Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 14th December 2021

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

A Tecoma student’s idea stands out in Aus comp

CFA to embark on Santa runs

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

Mail State’s first conservation area announced

Student scholarship to embark on the Kokoka trek

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A Star News Group Publication

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Honouring Lucas

By Parker McKenzie CFA members and associations around Victoria have shown an outpouring of support for the achievements and life of Commander Peter Lucas upon hearing of his passing.

Mr Lucas passed away on 28 November after a battle with illness.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said Mr Lucas made an impact around the state throughout his long career as a firefighter.

“He received the highest accolade in Australia when he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of his contribution to the fire services,” Mr Cook said.

“In particular in recognition of his work in peer support, he was a pioneer in peer support programs which is firefighters caring for firefighters after traumatic events or during tough circumstances.”

Mr Lucas started his CFA career as a junior member of Ferntree Gully fire brigade in 1971 at 15-years-old, before becoming a volunteer member in 1973.

He became a career firefighter in 1975 before serving in the Boronia, Bendigo and Dandenong fire brigades.

His funeral service on 9 December was attended by hundreds of coworkers and members of the community who Mr Lucas made an impact with. A guard of honor was held in his honour featuring CFA vehicles and helicopters.

The Basin CFA wrote on Facebook that Mr Lucas was a kind and compassionate individual.

“He was only recently with us in a training practice, having enjoyed the hands-on experience once again, he took the opportunity to

drive the fire tanker back to the station,” The Basin CFA said.

“His elation was palpable; the beaming smile on his face was equally appreciative and will be remembered for a long time.”

Mr Lucas served as commander of Bass Coast CFA and as Officer in Charge of Noble Park CFA. He was also an instructor to the CFA training college and spent recent years working at CFA headquarters in an operations role.

Mr Cook said you don’t see many people who have the care and compassion that Peter did.

“The carer of the carers was Peter. He was caring for the people who were caring for the community, as well as doing his job,” Mr Cook said.

“He was always looking out for everybody, he would never walk past anybody’s door without sticking his head in and checking in.”

Other CFAs around Victoria joined in sending condolences to his family and celebrating the lifetime commitment to firefighting Mr Lucas made.

Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said it was hard to imagine a more well known character in the fire service.

“I first met Lukey in 2001 when he provided support for us after an incident that hospitalized five firefighters,” he said.

“It was only a month ago we were talking about catching up for a brew, but never got to.”

Commander Peter Lucas passed away in late November.

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Budding young inventor

By Parker McKenzie A Tecoma primary student has won the opportunity to make her own invention a reality after taking out the top prize in ClickView Aussie Student Invention award.

11-year-old Daisy Taylor from Tecoma Primary School invented a wearable flotation device designed with non-verbal autistic children in mind.

The T-shirt – called the Sea Tee - features a flotation device and a sensor that allows children to play and swim safely; even if they can’t communicate they are tired.

Daisy said while her cousin Tim helped inspire the idea, she wanted to help people with her invention.

“It was kind of the whole community that have these problems in everyday life, that kind of inspired me to make the Sea Tee,” she said.

“There were a lot of really good inventions that would help the community but I’m really happy that I get the opportunity to be able to make it a real thing.”

The Aussie Student Inventions Competition is held in partnership with Clickview Australia and TV show Aussie Inventions that Changed the World, with the aim to encourage school children to create and innovate ideas in the classroom.

ClickView Australia head of digital marketing Andrew Donnelly said there was a huge range of ideas entered into the competition.

“Unfortunately we can’t showcase everyone’s ideas and inventions because some of them are amazing,” he said.

“It’s not just cool toys, they are picking ideas about topics that are really important like climate, the environment, mental health wellbeing while targeting and trying to create solutions to them.”

Clickview is a provider of educational media and video content for primary, secondary

Daisy Taylor won the ClickView Aussie Student Invention award for her Sea Tee idea. and tertiary schools.

As the winner of the award, Daisy will receive two mentoring sessions with the competition’s judging panel to help make her idea a reality, $3000 and access to a network of innovators.

“Invention is sort of a mindset where if you can go out and look around and see if there’s

anything that you can change,” Daisy said.

“You could go around and see if that could change in the world.”

Daisy said when she finishes school she wants to be an animator.

“I’d like to thank my teacher and my class because she was super supportive when it was

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE announced that I was a finalist and then I was a winner,” she said.

“They were all super happy and they started screaming and yelling, but in a good way!”

You can read more about the competition, the inventions and the winners at www.clickview.com.au/aussie-student-inventions.

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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IN BRIEF Illegally dumping

Illegal bike trails

A Mernda man has been fined $25,000 for illegally dumping chemical drums in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

The EPA investigated and charged Rodney Charles Hallett with three counts of dumping industrial waste after Parks Victoria received pollution reports from the public on 2, 7 and 9 October 2019.

The Ringwood Magistrates’ Court heard the man collected the drums from a cleaning company in Braeside after offering to dispose of them for $435 on an online marketplace.

He promised to take drums to approved chemical waste facility, but instead dumped 21 drums – 13 of which contained unknown liquids – near Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Churchill Road, Tremont.

Local CFA brigades were called to retrieve the drums from steep mountain country.

