Issuu

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Yarra Ranges Kinders celebrate 25 years

Youth mentorship program service launches locally

PAGE 7

PAGE 9

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Mail SPOTLIGHT: Selby to host botanical art exhibit PAGE 11

PROPERTY GUIDE

A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

12496493-NG22-21

Remembering Ash Wednesday

Emerald Road during Ash Wednesday, 1983.

Picture: KEITH PAKENHAM CFA COLLECTION

Wednesday 16 February marked the 39th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday bushfires. In Victoria, 47 people died, including 12 CFA firefighters from Narre Warren and Panton Hill at Critchley Parker Junior Reserve in Beaconsfield Upper. On 16 February 1983, at 3.24pm, a bushfire started on Birds Land near Mount Morton Road at Belgrave Heights. Fighterfighters from Kallista, Ferntree Gully, Olinda and Gembrook spent the day fighting to keep the fire under control and from spreading further than it already had.

The bushfire eventually stopped by the southern shore of Cardinia reservoir and extended nearly as far as Gembrook, and by about 4.30 am on Thursday the fire front had all but stopped. Over its 13 hour rampage a total of 9200 hectares was burnt, 21 people died and 230 homes were lost. Peter McHugh was working for worked for the Forests Commission in 1983 and was in upper Beaconsfield during Ash Wednesday and recounted his and other peoples experiences on the day of one of Australia’s worst ever bushfires. Read more on page 6

Duck discovery By Parker McKenzie The discovery of a second hatchling of the vulnerable blue-billed duck at a site earmarked for development has sparked further calls to protect a naturalised man-made lake just outside Ferntree Gully. “Lake Knox” - as people who want the area protected refer to it - is located on the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road, Knoxfield.

The land is owned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. It was rezoned in 2018 for Development Victoria to develop the land for residential housing and community space. President of the First Friends of Dandenong Creek Anthony Bigelow said Development Victoria’s plan had no guarantees to deliver a better habitat for the endangered blue-billed duck. “You’ve got to realize that breeding is the pinnacle for any species,” he said.

Sale

Sold

“For an animal to breed successfully, everything has to be right.” In Victoria, there are 27 known sites where breeding of the blue-billed duck has occurred. The blue-billed duck was was considered endangered from 2013, however, DELWP changed the classification to vulnerable in 2020. Development Victoria Head of Property Development Penny Forrest responded to questions regarding the development by stating the development would provide a better

habitat to the blue-billed duck, an argument challenged by a study produced by community opposition to the plans. “By extending the wetlands, we’re creating a much safer and better long-term ecologically appropriate environment for the ducks,” she said. “The deteriorating man-made dam is unsafe, needs urgent rectification works and is not fit for purpose.” Read more on page 5

Lease

Widetread

•฀TYRES฀•฀WHEELS฀•฀SUSPENSION฀•

UV฀฀ 4฀&฀S the฀4x ialsts c e Sp

nuff said

Approved Dealer for

F E R N T R E E G U L LY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Highway (towards Belgrave) www.widetread.net.au

12394728-ACM32-18

12532972-HC04-22

Got mild COVID-19 symptoms? GET THE

RIGHT HELP FOR YOUR

RECOVERY

Vaccinations provide good protection against COVID-19, meaning many of us can safely recover at home. Get support to match your symptoms at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/recovery

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12534883-SN08-22

2 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Man wanted for stalking offences 38-year-old Damian Jones on warrant by police for stalking offences. Mr Jones is known to frequent Croydon, Boronia and Ferntree Gully. He is Caucasian in appearance with a solid 185cm build, brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who sees Mr Jones or has information about his whereabouts is urged by police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Lysterfield teen found safe A missing Lysterfield teen has been found safe, more than a week after he went missing. The 19-year-old went missing on Thursday 10 February after embarking on a camping trip. His car was later found abandoned and he left a note for his family inside a copy of the book Into the Wild. Victoria police released on a statement on Friday 25 February saying he had been found safe.

Streeton Ward voting closed

Mount Dandenong Preschool’s premise was damaged during the June weather event.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

School still closed from Olinda Primary School. Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said council is waiting for the insurance company to provide a scope of work report before any work can be undertaken. “While this relocation is temporary, until we get more clarity from the insurance company, the Mount Dandenong Preschool staff will continue to offer this vital service to families in the region by operating from the Olinda

Primary School site, which has been set up for use and provides the infrastructure needed to deliver this service,” Mayor Child said. Usable equipment from the Preschool’s outdoor area has been relocated to Olinda. Mount Dandenong Preschool currently runs out of Olinda Primary school on Thursdays from 9.15am to 2.15pm, and offers fouryear-old preschool services on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9.15am to 2.15pm.

Donations continue to fuel DRERS By Parker McKenzie With the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service receiving large donations of pet food from Pets of the Homeless Australia, the Belgrave-based charity is seeking other donations to help those in need throughout the Hills. DRERS is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people experiencing financial stress, crisis and hardship in the Dandenong Ranges. DRERS chief executive officer Tania Bevan said she is thankful for the large donation made by Pets of the Homeless. “People always ask for pet food. They’ll feed their pets before they feed themselves sometimes,” she said. “It isn’t something we need more of at the moment because we’ve just picked up from

Pets of the Homeless .” Instead, she said people should give the DRERS a call to see what types of foods or items are currently needed if they are looking to donate. “We are always seeking donations of what we are running out of,” she said. “This year it is long-life milk and Vegemite. There are always things that we need.” The charity was founded in 1998 and offers food, clothing and financial assistance to those in need. Ms Bevins said in 2021 many in need throughout the community had assistance from the government because of an increase in Newstart payments. “That meant we didn’t have as many people coming to us for help, which was good. At the end of last year, our numbers were still lower than pre-pandemic times, but the dif-

LIBERAL FOR CASEY

Proudly local, fighting for Casey Aaron.Violi@vic.liberal.org.au 12532549-JW08-22

AaronVioli.com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

Kalorama hit and run Police are searching for information regarding an accident which occurred on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, just after Wombat Road in Kalorama. A grey Honda Odyssey travelling in the opposite direction hit a motorbikes handlebars and mirrors. Police ask anyone with information to contact Olinda Police on 97511241.

For more information and to check your collection date visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/hardwasteandbranches

0475 634 993

Authorised by Sam McQuestin, Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division), L12, 257 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

QR codes, density limits and restrictions on indoor dancefloors across the Dandenong Ranges will be scratched from 6pm tomorrow as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the Health Minister. The State Government has made the announcement due to a decrease in community transmission, hospitalisation numbers and more than half of Victorians aged over 16 now vaccinated with three doses. QR code check-in requirements will no longer be required at retail venues, schools - including childcare and early childhood - and for employees at many workplaces. QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues. Mandatory surveillance testing in key industries like meat processing will become recommended-only, reflecting declining community transmission. Requirements for hospital worker ‘bubbles’ will also be removed, but health services may still implement them at their discretion.

Hard rubbish and bundled branches collection is coming soon to your area

AARON VIOLI

AaronVioliCasey

ference is the people who are asking for help are more desperate,” she said. “Often it’s something that bundles of food won’t be able to fix because of mental health issues.” While all types of donations are happily taken at DRERS, Ms Bevins said financial donations are best because they can be used to buy essentials like medicine for those in need. “Our clients are the same as us, they are just having a hard and difficult time at the moment.” The office is located at the lower level of the Belgrave Community Hub for people looking for social interaction, lunch or a cup of coffee. DRERS can be called between 9am and 12.30pm from Monday to Friday on 9754 7777.

Changes to restrictions

Leave your materials on your nature strip no more than one week prior to your collection week.

12536539-SN08-22

Mount Dandenong Preschool will continue to run its three and four-year-old preschool programs from Olinda Primary School into 2022, as Yarra Ranges Council waits for the scope of work insurance report. The preschool closed in June 2021 after the weather events caused a tree to fall and damage their existing building at 1345 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong. Since then, the preschool has been operating

Voting for the Streeton Ward by-election closed at 6pm on Friday 18 February. One of Andrew Fullagar, Wil Mikelsons, David Hill, Gavin Wooten, Doug MacDonald and Jarrad Page will represent Streeton Ward on Yarra Ranges Council until the 2024 council general election. Saturday 19 February has been prescribed as Election Day by the VEC, with Monday 28 February 2022 the latest date all results will be declared. The by-election was triggered when Cathrine Burnett-Wake accepted a Liberal party vacancy in the Eastern Victoria electorate of the Legislative Council following Edward O’Donohue’s resignation in September. 12,415 Victorians were enrolled in Streeton Ward at the last council election in 2020, which includes Upwey, Sassafras and Olinda.

1300 368 333 Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 3

NEWS

Pool works to continue The retiling of Monbulk Aquatic Centre’s 25m pool has been completed, with further repairs to the damaged roof scheduled before the centre is reopened to the public. The centre has been closed since June 2021, after the storm weather event felt throughout the Dandenong Ranges caused damage to the roof. Yarra Ranges Council scheduled the retiling of the pool while the pool was inactive to minimalise further impacts to the community. Council said in a statement the works to restore the roof of the building is expected to begin in mid-February “once the Insurance company who is managing the project repairs receives a building permit which will also help guide Council to a completion date.” Monbulk Aquatic Centre manager Mark Chang said it will take around 10 to 12 weeks to repair the hole in the roof once work begins. “We have an indication that we should have more of an exact timeline either this week or next week,” Mr Chang said. “We’ll have more news we’ll be able to share with the community then.” Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said the council will continue to the community informed while the repairs and upgrades are completed. “At this stage, a building permit is anticipated mid-February which will enable on-site work to commence shortly after and once the commencement date is known the specific project timeline will be released and will guide us through the respective repair phases.”

“We know that the Monbulk Aquatic Centre is very popular with local residents and we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact and get people back into the pool as soon as we can.” Bay Building has been appointed to complete the repairs, while trees have been removed and the site has been made safe and secure. A full engineering investigation report and scope of works have been completed by FMG Engineering. Mr Chang said the Aquatic Centre was “waiting on that final green light to get processed and from there, work will be able to commence.” “We are really excited about being able to reopen the pool in the near future, which is something that not only the community is wanting but also all our staff too,” he said. “It’s a really important part of the community and we know that by the number of calls and emails we get about when the pool is going to reopen.” The gym at the Aquatic Centre and some group fitness classes continue to run as usual. While the centre remains closed, Belgrave heated outdoor pool, Kilsyth Centenary heated indoor and outdoor pools, the Yarra Centre and Olinda Pool remain the closest aquatic centres for Monbulk residents to attend.

The damage to the Aquatic Centre after the June storms. Picture: MONBULK AQUATIC CENTRE

Sent – 15th Feb

Sent – 23rd Feb

On the mend.

