Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 1st March 2022

Ranges Trader

Tourism vouchers welcomed by local operators

Petrol prices start to jump above $2

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

Mail

A Star News Group Publication

Yarra Valley named ‘top Aussie town’

Meet a kiwiberry grower in Gembrook

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PAGE 11 Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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AirFab lands US Navy contract

By Parker McKenzie A Ferntree Gully-based business has signed a contract to deliver 22 work stands to the US Navy, which will allow technicians to access the satellite communication station’s aboard P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft and safely conduct fuselage inspections.

AirFab Ground Support Equipment has signed a $3.4 million deal to deliver the wide-band satellite telecommunications system work stands through their relationship with the Royal Australia Air Force, who they are also producing work stands for.

AirFab owner Michael Millsteed said the deal has been a few years in the making after working with the Royal Australia Air Force in the past.

“We had built up a relationship and were able to work with them on a problem they had. We had a solution already from other projects which we could adapt,” Mr Millsteed said.

“The US Navy’s always back and forth, and they were here. It gave them the chance to have a look and go, gee, you guys make some cool stuff.”

Read more on page 6 Airfab Aerospace owner Michael Millsteed at his Ferntree Gully factory.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Rising premiums

By Parker McKenzie

another natural disaster without insurance to cover damages.

Cloudehill Gardens owner Jeremy Francis submitted an entry to the royal commission about vegetation and its effects on bushfires.

Now he is tracking the rising cost of insurance

premiums of people living in the Hills by surveying businesses and residents.

“If people start finding insurance costs too much of a burden, what happens to leave early policy? It’s out the window,” Mr Francis said.

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With rising insurance premiums and reduced coverage in policies, residents of the Dandenong Ranges are facing uncertainty over the security of their homes and businesses as the risks of natural disasters continue to rise.

In 2009, a summary report from the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission stated “Noninsurance and under-insurance have impeded the rebuilding process.”

13 years later, many residents of the Dandenong Ranges are at risk of the prospect of

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NEWS

State tourist cash splash

By Callum Ludwig With the peak of the Omicron wave hind us, Yarra Ranges tourism, hospitality, and entertainment businesses are excited by the prospect of more returning visitors, particularly with the voucher schemes announced by the Victorian Government earlier last week.

The recently renovated Alpine Hotel in Warburton is one such business, ticking the boxes for accommodation and hospitality rebates with 32 rooms, as well as beautiful food and drinks to enjoy in the beer garden.

Owner Rachael Northwood said the boost the voucher scheme will give Warburton is exciting.

“I think being an hour and a half out of Melbourne, the beautiful Warburton village will be an easy option for customers to have time out of the CBD,” she said.

“With businesses trying to get staff back into offices, I think the timing of these vouchers is perfect because people will want to get a change of scenery and reboot their weekend with nature.”

The voucher schemes cover regional and metropolitan travel, entertainment, and dining experiences, giving visitors a 25 percent rebate back in their pockets.

For travel, $200 vouchers are available for a minimum of a $400 spend.

For entertainment, a 25 percent rebate with a maximum of $125 is up for grabs, and hospitality costs can also get a 25 percent rebate for Monday to Thursday dining, which has a minimum spend of $40 and a maximum of $500.

Yarra Ranges Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said the previous three rounds of the scheme, in late 2020 and early 2021, were extremely popular with visitors and encouraged them to travel and spend in the Yarra Ranges.

“The evidence from the first few rounds is when they do come, they spend a lot more than the value of the voucher minimum,” he said.

“That’s a really positive thing for telling us about the breadth and depth of experiences and accommodation that they’re taking up.”

The regional scheme is in operation from Monday to Thursday, to encourage consumers to support suburban and regional businesses.

Mr O’Callaghan said it was really pleasing

The Alpine Hotel in Warburton is ready to welcome more visitors with the return of the Victorian travel voucher scheme. that the voucher encourages travel on weekdays.

“When you inject incentives into the market, the last thing you want to do is put them into times when we’re already full like long weekends or normal weekends,” he said.

“Anything that builds the confidence of consumers to get back into the habit of travelling is a good thing.”

The Omicron wave caught not only businesses but governments and communities by surprise after two already tough years for the industry.

Mr O’Callaghan said the large number of micro-businesses in the Yarra Ranges left many

people unavailable to access government support throughout this time, but he is optimistic for tourism and business in the area.

“Everyone has really hurt as a result of this, being in an industry that was essentially the first impacted and will be the last to recover,” he said.

“Everyone’s seeing things move in the right direction, particularly with international borders reopening, quarantine requirements being wound back. In speaking to many of our operators, they’re seeing some really strong demand into the many months ahead, which is positive.”

Ms Northwood said the Omicron wave was

Picture: ON FILE

an extremely difficult challenge for the hotel and other businesses in the Yarra Ranges.

“January was a very tough trading month, with patrons being extra cautious and having to self-isolate,” she said.

“We felt somewhat isolated ourselves, to be honest.”

Ms Northwood was very grateful for the tight-knit Warburton and greater Yarra Ranges community who have continued to support them through Covid-19.

“It has been so encouraging. We’ve had a lot of feedback from the local village and the Yarra Valley on what a positive restoration the building has been,” she said.

Skyrocketing insurance costs a sign of what’s to come From page 1 “If it means leaving the house, you’re going to lose everything that you spent your life up until then building, people are not going to leave.”

The questionnaire hasn’t been wholly embraced yet with some businesses shying away from filling it in, however, the data which has been submitted is starting to paint a revealing —albeit incomplete — picture of an issue that could arise when another fire rages in the Dandenongs.

The preliminary data gleaned from a survey of residents and businesses shows an increase in insurance premiums year-on-year for the past three years, with a huge spike in the aftermath of the weather events in 2021.

While the survey is still ongoing, the data show an almost universal increase in insurance costs for people in the Dandenong Ranges year on year.

The weather events seem to have accelerated the increasing premiums, with two commercial businesses - one in Olinda and another in Sassafras – seeing their premiums double in 2021/2022 compared to the previous two years.

Mr Francis discovered another potential issue discovered stretches beyond premiums and coverage.

“People were finding that insurance companies were refusing to insure,” he said.

“My broker did some research on my behalf, and at the end what my broker was saying is there are about 50 insurance companies that deal with household insurance, and 50 per cent of those 50 companies have 2 MAIL

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Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda has seen their insurance premiums rise rapidly over the past 15 years.

Picture: ON FILE pulled out altogether from these areas.”

On average, residents and businesses saw an increase of over 50 per cent in insurance costs between 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 from over twenty responders to the survey.

Several respondents also experienced a refusal to renew their policy by their insurance companies.

Mr Francis said a refusal to insure and increased premiums are based on mathematical risk, and the insurance companies aren’t to blame.

“From the 50s onwards, there was a huge increase in the rate at which the original vegetation infiltrated residential areas. Politically, of course, everyone is in favour of it because we’re talking about re-establishing what the landscape should be,” Mr Francis said. “it’s actually impossible because when dealing with vegetation which is fire-depen-

dent in the most extreme way,” An AAMI Insurance spokeswoman said premium increases are “never a decision taken lightly and we’re mindful of the impact changes can have on our customers.”

“Home insurance pricing is based on a range of factors including our assessment of risk for an individual property, the cost of claims, reinsurance premiums and government taxes. One single event will not necessarily affect insurance premiums,” she said.

“In recent years, we have seen an increase in both natural hazards and reinsurance costs, which impacts premiums.”

Year-on-year increases to insurance premiums represent an increase in risk year-onyear, and insurance companies leaving the market signals rising risk levels becoming mathematically unviable for coverage. What could be causing such a dramatic increase in potential risk for people in the hills?

Chief Fire Officer for Forest Fire Management Victoria Chris Hardman said the state is “genuinely and clearly one of the most bushfire prone areas anywhere in the world.”

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen more than 20 per cent of the spring rain-reduced in Victoria, 20 per cent less spring rain than we had in the 1970s, which is a lot. We quite often rely on the spring rain to reduce that early season bushfire risk, so that’s a year on year 20 per cent reduction,” he said.

“We’ve also had a 40 per cent increase in what we call very high fire danger days, which in those days where bushfires are more likely to cause harm. If you have a bushfire on a cold day, it’s less likely to cause harm than on a hot and dry day, “When you live in an area like the Dandenongs or the Yarra Valley, which is an absolutely stunningly beautiful area that is surrounded by forest and rural land, that means in Australia we have ecology or an environment that has evolved with fire. Fire is a natural part of Victoria’s ecological system, so the challenge that we’re facing is many more people live in that environment than they have in the past.”

Mr Hardman said people will continue to live in fire-prone areas.

“We shouldn’t be frightened by bushfires and climate change, we have to learn and adapt,” he said.

“We have to learn how to live with this increase in risk and that is about knowledge.”

Next week the Star Mail will look at the solutions to increased bushfire risk in the Dandenong Ranges. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Missing Lysterfield man found safe Missing 19-year-old man from Lysterfield has been located safe and well, with Victoria Police thanking the media and members of the public for their assistance.

A family was pleading for information on the whereabouts of their 19 year old son Samuel, who had gone missing following a planned camping trip.

He was last seen at his Lysterfield South home on 9 February.

Narre Warren Police Station senior constable Imogen Brill said a note from Sam was uncovered at his home inside the book Into the Wild, saying he was “going walkabout“.

It was believed he was imitating the main character in the novel. The story is about a young man who goes off-grid on his own in the bush and dies after eating a poisonous plant.

Restrictions ease

A Bayswater petrol station was spotted at a massive $2.05 a litre.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Petrol price hike Global crude oil prices have reached their highest levels since 2014 following the uncertainty over a Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is set to drive petrol prices up around Australia.

Russia is the second-largest exporter of crude oil and refined petrol, as well as the largest exporter of natural gases.

The average price of Australian petrol was $1.70 when the price of oil was $90 USD a barrel. With a 13 per cent increase per barrel expected, its expected petrol will rise to over $2 a litre.

Currently, the average price of petrol in

Australia is $1.79, however, a petrol station in Bayswater North was spotted at $2.05 a litre on Thursday 24 February.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges residents took to Facebook to have their say about the rising prices.

“We will not be travelling much at these prices. Stay home!” Peter Rice said.

“And we need the reasons, in detail, for these massive increases.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says there is a number of reasons for fuel prices to rise, including changes in in-

ternational benchmark prices, the value of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar, levels of competition in different areas and pricing decisions by wholesalers retailers.

Pricing from wholesalers has increased with the increased pressure on international supply lines because of the Covid-19 pandemic and international conflict, leading to the costs being passed onto consumers.

“Saw $2.09 in Warrandyte yesterday.” Ruth Merida said.

“Coles, always the dearest and that one also.” Deborah Milton said.