When Parks Victoria called in specialist contractors to dispose of the drums properly it cost $6,899.

The court, without recording a conviction, ordered the man to pay a fine of $25,000, compensate Parks Victoria for the clean-up and pay the EPA’s legal costs of $6,602.

The penalties of more than $38,000 are 88 times the amount the man charged for the job.

By Parker McKenzie An increase in illegal mountain bike trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park has left authorities wary of potential damage to the area.

Parks Victoria is worried recent unauthorised construction and use of mountain bike trails could damage natural habitats and culturally important Indigenous sites throughout the national park.

Area Chief Ranger for the Dandenong Ranges National Park Matt Hoogland said while the park is a great place for mountain biking, the increasing number of unauthorised trails is worrying.

“Plants and animals in the national park are under pressure and we need to protect and value their habitat,” he said.

“Parks Victoria is working with the local community, mountain biking groups and Victoria Police to tackle the issue.”

Parks Victoria recently fined a man $1817 for constructing and using a bike trail near Ferntree Gully. During the construction he destroyed protected vegetation, as well as signage and barriers installed by Parks Victoria.

Park rangers also recently discovered an illegal trail being constructed close to a registered Indigenous cultural site in Olinda.

Mr Hoogland said there is more than 14 kilometres of legal mountain biking trails in the National Park and more than 100km of vehicle tracks which can also be used for biking.

“We’re continuing to explore opportunities

Monbulk car crash Parks Victoria is worried about illegal mountain bike trails. to expand the formal network, alongside the Yarra Ranges Mountain Biking Group,” he said.

“We recommend getting in touch with them if you are keen to explore the trails of the National Park.”

Parks Victoria said there is over 30km of illegally constructed trail throughout the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with every 1km

Picture: SUPPLIED

of trail built destroying a quarter of an acre of habitat.

The June storms left several designated mountain bike tracks closed due to damage from fallen trees. The status of these trails can be monitored at www.parks.vic.gov.au/placesto-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-nationalpark.

Sassafras mum proving there’s no limits

By Parker McKenzie A Sassafras woman is proving there is life after illness as she prepares to hike the Tasmania wilderness with her teenage son to raise awareness for organ donation.

Martine Gilliot suffered from kidney failure when a blood infection put her on life support at age 29.

After surviving her illness, Mrs Gilliot was on peritoneal dialysis – where waste products are removed from your blood because the kidneys can’t adequately remove the waste – and living with chronically low energy levels.

When she was 37 her father donated one of his kidneys, resulting in her living a healthy and active life.

“Dad donated me his kidney and he passed away four years ago from nothing to do with the transplant,” Mrs Gilliot said.

“He was big nature and outdoors lover and he would back what we are doing as well.”

Now 48-years-old, Mrs Gilliot is setting off on 15 December to trek the Overland Track in Tasmania.

“I don’t often like to put myself front and

Martine Gilliot is hiking the Overland Track with her son Sam. Picture: PARKS TASMANIA Martine with her son Sam. Picture: SUPPLIED centre, I’m not really that type of person,” she said.

“The bigger picture is if I can raise awareness for people who are sick that there is life beyond dialysis and transplant, and try to encourage people to have the conversation about organ donation.”

The Overland Track is a 65km, six-day alpine trek through the Tasmanian wilderness and Mrs Gilliot said walking it will be a testament to how much her life has changed since her father’s kidney donation.

“I was pretty crook when I was sick, I thought I’d never be able to do something

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Police launch bike patrol operation Police from Knox and Boronia station will join forces for Operation UNDIQUE - a combined Bike and foot Patrol Operation that will run across the Knox Municipality over the next few months.

Knox Bike Patrol members will be present in public parks, reserves and on the network of bike paths around the City of Knox. Bike Patrols will also focus on shopping hubs like Westfield Knox City, Stud Park, Wellington Village and Boronia Village and other small shopping strips.

The Bike Patrol units carry full operation equipment and can call upon additional police resources such as divisional vans and cars, Canine units and Airwing if required.

Christmas call out With Christmas fast approaching and celebrations are kicking off with work Christmas parties and social gatherings., Victoria Police are encouraging everyone to have fun but to be safe and plan your night.

Police said with any sort of party comes responsibilities to be safe and make sure everyone around you is safe, including on the roads.

“Make sure you have a designated driver or safe transport to and from the venue before leaving,” Victoria Police said.

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like this,” Mrs Gilliot said.

“I work full time and I’m a mum, I kick lots of balls in the air and life is pretty much normal for me.”

Mrs Gilliot is encouraging people to become organ donors so others can have the opportunity for a second chance.

“The crucial thing is not only people registering to be an organ donor, but also having that conversation with their family,” she said.

“That time is very emotional when your loved one is sick and a lot of people opt not to donate organs because the conversation isn’t fresh in their mind.”

You can sign up to become an organ donor at www.donatelife.gov.au.

Police are investigating an early morning crash in Monbulk that resulted in single car roll over.

Police said they believe the driver lost control while rounding a bend on the corner on Monbulk Road and Princes Road at around 5.30am on 7 December.

A women who was a passenger was taken to hospital with minor injuries and the man driving the vehicle was not injured.

