and any other vegetation cut back as well.

“If you haven’t prepared your property, it is definitely high time to do so.”

Ms Campbell said some of the best preparations can be done in the garden to ensure properties are well maintained but the planning around bushfires is just as important.

“We also would recommend people look at their bushfire plans, their leave early plan and make sure they have a trigger to leave. So at what point do they make that decision to leave early and on what days and making sure that it’s relative to their personal situation.”

With the excitement of Covid-19 restrictions easing and Christmas celebrations coming up, Ms Campbell said it’s really important for people to include their bushfire plan into everything they are doing.

“If you’re traveling, make sure that you’ve got a plan for what you’re doing, how you’ll be staying informed if you’re away from home, and also when you are home,” she said.

This won’t be the last in person session District 13 holds over the summer months, something all CFA brigades are looking forward to hosting.

“The [Montrose] brigade were really keen to get back out in the community and let residents know what’s happening with the upcoming fire season as soon as they could to be prepared.

“The CFA brigades will be going to get back out and about and people will see them around at different events. So we’re really hopeful that people can make use of that when they see the brigade to ask any questions that they’ve got.”

Police launch bushfire safety operation Victoria Police has launched Operation Safeguard, its an annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria.

Police will use intelligence to monitor the fire risk and deploy additional resources to areas deemed high risk, particularly during fire danger periods.

The most common causes of recklessly lit fires include burning off, campfires, car exhausts and machinery, use of tools such as angle grinders and welding equipment, bonfires and flares and farming machinery such as harvesters.

CFA District 13 community engagement coordinator Tarryn Campbell said it’s important for people to refer to the Can I or can’t I? documents produced by the CFA to know what is allowed during the Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban days.

“So knowing what you can and can’t do in terms of an open flame on Total Fire Ban days is really important and during the Fire Danger Period,” she said.

“There’s different requirements and restrictions on those different types of days and it’s really important that people familiarise themselves with those things.”

Last year, there were 21 offences detected for recklessly causing a bushfire and 12 offences for intentionally causing a bushfire (between July 2020 – June 2021).

Whilst recklessly lit fires are considered by many to be accidental, the outcome is often the same as that caused by arson with potential for injury, loss of life or property.

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire can face significant fines and penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Police are reminding the community of their role in preventing bushfires and encourage people to speak up and report any reckless or suspicious behaviour.

Assistant Commissioner State Emergencies and Support Command, Michael Grainger said now is not the time to be complacent.

“While we do have people deliberately lighting fires in the community, what is of concern is the number of recklessly lit fires in recent years,’ he said.

“We will be targeting those people who engage in careless behaviour, such as burning off without a permit, not putting out a campfire properly or using tools or machin-

ery during fire restrictions.”

Mr Grainger said preventing bushfires is everyone’s responsibility and the entire community needs to be mindful.

“We’re asking the community to be mindful of their activities during the summer period and act responsibly – it could be your actions that result in a devastating bushfire, causing loss of life and property.

“Victoria Police takes any bushfire that is deliberately or recklessly lit seriously. Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was deliberate or a reckless action.”

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour as it is occurring should phone Triple Zero (000) and anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Victorians should also stay informed using the Vic Emergency app and regularly check the Fire Danger rating to monitor the fire risk in their local area.

Operation Safeguard will run until March 2022.

Speeding drivers A 53-year-old male driver was detected speeding at 108 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Colchester Rd, Kilsyth on 30 November.

He is to be charged on summons with speeding.

A 35-year-old male driver was also detected speeding at 127 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Mountain Hwy, Bayswater.

He is to be charged on summons with speeding and driving at a speed dangerous.

All vehicles were impounded for 30 days and incurred costs of $1,325 each.

This will be an opportunity for these drivers to reflect on what could have happened in the event of a collision at those speeds.

Spending Christmas without your car is one thing, but Christmas without a loved one would be devastating.

Jason East captured this photo of the storm rolling in over the Yarra Ranges last week just in time before the rain and wind came.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Storm response and call outs Although a brief and short lived storm, the effects were felt creating jobs for local emergency services.

Lilydale SES were called to one rescue where a tree fell on a car and to 44 other events ranging from blown out skylights to trees on houses and roads.

Four vehicles and a large number of members were out responding to the events on Wednesday 1 December and Thursday 2 December.

The storm activity also made for a busy week at Lilydale CFA, racking up 11 jobs in total throughout the week.

2/12 Powerpole fire- lightning, Mt Evelyn.

2/12 Car accident wash away, Coldstream.

2/12 Powerpole fire - lightning, Mooroolbark.

1/12 House struck by lightning, Lilydale.

Seven other jobs were also responded to by the CFA crews.

4/12 Child locked in car, Chirnside Park.

3/12 Premises alarm (false), Chirnside Park.

3/12 Fire in driveway, Lilydale.

1/12 Car leaking fuel, Lilydale.

30/11 Cat stuck in door, Lilydale.

30/11 Grass fire, Coldstream.

29/11 Shopping centre alarm (false), Chirnside Park

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Police take part in International Disability Day Members from Lilydale Police Station were out and about taking part in International Day of People with Disability last week.

Linda and Jay from the Lilydale Proactive Policing Unit shared in the Pathway for Carers walk in Mount Evelyn on 2 December.

Also in Mount Evelyn, police members had a scone bake off at social enterprise Tasty Az.

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Burning bright for Corey

By Mikayla van Loon Montrose has turned the lights on for Corey in another spectacular year of a Christmas display like no other.

Debbie Brasher has this year created a winter wonderland at her home, fitted with snow and snowmen, a talking tree and a gift giving wall to be seen all throughout December.

What started four years ago in memory of her son Corey who died from an asthma attack on 15 January 2018, has become the most magical community Christmas event in the local area.

Although a slow start to the opening on 1 December because of the wild weather, Ms Brasher said Santa nights like the one on Saturday 4 December are always busy.

“Santa night is always a busy night when they get all the photos in there, it’s all fun,” she said.

“The first night was not too bad but it’s been a bit cold. Of course we had the cleansing storm on the first night and then the second night was a bit cold and miserable but it’ll pick up, it’s only the first week. So it’s pretty good but it’s been pretty fun.”

Ms Brasher said although it’s a little overwhelming, she gets to enjoy the community spirit and all the children coming out to see Santa and the display every night, which is her favourite part.

“I got called Mrs Claus about 100 times tonight. And then I’ve got my regulars that are coming back, which is great.

“So it’s all a little overwhelming but you can hear it all buzzing inside.”

No one goes without anything either, with a gift exchange - children can take a gift but then have to come back and replace it with another - as well as small presents from Santa.

Every intricate detail, from the poetry notes to the window displays, Ms Brasher’s care in

Ms Brasher created a snow theme, fit with a snow machine and snowmen.

Santa came to visit 858 Mt Dandenong Road Montrose and deliver some presents to all the children.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Display windows have peep holes with intricate scenes to be viewed. This is just one of many.

creating a truly awe inspiring and extraordinary Christmas experience for young and old alike is remarkable.

The gratitude and joy Lights on for Corey brought people is also just as profound and heartwarming.

But while the gift of lights and Christmas spirit is at the heart of what Ms Brasher does, raising money to be used in the community and donated to charity is how she keeps on giving throughout the year.

Ms Brasher is open for suggestions on how to spend the money raised, with people able to send an email to oooops1@bigpond.com Santa comes to say hello every Saturday night before Christmas Day at 8.30pm. Lights on for Corey is open Sunday to Thursday 8.30pm to 10.30pm and on from 8.30pm to late on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find the house and take a peek at the incredible display at 858 Mt Dandenong Road, Montrose.

Although a free event, donation tins are available and this year little snowmen are for sale, to help raise funds.

“A snowman will slowly melt away but in our hearts you will always stay,” the tag reads.

