Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 21st December 2021

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

Mail

RACV fined for fatigue related fatal crash

Changes made to the State’s Forest Plan

Concerns over dangerous open drains

Good Life Farm receives cash boost

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Santa brings festive cheer to locals Santa Claus has arrived in town, visiting residents throughout the Upper Yarra on Saturday 18 December.

The Santa runs with local crews are quite the tradition for many volunteers and locals, with residents enjoying the personal stop over.

The Hillcrest CFA’s second Santa run willnow go ahead on Wednesday due to Sunday’s storms.

Turn to page 13 for more Santa enjoyed visiting the Hillcrest CFA for the tour around the Upper Yarra. 262995 Picture: SUPPLIED

2021 achievers Damian Mullens was on of the four, and grateful to receive a 91.95.

“I got my study scores before my ATAR and I was really excited, but I couldn’t open my ATAR for another 20 minutes, so it was a huge relief,” he said.

The score will help push Mr Mullens into the right direction of his dream career in medicine and said having a goal to work towards really helped him over the past two years.

“My time at school was pretty rocky, I was quite a badly behaved kid to say the least and I pulled my act together in year 11 and I got a good score for one of the year 12 subjects I did and then that motivated me to keep going and doing well, and then I got the scores this year that I was not expecting to get.”

Kaela Willensem also was in shock when she saw her score of 90.10.

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Year 12 students have expressed a sigh of relief today after receiving their final results after more than a decade in the classroom.

Healesville High School saw four students receive an ATAR over 90 out of 24 year 12 VCE students.

Student Aysha Nikcevich has also been named the school dux after receiving a score of 92.25.

“I was not expecting what I got, so I was very happy this morning,” Miss Nikcevich said.

Miss Nikcevich will now be looking at her study options for next year in environmental and research areas, with the pandemic affecting plans to travel in a gap year.

“I think I probably will go into it next year, because of Covid I can’t really travel and that’s what I would have done in the gap year so I may as well get into.”

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Aysha Nikcevich, Kaela Willensen and Damian Mullens were part of the four students who received an ATAR score above 90 at Healesville High School.

Picture: DANIEL GLENN

Aysha Nikcevich, Kaela Willensen and Damian Mullens are thrilled with their final results. 262645

A new chapter to begin From page 1 “I woke up at seven and I looked at my study skills first in the email, and I saw one good study score and I thought ‘holy moly’ and I got up and looked and it was really shocking - very, very happy,” Miss Willensem.

Miss Willensem is still figuring out what she wants to do next year but will enjoy relaxing after a difficult time for all students over the last two years of schooling.

“They have been stressful and at times I’ve fallen behind but you just have to get it done.

“I’m a pretty hard worker and when I am doing something I want to do my best so I just did that.”

The graduating class of 2021 certainly has proven their resilience, getting through a strange time through remote learning, mask wearing and pandemic pressures.

Principal Alan Rennick said this cohort in-

terestingly has top and tailed their schooling with disasters.

“My overriding emotion is relief that we got to this point, but also just really proud of this group of kids because they started with bushfires [2009] and they finished with two years of Covid remote learning and everything that goes along with that, and they’ve just done a brilliant job to get to here,” Mr Rennick said.

The top scorers’ message to next year’s

leaders is hard work really does pay off, after all three students stunned themselves by receiving better than what they expected.

“Work hard because it pays off, it sounds bad doing that much work, but it really pays off in the end,” Miss Nikcevich said.

“Setting goals and aiming for those is what kept me on track,” Mr Mullens said.

“Just keep working hard and you’ll get it,” Miss Willensen said.

Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days.

If you plan to travel through Victoria, during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day.

If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk areas, including to cities and towns.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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IN BRIEF Hard rubbish and branch collection

Police out in force Yarra Valley residents are being urged to stay safe and drive sensibly as we head into one of the most dangerous times of the year on our roads.

Police Minister Lisa Neville today joined Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir to launch Operation Roadwise, and drive home the importance of staying safe this Christmas.

With the festive season upon us, school holidays beginning, and after a particularly challenging couple of years, Victorians will be more eager than ever to get out and about.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said, “Christmas is a great opportunity to travel and see family and friends, but all Victorians have to do their bit and drive safely on our roads – it only takes one bad decision to turn the holiday season into tragedy.”

Victoria Police has also bolstered its road policing capabilities for the operation, which runs from Friday 17 December to Sunday 26 December 2021.

Police from state and local road policing units, general duties and other operational policing units will be targeting driving offences across metropolitan and regional Victoria to take dangerous drivers off the road and save lives.

During last year’s Operation Roadwise, 10 people lost their lives on our roads and Victoria Police detected more than 14,216 traffic offences, including 6,201 speeding offences and a further 463 people caught drink driving and 535 people caught with drugs in their system.

Police will be out in force these holidays to detect dangerous drivers.

“Operation Roadwise will see more police on our roads, making sure every motorist is doing the right thing, and holding those who don’t follow the rules to account.”

The launch also comes as a timely reminder to all road users to take care, as the state’s road toll sits at 226 this year, compared to 198 for the same time last year.

In honour of these lives, a Christmas tree with baubles representing each of the lives lost on our roads this year is now up at the Victoria Police headquarters – a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about statistics, it’s about

Picture: ON FILE

real families who have experienced the trauma of losing a loved one.

Drivers are reminded not to drink or take drugs if they’re planning to drive, and to use simple strategies that can reduce risks on the road, including driver reviver strategies to avoid fatigue, staying off mobile phones while driving, and being alert on unfamiliar roads.

“We want to see all Victorians making smart choices behind the wheel this festive season and getting home safely. If you speed, use your phone or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be caught.”

RACV fined for fatigue related fatal crash RACV was convicted and fined $475,000 in the County Court on Thursday 16 December in relation to a fatigue related fatality where a sub-contracted roadside assist operator died in Healesville in 2018.

The organisation plead guilty to a single charge of failing to take reasonable care to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety arising from the conduct of its undertaking.

The incident occurred early 10 March 2018 when the driver ran off the road and struck a tree, with an investigation finding evidence that he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The court heard the driver was employed by YJ Auto Repairs, based at Yarra Junction, which was sub-contracted by the RACV to operate a roadside assistance service.

At the time of the fatal crash, the driver had been on-call for 89 hours and had been working for 17 hours from the first call-out he received in the morning until the collision.

The court heard the RACV did not provide training or insist contractors trained their workers in the risks of fatigue or have a safe system of work related to fatigue.

The RACV said the health and safety of employees and contractors is extremely important to the auto club and it expresses deep regret that the incident occurred.

RACV has been found guilty and fined in relation to an incident where a sub-contractor road side assist driver died in a fatigue related crash.

Picture: ON FILE “We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Halls,” RACV wrote in a statement.

“This tragic incident revealed deficiencies in RACV’s approach to the provision of information, training and suggested policies and procedures to our contractors regarding fatigue management. We regret that this situation arose.

“As an organisation, we are committed to continually improving our health and safety systems and processes, including our approach to fatigue management.”

RACV said it’s been leading ongoing development and providing additional informa-

tion and resources across the board on fatigue management.

“This includes the development of detailed information, resources and training on fatigue management and playing an active role supporting the Australian Automobile Association (AAA)’s Road Safety Research Program into the prevention of fatigued driving. RACV is committed to sharing the results and learnings from this work as broadly as possible once concluded.”

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said it was unacceptable for workers to be pushed beyond their mental and physical limits day after day with no time to recover.

“The dangers of fatigue are well known and, as we have tragically seen in this case, managing those risks can be the difference between someone going home at the end of the day or losing their life at work,” Dr Beer said.

“Having fatigue management systems in place and communicating them with workers and contractors are simple steps that could save a life.”

YJ Auto Repairs Pty Ltd, the deceased driver’s employer, is also facing charges over the incident and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing on 15 July, 2022.

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Christmas Specials

Yarra Ranges residents are encouraged to make the most of their annual hard waste and Bundled Branch collection, with opportunities to dispose of old appliances, bulky items and branches.

Between January and March, every household will have a collection of hard waste, metals and whitegoods and bundled branches.

Bundled branches, mattresses, metals, whitegoods, electronic waste – eg. computers, televisions, monitors, all other battery and power-operated items and items with an electrical cord will be collected & sent for recycling.

All other items will be disposed of in Landfill.

Hard waste should be placed out where wheelie bins are usually collected from, only from the Sunday before your collection week starts.

To find out your property’s collection week, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/WasteDates Community members can place up to three cubic metres of hard waste, including: Unwanted furniture that cannot be donated or reused by others Metals Whitegoods (fridge doors must be removed) Electronic waste – anything that uses a battery or an electrical cord Mattresses Bundled branches Household waste, building renovation materials, untied branches, green waste and chemicals cannot be placed out for collection.

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Paid street performance opportunities The Yarra Ranges Council has received State Government funding to activate outdoor spaces and are seeking performers from the area to entertain our local community and activate our streets.

Street performers will be paid $250 for 3 sets (40 minutes per set). Performers are welcome to accept tips from the audience.

When Performances from 16th – 24th December, and 7th - 17th January Where A mix of Urban, valley and Hills locations, in main retail areas, e.g. Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Montrose, Mt Evelyn, Belgrave, Upwey, Monbulk, Sassafras, Healesville, Warburton, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction. Or other locations considered.

Please visit https://www.yarraranges.vic. gov.au/Council/Latest-news/Paid-street-performance-opportunities for more information.

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Last 2021 edition This will be the Star Mail’s last 2021 edition as we close down the print operations for the holidays.

Our first edition back will be out on Tuesday 11 January, which you can find at your local distribution centre.

We will still be publishing articles online which can be found through the mailcommunity.com.au portal.

Thank you for your loyal readership throughout the year, we look forward to seeing more great things come from the region next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Star Mail team.

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Centre to go

By Mikayla van Loon Learner drivers from across the Yarra Valley and outer east will have to travel further to sit their licence test when the Mooroolbark testing centre closes in March next year.

