Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 14th December 2021

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

Mail

Concerns raised over future bushfire

Student scholarship to embark on the Kokoka trek

Millgrove residents asked for portraits

Chainsaw artist’s show to open in Warburton

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A Star News Group Publication

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Bring back play

By Renee Wood

Jack, Kim Seddon, Susanna Watt, Chloe, Kristy Baglin, Jock, Phil Budding, Thomas, Keren Wakefield and Elke are all members of the Friday Playgroup.

Picture: RENEE WOOD

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group family and said the decision to not reopen the group broke her heart.

Continued page 2

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“It was just it was like a little family and everyone was always welcome.”

Kimberley Seddon was also part of the play-

AU36010

both parents and the children. It’s just crazy to throw that away and I don’t know what I’ll do to fill that gap.

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Healesville parents have been left devastated following the news their local Friday Playgroup is being suspended indefinitely.

The group meets at 6 Vimy Ridge, Healesville every Friday from 10am-12pm for the Eastern Health run playgroup to provide support for the parents and for development and social connections for the children.

Healesville resident Kristy Baglin said she’s being going to the group since 2017 and it has helped her make friends after moving to the area, while also providing health support for extra referrals.

“It was the one time a week I interacted with other adults, which was really nice and because it’s with Eastern Health you’re also able to get help with certain things,” she said.

“When I was pregnant with my second child, I was in a lot of pain in my back and Michelle [group coordinator] was able to give me a referral to go see a physio therapist.”

Meetings were cancelled due to the pandemic early last year however, now the group has been told it won’t be returning in the near future.

Playgroup members received a letter from the group coordinator, which has been seen by the Star Mail, stating that the decision has been made to indefinitely suspend the playgroup for the foreseeable future due to most of the parents moving on with kinder and primary school aged children.

It also states how safety restriction and Covid-safe management issues have become an issue due to the venue not being managed by Eastern Health.

“It’s really sad, it’s such a great resource for

NEWS

Calls for playgroup to return

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.

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Conservation plan

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

Uncle Dave Wandin conducted the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. 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.”

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.

From page 1 “Not only for me and my son but for all parents in Healesville and surrounding suburbs, our family unit has been broken by the news,” Ms Seddon said.

Parent Sara Poynton started going to the group in 2011 and said she attended for ten years.

“When my youngest daughter was two, I was really struggling with her behaviours so Michelle referred me to an OT who helped with her behaviours and referred us to an agency. If we didn’t have Michelle we wouldn’t’ have got the help that we needed,” Ms Poynton said.

New mums also looking to join the group have been left with no where to go, including Healesville resident Lauren Meek who has a one year old.

“These kids and us mums have been through enough with this pandemic, now that we are so highly vaccinated, surely the playgroup can reopen for us all?” Ms Meek said.

Sue Lester a grandparent who attended the group with her grandchildren said it’s an essential service for mothers and children.

“Being a first time mum can be daunting, frustrating, confusing and exhausting – to be able to gather together once a week in a safe environment and speak openly to each other is important,” Ms Lester said.

Eastern Health spokesperson said the difficult decision to close the playgroup indefinitely was due to the uncertainty around the pandemic and changing restrictions.

“There were added difficulties running a group at an external site, such as department requirements around temperature testing and check-ins that contributed to the decision to suspend the group,” they said.

The spokesperson said Eastern Health is also continuing to accept paediatric and counselling referrals directly from families or from community services.

“Most services continue to be run via telehealth, however we are able to facilitate face-to-face services on a caseby-case basis in line with our COVID-19 policies and to support vulnerable clients.”

Despite the message from Eastern Health, the playgroup details are still listed on the website as running during school terms.

It’s believed the Yarra junction playgroup which is also run by Eastern Health has been running after the lockdown.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Future fire fears “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 Meteo-

Volunteer firefighters are addressing the changes climate change will bring.

Picture: ON FILE rology 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.

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 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.

Zaine praised with Tricia O’Reilly award

By Renee Wood Grade six student and School Captain Zaine Dyer has been named as this year’s recipient of the Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship and Award at Healesville Primary School on Friday 10 December.

The annual award is given to a grade six student who’s proven they emulate the qualities Tricia showed and who is an all round great student upholding the school’s values.

Zaine said he was very overwhelmed when he heard his name get called for the prestigious recognition.

“I was just surprised to be honest, I didn’t expect that I was going to get it but when I heard I was very happy,” he said.

Healesville Primary School Principal Tracey Robinson-Smith said he is an outstanding, reliable and responsible student.

“He’s incredibly empathetic and also very responsible, and if you give him a job, you know that he’ll give that 120 per cent,” Ms Robinson-Smith said.

The award started in 2001 in honour of Tricia, a Healesville High School and former Healesville Primary student who tragically died from a car accident when she was 12 years old.

The late Senior Sergeant Tony Van Gorp set up the award and scholarship in memory of Tricia, while it’s also now a legacy for Sgt Van Gorp.

Tricia’s sisters Cheryl and Danielle O’Reilly attended the ceremony with their children, and attend each year to show their support.

“We’ve seen quite a few of them when

Police are investigating a fatal collision which occurred in East Warburton Saturday afternoon, 11 December.

Emergency services were called to Woods Point Road about 1.50pm after reports a car had collided with a motorbike.

The rider, a 53-year-old Coldstream man, sadly died at the scene.

Investigators are yet to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, dashcam footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.

A Woori Yallock man has been arrested and released following an incident in Croydon this morning at Swinburne University.

Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit is investigating reports a man allegedly pointed a fiream at a security staff member on the Norton Road Campus.

Police attended the scene around 10.30am, with specialist police along with uniformed officers quickly responding by blocking off the area and arresting the man shortly after.

Officers seized what they believe to be a toy gun.

Nikita, Cheryl O’Reilly, Michael, Selina, Zaine Dyer, Tanisha, Danielle O’Reilly holding the Tricia O’Reilly awards.

Picture: RENEE WOOD they’ve grown up and worked around town, and they’ve definitely gone a long way a lot of them, so it’s pretty amazing,” Danielle O’Reilly said.

“It’s nice to see a male receive it, and being in a small town it’s nice to watch people you know grow,” Cheryl O’Reilly said.

The award is also given to the student who is going to Healesville High School the following year.

Healesville High School principal Allan Rennick said he’s looking forward to welcoming Zaine at the school next year.

“I’m sure we will get from Zaine what we have got from previous recipients, we’re expecting to see him uphold those school values and I’m sure he will because the primary school puts so much effort into choosing the recipient that I know he will be a wonderful student,” he said.

The 22-year-old man has been released pending further enquiries and police are not searching for anyone else in relation to the incident.

At about 4:35 pm on Saturday 27 November artwork, worth $400, was taken from the Cheteau Yering Winery art viewing area which displays art for emerging and established artists and was part of a collection presently on display, Yarra Glen Police are interested in identifying the couple shown below who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries in relation to the theft.

If you can identify either of the depicted persons please contact the Yarra Glen Police on 9730 1296 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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Police are looking for the people pictured in regards to art theft at Cheteau Yering Winery.

Picture: YR EYEWATCH

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The man in red joins CFA

By Renee Wood Healesville Fire Brigade will be chauffeuring Santa through the town’s main street on Thursday 16 October 7.00pm - 7.30pm during twilight trading.

Fifth Lieutenant Cliff Overton said the visit aims to support local traders for the Christmas shopping nights and encourage people to come down to the main street.

“It’s our way to say thanks and give back to the community, despite Covid we’ve still been operating as usual, and it helps remind people that the CFA are still around,” he said.

In previous years the fire brigade has driven Santa around for requested visits however, the

pandemic made that difficult to continue.

“Usually we would have request to attend places with Santa like childcares, but each spot now requires Covid safe plans and it has made it difficult.”

Now this will be the second year the fire brigade put on the sirens for Thursday night visits, with last year proven a success as families gathered to say hello to the jolly man in red.

“It was really nice last year after 2020’s version of Covid, we got to reconnect with the community and to see people in the street again – it was great.

“Santa will be on the truck waving as it drives through town, and members will be

walking in the street giving out treats to people to say thank you.”

The brigade also plans to visit the main street again with Santa on the last Thursday night trading, 23 December.

Recruitment is also in currently underway, with interested community members encouraged to contact the fire brigade if they’re interested in joining in the new year. ““We’re currently recruiting for members to take part in the general volunteer firefighters course which will start early next year.

The Healesville Fire Brigade is looking forward to bringing Santa to the main street of Healesville.

Picture: ON FILE

A special Christmas elf treasure hunt in Healesville

By Renee Wood The Healesville Community Carols Committee have been working with one of Santa’s elves to create a special treasure hunt for local families to enjoy this Christmas.

The carols were unable to go ahead due o having not enough time to prepare following restrictions easing, so the committee has devised a new means of entertainment.

Liberty Family Church Community Pastor Laura Hawting said the ‘Elvin Elf’s Ho Ho Hunt’ has an imaginative back story that families can follow along.

“Elvin Elf is a cheeky elf who fell off the back of Santa’s sleigh last Christmas Eve and he landed in Healesville and his elf tracking device was waterlogged, so Santa couldn’t track him down and he’s spent the whole year

Joel Hawting and Laura Hawting, Healesville Community Carols team are helping Elvin Elf plan a special treasure hunt for families.

Picture: SUPPLIED very disgruntled and making his way back to the North Pole. During this time, he devised a little cheeky challenge for the children of

Healesville,” she said.

It will take place in Queen’s Park from 18 December to 24 December with hidden QR codes set up and treasures placed out for families to find.

“He’s left clues around Queens Park Precinct and families can use smartphones to scan a QR code and up will pop a video of one of Elvin’s friends at the North Pole providing the next clue that Elvin’s passed on.

“Clues in the form of loved Christmas carols tweaked into a riddle leading to the next location where they collect a letter. At the end of the hunt, once they’ve collected all the letters you’ll unscramble them to come across Elvin’s secret Christmas word, which will be tied in with the prize at the end of the hunt.”

The Carol’s committee and liberty Family

Church have been the main drivers behind the special festive experience, wanting to give families something in place of the carols.

“We’re disappointed not to be able to provide the carols, so we wanted to provide something in its place to really bless the people of our community and raise people’s Christmas spirits this season.

“It’s something that can be enjoyed by young and old to really bring in the Christmas season and gather the community, albeit in a different way.”

For more information visit the Healesville Community Carols’ Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/healesvillecommunitycarols or contact Liberty Church on 59 622 206.

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

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Landcare facilitator

By Mikayla van Loon 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 networks across the state to plan and deliver onground natural resource management works that engage local communities, build community capacity and encourage diverse participation.

A certificate of usage rights has been approved for a Woori Yallock motor vehicle repair and sales site.

Picture: YRC AGENDA

Councillors approve a certificate for car repairs

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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, 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.”