Hoping to have the biggest year of donations yet, Ms Brasher would like to raise $7500.

So far she has raised around $1500.

“We have no idea where it’s going to go and we’re open for everyone to give me ideas,” she said.

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Casey Liberal candidate

By Parker McKenzie Aaron Violi knows he has big shoes to fill if he is elected to replace the venerated Tony Smith as member for Casey at the 2022 federal election.

The pressure doesn’t seem to bother him, instead he seems to enjoy it.

The local businessman and third generation Casey resident beat a crowded field of contenders to become the candidate for Casey when the widely respected former Speaker of the House retires from politics at the next federal election.

Mr Violi said Mr Smith is a friend and a mentor, and the pair holds similar political philosophies.

“The two areas Tony and I are most aligned is the view that the first and primary responsibility of a member of parliament is to represent and deliver for their local communities,” he said.

“The second is the importance of integrity in politics and that all members of parliament are custodians of democracy.”

After convincing the majority of the party members that he was the right person to take the Liberal party forward, his next task is convincing the people of Casey.

Mr Violi said his aim if elected is to deliver “tangible outcomes for the residents, families, small businesses and communities of Casey” after a tough 18 months of Covid lockdowns and storms.

“Every town and community right across Casey have different challenges and needs and a local member of parliament needs to be available and out in every town and community engaging with community groups, businesses and

residents to understand their challenges and ideas to improve their community,” he said.

“I have spent my life involved in a variety of community groups in Casey including the Lilydale Township Action Group, Yarra Valley Railway as well as various local sporting clubs and if successful in being elected as the representative of Casey I would always be available and accessible to the community.”

The outer eastern seat has been held by the Liberal party since 1984 and was won by Mr Smith by a margin of 9.28 per cent at the 2019 federal election.

Mr Violi said one area he is passionate about is ensuring there are adequate resources for mental health support in the electorate.

“I am proud that the Morrison government and Tony Smith delivered $4.5 million in funding to establish an integrated Youth Health Hub in Casey and I will be working to deliver ever more funding for mental health resources,” Mr Violi said.

“It is also important to recognise the crucial role community organisations such as Men’s Sheds, sporting clubs, community houses and many more organisations play in improving people’s mental health.

“Ensuring they have the best possible facilities to make people feel welcome and comfortable will be a focus of mine.”

Labor has named Bill Brindle, who lost to Mr Smith in the 2019 election, as their candidate.

A number of other independent and party aligned candidates are expected to contest the election as well.

The 2022 federal election will be held on or before 21 May.

Aaron Violi is the Liberal candidate for Casey at the next federal election.

Picture: SUPPLIED

AusNet finalist in WorkSafe awards for new safety app AusNet Services in Lilydale have been recognised as a finalist for the WorkSafe awards, for the creation of a worker safety application.

WorkSafe received more than 180 nominations from across Victoria for the seven award categories, which recognise excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work.

In consultation with workers, AusNet Lilydale designed an app to alert staff of safety hazards such as dangerous dogs, asbestos, aggressive customers, slips, trips or falls, or experiencing a medical emergency, particularly if they are working alone.

The new app uses existing information about risks to automatically prompt workers via a smart watch, as they approach a site. It also uses smart phone features such as fall detection and heart monitoring to alert managers to potential incidents while staff are working alone.

Other finalists include businesses, health and safety representatives, and people who have returned to work after injury, across industries such as health care, transport, construction, and farming.

AusNet Services Lilydale has been listed as a finalist for the 2021 WorkSafe Awards.

Picture: ON FILE WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Colin Radford said it was wonderful to see the strength of entries in the Health and Safety Representative of the Year category, as well as in the new award for 2021, Commitment to

Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm.

“We wanted to shine a light on the outstanding work of HSRs representing Victorian workers, as well as achievements in farm safety, including innovations that save time

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and lives,” he said.

Mr Radford commended all the finalists for their exceptional commitment to improving health and safety and to returning to work after injury.

“This year’s finalists have developed innovative approaches to new issues – such as the challenges of safely treating COVID-19 patients – as well as fresh solutions to ongoing challenges,” Mr Radford said.

“We’ve received many outstanding entries, including innovative use of technology, prevention-led approaches to mental health, and finalists going above and beyond in their commitment to workplace safety.”

In the Worker Return to Work category, Mr Radford said the finalists had shown incredible resilience and determination – particularly given some faced additional challenges to recovery due to COVID-19.

“The WorkSafe Awards celebrate the things that organisations and individuals do every day to support health and safety at work. Congratulations to all of the finalists.”

Winners of the WorkSafe Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on 24 February next year.

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Market a hit with crowd From page 1 Landscapes are her passion but Kelly has just ventured into wedding and family photography.

As a high school teacher, Kelly said had she not had the extra time during the lockdown last year she probably wouldn’t have started her business even though she has been a hobby photographer for 10 or more years.

“I just love the way that it makes you see the world when you’ve got a camera in your hand. You’re constantly scanning your surroundings for something beautiful or interesting and it just makes you notice things,” she said.

“I guess it’s kind of mindfulness when you’ve got a camera and it just makes you notice and be present with where you are and then also you know when you do family photography, you’re producing memories and keepsakes for a family that will hopefully be a part of their family story for years.”

Yarra Naturals soapmaker Kim Bloomberg has been a regular at many markets throughout the Yarra Ranges but this was also her first time at the Twilight Market.

With her studio just up the road, Kim said she decided to take part in this market because of how local it was and because Christmas is an ideal time for soapmakers.

“This is a big, big time for soapmakers. I make them all myself and then I get to chat

Santa’s arrival on the fire truck was most exciting for everyone, big and small.

The Yarra Valley Singers sang carols as crowds watched on from the grass, picnicking and eating dinner from the food trucks.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON with people about soap,” she said.

But perhaps the biggest event of the night was a surprise visit from Santa on the back of the Chirnside Park fire truck.

Children flocked to see the man of the hour

and get a small treat to take home.

With the variety of stalls and food trucks, Cire’s first major event since the lockdown ended just a few months ago welcomed the community back in outstanding form.

Kelly Hoinville ventured to the Twilight Market from Toolangi to share her photography work for the first time.

Join Alice and the Queen of Hearts at the open garden

By Renee Wood Yarra Ranges residents are being invited to take a trip down the rabbit hole and enter Coldstream resident Jo Bartlett-Brown’s Alice in Wonderland themed open garden.

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But now it’s full steam ahead for the 2 Murrac Street open garden, which will open Friday 10 December, Saturday 11 December and Sunday 12 December and Friday 17 December, Saturday 18 December, Sunday 19 December and Monday 20 December from 10am-4pm.

Donations are welcome at the gate, with proceeds going to Coldstream CFA.

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and it was so positive, I was so wrapped.”

Jo then launched an online auction which also gained a positive response.

“And then as the lockdowns continued, I thought now I need to do something bigger and better.”

The open garden was first schedule for October but due to the extended lockdown and home density limits it was postponed.

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Jo Barlett-Brown is looking forward to wowing residents with her Alice in Wonderland themed open garden.

Picture: RENEE WOOD

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Jo has been putting her artistic nature to good use during the lockdown, re-purposing hundreds of items to fit the theme to decorate the garden for the event.

“I started to go to the tip shop, the op shop and all the different places to get cheap things that fit the theme and I just got carried away and had the time my life and now it’s going to be open for not one day, but for seven,” Jo said.

It will be a tea party galore, with Alice, the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and White Rabbit all familiar faces that can be spotted in the garden displays.

The event is a fundraiser for Coldstream CFA’s redevelopment project to help fit out the new station.

“My husband has been in the CFA for nearly 40 years and just the concept of putting back, if everybody puts back something it just makes it a better world.”

