Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 14th December 2021

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

Lilydale

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Mooroolbark community offers free Santa photos

Resident concerned over Lilydale parking

Clean up continues along Lilydale Warburton Trail

Student scholarship to embark on the Kokoka trek

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A Star News Group Publication

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Toy joy for kids

By Mikayla van Loon Children and families who have already been doing it tough and may have gone without anything for Christmas this year will no longer have to worry thanks to the work of Rotary.

The Rotary Club of Lilydale has for the last month been collecting donations of toys for children in need with the help of local businesses.

On Friday 10 December, Rotary members dropped off the first half of toys to local organisation Anchor which will then be handed out to families currently living in transitional and social housing.

The other half was donated to OzChild on Monday 13 December for children in foster care.

Gerry and Anne van Horick have been organising the collection of toys from 13 partnering businesses in Lilydale and surrounding suburbs.

“All the businesses we went to, they didn’t hesitate,” Gerry said.

Having not done this before, Gerry said he wasn’t sure what kind of response Rotary would get and whether they might have been “spreading themselves too thin” but they were blown away by the number of donations received.

“We estimate, because we’ve still got some in the pipeline, that 700 would be about right.

“We tried to sort it out so there was a representation of all ages rather than [Anchor or OzChild] ending up with 50 of the same thing.

Anne and I tried to divide it a bit evenly so there was even representation across the board.”

Everything from stuffed toys to cricket sets were donated as well as monetary donations, with people really taking care in ensuring all age brackets and interests were covered.

Gerry said one of the most touching moments was the enthusiasm of Beaux Glenn from DynamiCardio in Lilydale, with the kids also stepping up to donate from their own pocket money.

Cheryl Mackay from Children’s House of Early Learning in Boronia and Mount Evelyn, and Rotary member, also said one of the important and lovely things about donating toys at the childcare centre was the lessons it taught the children about giving.

“There’s a lot of positives that come out of this sort of thing. It’s teaching children that there are other children that aren’t as well off.

They understand that the toys are going to people who haven’t got a lot and it teaches the kids to give.”

Gerry and Cheryl agreed the feeling of giving these presents to children who are coming from distressing situations is incredible but it also shows how much other people are willing to help.

“I think that’s one of the best things about humanity, you are just constantly blown away by what people are willing to give,” Cheryl said.

Anchor’s Partnership and Development Lead Lauren Gordon said at the peak of the Covid lockdown Anchor had over 65 families at any one time in motel and other crisis accommodation. Across the region more than 230 families accessed crisis response programs throughout the first stage four lockdown alone.

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Gerry van Horick collected soft toys from Sharyn Manning at Stockdale & Leggo in Lilydale. 261563 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Lauren Gordon from Anchor was handed the monetary donations by Anne van Horick and was completely blown away by the generosity.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Over 700 toys were donated through Rotary’s initiative, with those divided in half to be given to Anchor and OzChild.

The soft toys will be greatly appreciated by the children who receive them this Christmas.

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Rotary drives donations From page 1 “The financial impacts of the last two years are being felt across not only the lower socioeconomic group but also median income families due to loss of jobs and loss of business.

Because of this and the rising cost of housing in the outer east, families struggle to put food on the table as well as pay their rent” she said.

“When it comes time for Christmas, when children should be happy, laughing and celebrating; the families that we support often really do struggle. Donations like this, from community, which is just outstanding; make all the difference in the world to us and these children.

Lauren said caseworkers will go and chat to parents, guardians and carers to work out what interests each child has so that gifts can be matched to the individual.

“It’s so much more exciting when the kids open up something they can really engage with, and by the looks of the abundance of presents, Rotary and local businesses have provided there’s plenty of opportunity for them to find something they’ll absolutely love.”

Overjoyed and extremely grateful for the

donations from every individual and business that helped, Lauren said “Rotary has outdone themselves and she is looking forward to the partnership Anchor and Rotary can continue to grow in the future.”

Gerry said if the Rotary Club can contribute just a little bit to making people’s lives better or the world a better place then they have succeeded in living up to their purpose as a group.

After having a successful first year in organising donations, Gerry said there’s no doubt that the Rotary Club of Lilydale will do this every year.

“I think it’s something everybody wants to be a part of.”

Special thanks to Gami, Dominos Pizza, Cold Rock Ice Cream, Stockdale & Leggo, Essential Treatments, Harrow & Harvest, Bubba’s Pizza, Hello Harry and DynamiCardio from Lilydale; Manchester Rd Dental Surgery in Mooroolbark; Children’s House of early learning in Boronia and Mount Evelyn; and Fully Promoted in Kilsyth and Glen Waverley.

Also to Rotary members Jamie Jochetz-McDowell, Ian Darvell, Judith and Des Shiel, as well Tony Hanegraaf for lending a hand.

Beaux Glenn owner of DynamiCardio jumped at the chance to be a part of the Christmas donation Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS drive for Rotary. 261563

Grassfires move so quickly, it’s impossible to outrun them.

This summer, significant pasture growth in paddocks and roadsides means that fast-moving grassfires will be a serious risk across Victoria. Rural grassfires can be just as dangerous as bushfires, and can actually spread even faster, travelling at speeds of up to 25km/h. If you live close to open paddocks or grasslands, you could be at risk and need to be prepared. On high-risk Fire Danger Rated days, the safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to vic.gov.au/knowfire

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12520420-SG51-21

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IN BRIEF Christmas decorations ruined

Photos with Santa

Some of Lilydale’s newly installed Christmas decorations have been destroyed in the last week, after some decorations had already been damaged just after installation.

Wooden Christmas trees that had been made by the volunteer committee have been broken in pieces and left strewn all over Main Street.

The damaging of property was caught on CCTV footage and is with Lilydale police for further investigation.

Other decorations like the Grinch and some of the candles were stolen but returned by the CFA. Unfortunately however, because the trees have been broken they cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced at the cost of the Lilydale Township Action Group.

By Mikayla van Loon Mooroolbark it’s time to pull out the cameras and bring your best smile because Santa Claus is ready for his close up.

Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group have partnered with local organisation Ripple Kindness to bring Santa to town on three different occasions for a Christmas photo.

Ashleigh Clingin has helped organise Santa’s arrival in Mooroolbark and said it is the perfect way to spread some happiness this festive season.

“I feel like everyone had a really rough two years and I guess we all feel like we’ve come to the end of it and we need some sort of sunshine and happiness at the end of it and I guess a bit of hope,” she said.

“So we just thought we need to give back to the people who’ve looked after us in Mooroolbark this year and last year, and the best way to do that is through kindness, random acts of kindness and so Ripple Kindness is perfect for that.”

Ripple Kindness founder Lisa Curry works with school groups and the community to share kindness and said it is something everyone needs right now.

“The people of Mooroolbark, like everywhere else in the world, need some hope at the moment, that comes in the form of kindness,” she said.

“More than anything, hope is about knowing that someone else cares and being able to share that kindness within your community.”

Normally the Mooroolbark Traders Group would hold a raffle for one person to win a hamper but this year Ms Clingin said they wanted to give back to lots of people.

Santa will be joining in at a takeaway pic-

Croydon toy gun incident

Santa and his elves are coming to Mooroolbark and they ready to take some photos on three different days.

Picture: SUPPLIED nic in the park on Thursday 9 December from 6pm to 7pm at Hookey Park, where locals are encouraged to buy food from a local trader and gather together to share some Christmas spirit.

The big guy in red will also be making his way down to Hookey Park, outside the library on Saturday 18 December from 11am to 12pm and on Wednesday 22 December from 11am to 12pm.

Everyone is welcome to join in for free, furry friends included but it is BYO camera.

While in Mooroolbark, Ms Clingin said people should stop by some of the shops because there is every chance they will get $20 off their purchase or a small gift.

It’s all part of sharing kindness, creating a ripple effect and sparking an interest in Mooroolbark with the hashtag #gomooroolbark.

Protesting for the rights of refugees

By Mikayla van Loon On international human rights day, grandmothers and fathers gathered at the office of Tony Smith in Chirnside Park to protest the detention of refugees both onshore and offshore.

Casey Cardinia Grandmothers for Refugees coordinator Virginia Schnieders hand delivered a letter to Tony Smith’s office on Friday 10 December urging the Federal government to reconsider its position of people seeking asylum. “[We’re protesting] specifically because of the human rights abuse by the current government, towards refugees in detention,” she said.

Ms Schnieders said the protest was particularly about the men who were medevaced from Nauru and Manus Island, with 40 now locked in at the Park Hotel in Carlton.

“They’ve committed no crime. So it’s a clear breach of human rights that they’ve

been detained in this way,” she said.

The group wanted to highlight the number of other issues surrounding refugees in detention and those that are not given any clarity on their fate in Australia like Tharnicaa Murugappan and her family.

“There are so many other instances where people are left waiting to have their claims processed over so many years and 2000 people are waiting. They don’t know what the future is. That’s a horrible position for anyone to be in,” Ms Schneiders said.

“Australia has been pulled up again and again by the union for breaches of human rights. It’s ongoing and constant and it’s considerably worse under this government.

That’s why we’re here at Tony Smith’s office.”

Casey MP Tony Smith said Australia has always been one of the most generous refugee resettlement countries in the world.

“Each year, we offer 13,750 places under our refugee Humanitarian Program. In response to events in Afghanistan earlier this

year, we’ve allocated an initial 3000 places to Afghan refugees,” he said.

“The Government wants humanitarian entrants to have the best possible opportunities to succeed in Australia, including finding a job, learning English and integrating into the Australian community.”

After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban again, Australia evacuated over 4,160 people from Kabul but of the 3000 that came to Australia, Ms Schnieders said many haven’t had the three month visa renewed.