Dandenong Ranges residents won’t have to wear masks in most settings, with the Victorian government announcement of an easing of pandemic orders and public health recommendations as of midnight Friday 25 February.

The recommendation for people to work or study from home where possible has been removed and the mask mandate will be lifted for most indoor settings.

Masks will only be required indoors in the following circumstances unless an exemption applies: People on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, on planes, and indoors at an airport People working or visiting hospitals, and indoor areas at care facilities Workers in hospitality, retail, and the court system Workers at justice and correctional facilities Students in year 3 or above at primary school, and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools (masks can be removed in secondary school) People working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people attending in special circumstances, such as if you have Covid-19 or are a close contact and you’re leaving home.

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Mental health hub

$300,000 funding for trail connection Cardinia Shire Council has announced $300,000 in funding for the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail connection.

The project will connect the trail from Edenmont Road in Clematis to an existing trail within the Yarra Ranges Shire, completing the full scope of the EDRT and linking to thewhich Yarra Ranges ToCardinia doubleShire check zoneShire. you’re in and your date The project has been jointly funded by of the collection, please visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Cardinia Shire Council’s Cap- Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail at Wright stormcollection. ital Works Program.

Forest, Cockatoo.

Picture: SUPPLIED Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff “We continue to rank as one of the fastestSpringfield was pleased Cardinia Shire Council received the funding from the Victo- growing areas in the state and this funding rian Government. support will assist us to continue to deliver

the community facilities needed for Cardinia Shire both now and into the future,” Cr Springfield said.

“These successful grants are the result of advocacy by Council on behalf of our community and we are excited to these projects come to life.”

The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail is a 14.5 kilometre scenic path through Clematis, Emerald, Cockatoo and Gembrook. It features barbeque areas, fitness equipment, playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters, and is suitable for cycling, running and walking. $200,000 dollars was supplied by the Growing Suburbs Fund, with the Capital Works Program funding $100,000.

EACH in Boronia will be walk-in mental health hub, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

All support is free and available to people of all ages.

Bookings can be made via 1300 375 330 from 9am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends.

The hubs can offer support for a range of different issues including lowered mood, anxiety and substance use or addiction.

“We are also able to support people to address life stressors such as homelessness, financial difficulties and social isolation,” the Victorian Government said.

“Our support workers can assess your needs, help you to develop strategies to cope, and provide direct links and pathways to other local health and social support services if needed.”

EACH Boronia is located at 93 Boronia Rd, in the Boronia Mall.

Nobody knows their community like you.

We need your help for the creation of a new Housing Strategy for Yarra Ranges.

With predicted population growth, this strategy will help us map out the housing needs for our region into the future, so your input will be crucial to ensuring that the issues that are important to you are covered.

This strategy will help guide our future decision making on the preferred location and type of new housing that’s built, while also factoring in the unique character that each town has to ensure that any new housing is respectful of that.

For more information and to get involved, head to shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ housing-strategy-review

Scan for more information 1300 368 333 12537557-SG09-22

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NEWS

Promoting volunteering

By Callum Ludwig Eastern Volunteers is hosting a roving expo throughout the Yarra Valley to promote volunteering, having started in Warburton and Yarra Junction on Wednesday 23 February.

The expo will be visiting towns in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges over the next six weeks, with visits planned on Wednesdays for Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Healesville, and Belgrave. Each location will hold the expo twice, including another visit to Warburton and Yarra Junction.

Project Officer at Eastern Volunteers Jo Maddock said it is important to revitalise volunteer efforts after the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to many projects, groups, and organisations.

“Volunteering has kind of taken a backseat over the past few years obviously because people working from home and a lot of things stopped,” Ms Maddock said.

“We’re just really trying to get the message out there that there’s a variety of different orga-

Cardinia Council has reestablished the Cardinia Foundation.

Picture: ON FILE nizations who offer a variety of opportunities out there in the Yarra Ranges.”

Eastern Volunteers will be in Belgrave on

16 March 10am to 1pm and 20 April 1pm to 4pm outside of the Emporium along Burwood Highway.

The project, Volunteering Yarra Ranges, has been funded by the Yarra Ranges Council and aims to encourage community engagement with local volunteer organisations, educating residents about the volunteering opportunities available and why they are so important.

Ms Maddock said she thinks now more than ever it’s important to be connected to your community, especially after Covid and the June 2021 storms.

“It’s really important to be connected to your community to make sure that you’re giving back and helping people out that are in need,” she said.

“Just making sure that we’re empowering each other and staying connected. Volunteering is good for that” The project is promoting and supporting a wide variety of volunteer groups, from Church support groups, disability services, emergency

relief organisations, and sporting groups.

Ms Maddock believes getting involved in volunteering can also benefit those looking to find their way back into the workforce.

“It’s good to gain confidence, gain experience and gain that knowledge that they need to get back out into the workforce, paid workforce or just to give back to the community if they want to,” she said.

Eastern Volunteers encourage people to volunteer within their means, with any efforts from volunteering one day a week, three days a week or a couple of hours a day going a long way to helping those in need in the community feel supported.

“It makes them feel included by creating an inclusive experience for them. It’s a way to bring the community together to have everyone supporting each other through any hardships,” she said.

“Volunteering definitely makes people overall happier and healthier. Having a good quality of life depends on being connected to people.”

Cardinia Shire Council restablishes foundation Cardinia Shire Council has announced it will re-establish the philanthropic Cardinia Foundation to better support a broad range of local community and service groups.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield said the philanthropic foundation will help local community groups and projects that often do it tough.

“As part of the upcoming annual budget process, Council will be considering ways to invest in the future of the Cardinia Foundation and our community,” he said.

“We’ll also work strategically to attract additional local funding support to leverage various avenues and come together as a single, strong and sustainable local foundation.”

It was first established in 2003 and later transitioned to the Casey Cardinia Foundation in 2013.

Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen, who has been a director of the Foundation for close to 10 years, said he was pleased Council supported this move at last

night’s council meeting.

“The foundation aims to support the social, community and general welfare of those living in Cardinia Shire,” Cr Owen said.

“With an unprecedented opportunity to leverage philanthropic, not-for-profit and volunteer support, Cardinia Foundation will also work to bolster the discretionary effort in Cardinia Shire over the coming years and beyond.”

Cardinia Shire Council will consider its future financial investment to the Cardinia

Foundation through the 2022–23 budget process.

“We know how much our local community groups, sporting clubs, and local festivals and events are a vital part in the richness of our community, particularly in a fast-growing community like ours,” Cr Owen said.

“The Cardinia Foundation will be here to provide support into the future and to lift these projects and groups that will help make a growing shire like ours the greatest place to live, work and play.”

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the lifejacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

UNSINKABLE GUY

RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER 12526864-SN09-22

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NEWS

Collective connections

By Parker McKenzie A Facebook group is giving community members in the Dandenong Ranges and the hills the opportunity to share their crafts, produce and skills with each other.

Giselle Vanessa said she started the Dandenongs Collective with a neighbour after seeing the amount of produce and craft people in the hills were making.

“People grow lemons, people grow flowers, people grow vegetables,” she said.

“People’s zucchini gardens are currently overflowing, and we just thought it’d be a good idea to offer an opportunity for people to share what they already grow or make or even can source themselves, “It basically came out of a desire to build community but also to share resources and what we have within community.”

The group currently has 55 members on their Facebook page and they are planning to meet regularly on weekends to share what they have.

She said she believes people have become more inclined towards self-sustainability in recent years.

“But also more inclined towards meeting the local community and reaching out to people in their local area, relying on the people around them rather than further away.” She said.

The group’s description describes it as a “for locals who grow, make or source their own local produce and products and who want to buy, swap, sell or barter with other members of the group.”

Ms Vanessa said people can join even if they don’t have something to contribute and share straight away.

“People don’t have to have a particular thing that they plan to share with the community. They’re welcome to discover that as they

The Facebook group aims to share craft and produce. go because it’s not just about growing fruit and vegetables,” She said.

“It might also mean that people have skills

Emerald Garden opening to public for charity

Picture: ZOE SCHAFFER

that they can offer or the ability to source things that people aren’t going in the backyard or out making themselves.”

The Dandenongs Collective was started in early February and can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/270799611828099

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

SAT 5th MAR 2022

By Parker McKenzie Brookdale Farm garden in Emerald will open to the public on 5 and 6 March to raise funds for Global Gardens of Peace.

The property is an ornamental and productive garden with trees from its 1930s origin, located on a 0.9 hectare block in the Dandenong Ranges and is owned by John and Michelle Rayner.

Mr Rayner said the couple have been caretakers of the garden before they owned a part of it.

“We’ve been here for 30 years, but the first 12 years of that were as caretakers,” he said.

“We’ve been gardening here for the last 20 years, because the first 10 years or so we were just doing weed control and fencing, and doing a lot of improvements to make sure the property was safe and maintained.”

The property has a conservation covenant with Trust for Nature to permanently preserve and protect the land.

Mr Rayner is a lecturer in urban horticulture and Mrs Rayner is an environmental educator at The Patch Primary School, which he said has helped inspire their love of gardening and plants.

“This garden is a reflection of that,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to having people come and see the garden.”

It contains an orchard of fruit trees, a kitchen garden, vegetables herbs and sunflowers. Closer to the house is the oldest part of the garden where a large Algerian Oak, ancient tree ferns and woodland plantings are located.

The garden extends further down the gully to a collection of older trees including copper beech, London plane and douglas fir.

Tickets to the opening will cost $10 for

Faith Stories Conversations to Secure Peace through a Culture of Heart Celebrating Women of Faith for International Women’s Day John and Michelle Rayner are opening Brookdale Farm Garden for people to see.

Picture: ON FILE

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

10am - 3:30pm

FREE EVENT (please give an entry gift, thank you)

The garden is protected by a conservation covenant with Trust for Nature.

Picture: SUPPLIED adults, $6 for students and children under 18 can enter for free. All takings from the event will go towards Global Gardens of Peace, an Australian charity founded in 2013 to create gardens to support vulnerable communities, families and individuals.

The property is located at 12 Charman Avenue, Emerald and will be open from 10am to 4.30pm.

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

WFWP AUTRALIA

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

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NEWS

Major contract win

By Parker McKenzie A Ferntree Gully-based business has been awarded a $3.4 million contract with the US Navy, to deliver work stands for safe access to P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft.

The deal will see the delivery of 22 wideband satellite telecommunications system work stands by AirFab Ground Support Equipment, which allows technicians to access the P-8A wide-band satellite communication station and safely conduct fuselage inspections.

AirFab owner Michael Millsteed said the deal has been a few years in the making after working with the Royal Australia Air Force in the past.

“We had built up a relationship and were able to work with them on a problem they had.