The event is also being held to bring joy to the local community as many families will be familiar with Jo’s artwork displayed on her fence. The idea for the open garden grew from Jo’s efforts turning her fence into a gallery wall for families to enjoy when going for their daily exercise during lockdowns.

Not long after, parents expressed to her that the revolving art was the only way they could get their kids out of the house.

“I could hear through my fence the kids squealing with laughter or pointing and I could hear the things parents were saying,

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

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NEWS

Home front perspective

By Mikayla van Loon The Shire of Lillydale was gravely impacted by World War I and caused the greatest number of casualties in the area.

A new book written and produced by the Mount Evelyn RSL and local historian Anthony McAleer will be launching this weekend, documenting the impact the war had on people who remained at home.

After discovering many unknown and incredible stories about what people endured at home in Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Montrose, Mount Evelyn and the rest of the small communities in the shire during World War I, Mr McAleer decided to document those experiences in a book.

‘Home front: the impact of war on the shire of Lillydale’ is the latest historical book from Mr McAleer who has spent 30 years researching and hearing local stories from the time.

“I started this early enough that I was lucky enough to interview the last two World War I veterans from this area and I was able to interview a lot of people who lived in this area during that period,” he said.

“Nowadays, there are a lot more records on offer that you can access, so we were able to get a lot more information.”

Mr McAleer said during the centenary there was a lot of focus on the soldiers who fought in the war but not much had been done on what the people who stayed in the shire went through.

“The First World War is certainly a significant event in the history of this area...but little was done in regards to what happened locally and certainly it had such a huge impact and majorly affected everyone.

“There was a lot that came to light during the centenary from the different events that we had and people telling their family stories about what happened to their family.”

Anthony McAleer has documented the impact of World War I on the Shire of Lillydale in his most recent book Home Front. The hall of the original Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre was used as the base for the Red Cross and it was where soldiers left from and returned from war.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON Mount Evelyn RSL wanted to keep a permanent record of each of those stories to share and acknowledge the hardships of the residents in what was very much rural farmland.

“It was very much considered part of the country. Lilydale was a little bit more urban and was a little bit more densely populated.

There was certainly a lot more industry here and it was the centre for the area but places like Monbulk, Olinda, Montrose and Mooroolbark were little farming communities.

“There’s things like what happened to those farming communities when all of the fit and able men enlist in the military and go overseas.

So it talks about the hardships and the toil on those left behind.”

The book places a particular emphasis on the role women played to keep farms operating and how they knitted socks for the Red Cross in their spare time but also how local sports clubs suffered from a lack of men and the ongoing effects of war.

“In those decades after the war, it took a long, long time for people to readjust to how life was before,” Mr McAleer said.

Dame Nellie Melba’s influence and contribution to the Red Cross during the war years is another key feature of the book, something that earned her the damehood in 1918.

“She was probably the one individual who raised the most money for the Red Cross during the war years.

“She did numerous concerts. I think she did about three or four just in this building (Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre) to help out the local patriotic welfare efforts.”

The book reflects the generational impact the First World War had on people, whether they fought on the frontlines, donned a uniform, didn’t enlist at all or grew up without a family member.

“It impacted schools, community groups, churches, commerce, pastimes, sport and life on the land and it placed burdens on old and young, male and female, urban and rural,” Mr McAleer said.

“There was no one who was not affected by it.”

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Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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MAIL 7

NEWS

Run to remember Ryan

By Mikayla van Loon For nine years the Donald family, with support of their son’s friends, have been raising awareness for a rare but devastating condition that takes the lives of 400 Australians each year.

Graeme and Meaghan Donald, alongside Zak Kennedy have held a number of annual fundraisers for sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) since the death of their son and friend.

This December they are bringing back Ryan’s Run, a 17km walk, ride or run over the weekend of 18 and 19 December, to spread awareness virtually.

Ryan Donald was 17 years old when his heartbeat extended for just a millisecond causing his brain to send an irregular message to his heart, which stopped beating moments later at his home in Yarra Glen.

This is known as SADS, a condition that goes relatively undetected in people under 40.

Zak, a football teammate and friend of Ryan’s, organised an inaugural Ryan Donald Memorial Football Match in 2019 between Lilydale and Yarra Glen but Covid-19 has prevented it from happening since.

Nevertheless, like most things over the last 18 months, they are taking it virtual for the second year in a row with Ryan’s Run. “We’ve had to go a different route but in saying that, the virtual walk, run and ride presented a great opportunity to still do something, not so much to raise money, obviously, we understand that a lot of people have been hit financially during this time but our main purpose with it was just to keep his legacy alive,” Zak said.

“And I guess that’s my purpose in what I do is to make sure that we’re still doing something, even though we can’t all be together, we can still do it virtually.”

Zak said he would love to see people out from Lilydale to Yarra Glen, dressed in blue and yellow or the Ryan Donald merchandise over that weekend, which will mark the anniversary of Ryan’s death.

Although it is as much about remembering Ryan for Graeme and Meaghan, the events they have helped hold each year since 2012 have been to raise funds for the Murdoch Institute so research into genetic tissue can be conducted.

“The tragic thing about this is that 540 people a year, people between the age of five and 35 die from this every year and for 400 there’s

Zak Kennedy has helped Ryan’s parents Meaghan and Graeme Donald organise a virtual fundraiser for SADS research called Ryan’s Run 2021.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON no reason, they can’t find a thing,” Graeme said.

“So when you put that in perspective, it is a lot of people, a lot of young people, and it’s because the first episode is normally the last.

It doesn’t get the awareness of breast cancer, prostate cancer or bowel cancer.”

“So it does help with Ryan’s memory but it also helps a lot. It’d be really nice to think maybe one day they could find something to prevent it,” Meaghan said.

Ryan’s Run this year is about creating awareness of SADS by sharing posts on social media but with the 10 year anniversary com-

ing up at the end of next year, Zak said plans to host a number of different events are on the cards.

“Hopefully the money we can raise can go to some research that can prevent it or can help other families not just wake up the next morning and not have their son or daughter or father or mother, whoever it is not there.”

As someone who loved his football and his friends, Graeme and Meaghan said they are amazed to see how much of an impression their son left on people but are extremely grateful for the support and positivity behind

what they are doing.

“We’re very lucky that Meaghan and Graeme and James and Mitch, his brothers, we’ve been able to support them throughout this time and become really close with them as Ryan’s friends,” Zak said.

“They are such a beautiful family and unfortunately we lost Ryan nine years ago but I think you do get to meet a lot of people throughout these sort of unfortunate events and Ryan would be proud that everyone comes together, he’d probably be a bit embarrassed to be honest.”

Running away to the circus just got a whole lot easier

By Mikayla van Loon Curbside Carnies is returning to the Yarra Ranges with three brand new sessions all happening in just one weekend.

Dreams of running away with the circus, even if it is only for a couple of hours, can come true on 11 and 12 December when performers come to Chirnside Park, Yarra Glen and Selby to share their skills for free.

Event producer Sophie deLightful said this is the second time she has partnered with Yarra Ranges Council, who are funding the programs, to bring some life back to the area after so many lockdowns.

“It’s just a continuation of trying to bring the community back together and reactivate them and get them moving and happy again after the big lockdown period,” she said.

The programs are recommended for children between the ages of five and 16 to ensure they get the full experience.

With workshops on hula hooping, dancing, handstands, juggling and maybe diablos, as well as a play space, the Curbside Carnies has something for everyone.

Sophie said there is this love of the circus and intrigue about the artform that dates back through the ages.

“There’s been this romanticised image that running away with the circus means running away from your responsibilities or running away from anything that might not 8 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

be going right,” she said.

“Once they actually start to play with toys and try to stand on their head and they realise that no matter what age, whether it’s kids or adults, there isn’t an age limit for the circus.