“There are 1000s of candidates who don’t have permanent protection and could be forced back to that country. They need visas,” she said.

“It’s Grandmothers’ strategy to try and advocate for parliamentarians about the issues and at the same time to do everything we possibly can to inform the public because a lot of people don’t know about it.”

Read more about Grandmothers for Refugees in Opinion on page 13

GRUNDFOS PUMPS

Christmas Specials

Police arrested a man following an alleged incident at an educational facility in Croydon on Tuesday 7 December.

Police were called following reports a man pointed a firearm at a security staff member on the Swinburne University of Technology, Norton Road campus shortly before 10.30am.

Specialist police along with uniformed officers quickly responded and cordoned off the area arresting the man shortly after.

A 22 year old Woori Yallock man was arrested without incident, no one was injured and police are not searching for anyone else in relation to the incident.

An toy gun was located and the male involved has been released pending enquiries.

Accidents on our roads Lilydale’s SES has been busy on the roads this week, with a number of priority one calls to car accidents.

On Sunday 12 December, the unit alongside Coldstream CFA, Lilydale CFA, Gruyere Fire Brigade and Ambulance Victoria attended a car verses truck crash on Maroondah Highway in Coldstream.

It is believed this crash may have been due to a medical episode and not driver behaviour.

Unit members also responded to two accidents on Thursday 9 December, one involving a car and tree, where they were supported by Healesville SES and to a high angle rescue in Bend of Islands.

On Saturday 4 December, the unit was called to a road rescue Eltham-Yarra Glen Road Yarra Glen/Christmas Hills Lilydale SES took to social media to request that people take care on the roads particuarly as people travel for family gatherings and holidays.

“There has tragically been several fatalities in Victoria already this week, including East Warburton where a motorcyclist died after colliding with a car,” the post reads.

“There’s nothing we’d like more for Christmas than the sound of silence from our pagers not calling us out to a serious crash. We’ll be here nonetheless, but would be more than happy to not needed.”

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Future bushfire threats “Weather conditions that drove the Black Summer fires will be FOUR TIMES more likely under forecast levels of global warming – that’s what we firefighters face if nothing is done,” said Wangaratta volunteer firefighter, Garry Nash, speaking as President of District 23 Council of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.

Mr Nash was commenting on the recent CSIRO report showing that changes in weather due to global warming were the main driving force behind the escalation in Australia’s bushfires.

“Despite forecast summer rains, we know the long-term trend is clear”, said Mr Nash.

“Climate change is bringing more intense fires, more often, and starting an average of 50 days earlier than 70 years ago”.

Mr Nash was launching a state-wide communication to CFA volunteers on the impact of climate change seeking their responses.

District 23 VFBV Council, representing CFA volunteers around Wangaratta, Benalla, Moyhu and Mansfield, is informing volunteer firefighters with the findings of a webinar it conducted earlier in the year.

The webinar heard from Bureau of Meteorology scientist Dr Lynette Bettio, cardiologist Dr Arnagretta Hunter, and economist and businessman Dr John Hewson.

From their respective areas of expertise, the presenters provided research data on weather, health, and economic effects of climate change so far, as well as projections into the future.

Volunteer firefighters are addressing the changes climate change will bring.

Dr Bettio concluded with the alarming finding that Australia’s warming over the next decade is already set by historical greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

Dr Hunter reported on research on the health effects on people when exposed to weeks of high temperatures, on their work, mental health, concentration and decisionmaking.

She said communities needed to look at what might happen with temperatures of 50 degrees.

John Hewson provided costs of recent extreme weather events, and projections of future costs, which he said far outweigh the costs of getting to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

He was optimistic about Australia’s future

Picture: ON FILE provided that we complete the transition to renewable energy and the electrification of the transport fleet.

The VFBV consultation has commenced communication to all of Victoria’s District VFBV Councils, including a link to the actual webinar as well as a summary document, with a request to include all of its local CFA brigades to consider the webinar presentation, and provide feedback in early 2022.

Housing developments cause Lilydale parking chaos

By Mikayla van Loon The housing structure in Lilydale has been changing for quite some time but for one resident, he can’t see how the streets are going to sustain such developments unless something is done.

Local resident Paul Di Ludovico has lived in the area of McComb, Blair, Slevin and Kerr Streets all his life and has seen single houses be demolished for sometimes 10 houses or more.

“My real concern is the overdevelopment of these areas and the size of these sites,” he said.

“I can understand the reason for it because of the large blocks that we have here but I don’t see the need for the gun barrel designs that we’re giving this area. It’s the gateway to the Yarra Valley and we’re building these.”

Mr Di Ludovico said as much as he doesn’t like the overdevelopment of land he understands the housing needs and the residential growth zone classification given to this cohort of streets from being in the construction industry.

But his major concerns relate to the street congestion caused by a lack of parking on the blocks being developed and the out of character facades and roof lines.

“I know the area very, very well and it hurts

Paul Di Ludovico has lived in Lilydale for over 40 years and doesn’t like seeing housing developments causing parking problems for residents.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON [to see this]. I don’t care about the developments but give us character in the designs, not the repetitious, gun barrel, long development, they are giving us.”

Since 2012 Mr Di Ludovico has been talking with Yarra Ranges Council about improving the parking infrastructure in these streets but understands change will need to come

from the planning scheme.

Director of Planning, Design and Development Kath McClusky said the council is working on a draft structure plan for Lilydale to be put out for consultation where these concerns will be addressed.

“It will consider the future locations for different types of housing throughout Lilydale. Once adopted by Council, the land use actions featured in the structure plan will be translated into a Planning Scheme Amendment,” she said.

“The Residential Growth Zone, which has been applied to this area since 2014 is our most intensive residential zone where we expect to see significant change and emerging neighbourhood character.”

McComb and Blair Streets have been recognised as level two access streets, meaning they are meant to be able to sustain two to three thousand cars.

“The only way that they will do a [traffic] report is if that target is actually met. That many cars don’t come down these streets,” Mr Di Ludovico said.

“So I say hang on a minute, let’s strip it right back to the bare bones. The reason why we’ve got these issues are these massive developments that actually don’t have car parking available on the premises.”

Houses built with two bedrooms only need to supply a one car garage, while three bedroom dwellings require a two car garage.

Ms McClusky said council officers don’t have the authority to require additional parking in a development as long as the plan meets Clause 52.06 of the planning scheme.

“The management of parking and traffic produced by the development is considered as part of the assessment of the application.

Council does not have the power to require additional provision of car parking beyond what is set out in the planning scheme,” she said.

Solutions to the parking problem haven’t yet been provided by the council aside from offering residents parking permits, something Mr Di Ludovico said wouldn’t help the situation.

With wide nature strips, Mr Di Ludovico said he can’t see why parking cutouts or the widening of the roads is not possible.

“When you’ve got so many cars parked on the street, the only way you’re going to really rectify it is by turning them into one way streets,” Mr Di Ludovico said.

“Or on streets like this where you’ve got such large nature strips, utilise that, narrow the nature strips down and allow the cars to park in the street properly so that you can actually utilise the street the way it should be.”

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Great effort by volunteers

By Mikayla van Loon A group of passionate volunteers have completely transformed what was an overgrown section of the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail and restored the native flora.

Led by Barbara Goldfinch, the Friends of the Warburton Rail Trail was formed in December 2019 and since then the group of six volunteers have been removing weeds and replanting natives.

“I’m just passionate about doing what can be done to protect the environment because there’s a lot of introduced weeds and protecting the native vegetation for the sake of our native birds,” she said.

Focusing on the section between Old Gippsland Road, along Queens Road and down to the Maroondah Highway footbridge in Lilydale, the group have just finished one section of the area.

Navigating lockdowns and restrictions for the last two years, Ms Goldfinch said it has been slow going but it’s amazing to see the difference in what they have been able to achieve.

Woody weeds and ivy were some of the main culprits removed for the Alfred/Burton Road entrance where the Friends group removed mass amounts that were suffocating the trees and ground cover.

“The thing about these weeds is that they just outgrow everything, they take over. And the thing about the ivy, it’s not doing any harm [on the ground], but the ivy grows up the tree trunks into the crown of the tree and it’s heavy up there,” Ms Goldfinch said.

“Then what happens to the trees, the gum trees, it’s too heavy and in a strong wind it breaks the top of the tree so we lose the tree.”

Strewn throughout the weeds are native flora of all different types, grasses, trees and plants, struggling to survive.

“All of these plantings were done maybe, nobody really knows, 10 or 20 years ago, have never been maintained and were absolutely smothered with weeds.”

Ms Goldfinch said everything has to be

Barbara Goldfinch set up the Friends of the Warburton Rail Trail group to restore the health of native plants. done by hand, so it takes a lot of physical work to remove the weeds carefully.

The group of volunteers meet every third Wednesday and Saturday of the month and focus on one area at a time.

Ms Goldfinch said the council has been instrumental in ensuring the group has the right equipment, plants and mulch to get

their work completed.

Next year, Ms Goldfinch said the group will move onto another section but there is still a little bit of work to do at the Alfred/Burton Road entrance.

“We need some mulch and I’m hoping that next year we’ll get some more plants to infill along here, especially to provide a bit of a bar-

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

rier between Queens Road and the trail,” she said.

“We’ll also need to do some ongoing maintenance because you can see some weeds growing up already.”

Friends of Warburton Rail Trail can be found on Facebook and each month release a newsletter.

Yarra Ranges Landcare Network welcomes facilitator Yarra Ranges Landcare Network has welcomed its new facilitator this week as part of a State Government funded program.

Brian Davey has accepted the position of facilitator and has joined Yarra Ranges Council’s Biodiversity Conservation team.

“Brian comes to us with a wealth of experience in both the private and local government sectors working with a focus on natural resource management,” YR Landcare president Karen Garth said.