Glad I’m back!

Greg (work) – 1st Feb

Greg (work) – 20th Feb

How are you?

See you soon.

The sooner you get in touch after an injury, the better the return to work journey. If you’re recovering from a psychological or physical workplace injury, or if you are an employer supporting an injured worker, make contact as soon as possible. It just takes a few simple words to make a big difference.

12532352-BL08-22

The sooner, the better. worksafe.vic.gov.au/thesoonerthebetter

4 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Hatchlings hinder plans By Parker McKenzie The discovery of a second hatchling of the vulnerable blue-billed duck at a site earmarked for development has sparked further calls to protect a naturalised man-made lake just outside Ferntree Gully. “Lake Knox” - as people who want the area protected refer to it - is located on the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road, Knoxfield. It is on the grounds of the former Knoxfield Horticultural Research Institute, where it is believed to have been used to store water for use in irrigating research crops in either the late 1950s or early 1960s. The land is owned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). It was rezoned in 2018 for Development Victoria to develop the land for residential housing and community space. According to Development Victoria’s plans, once the construction of the wetlands is completed the current habitat of the blue-billed duck – Lake Knox itself – will be drained and “partially filled in” to treat storm water. After a second hatchling of five blue billed ducks was discovered by community scientists John Cull and Russell Plew, Discovery Victoria released a statement reiterating their stance their development would improve the habitat in the area. Local opposition to the plan were incensed when Development Victoria began filming the hatchlings – along with flying a drone over the lake – after the discovery was made. President of the First Friends of Dandenong Creek Anthony Bigelow said Development Victoria’s plan had no guarantees to deliver a better habitat for the endangered blue-billed duck.

The blue-billed ducks at Knox Lake.

Picture: CHRIS GRAY

“You’ve got to realize that breeding is the pinnacle for any species,” he said. “For an animal to breed successfully, everything has to be right.”

In Victoria, there are 27 known sites where breeding of the blue-billed duck has occurred. Mr Bigelow said there are so many variables not taken into consideration in the plans to

drain the lake after the ducks are moved to a new habitat. “We went out to a well-respected wetland ecologist, Professor Paul Boon, who is produced by different levels of government, whether it’s federal or state,” he said. “He wrote up a report, which was funded by the community two years ago, which says there’s no guarantees that what we’re going to get is better than what’s currently there.” The report – released in September 2020 stated a number of issues with the proposed plan, including with Development Victoria’s guarantees of ecological success because they “are inconsistent with scientific literature,” “doubts over Development Victoria’s capacity to deliver high quality replacement aquatic habitat,” and the plan containing questionable assertions about Lake Knox and its development. A number of questions regarding the findings of the report and community opposition to the plan were sent to Development Victoria who responded with a statement from Head of Property Development Penny Forrest. “By extending the wetlands, we’re creating a much safer and better long-term ecologically appropriate environment for the ducks,” she said. “The deteriorating man-made dam is unsafe, needs urgent rectification works and is not fit for purpose.” Mr Boon’s report argues the repairing of the deteriorating wall would be a better conservation practice to protect the habitat of the bluebilled ducks present at the lake. The blue-billed duck was was considered endangered from 2013, however, DELWP changed the classification to vulnerable in 2020.

Ferntree Gully man in custody after alleged bashing By Parker McKenzie A 30-year-old Ferntree Gully resident and alleged Hell’s Angels Leader faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday 17 February on charges of intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, assault, extortion and assault with a weapon. The man was arrested on Friday 11 February during a police raid at a Ferntree Gully house by Echo Taskforce detectives – an antibikie taskforce – as police launched an operation after a man in his 20s was assaulted at his Reservoir home on Sunday 6 February. The man was arrested alongside two others alleged to be leaders of the Hell’s Angels. No bail application was made, with the man remaining in custody until his next hearing. In recent years Echo Taskforce has carried out several raids of properties throughout the Dandenong Ranges in response to criminal activity within local motorcycle clubs. In 2013, a house was raided in Tecoma as a part of a police operation which saw 700

Hell’s Angels are known for rding Harley Davidson motorcycles. Picture: BRIAN LUNDQUIST police officers carry out around 60 raids on clubhouses and properties searching for a M1 and an AK-47 rifle suspected of being

Harriet Shing MP LABOR MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

216 Commercial Road, Morwell VIC 3840 P: 1300 103 199 E: harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au harrietshingmp @ShingvWorld Authorised฀by฀H฀Shing,฀216฀Commercial฀Rd,฀Morwell.฀Funded฀from฀Parliamentary฀budget.

mailcommunity.com.au

behaviour and ensure a safe environment for members of the community.” Founded in Fontana, California in 1948 after several smaller motorcycle clubs merged, the Hell’s Angels expanded to Australia in 1975 with chapters in Melbourne and Sydney, by which time their reputation for causing panic – both real and moral – preceded them. Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson launched his career writing about the motorcycle gang in California in his 1967 book Hell’s Angels, which helped spread their reputation for violence, drug use and lawlessness. “Instead of losing quietly, one by one, they have banded together with a mindless kind of loyalty and moved outside the framework, for good or ill,” Mr Thompson wrote. “They may not have an answer, but at least they are still on their feet.” The Mongols – like the Angels – were also founded in California in the late 1960s.

12477005-JW03-21

DELIVERING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES AS WE GROW.

used in a shooting by the Hell’s Angels. In 2020, police also attended addresses in Tecoma and Montrose as part of an operation which saw six people arrested and 14 firearms seized. In January 2020, a 35-year-old man from Kilsyth was charged with murder and a 30 year-old Tecoma man was charged with drug possession in connection to the death of Croydon man Paul Virgona on 9 November 2019. Both were connected to the Mongols outlaw motorcycle club, who had a clubhouse in a commercial property in Ferntree Gully until 2020, which was shut down when it ran afoul of Knox City Council permits. “Victoria Police is aware that members of the Mongols eastside chapter have vacated a property in Ferntree Gully which was utilised as their clubhouse,” a Police spokeswoman said at the time. “Police will continue to monitor the activities of OMC members and the public can be confident police will respond to any illegal

For the latest information, please go to

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

1800 675 398 (24 hours) James Merlino MP STATE MEMBER FOR MONBULK 1635 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Vic 3160 P: 9754 5401 E: james.merlino@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by J Merlino, 1635 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

12472457-SN49-20

MAIL 5

NEWS

A brave response by all By Peter McHugh On 16 February 1983, at 3.24pm, a bushfire started on Birds Land near Mount Morton Road at Belgrave Heights. The temperature at 2 pm was 40.5 degrees. The relative humidity was 14 per cent with wind from the north at 25 km an hour. The fine fuel moisture content at Kallista was estimated to be an extremely low 9 per cent and the Drought Index was 383. Unsurprisingly, the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) was extreme. It’s unclear how the fire started, but most suspect arson. The fire was fanned by the hot northerly winds and quickly headed towards Harkaway, Narre Warren East, and Guys Hill. Within 4 minutes houses were burning in Mount Morton Road, and by 4pm, the fire had crossed the Belgrave-Hallam Road. Some spot fires were recorded 30km ahead of the main front. Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) and National Parks Service (NPS) crews from Kallista, Ferntree Gully, Olinda and Gembrook were immediately deployed to join a large contingent of CFA crews. Other FCV districts from Central Division came too. It’s worth noting that well away from the media’s gaze, and therefore largely unreported, the FCV was already heavily committed to a large 100,000 hectare campaign bushfire, which had started two weeks earlier at Cann River, in the far east of the State. Other bushfires started on State forest near Warburton and Cockatoo later on Ash Wednesday which split the remaining FCV and CFA resources. There were hundreds of fires reported that day, with major blazes in South Australia and western Victoria as well. Virtually everything, and everyone, that was available from the Forests Commission was

The memorial to firefighters who lost their lives on Ash Wednesday. committed to bushfires across the State. There were no reserves left. It was a manic and confused afternoon. Radio channels were choked and communications were poor. It’s fair to say that the FCV, NPS, CFA and Victoria Police, which all operated independently on separate radios and with different command arrangements were overwhelmed. In many cases, residents had to fend for themselves as the fires broke communications, cut off escape routes and severed electricity, telephones and water supplies. The situation was made worse because there seemed to be no distinct fire front, but instead hundreds of rapidly developing spot fires that eventually joined. The average Rate of Spread (ROS) in the forest fuels was estimated to be

Picture: PETER MCHUGH

Critchley Parker Junior Reserve. Picture: UPPER BEACONSFIELD CFA

about 5km an hour. It was faster on the grass. Around 8.50pm that evening, the fire had travelled over 20km and crossed the Princes Highway near Officer, when a dry blustery south westerly wind change of about 110 km an hour hit the Upper Beaconsfield area. With the violent wind change, the entire eastern flank was lost, and the fire roared up from Guys Hill and wreaked havoc through Upper Beaconsfield, tragically taking many lives and properties along the way. Twelve CFA firefighters, in trucks from Narre Warren and Panton Hill, also lost their lives on a narrow bush track at the Critchley Parker Junior Reserve when the fire overran them. Prior to the wind change, Forests Commission tankers and crews had been specifically

instructed not to leave the relative safety of wider roads, where they could turn around, and to “keep one foot in the black” - meaning be able to quickly retreat to burnt ground. Around 2am on Thursday there was a light sprinkling of rain upon the blackened fire ground. The bushfire eventually stopped by the southern shore of Cardinia reservoir and extended nearly as far as Gembrook, and by about 4.30 am on Thursday the fire front had all but stopped. Over its 13 hour rampage a total of 9200 hectares was burnt, 21 people died and 230 homes were lost. A memorial was later built by the CFA and FCV at Critchley Parker Junior Reserve to honour the CFA crews.