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Yarra Ranges Councillors have approved an alternate motion to provide a Certificate of Compliance for Existing Use Rights for a Motor Vehicle Repair Workshop, Vehicle Store and Trade Supplies for a business in Woori Yallock.

Council officers first recommended in the agenda that the certificate should be refused due to the site at 1490 Warburton Highway, Woori Yallock being in a green wedge zone.

Annabel Paul from AP Planning spoke on behalf of the applicant and urged councillors to not agree to the first recommendation of refusal.

Ms Paul stated that the site had been used vehicle related purposes since 1972 and the past 15 years it has been used for motor repair, store and trade supplies.

“Council has not requested that the use cease over all this time and if it didn’t have existing use rights, then the question would be why hasn’t it,” she said.

Two statutory declarations also accompanied the application to give evidence of the sites usage over the past decades however, the council officers noted in the agenda this was not enough evidence.

Ms Paul reiterated that statutory declarations hold a lot of legal weight and should be highly regarded in the application.

“Bill Presbury has made a statutory declaration that the site has been used for various vehicle related services including car repairs, petrol station and sales and parts since 1972 and it continues to be used albeit it has been on a fairly restricted basis recently and that’s primarily due to Covid.”

After Ms Paul spoke, Mayor Jim Child put forward an alternate motion to approve the certificate.

“I’m very familiar with it over the last 50 years,” he said.

“It has supported family proprieties, providing jobs and services to the community for 50 years. Coming out of Covid we need this type of land use to continue giving jobs service and prosperity to the community.”

Mayor Child also rejected the claim made by the officers regarding the statutory declarations being not enough evidence.

“They are very serious documents to make a false declaration is a $110,000 fine and five years in Jail.”

Councillor Tim Heenan seconded the alternate motion and it saw a unanimous vote for the approval of the certificate.

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By Renee Wood

Yarra Ranges Landcare Network have welcomed its new facilitator, a role supported by the State Government and Yarra Ranges Council.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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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 require-

The proposed hotel site in proximity to surrounding structures. Picture: YRC AGENDA ment 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.

“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.”

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.

St Huberts Winery to build 80 room hotel

By Mikayla Van Loon 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.

YR 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 supporting 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.

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NEWS

Decades in gymnastics

By Renee Wood Healesville Gymnastics Centre owner and head coach Dru Troon may be familiar to many local families, with thousands of students to have tumbled and twirled in her classes over the past four decades.

But Ms Troon is passing on the reins to a new owner and has conducted her last class on Monday 6 December as she retires.

“It’s been lovely - it’s been a real privilege to have care of these children given to me, and it’s been lovely earning a living in a playground with children,” Ms Troon said.

What’s now known as the Centre first originally started as a club in 1978 when Ms Troon joined several other local parents to form a committee to bring the sport to the area.

“When we started off we would get coaches from down the line and at the high school a phys-ed teacher, but eventually I did coaching courses and became the head coach and remained that way because I loved it,” Ms Troon said.

After a few years of the committee running the club, Ms Troon and her Husband Richard Troon decided to form a company and become

the Centre, which hosted classes locally and in Yarra Junction and Emerald.

Ms Troon said it’s been wonderful seeing her students’ progress and build confidence over the years.

“Each year we see new gymnasts and we see children who are nervous and afraid to lean over the bar and be upside down or roll down a mat, it’s just lovely seeing them get confidence enough to do these things and safely too.”

Now the company will be closing as it’s now known, but Reach Gymnastics, owned by Rebecca Tilley, will be taking over the space at the Healesville Community Centre to continue providing gymnastic classes for the local community.

“I was relieved that I found someone so competent and so nice to take over, because I’ve been thinking about retiring for a couple of years and thinking but if I don’t do it, who’s going to provide gym classes in Healesville and luckily I came across Rebecca.”

Healesville Gymnastics Centre Director Dru Troon shaking hands with one of the new Reach Gymnastics team members Erin Murphy.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Kokoda trek to be awarded to one lucky student

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

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 Award. 205646 Picture: ON FILE 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 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 average 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.”

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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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NEWS

Enjoy cuppa and tunes

By Renee Wood Nothing sounds better than grabbing your morning coffee and sitting down listening to some live local music – and now the community can do just that next Saturday and Sunday 18-19 December.

Ash King from Jamalama Music has created a special pop up event to showcase artists on the stage at the new ‘Healesville Pop Up’ area behind The Memo.

“The concept is basically that you go to your favourite local cafe, grab a coffee, and then wander over and just chill out, listen to local Yarra Valley artists, and enjoy this sweet new space that’s been created,” Ash said.

“A lot of our performers are all original singer songwriters as well, writing their own tunes, about various things.”

Local music artists Peter Read, Josh Bain, Trev Dwyer will be playing 10am-11.30am on the Saturday, and Szara Fox, Andrew Darling and Gio and Kath will be playing the same time slot Sunday.

“I’ve got a new song to share and I haven’t played in quite a while due to Covid so it will be great to start again and reconnect with people,” Joshua Bain said.

“I woke up at three in the morning with this tune in my head because it’s on my phone. In the middle of the night. The next I write the song no chorus came to me so it’s good.”

The event will be utilising the new Healesville Pop Up space behind the Memo, which was recently created by the council.

Artist Paul Sonsie was also brought on board to bring the area to life with his vinyl artwork.

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

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Coldstream open garden becomes a wonderland

By Renee Wood Gio Guzman, Ash King, Paul Sonsie and Joshua Bain in the Healesville pop up space where the event will be held.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “I’ve depicted people playing music, people playing, people relaxing and a little bit of culture in the in the piece so the space is open for interpretation really,” Paul Sonsie said.