“He has extensive experience in pest, animal and plant programs, working across multiple agencies and with a diverse range

of community volunteers.”

Having worked previously at the City of Casey, Ms Garth said Mr Davey has a good knowledge of statutory planning and vegetation offsets, as well as bushland management and understanding the difficult task of conserving nature but also being bushfire ready.

The funding of 80 facilitator positions was announced by the State Government in July, with YR Landcare being selected as one of those groups.

Mr Davey’s position will be funded until 30 June 2024 and will see him support nine local landcare groups over those three years.

Facilitators support around 650 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups and

on the ground results and meets the current and future environmental needs of the local community.”

The position is expected to coincide with the council’s Ribbons of Green program, as well as work alongside the bushland and sustainability teams.

Ms Garth is looking forward to what is to come for Yarra Ranges Landcare now that volunteers can get back to doing what they do best.

“We look forward to building the capacity of our groups as they reinvigorate by finally getting back out on the ground with some well needed additional support.”

networks across the state to plan and deliver on-ground natural resource management works that engage local communities, build community capacity and encourage diverse participation.

When the $13 million in funding was announced, Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing said this funding recognises the important work of landcare groups.

“These positions empower our environmental volunteers and landholders to continue their valuable environmental work,” she said.

“We are committed to strengthening and building Landcare and environmental volunteering to ensure it continues to deliver real,

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Project approved

By Renee Wood Yarra Ranges Councillors have approved a planning application for a residential hotel at Levantine Hill Winery, despite the neighbouring resident pleading for a refusal.

Objector Darren Hall spoke at the Tuesday 7 December council meeting, expressing his concern with the proximity of the proposed two story building which will house 34 apartments .

Mr Hall said his property shares common boundaries with the winery and said he isn’t against the development but is against how close it is to his house and said he will be forced move if it goes ahead.

“I keep thinking of Joni Mitchell’s lyrics to Big Yellow Taxi, paved paradise to put up a parking lot, but in our case, it’s putting up an ugly hotel,” he said.

Mr Hall believes the development is between 205-220 metres from his property and it will alter his privacy and won’t be able to comfortably live in his home.

“Our outlook of the night sky and sunsets will be forever gone and in its place will be a hotel block with people looking into my house, my life will never again be secure and safe.”

Mr Hall is also concerned about the proximity of the sewage treatments and ponds with three to surround his property.

Joanne Hartsias from JH Town Planning, the applicant for the development at Levantine Hill Winery, said, “There will be a requirement to upgrade the EPA works approved wastewater system which is to the south of the residential building, noting that also there is significant landscaping to be proposed in and around the building,” Ms Hartsias said the desire for the accommodation site at the venue is a natural progression and will be a much needed asset for the region.

By Mikayla van Loon

The proposed hotel site in proximity to surrounding structures.

“We have been advised by many residents as well as customers and patrons that the natural progression would be to provide some accommodation to the site as there is not a lot of short term accommodation.”

The design and site chosen for the hotel has addressed a number of factors including typography, location to existing facilities and car parking.

“There is a significant amount of economic benefits not only to the landowner, but also to the wider community in terms of jobs, construction jobs and staffing jobs, there will be a requirement to have staff for the hotel from cleaning to reception staff.”

Questions were raised on the opportunity for landscaping to screen Mr Hall’s home however, there are concerns around trees blocking the northern light coming through to his property.

Ms Hartsias said the applicant is willing to look into this further. “[We’re] happy to look into any type of screening.”

Picture: YRC AGENDA

Following the discussions, Cr Fiona McAllister put forward the motion to approve and Mayor Jim Child seconded the motion.

“It does comply with all the grounds for both our local planning provisions and the Victorian planning provisions. And I do feel very deeply for the Halls and the impact it is clearly having on them, but we have no choice but to approve given our decision is about ‘does this comply’, plus also this is a needed facility in the Valley,” Cr McAllister said.

Cr Len Cox spoke against the motion and believes more conditions could have been submitted to support the Hall’s concerns.

“Some of those problems could have been easily fixed with a little bit of extra effort from the applicant and from our planners,” he said.

“The wastewater I think, is a problem and could continue to be a problem particularly over summer. And the visual impact could have easily been resolved with some careful planning of vegetation around that boundary.”

In the end, the motion was carried with five votes for and two against.

YR Council presents annual report

By Parker McKenzie Yarra Ranges Council’s annual report reflected upon the achievements of local government through a tough year for the community.

Cr Fiona McAllister was mayor of Yarra Ranges Shire until November 2021 and presented the report at the council meeting on 7 December.

“As we all know it has been another tumultuous year off the back of the pandemic and other curve balls thrown at us throughout the year like the storms in June,” she said.

“Our community has continued to be resilient, strong and kind in the face of incredible challenges we never saw coming.”

Yarra Ranges Council received almost 2500 requests for assistance from the community after the storms.

Cr McAllister said the June storms showed

the council more funding for telecommunications across the municipality was needed.

“Throughout all the challenges of the past year we’ve been in constant contact and conversation with state and federal government advocating for what we need most,” she said. “we’ve had some successes – over $13 million in grant funding – but we’ve still got work to do in advocacy.”

Council has launched a new community engagement plan and an online platform called Shaping Yarra Ranges, where residents can contribute and give feedback over plans and strategies.

Cr McAllister said there have been two rounds of Covid recovery grants to help community groups recover and run events after lockdowns and restrictions.

“We also rolled out our Be Kind Yarra Ranges campaign, which was about sup-

porting local businesses reopen,” Cr McAllister said.

“But also to encourage community members to be kind to each other, which we saw so much of.”

Council established temporary parklets to encourage outdoor spaces for people to connect and enjoy outdoor dining.

She said gender equity has been a big focus of the past 12 months and is now a formal requirement for council.

“Some of the steps we have taken are to roll out gender equity and bystander training,” she said.

“We’ve also worked on our gender equity action plan, which our staff at Yarra Ranges have had a chance to have a say on along with councillors.”

The entire annual report will be available on the Yarra Ranges Council website.

Support sought for 2022 cultural event

By Parker McKenzie Yarra Ranges Council has been asked to support a celebration of Multicultural Day by members of the Indigenous Australian community.

Daniel Kiag, joining a council meeting on 7 December remotely from Darwin, asked Yarra Ranges Council to partner and collaborate with Kulin Multicultural for a 20th-anniversary celebration of Multicultural Day on 8 November 2022.

“A lot of the work over 30 years in unity and reconciliation has gone into this submission, it doesn’t give it justice, fairness, or harmony by calling it multiculturalism in the Yarra Ranges Shire,” Mr Kiag said.

“Next year is the 20th anniversary of Multicultural Day, and I had a discussion with people in our organisation, an elders council, authors and owners of multicultural sustainability and we want to have a celebration.”

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St Huberts Winery to build a hotel

ebrate country and celebrate the sovereignty and identity of Kulin law.”

Mr Kiag said there is five levels of governance, education and ownership in Kulin multicultural.

“Our right way governance includes the Queen’s council, alderman and shires, but it also inclusive of what is 100 thousand years that is pre-existing to it,” Mr Kiag said.

“The authority and governance of holistic sustainability, which you guys celebrate economic sustainability through your Commonwealth governance, we are now wanting to celebrate inclusion.”

A presentation was made at the Indigenous Cultural Heritage conference on 29 October outlining the plans for the celebration.

Cr Fiona McAllister said what is being asked was an important question and the council should take it to the Indigenous advisory committee.

“Cr Johanna Skelton is our representative on that, and we should seek their advice and

position on it and go from there,” she said.

“We can do that fairly quickly and get a response because we tend to use them as our source of truth and advice on these issues.”

Mr Kiag responded that multiculturalism is for everyone.

“We don’t differentiate or segregate or discriminate between different cultures, religions or identities,” he said.

“This goes beyond a Commonwealth divide of Indigenous and non-Indigenous because multicultural means we all come from a place that has a connection to Indigenous all around the world.”

Mayor Cr Jim Child said he wholeheartedly agreed with Cr McAllister’s comments.

“We will definitely refer that through our deputy mayor who is the chair of the Indigenous advisory committee,” he said.

“We believe that is the appropriate place to make that decision and we will make sure all that documentation you sent forward to us is supplied to the committee.”

A new hotel has been approved by Yarra Ranges Council to be built at St Huberts Winery in Coldstream.

The four storey, 80 bedroom residential hotel’s planning application was unanimously approved by the council at the meeting on Tuesday 7 December with Councillor Fiona McAllister calling it a “substantial but needed development.”

St Huberts was one of the first wineries in the Yarra Valley to open in the 1800s and in March 2020 had plans approved to redevelop the restaurant and function centre.

Melinda Catlow spoke on behalf of Yarra Valley Wine Centre who own and operate the winery and vineyard and said the same architect has designed the concept for the hotel to suit the landscape.

“It’s in response to the identified need for accommodation in the area and similar to the previous application, it has sought to use the principles of seeking to locate the architecture within the landscape,” she said.

“This development is actually located in a section of the site which is significantly screened by existing rows of trees, it’s also viewed at a distance from the Maroondah Highway and viewed within the context of trees in the foreground.”

Mr Catlow said there would be an insignificant loss of the vineyards, with just 0.43 per cent being removed from the total 67 per cent of vineyards that occupy the land.

The accommodation facility will feature hotel suites with a pool, spa treatment area and internal restaurant, as well as electric vehicle charging points, a gym and other recreational experiences.

Ms Catlow said once the accommodation premise is built, it will provide 30 jobs with 20 being full time positions, with jobs also being created during the construction phase.

Councillor McAllister supported the motion to approve the development but raised a question about traffic management and safety.