A new purpose built testing centre is set to open in Heatherdale Road, Ringwood in a few months replacing the offices in both Mooroolbark and Burwood East.

“We’re creating a larger, purpose-built Testing and Inspection Centre in Ringwood, which will have more testing capacity than any existing centre in Melbourne’s east,” a Department of Transport spokesperson said.

“We’ll continue to operate at the Mooroolbark Licence Testing Centre until customers are able to access the new Ringwood facility next March.”

The Department of Transport (DoT) estimates that the Ringwood Testing and Inspection Centre will create more testing capacity for the east and outer east than the current Mooroolbark and Burwood East sites combined.

For residents based in the Yarra Valley, the closure means learner drivers will be required to go to either Ringwood or Pakenham to undertake driving lessons and sit their driving test.

This closure of a VicRoads facility will be the fourth for the Yarra Ranges Shire in the last five years, after the Monbulk, Healesville and Yarra Junction centres were shut down in 2016.

Residents living in Healesville may have to travel up to 35km to Ringwood, while Monbulk residents could travel 29km to Ringwood or 33km to Pakenham and Warburton residents have the furthest trek with 47km to Ringwood or 54km to Pakenham.

Mount Evelyn residents’ travel time will also double from 8km to 16km when travelling to Ringwood instead of Mooroolbark.

The VicRoads testing centre in Mooroolbark will be closing in March next year.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS The shift will also see a move to more online testing and technology based infrastructure at the new customer hub on Maroondah Highway in Ringwood with digital self-serve kiosks meant to make customer transactions quicker and simpler.

Both the Learners Permit Test and the Hazard Perception Test are available online meaning prospective drivers can complete those milestone tests from home.

The Ringwood location was chosen because of the growth corridor it falls into and the public transport access it has but travelling from the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges could take over an hour on public transport.

The Burwood East Customer Service Centre will remain open for registration and licensing services until mid-2022 before being transferred over to Ringwood.

Booked appointments will continue to be delivered at Mooroolbark until the Ringwood site opens. Appointments for the new site will open later in December.

Residents urged to take care while burning off As temperatures begin to heat up, Healesville CFA has urged residents to take extreme care when burning off.

CFA Captain Graeme Bates reminded residents to register their burn-off always check local conditions to make sure it is safe to burn off and never leave a burn unattended.

“Even if you have registered your burn, conditions can change quickly and fires can get out of control within minutes in hot and windy conditions,” Captain Bates said.

“The effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating, and we want everyone to exercise extreme caution.”

Captain Bates has encouraged residents to take advantage of the window of opportunity to clean up their properties before the bushfire season.

“We’re reminding people to always register their burn-offs, so we know what is happening in the area. It’s also a good idea to let your neighbors now you are burning off. It reduces the chance of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area.”

He added that people must never leave a burn-off unattended as it’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that it does not get out of control. “When we are called out to a burn off by the resident, it is often because they left it thinking it was out, and then returned to find it going again and getting out of control”.

“When you are burning off, make sure you have cleared vegetation around your burn for three meters and that there are no overhanging trees near the burn.

If the wind speed is greater than 15 kilo-

Healesville CFA are urging residents to be careful when burning off.

Picture: ON FILE metres (leaves and small twigs are in constant motion) then don’t risk it - wait for another day”.

“If a burn-off does get out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire, and never be complacent.”

Keep your burn-off safe and legal: Check fire restrictions with your local council and register your burn on 1800 668 511 Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately

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Changes for forest plan

The union representing timber workers has welcomed changes made to the Victoria Forestry Plan.

Picture: ON FILE ties,” CFMEU Manufacturing Division National Secretary, Michael O’Connor, said.

“Our members, their families and communities have stood up and fought every step of the way for fairer treatment. While the fight for jobs in the industry continues, we now have a significantly better deal for impacted workers.”

IBAC receives complaints VicForests have been referred to IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman following allegations of ‘spying’ on conservationists and illegal logging reported on by the ABC. Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell has issued a letter to IBAC outlaying her complaint, concerned with allegations the government owned logging agency hired a private investigator to follow conservationist Sarah Rees in 2011.

“This can’t continue to go on unchecked.

We need a proper, independent investigation as soon as possible,” Ms Sandell said.

The letter also detailed concerns over illegally logging.

It read, “The ABC has also aired deeply concerning evidence that VicForests has been illegally logging on steep slopes in Melbourne’s water catchments and has been failing in its obligations under law to regenerate forests after logging. These practices have been going on for many years.”

An IBAC spokesperson has confirmed a complaint has been received regarding VicForests.

“Every complaint is assessed in accordance with the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Act 2011 to determine whether IBAC will investigate, refer it to another organisation for investigation, or dismiss it. As a matter of practice, IBAC will not be commenting further on the status of this complaint,” they said.

In November, VicForests issued a statement saying the Board of Directors has commissioned an external investigation into the surveil claim.

“The investigation is underway to identify any evidence to confirm or refute historical allegations that VicForests engaged a private investigator in 2010 and 2011 to surveil environmental activist Sarah Rees,” VicForests wrote in the statement.

“The claims made do not reflect the culture, the values or the people of VicForests.”

RSM Australia is conducting the investigation and is an experienced, diligent and highly commended external agency which mailcommunity.com.au

The State Government said recent legal challenges to timber harvesting have highlighted the need for new mechanisms to ensure the timber industry can meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production.

Legislation to be introduced early next year will include standards that set out how the industry can meet its obligations to a section of

the Code called the precautionary principle.

The changes will provide the industry with greater certainty about how the precautionary principle should be implemented.

The Conservation Regulator will also be strengthened with new infringement powers for anyone breaching the Code of Practice – bringing its disciplinary powers in line with other regulators in Victoria.

This builds on the additional powers provided to the regulator in the new Forests Legislation Amendment (Compliance and Enforcement) Act 2021.

VicForests will continue to deliver on the Government’s timber commitments under the Plan, concentrating on contracting, harvesting and regeneration.

The union said it still remains opposed to significant aspects of the plan and has raised serious problems with the package, which previously capped government payments for workers made redundant due to the government shutting down the industry to just $23,000.

The revised package will see the Government pay a top up to any statutory redundancy payments payable by employers to 4 weeks (up from 3 weeks) for every year of skills investment in the industry, so they receive up to $120,000 (up from a $23,000 maximum government contribution).

This is more consistent with previous forestry industry adjustment packages, such as the 2003 Victorian Government Our Forests Our Future assistance, and the assistance provided to Tasmanian workers in 2013 by the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments.

“We thank the Government and particularly Minister Mary-Anne Thomas for listening to our members’ concerns and advocating within the Government for an improved deal for workers,” Mr O’Connor said.

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Complaints have been issued to IBAC and the Ombudsman for alleged illegal logging

by VicForests. will produce a report that will be made publicly available.

VicForests also denied claims in another statement that it is not meeting it’s regeneration obligations.

“Vicforests’ responsibility is to regenerate harvested forests to the standard of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended November 2021) and the associated Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests 2021.

“Most of the time, areas are regenerated within three years but there is no set timeframe. Let’s be clear, we continue to regenerate our coupes until they are successfully regenerated in accordance with our obligations under the Code and the MSPs. Our obligations are not complete, and coupes are not removed from the Timber Release Plan, until the Code regeneration standards are met.”

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The State Government has made changes to its Victorian Forestry Plan to support the industry and improve workers’ transitioning out of native logging.

The Government announced more than $100 million for workers, communities and businesses impacted by the 2024 step-down from native timber harvesting, which will include opt out packages and increased redundancy payments.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said the plan was created to transition the native forest industry to new opportunities by 2030.

“The timber industry is changing – this is why we have a substantial financial package ready to support workers and communities, as we move to a new timber future based around plantations,” she said.

The enhanced Victorian Forestry Plan supports include the expansion of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund and the Forestry Business Transition Vouchers program by $20 million.

In addition, $14 million will be provided to implement new environmental measures.

This includes a new coupe regeneration plan, which will increase confidence that regeneration requirements are met before coupes are taken off the Timber Release Plan.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said, “These changes will deliver new ways to protect our precious wildlife while supporting the transition of our native forests from timber harvesting by 2030.”

The union representing timber workers, CFMEU Manufacturing, has welcomed the changes and said it’s a significant improvement.

“Along with increased funding for relocation assistance, it will make a real difference to timber workers, their families and communi-

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Disaster satellites

A concerned Yarra Junction resident would like council to review the open drains in the town. 262461

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dangerous drains

By Renee Wood A Yarra Junction resident is raising concerns around open storm water drains which he deems to be a safety hazard.

Peter has been living in the area for 11 years and said the open drains, in particular at the corner of Peppercorn Place and Hoddle Street, are dangerous.

“I have always been concerned and alarmed about the fact that the council have never pursued anything in terms of trying to rectify what is potentially a major, major hazard to the community, from a safety point of view and a

sanitation point of view,” he said.

Peter has witnessed members of the community fall into the drainage at that area.

“There was a resident who actually toppled his ride on lawnmower into the open drainage system there, not on one or two occasions, but on three occasions.”

The resident is hoping council will review and look into upgrades to ensure no further accidents can happen.

“If an elderly person, or any person for that matter, is walking down the adjacent paths, they could easily slip and fall down the embankment and into the drains, and they’re

quite large and quite deep, and would easily accommodate an adult, because that’s how big they are.”

“What I’d like to see coming out of this is that the council acknowledge it and identify that it is a problem and they will definitely start looking into the matter.”

Mark Varmalis, YRC Director Environment and Infrastructure, said “We encourage the community to reach out to us by phone or by lodging a request on our website if they have concerns regarding road or drainage issues in their area.”

The Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra will be receiving fixed nbn™ disaster satellite services part of a multi million dollar federal program.