The Morning Cuppa Series will only be held on the two days but more “Music is a great medium to really activate a space or any performance, and I like the element of surprise.

You’re going to be walking past with your morning coffee and wonder, what’s going on there? It’s you the element of surprise. It reflects back that it’s a great community to be part of, people want hidden surprises, not to have everything so forced.”

The free event’s being presented by Jamalama Music, with help from Yarra Ranges Council, Healesville Music Festival and Yarra Valley Musicians Collective.

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

A mad hatter’s tea party is on display.

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.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Carving art

By Renee Wood Lockdowns created a time of isolation, uncertainty and discomfort for many Victorian creatives, something Chainsaw Artist Shlomit Moria found difficult.

However, it was through creating sculptures of her friends from Warburton she found comfort to get through the strange time.

“It really helped me mentally to deal with the lockdown, as the time went by I sank into a bit more depression and a bit more sadness,” Ms Moria said.

“It got really hard and I wasn’t even motivated to do any work, so thinking of this project really gave me inspiration and brought me out and helped me to get back to my happy self - I had stuff to do, to think about and to figure out,” The project Ms Moria is referring to is her first solo exhibition ‘Warburtonians’ which is launching Thursday 16 December at the Warburton Waterwheel Gallery.

During the lockdown, the chainsaw artist carved out several wooden sculptures of her friends from the area which will be revealed.

“We have so many amazing people and just really warm people that helped each other during the lockdown - it was a very hard time for everybody and I just missed my friends.

“When I worked on these people, it was like spending time with a friend, as I worked on their hands and their beard, whatever, it was like spending time with them.”

Ms Moria started working with wood in 2015 but said an experience before the pandemic began heightened her craft.

“Just before Covid I was fortunate to be in north India, in traditional Tibetan carving classes in a Tibetan refugee place and what it taught was to slow down and that’s really what

Shlomit Moria, one of Victoria’s only female chainsaw artists, is opening her exhibit ‘Warburtonians’ 16 December at the Waterwheel Gallery, Warburton.

Picture: SUPPLIED set my work to the next level.

“It really helped me to stop and instead of just trying to cut it, as I think it should be, but really observe and see and really look at the reference and slow down and take my time.”

Now Ms Moria is excited to share her creations and growth with the community at the exhibit.

“I’m very excited, it’s great - there is a little bit of a buzz in the community, I know that some people are looking forward to see it and to see if they can identify themselves.”

The show will run until 4 January 2022 at the Waterwheel Gallery in Warburton.

Millgrove portraits needed People of Millgrove have been photographing the town over the past few months in lockdown, but now photos of the people, and their pets are needed.

Over 50 photographs have been submitted to the ‘Millgrove Art Attack’ project which will culminate in a projection lightshow event on 9 April 2022.

Project manager Warburton artist and photographer Suzanne Phoenix said, “The photographs contributed are a broad range of scenes of Millgrove and I am very excited about how they are going to look projected onto the iconic Millgrove surfaces and spaces.”

“The thing that is missing is the faces of people and their pets too, so I am inviting people to have their portrait taken with me.”

On Saturday 18 December between 12pm and 2pm near the Millgrove Shops picnic tables Suzanne will be taking portraits that will be included in the projection event.

It can be just with individuals or also your cat or dog, bird or horse or any pet you’d love to see in the event.

There are still two Millgrove Photowalks scheduled on Saturday 28 February for anyone interested in taking their own photographs, no experience is necessary, and submissions can also be made online until March 2022.

Australia’s Little Projection Company are presenting the projections with their Projector Bike and the April event will light up the Upper Yarra Valley in its own unique way, like Gertrude Projection Festival does in Collingwood.

Bookings are needed for the Photowalks but not the portraits, for all the information and submissions see https://suzannephoenix.com/millgrove Millgrove Art Attack is funded by Yarra Ranges Council.

Photographers featured in the projections (of images provided) – Heather Walker, Brooke Powell and Dakini Maddock.

Millgrove will soon light up for a special light projection event scheduled for April 2022.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX

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

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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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OPINION

Helping free kids stress 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 with you how whole food and nutrition can play a pivotal role to help reset the body’s stress response and be part of an integrative approach to help champion our kids.

Chronic stress affects multiple body systems. It can weaken the immune system, perpetuate inflammation, increase fatigue and lead to an un-natural 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 re-

Healthy

living Tim Howden

Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville sponses and behaviours. Young children may show regressive behaviour and middle-year children may appear appear to have disruptive behaviour or seem disorganised in daily tasks.

Teenagers may withdraw into guilt or depression. As parents it can be difficult to observe

2021 bad films list 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 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 outof-place chipper assassin, the derivative Fight Club-style twist and the rubbish 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 oddcouple 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

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these things but helpful to recognise shifts in behaviour as a barometer of how one’s child is coping.

Food and good nutrition has the ability to help modulate and adapt brain function. It has the ability to ease stress and support the nervous system in a positive way. Focus on simple food combinations your children enjoy.

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. Think of it as a metaphor to include a little “Sweetness” back into their lives. 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.

A merry literacy Xmas 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 five-step 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

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PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN 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.