12532896-JW08-22

6 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Scholarship funds sprout By Mikayla van Loon

New CEO Gaby Thomson led the celebrations for YRKI.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Celebrating local kinder By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRKI) have been providing community led early learning to little people for 25 years now, a milestone that was celebrated by staff and the community. Although delayed by a year because of Covid-19, the celebrations on Wednesday 16 February were just as memorable for all in attendance. Operating 21 kindergartens across the Yarra Ranges, with over 1000 children attending and with over 100 staff educating the next generation, YRKI have had a large impact on the lives of the community. “It’s far too difficult to calculate the exact numbers of children who have been through our services,” YRKI board treasurer Richard Williams said. “But it’s less about the numbers and more about the positive impact that we have on these children’s lives as they start their educational journey.” What began as the Upper Yarra Children’s Services, with just four kindergartens, has now expanded exponentially to provide early learning to places like Sassafras, Mount Evelyn, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth, Warburton and many more. Although YRKI was only established in 1996, some of the kindergartens themselves have been operating for 70 years, a history that only betters the standard of education. Stepping into a new quarter of a century, YRKI also welcomed its new CEO Gaby Thomson three weeks prior to the event who said it had already been action packed. “The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is these people, these people that have been bringing the magic and the passion, the dedication of the teachers and the creativity, it’s just really inspiring,” she said. “They work so hard, they’re so dedicated. So I feel like I’ve just joined an organisation where there’s a really shared sense of direction and I really like that as a CEO. “There’s that complete passion to keep getting better and better so the little people that

we serve get the best service they can. From what I can see everyone lives and breathes that desire for continuous improvement.” Ms Thomson said thanks to the long history of YRKI and the kindergartens that came before it, she could already feel the community effort that goes into raising a child, not just from teachers and educators but also parents on the committees. Hearing from some of the kindergarten teachers in a video presentation on the night, YRKI takes the approach of allowing children to explore who they are, is focused on teaching children good environmental practices and giving them enough outdoor play. Yarra Ranges Council Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton congratulated YRKI on 25 years of excellent education and spoke from personal experience having put her children through the Belgrave kinder. “I loved the fact that Belgrave kindergarten and probably all of your kinders have such a close relationship to families and have such respect for what they bring to the table as well,” she said. “It’s not just raising children, it’s a whole community and everyone’s touched by the work that you’re doing…you’re such important pillars in our community.” Ms Skeleton said she felt connected to the kinder once she went for an open day and saw how relaxed but in control the teachers were, as well as the approaches to learning. “The reason why I chose Belgrave kinder… it just felt very perceptive, child led and all the things that we wanted in a kinder. YRKI CFO Vik Naidu said it has been the work of everyone at the organisation, teachers, administration staff, governance and of course parents who have got YRKI to 25 years of successful education of young people. “We are here to serve them. The message to the community is, please keep supporting us and we will continue supporting you as well for the foreseeable future. So together, we will provide the required education for the young ones going forward.”

Monbulk RSL is joining with other local sub branches to raise funds for the CoweySelman Kokoda Award through a plant sale fundraiser. The scholarship will send a Year 11 Yarra Ranges student to Papua New Guinea to do the trek, and Lilydale, Mount Evelyn and Monbulk RSL’s are hoping locals will support the fundraiser to do just that. Mount Evelyn RSL secretary Anthony McAleer said Monbulk RSL are experienced in raising funds through plant sales and have had quite a lot of success. “Monbulk RSL has previously run successful plant sales and they’ll normally do it at the front of the club room. So it was their idea and being up there in the hills with a lot of connections to plant growers and wholesalers, they were able to get this underway,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of local nurseries and plant growers and wholesalers donate the plants to be sold. So we’ve had some great support there.” The plant sale will be held at the Lilydale Baptist Church on Saturday 26 February from 8am to 12.30pm, where people can look through a variety of plants, including fruit trees. Mount Evelyn RSL will also be hosting a sausage sizzle for those looking to grab breakfast or lunch while they browse. With a grant from Yarra Ranges Council and some sponsorships from local businesses, Mr McAleer said this event hopes to top up the current funds before assessing if more fundraising efforts are needed. “If we fall short we’ll look at doing something else but if this is quite successful, we hope to do this as an annual event.” Supporting the Cowey-Selman Award from the very beginning, Mr McAleer said Mount Evelyn RSL, along with the other sub

RSL presidents Matt Crymble (Mt Evelyn), Bill Dobson (Lilydale) and Bill Ford (Monbulk) are looking forward to hosting a plant sale to raise funds for the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award. 268832 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS branches, believed it was a great way for a young person to understand what happened during World War II. “We wanted to give them a chance to visit the war memorials, battle sites and things like that,” he said. “We’re hoping that will give the lucky student a better understanding of what the Kokoda campaign was like and especially connecting it with the fact that there were people from their own district who served in that campaign. “It’s also a great way to, in a practical way, to pay tribute to local soldiers that served in that campaign and of course one that eventually lost their life during the war.” Applications for the Award are still open to students and they can submit an essay or multimedia piece before 27 March to go into the selection process. “Younger people today are very interested in our Anzac heritage and Kokoda is one of those campaigns that is talked about and taught at schools,” Mr McAleer said. “So we’re certainly expecting it’s going to create a great interest and the fact that they’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go and actually walk in the footsteps of those diggers, I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Camp Belgrave 42-46 Bartley Rd, Belgrave Heights VIC 3160 SCAN ME

SAT 5th MAR 2022

Faith Stories Conversations to Secure Peace through a Culture of Heart Celebrating Women of Faith for International Women’s Day

Theme: Prophetic Wisdom (Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea Provided)

10am - 3:30pm

Jesus said that before his second coming - “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences … Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” – Luke 21. What do we have to do to be ready?

Send for free booklet “Christ is Coming” Yarra Valley Christadelphians PO Box 516 YARRA GLEN 3775 Email: yvc.vic@gmail.com 12533271-SN06-22

mailcommunity.com.au

FREE EVENT

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

(please give an entry gift, thank you) 244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777 General Enquiries Tel: 5957 3700 Email: enquiries@mailcommunity.com.au Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910 Advertising Group Advertising Manager – Tracey Aitken Email: advertising@mailcommunity.com.au Editorial Editor – Renee Wood Email: editor@mailcommunity.com.au Classifieds Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Deadlines: Display Advertising: 4PM Wednesday Trades: 4PM Thursday Classifieds: 4PM Friday Sports Results: 9AM Monday Managing Director: Paul Thomas

12521584-BL46-21

WORLD TURMOIL IS FULFILLING BIBLE PROPHECY

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

https://events.humanitix.com/faith-stories-2022-prophetic-wisdom

WFWP AUTRALIA

WFWPAUSTRALIA.ORG 12536968-JC08-22 12536968-JC08-22

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 7

NEWS

Tecoma’s own vegan bus By Parker McKenzie When not in action at a festival, event or market, the Dolly Bus rests easy in Tecoma in the Dandenong Ranges. The 1994 Mercedes Benz bus, built somewhere in Brazil, is a 100 per cent vegan food truck created by Steve and Lisa Brand. Chef and musician Alex Cann bought the Dolly Bus from the couple around six years ago and said it was an excellent opportunity to combine two of his passions by serving food at festivals. “I started working in kitchens when I was younger and I kind of found classical cheffing to be quite boring, to be honest,” he said. “I know the Dolly Bus because I’ve been a vegan chef for 12 years and I realised they’re quite quirky and they’d been around six or seven years before I decided to buy it, “I decided doing festivals and food – my two loves, cooking and music – why not combine them and some money on the side.” The bus serves a range of different of vegan options on the go, including burgers, hotdogs, dahl and zucchini noodles. Mr Cann said a usual day at a festival means getting up at six of seven in the morning. “At a big festival I’ll have seven staff or so, we can have five people inside the bus cooking and serving meals,” he said. “I’ll have a couple people out the back doing prep, basically we don’t sleep very much at festivals.” He said despite the lack of sleep, everyone has plenty of fun at multiday festivals. “It’s just great to be at the festivals and the spirit they provide, I love being there,” Mr Cann said. “You finish your end of the day and you get to hang out with interesting people who have

Alex Cann bought the bus six years ago.

Picture: SUPPLIED

interesting stories, it’s a lot of fun actually.” Mr Cann does the mechanical work on the bus himself, which has improved its top speed since he bought it. “I generally have three toolkits in here, so when I’m on the side of the road I can fix it if I need too,” he said. “The previous owners were old-school, very

casual hippie kind of vibe. Over the six years they owned it, they didn’t spend much money on actually on repairs, “I bought a bus that was only going 15 kilometres up a hill with a top speed of 75, after me and brothers fixing a lot of the issues it now goes 95km an hour and goes up hills instead of backwards down them.”

Alex Cann and the Dolly Bus can be found across a number of festival during the summer, including Unify, Ultra Music Festival, the Herb and Chili festival. After the festival season is over, Mr Cann said he will likely be found relaxing on a beach. “Wouldn’t that be nice, even if the weather is bad?” he said.

Go on a caravan adventure with Bluey’s family and friends.

Now just

$48.00 WAS $59.95

Bluey’s Caravan Adventures Playset with Jean Luc Buy now from aussietoysonline.com.au

12537067-NG08-22

8 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Youth mentors needed By Parker McKenzie Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia is seeking volunteers to become mentors for local young people in the Boronia area after receiving $50,000 in funding from the Victorian State Government, with an expansion of the program into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges being planned. The mentoring provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia (BBBS) is one-on-one, long-term and intensive, designed to respond to the individual needs of young people aged seven to 17. BBBS Chief Executive Officer Mark Watt said the pandemic has made the support offered through Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia even more important. “I visited a single dad the other day with a daughter, who was very isolated and disconnected,” Mr Watt said. “She needed a female role model through a big sister for that socialisation, connection and extra support.” In 2021, Headspace mental health service for young people reported a 50 per cent increase in referrals for young people who have been admitted to a hospital emergency department because of mental health reasons. Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia said many young people are waiting longer to seek support because of the pandemic, while many are in crisis already by the time they reach out. “Research has shown that mentoring and the establishment of a one on one relationship with a positive adult role model, is one of the most effective ways to support the wellbeing of young people,” BBBS said. “The early-intervention and preventative approach of targeting young people who are at risk of disengaging from the community not only has a profound, life-long impact on the individual, but it also contributes to improved outcomes for the wider community.”

BBBS is a part of the world’s largest volunteer-supported mentoring network, operating out of 14 countries. Mr Watt said the program could be extended out further in the near future. “We are looking at the Hills and getting a program running in that area,” he said. “The council is supporting us to start looking at that as well.” Yarra Ranges Council director of communities Jane Price said Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia was one recipient for the 2022 Grants for Community. “Their project will work closely with both the Yarra Ranges Council Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Group, who have already identified the need for mentoring programs to support vulnerable people in the community, along with community organisations and schools, to run programs and offer mentorship, guidance and stability for those who need it,” she said. “We are pleased to support their proposal through our annual Grants for Community, and look forward to working with them in the Dandenongs.” Bayswater State MP Jackson Taylor expressed interest in bringing the program to the Boronia community in 2021 and helped secure the funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia. Mr Taylor said Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia has been helping young people through mentoring for years. “I’m proud to announce that thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government they’ll be helping young people who need it locally,” he said. “If you’re out there and interested in helping young people who need it to grow and thrive, reach out to the team at BBBS.” Interested parties can contact BBBS via support@bbbsau.org or apply directly via their website www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au

CEO Mark Watt AM, Mentor Jade Morrison, Mentoring Coordinator Belinda Chandler and MP Jackson Taylor MP at the Boronia launch. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

LED BY A QUALIFIED QUA TEACHER TEA The K Kinder Tick recog recognises kinder prog d programs that are led by a qualifi q r. ed teacher.