The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) grant will fund new NBN satellites at the Coldstream Community Hall, Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, Healesville Memorial Hall, Warburton and Millgrove Sporting Complex, Yarra Junction Yarra Centre and Powelltown Sporting Clubrooms to provide emergency internet access at the relief locations.

The infrastructure plans to provide extra technical support during natural disasters or emergencies when ground transmission are failing and repairs are affected by a lack of access.

Ten sites were chosen within the Yarra Ranges, with the council welcoming the investment.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said it was important that areas that are at risk of bushfire and places that were so severely impacted in the June storm, were included in the STAND program.

“While I hope this infrastructure never gets used, it’s comforting to know it is there and it will help to build resilience in our community to help them stay connected in future emergencies,” he said.

“Access to telecommunications before, during and after a disaster is critical and is something we know our community desperately needs. Not having access to 000 or emergency information was one of the most frightening aspects of the June 9 storms.”

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FFM gets bushfire ready Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is continuing to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season, building on fuel management works conducted throughout the year to reduce the bushfire risk to communities and the environment.

FFMVic has recruited additional seasonal firefighters, with approximately 227 fixed-term and permanent staff and 89 Incident Management team staff available and ready to respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fire lookout observers will be stationed at local fire towers with three firefighting aircraft located across the region complementing the state’s resources at Avalon, Essendon and Moorabbin airfields, which comprises of two large Air Tankers, one Chinook and one Ericson Aircrane.

Firefighters have been busy throughout the year carrying out storm response and recovery works and attending pre-season briefings.

This preparation builds on FFMVic’s bushfire risk management works throughout the year, which includes completing 3700-hectares of planned burning and mulching and slashing works and constructing 150km of strategic fuel breaks in the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

FFMVic’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Tamara Beckett, said that even with the La Nina weather pattern causing wetter conditions than usual this summer, it was important to stay prepared in order to protect communities.

“These works are critical to reduce the speed and intensity of potential bushfires and will also assist firefighters as they work to contain bushfires before they spread and impact

Fuel management is an important step in protecting our communities from fires this summer.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

FFM Vic crews conducting planned burning in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season. on people, property and the environment,” Ms Beckett said.

“Due to the predicted cooler and wetter conditions this summer, communities may see our staff conducting burns during months

that have historically been too hot and dry to do so.

“Planned burning is completely weather dependent, and it’s critical that we take every safe opportunity to burn while conditions are

suitable, and it is safe to do so.

“Fire preparedness is a shared responsibility – and that’s why we’re also working with the CFA and communities to help residents understand the actions they can take to reduce their own bushfire risk,” she said.

All FFMVic crews are adhering to appropriate Covid restrictions and hygiene guidelines to ensure operations and training can safely continue across the state.

FFMVic works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions – such as humidity, temperature and wind speed – and will only carry out burns when weather and forest conditions are suitable.

FFMVic engages and consults with industry stakeholders and considers their interests in the planning and delivery of bushfire risk reduction activities.

For more information on how FFMVic manages bushfire risk, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/ bushfire-management-facts

Facebook users believe newspapers are essential More than half of people who do not read local newspapers believe they are essential to their communities, a national survey has found.

Findings from the survey show that 64.5 per cent of respondents consider a printed copy of a local newspaper an essential service to their communities. Further, 48 per cent, or just under half, state that if they ever did read a local newspaper, they prefer to do so in print, compared with online (33 per cent) or via social media (13 per cent).

The survey, conducted in July and August this year, sought the views of 400 Facebook users, who do not read a local newspaper, about the role of local news within their communities.

The research targeted participants in areas that were being served by independent local newspapers within the Country Press Australia (CPA) network.

The findings come as many local newspapers have struggled to survive during the pandemic.

Deakin University Associate Professor

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“Issues around accessibility and cost are also not surprising and reflect swings in community expectation in recent generations.

Most independent publishers are adapting to that, having learned from the mistakes of the big corporate players who are now deserting the regions.”

Both surveys are part of a national threeyear Australian Research Council-funded project involving researchers from Deakin and RMIT universities, with support from Country Press Australia, the peak media body for independent news organisations. The project is about to enter its third year.

Associate Professor Hess said the voices and perspectives of everyday people were often missing in policy discussion about the future of local media.

Almost 30 per cent of Australia’s population, close to 8 million people, live outside major cities in rural and regional areas, and are less-well serviced than their urban counterparts.

A copy of the survey report can be found here: www.localnewsinnovation.org

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Kristy Hess, who is leading the research, said the Facebook survey supported findings from a previous national study of local newspaper readers, her team conducted last year, highlighting a passion for the printed product.

“The fact that social media users examined here (in the latest survey) also indicate a preference for print is perhaps especially

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Associate Professor Kristy Hess.

profound,” she said.

Cost and accessibility were the key reasons these Facebook users did not engage with a local newspaper in print or digital format, said Dr Hess.

“Many participants highlighted that the absence of a home-delivery service or easy way to access the paper created an impediment to accessing the physical copy. They also indicated that they resisted paying for local news and would engage if it were free.

“This resonates with findings from our first survey of newspaper readers – that is, the existence of a culture of ‘free’ where people believe local news content should be readily available without cost to audiences.”

Bruce Morgan, Executive Director, for CPA, said the survey results were not surprising and reinforced the mood of many regional communities.

“It is not just about the survival of local independent (newspaper) businesses, but that it is fundamental to community well-being, and to basic democratic notions of accountability within those communities,” he said.

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G S R N E E O T I S N G A S E S

Wishing you all a very

Happy Holidays Connect with Cire www.cire.org.au

BEST WISHES FOR 2022 & THANK YOU TO OUR PASSENGERS IN 2021 13 Lilydale Rd Healesville

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SAFE NEW YEAR FROM ALL THE TEAM AT THE HEALESVILLE LIVING & LEARNING CENTRE

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR VALUED PARTICIPANTS/FAMILY AND STAFF. MAY THE GREATEST OF JOYS BE BESTOWED UPON YOU IN THE NEW YEAR AND THANK YOU KINDLY FOR YOUR SUPPORT. RECOVERY OPTIONS TEAM. 2421 Warburton Hwy Yarra Junction 5900 6898

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TEAM AT FRANKIES #naughtyornice

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WISHING OUR COMMUNITY A HAPPY AND SAFE FESTIVE SEASON. SEE YOU IN 2022!

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Art and gardens connect Throughout the year, local artists have been creating beautiful works for Healesville Community Garden to delight and inspire visitors.

On Saturday, 18 December the garden held its final art event for 2021 which connected deeply with Wurundjeri culture and a respect for Country.

Aunty Kim Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder, opened the event by welcoming guests to Country. This was a poignant moment as Aunty Kim was the first artist this year to create a work for the garden. Her Bunjil’s Nest has become a community favourite. It has a strong presence at the garden and resonates with people from all walks of life. Aunty Kim made the nest to honour the Wurundjeri people’s Creator Spirit and give visitors a place to ‘offer their intent, lay their worries down, sit and contemplate or reflect’.

Lewis Wandin-Bursill, an emerging Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artist, inscribed six Woiwurrung words on manna gum using traditional wood burning techniques. These words were gifted to the garden by Brooke Wandin.

Each word expresses an aspect of the natural world and connects to life at the community garden. The designs Lewis created for these pieces give reference to his four-times Great Uncle William Barak. Lewis is becoming skilled in carving and pyrography, creating designs that explore the patterns, symmetry and lines in nature.

The members of the Wandin family who supported this art project are proud Wurundjeri people who grew up on Country in Healesville.

Nikki Browne, sculptor, weaver, educator and Bidjara Woman living in Healesville, made a wombat and echidna out of sections of tree, fabric and shells. Nikki used non-toxic materials so that insects and other small creatures can continue to live in the wood. The animals are tactile and fun, playing on people’s curiosity to draw them into the sculpture space.

Ryan Tews’ statuesque wind chimes are made from recycled wood. This work interacts with nature every moment of the day, producing deep, gentle sounds in the breeze. It has seven tines that represent the Woi-wurrung seasons. There are sticks tucked into the sculpture for people to play the chimes and experience the work up close.

Antonia Green made three Leadbeater’s possums to raise awareness of this critically endangered species. Using recycled aluminium to create these life-sized ‘fairy possums’, Antonia has a strong message about the impacts of human activity on the environment.

The adult possums are placed in a tree trunk with natural hollows which they need for sleeping and to raise young. Without a healthy forest system, they cannot survive.

Mim Kocher was one of the participating artists through the year. She created seven colourful works for the garden, which were un-

Antonia Green, Aunty Kim Wandin, Lewis Wandin-Bursill, Nikki Browne and Ryan Tews at the Food Patch’s final art event.

Pictures: ETHNE PFEIFFER

Antonia Green with her Leadbeater’s Possum sculptures. 262925 veiled on 28 November. These small, delightful works are not all easy to spot. Visitors are encouraged to look closely to discover these gems!

This year-long project was created by FoodPatch Art, an initiative of Healesville Community Garden; Hearth Galleries; YAVA Gallery & Arts Hub; Savaad Felich, Sculptor; and Dirtscape Dreaming. It was proudly funded through the Yarra Ranges Council 2021 Community Grants Scheme.

Lewis Wandin-Bursill with his design Woi-wurrung words.

Get your Christmas Cake at the Lions Den Op Shop

By Renee Wood The Healesville Lions Club has plenty of the Lions Australia Christmas Cakes available for local residents wanting to support the tradition and cause.

The cakes are being sold through the Lions Den Opportunity store or others spots around town including the Bendigo Bank.

Shop Coordinator Elaine Dosser said the club raises around $8,000 each year through the Christmas Cake drive.

“It’s a big thing, the cakes themselves are a Lions Club recipe and this started many many years ago,” she said.

The proceeds go towards causes including blindness prevention and vision improvement projects, medical research, Children’s Mobility Foundation, hearing dogs, disaster relief, aged care, drug awareness and youth programs.

“It’s a tradition, so it’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a good recipe which has stood the test of time.”