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Warburton Shell Service Station 3458 Warburton Highway Warburton Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 3371 Warburton Highway Warburton Bell Real Estate 3407 Warburton Highway Wesburn Local Fuel 2835 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Foodworks Woori Yellock 1/1585 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Newsagency & Tattslotto Shop 4/ 1585 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Hillcrest Little Store Great Food 1745 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Shell Service Station Foodies 1700 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Australia Post LPO Shop 11 / 1585 Warburton Highway, The Centre Yarra Glen Ritchies IGA Shop 1/38 Bell Street Yarra Glen Caltex Petrol Station 66 Bell Street Yarra Glen Newsagent 32 Bell Street Yarra Glen United Garage 6 Bell Street Yarra Junction Woolworths Supermarket 82-84 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bottle O 2440 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bell Real Estate 2457 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Newsagency 2454 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 2460 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Yarra Junction Community Link 2442-2444 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Gladysdale Bakehouse 2568 Warburton Hwy Yellingbo Central Store 1942 Healesville-Kooweerup Road

12527817-BL51-21

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

CHARACTER ON PICTURESQUE LAND HERE’S your chance to secure your piece of the ever popular Yarra Valley, offering approx 3 glorious acres with the perfect mix of lush lawns, pastured paddocks and scattered bush.

The character home exudes all the charm and ambience of the days gone by and offers 4 bedrooms all with built in robes including a walk-in robe and ensuite in the main bedroom.

The country-style kitchen is superb and has ample bench and cupboard space with quality appliances, expansive living areas spread over 2 levels offer the growing family plenty of space with separate living/family and downstairs rumpus room or teenagers games room plus a classic period style formal dining/sitting room.

Entertain in style all year round with a huge covered entertaining area big enough to accommodate the largest of family gatherings and perfectly positioned overlooking the picturesque gardens and the colourful backdrop with stunning age old lush shady trees and beautiful established gardens. Plenty of car space plus a lock up garage with sealed pathways and plenty of under house storage, make the move now and come and enjoy the relaxed semi rural lifestyle and country atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to call home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Corbetts Road, LAUNCHING PLACE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,180,000 - $1,295,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll, 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

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

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 13

HOME FOCUS

COUNTRY LIVING WITH SPACE COME and live the relaxed country lifestyle situated on just under three picturesque acres and offering the growing family loads of space to spread out, explore and enjoy.

The home is spacious and offers plenty of space as well with four good size bedrooms,

separate lounge/living and dining/meals area, fresh bathroom and a modern country style kitchen with gas cooking and loads of bench and cupboard space.

Entertain all year round with a covered entertaining area perfectly positioned

overlooking the picturesque acres with plenty of room for the pets and kids to run around and enjoy.

There’s loads of car accommodation with a lock up garage, office area and a six-bay machinery shed/carport. The kids will love

the hockey rink perfect for basketball, skate boarding or BMX. This property offers the perfect, semi-rural lifestyle and, backing onto acres and acres of grazing farmland, it’s the perfect rural aspect to sit back and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1392 Little Yarra Road, GILDEROY Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 garage Price: $770,000 - $810,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION

1392 Little Yarra Rd Gilderoy

$770,000 - $810,000

432 Woods Point Rd East Warburton

Country Living with acres of space

Country Lifestyle & beautiful home

Come and live the relaxed country lifestyle situated on just under 3 picturesque acres. The home is spacious and offers plenty of space as well with 4 good size bedrooms, separate lounge/living and dining/meals area, fresh bathroom and a modern country style kitchen with gas cooking and loads of bench and cupboard space. Entertain all year round with a covered entertaining area perfectly positioned overlooking the picturesque acres. Loads of car accommodation with a lock up garage, office area & 6 bay machinery shed/ carport, the kids will love hockey rink perfect for basketball, skate boarding or BMX, this property offers the perfect, semi rural lifestyle it’s the perfect rural aspect to sit back and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.

Beautifully positioned on approximately 1500 sq. metres with wonderful mountain views from your own backyard.

Situated just outside the township of Warburton this family home offers 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite & walk in robe, family room with split system and those gorgeous views. Great living space with two separate areas, light and bright plus a five 5kw solar system. Step outside to your covered entertaining area which overlooks the fully fenced rear yard, a super space for both kids and pets, complete with a separate fenced off area for the firepit. This home represents great value offering modern conveniences in a semi-rural environment and just minutes’ drive to facilities with some breathtaking views across the Yarra Valley.

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320 Inspection: Saturday 12.30 - 1pm (Photo ID Required)

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: Saturday 11-11.30am (Photo ID Required)

bellrealestate.com.au 14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

$650,000 - $710,000

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

5962 3030

Mark Gunther e in n l n o o cti au

markgunther.com.au 189 Maroondah Highway, Healesville

e in n l n o o cti au

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Healesville 38 Newgrove Road

Badger Creek 21 Badger Avenue

Grand Old Lady on Almost 5 Acres This magnificent residence has been in the same family for 50 years & is now looking for new owners. Are you looking for a project?

This property will require work but for those who love the character, this will be a labour of love! Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living areas plus separate garage & carport, overlooking the township to distant mountains.

4A 3B 8C Current Bid $1,100,000 Inspect

By Appointment or OFI Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

Ready Just to Move In!

4A 2B 2C

This fabulous family home is ready for you to just move in. Immaculately presented, with new flooring & freshly painted, plus an updated kitchen. Featuring master with WIR & ensuite, separate living/dining areas, solar, GDH, spilt system & wood heating. Outside, there are beautifully landscaped gardens, ample parking. garden shed, & an insulated workshop/garage.