I highlights kindergartens and It d llong day care centres that o offer play-based programs to h help children learn and grow, b before they start school.

FU FUNDED AND APPROVED BY A THE VICTORIAN TH GOVERNMENT G It a also identifies se services that are ap approved for Victorian G Go Government funding.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kindertick 12534517-SN08-22

LOOK FOR THE KINDER TICK

P PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM L M

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 9

OPINION

Reflecting on my 11 years With recent changes in the electoral boundaries in Victoria, I reflect on my time as the Local Member of Parliament for Gembrook, which I have represented for over 11 years. Due to these changes, the areas of Cockatoo, Emerald and Gembrook will be amalgamated into the Monbulk electorate, with the new seat of Berwick being created. The seat of Berwick is what I will be standing for, as we head towards the November 2022 state election. I am proud to represent the areas of Cockatoo, Emerald and Gembrook since 2010 and have many amazing memories; the Cockatoo Australia Day breakfast and Country Farmer’s

State of

Affairs Brad Battin Gembrook MP

market, meeting and working with the CFA volunteers in our community and the Emerald SES and those who organise and manage the many community programs and events that

bring or community together. There is a lot to see and do in our community; socialise and enjoy the food and drink at the many cafes and restaurants, shop at the wonderful and varied retail stores and I cannot forget the tourist attractions such as Puffing Billy – which I love to ride on. The people along with these important representations of our community are what maintains my enthusiasm and inspires me to continue my work with our community. I am proud of being a local community person and I commit to representing the Gembrook electorate as your voice in Parliament. Thank you for the support and belief in

me over the years, I am proud of being a local community person and I look forward to maintaining this relationship with people and providing you support through a voice in State Parliament as we head towards the state election in November 2022. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me on 5953 0216 or brad.battin@parliament.vic.gov.au. You can also follow me on social media via my website: www.bradbattin.com.au, Twitter- @BradBattinMP, Facebook: /BradBattinMP, Instagram: @bradbattinMP, Linked In Brad-BattinMP and YouTube – Brad Battin.

Resources to help combat aliteracy among young people Each year, the Copyright Agency’s Reading Australia Fellowship supports one experienced teacher or teacher-librarian to undertake research in an area that will enhance their skills and abilities in the teaching of English and literacy. The 2021 Reading Australia Fellow is Edwina West from Sydney’s Oakhill College. Her research aims to develop resources to help students select books, with a focus on diverse and engaging Australian writing. West highlights the issue of aliteracy – the state of being able to read but choosing not to - “It seems that reading for pleasure is declining, eclipsed by ever-growing preferences for digital devices. Not only is reading less desired by young people, but Australian Census Data indicates that reading for pleasure declines as we age.” This is a problem, as reading can enhance educational outcomes and promote positive personal and social behaviour - improving

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN emotional intelligence and increase empathy in youth. In West’s view, to increase reading for pleasure, a two-pronged approach is to help young people learn how to choose quality books, while ensuring such books are available for them to choose. Furthermore, with teachers and parents helping Australian students be better exposed to Australian books, it is crucial that they can acquire Australian books that connect to

Uncharted, a rare gem Uncharted Starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg and Sophia Ali Rated M Based on the bestselling video game series, Uncharted is an exciting, well-acted and generally extremely entertaining adventure film. Bartender and pickpocket Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) joins forces with treasurehunters Sully (Mark Wahlberg) and Chloe (Sophia Ali) to find the explorer Magellan’s lost gold. Uncharted is, simply put, a very fun blockbuster, and these vibes come from the action, the fantastic chemistry among the cast and the strong sense of discovery, cunning and cleverness from their adventures. Holland brings both pluck and gravitas to the role of Nathan, Ali has a steely, commanding presence as Chloe, and while Wahlberg seems to play the same character in all of his movies lately, he still does a fun

Tuesda

was focused on recreational reading using traditional print and digital texts. Their Snapshot Report released in March 2017 found that school libraries are the primary enablers of access to and advice about good books. Meanwhile, the report found that teenage readers not only read library books and free web based digital content, they also buy books both online and offline. Finally, like adults, young readers share ebooks with families and friends, and trade information about where to find books. But only 18 per cent of them used social media to discuss books, with Instagram, Wattpad and Goodreads being their most favourite platforms. The good news is, at the 2017 Reading Matters conference organised by State Library Victoria, Dr Leonie Rutherford from Deakin University stressed that, even with the latest digital technologies, our young people still prefer reading print books.

CARTOON

honourable scoundrel. The second act has a highly engaging flow of the characters following clues and deducing their next moves. The action sequences are creatively-staged and well-composed, including a fire-throwing fight in a nightclub and a death-defying aerial stunt pulled from the third Uncharted game. Sully is portrayed as a man willing to sell out anyone for personal gain, and while he is shown lying to Nathan, he is supportive and cooperative throughout the film. The climax has a satisfying moment of Sully finally placing his friends’ safety above his greed, but it feels like a redemption without a journey. The villains are severely underdeveloped, so the betrayal twist in the second act lacks weight (and is reversed almost immediately). I haven’t played the source games, so I can’t speak to the film’s accuracy, but I’d certainly call Uncharted a (regrettably rare) good video game movie, despite Sully’s empty arc and the flimsy villains. - Seth Lukas Hynes

Where to pick up a FREE printed copy of your...

Get our Digital Editions, Free News Updates, Breaking News and Competitions delivered to your email inbox.

10 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

12511850-HC37-21

Publish

young readers and represent today’s rapidly changing world. To support young people in their reading choices, we need to know their reading habits. West cites “Reading the reader; A survey of Australian reading habits” by Macquarie University and the Australian Council for the Arts in 2017: “One interesting trend identified was that most young people did not consciously choose to read books by Australian authors, with only 12 per cent stating that they liked them. This was notably different to adults aged 50 and over, who seemed to actively choose to read Australian writing.” As a parent/reader proactively promoting Australian writing, this reviewer agrees with West’s sentiment that “it does make me wonder why deliberate consideration of Australian texts is not as important to young readers”. “Teen Reading in the Digital Era” research project by Deakin University and Murdoch University may offer further insight, which

mailcommunity.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A feathery premier By Mark Pearce The latest Australian independent wildlife film, The Message of the Lyrebird was supposed to hit the screen at Cameo Belgrave in August 2021. The lockdown hit instead and the Australian premiere was postponed more than once. On Saturday 12 February 2022 however, Lyrebird flapped its feathers for the first time on the Australian silver screen. The creature co-existence film didn’t disappoint the sold out crowd at the classic 1930s Cameo cinema. Set amongst the picturesque Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, local lyrebird fans and guests from afar flocked, for what is normally a typical sleepy time slot at 3pm, to be awakened by never-before seen behaviour of the obscure Australian protagonist. “I just saw this amazing film at the Cameo Cinema.” one audience member announced on social media. “It was a fantastic experience, thought provoking film and humorous.” said another. Responses to the film also spoke about the history of the forests and the help of humans to protect what remains of lyrebird habitat. One person remarked, “Fabulous record of these amazing birds and the awesome people monitoring them and waiving the banner for their protection.” Many of the cast and crew attended the screening, including the film’s cinematographer Nick Hayward, who traveled from Hobart. “It could not have been more perfect,” he said. “We filled the main theatre. We sold-out of Lyrebird books. Everyone loved the film and the Q&A was really informative for the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group.” The Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group (SLSG) hosted the community event to raise funds for their ongoing research on the evolu-

Knox Festival will take place on Saturday 5 March. Picture: SUPPLIED

Extended program By Parker McKenzie

A sold-out threatre watched the Australian premiere of The Message of the Lyrebird. Picture: SUPPLIED tion and function of song in female lyrebirds. SLSG member, Alex Maisey, who spoke before the screening and during the Special Q&A afterwards, said the film had certainly attracted people’s attention. “It was amazing to share the experience and see the reaction on so many faces who have attended our Dawn Survey’s over the last decade. It was also a pleasure to see a worthy winner of the book prize we raffled to help raise funds for the group,” Mr Maisey said. Liz Conolly won the door raffle prize; a 180page Companion Guide to the feature film. Her late partner, Darcy Duggan was one of the most influential people in the Dandenong Ranges who advocated for environmental restoration. Darcy also worked hard on a strategic level to ensure land managers were informed when making decisions. “It seemed very fitting that the book went to Liz,” Mr Maisey said. Master of Ceremonies Peter George said “it

was such a magical day to have the cinema full and experience the energy of the core lyrebird audience, who were anticipating the film.” “The Message of the Lyrebird was a real pleasure to watch on the big screen and to hear all those incredible sounds in the cinema… a very memorable day for everyone who attended. And there were many great messages to take-away from the film, including peace and harmony between all peoples.” he said. The Message of the Lyrebird was released at Village Cinemas in New York during the 2021 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in October. The film has since received five international film awards, and additionally, a Bronze Honour at the 2021 Australian Cinematographers Society Awards. The film will continue to host in-person community screenings and virtual events for land and wildlife organisations to extend its social impact message of protecting lyrebird habitat.