In response Ms Catlow said the current passing lane conditions on St Huberts Road will be extended to the entrance of the hotel and VicRoads has confirmed no changes need to be made to the entrance off Maroondah Highway.

Cr Sophie Todorov seconded the motion and said she felt comfortable that the four objections had been revised and appropriately resolved.

“This development is not only fantastic for our community, our tourism, our economic stimulation as well but it’s also very environmentally sustainable and it has been well thought out and planned,” she said.

This was the second hotel application approved by the council in one night, with an accommodation facility also approved for nearby Levantine Hill.

“We don’t often get applications of this type and we’ve coincidentally had two,” Cr McAllister said.

“This is an allowed use in terms of the provisions under green wedge. It is co-location in a vineyard and cellar door and as we have heard tonight it is a property that has existed in the Yarra Valley for over 150 years.”

Although Cr McAllister was sad to see the famous St Huberts signage removed from the roof of the original building she said it sighted progress.

“It’s 80 rooms and again we do have a dire need for accommodation of this type in the Yarra Valley,” she said.

“Probably my greatest concern, and I certainly support the application, is around traffic safety and it’s not only for this applicant but it’s probably an advocacy issue for us as a council over the intersection of Maroondah Highway and St Huberts Road.”

Cr McAllister said her fellow councillors could expect a motion next to advocate for better traffic management from VicRoads at the intersection. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Mt Ev trail adventures

By Mikayla van Loon When it looked as though Mount Evelyn’s Discovery Church wouldn’t be able to host its carols in person, an idea sprouted to get people outside and back to the community.

Moriah Weston, Dan Hickingbotham and Lissy Donovan organised the Mount Evelyn Christmas Trail, with 12 stations along the Warburton Trail to be found.

“We just sat down and thought about what can we do? What’s the need? And we decided small businesses could really use our support,” Dan said.

“So we decided this was going to be our Christmas expression to do something to support small businesses and create a bit of community fun and joy around Christmas.”

Each station has an activity or competition, with prizes supplied by local businesses for each station entry, as well as a colouring competition for the children.

Moriah and Dan said they wanted the trail to be interactive, so although everything is shared on social media, the activities prompt everyone to share their baking, favourite Christmas lights or tag somewhere that brings them joy.

With three prizes to be given out each day until 19 December, people have a big chance of winning.

Wanting to reactivate the community this year in particular, Dan said he does see this becoming a regular Christmas activity.

“I’d love to see the Christmas trail becoming a thing that people come to expect and look forward to,” he said.

“Especially now that we’ve got the following

Moriah Weston and Dan Hickingbotham have helped organise the Mount Evelyn Christmas Trail for the community.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON on, we can kind of just each year, a few months out, start promoting it and build on it,” Moriah said.

“One of the original ideas was to be a bit of a scavenger hunt for kids, so I think it’ll be the kind of thing each year we bring a bit of creativity to.”

The trail stations can be located between Birmingham and York Roads. To print the colouring competition designs or find out more, go to https://discoverychurch.com.au/christmas-trail/ This year the carols will be held online on 18 December from 7pm via Youtube or Facebook.

Where to spot Santa when he comes to town Lilydale Santa will be making the rounds on the back of Lilydale CFA’s firetruck on Monday 20 December.

The guy in red will be going on four different routes to cover nearly all of Lilydale in one night.

Head to the Lilydale CFA’s Facebook for the maps.

For those who miss seeing Santa on one of the routes, he will be outside the fire station from about 6.30pm to 7.30pm handing out goodie bags.

Mooroolbark On Sunday 19 December Santa will be visiting Mooroolbark on the back of the CFA’s big red truck.

Instead of driving around the streets, Santa will be dropping by some local parks to meet the kids.

Times and places are happening all throughout the day Wandana Cres Playground - 9.30am to 10.15am Summerhill Park Playground - 10.30am to 11.15am Castle Hill Park - 11.30am to 12.15am Lancaster Road Playground - 1.15pm to 1.45pm Mooroolbark Soccer fields (Esther Cres) 2.00pm to 2.45pm Mooroolbark Heights Reserve - 3.00pm to 3.45pm Bimbadeen Gardens - 4.00pm to 4.30pm Chirnside Park It’s confirmed Santa will also be touring Chirnside Park on Wednesday 22 December from around 4pm to 7pm.

· · · · · · ·

Santa will be making his way to the Yarra Ranges next week before he heads back home to get everything ready for Christmas Day. Picture: UNSPLASH Times and locations are still come so keep an eye on the Santa’s Coming to Chirnside Park! event on Facebook.

Montrose Christmas Eve in Montrose wouldn’t be the same without the sound of Santa coming on the back of the truck.

This year won’t be any different, except Santa won’t be getting off the truck for photos.

But brigade members will be handing out wrapped lollipops.

Montrose CFA will be coming to a street near you between 1pm and 7pm - just listen.

Mount Evelyn Santa will be coming to Mount Evelyn over four days in December, starting Monday 20 and ending Thursday 23.

Check out the list on the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade Facebook.

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NEWS

The Kokoda trek journey

By Mikayla van Loon The Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award is returning for 2022 to give a Yarra Ranges Year 11 student the opportunity to win a fully funded scholarship to trek the Kokoda Trail.

Although first launched in 2019, the trek has been delayed twice by the pandemic but program chair Greg Green is hopeful third time’s the charm.

“We were running our first competition in February 2020 but Covid came along a week before entries were due to be submitted,” he said.

“The Kokoda Trail has been closed for two years, we’re very hopeful it’s going to be open next year and next year is the eighth anniversary of the campaign, so we were going to hold the competition regardless.”

Mr Green said the award is meant to encourage students to learn about the history of the 39th Infantry Battalion and the campaign Victorian troops led against the Japanese in Papua New Guinea.

Supported by the 39th Infantry Battalion (1941-43) Association and Lilydale, Monbulk and Mount Evelyn RSL sub-branches, Mr Green said the committee are now looking for funding.

“We need $8000 to send each student across there. We’re aiming for one student initially but if the fundraising goes we’ll send more.”

So far, Yarra Ranges Council, Turf 1, Vic Power & Data, Passchendaele Cafe, Lilydale Marketplace and Bendigo Community Bank have contributed funds.

The scholarship covers all costs of the trek with Getaway Trekking, including costs for a passport if needed but personal items such as medications, spending money and gifts for the locals won’t be provided in the overall funding.

Researching the history of Kokoda and stories like those of Monbulk veteran Jim Cowey

Kristy-Ann Mays, Mount Evelyn RSL vice president Roger Boness and president Matt Crymble, with the late James Bruce, were the first to jump on board the committee of the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Picture: ON FILE Award. 205646 and Lilydale veteran Geoff Selman is a key element of this program.

“They were volunteers so they weren’t allowed to serve offshore but PNG was Australian mandated territory at the time. The aver-

age age was 18 and a half. Some of them would have been the same age as Year 11 kids,” Mr Green said.

“Milne Bay, just before the Kokoda Campaign, was the first time the Japanese have

been defeated on land and that was by Australian troops. Kokoda was the second time.

“Australian troops were outnumbered five to 10 to one. They were wearing desert fatigues instead of jungle greens and carrying World War I weapons.”

Students will be asked to submit an entry in any format they please, outlining the importance of the Kokoda Campaign in the battle for Australia and why they would like to trek the Kokoda Trail.

“Enjoy your research. Just picture yourself in the position of these 17 and 18 year old kids walking across there to face the Japanese and see whether you think you could do it.”

Mr Green said not only is it about the history but about learning the culture of our close neighbours.

Having walked the Kokoda Trail multiple times, Mr Green said the student will have a personal carrier of their pack, who will walk with them and share stories about their village.

“I think it’s character building. I think it’s going to help them develop some of their leadership qualities, because you’re going to have a kid who wants to do it in the first place anyway.

“I’ve done a few other treks around the place and the Kokoda is the hardest. It’s 30 plus degrees and 95 per cent humidity. You’ve just got to keep going.”

Wanting this to be an annual award, the first student will return to be an ambassador for the program and Mr Green is hopeful local businesses will come on board as regular sponsors.

Secondary colleges in the Yarra Ranges will be contacted in February to gain expressions of interest and submissions can be made until late March through the school, with the winner expected to be announced on Anzac Day in April.

To find out more go to https://www.monbulkrsl.org.au/cowey-selman-kokoda-award

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Conserve and preserve

By Renee Wood Some 3,000 hectares of biodiversity rich land and water frontages throughout the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire will be preserved under a new ten year plan establishing the first conservation landscape area in the state.

Stakeholders and government bodies will come together to manage and restore the land now named the Liwik Barring Landscape conservation area, which is comprised of public land areas, including stream side reserves and existing conservation reserves, stretching from Healesville, Millgrove Hoddles Creek, Emerald and Cockatoo.

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is included in the area however, the name Liwik Barring, which means Ancestors’ trail, was chosen by Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to reflect the First Peoples history and connection to the land and waterways.

Parks Victoria Project Manager Justin Foster said it’s a very ambitious plan that will align land managers efforts, including Parks Victoria, DEWLP, Yarra Ranges Council, Cardinia Shire Council and Zoos Victoria.

“There’s lots of issues that we need to resolve, there’s lots of changes for the community that we need to work through. So I think in ten years, we’ll have a good basis for the conservation area and then beyond that we’ll be working to bring people in,” he said.

The ten year plan will deliver on four key themes with several goals connected to fire management, cultural heritage, healthy conservation landscape and community access and recreation.

“Weed management is covered under landscape management, there’s a whole set of goals or strategies dealing particularly with weed management. We have a pest animal strategy, so that covers wild dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, they’re probably the key ones.”

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, Deputy Premier James Merlino and Uncle Dave Wandin celebrating the announcement of Liwik Barring Barring Landscape Conservation Area and its 10 year plan.