“It is something that can be enjoyed by people of all walks of life, of all ages, all experiences and backgrounds. It’s just something that’s universal.”

Curbside Carnies started a year ago to bring CovidSafe performances to various towns and suburbs across the state and in turn support performers who were without work.

“It also has benefited the community because being free, everyone has had a chance to come and check it out whether or not they’re aficionado of certain skills or whether it’s completely new to them.

“It’s been really enjoyable to bring so much positivity and happiness back into the community every time we go out there.”

Sat 11 December: 9am to 11am: Selby Community House 12.30pm to 2.30pm: Chirnside Park Community Hub Sun 12 December: 12pm to 2pm: Yarra Glen Adventure Park All participants must register for the events by going to http://bthe.re/curbsidecarniesartattack

· · ·

Curbside Carnies hula hooper Kat Mrow will be coming along to the Yarra Ranges to teach local children circus skills.

Picture: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Students get their wings

By Renee Wood Upper Yarra Secondary College aviation students have been given a special opportunity to take part in an introductory flight lesson for the first time at Lilydale Flying School in Yering.

The experience was made possible thanks to a sponsorship by community member Steve Atkinson from Atkinson Financial Planning who’s also getting his wings through the airport.

Some eight students participated in the day, who are all currently completing or have recently finished their Cert III in Aviation (Remote Pilot Licence – RePL) through the school.

Year 11 student Kiara Zekas said the opportunity was incredible and it has encouraged her interest in aviation as a career.

“I got to explore using all of the controls, I learnt a lot about how the plane actually flies with the instructor. We got to see Coldstream and Healesville and see all of the Dandenong Ranges – it was really cool,” she said.

Year 11 student Damon Trengrove also enjoyed seeing from a bird’s eye view.

“You get an entirely new perspective on everything because everything just looks so small, and you can see so much more than on the ground,” he said.

Flight instructor Graham Bunn said the students were in the sky flying an Aeroprakt Vixen training aeroplane for roughly 30 minutes.

“We show them some basic stuff about how to fly and give them a chance to operate the controls under instruction,” he said.

“We demonstrate the effect of moving the controls and the airplane’s response, it’s all very gentle and we give them a chance to do it with us hands off - they get to feel the aeroplane themselves.”

It’s a step up from their general studies, with the course focussed on flying DJI Phan-

Year 11 student Kiara Zekas enjoyed the experience.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Year 10 student Benson Simmons and Lilydale Airport flight instructor Graham Bunn ready to take off in the Aeroprakt Vixen training aeroplane.

Picture: RENEE WOOD tom 4 Drones, to refine their flying skills and gain Aviation knowledge.

The experience has heightened their knowledge on aviation and has helped to push their dream careers to greater heights.

Year 10 student Benson Simmons said it was a great experience because he’s interested in studying aeronautical engineering.

“I’m more of a hands on person, so I wanted to do something with planes or drones,” he said.

The school has offered the course as a VCE unit since 2017 and teacher Marcus Cook said the students become registered drone flyers.

“The school is committed to providing relevant opportunities for students that are for now,” he said.

“Some of the flights we do with the drone is all about autonomous mapping and using technology that allows you to do that,

and there’s a few companies like postal and a medicinal company that deliver medicine in South Africa by using autonomous drones just from an office building. So that’s the type of technology we’re trying to push on to the students.”

Damon joined the drone studies because he felt it could open up many doors for different career pathways, with trades, real estate, military and the police force all using drones.

“The main thing was just the opportunity that aviation can provide, we are the only school in Victoria that does this so if there is a chance to do something as interesting and as unique as this then you may as well go straight for it, because there is a lot of things you can do if you can fly a drone,” he said.

Kiara said, “It is really interesting learning about the science part of flying but also getting to actually fly drones as well. So you get to see it firsthand.”

Pre-flight briefings are an important part of the introductory lesson.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Year 11 student Jack McIntosh enjoyed getting his wings.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Back to school!

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Mail

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!

TEST DRIVE NOW

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

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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LILYDALE MITSUBISHI 56-70 Main Street Lilydale T 9735 5800

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By Jed Lanyon

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A worthy brand

www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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MAIL 9

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Kilsyth Community Group’s Mike O’Meara

What is something people don’t know about you?

I played in many schoolboy tennis tournaments and championships but have rarely played the game as an adult.

How long have you been involved in the Kilsyth Community Action Group and why did you join?

I have been involved from day one in August 2014. Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) put out a call to form a community group in Kilsyth, and I thought it was a great opportunity to be a part of building community in our area. As well as that I tend to be a bit of a ‘joiner’.

What do you enjoy most about being Chairman of KCAG? I love being among people who are really committed to improving things for our residents.

As Chair, I also get to meet similarly motivated people in other township groups in the Yarra Ranges. Their energy and initiative never ceases to inspire and activate me.

What has been one of your most memorable moments or greatest achievements with KCAG? In 2017 we were thrilled to be recognised

by Yarra Ranges Council as the Community Group of the Year in its Australia Day Awards.

This followed Council’s acknowledgement of the comprehensive Community Plan KCAG had developed with YRC support the year before. There have been a number of projects along the way – some small and impactful, others slow burning – but probably our greatest achievement is that we are now considered a credible and valuable resident voice by local and State governments.

What do you love most about the Kilsyth area?

I enjoy meeting the challenges and opportunities that diversity brings, and it’s Kilsyth’s diversity that really appeals to me, both in its landscape and its people. We are only about

Mike O’Meara is the chairman of the Kilsyth Community Action Group.

30kms from the city, but in a short distance you can experience everything from wooded forest to light industrial, to high density housing. Its very green, and has that marvellous view of the mountain. The 10,000+ people who have made it their home are equally diverse, representing over 35 different nationalities. Over time they have coalesced into a warm and welcoming community.

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

I would like to be around for the ‘Eureka’ moment in medical research when a cure or prevention is discovered for dementia.

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

Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Jessie Mary Vasey,

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Paul Keating, Leonard Cohen.

Who do you admire the most?

Nobody leaps out as ‘most admired’. I admire many people for their different qualities and characteristics, both within and beyond my family, What are some of your hobbies?

Listening to music (all sorts, but especially early American blues). Painting is my main therapy. I like gardening, mainly moving dirt and rocks from here to there. I’m writing a history of Kilsyth Football Club, and I attend as many Cougar games as I can.

What is your favourite book and/or film?

Favourite book - “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan.

Favourite film – “Zulu”

THREE …

Christmas movies to watch this festive season

1

For a Christmas classic, you can’t go past Home Alone one and two or perhaps even How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Get up to mischief and save the day with Kevin McCallister or take a trip to Whoville.

2

Whether you watch the original 1947 version or the remake, Miracle on 34th Street is the heartwarming tale you need to see about believing in Santa Claus without any evidence of his existence.

3

If it’s something new you’re after, try Last Christmas for a love story with a twist or the musical Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

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OPINION

Reflecting on year As Christmas approaches, we naturally reflect on the year that was and our hopes for the year ahead.

Like last year, it has been a difficult year, but we can have some confidence that life is now far more normal.

When I put myself forward at the 2019 Federal election, I made a number of pledges and commitments to build a stronger and safer local community. At that time, none of us envisaged that a pandemic would change all of our lives.

Despite this, during lockdowns and other challenges, the work to deliver these has continued and is continuing.

Funding for better sporting and community facilities, including a new pavilion and additional netball court at Wandin North Reserve, an upgraded pavilion at Mooroolbark Soccer Club and an oval and lighting upgrade at Kimberley Reserve in Chirnside Park has allowed for greater levels of female participation.

The construction of Mt Evelyn’s new pavilion is now underway, as is the major redevel-

From my

desk Tony Smith MP

Federal Member for Casey opment of the main oval at Seville Reserve.