Price Guide $690,000 - $750,000 Inspect

By Appointment or OFI Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

e in n l n o o cti au

e in n l n o o cti au

Healesville 6 Rutter Avenue

3A 1B 3C

Healesville 4/90-92 Maroondah Highway

2A 1B 1C

Set on a lovely 580sqm (approx.) allotment, this 3 bedroom home features polished floorboards, spacious lounge & a family kitchen & dining area set to the rear of the home. Outside there is a large lock up garage ideal for a tradie, plus the undercover patio is the perfect spot to relax while being surrounded by a beautiful cottage garden.

FOR SALE

This neatly presented 2-bedroom home, offers a bright spacious lounge room complete with bay window, dining area & a well- equipped kitchen. Both bedrooms are of a good size, with ceiling fans & a WIR for the master. The home also features a single lock up garage, gas ducted heating & a fully fenced backyard.

Price Range: $485,000 - $530,000

Current Bid $625,000 Inspect

By Appointment or OFI Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

e in n nl tio o c au

Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

lD

So

Healesville 5/6 Grandview Crescent

3A 2B 2C

Healesville 17 Rutter Avenue

If you’re looking for a stylish character home where peace, privacy & lifestyle are assured, then this home is it. Ideally set in a quiet location within an easy walk to town. Featuring open plan living, gas log fire, quality kitchen, master with ensuite & WIR, entertaining deck, GDH, evap cooling, double lock up garage & beautiful gardens.

FOR SALE

This 3 bedroom home on 463m2 approx has just SOLD via Online Auction via Openn Negotiation.

Sale in only 2 weeks, with multiple bidders and over reserve. Wondering how much YOUR property is worth in today’s market? Call today for your free, no-obligation valuation today!

mailcommunity.com.au

Inspect

By Appointment or OFI

Current Bid $685,000 Inspect

By Appointment or OFI Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

3A 2B 3C

SOLD for $770,000 Agent Gary Lucas 03 5962 3030

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 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

Today’s Aim: 9 words: Good 13 words: Very good 18 words: Excellent

H

N

L

B

G C

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 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

3 8 2 4 9 5 1 6 7

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

20

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

17-12-21

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au 1157336-CB40-14

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

General Notices

V Trades Business Profile

V Electricians 12438941-CG04-20

V Public Notices and Event

J.L. Hutt Electrical

DECLARATION Grow your business with

CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be introducing fire restrictions (Fire Danger Period and Prohibited Period, respectively) for all private land within the municipalities listed below.

TRADES & SERVICES

Municipality Date of Commencement Mitchell Shire Council 13/12/2021 13/12/2021

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Restriction Period.

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Information about fire restrictions within the Fire Protected Area can be obtained from www.ffm.vic.gov.au, or your local Forest Fire

IAN HARRIS Pa in ti n g Reliable service Over 20 years’ experience Healesville, Yarra valley & Surrounding Areas

Ian 0412 814 298 Jake 0402 913 197

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Jason 1300 644 698

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5966 9141 R.E.C. 8864

1211217-PB51-15

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V Fencing & Gates

KELLY’S FENCING & TIMBER ฀฀฀฀ ฀฀฀฀

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Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

Call 1300 666 808 12426286-LB38-19

V Deadline

Furniture Removals ( JhkYai 7lW_bWXb[ IjehW][ 7lW_bWXb[

V Air Conditioning

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

Be cool this summer

Phone: 1300 666 808

• Brivis Evaporative Cooling • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Pensioner discounts • Evap & Split Service Specials

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au (include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by:

STEVENS GLASS

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V Awnings, Blinds & Curtains

Healesville Blinds

Proprietor ProprietorChris ChrisBurley Burley

5962 4060 0409 889 507 0409 889 507

• Frameless/Semi-frameless shower screens • Frameless balustrading • Splashbacks • Cut to size while you wait

Phone: 9726 6488

2214155v11

RIDGELINE GLASS & GLAZING

BLINDS & SECURITY DOORS

• Blinds and Awnings of all types • Security Doors and Screens • Competitive Rates and Free Measure and Quote

• Household & Shopfront Glass Repairs • Insurance Work • Commercial & Domestic Glazing • Mirrors

1118763-RC07-14

12522612-JW47-21

9870 7059 www.fairbairns.com.au

1202250-KC42-15

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

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

375 Maroondah Highway, North Croydon

Showroom open Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm (8 - 12 Saturdays) REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

12493755-SN19-21

Find your Local Professionals in our

Phone Dean 5962 1090 Mobile: 0412 086 471

V Glass/Glazing

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS/BANK TRANSFER

12527312-DL51-21

Boxes and packaging material for sale Local, country and metro All Household Maintenance Available

• Domestic/Commercial Glazing/Repairs • Manufacture of Frameless/Semiframeless & Fully Framed Shower Screens • Double Glazing & Laminated Glass • Glass cut to size - Pick up or Delivery • Insurance Work Handled • Free Quotes or just some advice • New Colours and Styles in Splashbacks • Qualified Tradesman

Call your local Glass Supplier Ph/Fax: 5962 2888 Mobile: 0418 102 370 Prop. DAVID DUNCAN 24HRS - 7DAYS 16 HUNTER ROAD, HEALESVILLE All major credit cards accepted

1194040-KC32-15

Chris Hardman Chief Fire Officer – Forest Fire Management Victoria

section of Network Classifieds.

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Jason Heffernan Chief Officer – CFA

Trades & Services

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*Domestic *Commercial *New Installations *Maintenance Ph: 0418 172 328

12368209-HM42-17

Murrindindi Shire Council

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

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12334723-EPJ02-17

The Fire Restriction Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1 May 2022.