Four CFA vehicles from Monbulk and Kallista-The Patch also responded to the incident after reports of a vehicle accident with a possible person trapped inside.

On arrival, CFA crews found a single car rollover down an embankment with nobody trapped.

For the latest information, please go to

www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au If you have concerns call the Coronavirus hotline

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CFA Santa run returns The annual Kallista-The Patch CFA Santa run will make a return this Christmas after Covid-19 cancelled the event last year.

Santa Clause will be visiting Sherbrooke on Monday 20 November, Kallista on Tuesday 21 November, and The Patch on Wednesday 22 November to hand out lollies from the back of the CFA tanker.

Kallista-The Patch CFA Captain Martin Noonan said the event will begin at 6pm and go for an hour each day.

“We’ve got Santa already booked and he’s all ready to go,” he said.

“We’ve decorated tanker one -which is the smaller tanker- and we’ll be driving it around.”

Mr Noonan said the CFA is excited to bring the event back after it was unable to run last year because of Covid restrictions.

“Last year was the first year any of our veterans can remember that we haven’t done it,” he said.

“There were a lot of grown-up kids in 2019 that have been seeing the Kallista-the Patch tanker since they were very small and now they’re in their early 20s or teens and hanging out in front of their house waiting for a bag of lollies.”

The Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade CFA is a fully volunteer fire fighting brigade.

While Santa won’t be able to exit the vehicle because of the restrictions, Mr Noonan said people will know when he’s coming through their area.

“They know that the tanker is coming be-

The Santa run wasn’t able to run in 2020 because of Covid restrictions. cause we’ve got an advanced vehicle with the siren going haphazardly and with the lights on, which is probably around half an hour in front of the tanker,” he said.

“Last time that I was driving the tanker you could see a couple of kids standing in the middle of the dirt road, they were taken with so much excitement that they were just jumping

Picture: SUPPLIED up and down as we’re approaching which was a really fun thing to see.”

More information can be found on the Kallista-The Patch CFA Facebook page.

Enjoy late night shopping in the Villages Friday The Villages of Mount Dandenong has organised a special twilight shopping event featuring traders throughout villages in the Dandenong Ranges.

The event will run from 5pm to 8pm on on Friday 17 December at participating local businesses in Sassafras, Olinda, Mt Dandenong and Kalorama.

There will be a treasure hunt at participating shops to be in the running to win a hamper of local wares from the local traders involved.

Free passes to SkyHigh will be available for people to watch the sunset.

The Villages of Mt Dandenong is a local tourism association run by businesses throughout the Dandenong Ranges.

Suzzane Jenkin from The Olinda Collective said they are participating in the event.

“Find locally made, created and collected Christmas Gifts at Olinda Collective. Our boutique comprises of around 35 local stall holders,” she said.

“We are offering complimentary gift wrapping during December, so visit for a relaxed Christmas shopping experience.”

The Olinda Collective is participating in the twilight shopping event.

Other stores participating in the Villages of Mount Dandenong include SOAK in Sassafras, Kallista General Store and Cellars and Only Mine Chocolate Factory.

For more information or to see participating traders visit www.thevillages.com.au.

Traders throughout the Dandenong Ranges are participating in the twilight shopping event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Christmas trail brings joy

By Mikayla van Loon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

brings them joy.

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

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

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

“Especially now that we’ve got the following on, we can kind of just each year, a few months out, start promoting it and build on it,” Moriah said.

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

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

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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.

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

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Preserve and conserve

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

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

Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is included in the area however, the name Liwik Barring, which means Ancestors’ trail, was chosen by Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal

Corporation to reflect the First Peoples history and connection to the land and waterways.

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

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

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

“Weed management is covered under landscape management, there’s a whole set of goals

or strategies dealing particularly with weed management. We have a pest animal strategy, so that covers wild dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, they’re probably the key ones.”

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.

Volunteer firefighters address the future forecasts “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

Volunteer firefighters are addressing the changes climate change will bring.

Picture: ON FILE of climate change seeking their responses.

District 23 VFBV Council, representing CFA volunteers around Wangaratta, Benalla,

Moyhu and Mansfield, is informing volunteer firefighters with the findings of a webinar it conducted earlier in the year.

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

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

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 decision-

making. 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.

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Culture day

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

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

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

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

“On Multicultural Day we are going to celebrate country and celebrate the sovereignty and identity of Kulin law.”

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

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

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

A presentation was made at the Indigenous Cultural Heritage conference on 29 October outlining the plans for the celebration. Cr Fiona McAllister said what is being asked was an important question and the council should take it to the Indigenous advisory committee.

Council presents annual report at meeting

By Parker McKenzie

Yarra Ranges Council was asked to support a celebration of Multicultural Day at a council meeting on 7 November.

Picture: ON FILE “Cr Johanna Skelton is our representative on that, and we should seek their advice and position on it and go from there,” she said.

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

Mr Kiag responded that multiculturalism is for everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Open Door Community Church Wishes our Community a Blessed Christmas

Cr Fiona McAllister presented the Yarra Ranges Council annual report.