Healesville’s Jack Hort Memorial Indoor Pool has been completely refurbished and back in operation. The playing facilities at Upwey-Tecoma Bowls Club have also been upgraded.

The new Seville War Memorial stands tall in the heart of the township, featuring the stories of veterans from the Yarra Valley.

We all want a safer community - CCTV security cameras detect and deter local crime.

Networks of CCTV security cameras have been installed in Upwey, Seville, Wandin and Warburton. Plans have been finalised for ad-

ditional cameras in Warburton and networks in Millgrove and Montrose.

Operated by Victoria Police, CCTV security cameras across our region are helping to combat local crime.

In Healesville, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction, key environmental initiatives are providing a direct benefit to those communities, as well as reducing emissions.

Throughout this year there has been substantial progress in sealing more dirt roads in our community thanks to $150 million of funding from the Morrison Government.

As roads are sealed, the days of dust and mud end for many local residents.

A Youth Health Hub and Headspace service based in Lilydale is now delivering health services to teenagers and young adults. Importantly, it has links into the community and a focus on outreach. As we all know, the pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for young people.

I wish you all the very best for the summer break with family and friends and for a better 2022.

A snapshot of contemporary Australia A review of Roots: Home is Who We Are When SBS launched its inaugural Emerging Writers’ Competition in August 2020, inviting submissions of short memoirs on the topic of “Growing up in diverse Australia”, there was public outcry led by Melbourne-based writer Kelly Bartholomeusz.

Published by Overland Literary Journal on October 5, 2020, Bartholomeusz’s essay was titled “Stop asking ‘diverse writers’ to tell you about their lives”. Her words are worth quoting to some length: “It is frustrating to see opportunities for ‘diverse writers’ linked to their willingness to write narrowly about their diversity. This approach disqualifies the many talented writers who have already processed or written about these experiences, and who have bigger visions or better imaginations to endlessly revisit the same questions. Who want to see themselves in Australia’s future as well as its past.”

“I imagine there are also writers who do not wish to revisit their childhoods because they do not want to be retraumatised. I reflect regularly and deeply on my upbringing as a Sri Lankan Australia. I’ve also written about it.

It’s worth exploring and rich in its own way, but that does not mean I care to pick it apart in a mainstream public forum or to hinge my

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN public identity with it.”

Bartholomeusz may have a point, but the 30 short memoirs collected in Roots: Home is Who We Are: Voices from the SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition (2021) – selected from more than 2,000 entries from across the country – are proof that human courage and resilience should never be underestimated.

Contrary to Bartholomeusz’s presumption about mainstream media’s “restrictive briefs and loaded questions”, judges sought and found “courageous and original voices, writing with a sharp take on modern Australian life, and nuanced views on our diverse realities”.

More importantly, instead of “marginalisation and otherness”, these emerging writers have explored universal themes such as place,

era, sexuality, religion, neurodiversity and disability, ethnicity and culture, and the myriad ways we can call Australia home As the book’s subtitle “Home is Who We Are” suggests, these stories have highlighted individual journeys of self-discovery. They mirror our own life-long attempt to find out who we are – not just defying how others define us, but also seeking an honest way to define ourselves.

Having relentlessly dissected the nature and significance of identity, these writers have empowered and entitled themselves as part of Australia’s future. It is a birthright that they have fiercely defended and will continue to safeguard.

Instead of “retraumatising” themselves, these writers – wielding the Power of Words and supported by families and communities – celebrate our commonalities and embrace our differences as Everyday Australians. In the words of competition judges Melissa Lucashenko and Benjamin Law: “This is storytelling that requires you to see the world from a different perspective.”

These writers have boldly started a conversation about diversity being both an ambition and a strength. Their stories are an invitation to examine our own unique and intimate worlds as Australians. Who are we, and what kind of Australia do we want for ourselves?

Dune Starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac Rated M Dune is a riveting science fiction epic worthy of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, and further proof of director Denis Villeneuve’s talent for atmosphere, captivating imagery and character development woven into the world-building.

The spacefaring House Atreides is granted control of the desert planet Arrakis as rival House Harkonnen plots against them. Despite its dense backdrop of destiny, subterfuge and galactic politics, Villeneuve’s Dune is remarkably simple.

Timothee Chalamet is stolid but sensitive as Paul, heir to House Atreides. Every supporting character is memorable and fulfils a well-defined role within the narrative universe. The plot and conflict are clearly-established mostly through deliberate action, as opposed to the relentless talking in David Lynch’s version.

Even at 156 minutes, Dune is superbly paced, rising in intensity while tightening its focus. As Arrakis turns from a gift to a burden and the Emperor-backed Harkonnen make their move against House Atreides, Paul’s special abilities are tested, city gives way to desert and noble titles crumble until only survival remains.

Dune features some of the most immersive, jaw-dropping art direction in all of cinema: every costume, location and technology feels strange and striking yet familiar and utterly real. The action sequences are enthralling and brought to life with ingenious effects and Hans Zimmer’s otherworldly, majestic score (although I miss the brighter colours and corny rock majesty of Toto’s score in Lynch’s Dune). Dune is a stunningly beautiful, masterfully-plotted epic, and perhaps the best blockbuster to enjoy after a long lockdown.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Upcoming opportunities

By Peter Kemp, Kemp’s Curtain Call Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Audition Opportunity Soloists wanted for GSOV annual garden recital at The Knowles, Sassafras.

Rehearsal from February for four performances in March. 2022.

General Cast Obligations: The GSOV expect performers to be aware of the schedule and have flagged any unavailability’s the moment you become aware of a clash or potential clash preferably before the rehearsal period begins. You need to take your own notes and learn your role/ music/dialogue/moves so the show can grow from a firm foundation. GSOV will provide supporting resources where this is possible.

All cast members are expected to sell tickets. (because it’s more fun with a full house) To find out more and to audition head to https//gsov.org.au/auditions to read details, expectations and to complete the form to book an audition. audition dates are 14 and 15 December from 7pm.

Proof of vaccination required.

CPP Community Theatre WE NEED YOU! Why? To help CPP Community theatre grow and thrive as the company stride out of lockdown and into 2022.

· ·

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· · · ·

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Good Dune

CPP community Theatre are seeking expressions of interest in the following areas.

Sponsorships and Grants A two pronged approach. The company is looking to get a sponsorship program up and running – they have a few ideas of what this may look like, but the company needs more and they need people to help drive it. So if you have experience with this or are a “think outside the box person” get in touch today.

CPP also need to do what they can in regard to Grants – researching what’s available, what they are eligible for, helping to complete applications within required timeframes and everything else it entails.

So, if you have a penchant for writing are an excellent communicator, have some time and love to work collaboratively with a team to investigate the many options out there, CPP would love to hear from you.

One Act Play Writing Competition: This event was such a success in 2021 it’s back, by popular demand for 2022.

CPP has the basis of what this is going to be – more details to come! – however the company well need some of their keen, enthusiastic and wonderful members, to step up and help the company see it to fruition So if production management is more your style, this may be the subcommittee for you.

If you are ready to get involved please email chair@cppcommunitytheatre.com/au or message SPP via the Facebook page.

Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Plan your Christmas light hunt and see some of the incredible displays people have made in the area.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Walk up on the lawn at 464 Sheffield Road, Montrose to see some of the display up close.

Lights hunt on until 25 December from 7pm to 10.30pm each night. With upwards of 12,000 lights, a train set, moving features and an interactive display (when it’s not raining) it’s one not to be missed. This year they will be running movies with a grassy section inside the property for people to sit and watch.

4 Beaulieu Avenue, Lilydale will have a large display from 1 to 31 December between 7pm and 12am. Music plays, there’s inflatables and roof decorations.