Picture: RENEE WOOD Rejuvenating the area for endangered flora and fauna is one of the main reasons for forming the plan, as the area’s home to lowland Leadbeater’s Possum and Helmeted Honeyeater.

Three zones have been created; a conservation zone, restoration zone, biodiversity and community use zone - as community recreational spaces will allow locals and travelers to enjoy the state’s natural assets.

“We’ve heard from the community that recreation is very important, so a good thing in

this new type of conservation landscape there is provision for passive recreation, in other words, low impact recreation, hiking, bird watching, even fishing. We have some even some areas of on lead dog walking in certain parts, but that’s very restricted.”

Stock grazing from neighbouring landholders will no longer be allowed on the crown land and water ways to protect the waterways and land, and grants are available to set up fencing.

The State Government committed to the creation of the reserve in 2014 following the

release of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Yellingbo Investigation Final Report.

The community was also consulted on the interests of what should happen with the land and a draft plan was issued in 2018.

“Government’s investment here is $13 million and $10 million in recent times to ensure we can roll out the new plan. This is a special place and it will be an example of how to do things well,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said.

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

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

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.

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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, 14 December, 2021

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OPINION

Soothing stresses Ongoing stress and anxiety in children is presenting more frequently since the onset of Covid-19. Signs include fear, panic, poor appetite, disturbed sleep, irritability, agitation and clinginess. Left untreated these conditions can extend to a chronic stress response or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’d like to share how whole food and nutrition can play a role to help reset the body’s stress response and be part of an integrative approach for our kids.

Chronic stress affects multiple body systems, it can weaken the immune system, perpetuate inflammation, increase fatigue and lead to an unnatural sedentary lifestyle. These could be considered risk-factors for health problems at later stages. Children of all ages can be affected and may display different responses and behaviours. Young children may show regressive behaviour, middle-year children show disruptive behaviour or disorganisation, and teenagers may withdraw into guilt or depression.

Healthy

living Tim Howden

Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville As parents it can be difficult to observe these things but helpful to recognise shifts in behaviour. Food and good nutrition has the ability to help modulate and adapt brain function, to ease stress and support the nervous system in a positive way. Cook their favourite food and try to get them involved in the preparation. Don’t be shy to even start with sweet treats using honey, stevia or maple syrup, things like Pancakes,

Berry Friands and Natural Jelly are excellent.

These actually contain vital nutrients within the wholegrains, almonds and the jelly to help soothe the nervous system.

Foods rich in B complex vitamins like leafy greens, avocado, seeds, sprouts will also provide a good spread of minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. Minerals are like building blocks, we need them in critical developmental phases of growth but they also aid essential physiological processes involved in re-setting the stress point. Super “homemade” pesto, salads and baked treats can be worthy disguise vehicles.

Lastly, don’t forget about herbal teas and if possible prepare from raw materials like, flowers, arial parts and root blends. High quality teas are available from healthfood stores and your local apothecary. Consider things like Chamomile, Ashwaganda, Liquorice & Verbena.

Wishing you a happy stress-free Christmas.

CARTOON

2021 was yet another rough year for films Even as the world slowly reopened and returned to a semblance of normality, some groups cried oppression over the mask and vaccine mandates. Others were understandably frustrated at the ongoing restrictions and the moving goalposts with regards to their easing.

It’s been a tiring year for all of us, and the general mood of weariness produced some truly terrible movies. If last year’s bad movies had a worrying degree of sexual assault, this year’s bad movies were defined by poor worldbuilding and tiresome bleakness.

Before we get to the list, I want to address both an honourable and dishonourable mention: Ascendant.

At its core, Ascendant is a compelling, verywell acted thriller making effective use of a claustrophobic single location. However, the film has some of the worst exposition I’ve ever seen, with the frequent obtuse flashbacks actively making the film harder to understand.

I’ve seen hardly anybody talk about Ascendant; at time of writing, I’ve only found four reviews for it on YouTube. This is a shame, as Ascendant isn’t a bad film; just a contrived, incredibly messy film, and an interestingly flawed film is better than some of the blandly bad films in this list.

Here are my picks for the ten worst films of 2021: 10. The Woman in the Window. A psychological thriller with few thrills, a character study with bland characters, and a mystery we have no chance of following.

9. Demonic. A corny, poorly-paced horror film that awkwardly combines demonic possession and virtual reality, botching both with vague rules and Deus Ex Machinas. Filmed 10 MAIL

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in Canada early in the pandemic, Demonic is Neil Blomkamp’s least cohesive or entertaining film.

8. Halloween Kills. The redundant middle film in David Gordon Green’s new trilogy, Halloween Kills feels aimless, wastes its great cast and isn’t very scary, despite some savagely inventive kills.

7. Night Teeth. Good performances, but the fuzzy world-building neuters the suspense, and the action is sparse and unsatisfying.

6. Infinite. It’s strange to consider that Antione Fuqua directed one of the year’s best films (The Guilty) and one of its worst. Infinite has an overexplained yet nebulous conflict, lacklustre action, clunky dialogue and a strained lead performance from Mark Wahlberg, and it’s also a lame Matrix copycat.

5. Sweet Girl. I barely remember anything about this film, which is damning in itself.

I could look through my notes and bring up the awful pacing – which drags and then hurries through a contrived conspiracy plot – the out-of-place chipper assassin, the derivative Fight Club-style twist and the rub-

bish shaky-cam action, but that would be giving it more effort than it deserves.

4. Wrath of Man. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this is the best-made bad movie of the year. It’s an extremely polished production with an intense final act, but it’s so miserably cynical. We all need some nihilism sometimes, but not so much in the depressing second year of the pandemic, and Wrath of Man’s gritty, cruel anti-heroism feels dated.

3. Xtreme. Another grim crime thriller trying too hard to be cool. The grizzled main character’s vendetta mixes awkwardly with an odd-couple buddy sub-plot that has almost nothing to do with the main plot, and the film somehow misunderstands its own themes by the end. The shoddy climactic swordfight also stands out as the year’s worst non-shaky action scene.

2. Occupation: Rainfall. An admirable attempt at an Aussie sci-fi blockbuster, with impressive effects and prosthetics, but the action scenes are a hard-to-follow mess, the plot is predictable yet barely makes any sense, and the comic relief is incredibly grating.

1. Cosmic Sin. A sluggish, incoherent, visibly cheap film with a wooden lead performance from Bruce Willis. I hate this film on both a filmmaking and personal level: I despise the Dark Forest hypothesis, which asserts that we should exterminate any alien civilisations we encounter, and Cosmic Sin endorses this genocidal notion uncritically.

Join me next week for my list of 2021’s best films.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A merry literacy Christmas PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Christmas is coming and there’s no way escaping it... Oh wait, there is. After a scrumptious meal with families and friends – and especially after a day of buying, wrapping and/or exchanging gifts – you can always retreat to the tranquil world of books.

Are you ready to enjoy some peace and quiet? Can you see a refreshing and rewarding literary adventure on the horizon? For your reference, here’s a fivestep approach to organising a five-book reading spree for this festive season: STEP ONE: Do an “inventory check”.

From that formidable TBR pile beside your bed, pull out the one you’ve long wanted to read but never found time and energy to do so. Finish it by Christmas Eve, so you can demand a new title (Book #1) from Santa.

STEP TWO: Consult your reliable sources. These may include your “bookworm” families and friends, renowned literary awards and publications, book groups and local libraries, and trustworthy professionals on social media.

For example, the latest buzz is all about Books That Made Us, a three-part documentary series hosted by actor and producer Claudia Karvan that is now available on ABC iView. The series centres on Australian literature and showcases the many splendid ways our authors and books can help us understand our country.

Based on available information, select Books #2 and #3. Choose the book whose synopsis most piques your interest. It should be something that you can comfortably and confidently discuss at the Christmas Lunch.

Meanwhile, make the other a book published before the year 2000. Think of this as a journey to the unfamiliar past that helps you brace for the unknown future.

STEP THREE: Get Books #2 and #3 sorted via your local library. While there, ask the friendly librarian for advice on your Book #4. You can also explore the previous month’s list of most borrowed titles, or discover what other books have been read and returned by patrons.

STEP FOUR: Purchase your Book #5 from the nearest bookstore to your location. It’s absolutely critical that you do this in person at a brick-and-mortar outlet specialised in books. Otherwise, you will not see your ordered and paid-for item delivered until after Valentine’s Day 2022 – if at all.

STEP FIVE: Read for pleasure. This, alone, will guarantee your literary adventure remains exciting and effortless throughout the festival season.

The National Library Trust (UK) defines reading for pleasure as “Reading we do of our own free will, anticipating the satisfaction we will get from the act of reading”. We read because we want to – because we are willing to experience different worlds in our imagination. It is akin to an active act of play, a process that is both creative and interactive.

The trick of reading for pleasure is to read for yourself and no one else. The journey is yours alone, yet the joy is pure and universal. So, why not let your heart be light? With a book, your troubles will be out of sight. mailcommunity.com.au

BE KIND, STAY SAFE

Ranges’ local Christmas It’s always a good time to support local in Yarra Ranges, but during the Christmas season, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

There are so many special ways to make your Christmas memories in Yarra Ranges this year. Time to put up the tree? There are more than five Christmas tree farms in the region for you to choose the perfect pine.

Ready for a taste of summer? Yarra Ranges is famous for those summer staples of cherries and strawberries, with plenty of pickyour-own options. Why not serve a family day out with a scoop of cherry ice cream at the end?

Perhaps you’re planning a family feast? Our local butchers, bakers, delis, and fruit and veggie shops will have the table groaning, and your guests as stuffed as a stocking. Toast the year that was - and the better year to come with a glass from one of our bountiful wineries, and finish off with decadent local cheeses or chocolate, all good enough to gift.