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Recognising volunteers Nominations are now open for the 2021 Volunteering Awards, which celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Victoria’s hard-working volunteers.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the incredible support volunteers have given to others during a difficult year – whether it’s delivering essential food relief and medical supplies or helping seniors video call loved ones.

Member for Monbulk James Merlino MP today called on Monbulk residents to nominate volunteers who have made a difference over the past year.

“Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers here in Monbulk, you do such an important job supporting the community.” he said.

“If you know a volunteer doing extraordinary work I encourage you to nominate them so we can celebrate their important achievements.”

Monbulk MP James Merlino has called on people to nominate local volunteers for the award.

Picture: ON FILE The efforts of volunteers, leaders and organisations will be recognised across eight awards categories, including for leadership, service, impact and teamwork.

A highlight is the Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, who is recognised with the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award.

The winner will receive a $10,000 prize to

donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.

This year Volunteering Victoria will combine its awards with the Victorian Government’s Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.

Nominations for the 2021 Volunteering Awards will close on January 14, 2022. Finalists will be announced on 23 February 2022 and winners will be acknowledged at an official ceremony in March 2022.

Following consultation with volunteers and community organisations, the state government is currently developing a Victorian Volunteer Strategy which will underpin efforts to ensure volunteers are supported and make volunteering more accessible.

For more information or to nominate someone, visit www.volunteeringvictoria.org. au/events/volunteering-awards-2021.

Yarra Ranges Landcare Network welcomes 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 on-ground natural resource management works that engage local communities, build community capacity and encourage diverse participation.

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

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

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

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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NEWS

The Kokoda trek journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Prized poets

By Parker McKenzie While the 2021 Woorilla Poetry Prize saw entries from around Australia and overseas, a Melbourne-based poet took out the top prize in the open section.

The event was held on Sunday 28 November in Emerald and simultaneously streamed online.

Woorilla Poetry Prize founder Maria Millers said poetry is the perfect form to handle universal human dilemmas.

“It also reflects and addresses modern concern, fears, aspirations and it has the power to move hearts and minds,” she said.

“As we can see it transcends time, and some of the poems you hear today will enjoy the same longevity.”

Melbourne poet Simone King won the $1500 Judith Rodriguez open prize with her poem Joining Planet City.

Judge Nathan Curnow said it was an honour to judge the Judith Rodriquez open section.

“The Melbourne poet Jennifer Harrison said poetry gives us birdsong alongside activism,” he said.

“It gives us the outside world alongside the internal world of emotions. This reminds me of Judith and what she lived for, and how she lived it.”

Judith Rodriguez was a celebrated and award-winning Australian poet who passed away in November 2018.

Alisha Brown finished runner up in the open section with her poem An Ontology of Morning, while David Terelinck and Peter Kay were commended for their entries.

Mr Curnow said the open section had an extraordinary number of entries in 2021.

“This might reflect people turning to poetry

Maria Millers Founder of the Woorilla Poetry Prize Maria Millers with Pauline McNamara at the event.

Picture: SUPPLIED in extraordinary times,” he said.

“It’s been an amazing year of entries and I’m encouraged to see that the competition is growing both locally and internationally.”

Sophie Szew from the United States won the youth main section with her poem titled Prompts For My Next Poem, while another United States resident Anna Meister finished runner up.

The Woorilla Poetry Prize was founded in 1987 by Mrs Miller and Louise Rockne to celebrate the art of poetry and provide exposure to emerging poets.

All shortlisted poems at the 2021 Woorilla Poetry Prize will be published in a compendium available for purchase.

A full replay of the event is available on the Woorilla Poetry Prize Facebook page at www. facebook.com/woorillapoetryprize.

Christmas pantomime

By Parker McKenzie The community in Emerald can look forward to a light-hearted Christmas pantomime show for a good cause over the Holiday period.

Featuring well known characters played by community members, the event is being held for the second consecutive by Vibe Health and Fitness to help raise funds for the SES. Vibe Fitness owner Tiffany Smith said she came up with the idea last year because there was no carols by candlelight in Emerald to bring the community together.

“I thought people needed something to look forward to,” she said.

“We have a large property with a large public area out the front so I thought I would put on a show and have Santa drop by.”

A pantomime is a theatrical entertainment show featuring music, comedy and jokes usually produced around Christmas time.

Mrs Smith said she uses the animals on her property to run a fun Christmas event where people can expect fun, music, lights and a visit from Shrek, Olaf and Santa.

“I have lots of animals which helped with the nativity scene and lots of costumes,” she said.

“I enlisted some friends and family as cast members too. I think with all the experiences we have missed out on, people connecting with carols and fun is important.”

The event will run at 8pm on 18 and 19 December at 78 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Emerald.

Donations to Emerald SES are welcome but not required at the free event.

Tiffany Smith from Vibe Fitness is running a Christmas Pantomime for the second consecutive year.

Picture: SUPPLIED

THE LOWDOWN Q&A What is something people don’t know about you?

I want to come back in the next life as an otter.

When did you first become involved in music and art?

Since I can remember. I once upset my mum because she gave me a toy and I pulled it apart.

I wasn’t being naughty I was investigating it, how it works, why does it look and feel like it does, how can it be rearranged to be different.

What are the possibilities. I’ve just continued doing that really, at least that is the story I’ve made up from what we call memory.