MOOROOLBARK 123 Pembroke Road, Mooroolbark has confirmed a medium display with lights and inflatables to be seen until early January from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.

163 Cambridge Road, Mooroolbark also has inflatables and lights confirmed for this year, with some special appearance of Christmas dinosaurs. This display can be seen until 25 December from 6.30pm to 11pm.

CHIRNSIDE PARK A massive display will be able to be seen at Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park with 50,000 LED lights in a 30 minute light and sound extravaganza. This display is wowing huge crowds from 9pm to 11pm every night from 13 December until 24 December. Bring a picnic rug and grab a spot on the lawn for perfect viewing but get in early to beat the crowds.

17 Country Club Drive, Chirnside Park have a large display open until 10 January from 8pm to 12am. Neighbours also have Christmas lights to be seen.

Check out https://christmaslightsearch. com.au/australia/ to find more and plan a route.

Hansford Close, Kilsyth has a very bright and colourful light display that is still in the making, so check back in to see how they are progressing.

It’s December and that means it is time to go Christmas light hunting, so Star Mail has put together a list of where you can see light displays near you.

MONTROSE 464 Sheffield Road, Montrose has confirmed their light display for this year. It is a large display with moving features, a Nativity scene, inflatables, a snow machine and projections that supports the CFA. Lights are on from 8pm to 11pm each night from 1 December to 25 December.

Ravenswood Court, Montrose has also confirmed a medium sized Christmas light display for this year. Four houses will be decorated from 4 December to 27 December and lights will be on from 8pm to 12am.

In nearby Hansford Close, Kilsyth house number eight will have an incredible light display featuring roof decorations, a window display and lasers/ projections. Lights will be turned on at 7pm and go off at 12am. See the display all through December and into early January.

MOUNT EVELYN Some displays in Mount Evelyn have not been confirmed for this year but it is worth a drive knowing the standard from last year.

Hordern Road, Mount Evelyn usually sees seven houses take part in a massive display with moving features, an interactive display, a snow machine and much more. Grantully Street, Mount Evelyn also had a medium light display last year.

92 York Road, Mount Evelyn has Christmas lights every year and this year is no different.

LILYDALE David Road, Lilydale’s Christmas lights will be

These little Santa’s can be found among the lights at Sheffield Road.

Ravenswood Court Montrose has four to five houses decorated with small light displays.

The Australian theme was a nice touch at this Ravenswood Court house.

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

All ears on Hearsmart

By Elle Cecil As a fully independent hearing clinic in Lilydale, Hearsmart Hearing is celebrating its 15th year of business this year.

Established in May 2006, Hearsmart offers full hearing assessments and rehabilitation, a wide array of hearing aid options as well as repair and maintenance, tinnitus counselling and treatment plans, wax removal services, and since 2020, vestibular balance assessments.

Owner and principal audiologist, Shipra Ojha, says that making a difference to people’s lives is what drives the business.

“We have no sales targets and our primary goal is helping our clients to reach their own goals,” says Shipra.

“We stand by our values by offering a full audiological range of services including tinnitus counselling and vestibular assessments, and we stand apart from the ‘hearing aids only’ approach - this enables us to help clients with chronic conditions like tinnitus and dizziness, many of whom are told they have no [treatment] options.”

As opposed to affiliated audiologist clinics, Hearsmart is not obliged to recommend or provide any particular market brand or service to clients. Rather, their independence is something that will greatly benefit their customers.

Clinical and vestibular audiologist Crystal Atkins specialises in vestibular assessments, allowing for detailed and careful investigations of balance disorders. Priding herself on the relationships she forms with her clients, Crystal is always open to friendly conversation.

With a Masters Degree from the University of Melbourne, audiology is a way for Crystal to have a positive impact on the lives

of others.

Hearsmart is the only clinic in the Yarra Valley providing hearing care, tinnitus counselling and management, and balance evaluations and solutions.

Hearsmart Hearing Solutions is located at 321 Main Street, Lilydale. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.hearsmart.com.au or phone 1300 787 792.

Crystal, Shipra and Di from the team at Hearsmart Lilydale. 258794

FREE EAR WAX REMOVAL NOW OPEN Callall ususonon5929 Call 59293011 3011 or or book book an appointment online online today today at at appointment www.evergreendentalcare.com.au www.evergreendentalcare.com.au New Patient Offer $99 or $0/ gap free with all major health funds Comprehensive dental examination Oral cancer screening All required dental x-rays including a panoramic OPG scan Digital photographs Personalised treatment plan

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at evergreen.dentalcare 3/362 Warburton Highway Wandin North, VIC, 3139 mailcommunity.com.au

www.evergreendentalcare.com.au admin@evergreendentalcare.com.au

Hearsmart your LOCAL and INDEPENDENT Hearing Clinic is now offering free microsuction wax removal for pensioners and DVA cardholders. $45 for medicare card holders

Shipra and the Hearsmart team would like to wish all our valued clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

321 Main Street Lilydale 3140 | Open 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri | www.hearsmart.com.au

We Can Help! Call Today

1300 787 792

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Samantha and Michael Paino have been putting on a Christmas light display since 2014.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Big display sparks joy

By Mikayla van Loon For seven years Samantha and Michael Paino have been putting on a spectacular light show for Christmas, to share a bit of joy with their Mooroolbark community.

Having started off small, Samantha said year on year the number of lights, inflatables and decorations grows.

“I just really love Christmas. I think it brings a lot of joy to people and I don’t think I expected us to get to this. When we started we’re like, ‘oh, let’s just put up some lights, it’s fun.’ But then it just became an absolute passion,” she said.

The display began in 2014 at what was their first house on Aintree Street in Mooroolbark with a bunch of secondhand lights the couple had purchased off an older lady who had done lights every year prior.

“We went from zero to a decent display but that was still small compared to this,” Samantha said.

When the pair moved to Boyd Close in Mooroolbark, neighbours who had watched them every year and looked forward to the light display were sad to see it go but Oh Boyd!

It’s Christmas is bigger and better than ever at the new house.

But with a new house comes a new layout and more planning.

“I’m the creative designer and I’m really particular about where things go. I like to spread everything out and I want people, when they walk past to see something new every time,” Samantha said.

“We’re not going to change where things go on the roof. So I had to make choices for the rest of our lives essentially of where this goes. I think I’m happy with my choices.”

Although the wind and rain on 1 December looked like it would put a damper on the first night of lights, it calmed just in time for the lights to be turned on and the inflatables to be blown up, with a few people coming out to see.

Michael said over the next few weeks they could potentially get thousands of people coming to visit.

“In one night we had a couple of hundred people, with kids everywhere which is pretty cool,” he said.

As much as Samantha and Michael love sharing joy and happiness with their community, the lights are much more than that, with money raised for a local charity or organisation, this year being the CFA. And in return the CFA will be bringing Santa around on the fire truck for two special visits to Boyd Close on 18 December and Christmas Eve. mailcommunity.com.au

The inflatables add a special touch to the Christmas lights, with a giant Santa and a reindeer.

There’s so much to spot in the front garden.

After another difficult year, Samantha said the light display seems more important than ever.

“The lights really help people forget about [Covid]. It just reminds you that there is joy even when it sucks and you’re tired of working from home or having financial difficulties or whatever it might be, it’s just like, ‘oh, happiness’.”

The lights get turned on at 8.30pm but to catch it in its full magic, after 9pm is best.