Selby’s botanical art exhibition coming up By Parker McKenzie Selby Community house will be launching a new botanical art exhibition featuring the works of artist Susie Parry and her students. The exhibition, which has been funded through Yarra Ranges Council, will run from 8 March to 4 April and will launch with a high tea from 12pm until 1pm. Ms Parry said art is a form of expression for people like her students. “The arts aren’t always supported in this country, so this is really a big step for to have this exhibition funded,” she said. “Particularly during this period where it’s quite anxiety provoking with Covid, it’s really important to be able to express yourself, you know, whether that’s with the color or objects you choose to paint or draw,

“The students ave come to learn a skill and some have come to communicate with others.” Selby Community House manager Anna Reid said the artists have a lot of nervous excitement about what is a first ever exhibition for many of them. “I’ve seen their work and it’s phenomenal, so they’re modest and totally unaware of how talented of a group of women they are,” she said. “With Susie Perry, who’s a very established painter, their work is incredible. She’ll have her own exhibition in the foyer, and then in the actual lounge will be the students work.” All proceeds from sales will go to the artists, with the exhibition being fully funded at no cost or commission. Artspace Selby handled the marketing and promotion for the vent at

no cost as well. Ms Reid said the exhibition is the first in a series of exhibitions being rolled out at the Community house in 2022. “We really want to focus on different demographics of people who have had some kind of trouble with connecting, there are a lot of lonely people in our community.” “This is an opportunity for our beautiful community to celebrate the local artists that we have, but also to celebrate our community and try and bring everybody together after such a difficult few years.” Selby Community House is located at 2/1 Minak Rd, Selby. The exhibition is funded by the Yarra Ranges Council Grants for Community; Arts and Heritage program. Artspace Selby is an artist program, supporting artists effected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Knox Festival will return on Saturday 5 March from 10am until 10pm and will feature an extended twilight program. Hosted at Wally Tew Reserve, for the first time Knox Festival will continue throughout the night. Starting at 5pm, the twilight program will offer an evening of family-friendly entertainment. An assortment of amusement rides like dodgem cars and the extreme thriller will keep the family entertained. Knox City Council Mayor Cr Susan Lauken said Knox Festival will be the first large scale festival back in the community since it last ran in 2020. “I invite everyone to come along and enjoy the Knox Festival, a free community event for the people of Knox and beyond to come together and celebrate community life,” she said. “It’s great to be able to come together as a community again in person after having to cancel last year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m looking forward to everyone celebrating the safe return to community life in Knox, with lots of activities for the whole family.” Family activities include workshops, rides, arts play, stage programs and come and try sporting spaces for cricket, football, netball, tennis and soccer. Cr Lauken said the community stage will feature a range of local performers, multicultural organisations, school groups and creative organisations. “There will also be a canopy stage featuring a jam-packed program of singer songwriters, buskers, folk bands and other awesome music. “A food court will be located right next to the canopy stage, while a global kitchen will offer delightful dishes presented by our local multicultural groups.” The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 9.45pm, lighting up the Ferntree Gully skies. Knox Festival is a COVIDSafe event presented in line with the current Victorian Government COVID-19 settings. This is a free event, no booking required. Site capacity limits may apply.

12535553-DL08-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 11

OPEN DAYS

Buddies make it easier Monbulk Primary Preps have made a great start to their first year of school. Starting ‘Big School’ can be exciting and scary at the same time. At Monbulk Primary School the teachers and students do everything they can to help the newest students feel welcome and happy. They begin transition to Monbulk Primary through the Step into Prep program. In Step into Prep children meet teachers, become familiar with their classroom and the different rules and routines of school. The Step into Prep program lasts for four weeks, and children become familiar with the classroom environment, and begin to feel more confident every day. In early December the new Preps attend Orientation Day where they meet their Grade 6 buddies, and have their first taste of real Primary school. The Buddies give the Preps their yellow Prep hat to welcome them to Monbulk Primary School. Monbulk Primary Buddy program helps the Prep students feel connected and seen. They know there is always someone to play with and someone who can help them in the yard. Buddies spend time together throughout the year; playing together at recess and lunchtime, drawing together, or even having a Pyjama Picnic to remember the letter ‘P’! Monbulk Primary Prep students look up to their buddies and feel very special when they play together. Monbulk Primary also recognise the value of being Buddy for the Grade 6 students. The senior students display excellent responsibility and maturity and become caring role models for their Buddies. They take on their role with enthusiasm, and show great care and kindness to their Buddies,

Buddies make everything better at Monbulk Primary School. and any other Prep needing help or company. Monbulk Primary Buddy program helps the Prep and Grade 6 students form bonds for their

whole school life, and creates connections and memories which will last a lifetime. In spite of all of the disruptions of the year so far, both

Prep students have made a settled and happy start to the year thanks to their Buddies. Buddies make everything better!

COME AND LEARN about Monbulk Primary School and our 2022 Prep Program

School at Work Tours Tuesday 29th March See our school at work throughout the day. Call school to book a tour time.

Twilight 2023 Foundation Information Tuesday 29th March 5.30pm Sausage sizzle • 6pm Presentation 6.30pm School Tours • Childminding provided Contact details: 1 Main Road, Monbulk Ph: 9756 6481 monbulk.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au 12536752-SN08-22

12 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

OPEN DAYS

Steiner education primarily focuses on teaching children how to think, not what to think. 269228

Educating to think for life With schools around the world having to reinvent the way in which they teach their students, it is never more relevant to ask whether our educational approach adequately prepares children for the uncertainties of the modern world. Research shows that a dramatically different future for young people will be required to live a viable and sustainable life, with an increasing shift towards personal growth, development and learning becoming a lifetime commitment. Education focused solely on skills and knowledge will

no longer sufficiently prepare young people to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly changing world. Steiner education is based on a developmental and pedagogical understanding of children that builds the capacities and qualities needed for the future. Working out of a developmentally based approach means that the methodology shifts as the children grow and progress through their schooling. Simply put, the approach is

to steadily shift the locus of self management from outside of the child to within. In kindergarten, the children are held by the loving authority of their teachers, who consciously model appropriate social interactions and behaviour. Later, the students begin to experience more clearly stated rules and carefully chosen stories arising out of the cultural epochs that guide them. In their early teens, through their studies in History and of the biographies of people who impacted the world by their actions, the students learn that there

are consequences of the choices they make. In the High School, our students are supported to become consciously responsible for their own world view and actions, in both real and virtual environments. Steiner education primarily focuses on teaching children how to think, not what to think. Although this distinction is subtle, we can see the results reflected in the well rounded, confident young adults that graduate from Steiner schools each year. See the 2021 Year 12 Projects at https://www.lysslearnproject.com.au/

Steiner Education at Little Yarra Yarra Valley’s Independent K-12 Steiner School 205 Little Yarra Rd Yarra Junction “Our graduates express their great joy and love of learning. Steiner education develops their capacity for creativity, resilience, self-esteem, and confidence in the future, genuine interest in others willingness to engage with new people, love of nature, enthusiasm for the outdoors and gardening, healthy living, and a sense of responsibility to the environment.” Graduate Outcomes Research Report 2021

Website - www.lyss.vic.edu.au

12536904-AV08-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 13

KNOW YOUR LOCAL TRADESPERSON

Light the way sustainably By Elle Cecil Specialising in renewable energy sources, MTCO Electrical is a family-owned and family-run electrical contracting company that has been proudly servicing Monbulk and surrounding areas in the renewable energy sector since 2010. As well as providing solar systems for homes and businesses, MTCO Electrical can assist with solar battery storage, generator changeover switches, auto start generator systems and providing innovative solutions to counteract the ever-increasing power outage events around the area. With staff passionate about renewable energy and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet, MTCO Electrical is not just about profit. Driven by bringing change to the world for a better future for their kids, the team is proud to offer solar energy as a great alternative to protect our Earth. “We can’t simply keep digging resources out of the ground and lighting it on fire to make our power - it is not sustainable and it is polluting our planet,” says Ewen Williams, owner of MTCO Electrical. “The price of electricity is only going one direction and it certainly isn’t down. It is especially lucrative for businesses to consider loading their roof up with solar - they generally have a large roof footprint, allowing for a lot of panels… they also use most of their power during the day while the sun is out.” “Combine these two factors with very high bills and they stand to save a lot of money while helping to contribute to the fight against global warming,” Ewen says. MTCO Electrical takes care of all stages of a job, from design to installation, commissioning to after sales servicing. While most larger companies offer packages that best suit the com-

MTCO Electrical, located in Monbulk, offers friendly service and is always there to help. pany’s agenda by subcontracting each stage of the job, MTCO Electrical likes to get to know its customers and learn exactly how they use their power, and what the customer wants to achieve through their interaction with the business.

When you implement MTCO Electrical’s expert services, the entire job will be followed through from designing the layout and setup, installing the system, turning it on and then providing maintenance and servicing from

the same friendly faces. MTCO Electrical is located in Monbulk. For more information, visit mtcoelectrical.com. au, email info@mtcoelectrical.com or phone 0474 070 178.

SPECIALIST IN GUTTER 12536972-AV08-22

CLEANING 25yrs Experience

MTCO Electrical Specialist in Residential, Commercial, battery and off grid Solar Systems Local Business - Located in the Hills

• Tiled roof repairs & leaks

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW!

• Re-bed & Re-pointing of roofs

$1,400.00 OFF upfront cost of SOLAR SYSTEM $1,400.00 INTEREST FREE LOAN available $3,500.00 OFF Price of Battery $3,500.00 Rebate for small businesses

12536217-JW07-22

Energy Independence - Reduced power bills through solar, battery and generator back up

Call: Ewen - 0474 070 178 for Friendly Advice or to book your FREE Energy Audit FAST & FREE – NO OBLIGATION TO BUY Email : info@mtcoelectrical.com 14 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Call Matt for your FREE no obligation quote or friendly advice.

0407 657 484

MATT KEYS mailcommunity.com.au

TWO EXQUISITE HOMES ON TWO TITLES WHY procure one beautiful property when you can secure two?! Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges this unique opportunity boasts an exquisite character family residence AND an enviable neighbouring guesthouse, both on separate titles and ideal for multi-generational living or investment. The main residence is a magnificent blend of period elegance and modern comforts. The inviting covered verandah leads into the elegant formal lounge which then connects through French doors to the graceful family room. Flowing through the large dining area to the gourmet kitchen with freestanding cooker and servery window to the deck, this exceptional residence is an exemplary display of indoor-outdoor living. A total of 5 beautiful bedrooms and 3 luxurious

bathrooms are on offer, including the main bedroom with ensuite on the top floor. A showcase of refined finishes set upon a scenic landscape with Mast Gully Creek flowing by, this is a picture-perfect residence in pristine surrounds. Next door, beautiful “Paddy’s Creek Retreat” guesthouse is grandiose in its own right. Polished floorboards, gorgeous kitchen, beautiful bathroom with freestanding tub and expansive outdoor entertaining area with covered and uncovered decking are but a few of the features on offer. Smaller in scale with a splendid 2-bedroom floorplan but without sacrificing on spectacular style, either one of these enviable residences would be the ideal place to call home. Guaranteed to garner great attention for the properties, position, and possibilities on offer, prompt inspection is advised. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 29-31 Mast Gully Road, UPWEY Description: 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $1,950,000 - $2,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sam Adamson, 0421 023 760, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 97546888