We had a solution already from other projects which we could adapt,” Mr Millsteed said.

“The US Navy’s always back and forth, and they were here. It gave them the chance to have a look and go, gee, you guys make some cool stuff.”

The US Navy currently has 98 P-8As in service, with 11 more of the aircraft ordered in April 2021.

Mr Millsteed said the deal was struck through the RAAF, who “is always good to deal with.”

“We find that it’s the process you’ve got to go through, it can be time-consuming,” he said.

“We’re very specialized. We’ve been around for 30 plus years and making equipment for the airline industry all that time; we’ve been doing work for the Australian Defence Force for probably 25 years.”

The P-8A aircraft were announced to be replacing the Lockheed AP-3C Orions in the Royal Australia Air force in 2007. The first P-8A aircraft was delivered by September 2016, with 12 in total being delivered by December 2019.

The RAAF currently have two more of the aircraft on order.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract demonstrated the export opportunities Australia’s defence industry was receiving because of cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the United States Navy.

“These work stands are designed to withstand harsh environments like those experienced at forward operating bases, and have integrated safety features to protect personnel,” Minister Price said.

“AirFab developed the work stand design in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force and the US Navy to meet the unique requirements of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft, “Working with Royal Australian Air Force gave AirFab direct engagement with the US Navy that an Australian small business would

Monbulk Car show returns

By Parker McKenzie

Owner of Airfab Aerospace Michael Millsteed. not normally have had access to.”

The P-8A, which can seat up to seven people during a mission, is 39.47m long and has a wingspan of 37.64m. It has a maximum speed of 907km/h and has a flying ceiling of 12,496m high. It is equipped with a variety of hardware and armaments suitable for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, including torpedoes and harpoon anti-ship missiles.

In addition to the stands supplied to the US

Picture: GARY SISSONS Navy, AirFab is also manufacturing eight work stands for the 12 P-8A Poseidon Maritime patrol aircraft in the RAAF fleet.

Mr Millsteed said other opportunities might arise internationally because of the deal.

“We’ve been asked at the moment by New Zealand, they are going to get some P-8As to replace the Orions as well,” he said.

“There may be other opportunities out there, but they’re things in the background.”

The Monbulk Car Show will run on 20 March after a two-year hiatus.

The annual event to raise money for Monbulk CFA and local community groups sees over 400 classic cars on display, live bands, kid’s zones and food and drink for attendees to enjoy.

Event organiser Richard Licciardi said the event is the biggest in Monbulk every year, with between four and five thousand people attending. “in 2019 we raised about $18,000. CFA is pushing to try and get a bigger, newer station,” he said.

It’s at the point where the new trucks don’t really fit in, so the roller door has to be held up to get the new truck out. That’s not very practical.”

The event was postponed from its original date in November 2021 because of the risk posed to the large crowd which usually convenes on Main Street to see the array of classic cars. The 2020 event was also cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Licciardi said discussions were held about moving the event to summer, however, with the support of CFA crews it wouldn’t be possible.

“Last year, we always pushed hard to not cancel it and just postpone it,” he said.

“The logistics done by the CFA, because that’s who we raised the money for, and it’s probably to the tune of 30 plus volunteers from the CFA, so the show can run, “They were apprehensive previously, but then we talked about doing March and that’s out of technically out of the fire season.”

Main Street Monbulk is closed off for the event, which starts at 10am and ends at 3pm.

Cars cost $20 to enter, with no need to book in advance. Organisers said when the show is full, people won’t be able to enter any more vehicles.

Mr Licciardi said the event is both a car show and a community event.

“We don’t want people to think of it as a hardcore car show and we certainly don’t want people to think that it’s a chrome bumper or a hot rod,” he said.

“Anybody who loves their car are welcome.”

Entry costs $5 or $12 for a family, with proceeds going towards Monbulk CFA and community groups.

CFA will have a car rescue demo at 12pm in the St Georges’s Church car park and a vintage fire truck will also be on display.

The Monbulk and District Community Working organises the event.

Apprentices needed: AirFab hunts for eager workers

By Parker McKenzie Local manufacturer AirFab – who recently signed a $3.4 million contract with the US Navy – is struggling with skill shortages and is willing to take on eager apprentices.

Based in Ferntree Gully, the company produces equipment for the airline industry.

AirFab Owner Michael Millsteed said the company is always on the lookout for eager apprentices.

“Trades aren’t just about being a chippy, electrician or a plumber,” he said.

“I like to think that I’ve got one of the most interesting jobs out there that people don’t normally get to see.”

With the new contract signed with the US Navy, AirFab is unlikely to take on any more work in the coming months as they work towards filling orders for the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Mr Millsteed said he believes schools could do more to encourage young people to pursue a career in a trade and he would be willing to give work experience to a young person if they were interested.

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AirFab produces equipment for the airline industry, including the Royal Australia Air Force and the US Navy. getting out once a week out to different places,” he said.

“If they’re going down the VCAL route they

must be out in the industry, trying different jobs every couple of months.”

He said anyone interested in pursuing

Picture: SUPPLIED

an apprenticeship with AirFab should either ring him on the number listed on their website or “go knock on his door.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Independent voice

By Parker McKenzie Claire Ferres Miles has joined the numerous independent candidates around Australia vying to shake up politics at the next federal election.

Inspired by the success of independents in parliament like Helen Haines and Zali Stegalls, Ms Ferres Miles was endorsed and selected to run by the Voices of Casey community group.

Speaking to the Star Mail, Ms Ferres Miles said she believes there are three key issues for the people of Casey at the federal election.

“The first one is accelerated ambition and action on climate change, with a particular focus for Casey in terms of community resilience to respond and recover from extreme weather events,” she said.

“The second is around integrity and the public stewardship of public money. What I’ve heard from the community is that they want an equitable, evidence-based process for the disbursement of public money, and I support the establishment of a federal ICAC, “The third issue is around a quality and thevrespectful treatment of all people in terms of irrespective of culture, gender or sexuality.”

The Upwey resident and mother of five has

Claire Ferres Miles is an independent candidate for Casey.

Picture: SUPPLIED lived in the electorate for 25 years.

Ms Ferres Miles said she believes the people of Casey have been taken for granted by major parties, and any characterisation of the Voices groups as a new political party should be rejected.

“I am standing to represent residents in the community of Casey. There is no political party, there is no leader and there is no structure,” she said.

“I was endorsed by the Voices of Casey,

which is a community-led community group that was formed specifically to select and support an independent candidate that would represent the views of the Casey community.”

Ms Ferres Miles said being accessible to the public is the number one priority for her.

“Part of my offer to the residents and the people of Casey is that if I am the representative, I will be available. I see this as the start of a three-year conversation with my community,” she said.

“We’re already looking at what are the best ways that people could engage with me as their representative in terms of having a physical office, — so people can come and drop in and see me — using technology in terms of surveys of policy, choose that people may be interested in town hall meetings, markets and social media.”

Ms Ferres Miles said the election is an incredibly important moment for the people of Casey.

“Your vote is very important in terms of the future trajectory of our country, so I invite people to contact me and to let me know what they think is important, and how they would like me to represent them in Canberra.”

Chainsaws ready to assist in emergency Local emergency volunteers will be ready to respond to the community’s needs should another storm event occur, thanks to a chainsaw usage course.

Over the past two weeks, members from Emerald Fire Brigade and Clematis Volunteer Fire Brigade have been undertaking a course to gain chainsaw usage accreditation.

“This was a dire need within our brigades, especially with the heavily forested area we live in, and the impact that storms can have on our local communities,” Emerald CFA 1st Lieutenant Klaus Brodeck said.

“During big storm events, SES Emerald call on our local CFA brigades to give them a hand to help clear roads, assess storm damage calls, and most importantly – to get the job done. We always work hand in hand with SES, and we’re proud to be able to boost our response capabilities to support their efforts.

“Having qualified chainsaw operators in our brigade doesn’t just support SES however! We utilise chainsaw operations on the fireground too.”

A total of 16 members attended the course, learning invaluable safety skills.

If a track becomes impassable due to trees down, or firefighters need to be able to gain access into (or escape) an area with active fire, chainsaw usage can be a greatly effective tool that we can use to stay safe, and be able to do what they do best.

Mr Brodeck said courses like this were just the tip of the iceberg of what they do in the CFA. “If you’ve ever been interested in joining,

Brendan Manning has a go on the chainsaw.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Safety is important when using a chainsaw, as Brodie McToldridge learnt.

Farrni Kantoniemi practices their cutting skills.

becoming an operational firefighter has never been easier! If you or someone you know wants to join our ranks, today has never

been a better day to start that journey. Send us a message on Facebook to get started!” he said.

Free art workshops

By Parker McKenzie Burrinja Cultural Centre will present a series of three free workshops on the theme of safe spaces, aiming to create safe environments for communities of young people and culturally diverse backgrounds to come together and share, learn, educate connect and collaborate.

The events are held with Way Over There, or WOT, a collective of local artists, community developers and programmers in South East Melbourne prioritising black, brown and Indigenous people.

Burrinja creative director Gareth Hart said WOT is an emerging artist-run collective based in the South East of Narrm/Melbourne.

“WOT is a remarkable collective creating really special projects and connections through art in the outer eastern regions,” Hart said.

“Not to mention the workshop series is free, thanks to funding from Yarra Ranges Council.”

The three events are an art-making and sharing event, WOT does 2050 look like? And Pass the AUX. Art-making and sharing will be held on Wednesday 8 March at 6pm, where participants are invited to share their art with WOT, whether it’s through conversation, performance or materials.

WOT does 2050 look like? Will be held on Wednesday 16 March at 6pm, to examine the complex issues of the climate crisis. Participants will practice interdisciplinary teamwork to envision a positive future.

Pass the AUX will see participants bring along pieces or snippets of media they want to share in the form of music, visuals, sites and more. It is being held on Wednesday 23 March at 6pm.

“The safe space series is a really important initiative, creating dialogue and sharing creative practice in supportive, safe, and collaborative ways. The series will ask big questions about the Climate crisis and our future, as well as being a space where young artists can come together and share their creative works,” Gareth Hart said.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for young artists, especially those artists who might feel on the fringes.”

Burrinja and WOT will be presenting a series of workshops.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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

Hard rubbish and bundled branches collection is coming soon to your area For more information and to check your collection date visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/hardwasteandbranches Leave your materials on your nature strip no more than one week prior to your collection week.

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Authorised฀by฀H฀Shing,฀216฀Commercial฀Rd,฀Morwell.฀Funded฀from฀Parliamentary฀budget.

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MAIL 7

NEWS

Yarra Valley a ‘top town’

By Renee Wood The Yarra Valley is shining bright on the national stage for tourism offerings, being named as number four in Wotif’s top ten Aussie towns for 2022.