What do you enjoy most about art?

You get to understand things from perspectives you may not have experienced before or that are not normally part of daily life. In experiencing or making art you get to be a different person. Sometimes just for a while but sometimes across your whole life.

What has been one of your most memorable moments?

Its not one moment but its that point when you discover a new idea or approach and a whole series of possibilities open up. It’s very exciting.

What are your favourite book and/or film?

Randolph Stow’s The Visitants or Torumaline. He’s one of the rare writers that can write about sound.

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

Achieving net zero emissions.

Which four guests would you invite to a dinner party?

Robert Hughs, endlessly fascinating and brilliant, Fred Williams who’s painting helped change the way I see Australian landscapes, Bjork who is deeply creative, Olivier Messiaen one of the greatest musicians of any age and opened out so much possibility in music. mailcommunity.com.au

with Peter Mcilwain

Artist Peter McIlwain runs soundwalks through Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave Heights.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE Who do you admire the most?

I don’t want to give the “snuggle over adversity” name here because everyone has hidden struggles but I suppose its all those people who genuinely question what they believe and

who they feel and use what they learn to make things a bit better.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like playing Petanque, it’s very relaxing in the summer.

THREE … about Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave Heights

1

Over 130 different species of native birds have been identified in the reserve including Wedgetail Eagles and powerful Owls.

Surprisingly, the reserve was named after the Birds family who owned the site from 1940, before the Shire of Sherbrooke purchased it to save it from urban development instead of the the numerous species of birds who inhabit it.

2

The Birdsland reserve was opened to the public as a community bushland reserve in 1984. Located 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD, the 75 hectare space has a long history. The Wurundjeri people inhabited the area for centuries before it was used for farming and cattle grazing.

3

The reserve features playgrounds, barbeque areas and walking tracks. The shortest track is just 3 kilometres long, while the longest connects to Lysterfield Lake Park.

The reserve is located in Belgrave Heights and opens at 7.30am daily.

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NEWS

Game on for Casey

By Parker McKenzie Since the 2010 Federal election the Greens have won over 10 per cent of the primary vote in four successive elections in the Casey electorate.

Jenny Game is hoping to build upon that foundation when long term Liberal MP Tony Smith retires from politics and leaves a vacuum to be filled.

After winning 10.93 per cent of the primary vote at the 2019 federal election, the musician and academic has decided to again run as the Greens candidate for Casey.

Mrs Game said the party platform consists of action on climate action, creating jobs in renewable energy, creating affordable housing and integrity in politics.

“Our problem is that sometimes people don’t understand that their vote is powerful and if a small number of people change their

votes it can change the balance of power at the next election,” she said.

“We can really pressure the Labor party in particular to do the right thing and to work to find a bigger target. When the Greens have the balance of power we can work towards making changes on the issues that matter.”

Being in position to influence the balance of power is a key election goal of the party, with federal Greens leader Adam Bandt highlighting it as a way to promote further action on climate change.

The Greens are advocating for a 75 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to a 43 per cent target set by the Labor party and a target of between 26 and 28 per cent by the Liberal party.

“We are a grassroots party and we will be out and about in the community finding out

what the people of Casey want.”

The Liberal party has held Casey since 1984 and the incumbent MP Tony Smith won the 2019 federal election with a margin of 9.28 per cent over the Labor party.

With Mr Smith retiring, Mrs Game said she believes the people of Casey are looking for a candidate with integrity at the next federal election.

“Good representation in parliament is essential to democracy and we are the party of grassroots democratic participation.” Mrs Game said.

The Liberal party has named local businessman Aaron Violi as their candidate to replace Mr Smith, and local small business owner Bill Brindle is the Labor party candidate.

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

Jenny Game will run as the Greens candidate for Casey.

Picture: ON FILE

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

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

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

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

Rootballs in a pond used for fish habitat.

Picture: YRC

Rootballs from trees that came up in June storms make for perfect native fish habitat.

Picture: ON FILE

“While the loss of trees during the storm is sad, reusing root balls and stumps which were too big to mill and produced poor quality mulch is good for conservation, good for

healthy waterways and good for recreational fishing.”

This collaborative approach led to an agreement between YRC, BRC and Victorian

Fisheries whereby root balls that would otherwise require additional costly processing to turn into mulch, could instead be effectively utilised for native fish habitat.

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

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

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

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

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

Scan the QR CODE

OR VISIT: yarrarangeskids.com.au/digital-editions 10 MAIL

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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

Healthy

living Tim Howden

Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville different responses 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 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.

Have yourself a merry literary Christmas 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

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

plore 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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literature and showcases the many splendid ways our authors and books can help us understand our country.

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

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

STEP THREE: Get Books #2 and #3 sorted via your local library.

While there, ask the friendly librarian for advice on your Book #4. You can also ex-

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

It’s been a tiring year for all of us, and the general mood of weariness produced some truly terrible movies. If last year’s bad movies had a worrying degree of sexual assault, this year’s bad movies were defined by poor world-building 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, very-well 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 possesmailcommunity.com.au

sion 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 out-of-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 odd-couple buddy sub-plot that has almost nothing to do with the main plot, and the film somehow misunderstands its own themes by the end. The shoddy climactic swordfight also stands out as the year’s worst non-shaky action scene.