Speaking of gifts, look for something locally made, sourced or sold - from ceramics to carving knives, wooden toys to woven textiles, the perfect summer read or new addition to the garden - and you can find something as special as your special someone - at one of the many local businesses that make our townships the vibrant, unique places they are.

While you’re out and about supporting local, keep an eye out for some of the magical Christmas window displays lining our shopping streets. Be sure to vote for your favourite one in the Yarra Ranges Christmas Window Display Competition! You can find out more yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/ Yarra-Ranges-Christmas-Window-Competition When you support local, it’s not just the business you buy from that benefits. Indepen-

Support local and find something special this festive season. dent businesses are more likely to also support local too - from the staff they employ, to their own supply chains - so more of your money stays in your local economy. Your choice plays an important part in keeping our communities lively and thriving.

Forget the crowds, queues and closed-in spaces of big shopping centres and instead soak up the charm of your local main street, or visit one of your neighbouring townships.

Head to the Hills, explore the Valley, or take a trip to our bustling urban centres for all the

convenience without the hassle or hustle of the city.

With Christmas windows lining the streets, shop doors open, the sun (sometimes) shining, it’s beginning to feel a lot like a Yarra Ranges’ Christmas.

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It’s always a good time to support local in Yarra Ranges, but during the festive season, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Choose local, and Have a Yarra Ranges Christmas this year.

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NEWS

There is so much to see spread out within the garden.

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Coldstream resident Jo Bartlett-Brown has opened her garden after months of creating Alice in Wonderland themed goods to display.

A mad hatter’s tea party is on display.

Coldstream wonderland

By Renee Wood Yarra Ranges residents have enjoyed the first weekend of a special open garden being held in Coldstream.

Coldstream resdient Jo Bartlett-Brown opened her much anticipated garden themed ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on Friday 10 December and welcomed guests in over the weekend.

The garden was decorated with many

items created by Jo and artworks were displayed bringing in the many characters in the story.

The garden is now closed during the week before reopening again Friday 17 December, Saturday 18 December, Sunday 19 December and Monday 20 December from 10am-4pm.

The event at 2 Murrac Street, Coldstream is raising donations for the Coldstream CFA’s new station fit out.

Many familiar characters could be seen on canvases created by the artist.

The Summer Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now...

Pick up a printed copy of Yarra Ranges Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere.

Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!

Scan the QR CODE

OR VISIT: yarrarangeskids.com.au/digital-editions 12 MAIL

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OPINION

Human rights awareness

By Prue Licht On the 10 December, International Human Rights Day, a group of local activists protested at the office of Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith. The protest was organised by Casey Grandmothers for Refugees and also included local members of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) from Healesville and Warburton.

The protesters advocate for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees. They are passionate about the issue of Australia’s lack of humane treatment of people fleeing war and persecution, particularly those who came by boat.

International law states that seeking asylum is legal and there is an expectation that those seeking safety will be supported by the countries to which they flee.

There are currently 36 men in the Park Hotel Prison in Carlton. These men came here under the now repealed medevac legislation from off-shore detention on Nauru and Manus Island.

They were first detained in the Mantra Hotel in Preston for more than a year then moved to the Park Hotel Prison almost a year ago. Over a hundred men were initially detained, many have been released into the community. There appears to be no reason why the remaining men have not been released.

The uncertainty and lack of any real plan for the remaining men who are still detained continues to cause unrelenting distress to them, they feel they are being punished, but they don’t know what for.

Many still have long term untreated health problems and are therefore most vulnerable.

When the men were placed in the Park Hotel the windows were tinted and they are sealed shut so there is no fresh air in the living spaces.

About half of the men have been infected with Covid, as the facilities in the Park Hotel Prison are inadequate to keep them safe from the spread of the virus. When the situation first became apparent there was inadequate medical care. Due to advocacy on behalf of the men this has now improved.

Australia has long been the destination for people fleeing persecution, war and other calamities. The Jewish and Vietnamese diasporas of the last century and currently people from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, all have been seeking safety and a home here.

Governments were initially sympathetic and processed claims for refugee status and interim visas relatively quickly, but as more people arrived in the late 80s the attitude of the government changed to one of deterrence and became increasingly punitive.

Detention Centers were first established in the late 1980s and people arriving by boat were detained until their applications were

Grandmothers for Refugees protest in Belgrave. processed, sometimes for years. More were opened after Mandatory Detention became law.

Many people from the Middle East came via Indonesia, often in dangerous and unseaworthy boats.

By this time there was a system of detention Centers across Australia, often in isolated places and people found themselves stuck in a slow, dehumanizing system where names were not used, but rather detainees were known by a boat name and number.

Offshore processing was introduced in 2012 using detentions centers on Christmas Island, Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Since July 2013 people who come by boat have erroneously been called illegal maritime arrivals and have been treated with a level of discrimination and cruelty which contravenes the UN Convention on Refugees, even though Australia is a signatory to that agreement. They are not allowed to settle permanently in Australia because they came by boat.

In this country there is an increasingly complex, extremely slow system of processing and approving applications for asylum and refugee status.

Our offshore detention Centers on Nauru and Manus Island in PNG are closed now but 231 refugees are still living on Nauru and in PNG with no clear status. They are supported by the Australian Government, but are refused

News from the theatres 1812 Theatre Dracula The Bloody Truth Travelling across Europe, from dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the charming seaside town of Whitby, Professor Van Helsing and his three amateur actors stage a life-changing, theatrical production of Dracula – hoping to establish, once and for all, the bloody truth. The result is a delightfully silly, fast-paced and faithful (-ish) adaptation by John Nicholson of Bram Stoker’s novel.

Performed by four actors playing 40 characters.

Season: 24 February to 19 March Bookings www.1812theatre.com.au or call 9758 3954.

Stageworx A new exciting performance space.

Stageworx Theatre is a boutique 71 seat raked theatre with stage area, dressing room facilities, box office and small kitchenette space.

Stageworx, beside producing their own shows, is available for hire as a rehearsal or performance space, product launches etc.

Stageworx can provide a comfortable sit down venue with video projection, lighting and audio for your next launch.

Stageworx are also able to offer recording with a 48 channel digital studio onsite and can

· ·

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Picture: SUPPLIED entry here because of that policy from July 2013 of ‘no one arriving by boat every being allowed to settle permanently in Australia’.

Thousands remain stranded in Indonesia.

The insecure situation for many refugees and people seeking asylum remains dangerously difficult and problems are unresolved.

They are unable to plan for their futures.

In Australia over 32,000 people have no visa certainty and are waiting for a decision about their status and long term futures. There are hundreds in the community, but with no right to work and still not free, as they are in ‘Community detention’ and can be returned to locked detention at any time.

Many billions of dollars of taxpayer funds have been spent maintaining this cruel system: $7 billion alone has been spent on Manus and Nauru detention centers since 2012.

The Guardian Australia recently reported that the average cost of keeping a refugee or asylum seeker on Nauru is $358,646 a month per person, equal to $4.3 million a year for every man held on the island.

This cost has increased 10 fold since 2016, so approximately the same amount is being spent now to keep 107 men on the island as was being spent in 2016 to keep over 1100 men in detention there. Secrecy surrounds how this money is spent.

This financial year $1.19 billion has been allocated in the federal budget for offshore processing and millions of dollars continues to be

spent pursuing legal cases, such as that of the Biloela Family, through various complex court systems.

These are some of the enormous tax payer funds being expended to keep thousands of innocent people in a limbo of uncertainty, which prevents them being a contributory part of Australian communities.

Our government continues to fail the Afghan people, particularly those who helped our forces during the long military engagement. There is a call to allow 20,000 people to settle here on a permanent basis. The Government has made no commitment and so far less than 3,000 have made it to safety here.

Current and former governments are guilty of gross human rights abuses, which in many cases contravene international law and make Australia a pariah among our peers.

Information: For further information visit the websites of Asylum Insight, The Refugee Council of Australia, Grandmothers for Refugees, Refugee Action Collective Victoria and Asylum Seeker Resource Center.

You can join Casey Grandmothers for Refugees by emailing info@grandmothersforrefugees.org, Friends of Grandmothers can also join.

Donations to organisations assisting refugees can be made to the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (Melbourne) or the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

On a brighter note

By Giselle Leonard

Kemp’s curtain call arrange video if required.

Factory 3 / 21 Stud Rd Bayswater. Ph · Venue: 9729 8368 Burrinja Theatre Upwey The Super Silly Magic Show with Steve the Magician Join Steve the magician in the Super Silly Magic Show, a fun one-hour session for kids between five and 12 years.

The journey begins as this heart-warming magician opens his big red box of magic and finds it’s full super silly but strangely useful gadgets.

This show is loaded with audience participation and silly yet amazing and fun magic that will have everyone laughing and oohing with amazement and wonder.

Season: Wednesday 19 January at 10.30am at Lyre room.

·

The lights sparkled, the tinsel threw golden reflections around the room. Ornaments glittered and swung delicately on the many, forest green branches.

Chirpy snowmen and smiley Santa’s peer from the depths. The presents, neatly stacked beneath the tree, provide a curious matter.

Fingers prod at them and their contents rattle as they are shaken roughly by excited hands. Tiny reindeer prance around the tree, showing off their fine antlers.

The star smiles serenely from its perch on the top, surveying they scene with a proud gaze. A fire crackles cheerfully in the corner.

Stockings dangle just above it and the room is filled with a calming warm glow.

The radio sings joyfully from the counter.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

Giselle Leonard is an avid young writer submitting weekly articles to the Lilydale Star Mail.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 13

NEWS

14 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

Rootballs in a pond used for fish habitat.