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

Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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12516657-SG42-21

NEWS

MAIL 15

PUZZLES

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

GIANT CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 19

22 25 27 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 41 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56

Thief (9) Computer (7) Two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle (7) Cold, tart sauce (11) Female woodland spirits (6) Limit (8) Involving the home or family (8) Undivided (6) Bay (6) The study of the physical properties of celestial bodies (12) Small bead of liquid (7) Dine (3) Established procedure (7) Darkening (7) Butterfingers (coll) (5) What ice does as it warms (4) Expression or saying (5) Timid (3) Consume (3) Ball (5) Petty sins (12) The removal of contaminants (12) Approaches (5) Standoff (3) Lawless crowd (3) Light, downy particles (5) Icy (4) Welsh breed of dog (5) Impractical (7) Animate (7) Pride (3) Type of anaesthetic, — ether (7)

No. 022

60 Someone who delights in spreading rumours (12) 63 Beginner (6) 65 Human being (6) 67 Announce (8) 69 A deceptive appearance (8) 71 A figure of speech (6) 72 Puppy love (11) 73 Ardent (7) 74 Deferential regard (7) 75 Spoken in hushed tones (9)

DOWN 2 3 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 17 18 20 21 23 24 25 26 28 29 31 38

Pursue (5) Not detailed (7) High-pitched cry (6) Shade (4) The point when an orbiting body is closest to the Earth (7) Strive (7) Let on — or let in (5) Pornographic (7) Russian composer behind The Rite of Spring (10) Russian alcoholic spirit (5) Tool (9) Flabbergasts (8) Tiny fish, easily packed into cans (7) Chook (3) Expressing disapproval (11) Instruction (7) Magnitude (4) Alloy of tin and lead (6) Right away (11) Blackboard support (5) Tarry (3) Very thirsty (7)

39 40 41 42 43 45 47 48 54 57

58 Mild (7) 59 Opaque (7) 61 Charge with crime against the state (7) 62 Of Rome (5) 64 Selection (6) 66 Seasoning (5) 68 Unit of capacity (5) 70 Impertinence (4)

Orchestral director (9) Dull (6) Oatmeal dish (8) Moral tale (5) Transgression (7) Call (3) Reverberate (4) Vegetable soup (10) Short sleep (3) Blind alley (7)

ANSWERS:

11-12-21

TH

AT

SH

No. 018

Starting with the seven-letter word, drop a letter and form a six-letter word. Continue in this manner until you reach the single letter at the bottom. You can rearrange the letters in each step, if necessary.

1. Where was Watts born?

A. England B. Australia C. South Africa D. America

M A X I M A L

2. Which Aussie TV series did Watts appear in?

A. Hey Dad..!

B. Home And Away C. Brides Of Christ D. All of the above

RE

RA

AP

ON

ES

A

There may be more than one possible answer.

ANSWERS:THREAT, THRASH, ATONES, SHAPES

CROSSMATH × × ×

= 52 ×

÷ –

×

= 21 ÷

×

= 10

=

=

=

41

70

12

16 MAIL

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Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.

Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

6 × 8 + 4 = 52 + × × 7 × 9 ÷ 3 = 21 × – ÷ 5 × 2 × 1 = 10 = = = 41 70 12

+

+

No. 22

ANSWERS: MAXIMAL MAXIMA MAXIM MAIM AIM MA A

There may be more than one solution

×

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

3. In which film did Watts star with best friend Nicole Kidman?

A. Days Of Thunder B. Dead Calm C. Flirting D. Far And Away

WORD TRIANGLE The starting letter could be in any segment, and all subsequent letters are able to be connected following a path through the gaps in the walls. You may only enter each of the segments once, and all letters must be used.

No. 018

Naomi Watts

4. Watts got her big break in which David Lynch film?

A. Lost Highway B. Blue Velvet C. Mulholland Drive D. Eraserhead 5. Watts has the lead role in the upcoming prequel to which series?

A. Black Mirror B. Game Of Thrones C. Killing Eve D. The OA

4x4

No. 018 ACROSS 1 5 6 7

T T L

H A

1 2 3 4

A P P S N I S S I

HINT: The answer is a movie title.

Spanish for 'house' Humanities Biblical wife of Jacob Biblical wife of Joseph

DOWN

I

ANSWER: THIS IS SPINAL TAP

Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four sixletter words going across and down.

DROP DOWN

Tranquil District Celebrity Grey

ACROSS: 1. Casa, 5. Arts, 6. Leah, 7. Mary.

DOWN: 1. Calm, 2. Area, 3. Star, 4. Ashy.

No. 022

ORIGINAL PUZZLE

ANSWERS: 1A, 2D, 3C, 4C, 5B.

EDGEWORD

mailcommunity.com.au

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 058

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

1

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

3

8

4 8 2

2 4 8

1 5

Insects (7) Recipe (7) Transcribed (11) Long, slippery fish (3) Burn (6) Software (7) Nigh (4) Conglomerate (10) Aficionado (10) Daze (4) Weapon (7) Sweethearts (6) Gamy (3) Senile decay (11) Late (7) Equal; even — (7)

US museum (11) Excess (3) Enmity (7) Netizens (5) Attraction (10) Chart toppers (4-7) Comprehended (10) Break (9) Blasphemous (7) Rubbish (5) State (5) Tidings (4) Churl (3)

DOWN Ram (4) Eager; anticipatory (9) Depress (5)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 058

5 7 3

1 4 3

7 8

2

4 5 6 7 8 12 13 16 18 21 23 24 27

ACROSS 1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 22 25 26 28 29

No. 058

8

7 6 9

9

QUICK CROSSWORD

9

6 8 9 7 hard

1 2 3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

B G 16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

2 7 3 1 2 4 4 6 7 3 5 4

2

15

5

1

14

3 1 6 2 8 9 7 1 4 5 3

A Y X WQ T I C J M S B G

2

26

D L Z V P HU E F KN RO 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”.

E

N

Today’s Aim: 7 words: Good 10 words: Very good

1 8 6 7 4 5 9 3 2

7 5 8 3 1 6 9 4 2

6 4 2 5 7 9 3 8 1

14 words: Excellent

T

S

A

5 2 4 8 6 3 1 7 9

1 9 3 4 5 7 2 6 8

8 7 6 9 2 1 4 3 5

4 3 1 6 9 8 5 2 7

2 8 7 1 3 5 6 9 4

9 6 5 7 4 2 8 1 3

3 7 2 9 1 8 4 5 6

5 9 4 6 3 2 8 1 7

8 6 9 2 5 1 3 7 4

7 2 3 4 6 9 1 8 5

4 1 5 8 7 3 2 6 9

2 5 7 1 8 4 6 9 3

6 4 8 3 9 7 5 2 1

9 3 1 5 2 6 7 4 8

6 2 4 3 8 1 5 7 9

3 7 1 5 6 9 4 2 8

9 8 5 4 7 2 6 3 1

8 6 7 2 3 4 1 9 5

1 5 3 6 9 7 2 8 4

2 4 9 8 1 5 3 6 7

5 3 6 9 4 8 7 1 2

7 9 2 1 5 3 8 4 6

4 1 8 7 2 6 9 5 3

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

I

Q U

T

4 LETTERS ATOM FLEW HUTS KNEE NOES RATE SAID SARI SLED SLEW SURE TIPS TYPE WARM

5 LETTERS ABIDE ADOBE ADORE AGAIN AISLE AROSE ATONE CEASE CLERK CRAZE DOZES DROOL EGGED ENACT ERODE EXTOL FLOAT HERON INEPT LEERS

No. 058

MESSY MULLS OLDER OUNCE PANSY PEDAL PETAL RANGE RENTS RESIN RIPEN SEEMS SIRES SOFAS SPANS SPARS SPEED STATE TINGE TRASH TREND

TULIP URINE USING WHIRR 6 LETTERS LEADEN RECESS STALER VETTED 7 LETTERS CHICANO EPISODE EVASION

STARCHY SUNTANS TORMENT 8 LETTERS DEMERITS DENOUNCE EXTRACTS LIBERALS 11 LETTERS RESTFULNESS SPEEDOMETER

antique, inquest, quaint, QUAINTEST, quasi, quest, quiet, quiets, quint, quintet, quite, sequin, squat, squint

3 1 9 2 8 4 7 5 6

hard

3

medium

2

easy

3 LETTERS ADO ALE ARE COW DEM EEL ERA GEE HEM ILL INN ITS NAB NED OHM OUR RAG RAN RED RUE RUM SIP TEA TOT WED

1

5

WORDFIT

10-12-21

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED 10 words – five reading across the

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS grid and five reading down.