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

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

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

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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.

News from the local theatres Kemp’s curtain call 1812 Theatre Dracula The Bloody Truth Travelling across Europe, from dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the charming seaside town of Whitby, Professor Van Helsing and his three amateur actors stage a life-changing, theatrical production of Dracula – hoping to establish, once and for all, the bloody truth.

The result is a delightfully silly, fastpaced and faithful (-ish) adaptation by John Nicholson of Bram Stoker’s novel.

Performed by four actors playing 40 characters.

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

Stageworx A new exciting performance space.

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

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

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

Stageworx are also able to offer recording with a 48 channel digital studio onsite and can arrange video if required.

Venue: Factory 3 / 21 Stud Rd Bayswater.

Ph 9729 8368 Burrinja Theatre Upwey The Super Silly Magic Show with Steve the Magician Join Steve the magician in the Super Silly Magic Show, a fun one-hour session for kids between five and 12 years.

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

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

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

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OPINION

Human rights awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grandmothers for Refugees protest in Belgrave.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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

Detention Centers were first established in the late 1980s and people arriving by boat were detained until their applications were processed, sometimes for years. More were opened after Mandatory Detention became law.

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

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

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

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

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

Our offshore detention Centers on Nauru and Manus Island in PNG are closed now but

231 refugees are still living on Nauru and in PNG with no clear status. They are supported by the Australian Government, but are refused entry here because of that policy from July 2013 of ‘no one arriving by boat every being allowed to settle permanently in Australia’.

Thousands remain stranded in Indonesia.

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

They are unable to plan for their futures.

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

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

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

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

This financial year $1.19 billion has been allocated in the federal budget for offshore processing and millions of dollars continues to be spent pursuing legal cases, such as that of the Biloela Family, through various complex court systems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARTOON

LETTERS Puffing Billy misses its chance From childhood I have had a great affection for Puffing Billy. I used to jump on its running board at times to get home from school.

When Jim Madigan’s cattle were being run up from the station to the butcher’s holding paddocks we used to take care to hide behind the fence at the Emerald State School lest they gore us. (It was a working railway then).

y

Tuesda

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Now it has a problem. It is a coal-fired entity in an age of ‘climate change’.

Its Annual Reports tell of how it tries to tackle this. But it has missed its greatest chance. It has opened a huge $24.8 million Visitors centre with a huge roof, and has not taken the chance to offset the carbon exhausts from its engines by installing solar panels.

How was this short-sightedness allowed to happen?

Bill Pell, Emerald

mailcommunity.com.au

MODERN MASTERPIECE IF you’ve been looking for a property that ticks all the boxes including spectacular views, you can stop your search!

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

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 5 Lowan Road, COCKATOO Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $1,150,000 - 1,265,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott, 0438 680 032 or Declan Palmer, 0427 062 148, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

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

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MAIL 15

8-10 Knight Road, Gembrook

19 Paradise Avenue, Clematis

5 Bower Court, Emerald

ENDLESS POTENTIAL ON THE BEST BLOCK IN TOWN!

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GUIDE $1,100,000-$1,200,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

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19 Vista Court, Gembrook

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ONE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ON ALMOST 1 ACRE!

A MODERN BEAUTY IN CENTRAL GEMBROOK

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GUIDE $820,000-$890,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

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HOME FOCUS

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE ON YOUR OWN 10 ACRES IF you’re dreaming of a better lifestyle, then this could be just the one you have been searching for!

A traditional Harkaway Homestead-style home sits proudly on the hilltop overlooking good pasture, grazing cattle and the huge spring fed dam. With a long sweeping driveway that leads past well-fenced paddocks (five with water) then rises to the huge open parking area by a massive ninecar clear span garage/ barn/ workshop, this is a real tradies’ delight.

Wrap around verandahs invite you into this immaculate four-bedroom family country home that boasts three living rooms, including the ever popular kitchen/family dining room. Double French doors connect the barbecue decked area for those warm summer nights.

There is ample bench space, gas cooking and a huge walk in pantry feature in the kitchen. The quiet formal lounge has wall to wall carpets and a cosy brick open fireplace.

There are two split systems for full temperature control. Three kids’ bedrooms

open off their own fun space which is separate to the large main bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom and walk in robe.

With the NBN connected you could even work from home.

Step outside to a wonderland gardener’s paradise with beautiful blooms of colour and lots of level, open lawns for kids to play or just relax under the shady elms.

The enormous spring fed dam is a virtually endless supply of water and has never dropped more than a foot. All the land is

good pasture in the paddocks, ideal for your own four-legged pets to run or graze.

The triple roller door barn has a high lift centre roof line for large vehicles, a brilliant clear span area for all those projects and ample space for all the work gear you may have. There is also extra covered parking adjoining for trailers, vehicles etc.

All of this is located in a quiet no through road and yet only five minutes to Monbulk town centre with all its facilities.

Don’t keep dreaming, it’s your time to make it all come true. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 O’Neill Road, MACCLESFIELD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 9 garage Price: $1,495,000 - $1,625,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

Seasons Greeting From The Ranges First National Team

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9754 6111 rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 17

9 Heroes Ave Emerald

$900,000 - $990,000

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13 Gem Launch Pl Rd Gembrook

Character and Privacy in the Heart of Emerald!