Picture: YRC

Snagging fish habitat Yarra Ranges Council has joined Bushfire Recovery Victoria and Victorian Fisheries to provide tree stumps and root balls from fallen storm trees to create native fish habitat.

Close to 40 enormous snags will be replenished into Rivers around the Goulbourn and Glenelg area, and at a Shepparton native fish hatchery.

Native fish, including the Murray Cod and Golden Perch use the stumps and root balls as habitat, helping to make use of some of the 31,000 tonnes of wood, stump and branch debris the council has collected since the June storms.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child said Council is excited to be working with BRV and Victoria Fisheries on this project.

“While the loss of trees during the storm is sad, reusing root balls and stumps which were too big to mill and produced poor qual-

ity mulch is good for conservation, good for healthy waterways and good for recreational fishing.”

This collaborative approach led to an agreement between YRC, BRC and Victorian Fisheries whereby root balls that would otherwise require additional costly processing to turn into mulch, could instead be effectively utilised for native fish habitat.

Some of these repurposed snags will also be used at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s new native fish hatchery near Shepparton, where thirty-two ponds will be built to grow newly hatched native fish that will eventually be released into waters across Victoria.

Once in the environment these root balls will increase breeding environments, add natural food sources and create a sustainable native fish community, resulting in benefits not only to the local environment and waterways but to recreational fishers.

Slashing program begins

12527815-CG51-21

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Coles Supermarket 520-526 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE 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

Yarra Ranges Council and contractors are cutting roadside grass to cut back winter growth, as part of its annual Fire Slash program.

The program, which runs every year from October through December, involves cutting grass on more than 800 roads across the Yarra Ranges.

The wet winter and spring over 2021 has resulted in extensive grass growth and wet ground, making access to some roadsides difficult.

Council’s Parks and Bushland Team monitor each site for access, organising slashing when the ground conditions permit. Some roads may be cut later than their scheduled time due to unforeseen weather conditions.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said that wet weather since winter had prompted a significant amount of grass growth.

“We’ve had very significant levels of rainfall over winter and early spring, which has left us with extensive grass growth right across Yarra Ranges,” Cr Child said.

“Our teams are continuing their work, moving through the schedule and responding to community requests.

“Drains and road shoulders on rural roads are a particular focus for us – some nature strips and drains will be slashed as part of the program, to ensure sight and safety for drivers, and that drainage remains clear.

“Ahead of the fire season you’ll see an increase in mowing as you travel through the region. Please be understanding as we continue this work and navigate the difficulties of the wet summer ahead.”

Council’s regular mowing programs in parks, reserves and townships is continuing, ground-conditions-permitting, aiming to be on top of the program early in the new year.

Cr Child encouraged community members to make the most of their green waste bins, local waste transfer stations and their

Yarra Ranges council mayor Jim Child said everyone has a role to play in reducing fire.

Pictures: ON FILE

Yarra Valley Council are commencing fire slashing ahead of the bushfire season. hard waste and bundled branches collections to keep properties fire-ready.

“We all have a part to play in preparing for the fire season and minimising the risk of fire spreading,” he said.

“This doesn’t have to be a colossal body of work, though – regularly mowing grass, picking up sticks, branches and leaf litter, mowing your nature strip and keeping a good clear area around your home can all help to reduce the risk of grassfires starting and spreading.

Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/fireprep for more information on preparing your property. mailcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 15

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 059

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

9

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

5 8 4 6 1

7 2 9

5 3 1 2

4

6

2 7 3

4

8

3 4 5 6 7

ACROSS Beverage powder (5) Moth or butterfly pupa (9) Island off the coast of Victoria (7) Musically poetical (7) In a state of disorder (7) Student (7) Thus (9) Black (4) Sulk (4) Male athlete (9) Having sharp corners (7) Grandmother (colloq.) (7) Nutty (7) Libyan capital (7) Arranged (9) Japanese comics (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24

No. 059

Designated amount (9) Roomy (9) Noblemen (5) Comedian, — Silverman (5) Relating to the surrounding area (7) Pay (6) Extended (9) Social exclusion (9) Actress, — Jolie (8) Continuing (7) Rainy season storm (7) Gambling house (6) A language (5) Frameworks holding goods (5)

DOWN Maximum limit on containment (9) Prevailing weather (7)

1 2

medium

7

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

No. 059

1 3 9

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

6 3

8 9 2

9 6

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

1

P R 20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

N

H

Today’s Aim: 9 words: Good 13 words: Very good

3 5 2 7 9 1 8 6 4

1 4 5 7 6 8 2 9 3

9 6 7 1 3 2 5 4 8

18 words: Excellent

N

L

C

4 9 1 8 2 3 6 7 5

6 7 8 5 4 1 3 2 9

2 5 3 6 7 9 4 8 1

5 1 9 2 8 4 7 3 6

7 3 4 9 1 6 8 5 2

8 2 6 3 5 7 9 1 4

4 8 1 2 5 6 7 9 3

9 6 7 3 4 8 5 1 2

5 7 4 6 1 9 3 2 8

2 9 3 8 7 5 6 4 1

8 1 6 4 3 2 9 5 7

1 2 9 5 8 3 4 7 6

7 3 5 1 6 4 2 8 9

6 4 8 9 2 7 1 3 5

4 8 5 2 9 3 6 1 7

2 9 7 1 6 8 3 5 4

6 3 1 4 7 5 2 9 8

3 5 9 6 8 1 4 7 2

7 4 8 3 5 2 9 6 1

1 6 2 9 4 7 5 8 3

8 2 3 5 1 9 7 4 6

9 1 4 7 2 6 8 3 5

5 7 6 8 3 4 1 2 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

B

G A

I

3 LETTERS ACT AID ASH ATE CAM EAT EEL FLU HAG ICE ILL INS LAB LED LOP LSD NAB NEE NUN PEA RED RIP RUT TEA TNT TOT 4 LETTERS ALAS BAIT BASS CLOD EATS EGOS FEDS ICED INTO PADS RASP RING RIPE ROAM SHOE

STYE TIDE TIES 5 LETTERS ABBOT ABYSS AGILE ALIBI APART ASSET BANKS BARER CROCS CROSS ENEMA EPICS ERECT ESSAY HARSH IDEAL

No. 059

LEERY LISPS LIVEN LOOTS MACHO OBESE OPERA OUNCE PALER PAVED RASPS RECAP RIVAL SAGER SENDS SLEDS SLEET SLIDE SLOBS SMILE SNACK

SOLID STARE STARS TAMES THEME TRUES VIOLA 6 LETTERS AMOEBA TREBLE 7 LETTERS ENTHRAL OVERATE

RECEIVE SEDATES TRELLIS TUMULTS 8 LETTERS ABNORMAL CHARISMA SERENEST TREASURE 10 LETTERS BRIGHTNESS EMISSARIES

aching, acing, align, baling, bang, BLANCHING, cabling, caning, clang, cling, gain, glib, haling, hang, lacing, lancing, lang, nigh

3 8 2 4 9 5 1 6 7

hard

19

medium

18

easy

17

1

16

4 6

15

9 4 8

4 1 2

B I Z K A VMCG F D J T

7 5

S X NWH L Y U E OQ P R

7

14

8 5 2

7

WORDFIT

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MAIL 17

NEWS

Rotary wraps up markets

By Judith Shiel The Rotary Club of Lilydale held its last market for the year on Sunday 5 December.

The Christmas themed market was the perfect place for residents to get some of those gifts for Christmas and enjoy local produce.

Santa (Andrew Ermel) and pixie (Ann Wheeler) both RCL members, arrived in style at the market on the back of the Rotary trailer, ringing Santa’s bell.

Lolly bags, supplied by Cheryl MacKay, RCL Member, were gifted to those who had been good, young and old. So many children were thrilled to know that Santa knew where they lived.

It was a very pleasant afternoon with a dog friendly zone and afternoon tea listening to Rick the busker.

With over 509 cars into the car park and 870 plus patrons through the gate, 49 stalls, and 17 volunteers it was a successful end to the markets for 2021.

RCL received many messages of thanks and gratitude for the careful planning and organisation.

There was special effort on the gate to ensure every one used the QR code to check in.

It worked well, thank you to those on the gate and in the car park. Stallholders were very pleased on the day.

A number of stall holders and locals are already looking forward to the market returning on Saturday 6 February.

Santa handed out lollies to everyone, young and old.

The children were very excited to say hello to Santa.

Santa and his helper were happy to be joining in the fun at the Lilydale Craft and Produce Market last week.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Austin Pumper restored to its former glory by Montrose The need for a lockdown project was all the inspiration needed for two friends to restore a vintage Austin Pumper.

Eddie Tichelaar of Montrose Fire Brigade and Brett Eastwood, former Montrose member, purchased a 1956 WE Austin Series 3 in May 2020, and lovingly restored it over the following 18 months.

The vehicle had originally spent time stationed in Districts 14 and 22 before retiring.

“As we understand it, this vehicle spent its working life stationed at Nagambie and Whittlesea Fire Brigades and was decommissioned from active firefighting service in 1983,” Eddie said.

“After a brief stint being used for fire engine rides at Whittlesea’s Alpine Toboggan Park, the truck was put into storage for around 27 years”.

Brett purchased the Austin and the project to restore the truck began. Over the course of 18 months, the vehicle was stripped down, rebuilt and restored to a fully-functional vehicle.

Though the vehicle was in relatively good condition, the pair needed to search high and low for certain vehicle parts.

“Unfortunately, the front mounted pump had been removed from the appliance. After an extensive search, a pump was found in

Castlemaine which we believe was originally mounted on an Austin Pumper from the Rushworth Fire Brigade.”

Eddie said the restoration project was a trip down memory lane.

“The Austin Pumper was the first appliance I turned out to an incident on,” he said.