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

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

COLLIS HOUSE, CIRCA 1920 LOVINGLY cared for and maintained by the current owners over the past 24 years this stunning character residence on just over 3100sqm is steeped in local history, set in the grounds of a previous nursery, the gardens are delightful with old growth trees, established fruit trees and beautiful planting throughout including a thriving vegie patch. The home is as welcoming as it is beautiful, gleaming timber floors, high ceilings, ornate cornice and ceilings, strapping, French doors plus all the contemporary additions you would expect for comfort and lifestyle in 2022. Featuring: four bedrooms, the main a suite, with full bathroom and lounge. The three remaining bedrooms are all spacious, two boast veranda access and afford amazing views, one even has an open fireplace. The fourth bedroom has separate access offering versatility for those looking to work from home, multi-generational living, studio or even a teenage haven. The family bathroom with custom vanity, is next to the Euro laundry and powder room. There are two separate living spaces, a spacious formal lounge, and an expansive

kitchen/dining/living space, with and indoor/outdoor option into the lush courtyard through French doors. The family is sure to enjoy gathering in this area and the chef/s of the house will entertain in style. Whether it is the granite topped island, abundant storage, adjoining Butler’s pantry, the Caesar stone bench tops, the soft closing cabinetry or the quality stainless steel appliances that form your ‘favourite’ part of the kitchen, the current owners have loved the useability of the space they designed around ten years ago and how it integrates easy for family life. In addition, a circular driveway, dual carports, ducted heating, split system, refrigerated cooling, three phase power, the water/gas/power are underground, there is a bus stop just outside. Whether it’s wandering around the garden, sitting on the veranda on a balmy summer night listening to the chattering birds as the sun fades from the sky, maybe enjoy a refreshing ale and reflect how Collis House has everything you need and how fortunate to have found this jewel of Belgrave Heights. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 31 Colby Drive, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,195,000 - $1,295,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey, 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

A NATURAL RETREAT FOR THE SOUL TUCKED away in a private garden sanctuary you will find ‘Rainbow Bridge’, a beautiful property to bring balance and calm into your energetic life. Handy side carport covered entry into a very versatile floor plan that offers 3, 4, or five bedrooms, study, two living rooms and three bathrooms. Soft rendered brick construction with an ‘L’ shaped lounge / dining with feature gas log fire. An updated kitchen/meals with dishwasher and gas cooking. Magnificent rear family room /sunroom with walls of glass that brings all of mother nature in. Three bedrooms and a study are all on this level. On the lower level there are two independent suites or could be a home office, rumpus or teenagers pads. Step outdoors and wander the meandering pathways of a true adventure garden of 1,108 sq. mtr. A real gardener’s delight. Hidden away you will find a decent workshop/storage shed of 4.6m x 3.1m. The location is one of the best in Upwey being a quiet no through road handy to the town centre and all that Upwey offers. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Effie Avenue, UPWEY Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $895,000 - $984,500 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey, 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 16 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust! We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

13 Runnymede Road, BELGRAVE SURPRISE PACKAGE WITH LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

$750,000 - $820,000 3A 2B 2C

FOR SALE

73 Kaola Street, BELGRAVE

$695,000 - $760,000 3A 1B

TREETOP HOME WITH SUNSET VIEWS

An exceptional opportunity awaits at this impeccably renovated residence perfectly situated for convenience and an enviable lifestyle. Walking distance from vibrant Belgrave township, public transport, schools, and beautiful Dandenong Ranges walking trails, this property is ideal for those looking for something special. Offering the flexibility for multigenerational living, accommodation retreat, or home business potential, the possibilities are limitless.

This single-level dwelling on a leafy, treetop allotment captures the convenience of Kaola Street living and spectacular sunset views. The lower level paved patio leads upstairs to the covered deck entry with enviable elevated outlooks. Once inside, the beautiful wideboard timber floors and cosy wood fire in the lounge create an instant sense of ease that will inspire you to stay a while. The floorplan then flows to the dine-in kitchen with sliding doors to the rear entertaining area comprising a covered porch and the studio/home office.

Brad Conder

Suzie Brannelly

M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

FOR SALE

28 Fairy Dell Road, TECOMA SUPERB INTERIOR AND SPLENDID GARDENS

$890,000 - $970,000 3A 2B 3C

FOR SALE

292 Glenfern Road, UPWEY ENVIABLE HOME WITH SUPERB VIEWS

$780,000 - $850,000 3A 1B 4C

This impressive property promises to elevate the lifestyle of lucky new owners with a toptier no-through road location only 800m from Tecoma Station. Situated on a lush, leafy landscape and rich with character and quality, it will be effortless to imagine living in this warm and inviting home. Determined to impress discerning buyers seeking a slice of the Hills lifestyle, prompt enquiry is advised to secure this superb home.

Through the gates, the sealed drive lined with sublime rose and veggie gardens leads to the covered verandah entry of this inviting home. The interior boasts a brilliant open concept design adorned with vaulted ceilings, contemporary flooring, and floor to ceiling windows with lovely, lush outlooks. The charming kitchen takes pride of place and affords those who love to cook with gas cooking and island seating for added functionality. The floorplan then flows out to the expansive deck with treetop and hillside views.

Sam Adamson

M 0421 023 760 | E sam@chandlerandco.com.au

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

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 17

74 Beenak Road, Gembrook

1 Dixon Road, Emerald

11 Hamilton Road, Emerald

COUNTRY LIFESTYLE AT ITS FINEST!

A ‘ONE OWNER’ WONDER ON 6700m2

BRING YOUR IMAGINATION & REAP THE REWARDS

3 T

2 T

4 T

2 T

7 T

2 T

1 T

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Brittany Barry 0412 861 094 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,500,000-$1,600,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $950,000 - $1,045,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

83 Mt Pleasant Road, Monbulk

10 Waratah Way, Cockatoo

51 Main Street, Gembrook

A MUCH LOVED HOME IN A PREMIER LOCATION

NEAT, SWEET AND COMPLETE

FAMILY LIVING WALKING DISTANCE TO TOWN!

3 T

2 T

3 T

1 T

3 T

1 T

2 T

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $730,000-$800,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $680,000 - $740,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $710,000 - $770,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438683781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

Under offer.

SOLD

13/13 Vista Court, Gembrook

3 Caroline Avenue, Cockatoo

9 Ash Grove, MENZIES CREEK

OVER 55’S HOME IN THE HEART OF GEMBROOK!

A MAGICAL SETTING BUILT TO PERFECTION

FAMILY HOME WITH TRIPLE ACCOMMODATION

2 T

1 T

4 T

2 T

4 T

5 T

4 T

3 T

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $520,000- $570,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Lana Maher 0408535075 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

18 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

138 Woori Yallock Road Cockatoo

$1,150,000 - $1,265,000

58 Bluegrass Crescent Pakenham

$560,000 - $610,000

5 Beds on 5+ Acres!

Old Pakenham Opportunity!

This gorgeous 5 acres in a convenient Cockatoo location with a huge 5 bedroom home is waiting for the next owner to make it their own! The home comprises 4 large bedrooms, master with large walk in robe and ensuite, plus an additional bedroom or study, perfect for those working from home. The large kitchen features gorgeous timber benchtops, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances and meals can be enjoyed in the adjoining meals area or outdoors on 1 of the 3 entertaining decks. There are multiple living areas plus a second storey with dormer windows, framed and plumbed for two additional bedrooms and huge living space. The 5.6 acres are cleared and fenced for horses or livestock: With stables and post & rail yards a huge barn for the ultimate storage, carport and 6kva Diesel Generator hard wired to house.

Conveniently located off Racecourse road close to shops, parks, and public transport is this ideal starter or investment property on a good sized block featuring lounge room with reverse cycle air conditioning, timber floors, and large windows for plenty of natural light. The kitchen has plenty of bench and cupboard space, plus a breakfast bar for informal dining and conversation. The dining room adjoins with direct access outside to the covered entertaining area. There are 3 good sized, robed & carpeted bedrooms, main bathroom with bath and shower, separate toilet, and laundry with external access. Add to this a double carport, double garage with personal access door all on a decent sized, low maintenance yard and you have the ideal starter home or investment property with excellent tenants currently under lease until September.

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357

1530 Pakenham Road Cockatoo 7 Sun Drenched Private Acres with Classic Original Cottage! Just listed for sale for the first time is this 7 acres of lush, undulating land – 4 clear, flat acres fenced into 4 paddocks & approximately 3 bush acres with tracks & trails ideal for mountain biking & moonlight walls. An added bonus is the original 2 bedroom cottage, which features front verandah, kitchen area, lounge room with fireplace, plus 2 bedrooms and bathroom/laundry.

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

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

$810,000 - $890,000

329 Ure Road Gembrook

$840,000 - $915,000

Sunny, Private 2 Acres with Views! Just a few minutes out of Gembrook and privately located with no close neighbours, this original 1940s home sits proudly on 2 clear, sunny acres with amazing views. The home consists of 3 bedrooms, bathroom with separate toilet & a spacious living area with toasty wood heater that opens onto the country kitchen. Outside there are two carports, one off the house and one off the shed, a workshop/storage shed, a 7.2 x 6m shed with concrete floor and power and an additional outdoor room to relax. Add to this ample tank water and a beautiful clear, flat acre with a mature gardens & a dam. An excellent opportunity not too be missed!

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

5968 6222

311-313 Main St, Emerald Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 19

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 069

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

3 2

1 3 4 2

8 9 9 3

3 2 3 9

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

1 8 2

4 6 7

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Support for a column (8) Soul (6) 70s’ dance genre (5) Oceangoing (9) If not (6) 16th US president (7) Manacles or fetters (8) Counsel (6) Mournful (6) Island group in the Indian Ocean (8) Silly talk (7) Avoidance road (6) Central American country (9) Cavalry sword (5) Acacia shrub; OJ-andchampagne (6) Partisan (8)

1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 069

Cushions (4) Release (9) Sleeping grunt (5) Levied (8) Examined (7) Egyptian capital (5) Designers of goods and structures (9) Drop (4) Artifice (9) Incapable of being seen (9) Port, formerly (8) Disrobe (7) Startle (5) Web auction site (4) Glue (5) Food (4)

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23

25 26

DECODER

No. 069

4 1

No. 069

3 LETTERS AGO

6 9 8 2

WORDFIT ALE ARE ASH

6 2

AYE

8 3

EVE GEE

6 2

GEL

6 8 4 5

5 9 1 7

GET HAT HEN HUT

hard

NAP NEE •

NIP

OVA

PEA SEA

ALIVE

USE

APTER

YES

AROSE

P U BMV R X H KNOA T 1

YOU

9-LETTER WORD

4 LETTERS EBBS

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”.

Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 31 words: Very good

EDDY

AURAL BASKS BYTES CHAMP

EDIT CREST HAMS LAWN LUGS MALL

6 9 4 8 3 5 7 1 2

3 8 5 2 7 1 9 6 4

deep, depress, despise, despised, dips, disperse, DISPERSED, drip, drips, espied, espies, peer, peers, pere, pied, pier, preside, presided, presides, press, pressed, pride, prided, prides, pried, pries, prise, prised, prises, ripe, rips, seep, seeps, sips, sped, speed, speeds, spider, spied, spies, spire, spree

1 2 7 9 4 6 5 8 3

2 3 8 4 1 9 6 7 5

5 1 6 3 8 7 2 4 9

7 4 9 5 6 2 1 3 8

9 6 3 7 2 4 8 5 1

4 7 2 1 5 8 3 9 6

8 5 1 6 9 3 4 2 7

6 1 4 5 7 8 3 9 2

3 9 5 4 6 2 1 7 8

2 7 8 9 1 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 3 2 5 6 1 4

4 5 6 1 8 7 9 2 3

1 3 2 6 4 9 7 8 5

9 4 7 8 5 6 2 3 1

8 2 1 7 3 4 5 6 9

5 6 3 2 9 1 8 4 7

7 2 3 4 6 9 8 5 1

1 4 5 3 8 7 2 6 9

8 6 9 2 5 1 7 3 4

9 5 6 8 7 2 4 1 3

2 1 8 5 4 3 9 7 6

3 7 4 9 1 6 5 8 2

5 8 2 6 3 4 1 9 7

4 3 1 7 9 5 6 2 8

6 9 7 1 2 8 3 4 5

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

ODE

42 words: Excellent

hard

Y DWZ L F S J C Q E G I

medium

easy

LAW

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

IDS

OURS

DENTS DRAMA ESSAY GIVES

PERK

ICIER

POND

IDEAL

SLOG

IRATE

SNIP

IRKED

SWIM

KYLIE

YELL

LARVA LOOSE

5 LETTERS

MAKER

AGILE

MARTS

MEANT MESSY NICER NYLON OARED OILED PLANE POOLS RODEO SALTS SEEDY SERVE SLUGS SPACE SPIRE STOKE STOMP SYRUP TREED TURNS UDDER WASTE

WELTS

ORANGES

YODEL

REPTILE

6 LETTERS

8 LETTERS

ANSWER

APPARENT

CASUAL

ASSAULTS

GEARED

CADENCES

RAGERS

LIAISONS

7 LETTERS

11 LETTERS

ALREADY

ACCOMPANIST

CENSORS

PLEASANTEST

CRESTED MARITAL

25-02-22

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 20 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Painters/Decorators

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy...

BRUSH STROKES PAINTING SERVICE

Phone: 1300 666 808

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

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

TRADES & SERVICES

V Plumbing

MIKE FERNLEY | Mob: 0488 158 556 12451591-NG25-20

5968 3334 or 0408 335 077 IAN WOODHOUSE

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. 12493755-SN19-21

V Air Conditioning

ANGES DANDENONGSERRVICE PAINTING 8

Be cool this summer

฀ ฀

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

0419 683 392

Plumbing Contractor Reg No. 15348

• Domestic • Commercial • Installation & Maintenance • Sewerage Connections • Septic Tanks & Stormwater Drains • Drain Blockages • Burst Pipes • LPG to Natural Gas Conversions • Hot Water Service Repairs & Renewals • Spouting, Roofing Repairs & Installation

“I advertise in the local Mail papers to reach the broader local community.” ă 0DUN

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.

12391954-RA27-1

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 4pm Friday.

No job too small

C683684-SJ2-9

We accept payment by:

Grow your business with

5 SHERIFF ROAD, EMERALD

A.G & E. WILLIAMS

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Lic No. 29938

1170652-HM05-15

(include your name, address and phone number)

General Plumbing Gas Fitting Hot & Cold Water Roof & Spouting Pumps & Tanks Farm Water Boring & Trenching Sewerage Connections Septics & Sand Filters

Alan 5968 5191 Mob 0418 176 159

Sangster’s

C456410-KK31-6

Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Service

Phone Mike 0419 887 499 www.mjbathroomrenovations.com.au

0418 327 737 5968 8493 C1039154-JM27-12

melbourne.asphalt@bigpond.com

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL DRIVEWAY WASHED OUT? REPLACE IT WITH ASPHALT! IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN!

EARTHWORKS

V Electricians

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Jason 1300 644 698

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

CALL GREG 0438 683 141 OR REGAN 0439 208 693. CALL AFTER HOURS 5968 3140

V Painters/Decorators

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

Lic 106275

฀

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. Plumbing & Gas Fitting, Excavator Hire, Water Renewals, Metal Roof & Gutters, Hot Water Unit Repair & Replacement, All Sanitary & Stormwater Drainage, Septic, Sewer & Treatment Plants, Pumps & Rain Water Tanks.

Richard - 0419 502 949 Simon - 0417 399 750

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classiﬁeds.

DANDENONG RANGES PAINTING SERVICE

Interiors • Exteriors

Daniel Brown Mobile: 0409 395 635 Email: daniel@topcatdriveways.com.au Visit our website at: www.topcatdriveways.com.au

12424506-ACM33-19

• Excavator 5 Tonne and 15 Tonne • Bobcat Hire • Tip Truck Hire • All Types of Excavation Work • Holes Augered • Site Cuts • Driveways • Blocks Levelled and Shaped • Retaining Walls • Trenching • Free Quotes • No Jobs Too Big or Too Small

Phone Steve Ph: 5968 2508 Mobile: 0417 723 745

12438941-CG04-20

• Driveways • Car Parks • Pathways, Tennis Courts, Draining, School Yards, Machine or Hand Laid Asphalt Repairs • Commercial & Domestic • Free Quotes • Timber & Brick Edging

12518757-DL44-21

V Asphalting

S&V RELIABLE EARTHWORKS

1003429-PJ6-12

COMPLETE OR PARTIAL BATHROOM RENOVATIONS 20 Years’ Experience in all facets of the building trade RELIABLE TRADESMAN

section of Network Classifieds.

EST. 1987 All work guaranteed

V Excavators

12436017-SN51-19

General Notices

V Bathroom & Kitchens

0419 683 392

12503528-HC29-21

www.fairbairns.com.au

For all your plumbing needs phone Nick on 0413 422 842

12421497-GR28-19

12415450-FA15-19

9870 7059

12522612-JW47-21

Call 1300 666 808

C1024520-KG18-12

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

Licence No 21425 Maintenance, Bathroom Renovations, Gas Fitting, Dishwashers, Spouting, Replace gas & electric hot water service, General Plumbing.

12454729-SG29-20

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 21

SPORT

Supporting girls footy By Parker McKenzie Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club has received a $1600 grant from the Toyota Good for Footy Grant to make girls football more accessible and affordable. Toyota is providing 100 female football teams around Australia with funding to supply new uniforms for female players, with Olinda Football Club one of 30 Victorian clubs chosen for the funding. Olinda Football Club president Simon Gilson said the funding would go towards providing shorts for players at no cost to parents. “We don’t have to expect the parents to dip into their pockets to pay more for their kids to play, on top of registration, boots and other stuff,” he said. “Anything we can do to try to reduce the cost to parents and encourage girls to play footy, that’s what we’re trying to do.” Toyota has provided over $420,000 dollars

in funding since the Good for Footy Gear Grant program was established in 2020, with nearly 300 clubs benefiting from the grants. Mr Gilson said the mindset around female football has changed a lot in the past five years. “When we do clinics, in schools, sometimes we can bring an AFLW player to them, it’s amazing,” he said. “In our senior women’s side, we have mothers whose kids are playing junior football and they have the opportunity to play that was never available to them as young kids.” The 2022 AFLW Toyota Good for Footy Round will run from 11 to 13 February, while clubs have access to fundraising through the Good for Footy Program. Mr Gilson said the club is thrilled to have the funding available to them. “This year, we’ve got eight-year-olds right through to 45 year olds playing, so it’s really great to get any assistance we can.”

Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club received $1600 for girls uniforms.

Picture: SUPPLIED

‘Get Active’ vouchers available again for sports clubs kids experience the benefits of community sport,” she said. “We know the vouchers have been highly successful, with almost 30 per cent of recipients so far joining a sports club for the first time, that’s thousands of young people who wouldn’t have been able to get involved if it weren’t for the program.” The voucher program previously helped 33,000 families finding it difficult to afford the costs associated with club fees, registration, equipment and uniforms to pay and then be reimbursed through the program.

Sports clubs and organisations have the opportunity to apply to become a registered activity provider to make community sport more affordable for all families. Community Sport minister Ros Spence announced on Tuesday 15 February that registrations opened for clubs and organisations to become a Get Active Kids Activity Provider ahead of round four of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program opening in March. “By applying to be a registered activity provider, clubs will not only gain more members, they’ll be helping more families and

Sporting Association or equivalent governing body. The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18, named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application. A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application. Eligible clubs can register now at getactive. vic.gov.au/vouchers.

This year clubs and sporting organisations can register as a provider, which allows families to sign their kids up using the voucher up front and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Families will be able to apply for a voucher up to $200 through round four of the program next month and will then be required to submit the voucher to their local sporting club. Clubs and sporting organisations will then be able to redeem the voucher from the Government. To be eligible for registration as an activity provider, clubs and sporting organisations must be affiliated with a recognised State

Trades & Services

Employment

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

Paul 0418 570 231 paulnobes@live.com.au

Lic. 25035

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

5962 4841

9735 3700

Mobile 0419 131 958 SERVICING ALL AREAS BOB WALLACE AND SONS

12382862-RA13-18

Specialist in Gutter Cleaning / i`ÊÀ vÊÀi«> ÀÃÊEÊ i> ÃÊUÊ,i i`ÊEÊ* ÌÊ vÊ, vÃ 25 Yrs Experience Call Matt for a free quote

Tree Lopping/Surgery

12386568-ACM19-18

WANTED TO BUY

Rubbish Removal

Andrew 0408 242 015 | Chloe 0448 393 959

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

9754 6686 ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀฀฀

฀ ฀

Call Darren on 0404 040 686 FULLY INSURED

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

DIN TREE SERVICE WA•N TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

22 MAIL

www.coincollectandtrade.com • sales@coincollectandtrade.com

TREE SERVICES

www.southerncrossrr.com.au

CALL 1300 666 808

For appointments call Chris 0438 582 575

12395220-HM32-18

• Shed Removals • Soil & Concrete Removal • Free Quotes • Fully Insured • Family-Owned Business

12507097-BL33-21

• Rubbish Removal • Green Waste Removal • House Clean Outs • Backyard Clean-ups • Demolition Strip Outs

COIN COLLECT AND TRADE

BELGRAVE

Rubbish Removal & Demolition

0473 326 333

Massage Therapists

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

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

Wanted

• Free appraisals and • Unwanted coin or advice given. banknote collections. • Good service and prices paid. • Emerald based licensed • Valuation service available. secondhand dealer. We visit you. • Medals, Tokens and Militaria.

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. Immediate start. Lilydale area. Resumes to: frontlinetermite@bigpond.com V

General Classifieds

12499475-CG25-21

12462305-LB39-20

TREE SERVICES

• LARGE TREE SPECIALISTS • HEDGE TRIMMING EXPERTS • STUMP GRINDING • MULCH AVAILABLE • CONSULTING ARBORIST

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in rooﬁng leaks

$20 MILLION INSURANCE

Positions Vacant

PEST CONTROL FULL-TIME TRAINEE TECHNICIAN

☎ 9720 5111

section of Network Classifieds.

Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

DAWSONS

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

Real Estate V

12496966-LB23-21

฀

YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Tree Lopping/Surgery

12504869-DL30-21

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

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

Pets & Services

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

Find local work in the

Employment section of Network Classiﬁeds.

12423634-SN31-19

฀ ฀

฀

12402861-RA44-18

The Re-Roof Man All types of Roofs ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Septic Tanks

C936869-KK25-11

Roofing

mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Defeat ends final hopes Saturday pennant saw Monbulk 1 playing at home against Heathmont needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, but suffered a crushing defeat. Tim Stapleton’s rink started well and led by seven shots after nine ends. They then won only two more ends losing by 13 shots, 14 to 27. Eric Markham’s rink were never in the contest losing the first eleven ends to trail by twenty-two shots. Things did not improve much and they eventually lost by 35 shots, four to 39. Jim Bras rink had a close contest for the first half of the match and when they picked up six shots on the fourteenth and fifteenth ends they led by two shots. However, they won only one more end to lose by seven shots, 17 to 24. Brian Smith’s rink was six shots down after seven ends, but then won three ends in a row to lead by two shots. Scores were then tied after 13 ends, but the Heathmont rink won six of the last eight ends to win by nine shots, 14 to 23. Monbulk lost the overall by 64 shots, 49 to 113 which has ended any finals hopes. Monbulk 2 who were third on the ladder played the top team Narre Warren away from home under the roof. Graeme Goller’s rink

started well and after eight ends led by eleven shots. They then lost a number of multiples to find themselves four shots down with three ends to play. They grabbed five shots on the next two ends to take the lead, but dropped a shot on the last end to have a draw, 20 shots each. Jim Anderson’s rink were nine shots down after seven ends. They then won six of the next eight ends to move within two shots, but won only one more end to lose by 15 shots, 14 to 29. Eric Furby’s rink was two shots down after seven ends, but won only three more ends to lose by 20 shots, 10 to 30. Peter Donders’ rink was right in the contest leading by one shot after nine ends. They lost a number of multiples in the last 12 ends to lose by 13 shots, 16 to 29. Monbulk 2 lost the overall by 48 shots, 60 to 108 but still hold third place on the ladder. Monbulk 1 have two more games left before the end of the season, however, with results going against them they are unable to make finals as they currently sit in seventh position on the ladder. Monbulk 2 look set to make finals as they sit in third position on the ladder out of eight teams, with two rounds remaining.

Tim Stapleton in action.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Monbulk holds top spot

Karen Rice draws to the head.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Tuesday pennant saw Monbulk 1 who were in top position travel to Mooroolbark who were fourth in what was expected to be a close contest on their grass green. Eric Markham’s rink picked up four shots on the second end to give them a five shot lead. Their opponents then won seven of the next 11 ends to close the gap to two shots after 13 ends. Some good bowling from Anne Ward, Klaus Eisele and Karen Rice saw the Monbulk rink gain control and win by 10 shots. Peter Koomen’s rink was level on the tenth end and then won the next two ends to take a three shot lead. They then lost the next six ends to fall behind by eight shots. They made up some ground in the next two ends but went down by five shots, 15 to 20. Jim Bras’ rink found themselves four shots down after five ends. They then picked up 10 shots in two ends to lead by six shots. However, they then dropped seven shots in the next two ends to be one shot down. Little then separated both rinks for the rest of the match and scores were level with the last end to play. The Mooroolbark rink was able to take the shot and win the rink 23 to 22. Monbulk won the close contest by four shots, 59 to 55 and have consolidated their position on top of the ladder. Monbulk 2 played Dandenong at home hopeful that a win would keep their finals hopes alive. Eric Furby’s rink had the better of the contest early and led by seven shots after nine ends. A great change came over the game with the home team winning only two of the last twelve ends to lose by nine shots, 14 to 23.

Jim Anderson’s rink was only one shot in arrears after nine ends. They then lost five of the next six ends to trail by eight shots. They made up some ground in the final ends but lost by four shots, 16 to 20. Graeme Goller’s rink struggled early against some good bowling and found themselves twelve shots down after 12 ends. They then picked up five shots on the tenth end, but never really threatened going down by 13 shots, 12 to 25. Monbulk lost the overall by 26 shots, 42 to 68 and any chance of playing finals. Monbulk 3 played Croydon at home in what turned out to be a close contest. While the home team won the majority of ends the number of multiple shot losses cost them victory. Bruce Cockerill’s rink was one shot in front after eight ends, but then over the next eight ends dropped 14 shots which included three clangers and eventually lost by nine shots, 17 to 26. Mike Harris’ rink found themselves eight shots down after seven ends. They then clawed themselves back into the game and by the fourteenth end scores were tied. The Monbulk rink then picked up a couple of multiples to win by five shots, 26 to 21. Alan Brooke’s team started well and led by seven shots, after eleven ends, but when they dropped a six on the thirteenth end scores were level. The Monbulk rink then found themselves two shots down going into the last end, but were able to win the end with the game ending in a tie. Monbulk lost the overall to Croydon by four shots, 63 to 67.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket scores for round 13 NR Reeves Shield Knoxfield 8/221(cc) (C Buckland 89, C Abeykoon 38, J Smyth 30; J Butcher 3/34, T Baker 2/27) def Knox Gardens 8/193 (J Marget 56, T Baker 36, J Taylor 25; T Atkinson 3/34, C Bevan 2/38); Lysterfield 9/257(cc) (N Walsh 108, C Mcelroy 34, J Bundy 30; S Collard 5/59, J Colee 2/41) def Upwey-Tecoma 196 (J Waters 59; K Gwynne 3/36, J Carter 2/27, H Carter 2/40, C Cosstick 2/46); Ferntree Gully 5/207(cc) (P Jefimenko 46, J Toohey 45, J Kilby 32, P Mastertoun 30) def Belgrave 89 (J Henry 6/23, J Toohey 2/19); Ferntree Gully Footballers 9/230(cc) (T Muzarabani 73, L Storey 58, J Paterson 27, L Hunt 26; O D’sylva 3/52, H Mcdermott 2/29, R Hill 2/46) def South Belgrave 152 (J Mcdermott 32, J Maddox 27*, D Cormack 26; H Brown 4/34, T Kamungozi 2/19); The Basin 4/232(cc) (S Vozzo 75, J Turcinovic

· · · ·

mailcommunity.com.au

69*, S Luck 37*; T Nash 2/32) def Johnson Park 9/76 (C Law 4/26, M Ley 2/0); RJ DeCoite Shield St Johns Tecoma 7/166 (K Grenda 39*, A Grenda 30; C Williams 3/24) def Upper Ferntree Gully 7/165(cc) (R Murray 44, C Williams 34, T Roleff 25*; J Smith 3/21); Olinda 8/185(cc) (T Scott 35, P Hyett 34, J Langer 33; L Turner 5/38) def Mountain Gate 152 (L Turner 65; L Humphries 3/22, B Thockloth 3/39, D Fitzgerald 2/31); Eildon Park 7/225(cc) (D Smyth 113, C Morris 40; J Mcgowan 3/39, N Adcock 3/42) def Knox Gardens 9/150 (T Voulanas 80, H Morrison 33; Z Clark 4/28); Monbulk 2/237(cc) (A Bermingham 108*, J Creed 63, J Fraser 32, S Cosstick 27*) def Rowville 7/209 (J Tate 47, J Cross 38, C Gunawardana 32, H Cowan 29*, T Wood 25; C Broekhof 3/51);

· · · ·

Teams were in action for round 13 over the weekend. Picture: FIELD OF VIEW SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

MAIL 23

BEST PRICE, BEST TANKS WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE

12533908-DL05-22

Ring Terry Miller direct for the the best best prices prices

It’s time to catch it, order and build your concrete tank NOW!!!

Ph. 0419 462 814 Concrete tanks built correctly will last a life time! Terry Miller from Terry Miller Concrete Tanks has been in the concrete tank building business for nearly 30 years. Being from country Victoria himself, Terry realises the importance of good water storage systems. Concrete water tanks built correctly will last a lifetime. They keep your water cool, clean and algae free. This is because our tanks have 130mm walls and a 300mm base, and are poured with 40-mpa strength concrete not 25 or 30 mpa. We also use plasticiser to keep up the strength in the tanks instead of water. And after 28 days of curing the strength of the concrete will be between 48 and 52 mpa. And each tank is poured individually on site. These tanks come out white, which is a sign of the strength in the tanks. The MPA is a measure of how much concrete there is as parts per 1000. The walls of the tank are vibrated all around to ensure that there are no air bubbles and that the concrete is compacted down. Terry generally builds tanks in three sizes, 50,000, 105,000 and 120,000 either with a silo (metal) roof, concrete top or open top tanks. The tanks will not blow away or fall apart, and this is particularly important in areas where there is high wind, or in fire prone districts. In the event of a fire, a large tank (120,000 litres) can supply water back up to the main house. By setting up a petrol powered generator and pumping water up onto the house directly, via a reverse water sprinkler system, you will keep your home cool and wet. Or if need be, you can jump into the tank to keep cool and be protected from flames and radiant heat. Water is our most important resource, and we cannot have too much of it! So for all your water storage needs when you are thinking of installing your next tank, please call Terry for a quote on 0419 462 814 or 02 6026 7021 or check out our website, www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au. Nearly four years ago, we suffered our own fire here, in Barnawartha, and we were lucky. But it made me realise how important good water storage is. We are in for a long, hot, dry summer, and fire restrictions are in. Having an ample supply of safely stored water is imperative. So why not contact Terry now about your water supply needs, BEFORE, the heat builds up and water scarce. There is nothing more refreshing than your own cool, clear, clean water!

• Buy Direct and Save • Free Quotation • A Sound Investment te r websi Visit ou com.au ct. www.tm

• All tanks are 2.26m in height • All tank walls are 130mm thick • All foundations (tank top and floor) are 300mm thick • Tanks are algae free • Cool in Summer • Won’t blow away

Sizes from 22,000 to 120,000 litres 24 MAIL

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

0419 4627115 814 Phone: 0419Phone: 462021 814FAX: PHONE: 0260 267 (02) 6026 Email: info@tmct.com.au Email: cjf57@bigpond.com PO BOX 372 BARNAWARTHA VIC 3688 Email: info@tmct.com.au TL1648715

www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au Concrete 40 mpa fully vibrated Concrete 40 mpa & &fully vibrated

TL1648715

mailcommunity.com.au