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Located in one of the premier streets in Emerald is this hidden gem on ¼ acre featuring spacious living/dining area 3 bedrooms plus office/4th bedroom and open kitchen.

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Beautifully styled, this fully renovated home on ¼ acre located in the heart of Gembrook features L shaped living and dining with vaulted ceilings, kitchen with breakfast bar, white cabinetry and subway tiles plus 3 robed bedrooms with serviced by a delightfully renovated main bathroom. Outside the large rear yard features a garden shed, chicken coop and an area for a chair and table.

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, Declan Palmer 0427 062 148

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994, Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451

25 Alfred Grove Emerald

680 Gem Launch Rd Hoddles Creek

$820,000 - $900,000

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1/2 Acre on Alfred!

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This home on 1/2 acre with a premium Emerald address features spacious rooms separated into sleeping areas & formal, & informal living areas which include gorgeous bay windows, wood heating & ceiling fans. The 3 good sized bedrooms are robed, the master with WIR & ensuite, the remaining bedrooms serviced by the large main bathroom, plus an additional study/gym/4th bedroom.

Located on a generous acre in the quiet town of Hoddles Creek is this cute as a button cottage with lovely views, 2 bedrooms and a large sunroom. The open plan kitchen, living, and dining is spacious with access to the outdoor entertaining deck. Outside, the acre has lovely cottage style gardens with sitting areas to enjoy, and has vegetable patches and fruit trees so you can literally taste the fruits of your labour.

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357,

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994, Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451

22 Belgrave Gembrook Road Cockatoo

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15 Devon Avenue Cockatoo

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Live or Invest!

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Situated on 1/3 acre corner allotment, this great brick veneer home close to shops, schools, and public transport with possible subdivisional potential (STCA) presents an excellent investment opportunity. Featuring open plan living and dining, plus kitchen with breakfast bar, and 3 good sized bedrooms, this one is too good to miss!

This home on a sun drenched and private 1/2 acre features 5 bedrooms, zoned master with WIR and ensuite. The well appointed kitchen has stone bench tops with breakfast bar adjoining the meals area, and clever servery window to the outdoor entertaining deck. There are 2 large living areas, and the 1/2 acre has been beautifully maintained with lush lawns, a cubby house and wood shed.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994, Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, Declan Palmer 0427 062 148

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

5968 6222

311-313 Main St, Emerald mailcommunity.com.au

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Sharyn Chandler

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

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M 0409 991 173 | E belinda@chandlerandco.com.au

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9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 19

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

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9

10 11 12 13

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

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

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

N

H

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

3 5 2 7 9 1 8 6 4

1 4 5 7 6 8 2 9 3

9 6 7 1 3 2 5 4 8

18 words: Excellent

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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

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

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

No. 059

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

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

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

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

3 8 2 4 9 5 1 6 7

hard

19

medium

18

easy

17

1

16

4 6

15

9 4 8

4 1 2

B I Z K A VMCG F D J T

7 5

S X NWH L Y U E OQ P R

7

14

8 5 2

7

WORDFIT

17-12-21

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Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 21

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.

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

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

“It’s just getting our name out there, so we

want people to be here and enjoy, especially to support PGA Golf Victoria and especially this one because it is a junior competition, we really want to have everyone see they are the future of golf,” she said.

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

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

Have your say on the proposed tennis redevelopment Two new synthetic tennis courts with new competition standard LED LUX level lighting- allowing for night and low light level participation, as well fencing, drainage and concrete pathways is planned to be installed once funding is secured.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jeff Spring-

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greater use by the community,” Cr Springfield said.

To have your say on the proposed redevelopment of the southern tennis courts at Cockatoo Tennis Club, visit www.creating. cardinia.vic.gov.au/southern-cockatoo-tennis-courts.

field is encouraging the community to not only have their say on the proposed development but also how the community would like to use the facilities if they are upgraded.

“Your participation in this online survey will help us understand how you would like to use these facilities and help us encourage

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Cardinia Shire Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the proposed redevelopment of the southern tennis courts at Cockatoo Tennis Club.

Council is planning to redevelop the two courts which will include the demolition of the existing courts and infrastructure.

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SPORT

Weekend winners On Saturday Monbulk 1 travelled to Heathmont to play on their grass green.

Monbulk controlled the first half of the game and led by 14 shots at the break. However, Heathmont found another gear in the second half and went on to win by five shots, 81 to 76.

Brian Smith’s rink led by four shots after seven ends. They then lost 4 ends in a row including a five that put them four shots behind and they eventually lost by six shots, 15 to 21.

Eric Markham’s rink were all square after 10 ends, but then only won four of the last 11 ends to lose by 10 shots, 15 to 25.

Jim Bras’ rink were in control all day leading by 10 shots after thirteen ends and they eventually won by 12 shots, 22 to 10.

Tim Stapleton’s rink was seven shots in front after eleven ends, but then dropped seven shots in two ends to be level.

The lead then changed hands a number of times and coming into the last end the Monbulk rink held sway by one shot.