Yarra Ranges Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said it’s a great accolade to receive for the region, especially after a tiring time due to the pandemic.

“The Wotif announcement was a fantastic surprise and I think it vindicates the hard work that our tourism operators do to deliver an excellent visitor experience for those that come here,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

The finalists are generated using the accommodation website’s data by how much user traffic is going towards searches and bookings in the area.

The Wotif list states that the Yarra Valley is ‘full of character and charm’ with plenty on offer less than an hours drive from Melbourne.

Mr O’Callaghan agrees that the proximity to the CBD is helping to promote the area as a must stop visitor hotspot.

“Our accessibility to Melbourne is absolutely one of our strengths, we’re well serviced for a whole breadth of experiences,” he said.

“From our hero world class wine to our nature based experiences across national parks and state forests to our merging cycling culture.

“There’s just a lot for people to be able to connect with nature here, and I think now more than ever, that’s what people are looking for.”

Yarra Valley Lodge was profiled in the announcement linked as a provider for people to stay with.

Kate Cooper from the Lodge said it’s very encouraging for her and the team.

“Off the back of pretty hard couple of years for tourism and hospitality to have this type

The Yarra Valley Lodge has been profiled in the Wotif’s list of top 10 Aussie towns.

Picture: SUPPLIED of accolade within the region and for us to be linked is a great feeling,” Ms Cooper said.

Ms Cooper said the lodge is starting to see booking confidence increase for the year ahead.

“We’re seeing a definite pickup in people traveling over the weekend and people booking events and almost just getting on with their life and events,” she said.

This follows on previous increases in visitation from Melbourne residents and regional

Victoria when lockdowns ended.

“To have a region that’s within Victoria that’s not that far from the CBD it just gives that extra encouragement and motivation for people to stick still within Victoria and spend their money here after the last couple of years.”

Operators are anticipating more interstate and international travellers will be visiting as borders open up and major events are also helpful in driving tourists into the area.

“We’ve seen even through things like the

Australian Open in January, that the role of events and dispersing people from major events will continue to be important,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“The wide ranging tour and transport options that we had pre-Covid will be also another thing that we’re looking forward to getting back to a stage of regular trade.”

Mr O’Callaghan said before the pandemic around 7300 jobs were linked to the visitor economy, which generated $800 billion dollars’ worth of expenditure to local businesses.

“That’s a lot of money and when you remove that from the environment, I think a lot of businesses have realised whether they’re absolutely in the game of tourism with what they do.

“Because when we weren’t able to travel further than five kilometres, it was pretty obvious that many businesses were reliant on tourism for their livelihoods.”

It’s hoped more confidence among travellers, borders reopening and accolades like the Wotif top four acknowledgement will all contribute to rejuvenate the sector to previous standards.

“Hopefully it gives our operators a real sense of civic pride that the job they do to give great service and experience is well appreciated by those that come to you,” he said.

The full list of Wotif’s Aussie Town of Year for 2022 is: 1. Launceston, TAS 2. Caloundra, QLD 3. Tamworth, NSW 4. Yarra Valley, VIC 5. Adelaide Hills, SA 6. Bright, VIC 7. Hervey Bay, QLD 8. Halls Gap, VIC 9. Batemans Bay, NSW 10. Busselton, WA

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OPINION

Society highlights After two years of uncertainty, Lilydale & District Historical Society is back to normal…… well the Covid version of it.

Our first meeting in February also coincided with the launch of our first new display in two years -Working Together 10 Years of Local Government - which was attended by various members of the community groups that contributed a story and images to the display.

Each had the added responsibility of unveiling their display board.

Now, everyone is welcome to visit our home at the Old Lilydale Court House and learn more about 18 groups from Seville, Coldstream, Lilydale, Montrose and Kilsyth. Each responded to our invitation to be part of the display via their local township group. The display is their stories of working together with the council to support and develop their group. See our hours of opening below.

Also on display is our belated 50th anniversary originally scheduled for 2021. The society’s display traces the stories of some key activities the society has been involved in during its 50-year history. Formed in 1971 to help

Looking

back Sue Thompson

Lilydale and District Historical Society president the Shire of Lillydale celebrate its centenary in 1972, the society continues to work closely with council and the local community on current projects.

Some projects society members are involved in include the Inspiro Art and Sole Project; Lilydale Structure Plan; Lilydale Reserve & Melba Park Committee of Management; Beautification of Main Street; Lilydale Heritage Study and the Yarra Ranges Heritage Network.

Last year heritage groups across the Yarra Ranges elected me as its new Chair to replace the late Phil Garland. The network aims to

work together to promote and preserve the history of the municipality and provide support for each other.

On 16 March the work of these 17 groups will be on display at the launch of the Power and the People 150 Years of Local Government exhibition at the Memo in Healesville. Each group has selected a facility, project, event or service in their area which demonstrates the value of the partnership between council and the local community which turned dreams into reality.

The exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership of the network and the council which provided the funding for it through its Arts and Heritage Grants for Community program.

Be sure to visit the exhibition which was going to various venues throughout Yarra Ranges for the rest of this year.

Old Lilydale Court House is open Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays 11am to 4pm or go for more information, go to www.lilydalehistorical.com.au and check out our News & Events page.

An epic fantasy tale of man vs vampire A review of Empire of the Vampire

by Jay Kristoff Back in the days when Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books were trendy, U.S.-based horror writer Stephen King had to launch a comic series called “American Vampire” to shift the focus back to those “stone killers that can’t get enough of that tasty Type-A”: “In the end... it’s all about giving back the teeth that the current ‘sweetie-vamp’ craze has, by and large, stolen from the bloodsuckers. It’s about making them scary again.” If you, too, prefer vampires as cold-blooded midnight hunters waiting to be invited into your house, you will definitely enjoy Empire of the Vampire

by Jay Kristoff, our own #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction.

The stunning 736-page illustrated dark fantasy features Gabriel de León as the very last Silversaint, a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending humanity from the vampires, who have been ravaging the realm for nearly three decades.

The whole story takes place in one night, within Gabriel’s prison cell, where he is forced by a vampiric historian named Jean-François to tell his life story. The two constantly quar-

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN rel, adding much fun and philosophical musing to Gabriel’s storytelling.

The “story within a story” offers a glimpse of Gabriel’s inner world, from his miserable childhood as a bastard-born, not knowing his heritage as a half-blood vampire, to his entry to the monastery of San Michon to train as a warrior.

But he is a flawed hero, a highly likeable character who swears as much as he drinks. He is also an addict, relying on a certain drug (of a rather ambivalent nature) to keep his dark half at bay while making the best use of it.

The story jumps from different parts of Gabriel’s life journey, revealing the hardships and atrocities that shaped him the way he is today.

This is a reckless and cynical protagonist, a breaker of rules with a wicked sense of humour and a formidable perception of justice.

Yet it is his loyalty to families and friends that drives his life.

The story is full of blood and gore, heartwrenching horror, and thrilling actions and adventures – perfect for fans of the vampire genre. But it is also filled with “legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won”, as Kristoff describes it. To paraphrase the author, although the story goes to “very dark places”, there is a strong thread of hope through it.

Particularly noteworthy are the exquisite illustrations by Melbourne-based digital artist Bon Orthwick. Says Kristoff: “I wanted the illustrations to be more than just a gimmick – I wanted them to serve a narrative purpose, and breathe a different kind of life into the story.

[Orthwick] captured that idea and the aesthetic of the world perfectly.”

Empire of the Vampire is a detailed survey of vampires, which can be “an object of desire, a power fantasy, an exploration of immortality, a study in morality, or just plain terrifying”.

Without doubt, Kristoff has succeeded in making vampires terrifying again.

Four play 30 Kemp’s curtain call The 1812 Theatre opened its 2022 season with a light comedy based on Bram Stoker’s book Dracula.

An amazing performance from the cast, four people playing 30 roles.

The stage had been set with curtains and surrounds which as the show progressed had a habit of falling apart.

The storyline is Professor Van Helsing and his team of amateur actors telling the real story of Count Dracula. And were those amateur actors amateur. Professor Van Helsing spent much of his time being a stage manager telling the others how to do the job properly.

The cast, Donna Cleverley, Brett Hyland, Stephen Oakes, Blake Stringer and a member of the “audience” who was called to help hold up a collapsed stage prop.

All handled their roles with finesse and looked genuine in the various roles.

At no time did the audience think that it was the same person in the different roles.

A smooth flowing, fast paced and entertaining show with an ending not really expected.

A great welcome to 2022 by The 1812 Theatre and one looks forward to the program for 2022.

mailcommunity.com.au

Matrix screening

The Healesville Memorial Hall will screen the entire Matrix film series throughout April.

The Memo will screen The Matrix on Saturday April 2, The Matrix Reloaded on Saturday April 9, The Matrix Revolutions on Sunday April 10, and The Matrix Resurrections on Saturday April 23.

The Matrix is an iconic, groundbreaking film series, and I’m thrilled to see these films return to the Yarra Valley next month.

The Matrix (1999) follows Neo (Keanu Reeves), who discovers that his reality is a simulation called the Matrix, which is controlled by AI overlords known as the Machines. Neo’s nemesis is Agent Smith (the impeccably sinister Hugo Weaving), a Machine program tasked with policing the Matrix against the human Resistance.

Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, The Matrix pioneered dynamic slow-motion effects – now known as “bullet-time” – and popularised cyberpunk, Hong Kong-style fight choreography and philosophical depth in Western blockbusters.

Reloaded is an over-the-top but stylish and compelling thrill-ride, with fantastic action, fun characters and an engaging narrative about control. Revolutions is an epic conclusion about choice, as Neo and the people of Zion, the last free human city, choose to stand against the overwhelming Machine army and the megalomaniacal, ultrapowerful Smith.

Neo and Smith’s subway fight in The Matrix is one of the best fight scenes ever filmed, with a three-act structure that tells a tense story in itself. The chateau swordfight in Reloaded is beautifullychoreographed, and Reloaded’s action has a (mostly) well-integrated note of physical comedy, epitomised by the “Burly Brawl” between Neo and dozens of Smith clones. Neo and Smith’s final fight in Revolutions is like an apocalyptic remake of their subway fight, and the climactic siege on Zion is still a staggering special effects spectacle with grand, even terrifying scale.

Much of the original trilogy was shot in Sydney and features a large number of Australian actors, including Weaving, Farscape actor Paul Goddard as Agent Brown, and Bruce Spence, who has a small but memorable role as the Trainman in Revolutions.

The Matrix Resurrections, directed by just Lana Wachowski, is a divisive and very self-referential entry in the series, but has touching themes of love, identity and freedom at its core, and sees the characters, cast and director explore the legacy of the Matrix series itself.