The club also donates several cakes to Hicci and St Brigid’s Care Group for Christmas Hampers.

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

The fundraiser is just one of many the club is part of, with many running throughout the year.

Ms Dosser said more than $2 million dollars has been raised over the years since the club was established in 1961.

The Lion’s Den opportunity store is also a great retail outlet which helps to raise donations for the club that can be spread throughout the community.

The shop was established 34 years ago and the profits have gone to schools in Healesville, Badger Creek, Toolangi, Chum Creek, Catholic, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, and Fire Brigades and trucks, SES and equipment.

The op shop is hoping more volunteers will come on board in the new year to help continue providing the vital service.

“We all become friends, the people within the shop even though we are getting older and we care for one another, and it’s a two way thing - it helps us and it helps the community.

“Everyone cares for one another and they come in and they’re part of a family - and you would go a long way to get that sort of friendships.”

President Steve Stafford and Lions Den Op Shop Coordinator Elaine Dossor have plenty of Picture: SUPPLIED Christmas cakes on offer in the store. 262736 mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Cash to help more youth

By Renee Wood The Good Life Farm in Chum Creek has welcomed a $10,000 grant thanks to local financial planner Ian Whykes and the Future2 Foundation.

The farm, which runs support programs for disengaged youth, received the cheque after Mr Whykes supported its application to the foundation.

Founder of the farm Lesley Porter said she’s grateful for the support and it will go towards putting three kids, two from Lilydale and one from Launching Place, through the Life and Social Skills program.

“It’s about connecting the young people to the earth and to animals and it teaches them respect for themselves, it really feeds through,” Ms Porter said.

The weekly program covers several areas and changes to adapt to the current students, although animal welfare, construction and cooking skills, personal development games and community kindness projects are common themes included.

“It’s an intensive program, so six young people and four workers - we’ve got a psychologist, a psych nurse, a youth worker and a social worker.

“It helps the students slowly gain awareness of behaviour that might be causing why they don’t make friends. So it’s bringing awareness to them and using the animals to show them what it is.”

Future2 is a foundation that is supported

by Australian financial advisor making yearly contributions, and financial advisor has to recommend the group which is applying for the grants.

“Future2 is aimed at giving young people between 12 and 25 opportunities which they wouldn’t have had otherwise,” Mr Whykes said.

Mr Whykes has provided the latest recommendation for the $10,000 grant however, he has provided personal donations over the last decade.

“We wouldn’t be sitting in this building if Mr Whykes hadn’t supported us, because this was all donation and we started it with not the full amount that we needed, and we kept praying please, and just every year Ian has donated so it’s just been fantastic,” Ms Porter said.

Mr Whykes first donated to the farm ten

Financial Planner Ian Whykes presented Good Life Farm founder Lesley Porter with a $10,000 grant from the Future2 Foundation.

Picture: RENEE WOOD years ago, five years after the farm started when he heard of the good Ms Porter was providing to the students.

A fitting full circle for the pair, seeing as Mr Whykes knew Ms Porter as his student at Healesville High School when he was the principal.

“She used to take off from school and we always knew where to find her she’d be up playing with her horses, but she came to Rotary one night and explained what they were trying to do here, and I’m a former school principal who knew what kids were like who didn’t have

any opportunity and were totally turned off from education,” Mr Whykes said.

“And Lesley had already gained a reputation just in a couple of years of changing kids, and they were different kids after they’ve been out here, and I also liked the fact that she didn’t let them get away with anything.”

This will be Mr Whykes’ last donation as a financial adviser and said he’s grateful it’s going to a worthy cause.

“I’ve had 40 years as a school teacher and then 30 years in financial planning I think I’ve

just about earned retirement, so this is my last real formal event I’ll be doing as a financial advisor so it’s a nice way to finish.”

A finish that’s continuing to help fulfill Ms Porter’s dream of supporting kids in need who’s families are unable to afford it.

“So the farm’s always tried to accommodate young people that they’re not going to private schools, they don’t have rich parents, they’re usually in the system, and so I’ve always tried to support those young people that don’t get the opportunities that other young people,” Ms Porter said.

School holiday program: building resilience with art

By Renee Wood A special holiday program is running in January, offering kids the opportunity to learn about their feelings through art.

Facilitator Bec Filliponi started All The Feels Therapeutic Art Program in 2019 after seeing a lack of accessible services for children in the Upper Yarra.

“As a social worker, I was working with a lot of high risk young people and adults and thinking about what would be helpful as an early intervention model reduce mental health issues and other issues later on in life.”

The three hour event will include Ms Filliponi and two artists Julie Gebbing and Catherine Byatt at a Wandin studio to discuss emotions through art and learn how to express and regulate how they’re feeling.

“Using art is always a good medium because it’s creative, and there are no rules, and you can’t fail it up. And a big focus is also on increasing self worth and confidence, so it’s always good for that as well.”

Previously the program has run as a weekly program however, it has changed to single sessions in school holidays due to the pandemic.

Ms Filliponi said she’s noticed big changes from students after they experienced the sessions.

“They get much more comfortable with admitting their emotions, having less shame mailcommunity.com.au

about their emotions and just feeling more comfortable - more playful, and they’re more energetic, they’re more willing to take risks.

So their self-confidence and their emotional literacy really increases throughout the program.”

The program was also recently successful in receiving a grant from Yarra Ranges Council of $10,000 which is going towards reducing the costs to allow more families to afford the program.

“Accessibility is really, really important and if we had to charge people how much it costs for our time, and all the art supplies, then there would be families that couldn’t afford to get support for their children and I don’t think that that’s okay.

“So it means that everyone can access, support and wellbeing, joy and fun learning about how great they are, because that shouldn’t be something that you can’t access just because you don’t have the money.”

It’s $15 for the session, with four sessions running in the school holidays at Lime Door Studio in Wandin.

Art Project 1 – Treasure Chest: Tuesday 18th January 9:30am Tuesday 18th January 1pm Art Project 2 – Fantastic Fun Fidgets: Wednesday January 19th 9:30am Wednesday January 19th 1pm Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/ BWBUD

· · · ·

The All The Feels art program will be held in Wandin in January.

Picture: DUSAN JOVIC ON UNSPLASH Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Chainsaw exhibit opens Warburton chainsaw artist Shlomit Moria has opened her first solo exhibition at the Warburton Waterwheel Gallery.

The show includes several sculptures which have been created by Ms Moria all from pictures of locals in the town.

Ms Moria hopes residents will be able to see themselves in the work dubbed ‘‘Warburtonians’.

The exhibit opened on Thursday 16 December and will run until 4 January 2022 at the Waterwheel Gallery in Warburton.

Resident Andrew Kane resembles his sculpture crafted by Shlomit Moria for Warburtonians.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Resident Aileen Dawn with her replica.

Brunu and Stella Sailor and a Tavern maid. 262640

Shlomit Moria’s son Dean posed for this sculpture.

It’s the first exhibit for artist Shomit Moria at the Waterwheel gallery space. 262640

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

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

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

Scan the QR CODE

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

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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Read it now

mailcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS

Santa tours Healesville Did you spot Santa Claus with the CFA in Healesville on Thursday 16 December?

The Healesville Fire Brigade brought the jolly man in red to the main street during the twilight trading session for families to meet and take photos with Santa.

The brigade is expecting to return to the main street for the last twilight session of the year on Thursday 23 December.

Santa said hello from the side of the truck as he’s unable to get down due to Covid-safe requirements. 262974

Santa was chauffeured through the streets by a local crew. 262974

Residents were invited to meet Santa on Thursday 16 December down the main street of Pictures: DANIEL GLENN Healesville. 262974

The CFA truck was made for Santa and his big red outfit. 262974

Visiting Upper Yarra locals

Santa joined Hillcrest CFA for a tour through the Upper Yarra on Saturday 18 December. 262995 Pictures: SUPPLIED

Hillcrest CFA enjoyed visiting local families and children with Santa on Saturday 18 December.

The tour began at Don Road and Warburton Highway before travelling down Dalry Road and Healesville Koo Wee Rup Road.

Families were able to take photos with Santa and ask for final present requests before Christmas Day. Crews were planning to tour other areas on Sunday however, it was cancelled due to the rain.

Now that has been rescheduled to Wednesday night 22 December, with the details as follows: Starting in Launching Place/Woori Yallock at Alpine Blvd, Warburton Highway and all roads on Allsops Road side.

Then Santa will travel to Phillip Rd, Williams, Nester Road and Shevlins Lane, School house, Elvian and finishing on Lusatia Park Road.

Santa also handed out goodies to kids and will be back in the area on Wednesday. 262995 Woori Yallock starting at Henry and Lester proceeding to Middleton Estate then finish at the Symes Road Estate.

Listen out for the sirens on the night to hear Santa’s announcement.

Santa to join Coldstream CFA for Christmas Eve

By Renee Wood Santa Claus has been soaked into Christmas traditions for centuries, but Coldstream residents have been lucky enough to create their own local tradition with the man in red and the local CFA on Christmas Eve. Captain Sean Bethell said crews have been touring with Santa through the area on December 24 for several years to bring joy local families to enjoy.

“Coldstream’s been doing this for a very long time, I think probably between 15 and 20 years and we’ve always done it on Christmas Eve. “The start time is 4.30pm and we’re usually pack up around 7.30pm, so those really young kids are usually just about ready for bed for Santa to have his visit during the night,” he said.

The trucks will drive through the estate and along Killara Road, Ingram Road and parts of Maroondah Highway, Melba Highway and Rudduck Lane and Station Street.

“We’ve got to do this Covid safe so Santa will mailcommunity.com.au

be mainly staying on the vehicle and if children want their photo taken with Santa, Santa will remain on the truck and children could be on the side of the truck with Santa up above them.”

Gold coin donations will also be welcomed along the journey, to go towards the final instalments for the new station.

“That’ll be in the way of turn out systems, helping automate some of the things, also some of the new gardens that have to be finished off as well.”