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

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MAIL 17

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SPORT

Weekend bowls round 4 results

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Mooroolbark Bowls Club struggled against Yarra Glen but had success in other divisions on the weekend.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON Division five

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Mooroolbark 5 defeated Heatherdale 2 83 shots 14 points to 82 shots 4 points

Division six

Lilydale results round four: Division three Lilydale defeated Heathmont - scores not available yet Division six Lilydale 4 defeated Eastwood Golf 2 - scores not available yet

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· Mooroolbark 6 defeated by Yarra Junction 1 · 70 shots 16 points to 65 shots 2 points

EFNL division one 2022 fixture released

By Mikayla van Loon The Eastern Football Netball League has released the 2022 fixture for division one, which will see teams kick off in early April.

The 10 clubs in the division will get started on 2 April, with 18 rounds to be played in total.

It will be a thrilling opening weekend of football with Mooroolbark and Mitcham meeting for the first time since the one point difference match that saw Mooroolbark just take the lead in the final game of the 2021 season.

Two coaches will also make their debuts in the first round with Lilydale Football Club coach Luke McCormick and Montrose Football Club coach Gary Ayres taking to the field.

Lilydale will face local rivals Croydon in the opener at the Blues home ground.

After finishing in ninth place last season,

Lilydale Football Club will face off against neighbours Croydon in the first round match up.

Picture: ROB CAREW Lilydale will be out to prove themselves against the top four side in Croydon.

Ayres will also be in the spotlight as Montrose take on the premiership favourites East

Ringwood after their stunning 2021 season.

The two new coaches will come up against each other in round three when the Demons host the young Falcons.

Division one welcomes the newcomers Beaconsfield to the league and the division after they transferred over from the AFL Outer East early in the off-season to replace the Minor Premier Park Orchards as they moved up to Premier Division.

Teams will meet each other twice throughout the season, with a home and away game each.

The top five will play off in the finals series beginning on 20 August with the Grand Final scheduled for 10 September.

To view the full fixture go to the EFNL’s website.

Getting young people back to club sport Victoria University research shows young people who swapped community sport for bike rides or other unstructured physical activities during Covid-19 lockdowns may not return – unless clubs find new ways to re-engage them.

With closed competitions and cancelled training for most of 2020 and 2021, sport club participation rates in Victoria have plummeted, according to research from Victoria and Federation Universities.

Registration records for the state’s most popular 10 sports, including AFL, cricket, gymnastics, netball, tennis, and swimming, indicate members fell from a 2019 peak of 868,000 - representing more than 13 per cent of all Victorians - to about 637,000, or less than 10 per cent in 2020.

Just over half all participants were aged under 14.

VU researcher Professor Rochelle Eime said if clubs could not entice former members to return – and recruit new ones – community sport could lose a generation of people, especially children aged four to nine who showed the biggest drop-off.

“The early adopter group missed out on school PE as well as club sport. Many have not yet developed skills to throw or kick a ball and don’t have much motivation or confidence to join clubs.”

Recruiting this group will require junior clubs to go back to basic skills development in mailcommunity.com.au

Lindsay Trollope Shield Lilydale 1st XI 8/237(cc) defeated Ainslie Park 1st XI 173 D Thompson 87 S Muthalif 55 AA Adamson 41 L Jones 2/24 TD Stray 2/27 D Walles 2/31 Mooroolbark 1st XI 5/161 defeated South Croydon 9/160 (cc) BP Ricci 37 D Brambilla 33 T Nathan 33 RD Tattersall 2/33 Montrose 1st XI 6/187(cc) defeated by Norwood 1st XI 1/189 LA Storm 49 J Perkins 42* K Perkins 32 A Keane 25 C Lawson 2/27 Stuart Newey Plate Chirnside Park 1st XI 120 defeated by Croydon North 1st XI 211 G Carolan 4/17 JB Belli 4/22 Kilsyth 1st XI 153 defeated by Seville 1st XI 6/157 J Turner 53 D Caton 29 K Jones 3/21 C Witherdin 2/22 M Tilney 2/23 L Kay 2/29 Ian Spencer Shield Lilydale 2nd XI 9/180(cc), JD Thompson 73, M Bree 32, S McDonnell 3/32, BJ Roth 2/21, B Gromadovski 2/26 defeated by Chirnside Park 2nd XI 4/181, LD Brown 47, ST Luckhurst 38, J Hollins 25*, B Humphrey 2/24, J Roberts 2/30 Mount Evelyn 2nd XI 153 defeated by Bayswater Park 2nd XI 8/211(cc) B Jones 66 J Butcher 2/18 P Eagles 2/19 E Fay 2/29 Mooroolbark 2nd XI 8/153(cc) defeated

by Croydon Ranges 2nd XI 2/271 (cc) J Danisch 30 CM Denavi 3/17 MT Steiniger 2/20

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By Mikayla van Loon It was a rough day out on the green for Mooroolbark’s division one side as they took on Yarra Glen in the fourth round of the Saturday pennant.

With just too many good players, Mooroolbark was defeated 105 shots 18 points to 51 shots zero points.

Over in the premier league, Lilydale was holding steady but was ultimately defeated by Melbourne 90 shots 16 points to 70 shots two points.

Team one did however win their rink and team two was on the tail of their Melbourne competition but couldn’t quite make it.

Mooroolbark and Lilydale both had success in division two with Mooroolbark defeating Heathmont 90 shots 18 points to 59 shots to zero points, and Lilydale defeating Healesville.

Mooroolbark results round four: Division four Mooroolbark 3 drew with Boronia 2 78 shots 9 points Mooroolbark 4 defeated Doncaster 3 87 shots 16 points to 75 shots 2 points

Premier scores

Victoria University is concerned about community sport participation.

Picture: UNSPLASH a fun and inclusive environment, she said.

“Declining physical literacy of young children has been an issue for years, but the pandemic made it worse. If we don’t do something now, Covid-19’s legacy will be an even wider gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children.”

Another reason for the drop-off may be due to parents who have reassessed time and cost commitments of club sport compared to the less demanding activities that featured during lockdowns – especially those with several kids, she said.

Professor Eime said one solution to address this is for clubs to find flexible ways to involve the family in a range of competition and play formats, including informal sport.

Previous research revealed participants join

clubs primarily for enjoyment and socialising, meaning recruitment strategies must emphasise fun over premierships. This is especially true for girls and young women at another critical drop-out stage of adolescence.

Against this backdrop, clubs continue struggling to recruit and retain volunteers who are the lifeblood of these organisations, especially coaches, she said.

It is too early for 2021 data but anecdotal evidence shows some winter sports, such as soccer and AFL, have already started pre-season training for 2022, in a signal they are eager to re-engage with their young members in new ways.

VicHealth’s Future Healthy Executive Manager, Kristine Cooney said participation in physical activity, and the social connection it brings, is more important than ever for the mental and physical wellbeing of young people.

“This new research is another example of how young people have been hardest hit by the pandemic,” Ms Cooney said.

“We must work with sporting clubs and local communities to listen to our young people and understand what they need to be active and socially connected.

“As we recover from the pandemic, it’s vital we create a Victoria where no young person is denied a future that is healthy, regardless of their postcode, bank balance or background.”

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Lilydale Captain Mitch Ebeyer and Vice Captain Daniel Thompson.

Picture: LILYDALE CRICKET CLUB Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

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