“It was a constant in my early days of firefighting, and also the vehicle I learnt to drive on, so it really was lovely to conjure up all those old memories for me”.

The duo recently took the Austin to CFA Headquarters in Burwood and the State Logistics Centre in Scoresby, and plan on touring it around District 13.

Eddie Tichelaar and Brett Eastwood have restored an Austin Pumper to its original form over 18 months.

Picture: CFA

Investment into young Victorians mental health services No young Victorian experiencing mental health concerns should fall through the cracks, and the state government hopes to make sure of that with a huge investment in targeted mental health outreach to provide the personalised care children and young adults need.

Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing recently announced that Eastern Health and Monash Health will each share in $16.3 million to expand the Mobile Targeted Assertive Outreach mental health teams statewide, supporting more than 560 extra young Victorians every year.

These vital outreach teams provide specialised support to Victorians aged 12 to 25 who are particularly vulnerable or at risk of disengaging with the system, reaching out to provide intensive one-on-one care in a setting young people feel comfortable with, and are likely to continue to engage in.

The teams work to identify and treat mental illness in young people, support and educate their families, minimise interruption to their educational and social lives, and support them to manage their ongoing health and recovery.

Ms Shing said that this funding would go a long way in the years to come and help improve the mental health system throughout the south east.

“This is a profound investment in young Victorians with complex needs living to the east of Melbourne – with outreach support to make sure nobody falls through the cracks of our mental health system, no matter what their life circumstances are,” she said.

The Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino, echoed Ms Shing’s sentiments and said 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

The state government has announced it will invest millions to help expand mental health services for young Victorians.

Picture: UNSPLASH that it was important that each and every Victorian sought help if they were struggling.

“I want every young Victorian who is strug-

gling with their mental health to know that support is available – we’re delivering extra services right across the state, tailored to

young people, so nobody needs to suffer in silence,” he said.

The extra support will enable the Infant, Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services at Eastern Health and Monash Health to reach hundreds more young Victorians in crisis each year – ensuring that young people across Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs can be supported with the specialised care they need, in their own communities.

The mobile teams are staffed by a variety of workers including psychiatric nurses, doctors, family and occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers – and importantly include youth peer workers with lived experience of the mental health system, who can connect to at-risk young people more effectively than traditional clinicians.

This outreach investment builds on a record $300 million delivered in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to boost the capacity of all Infant, Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services across Victoria over four years, providing support to more than 2,300 extra young Victorians aged 0 to 25 and their families every single year.

To build a new mental health and wellbeing system from the ground up that meets the needs of all Victorians, this year’s budget invested a record $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and support.

This unprecedented investment recognises how critical the early years are in promoting good mental health for life, with $842 million for children and young people so they are supported as soon as they need mental health care. mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Junior golf tournament

By Mikayla van Loon A major golf tournament is coming to Lilydale early next year, with three prime golf courses set to host Golf Australia’s Junior Amateur Championships.

The Yering Meadows, Gardiners Run and Eastern Golf clubs have been selected to hold the four day tournament in late January beginning Monday 24.

Yering Meadows Golf Club president Trevor Mair said the event is expected to draw upwards of 150 players from across the country, along with spectators, family and friends. “[Golf Australia] thought of this area because we’ve got three golf clubs in close proximity. So we’re quite excited about getting it,” he said.

“Because it’s junior, you think there’s going to be moms, dads, sisters, brothers coming out to watch. So conceivably, there could be 400 people two days of that week, which is great for the golf club.”

Yering will host the second and last day of the championship on Tuesday and Friday respectively, while Gardiners Run will open the event on the Monday and Eastern will host the Thursday.

Executive assistant Angela Chen said she hopes the championship will inspire more young golfers in the area to join the club and take up golf more regularly.

“It’s just getting our name out there, so we want people to be here and enjoy, especially to support PGA Golf Victoria and especially this one because it is a junior competition, we really want to have everyone see they are the future of golf,” she said.

Mr Mair agreed and said despite the potential cost to the club for hosting the event, it is worth it just to encourage those younger players to take up golf.

“We’re viewing it more as some publicity for the club for people who have never been here before. What we’re not good at is juniors and it’d be wonderful out of the event if we can at-

Yering Meadows Golf Course will be one of three to host the junior amateur golf championship. tract a good junior team,” he said.

“We used to have a very strong junior program at Croydon. So if we can get back to 10,15, 20 juniors, once you get a group that are improving, you can put them into the junior pennant team. And from junior pennant they really start to get interested and you never know where that’s going to go.”

Although a difficult course spread across the 330 acre property and designed by architect Ross Watson, with lots of water and bunkers, Mr Mair said junior golfers are usually a pretty good hit and they will be able to work out the

course after playing it on Tuesday 25 January.

“It’s challenging. If you can play well here, you’ll play well at lots of other courses.”

Greenskeepers have started preparing the golf course at Yering Meadows for the championship and will put a plan in place to keep it at a professional level.

Mr Mair said the last major PGA tour the club hosted was the Pro-Am four years ago where Marcus Fraser won but the club also holds their own championships and international days.

“We have had a Pro-Am here and I think

Council seeks funding for better lighting

By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Council approved two projects to be put forward for State Government funding to improve sports and recreation facilities.

Kimberley Reserve Chirnside Park and Yarra Glen netball courts were selected by the council to be submitted in Round 2 of the 2021-22 Country Football and Netball Program.

If successful, the projects would receive $1.50 from the government for every dollar the council contributed in principle.

The funds would go towards improving lighting at Kimberley Reserve in the training space and pathways and surfacing, lighting and fencing works at Yarra Glen netball courts.

Councillor Richard Higgins said there was no guarantee the council would be successful in round two but he was confident in the proposal put forward by the officers.

“These are two clubs in two areas where they are growing in numbers, where they’re assisting their communities to get back on their feet and female participation is being aided,” he said.

In August 2020 the council consulted with 107 clubs in the shire by way of a survey and 41 per cent of those clubs raised facility maintenance as the main support they needed from the council.

“It’s great to see these projects that were put out for consultation and from memory from the report there were no objections whatsoever, nothing but support from the clubs involved and the surrounding primary school at Kimberley Reserve,” Cr Higgins said.

The council will be seeking $54,000 for Kimberley Reserve and $146,000 for Yarra Glen from the Victorian government’s program.

Councillor Fiona McAllister said with already over 130 participants playing at Yarra Glen netball courts, the works could increase participation by 25 per cent.

“It’s wonderful when we get the opportunity to support some of our incredible local clubs,” she said. mailcommunity.com.au

Kimberley Reserve and Yarra Glen netball courts have been put forward for funding from the State Government.

Picture: UNSPLASH “In a town the size of Yarra Glen this is certainly a netball club that punches above its weight in active participants in the football netball club activities and they’re really proud of everything both those entities achieve.”

Cr Higgins said these proposed works for Kimberley Reserve allow for more recreational space and reinvigorate tired infrastructure.

“These projects at Kimberley Reserve offer the opportunity to utilise a bit of land that is

underutilised during the winter time, it can’t be used because there is no lighting,” he said.

“It’s not going to be a full blown football field or anything like that but it’s an area where smaller children or smaller groups of people can actually train without impacting on the larger ovals.”

The council voted unanimously to approve these projects for funding at the 7 December council meeting.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON there were about 120 players but we certainly got a lot of our members here watching them all finish. It was a really good atmosphere.”

Hoping for a similar atmosphere and crowd, Mr Mair said the first tee off time is expected to be 7.30am for each day, with golf being played well into the afternoon.

Spectators and players alike are welcome to stay at the golf club for drinks and meals after play has finished.

Mr Mair said he also hopes the championship brings life back to Lilydale, to help support small businesses after the last two years.

Cricket results Lindsay Trollope Shield South Croydon 1st XI 4/228(cc) (B Stewart 64, B Willis 51, TW Edwards 45, MR King 40, D Ryan 2/69) def. Wantirna South 1st XI 6/229 (CK Smith 87, TJ McGown 41, S Corcoran 27, M Crozier 3/44) Lilydale 1st XI 7/194(cc) (S Muthalif 58, QA Hodgkinson 46, D Thompson 32, GJ McInerney 4/52, C Lawson 2/44) def Norwood 1st XI 177 by 177 (BC Hastie 62, B O’Riley 42, D Thompson 3/45, QA Hodgkison 2/29) Montrose 1st XI 118 (M Edwards 35, A Keane, TD Stray 5/38, B Marget 2/14, D Walles 2/21) def Ainslie Park 1st XI by 4/122 (TD Stray 42*, A Sier 41, MJ Whittaker 2/32) Mooroolbark 1st XI 9/100(cc) (C Rennison 3/20, L Ridgewell 2/16) Def North Ringwood 1st XI by 3/102 (S Gray 49, M Neal 2/10) Bill Wilkins Cup East Ringwood 1st XI 2/167 (M Stevenson 70*, T Gibson 51*, T Willaims 2/26) def Mount Evelyn 1st XI by 8/166(cc) (D Fraser 41, H Lane 34*, B jones 33, M Stevenson 2/14, M Crowle 2/17, M Cook 2/32) Templeton 1st XI 143 (C Mitrevski 48, DA Johnson 3/15, JR Gilbert 3/30, DK turner 2/26) Def St Andrews 1st XI 5/161 (D Paisley 66*, J Hansen 39*, N Lyanpathirana 2/26) Wonga Park 1st XI 8/155(cc) J White 47*, L Bright 3/27, J Laughlin 2/15) def Bayswater Park 1st XI by 4/202(cc) (T Gstrein 104*, MD Adams 59) Mooroolbark 1st XI 9/100 (C Rennison 3/20, L Ridgewell 2/16) DEf North Ringwood 1st XI by 3/102 (S Gray 49, M Neal 2/10) Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 19

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