Captain Bethell expects the crew may be moving in early in the new year and is the brigade is currently looking for new recruits to join.

“Any members of the public that are wishing to donate their time by becoming a member drop into your local CFA fire stations, not just Coldstream but throughout the whole of the Yarra Valley.

“Every brigades always looking for new members so they’re more than welcome to drop in and see what we do and see if it’s something they’re interested in doing.”

Coldstream CFA will host Santa for Christmas Eve.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 13

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

I hate Avocados.

Tell us about your role as a chainsaw artist?

Having a chainsaw carving business is like having any other business on top of the creative side, I need to take care of quotes, invoices and taxes and of course the carving.

I work closely with the local mill in Millgrove and order my timbers in advance. I usually work with cyprus on the larger pieces. The creative side usually starts with a concept and a sketch, then I research, taking photos where I can and thinking about poses that will suit the sculpture - I am trying to figure it out in my head first, once it’s figured out I can start cutting. I always start with a chainsaw since it’s the perfect tool to cut off large pieces of timber, once I have the shape I move to other tools from large to small for the final details.

What has been your most memorable moment as an artist?

It must have been when I made the decision to go for it and become a sculptor.

It wasn’t an easy decision because nobody

with Chainsaw Artist Shlomit Moria ever said ‘Be an artist and support yourself and your family through Art!” It was a leap of faith, knowing I will have a lot to learn and to practice profusely to be able to carve what I want to carve.

What do you love most about living in the Upper Yarra?

I love the people, the community and the wonderful nature that surrounds us.What are some of your hobbies?

Traveling, reading and gaming.

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

I would love to see peace in the middle east.

Who do you admire the most?

Mahatma Gandhi and generally kind and caring people who have a lot on their plate yet find time to care for others.

What is an important issue in the region you think needs exposure?

The lack of housing for rent in the upper Yarra area, many houses in my street have turned into B&B and local people are running out of places to rent and have to move away.

THREE … easy Christmas snacks

1

Strawberry Santa hat marshmallows. Hull strawberries and cut tops off. Place one strawberry, cut side down, on top of each marshmallow. Top with a small ball of frosting for the Santa hat.

2

Reindeer cookies. Using melted chocolate, glue pretzels to a plain cookie to act as the antlers. Use M&Ms as eyes and red nose.

3

Mini plum puddings. Roll pudding mixture into balls. Melt white chocolate and drizzle over top. Cut up red and green lolly snakes to add as garnish.

OPINION

Mayor’s Christmas message This year has been one of the most challenging years I can remember for our community.

Between lockdowns and storms we may have faced it all in 2021, but I am so proud of the way that everyone has soldiered on and helped each other heal through the multiple hurdles thrown our way.

Our community has shown great resilience through these troubled times, but of course we are always here to help in any way we can for those in need.

Please reach out to us by calling 1300 368 333 if you need assistance of any kind and we can help point you in the right direction.

In getting back to business as usual, I encourage our residents to have a Yarra Ranges Christmas this year and get behind our Buy, Employ, Enjoy local campaign.

As we all know for the best part of two years, our local businesses have done it tough, so where possible please consider buying local this holiday period.

We are so lucky to live in a region that is renowned for its incredible produce that can help set the scene for a beautiful Christmas lunch or dinner.

We also have wonderful local businesses who produce locally made gifts to fulfill your last-minute Christmas shopping needs.

If you’re not sure where to start, can I suggest visiting the Buy Local directory on our website, which has more than 400 local businesses listed to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for.

I also understand that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for some members of our community, due to the financial and social chal-

CARTOON

From my

desk Jim Child

lenges it can sometime pose.

We have some amazing volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges that can support people during these times, so please visit the community relief and support agencies section of our website for a list of local services you can reach out to if you would like to make a donation.

Tourism plays a major part in boosting our local economy, and as we’re now able to travel into and out of the Yarra Ranges without restriction, we will all need to adjust to seeing our roads and towns being busier than what we may have seen over the past 18 months.

We live in one of the best places you could possibly live, so naturally there will be a number of people from other areas of Melbourne and beyond who will begin visiting us and enjoying everything the Yarra Ranges has to offer.

If you are planning on travelling over the holiday period, please take care on the roads and stay safe.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings.

Coldstream Post Office Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Supermarket Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Roadrunners Roadhouse Cafe 629 Maroondah Highway Healesville Real Estate Yarra Valley 299 Maroondah Highway Healesville BP Ultimate 66 Maroondah Highway Healesville McKenzie's Tourist Services 13 Old Lilydale Road Healesville Newsagent 195 Maroondah Highway Healesville IGA Supermarket 199 Maroondah Highway Healesville SW Hollis Butcher 209 Maroondah Highway Healesville Sanctuary House Resort Motel 326 Badger Creek Road Healesville Shell Service Station Cnr Harker Street and Maroondah Highway Healesville Coles Supermarket 251 Maroondah Highway Healesville Caltex 370 Maroondah Highway Healesville First National/Mark Gunther 189 Maroondah Highway Healesville Beechworth Bakery 316 Maroondah Highway Launching Place Charlie's Milk Bar 2 Centella Place Launching Place General Store 2200 Warburton Highway Launching Place Caltex Log Cabin Service Station 2000 Warburton Highway Lilydale Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway Lilydale United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

Lilydale 7-Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway 7 Cave Hill Road Lilydale Lilydale Village News Agents Lilydale Village Lilydale Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Lilydale Lilydale Village Lilydale Village Lilydale Lilydale Aged Care 475 Swansea Road Lilydale BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway Lilydale Eastern Laundries 2/4 Williams Street East Millgrove Newsagency Shop 5/ 3043 Warburton Highway Millgrove Millgrove Licensed Grocers 3039 Warburton Highway Millgrove Millgrove Village Bakery 4/3039 Warburton Highway Seville Woolworths Seville 568 Warburton Highway Seville Woolworths Caltex Service Station 568 Warburton Highway Seville Post Office 634-638 Warburton Highway Wandin North Fast Fuel Wandin 389-391 Warburton Highway Wandin North IGA X-Press Wandin North Plus Liquor 388 Warburton Highway Wandin North Landmark Harcourts Wandin Real Estate 1/362 Warburton Highway Wandin North Wandin Newsagency Shop 18/2 Union Road Warburton IGA Supermarket 3465 Warburton Highway Warburton K G Thomas Ply Ltd Insurance 1/3395 Warburton Highway Warburton The Valley Bakery Warburton 3415 Warburton Highway

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

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OPINION

A name above all names Christmas Day is just four days away when most of us will try to enjoy something that we have been looking forward to for a long time.

We have suffered greatly this year with our world record lockdowns, so we will be more eager to burst out and let our combined hairs down and ‘party’. However some might be past it.

Others of course will be grieving family losses from the year past, or dealing with debilitating illnesses. (If you are reading this and know someone dealing with these things, see what you can do to help carry their burden).

However most children will still be untainted by adult troubles and will be going to bed in three sleeps time, exited and eager to wake the next morning to see what Santa has brought.

Yes Christmas did start a long time ago, two thousand years even, give or take a year or so, when ‘Julian’ and ‘Gregory’ fiddled with the calendar.

Or at least that was when God came to earth in the form of a baby.

That sounds like it belongs to a mythical saga before the mists of time, but in fact it is linked solidly with our current history, and evidence of that time is in many places in the world. In fact our legal and governmental systems are a direct lift from the Judeo/Christian

Focal Point Graeme Dawson system that Jesus was born into.

Have you ever tried to make the link between with the Jesus of Christmas and the Roman built roads and bridges in Britain, and the ancient buildings of Greece that you might have taken photos of?

No, the Christmas story did not float in out of the ‘long ago ether’. Jesus as the baby, and eventually the man, are rooted solidly in history. In fact in the Old Testament part of our bibles, (the actual Jewish history and laws,) include the prophecies of Isaiah.

He predicted the birth and death of Jesus, with amazing details, 742 years before Jesus was born. He even wrote a message for Jesus to read out in the temple when he /Jesus was a 30 yr. old Rabbi – and he did – it was written in the first person.

I understand all this to mean that this Jesus

was no ordinary baby. He was the Son of God sent to earth to redeem a fallen people, so that their relationship with him could be restored.

Before he left earth to go back to the heavenlies, he promised that he would be the advocate for all those who call on God. Surely our world needs that now: desperately - secure relationships and belonging? Aren’t we a people searching for love? Don’t we want stability in our lives?

He hears our cries and carries us through the deep waters of our lives, and can, at times, be an anchor in our raging torrents. I can promise that he will meet you at the crossroads of your crises, big or small. I know, as he has met me there many times.

See if you can locate the real Jesus of Christmas who transcends time but lives in it – our time. You may have done some carol singing to date, but start to think of the baby: grown up.

This is God’s Grace joining our faith. If you would like to get some of this unpacked, contact me as below.

I wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas, and a good break – ‘God knows’ we all deserve that.

Many Blessings For contact, use my email first - csrsmokey@ gmail.com Graeme Dawson Chaplain to Community

Reflecting on a year of reading with the top five books A friend recently asked how many books I read per year. It’s hard to explain, as sometimes I’m lucky to read one or two books in a week, while at other times I can be too busy to read anything at all.

One thing is clear: Thanks to this “Passion for Prose” column, I’ve been reading more Australian books than ever before. It’s great to have this tiny spot to share my love for everything about reading and writing.

Having studied journalism in the 1990s, writing for our community via a distinguished local newspaper means a lot to me.

Particularly because I’ve been living in and working for this community for more than two decades.

Having an excellent local library makes a huge difference as well. Throughout the years, I have suggested many books for purchase and borrowed even more fiction and non-fiction titles from Eastern Regional Libraries. Belgrave Library feels like a second home to me.

So, reflecting on a year of reviewing Australian books and literary events, I want to thank all our readers across the Yarra Valley

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN and Dandenong Ranges. Anyone finds joy discovering a new book or author as a result of my recommendation – you’ll be making my day.