One of my fondest memories is of watching the first three Matrix films back-to-back with my father at the Memo in December 2003. I came in costume, wearing a black cloak I found at a church sale, and with red and blue jellybeans (as a reference to the red and blue pills from the first film) in my pocket.

With these April screenings (which, full disclosure, I helped organise), I’m excited to see the full Matrix series return, nearly twenty years later, to the Memo for old fans and new viewers alike to enjoy.

You can book your tickets through this link: https://www.yarraranges.vic. gov.au/Experience/The-Arts/Culturalvenues/The-Memo-Healesville/Upcoming-events-at-The-Memo Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Where was Steve born?

By Parker McKenzie People might think Shane Warne is Ferntree Gully’s most famous export, however, there is another who might challenge him for the title.

On Steve Irwin’s 60th birthday, this newspaper was made aware he may have been born in Upper Ferntree Gully. There is some debate, however, over whether this is true or not. Some sources – such as the IMBD database – place Mr Irwin’s birthplace as Essendon, which is again listed in his BBC obituary.

Adding fuel to this fire, Mr Irwin’s older sister Joy Muscillo told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2002 the family had left the Ferntree Gully house and moved to Essendon before he was born.

On the contrary, during a concert at Australia Zoo in 2007, Terri Irwin confirmed her husband was born in Ferntree Gully.

“He was born in Upper Ferntree Gully,” she said.

“We always loved coming south of the border because you’ve got the best tiger snakes.”

Mr Irwin himself said his love of nature began in Upper Ferntree Gully, an area surrounded by dangerous snakes.

Several sources list Mr Irwin’s birthplace as the William Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully, which possibly could explain the discrepancy between Mr Irwin’s wife and sister’s accounts if he was born at the hospital while the family had already moved to Essendon.

If Mr and Mrs Irwin believe he was born in Upper Ferntree Gully, it is probably enough for the suburb to claim him as one of their own.

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

y

Tuesda

Steve Irwin may be one of Ferntree Gully’s most famous exports.

Picture: ROBERT IRWIN

Boronia View Club meets on the 3rd Friday of each month (except this year our normal meeting date in April will fall on Good Friday so April’s meeting will be on the 4th Friday.)

Normally $27 is charged for lunch but because March is our Birthday month with lots of other things happening $30 will be charged.

All monies raised through raffles, stalls etc go towards our sponsored Learning for Life students through The Smith Familyhelping needy children with educational needs. So, for March Boronia View (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club will meet at 11.30am at Eastwood Golf Club, Liverpool Rd, Kilsyth with lunch being at a cost of $30.

Elia Cannizzo will be the singer/entertainer for the afternoon.

We enjoy the company of ladies of all ages and backgrounds so please come along and you will be warmly welcomed.

Enquiries to Judith on 9764 8602.

MAIL SNIPPETS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS

Faith stories Upcoming Faith Stories: conversations to secure peace through a culture of heart.

Every day we are bombarded with stories and images of racial and religious tension.

What we rarely see and hear about are the stories of people who are working to create a culture of cohesion and harmony via connecting communities.

We believe that acceptance and respect come from understanding each other’s values and beliefs; most importantly our similarities, rather than differences.

To this effect WFWP Australia runs an annual Faith Stories forum, using different themes each year.

It is a day of conversations and storytelling from a panel of multicultural women faith leaders from diverse backgrounds, and a chance to celebrate women of faith for International Women’s Day. It is our hope that these conversations will start a ripple effect of understanding that spreads and becomes a catalyst to alleviate unfounded stereotypes that hinders community cohesion.

When: Saturday 5 March 2022, 10am until 3.30pm.

Where: 42-46 Bartley Road, Belgrave Heights www.events.humanitix.com/faith-stories-2022-prophetic-wisdom

12521584-BL46-21

Your article brought back some memories our family home of 38 years was at Belgrave South and the day and the following months were something you never forget.

That was in days before mobile phones, I was out at client on St Kilda Rd and as I walked into their office I was told to ring our office immediately as there was a fire near our house.

At that stage, Melbourne radio was full of reports about fires in South Australia. I couldn’t get through to our phone so I started driving towards Belgrave South on Wellington Rd, but police turned me around, then I headed toward Belgrave/Hallam Rd but was blocked so I tried Glenfern Rd to Upwey and was let through a roadblock as CFA knew I was local.

Got to our home and my wife and neighbour were home but all the kids from our street had been moved to another house that had a pool. We lived on a road where the Primary school was so kids were heading home head-

ing towards the fire as started just as school day ended. The fire had missed our house by about 200 metres but destroyed numerous houses as fire front came over the hill from Birdsland and headed down the hill towards Wellington Rd heading towards Upper Beaconsfield.

The barriers had been pulled down around Belgrave South Reserve and the whole ground had cars, caravans and boats everywhere. Not the safest place for people with all the petrol vehicles. Broken down CFA trucks everywhere as it was so hot they couldn’t run the motor.

It was something that later saw CFA rethink its vehicles. About 9pm that night we were hit with a massive southerly wind change which brought the fire back to the edge Belgrave South in a giant dust storm where you couldn’t see anything. If that change had occurred at 6pm it would have wiped out the Dandenongs.

The next couple of years saw Belgrave South gradually recover from the experience and some of the services introduced eventually led to things like Community Houses be-

ing established throughout what was Shire of Sherbrooke in those days. It also saw the establishment of a group to assist the elderly who were often at home during the day while the rest of the family was at work. My wife Margaret as a retired Nurse was a volunteer for over 20 years to that group and I believe it still exists at an Upwey House the Council purchased.

We moved to Upper Ferntree Gully several years ago but still regularly see people from Belgrave South at the local Supermarket/coffee shop and we all went through that day we hope never happens again.

The Cockatoo fire started later that night but that was a fire started by a person who had been at Belgrave when that fire started.

Whether Birdland fire was started by arson we will never know for sure but we all know the vast majority are. We often see helicopters flying around the Ranges during hot weather and there is no doubt CFA is far better prepared than they were back then.

Chris Day

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Ash Wednesday fire

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.

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A free outdoor cinema featuring familyfriendly movies, kid’s activities and games, and pre-move entertainment will be hled in Boronia from March 19 with a screening of Alice in Wonderland.

Held at 257 Dorset Road Boronia, the festival will also see Boronia cafes and restaurants open late for dine-in or takeaway dinner before the movie.

On Saturday 26 March screening of Brave will be held, followed by Night at the Museum on Saturday 2 April.

The movies will screen from 8pm, with entry from 6.30pm.

Because of capacity limits, bookings are essential, with chairs being provided for people who have booked tickets.

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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

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NEWS

Growing Australia’s finest trees and creating great landscapes is not all we do – We are pretty good at growing a culture of good, honest, decent people too!

The Fleming’s Group of Companies includes Fleming’s Nurseries; operating three production nurseries in the Danenong Ranges, as well as Fleming’s Landscapes; based in Scoresby, which services urban development landscapes as well as private individuals. The unison of these businesses means Fleming’s is one of the most unique horticultural business in Australia today.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Exotic and unique fruit

By Shelby Brooks Tucked away in a valley in Gembrook, an exotic fruit is ripening on rows of vines. Native to northern Asia and Siberia, kiwiberries have found a surprising home on Henry Bartosiewicz farm.

In 2012 Henry bought the 23 acre Gembrook farm which is still the only kiwiberry farm in Australia, he said.

The first crop was planted in 2013 and Henry continued to research the best varieties and growing techniques until 2018.

“2018 a crunch came, either I continue with my mining research work or do I commit to this, take a risk and have a go,” he said.

He took the risk.

“I kept breeding and identifying different varieties and I think we have something special,” Henry said.

“Last year we took it to the markets and the response was just out of this world.

“People just can’t believe how beautiful they are.”

Kiwiberries are a small variety of the kiwifruit, sharing an internal appearance but contrasting their exteriors.

Unlike kiwifruit, kiwiberries have smooth hairless edible skin similar to grapes so they can be eaten like other berries and without a spoon.

The problem was Henry didn’t know how to start growing them.

“I found a few people who had retired from the agriculture department who told me they remembered where there were a few plants,” he said.

“I kept searching and I accidently came across a few kiwifruit plants that started me off.”

He took a few cuttings which quickly started taking over his backyard in the suburbs.

“My wife thought I was a mad man,” he said, laughing.

Henry estimates he has over 1000 kiwiberry plants on the farm which get spaced out every 3m and held up by trellises.

Different kiwiberry varieties have different overtones.

All share an undertone of kiwifruit, Henry explained, but the overtones differ from passionfruit to pineapple to caramel.

Since 2018, Henry has seen an increase in the sale of his kiwiberries.

During the short growing season which usually starts from end of February until midApril, Coles and Woolworths take most of the fruit.

Henry also is a regular at inner city farmers’ markets.

“A lot of people still don’t know about the fruit,” Henry said.

Henry said on first glance, the kiwiberries often get mistaken for olives at the markets.

“We invite people to taste them and it’s amazing to watch people when they put the fruit in their mouth and just see their face broadening, see a smile appear on their face, eyes open wide and reaction 95 per cent is oh my God, or wow.”

Henry also describes kiwiberries as a “nutritional powerhouse”.

He said they are one of the highest sources of vitamin B, C, E, A and K as well as being a significant source of essential minerals and microelements.

“Kiwiberries are acclaimed as one of the most promising ‘health foods’ due to the type, number and content of this fruit’s medicinally promising nutrients,” Henry said.

Our people are stayers too! We have a long list of people that have been working with us for more than 20 years with some even over 40 years –and we are sure to value those that value us. These last few years have been trying for so many people in Australia, and many people are re-evaluating their work-life balance, so we want to let you know that there are no better career opportunities than those that relate to the growing or creating of plants and landscapes!

We employ a huge range of amazing people from landscape and garden designers, nursery workers, horticulturalists, landscapers, landscape maintenance people, drivers, IT professionals, administration staff, warehouse managers, mechanics and more. You name it – and we probably have the job for you.

We are always looking for people to join our family in this close knit organisation.

So if you are interested in a career with Fleming’s please call our Senior Recruitment Officer – Call Andy on (03) 9756 6105 or email at jobs@flemings.com.au to find out more about working with Fleming’s.

12537244-SN09-22

Henry Bartoiewicz on his Gembrook farm. 266147

Still owned and very much operated by the Fleming family today, Wes and Paige Fleming are hands on in working with the people that join the Fleming’s family businesses. Their elder children are also in key positions in the business ensuring the 4th generation is nurturing more than 200 employees.

At Fleming’s, we see ourselves as a very fortunate business - there is no downside to working in a company where our values of quality people goes hand-in-glove with producing quality products.

Fleming’s is Australia’s leading light in horticulture. Not only growing beautiful trees and plants for over 100 years but now designing, building and maintaining amazing domestic and commercial landscapes across Melbourne and Geelong.