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12409424-CG04-19

Fire Restrictions

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24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

12454729-SG29-20

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 17

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

Yering Meadows Golf Course will be one of three to host the junior amateur golf championship. 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 attract 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

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

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 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.

Handy Persons

Pest Control

V

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Tree Lopping/Surgery

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12386568-ACM19-18

TERMITES ANTS WASPS SPIDERS MICE RATS ETC

ANYTHING CONSIDERED LOCAL WARBURTON

12453036-SG27-20

Commercial/Domestic & New/Established Homes

Phone 5964 3888

5966 5559 - 0416 040 105

www.frontlinetpc.com.au

C1069369-JL15-13

$200 per metre Delivered

T. White Tree Removal ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Roofing

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0433 223 796

Ricky Prest: yr.landscaping@hotmail.com

TERMITE CONTROL SPECIALIST

rangerpestcontrol.com.au Free termite quotes - Family owned business ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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0488 097 005 Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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Paul 0418 570 231

Monumental Masons

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Lic. 25035

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paulnobes@live.com.au

Septic Tanks

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

5962 4841

General Notices section of Network Classifieds.

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

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

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

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

MASTER STONEMASONS SPECIALISING IN: Monuments and Memorials Gravestone Inscriptions Renovations and Restorations Robert Markovski - 0413 853 402 robert@markovskimemorials.com - Kilmore Luke Woodson - 0476 449 169 luke@markovskimemorials.com - Hurstbridge www.markovskimemorials.com.au Markovski memorials Pty Ltd - ABN: 52 640 440 642

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Employment

12515689-JW41-21

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12402861-RA44-18

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YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

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1129931-RC16-14

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12334723-EPJ02-17

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Ian 0412 814 298 Jake 0402 913 197

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Massage Therapists

Pets & Services

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

12462305-LB39-20

All types of Roofs

Reliable service Over 20 years’ experience Healesville, Yarra valley & Surrounding Areas

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The Re-Roof Man

Painters/Decorators

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Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

IAN HARRIS Painting

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Ph Tim 0435 543 096 Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

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LANDSCAPING

YARRA RIDGE

฀ Specialising In: • All Aspects of Stonework • Paving • Retaining Walls • Driveways • Landscape Construction • 3 Tonne Excavator with Augers

0407 307 432

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Firewood

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12423634-SN31-19

Trades & Services

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

9735 3700

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

SPORT

Batting fails again

By Ian Callen At home to Heathwood at Queens Park Saturday, Healesville’s batting was again disappointing.

This time only good enough for 106 off 34.5 overs.

The unfortunate Joshua Handasyde run out for a second time this season.

The best of the batting was Kris Andersen 32 and the all round abilities of Nicholas Lowe chipping in with 22.

For the away team, Nic Oakley lead the Heathwood bowlers with figures of 4/20 off 8 overs.

In the field Healesville’s worked hard, removing both the openers and proving to supporters that if they can get some decent runs to defend, they’ll be in the game against anyone.

Best of the bowlers, Nicholas Lowe 8/3/0/20 2nd XI Healesville 8/140 were defeated by Ainslie Park 8/142 Ben Wallace 42 and 4/25 3rd XI Eastfield 9/141 v Healesville 104 Riley Dash 2/18 and Moss Fawdry 3/12 4th XI Marysville 114 v Healesville 50

· · · ·

Warburton 1 teams of (L to R) Noel Whelan, Mick Brennan, Paul Caneva and Rayna Zunneberg assessing the situation of their game during the day.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

A pursuit that became a golf passion It was Saturday morning, 27 November this year at the RACV Club and the best of our community golfers were out on the course participating in the club’s premier competition.

Each of them with the intent of being a top of the leaderboard by plays end; a time when all scorecards have been scanned into the Pro Shops computer and automatically updated to the revolving leadership board on display in the members bar.

For most of the day Jan O’Brien; a mother of three who took up her golf just seven years ago, had held the number one position and when her win was finally confirmed, it was a story for the game of golf!

Particularly in Healesville, a great promotional story for the RACV and its golfing sections across the state.

After all, it wasn’t all that long ago that women were not allowed to play competition golf against the men, but now a days, everything is about “inclusiveness”, is it not?

And in the golfing world, it is all about treating every golfer as a golfer as long as the appropriate attire is worn.

For those closest to O’Brien, the win was not all that remarkable because they’d witnessed a marvelous journey that started when Jan was looking for an interest she could share with her husband Shane.

Their children had become more independent and although having never been involved in the game of golf and quite naive about how she should go about it, her husband probably gave her the best advice she could have hoped for at the time.

“Shane thought it best not to help or advise me, as he would pass on his bad habits.

So I just plodded along, having a few lessons, trying to work out what the game was about and then, I found Laurie Tormey and Tony Druit who have helped me understand golf,” Jan said.

Laurie and Tony, both long time servants of the game in Healesville have been instrumental in mentoring many of our community golfers and more recently a growing list of ladies willing to learn, not only technical skills but to read the holes and improve their approach to the greens.

“We discussed the rules, the importance

Callen’s column Ian Callen of the rhythm of the swing, about playing to your strengths and their wisdom has really been beneficial. And that’s not to say, it’s been easy, my handicap has gone up and down and my driving was going backward for a time” Jan said.

But for Tormey and Druit, they must feel a great sense of satisfaction, especially when it all started to click for their rookie, watching on as her confidence grew to where Jan is today with “three hole in ones” under her belt.

Jan laughs and said, “You might get away with saying the first was a fluke, but not the other two - they were good shots.”