Below are my Top Five Books, out of the 31 Australian titles I’ve reviewed since February 23, 2021. These were published within the past five years: 1. The Rich Man’s House by Andrew McGahan (Allen and Unwin, September 2019) – A 600-page monster that’s absolutely unputdownable, featuring a fictional yet unearthly mountain towering over the

freezing Antarctic waters south of Tasmania. The only man who’s ever conquered it now feels – and fears – the ferocious, omnipresent and forever-patient forces of Mother Nature, which can be ultimately and overwhelmingly terrifying..

2. The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire by Chloe Hooper (Penguin Australia, October 2018) – A powerful account of the fires on the outskirts of Churchill in Central Gippsland on February 7, 2009, which killed 11 people and torched 82,000 acres of land. It focuses on the hunt, arrest, trial and conviction of the mentally disturbed man who lit two fires and then sat on the roof of his house to watch the inferno.

3. The Beijing Bureau: 25 Australian Correspondents Reporting China’s Rise edited by Trevor Watson and Melissa Roberts (Hardie Grant Publishing, April 2021) – An essential and entertaining read for all who care about Australia-China relations, detailing the history of Australian journalism in China. It raises our awareness of that country, the lives of its people, its government and culture, and what its ambition

means to Australia and the world.

4. Roots: Home is Who We Are: Voices from the SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition (Hardie Grant Publishing, July 2021) – A collection of 30 short memoirs about growing up in diverse Australia, selected from more than 2,000 entries from across the country. It’s a snapshot of contemporary Australia, with authors from all walks of life defying how others define them while seeking an honest way to define themselves.

5. Soon by Lois Murphy (Transit Lounge, October 2017) – Winner of the 2017 Aurealis Award for Best Horror Novel, suitable for those enjoying classic Australian tales such as Picnic at the Hanging Rock and Wolf Creek. Inspired by the demise of Wittenoom in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the story illustrates the slow death of a remote tiny town as a result of a mysterious, malicious mist.

Once again, thank you all for reading my column. I’ll return in January 2022 to review and recommend more Australian books and literary events for you.

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice: the best films Last year, I commented on the proliferation of B-movies: with cinemas closed, low-to-medium-budget genre movies released on streaming services received more attention than usual.

In 2021, as the world slowly returned to normality but still with varying degrees of lockdown or restrictions, we saw a boom in films with small productions and few or single locations, which are easier for upholding Covidsafe practices.

Old takes place almost entirely on a secluded beach. Till Death, Werewolves Within and Willy’s Wonderland take place mostly inside a holiday house, rustic hotel and abandoned restaurant, respectively. Blood Red Sky takes place mostly inside a passenger jet. Ascendant (last week’s honourably dishonourable mention) is set inside an elevator turned remote torture-box. Voyagers and Stowaway are both set on spaceships. The Guilty plays out in a single room in a police station, and Oxygen is set entirely within a failing cryostasis pod.

But limitations often drive creativity, and these limitations yielded amazing drama, pathos and thrills. This was also a good year for dark comedy, female-led action and great open-ended conclusions.

Here are my picks for the ten best films of 2021.

10. Gunpowder Milkshake. An endearing but mailcommunity.com.au

hard-hitting action thriller about family, loyalty and compassion, Gunpowder Milkshake is suffused with noir style and makes excellent use of its prestigious ensemble cast.

9. Old. An extremely tense, harrowing horror film, this is M. Night Shyamalan’s best film in a long time. Shyamalan conjures mounting dread, tenderness and a fascinating mystery from a tiny beach setting, and the performances are (mostly) outstanding.

8. Boss Level. A great example of pathos and rich character development woven into an offbeat action movie and building strong, pressing stakes without taking things too seriously.

7. Kate. A riproaring John Wick-style action movie about a ticked-off woman on a ven-

detta with nothing to lose, but who through an unlikely friendship finds something beyond vengeance to fight for in her last hours. Kate further affirms star Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s action chops, and made me realise that if they ever recast Ellen Ripley for a new Aliens movie, it should be Winstead.

6. Oxygen. Featuring a career-best performance from Melanie Laurent, Oxygen is an excruciatingly tense and stunningly clever film about a woman fighting to stay alive and sane and uncover the truth of her existence in a tiny prison.

5. Lapsis. A sterling case of socially-conscious indie sci-fi. Lapsis hits close to home with its authentic vision of the near future, confronting the gig economy, MLMs and exploitative corporations through the touching prism of a scrappy labourer struggling to care for his sick brother.

4. Synchronic. One of the best time travel movies in years. A pure sense of exploration and discovery, along with the main character’s mission to rescue a girl stranded in the past, are rock-solid motivators. Synchronic’s time travel is both ethereal and macabre, playing out through sombre snippets of American history. Like Boss Level, Synchronic also ends on a perfect ambiguous note.

3. Stowaway. A remarkably tight, efficient sci-fi

drama. Stowaway is quiet and low-key, but has probably the best sustained, escalating suspense of the year, as a crisis on a Mars mission worsens and the well-sketched characters face dire choices. Also, let me reiterate that the beautiful conclusion made me cry.

2. Dune. An enthralling sci-fi epic offering a fascinating, perilous journey through a beautiful, richly-detailed universe. Denis Villeneuve’s dream project is a blockbuster every bit worth the long wait, and comparable to The Lord of the Rings in its grand scope, character depth, respect for the source novel and astounding effects.

1. Nitram. Justin Kurzel helms a riveting character study based on the events leading up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Kurzel and Oscar-worthy star Caleb Landry Jones approach this tragedy with tact, stark honesty and not a trace of sensationalism, building a grim, cohesive portrait of immaturity, violence, loss, obsession and macabre inspiration. Nitram will stick with you for a long time.

Like all of us, cinema did the best it could with a long series of setbacks, and I’m very optimistic for cinema and life in 2022, as the world reopens further and productions widen again.

- Seth Lukas Hynes Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 15

GENERAL PUZZLES

9 5 6

5

SUDOKU

No. 060

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

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 3 4 5 6 7 8 13

ACROSS Suggests (7) Expressing much in few words (7) Terrific (9) Caribbean Sea island (5) Sequence (6) Becoming prominent (8) Red wine (6) Most important; major (4) Not false (4) Commercial (6) Self-government (8) Water-surrounded land mass (6) Florida port (5) From Oslo, e.g. (9) Sources of light made with wax (7) Traditions (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

16 17 18 21 22 23 26

7 2 9

7

1

DOWN Brew; steep (6) Food cupboard (6)

1 2

DECODER

No. 060

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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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5

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9

10

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13

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

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

H

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 33 words: Excellent

Q

A

L

U

N E

I

R

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ART ATE AXE BOA CAD CON DDT END FRY GEE HOG ICE ILL IRE PAT PIG RIP SAC SEA TWO VAT VET WAX 4 LETTERS ACTS ARES BENT CITE DRAG ERRS IDLE IOTA LIDS REVS SHOT SOUR STOP STYE SWAP

TEXT USES WOVE 5 LETTERS ADORE AGREE ARISE ATONE ATTIC AWARE BASIL CIRCA ERECT EXILE EXTRA GOUGE HALON LASER LILAC NEARS

No. 060

NESTS OCTAL ODOUR OVERT PASTA PIECE RARER REARS RECAP RELAX ROTOR SEATS SEEPS SLAPS SLEEP SLEET STRAW STUDS TABOO TIDAL TOAST

TREAT ULTRA VERSE WAGER WASPS WHITE WISPS 6 LETTERS ERECTS RESETS 7 LETTERS ARREARS ASPHALT

CONIFER NETTLES SCEPTIC STAPLES 8 LETTERS DIVISIVE ESCAPADE IRRITATE PARROTED 10 LETTERS INITIATORS STARCHIEST

alien, earn, elan, HARLEQUIN, hernia, inhale, inhaler, inure, lain, lane, lean, learn, lien, line, linear, liner, lunar, nail, near, neural, quern, rain, rani, rein, renal, ruin, rune, ulan, ulna, ulnae, unreal, urinal, urine

5 4 9 3 1 7 2 8 6

8 9 1 6 3 4 5 2 7

6 5 2 7 9 1 4 3 8

7 4 3 8 2 5 9 1 6

3 1 7 4 6 9 8 5 2

2 8 4 1 5 3 6 7 9

9 6 5 2 8 7 3 4 1

1 7 9 5 4 6 2 8 3

4 3 8 9 1 2 7 6 5

5 2 6 3 7 8 1 9 4

8 2 3 4 5 6 1 7 9

6 1 7 2 8 9 3 5 4

2 6 4 1 3 5 7 9 8

9 3 5 6 7 8 4 1 2

1 7 8 9 4 2 6 3 5

3 9 2 5 6 1 8 4 7

4 8 6 7 9 3 5 2 1

7 5 1 8 2 4 9 6 3

4 8 2 1 6 9 3 5 7

5 1 9 7 8 3 2 6 4

7 6 3 5 4 2 8 9 1

2 4 6 8 5 7 9 1 3

3 7 5 4 9 1 6 2 8

8 9 1 2 3 6 7 4 5

1 2 4 6 7 8 5 3 9

9 5 8 3 2 4 1 7 6

6 3 7 9 1 5 4 8 2

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

4

hard

3

medium

2

easy

1

8 2

5 9

18

7

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6 1 2

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8

B Z J X L QR G Y F D E U

3

14

5

VW T P I A K CMO S H N

4 5

3

9 6

Female name (8) Places oneself on a chair (4) Railway vehicle (10) Objects for sitting (6) Maritime (8) Replenishing (a battery) (8) Medications given to a patient (10) Second largest ocean in the world (8) Large Australian spider (8) Members of a trust (8) Require (6) Gambling house (6) Ancient Greek figure of beauty (6) Australian actor — Bana (4)

6 7 9 5 4

7

No. 060

hard

4 8

1 3

7

6 8

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

mailcommunity.com.au

A COUNTRY LIFESTYLE BEAUTIFULLY positioned on approximately 1500 sq. metres of level lawn and garden areas, you can enjoy wonderful mountain views from your own backyard with plenty of space and privacy.