We have some exciting roles from entry level in the production nursery or landscaping, truck drivers, maintenance crews, to professional roles in administration and more. A career with Fleming’s is joining a family owned and friendly environment where everyday is making Australia a better place to live.

Call or email ANDY to apply or find out more about a career with Fleming’s.

seek.com.au/Fleming's-Nurseries-jobs seek.com.au/Fleming's-Landscapes-jobs

Head Office Fleming Lane, Monbulk VIC 3793 AUS T 03 9756 6105 E jobs@flemings.com.au flemings.com.au

Inside, kiwiberries resemble kiwifruit. mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 11

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Chiropractor Vicky with patient Kylie. 254654

DCT Chiropractic will have you feeling your best in no time. 254654

Get cracking with DCT Following its opening in Emerald in 2019, DCT Chiropractic has been providing top quality therapeutic techniques to the region, helping residents to address musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, back pain, headaches and posture-related aches and pains.

Owner and chiropractor, Dr Vicky Zarzu, has been in the health industry for 10 years, starting out as a chiropractic assistant and then practicing in multiple locations as an as-

sociate and locum chiropractor.

“My passion for health and chiropractics began when my family and I experienced firsthand the life changing benefits of chiropractic care,” Dr Zarzu says.

“This inspired me to create a welcoming space in Emerald where the families in our beautiful hills community can feel supported on their journey to living a happy, healthy and pain-free life.”

With highly trained and experienced staff, DCT Chiropractic’s practitioners are proficient

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD YOUR EYES CHECKED? – MEDICARE BULK BILLED EYE EXAMS – EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FRAMES FOR EVERY BUDGET – LATEST IN LENS TECHNOLOGY – FULLY INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED – ONSITE LAB

in a variety of traditional and more gentle chiropractic techniques.

“Our greatest achievement is the close-knit community we have built at DCT Chiropractic. Our core staff, support team and clients all play a vital role in the relaxed, fun and caring atmosphere at the clinic.”

On your first visit to DCT Chiropractic, you can expect your practitioner to ask lots of questions to get a comprehensive picture of your overall health, the history of your condition, and your current symptoms.

This is followed by a thorough examination of your posture, overall movement and spinal function. The history and examination help your practitioner determine the best treatment approach for you. DCT Chiropractic treats its clients as individuals, because they know no two people are the same, so they provide each client with an individually tailored management plan.

DCT Chiropractic is located at 394 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald. For more information, phone (03) 5968 2153 or visit www. dctchiropractic.com.au.

Headaches? Migraines? Neck pain? Back pain?

‘We are available to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier and pain free life. We have evening and weekend appointments available with an easy to use online booking system through our website.’

‘We accept medicare, TAC and work safe clients, and have private health claim facilities onsite’

Headaches Neck pain Back pain Sciatica

Pregnancy related pain Posture support Shoulder pain Injury recovery

Dry needling Exercise Taping X-rays if required

Visit our website for more information and bookings 5968 2153 info@dctchiropractic.com.au OFFER FOR PATIENTS OVER 6O YEARS OF AGE

MENTION THIS ADVERT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OFFERS

394 Belgrave-Gembrook Road Emerald www.dctchiropractic.com.au

12536431-NG09-22

By Elle Cecil

Dr John Gyorki Belgrave Surgi Centre Shop 1 / 1651 Burwood Hwy Belgrave

VALID UNTIL 3OTH JUNE 2O22.

VALID UNTIL 3OTH JUNE 2O22.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT CALL 9758 8574 OR ONLINE VIA WWW.MOUNTAINGATEEYECARE.COM.AU Shop 44, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre 1880 Ferntree Gully Rd • Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 * Conditions apply. See in store for details.

Serving the community since 1986 General Practice: • Offering Full Body Skin Checks • Health Assessment • Management Plans • Practice Nurse • Onsite Pathology Collection • Immunisations

Specialising in Surgical Office Procedures: • Removal Of Skin Lesions & Skin Cancers • Upper Eyelid Reduction • Vasectomy • Nail Surgery • Removal Of Benign Anal ConditionsHemorrhoids/Fissures/Fistulae

12532664-DL05-22

Enter via Ramp/Walkway toward the upper carpark

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

BULK BILLING IS AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS WHO HAVE ESTABLISHED ON-GOING CARE AND HOLD A FULL PENSION OR VETERANS, AFFAIRS CARD ONLY To book an appointment, call 9754 7555

12538371-SN09-22

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Dr Anthony Brown, Dr Khai Mark and Dr Farhat Zia are part of the expert medical team at Mandala Clinic.

Picture: SUPPLIED

New GPs join Mandala

By Elle Cecil Established in 1980 by its principal, Dr Khai Mark, Mandala Clinic has developed a reputation of delivering personalised care plans to effectively treat patients’ medical conditions and maintain wellbeing in a professional, friendly and comfortable environment. It has earned the reputation of providing supportive, compassionate and highly competent care to residents of the region for over 40 years.

In 2021, Mandala Clinic in Emerald welcomed a new general practitioner, Dr Farhat Zia. With 15 years of experience treating patients, Dr Zia has a special interest in adult, child and adolescent mental health, men’s and women’s health, and implanon insertion and removal. Dr Zia enjoys all aspects of general practice family medicine and chronic disease management.

In 2022, Dr Anthony Brown became Mandala Clinic’s newest full-time male GP. With

FIND YOUR HAPPY FEET

more than 15 years of general medicine experience, Dr Brown is passionate about holistic medicine, especially around lifestyle and promoting healthier habits to improve patients’ health and wellbeing. Dr Brown’s areas of particular interest include lifestyle medicine, mental health and family medicine of all ages, general practice procedures and skin cancer including skin checks and skin cancer removal.

Mandala Clinic provides high-quality medical care to residents of Emerald and surround-

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY MEDICAL CLINIC

‘WALK MORE’

It is our great pleasure to welcome our new GP Dr Anthony Brown, who is now consulting at Mandala Clinic.

‘STRESS LESS’ ‘FEEL BETTER’

Dr Brown enjoys all aspects of general practice family medicine and chronic disease management.

Dr Brown has special interest in lifestyle medicine, family medicine all ages, mental health and skin cancer checks. He can also perform general practice procedures and skin cancer removal.

THERE’S A PODIATRIST FOR THAT COME SEE US AT PRIDE YOUR CARING LOCAL PODIATRISTS

Please call our clinic to book an appointment with Dr Brown or book online via healthengine.com. au or our website.

Monday - Saturday

We offer Care Plan Assessments and new patients are welcome.

Book online or by phone

9068 0966 prideplus.com.au

12524916-HC50-21

Emerald 1 Murphy’s Way Monbulk 1 Mt Pleasant Rd

mailcommunity.com.au

ing areas, including mental health treatment plans, chronic disease care plans, heart health assessments and annual health assessments (ages 45-49 and 75+), while offering bulk-billing to patients aged 16 years and under. New patients are welcome at Mandala Clinic.

Mandala Clinic is located at 360 BelgraveGembrook Road, Emerald. Inquiries: phone (03) 5968 3733 or email dmlar2@emeraldsuperclinic.com. Opening hours are Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9am-12pm.

Mental Health Treatment Plan, Chronic Disease Care Plans and Children under 16 years are eligible for bulk billing.

Doctors: Dr Khai Mark, MBBS Dr Anthony Brown, MBBS, FRACGP Dr Farhat Zia, MBBS, FRACGP

Mandala Clinic 360 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald Phone: 5968 3733 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm Closed on Sunday and Pubic Holidays

www.mandalaclinic.com.au

12532486-SN05-22

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 070

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

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

6 8 1 1 7 9 3

6 5 9 4 1

ACROSS 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

27

4

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

No. 070

DOWN

System without private property (9) Tie-on labels (4) Extension (3) Group of islands (11) Outlines (8) Orb (6) Falsehoods (4) Gives (7) From Stockholm, say (7) Sulk (4) Uniform (6) Material for floors (8) Anarchy (11) Qld city, Mount — (3) Masculine (4) Food (9)

1

2 medium

7

QUICK CROSSWORD

Surgeons’ instruments (8) Calms (8) Wattle (6) Made greater (9) Primary (4) Handsome nursery plant (6) Oral (6) Counter (7) Bankrupt (9) Bestowed (7) Definite (8) Still (8) Zigzag (6) Affirmation (6) Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6) Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

No. 070

hard

3 2 6

4 2 5 1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

3 3 8

M G 16

6 4

15

2

3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ECO EGO EMU EYE FOR GAR GOT HOT IDE MBA MIR ODE ONE OUT OVA RAT TEA TIE TOE TVS ZED

26

I O T UNQC S X H V E D 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

E

I

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good

3 5 9 7 1 4 6 8 2

1 3 8 7 6 2 9 4 5

4 6 7 3 5 9 2 1 8

34 words: Excellent

N

C

M

7 8 4 2 9 6 1 5 3

2 1 3 5 7 4 6 8 9

6 5 9 8 3 1 4 2 7

3 9 1 6 2 5 8 7 4

5 4 6 1 8 7 3 9 2

8 7 2 9 4 3 5 6 1

4 1 8 3 6 2 9 7 5

7 2 6 9 5 8 4 1 3

1 4 3 6 2 7 8 5 9

8 6 2 5 9 3 7 4 1

9 7 5 8 4 1 2 3 6

2 9 7 4 3 5 1 6 8

6 3 4 1 8 9 5 2 7

5 8 1 2 7 6 3 9 4

3 9 7 2 5 1 6 8 4

2 8 5 6 4 9 7 3 1

6 4 1 7 3 8 5 2 9

7 6 9 3 8 5 1 4 2

8 2 3 4 1 6 9 7 5

1 5 4 9 2 7 3 6 8

4 7 2 1 9 3 8 5 6

5 1 6 8 7 2 4 9 3

9 3 8 5 6 4 2 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

O

P G

T

4 LETTERS APSE BIDE CASA FAIR FRED HANS INTO ISPY LOAM ORBS RACE SAIL SARK SKIM

5 LETTERS ABASE ACRES ADORE ADORN AGAPE AGATE ALIAS ALIVE ALLEN ANGEL APPLE AVAIL BRING CASEY CEDAR COCOA CORSE COSTA DRESS ELIDE

No. 070

ELUDE ERRED EVITA FACTS GENII HEARD IBIZA ISSUE LAPUP LEONE LOSER LOTUS MACRO NURSE OMEGA OWNER PANIC PESTS PRIOR RALPH RIVEN

SAUDI SEEDS SIREN SNEAK SOLAR STEPS STUDY SUPER TRUER 6 LETTERS CENTER GERALD METALS SEEMED

7 LETTERS BREAKER LOCATED PUERILE RAUCOUS SUPREMO WARRIOR 8 LETTERS PASSABLE PROCURES SIDESTEP SORCERER

COMPETING, cope, coping, epic, incept, inept, mope, moping, open, opine, optic, opting, pectin, pent, peon, picot, pigeon, pigment, pimento, pine, ping, pint, pinto, pitmen, piton, poem, poet, poetic, point, tempi, tempo, tope, topic, toping

9 2 5 4 1 8 7 3 6

hard

4

medium

3

easy

2

6 3 7

1

4 7 9

2

AWB L K R Z P J F YMG

2 5

1

14

1 9 7 8 8

WORDFIT

04-03-22

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 14 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

NOT SHORT ON SPACE!