The first came at the Cape Schanck 16th, the second at Healesville’s 16th last year and the most recent the 4th, “The Gully” at Healesville just last month.

So I had to ask, “When playing against the men Jan, did you ever feel intimidated or was it fortunate that you had your mentors to ease you into the men’s competition?”

“Interesting question, I’ve worked in a male dominated industry all my life so I wasn’t necessarily intimidated but I did feel the pressure of not playing to what I thought was an acceptable standard for that comp day. Laurie and Tony were of course great, but my personal expectation, did put a level of pressure on me. Thinking back, it was ridiculous really and it wasn’t only me, Lyn Phillips also played and we did receive some negative comments but we weren’t offended.

We just put it down to some men feeling their space was being invaded and recognised they needed time to accept change, the majority were fabulous. I think we added an extra dimension to the day in some respects, it provided a subject to talk about either positive or negative and we don’t feel any angst toward us at all nowadays,” Jan explained For Jan the most difficult aspect of golf was overcoming her own ego, “The harder I

Jan O’Brien enjoys playing golf at the RACV club.

Picture: SUPPLIED tried, the worse I became, it was very humbling and still is, although I have now accepted my limitations. Initially it was hard for me to be hopeless, especially in a group with Shane and his friends who are big hitters. But as I accepted my standard, my golf improved and now the best part of my play according to Laurie and Tony is my short game. I still want to work hard on my approach shots. I am amazed sometimes watching on as Laurie and Tony place an approach within inches of the hole. I can’t do that, but I am working on it,” Jan said.

All the results from Warburton golf

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 8 December - Stableford: Warren-Sheargold has been threatening to “play out of his skin” for a couple of weeks now, and this very good score of 40 points was overdue.

The B-Grade voucher was his! Neil “Mr. Scotland” Leckenby won A-Grade with a neat 36 points and the day’s R/up was Barry Maltman, amassing 37 points. Balls got down to 34.

NTP’s went to Warren-Sheargold, (5th), Dave-Murch, (9th), G. Lemister, (a Yea guest-on the 10th), David-Waterman, (12th)and to Ms. Dickson (15th).

TWILIGHT: President-Hatt showed that his extra admin duties are NOT affecting his golf.

His 21 points accounted for all others in the mailcommunity.com.au

field, allowing him to grab the Twilight voucher.

That man, Leckenby, is in “red-hot” form, as he grabbed the R/up voucher with 20 excellent points. Balls extended to 18 only!

NTP winners were Shane-Campbell, (10th), Sam-Dennis, (12th) and Kenno, (15th).

Saturday 11 December - Stroke and Foursomes Championship: This is a board event, so it stands to reason that it presents a real challenge to all and sundry.

The key to success is team work more than in any other competition.

On offer are the Open-Foursomes championship and the best Nett score.

The Open winners, clearly with some consistent teamwork golf were Steve-Wyatt and Michael-Pinkster, with a creditable 119 “offthe-stick” ( Keep in mind that is over 27 holes,

not 18). The Nett winners, with a superb Nett 103, were the popular pairing of MeredithNursey and Gerry-Hadfield.

This is especially impressive as CaptainMeredith had plenty on her mind, (as all good Captains do) and her partner is a sprightly nonagenarian 95 and counting!

They also happen to be next-door neighbours, so this win was “written in the stars!”

The R/up was the pairing of David-Murch and Michael-Plant - well done to all on these achievements.

There were some NTP winners, namely-Steve-Wyatt, (3rd), Geoff-Fall, (9th), Paul-Osbourne, (12th) and Trevor-Porter, (15th) The Christmas breakup is on next Saturday, (the 18th), so assemble your 4-Person Ambrose team “quick-smart.

Warburton Bowls Club report A wonderful victory by the Weekend Warburton 2 side highlighted a week of bowls for the Warburton Bowls Club.

Unfortunately, once again, they had to forfeit the Weekend 6-a-side game due to lack of available players over the weekend.

The 6-a-side team play Burwood Districts at home this week, depending upon player availability.

The Weekend Warburton 1 side played a determined Mitcham 1 at home, going down 63 shots to 80.

Rink scores were as follows: C. Neale 21/ 15; A. Donohue 17/ 18; J. Van Der Zweep 14/ 23 and P. Caneva 11/ 24. They play Donvale1 away this week in the final game before the Holiday Break.

The Warburton 2 team led all day to record their second win for the season against Ringwood 3 at home, 92 shots to 61.

Rink scores were P. Summers 25/ 10; G. Lewis 18/ 17; R. Bartlett 24/ 17 and M. Reynolds 25/ 17. The team plays Chirnside Park 2 away this week.

The Mid Week Warburton 1 side played Yarra Glen 1 at home and went down by 6 shots overall, 52 to 58.

Rink scores were S. Lord 21/ 17, G. Walsh 12/ 22 and R. McKail 19/ 19. They play Heathmont 2 away this week.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Triples Competition will commence on Wednesday 2 February 2022 and there are still vacancies for six more teams.

This is always an enjoyable opportunity for beginners and the less experienced bowlers. Contact Tash Caneva 0428420661 for further details.

The Pink Triples Tournament, sponsored by Professionals Real Estate, will be held on Sunday 6 February 2022.

Women and Men of all abilities may participate in this most worthy cause with all proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Research.

A barbecue sausage sizzle, raffles and prizes will run during the day and its $10 per player Entry Fee. Contact Rayna Zunneberg 0419472450 for further details.

Warburton’s Rod McKail in action on the weekend.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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