Situated conveniently just outside the bustling township of Warburton this good size family home offers 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in robe, a large family room with split system and those gorgeous views to see while you sip your morning cuppa.

Great living space with two separate

areas, both spacious, light and bright plus a five 5kw solar system.

Step outside to your covered entertaining area which overlooks the fully fenced rear yard, a super space for both kids and pets, complete with a separate fenced off area for the firepit.

Double garage under roof and another shed for extra storage, this home represents great value offering modern conveniences in a semi-rural environment and just minutes’ drive to facilities with some breathtaking views across the Yarra Valley. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 432 Woods Point Road, EAST WARBURTON Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $650,000 - $710,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rebecca Doolan, 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

PICTURESQUE ACREAGE A CLASSIC Warburton property, family owned for over 40 years and set in the most picturesque peaceful and private location you will find in Warburton. Offering approx. 6 acres to explore and enjoy with great views of the surrounding mountains and distant views of Warburton’s colourful main street and surrounds.

The original family home offers 2 bedrooms plus an open plan kitchen, family/ living room and dining area, outside there is loads of car accommodation with a 4-car carport plus a separate 6 car garage.

A rare and unique property with a mix of cleared land and scattered bush and offering the ideal small acreage lifestyle with peace and privacy assured.

Ideally situated just a short stroll to the Yarra river and Warburton’s main street it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil country lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 38 Giffords Road, WARBURTON Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 9 garage Price: $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll, 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

8 Azalea Court Warburton

$600,000 - $650,000

62 Middleton Drive Woori Yallock

Quiet Court in beautiful surrounds.

Solid Home - Unbeatable Location

Situated down a peaceful road this cosy home gives the opportunity to take in the absolute beauty that surrounds you. The home has 2 bedrooms, the main bedroom has good-sized built-in robes and lovely views of the neighbouring mountains from the window. Open lounge, dining and kitchen make for a usable space and the kitchen is just lovely, timber and built to last with ample cupboards its certainly the place to be within the home. The backyard is sunny, flat, and easily maintained, there is also the large veranda along the front of the home which is a great place to sit and watch the world go by and from here you can enjoy overlooking the mature colourful gardens. Delightful downsizer, weekender or even that first step into the market.

Positioned to please this neat home is ideally situated just a stones throw to the Warburton trail, local schools and shops.

The home is well presented and offers great space inside and out with 3 bedrooms, spacious lounge/living area an open plan kitchen with ample bench and cupboard space.

The kids and pets will love the back yard with established play equipment and a securely fenced yard, a covered verandah area offers year round outdoor entertaining plus ample car accommodation with a large 2 car carport and a bungalow/studio perfect for the teenagers games room or home office. A great home in a great location it’s the perfect place to call home.

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: By Appointment

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

$600,000 - $660,000

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Seasons Greetings from the team at Professionals Yarra Valley!

AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE WE WOULD LIKE TO REFLECT ON SOME FABULOUS SALES AND THANK OUR CLIENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN 2021.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF A MOVE IN 2022 WE WILL BE OPEN FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

12529080-DL52-21

SOLD

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 19

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wishing Everyone A Very Happy Christmas

Closing Thursday 23rd Dec and Re Opening on Monday 10th Jan

Accredited with Aquascape to build all types of:

3-5 Green Street, Healesville E: yservicecentre@gmail.com 5962 4277

The best paintball experience at 3 locations in Victoria, near Melbourne! Large outdoor locations.

Bookings Essential!!

• Natural Pools • Garden Ponds • Watergardens • Water Features • 20+ year experience

0416 022 814

www.pcbwaterscapes.com.au

12529774-CG52-21

12529237-NG52-21

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Creating beautiful natural water spaces and water features

• Under 18s can now play paintball with our 50cal gun great for Birthday parties.

• We can tailor a package to suit you and your friends just go to paintballgames.com.au • All prices include marker, goggles, vest and overalls.

• Adult packages start from $50 per person.

Call us (03) 9777 0613 Includes 200 paintballs!! info@paintballgames.com.au • Low impact paintball available.

Find us on Suitable for kids 8 and up.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Visit Piaf Day Spa and enjoy a Luxury Escape in our beautiful rainforest setting

• HAYMAN REECE TOWBARS • MUFFLERS FOR ALL VEHICLES

Alkira Bright Weekday Special 12529307-DL52-21

12528126-DL52-21

YOUR LOCAL MUFFLER & TOWBAR CENTRE

Price: $325 Value: $385 Available Jan - Mar

2hrs 45min* $325 (Cost $385pp) • Luminous Facial • Heated Stone Massage • Hydrotherapy Spa *Locals enjoy a further 10% discount on Monday - Friday Appointments.

When you book our Alkira Bright Weekday Special Our gift for you is a Peppermint Foot Treat* Phone: 03 59627797 info@piafdayspa.com.au

See www.piafdayspa.com.au for our other packages

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DAWSONS TREE SERVICES

Management and Staff at Network Classifieds would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

THE TH E CL CLAS CLASSIFIEDS A SI AS SIF FIED EDS S DE D DEPARTMENT PA ARTME RT ME MENT NT T WIL WILL LL BE BE C CLOSING LO L O SING G O ON N THUR TH THURSDAY HUR URSD SDAY AY 2 23RD RD DE DECE DECEMBER CEMB EMBER ER 2 2021 21 AND WILL RE -OPEN TUESDAY 4TH JANUARY 2022.

12529415-NG52-21

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online

V Deadline

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

V Trades Business Profile

V Glass/Glazing

STEVENS GLASS

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

Grow your business with

We accept payment by:

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VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS/BANK TRANSFER (1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

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V Handy Persons

MAN WITH A UTE

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00 644 6

Mowing - Garden Manicure Small Moves - Rubbish Removal

ANYTHING CONSIDERED LOCAL WARBURTON

“Since advertising in the local Mail papers our enquiries have increased immensely and we continue to get great results” ă 'DPLDQ

5966 5559 - 0416 040 105 C1069369-JL15-13

V Landscaping

YARRA RIDGE

J.L

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Be cool this summer

G04-20

ctrical . Hutt Ele

V Air Conditioning

12438941-C

12493755-SN19-21

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

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

2214155v11

98

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

0433 223 796

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฀

C1074785-KK7-13

(include your name, address and phone number)

LANDSCAPING

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

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

1118763-RC07-14

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

Phone: 1300 666 808

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

375 Maroondah Highway, North Croydon

Showroom open Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm (8 - 12 Saturdays)

V Painters/Decorators

Call 1300 666 808

฀ ฀

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

5966 9141 R.E.C. 8864

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

V Pest Control

Phone Dean 5962 1090 Mobile: 0412 086 471 TERMITES ANTS WASPS SPIDERS MICE RATS ETC

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Commercial/Domestic & New/Established Homes

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

Phone 5964 3888 www.frontlinetpc.com.au

V Glass/Glazing 12345326-PB14-17

D.G. & V.M. CLINCH *Domestic *Commercial *New Installations *Maintenance Ph: 0418 172 328

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Jason 1300 644 698

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฀0418 515 414

V Electricians

1211217-PB51-15

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

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

1194040-KC32-15

5962 4060 0409 889 507 0409 889 507

฀

KELLY’S FENCING & TIMBER 1202250-KC42-15

Healesville Blinds

Proprietor ProprietorChris ChrisBurley Burley

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V Fencing & Gates

BLINDS & SECURITY DOORS

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

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฀ Insured

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12453036-SG27-20

V Awnings, Blinds & Curtains

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Ian 0412 814 298 Jake 0402 913 197

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

1129931-RC16-14

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Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

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

V Furniture Removals

12334723-EPJ02-17

V Electricians 12438941-CG04-20

www.fairbairns.com.au

IAN HARRIS Painting

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12409424-CG04-19

9870 7059

12522612-JW47-21

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

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Call for a free quote

0488 097 005

12454729-SG29-20

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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MAIL 21

General Classifieds V Adult Services

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

T. White Tree Removal ฀

฀

฀ Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

฀ ฀ ฀

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

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ESCORT LINDA

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Slim and mature.

Want some company?

Need some intimacy?

Ph Tim 0435 543 096

12462305-LB39-20

Phone

V Septic Tanks

swa 10270xe

12386568-ACM19-18

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

C936869-KK25-11

0439 263 764

YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING 5962 4841

V Pets & Services 12529686-CG52-21

V Roofing

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

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

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

Celebrations

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

Mobile 0419 131 958 SERVICING ALL AREAS BOB WALLACE AND SONS

Real Estate V For Lease (Commercial)

OFFICE SPACE TO LET Central position on Maroondah Highway, Healesville (opposite the pedestrian lights).

95 square metres of space suitable for all types of professionals.

Ph: 0488 250 207

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

Announcements

PEST CONTROL FULL-TIME TRAINEE TECHNICIAN Looking for a reliable applicant who wants a secure future.

Must be suitably fit and healthy.

Must have a full manual licence.

A police check is mandatory.

Successful applicant will work in a team environment and enjoy excellent earnings.

Start date mid January 2022. Lilydale area.

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Public notice Yarra Glen Cemetery Corner Eltham-Yarra Glen and Glenview Roads, Yarra Glen VIC 3775

Seeking contact from families or descendants As part of the ongoing management of Yarra Glen Cemetery, the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is planning new grave infrastructure works in the Wesleyan and Lawn areas of the cemetery to meet the needs of Victorian families.

Prior to commencing any works, we are conducting an extensive search to check if there are any historical unmarked graves from the 1900s in these areas.

GMCT is seeking information and/or contact from the family or descendants for the following individuals buried at Yarra Glen Cemetery.