SITUATED on nearly 7 acres of bush land and partially cleared space with a dam, this family home is a must to see.

Enter on a sealed driveway to view this beautifully situated brick house with double garage and established gardens.

Space and Sheds Galore! With three massive sheds, sized approximately 12 x 6m, 20 x12m with 6m awning and 20 x12m, all with concrete floors, one with 3-phase power generator there’s plenty of room for your many projects.

They are a perfect space for farm equipment, cars and hobbies.

One has a cool room and another a mezzanine loft perfect for an office.

This stunning lifestyle property has a large outdoor entertaining area and pool that you can lounge beside while either relaxing to the sounds of chirping birds or entertaining your family and friends.

Inside has a beautiful open plan kitchen-

living space with open fire place to keep you cosy on those cold nights.

The updated kitchen looks fresh and stylish with white cabinetry and a large window to view the entertaining area and bush landscape. The kitchen has a brand new/never-used dishwasher and stainless steel appliances and plenty of counter space for entertaining. All of the 4 bedrooms have built-in robes, plenty of space and are zoned away from the living area.

The master bedroom has an ensuite and wonderful views, plus direct access, to the pool while another bedroom has direct access to the entertaining area. All of the bedrooms are close to the main bathroom for easy access. This property is perfect for a change of lifestyle, hobby farm or your next family home.

Inquire today; this is one not to be missed. Call to arrange a private inspection today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Short Road, MACCLESFIELD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,500,000 - $1,620,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day, 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto, 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

EXQUISITE INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING ENJOY the beauty and charm of bustling Belgrave township only steps from your door at this inviting family residence. Poised upon showcase gardens and primed to offer endless comfort, this is an opportunity to experience what desirable Dandenong Ranges living is all about.

From the generous road setback with ample off-street parking, the pathway leads up to the covered verandah that entices you to step inside. A traditional layout awaits with a wide central corridor lined with Jarrah flooring branching to beautiful bedrooms and living areas ideal for family living.

At the front of the home, the main bedroom with ensuite and enviable walk-in robe resides adjacent to the formal lounge with warm wood fire and leafy outlooks. An effortless flow then extends into the open concept zone comprising the family room, dining area, and quality kitchen with shaker cabinets, stainless steel wall oven, and Bosch dishwasher. Family bedrooms with built-in robes, a generous main bathroom with soaker tub and separate WC, and a family-size laundry with a surplus of storage complete the comfortable interior that then invites you to step outside.

Here owners will discover a landscape like no other. The generous deck steps down to a bridge that takes you over your own dry creek bed framed by beautiful planting. Stone steps laid to perfection lead up to your own private gazebo and firepit with custom seating that creates a brilliant backdrop for beautiful family memories.

Lush plantings, vegetable beds, and 3 sheds ensure any avid green thumb is equipped for a lifetime of enjoyment here. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Benson Street, BELGRAVE Price: $1,050,000 - $1,150,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly, 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

Terms and conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Offer subject to change. Comparison rate displayed is calculated for a loan of $150,000 over 25 years for a Complete Variable Home Loan with LVR between 60.01-80%. WARNING: The comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit provided by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 Australian Credit Licence 237879.A1419239 OUT_11660620, 22/02/2022 12537771-DL09-22

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges GreAT pLACe TO CALL HOme!

JuST mOve STrAiGHT in!

EMERALD 19 mACCLeSfieLd rOAd CUTE CHARACTER COTTAGE ON 1/3 OF AN ACRE

$695,000-$764,500 3A 1B 2C

you know you’re onto something good when a home is offered for sale for the first time in 54 years. This character cottage offers a country style kitchen with meals area nearby, high ceilings, gas ducted heating and a wood heater, lovely old-world style gardens with fruit trees and a beautiful large oak tree, rear access to the double carport, plenty of parking and the property is fully fenced. Only a short walk to the local Avonsleigh General Store, Bam Bam restaurant as well as public transport and the high school.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

Open And Sunny 9648Sqm!

SELBy 4 WAimeA GrOve THE OLDEST HOMES HAVE THE BEST LAND

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

BELGRAVE 1 STATiOn STreeT TRANQUIL TREE VALLEy ASPECT

$725,000-$797,500 3A 1B 2C

Sitting proudly on a huge 1,772 sqm fenced allotment to capture the tranquil tree valley aspect, beautifully presented, close to the train station, and yet at an affordable price!

This home has been updated to today’s modern luxuries and features a sought after open plan design, cosy wood combustion & ducted gas heating, s/s cooling, built-in robes in all bedrooms, stylish bathroom with spa bath, wrap-around decks, very private BBq nook, massive remote 7m x 5.4m garage and ample storage under the house.

Grant Skipsey 0418 525 102

yOu SAid yOu WAnTed A CreeK!

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

What a rare land holding of 9,648 sqm near the crown of the hill that is part open and sunny with the balance approximately half being a private backdrop of natural bushland habit. This would ideally suit someone wishing to build the home of their dreams (STCA) in a quiet made (no through road) with all services available. To find vacant land is almost impossible so that is why knockdown/rebuilds have become so popular. The home has had little upkeep over the many years the owners have lived here.

Grant Skipsey 0418 525 102

We put you first

COCkATOO 4 TymOn rOAd CHARACTER COTTAGE ON 2 TITLES

$750,000-$825,000 2A 1B 2C

room to store everything with the 6m x 8m carport, large storage shed & several driveways to access them. This light filled cottage is brimming with character and features stunning timber floors, high ceilings, picture rails, casement windows, leadlight, built-in bar, fireplace, large deck & balcony overlooking the creek. The allotment of 3581sqm has the bonus of abutting Crown land so your landholding seems larger, additionally the property is on two titles which enables you to have a second dwelling STCA.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

“We Put You First”

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME THIS property has everything you need to enjoy an amazing lifestyle in contemporary comfort with room to move in a resort style setting.

The Residence: 4 bedrooms, all with robes, plus an office The master suite has full bathroom with spa and walk in robe 2 further bathrooms Stylish and well-appointed kitchen with granite benchtops and stainless-steel appliances 3 separate living spaces, finding room for everyone is easy here The option for in law accommodation or work from home is viable here Entertain in Style: Two large decks Private outdoor dining Inviting inground, salt chlorinated pool Fenced yard for fun on the flat lawned area ½ an acre of established gardens

· · · · · · · · · · ·

Value added: Double garage, workshop Plenty of parking Gas ducting heating, evaporative cooling, wood fire Alarm High ceilings Stunning floorboards The Location: Walk into Gembrook Primary school, cafes, specialty shops, post office, supermarket, pub Puffing Billy Bus stop Variety of senior schools are an easy commute Rail connections at Pakenham/Belgrave When you view 7 Lucia Court you will realise you can have it all in beautiful rural surrounds, the lifestyle you have always aspired to is ready and waiting. ●

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Lucia Court, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,375,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin, 0429 684 522 and Emily Hudson, 0418 570 474, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE ON YOUR 6 ACRES IF you have been dreaming of that rare small acreage holding close to town, this could be the one!

A large family home that offers huge living rooms, feature fireplace and combustion wood fires. A real chief’s kitchen with central island bar, dishwasher, 900 stainless steel cooker and ample cupboard space.

Four or five bedrooms or home office/ kids toy room. All well serviced by three bathrooms.

Outside has been ideally set up for the contractor seeking massive parking and shedding as you can even drive right around the house for ease of plant/machinery parking.

A high span barn 15m x 9m (with loft storage plus secure safe room), garage 9m x 4.2m and a workshop 8.7m x 3.7m will cater for all your needs and more.

The land is approx. half cleared and divided into several paddocks, two dams (resident ducks) and the balance being a beautiful backdrop of natural rainforest with visiting bush wallabies, echidnas and of course native birdlife that love to be fed on the deck. Also, a three pen chook house or could be used for sheep and goat shelter if you wish.

With a location that feels like your in the country yet Belgrave township and train station are only 5 minutes drive away via a made road. With an easy commute to the city with Wellington Road not far and yet still enjoy the sweet sound of Puffing Billy’s whistle through the “hills” If you have dreamed about your “Tree Change” enough, now I can make it come true! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Batesleigh Road, SELBY Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 8 garage Price: $1,190,000 - $1,290,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey, 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

26 Belgrave Hallam Road, BELGRAVE

FOR SALE

$970,000 - $1,050,000

UNIQUE HILLS HOME WITH EXTENDED LIVING OPTIONS

5A 3B

C

$475,000 - $520,000

2/23 Vale Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS CALLING FOR ENTRY LEVEL BUYERS – GET EXCITED!

2A 1B 1C

Large, spacious and bursting with natural light, this stunning timber Hills home stretches over 2 huge levels of living and has a separate studio space ideal for teenagers retreat, work from home option or in-law accommodation. A perfect blend of timber floorboards and new quality carpets give warmth and appeal in every room while walls of clear glass windows let in the view of stunning tree tops and green garden vistas from every angle.

Located in a sought after area, close to schools and local shops, this two bedroom home has been priced perfectly for someone looking for their first home or an ideal investment.

With a spacious lounge, meals area and kitchen, the home is full of natural sunlight and has an updated bathroom. Gas ducted heating runs throughout, a good sized decking runs along the front of the home and is the ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee. Situated on a 778m2 block with a single garage and extra parking bay.

Sharyn Chandler

Sharyn Chandler

M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Belinda Duivenvoorden

Belinda Duivendoorden

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

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

FOR SALE

84 Old Belgrave Rd, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY DELIGHTFUL HILLSIDE COTTAGE CLOSE TO TOWN

FOR SALE

$680,000-$699,000 2A 1B

C

This storybook home is full of character and warmth and set elevated on a spacious northfacing block within walking distance to Upwey township. Enjoy spectacular views of the garden and scenic hillside surrounds from the deck and the light-filled lounge/dining room.

The adjoining kitchen is quaint and features handy servery window and gas stove. Large floor-to-ceiling windows connect indoor to outdoor with access to a covered porch and through to the gorgeous garden.