However, they lost the last end by two shots and went down 25 shots to 24. This means Monbulk 1 has dropped to third place on the ladder.

Monbulk 2 played Narre Warren at home with the winner taking the prize of top spot on the ladder.

Alan Hamilton’s rink was tied with their opponents after twelve ends but trailed by four shots after 16 ends.

They then picked up seven shots in two ends to lead by three shots with three ends to play.

However, they lost the last three ends to go down by one shot, 17 to 18.

Graeme Goller’s rink trailed by one shot after 10 ends. They then won 9 of the next 11 ends to win by nine shots, 21 to 12.

Jim Anderson’s rink were level after 12 ends.

They then dropped seven shots in two ends and did not recover to lose by eight shots, 14 to 22.

Eric Furby’s rink began well and by the tenth end led by 11 shots. They maintained this lead and even though they dropped six shots on the seventeenth end they went on to win by eight shots, 24 to 16.

This gave Monbulk the overall by eight shots, 76 to 68 as well as top place on the ladder.

By Mikayla van Loon

Karen Rice examines the head.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Monbulk Bowling Club results from the weekend.

Picture: ON FILE

Thriller game in the midweek bowls On Tuesday Monbulk 1 played Mooroolbark at home in a rain interrupted match.

It also turned out to be a thriller which went right down to the last bowl.

Peter Koomen’s rink dropped five shots on the first end, but then won the next six ends to lead by five shots. They then lost the next four ends to be three shots down after 11 ends.

They then won six of the next eight ends to lead by four shots and held on to win by two shots, 21 to 19.

Jim Bras’ rink were four shots in front after 16 ends, they then lost the last six ends to lose by four shots, 15 to 19.

Eric Markham’s rink were 10 shots down af-

ter 10 ends and were still nine shots down with five ends to play. They then changed the whole game on its head winning the next four ends to level the card on their own rink and were two shots down for overall points. They were able to hold two shots on the last end to win the rink, 20 to 18 and tie the overall 56 shots each.

Monbulk 2 traveled to the Dandenong Club with Graeme Goller’s rink having a good win by 13 shots, 26 to 13.

Eric Furby’s rink battled hard and went down by three shots, 15 to 18.

Graeme Seymour’s rink found the conditions difficult and went down by 16 shots, 13 to 29.

Monbulk lost the overall by six shots, 54 to 60.

Monbulk 3 played at Croydon and found the grass green hard to handle on two of the rinks.

Bruce Cockerill’s rink found the long ends difficult and only won four ends losing by 35 shots, 4 to 39.

Mike Harris’ rink were one shot in front after 12 ends, but then dropped two multiples to lose by six shots, 14 to 20. Peter Lee’s rink was the shining light picking up a number of multiples in the last seven ends to win by seven shots, 22 to 15.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket scores NR Reeves Shield Johnson Park 8/165 (S Devenish 104, D Devenish 32; J Butcher 4/39) def Knox Gardens 9/163(cc) (M Young 43*, J Wagner 33; J Hill 2/22, S Devenish 2/26, A Devenish 2/32); Ferntree Gully Footballers 9/140 (H Brown 43, B Dobinson 34; M Ley 3/17, S Luck 2/19, B Walter 2/23) v The Basin 5/129 (J Sherriff 36*, J Turcinovic 27); Lysterfield 3/153 (C Mcelroy 46, A Brolic 40*, N Hicks 27) def South Belgrave 8/149(cc) (H Mcdermott 71; J Carter 5/14); Knoxfield 8/196 (Plumridge 50, Barker 45) def Belgrave 134 (Bevan 4/13) Upwey-Tecoma 6/211(cc) (H Greenall 83, N Lee 31, L Jansen 31*, J Waters 26; J Toohey mailcommunity.com.au

Council seeks funds

Ferntree Gully and District Association Cricket continued with round five over the weekend.

Picture: FIELD OF VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY 2/41, H Cowling 2/45) def Ferntree Gully 203 (J Toohey 107; S Collard 2/30, C Wheeler 2/35, J Colee 2/62);

RJ DeCoite Shield Upper Ferntree Gully 3/179 (R Murray 62*, C Spaulding 50, C Bridle 32) def Monbulk 6/174(cc) (J Fraser 55, S Cosstick 47, J Creed 32; C Williams 3/41, T Roleff 2/29); St Johns Tecoma 4/189 (A Grenda 61, C Craigie 42*, J Sali 35) def Mountain Gate 7/188(cc) (M Goddard 59, B Croxford 53); Eildon Park 6/157 (B Mitchell 47*, D Smyth 41; B Thockloth 2/22, T Box 2/28) def Olinda 8/156(cc) (T Scott 26; J Hicks 4/22, Z Clark 2/35); Rowville 8/195(cc) (J Cross 47*, J Rogers 45, J Tate 32; J Marget 5/18) def Knox Gardens 8/182(cc) (B Morrison 35, T Voulanas 31, J Marget 29; J Rogers 2/24);

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“These projects at Kimberley Reserve offer the opportunity to utilise a bit of land that is underutilised during the winter time, it can’t be used because there is no lighting,” he said.

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

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

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

Picture: UNSPLASH Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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MAIL 23

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