If you are, or know of, this person(s) please contact our Customer Care team on 1300 022 298 or email community@gmct.com.au by 15 January 2022.

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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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SPORT

Respecting golfers Golfers, as in most competitive sports, will sit down with each other after their rounds and talk over play.

It’s an enjoyable tradition that attracts others to gather and join the conversation.

Last week in such a circumstance, discussion focused on social golfers being allowed to play between groups competing in the clubs organised competitions.

In other words, members who pay in advance for the privilege of being able to compete.

Such golfers are then obliged to honour all rules or be struck from the register; a threat reinforced to them on a regular basis, but not to social players or visitors.

Those at the table were obviously frustrated and talked of having to stand in the fairways or on tee blocks motionless as social golfers, time and time again spent up to 10 minutes looking for golf balls or delaying play with other disruptive antics, one story was told of a social golfer miss hitting a drive and throwing his golf club widely in the direction of an unsuspecting golfer.

Enter Max Mcintosh, and for those fortunate to have played with Max, they understand he’s a strong believer; that what separates golf from the majority of other sports, is the very essence of the game.

That it be played properly, with respect for

Callen’s column Ian Callen others on course or around you and most importantly, in accordance with the rules of the game.

“Let me be clear about it,” says Max, “I do not give a hoot, what players do in their social round, but when competition is being played, then the order of the day is etiquette. This requires honest compliance to the rules of golf.”

The McIntosh “CV” in golf is a distinguished one, it includes being a Boardroom Director of golf clubs in the service of the game.

And his long career in the game as a mentor and player is far from over, because he’s still playing excellent golf and his passion for the game infectious.

Most probably inherited from a playing competition golf where the rules and player honest adherence to them was paramount.

“Woe betide any loose interpretations,” he exclaims.

“My rules education was stringent and disciplined. I came to love and respect those rules and the ethics associated with the game and the spirit in which it’s played,” Max explained.

Mcintosh tells the story of when he moved to Healesville, where he was so unhappy with a playing partner that he could not sign his card.

“It was because of a blatant rule breach and the player was astounded. He went straight to the incumbent Professional at the time.” Max said.

To his disbelief Mcintosh was told not worry about the breach because this is after all a “resort” club to which Max replied… “Sorry guys, but I find this acceptance disgraceful and degrading to golf,” It should be said, that all the golfers involved in the conversation that day unanimously agreed that accepting anything less than the rules of game; was to play it without the respect needed to preserve its beauty.

“The very essence of our game is the issue here, and the matter should not be lightly brushed aside just in the hope of attracting more folk onto courses.” Max asserted.

Perhaps it is time to make it compulsory for club management to attend “rule refresher courses” and that Golf Administration bodies actively encourage club Professionals to enforce rules and etiquette during all play.

Healesville gets back its confidence

By Ian Callen Bowling first Healesville’s Nicholas Lowe 2/22 lead the attack with Brenton Damrow 2/19 restricting Sth Croydon to 6/151 off their allotted 40 overs In a reversal of form, Healesville’s top order lead by Josh Handasyde (47) and Liam Daly (36) to show critic’s they can apply themselves and chased down the target in just 34.3 overs.

Healesville are now equal 4th on the Steve Pascoe Shield Ladder.

This run chase will have restored some well need confidence.

2nd Xl Healesville 6/141 Lost to Coldstream 9/143 Ben Wallace 31 Max Wallace 31 Premdeep Singh 3/28 Michael Jackson 3/11

· · · · ·

3rd Xl

· Healesville 6/159 def Montrose 9/149 · Ethan Nikcevich 38no · Riley Dash 30 · Jack Drummond 3/12 · Moss Fawdry 4/10 4th Xl Healesville 10/113 Lost to Hoddles Creek 4/117

·

An upset for the year’s end The Warburton Bowls Club had a disappointing finish to the year in the final round before the holiday break.

However, all teams are confident of a more positive performance when games resume.

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

The Weekend Warburton 1 side played Donvale 1 away and after a tight struggle went down 80 shots to 87.

Rink scores were as follows: C. Neale 14/ 21; A. Donohue 19/ 22; S. Lord 21/ 18 and P. Caneva 26/ 26. They play Bundoora RSL 2 at home on January 15th following the break.

The Warburton 2 team trailed all day in windy and difficult conditions against Chirnside Park 2 away before going down 58 shots to 87.

Rink scores were P. Summers 15/ 24; G. Lewis 15/ 17; G. Wynd 12/ 36 and M. Reynolds 16/ 10. The highlight was seeing Max Reynolds’ team come from 10 nil down at the break to win by 6 shots. A wonderful never -say -die effort!

The team next plays Ferntree Gully 3 at home on January 15th as they look to have an

Jason Van Der Zweep on the greens.

Paul Caneva playing for Warburton.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

improved performance overall.

The Mid Week Warburton 1 side played Heathmont 2 away and suffered a big defeat 41 to 77.

Rink scores were S. Lord 15/ 25, G. Walsh 16/ 24 and R. McKail 10/ 28. They next play Mooroolbark 2 at home on January 11 determined to get back on the winning list.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Triples Competition will commence on Wednesday February 2nd 2022. There are still vacancies for 6 more teams. This is always an enjoyable opportunity for beginners and the

less experienced bowlers. Contact Tash Caneva 0428420661 for further details.

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

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

A BBQ Sausage Sizzle, Raffles & Prizes during the day. $10 per player Entry Fee. Contact Rayna Zunneberg 0419472450 for further details.

Warburton Golf comp results

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 15 December: Stableford Well, fellow ‘golf tragics’, I can report on some super-impressive scoring at W.G.C. this last week.

It started with relatively new member, GlenForbes, racking-up* 45 superb points, to take home the daily voucher. Steuart-Hawke can think himself very unlucky, as he took home the runner up prize with 42 points, ( a score that would win on any other day).

No surprise, therefore, that the ball rundown only got down to 37.

NTP winners were Richard-Clifton, (3rd), Ms. Dickson, ( 5th), Barry-Maltman, (7th and 9th), Junior-Garside, (12th) and to SteuartHawke, (15th).

Twilight It was bound to happen, folks one day.

The Spenceley’s hit the jackpot - Junior, Seth, and father, Simon, both had 23 impressive points to fight out bragging rights for this week.

Junior won on a C’back, although I keep telling him that he’s not allowed to beat his father, It’s a local rule, but he keeps ignoring me!

Anyway, hearty congratulations to both father and son! Balls went down to 19 only. (No NTP winners were available) Saturday 18 December: 4-Person Ambrose, for the Christmas breakup, and Presentation-Day Firstly, to the actual golf on the day, 4-Person Ambrose results always seem to amaze me.

Even if your team is having a day out, how can you break 60 off-the-stick? (That’s a whole lot of birdies, eagles and definitely NO bogies!)

Anyway, the winning team, of Ray-Gilmore, Paul-Long, Lance-Atwell and Shane-Campbell recorded a raw score of 61, to Nett at 53.325.

This was good enough to give Happy, Snorks, Gator and “the happy Bomber” the big prizes on the day.

Grabbing runners up vouchers, with a gross 59 and a nett result of 53.75, were The FoxBrothers, (Peter/Danny), Roger-Mataele and Sam-Dennis.

NTP’s were won by Dave-Werner, (a guest, on the 3rd), ex-Captain Cross, (5th), MikePlant, (9th), Paul-Osbourne, (12th) and to Gator, (15th). Longest-drive winners were Patricia-Eldridge, Gator and Willo.

The following list shows the board-event winners announced at presentation.

Our Open Club Champion, for the 9th time, was ‘Course-Superintendent’ Paul-Mason.

Dave-Wappett was the B-Grade champion.

Tex-Van Der Kooi took out C-Grade honours.

Our Matchplay Champs were Paul-Mason, (A-Grade), Dave-Wappett, (b) and Tex, (C).

Our Open Ladies Champion was Kim-Kennedy.

Junior Champion was Seth-Spencely.

Our Open Foursomes Champions were Steve-Wyatt and Michael-Pinkster. *A full list of all the winners will be published in the Star-Mail in one of the early editions of 2022.

I would like to extend best wishes to all our regular Star Mail golfers, for a fun-filled, relaxing and SAFE Christmas, from all at Warburton G.C. See you all in 2022.

· · · · · · ·

Healesville Bowls Weekend Pennant: fair’s, fair or is it?

By Ian Milgate This week Tuesday Pennant was a bit of a mixed bag against Croydon.

Our team 1 had a great win at home against Croydon 67 - 50.

It was a different scenario with team 2, having to forfeit the match due to Croydon playing two unvaccinated players.

Therefore they get 18 points for going against the Covid rules, when all the other teams in the competition adhere to the spirit mailcommunity.com.au

of the game.

Numerous other clubs have also had to forfeit due to Croydon refusing not to play the two unvaccinated players.

Hopefully after Christmas, Croydon see the light rather than picking up wins and easy points due to other clubs forfeiting.

Our Saturday Pennant side played Heatherdale at home.

Heatherdale were one spot above us on the ladder, but due to strong resilience by all the

team, we got over them in the end 77 - 61.

This now puts us above Heatherdale to be 4th. on the ladder.

Adrian Beales, John Clark, Bob Brown, James Beales 15 - 17. They were in it until the last end.

Mark Hoffman, Rita Featherstone, Gayanne Hutt, Effie Laban, had a great win 28 - 9 Steve Graham, Chris Boland, Mick Featherstone, Ian Milgate, also a good win 21 - 11 Mark Ward, Robyn Turville, Rob Ayres, Brad

Chandler struggled all day although they came back a little after the half time break 13 - 24.

Brad thought it might have been the coffee.

We are now having a few weeks off with the Christmas break, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Sponsors, players and the hard working volunteers who front up to keep the club happy and viable.

May you and your families have a safe Christmas and a very prosperous New year on behalf of the Healesville Bowling Club.

Tuesday, 21 December, 2021

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