4 Benson Street, BELGRAVE

$1,050,000 - $1,150,000

EXQUISITE INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING STEPS FROM TOWN

4A 2B

C

Enjoy the beauty and charm of bustling Belgrave steps from your door at this inviting family residence. Poised upon showcase gardens and primed for endless comfort, this is an opportunity to experience what Dandenong Ranges living is all about. At the front of the home, the main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe resides adjacent to the formal lounge with wood fire. An effortless flow then extends into the open concept zone comprising the family room, dining area and quality kitchen.

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

Daniel Steen

Suzie Brannelly

M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

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

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

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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MAIL 19

1530 Pakenham Road Cockatoo

$810,000 - $890,000

7 Sun Drenched Private Acres with Classic Original Cottage!

$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!

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

58 Bluegrass Crescent Pakenham

329 Ure Road Gembrook

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

$560,000 - $610,000

15 Cardinia Court Menzies Creek

$2,400,000 to $2,600,000

Old Pakenham Opportunity!

Opportunity of A Lifetime!

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.

Opportunity knocks but once.......are you listening?

The perfect property to create the lifestyle you have always wanted - plenty of room for the mansion of your dreams (STCA). There is still plenty of space for growing or just reap the reward from the abundant chestnut trees already on the property. With spectacular views to Cardinia Reserve and beyond, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create the most amazing lifestyle property in the Hills!

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032

bellrealestate.com.au 20 MAIL

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Bell Real Estate are proud to offer for sale this outstanding acreage property with spectacular views! Almost 50 acres of gentle, rolling hills with a creek running through it and dual access from both the prestigious Cardinia Crt and Ridge Rd make this property a unique find.

5968 6222

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

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Place your ad in print and online V Public Notices and Event

Open to Public Tender

SPECIAL CHARGE SCHEME PUBLIC NOTICE

Local service organisations in Cardinia, interested in or working with families with children 0 to 12 years, are invited to become ‘Community Partners’ for 2022-2024 with ‘Communities for Children’ (CfC). CFC delivers community-based, early-intervention activities to vulnerable families through release of funding. Attendance at an information webinar is an eligibility precursor to all funding applications.

Cardinia Shire Council Notice of intention to levy a special charge scheme to part fund the construction of Durban Road, Sherrif Road and Old Gembrook Road, Emerald

In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council at its meeting of 22 February 2022 has resolved of its intention to declare a special charge for the School Road & Valley Road, Seville - Victoria Road (section between Station Road to Walker Road), Railway Road & English Street, Seville - Station Road, Seymour Street & Britton Road, Seville - road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in the provision by Council of road improvements carried out under Sections 8 and 10 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Notice is hereby given that Cardinia Shire Council (the Council) intends to consider a resolution at its Monday, 16 May 2022 meeting,(or subsequent Council meeting if necessary), to declare a special charge to partially fund the construction of Durban Road, Sherriff Road and Old Gembrook Road, Emerald.

The works will include a sealed road pavement, kerb and channel and associated drainage and incidental works.

The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of those properties shown within the designated area for the special charge schemes as outlined by heavy lines on the plans below, being properties that have abuttal to or gain primary access via, the above listed roads.

A copy of the proposal to levy is available for inspection at the Yarra Ranges Council Community Link, 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (enter via Coles carpark) during office hours until 30 March 2022.

Should Council’s Community Links be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, a copy of the proposal to levy is also available online by searching Council’s website for the Agenda of the 22 February Council meeting.

In accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing to the undersigned by 30 March 2022. Submissions should be addressed to:

Please select one webinar to attend by scanning the QR code: Evening: 8/03/2022, 6-8pm Daytime: 9/03/2022, 2-4pm

The proposed special charge affects properties that are considered to receive a special benefit from the proposed works. Affected property owners are those fronting, abutting or adjacent to the works.

Public Submission The Chief Executive Officer, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and can either be hand delivered to the mailbox outside 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (entrance via the Coles carpark), emailed to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or posted to PO Box 105, Lilydale, Vic. 3140.

Enquiries and Application Kit: CFC_Southern@anglicarevic.org.au 0457 825 076

In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act, 1989, a copy of the proposed declaration and details of the proposed scheme, (including plans and apportionments), may be inspected at Council’s Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer during office hours for at least 28 days from the date of this notice.

Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.

Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.

CFC Project Coordinator Cindy-Lee Harper Applications close: 15/04/2022 CFC is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.

The estimated cost of the works is $2,390,000.00.

General Classifieds

The total amount of the special charge proposed to be levied

by Council is $378,000.00.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Copies of submissions (excluding submitter’s names and addresses) will be made available at the Council meeting when submissions are considered.

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The proposed declaration distributes the charges between property owners based on benefit units, with a fixed charge of $7,000 per benefit unit.

It is proposed to declare the special charges at the Council meeting to be held on 26 April 2022, or should this meeting not proceed then the next available meeting, after the consideration of the submissions received.

The scheme will remain in force until all payments have been completed and the scheme finalised.

ESCORT LINDA

Submissions A person may make a submission pursuant to Section 163A of the Act and it will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Act. A person may also request to be heard in support of their written submission by making that request in writing.

Slim and mature.

Want some company?

Need some intimacy?

Pursuant to Section 163B of the Act, a person required to pay the special charge levied by the proposed declaration may also object in writing regarding Council making the proposed declaration

Phone

0439 263 764

Submissions and objections must be lodged in writing within 28 days of the publication of this notice and be addressed to the General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Cardinia Shire Council, PO Box 7, Pakenham 3810.

swa 10270xe

A committee of the Council will be convened to hear submissions.

Further advice will be provided on the date of the hearing for those property owners requesting to address this committee in person.

The application reference number is:

YR-2021/784

You may view the digital application online at the below website. Simply search by the application number then click on “Documents”. http://yarraranges.vic.gov.au/track or The digital application can also be viewed at any one of the Community Link offices Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

An objection must: • The application number and site address.

• The name, address and email of the objector/submitter.

• The reasons for the objection and how the objector would be affected.

Objections can be submitted online at http://yarraranges.vic.gov.au/track.

Simply search by the application number then click on “Make a Submission”. If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of the decision.

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

WANTED TO BUY • 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.

Employment V Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

12537593-NG09-22

12538437-DL09-22

Mr J Robinson

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

www.coincollectandtrade.com • sales@coincollectandtrade.com

DETAILS ABOUT THE APPLICATION

The applicant for the permit is:

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

For appointments call Chris 0438 582 575

An application for Planning Permit has been made which may affect you.

Notice issued: 21 February 2022

Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding and variation to restrictive covenant B058939

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COIN COLLECT AND TRADE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

The application is for a permit to:

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

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Letters and information regarding the Notice of Intention will be mailed to the owners of the affected properties. If you do not receive this letter within the next few days please contact Special Charge Scheme Officer, Donna Bird on 1300 787 624. 12538000-JC09-22

159 Colby Drive (Lot 2 LP51772), Belgrave South

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Payment may be made by lump sum or by quarterly instalments over a period of 7 years. The notice requesting payment is intended to be forwarded 6 months after the works reach practical completion.

The land affected by the application is located at:

12537843-SG08-22

SCHOOL ROAD & VALLEY ROAD, SEVILLE - VICTORIA ROAD (SECTION BETWEEN STATION ROAD TO WALKER ROAD), RAILWAY ROAD & ENGLISH STREET, SEVILLE - STATION ROAD, SEYMOUR STREET & BRITTON ROAD, SEVILLE - ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS

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General Notices

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.

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

11 March 2022

Objections can be made (and received) up until the decision date.

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22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

For further information on the application, or to make an appointment, please contact the Planning Officer, Thushari Wollbrandt by email: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

CALL 1300 666 808 mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Mixed across rinks On Saturday Monbulk 1 headed to Narre Warren hoping to upset a potential finalist, but things did not go according to plan.

Brian Smith’s rink started well and led by three shots after two shots. They then lost the next five ends to trail by seven shots. The Monbulk rink stayed in touch and was within four shots after 14 ends. However, their opponents finished better and they went down by 11 shots, 12 to 23.

Jenny Holmes’ rink was right in the contest early and led by four shots after seven ends.

They were still one shot in front after 15 ends and fought hard, but dropped four shots on the last end to lose by six shots, 18 to 24.

Eric Markham’s rink was never in the contest-winning only three ends and went down by 35 shots, 5 to 40.

Jim Bras’ rink led for most of the match and after 16 ends led by three shots. However, they

lost four of the last five ends to go down by four shots, 16 to 20.

Monbulk lost the overall by 56 shots, 51 to 107.

Monbulk 2 played Upwey/Tecoma at home with a win guaranteeing them a place in the finals.

Eric Furby’s rink was well on top early and led by 11 shots after eight ends. They continued to pick up a number of multiples and won by 21 shots, 32 to 11.

Jim Anderson’s rink was all square after seven ends. They then started to take control and when they picked up six shots on the thirteenth end they led by 12 shots. They eventually won by 15 shots, 29 to 14.

Alan Hamilton’s rink was three shots down after nine ends, but then picked up eight shots in four ends to lead by five. They won the majority of the remaining ends to win by

10 shots, 24 to 14.

After dropping four shots on the first end Graeme Goller’s rink won eight of the next nine ends to lead by eight shots. By the seventeenth end, they led by 10 shots and ended up winning by 7 shots, 21 to 14.

Monbulk won the overall by 53 shots, 106 to 53 and are finals bound in two weeks.

Monbulk 3 played top team Cockatoo at home and in the end, proved no match.

Graham Mayos rink began well and led by four shots after three ends. They were still one shot in front after eight ends and scores were all tied after 11 ends.

However, they dropped 12 shots in the last eight ends to lose by that margin, nine to 21.

Mike Harris’ rink ran up against some stiff opposition and was never in the game losing by 27 shots, 1 to 28.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket scores NR Reeves Shield Ferntree Gully Footballers 9/237(cc) (H Brown 61, L Hunt 48, J Paterson 37, L Mccomb 35; J Saultry 5/42, S Devenish 2/49) def Johnson Park 9/152(cc) (C Bourke 42, S Devenish 30; L D’rozario 2/21, T Muzarabani 2/33); Upwey-Tecoma 9/217(cc) (J Dunstone 54, J Whetstone 44, H Greenall 42, L Jansen 34; S Mcinerney 5/33, J Taylor 2/29) def Knox Gardens 9/165(cc) (J Butcher 41; J Colee 4/35, J Whetstone 2/24, S Capon 2/27); The Basin 8/230(cc) (B Walter 74, J Robertson 54, M Ley 25; N Kouris 2/30, O D’sylva

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2/33, H Mcdermott 2/54) def South Belgrave 9/95 (N Freeling 3/9, J Sherriff 3/31); Knoxfield 5/274(cc) (J Smyth 72*, J Balfour 53, C Abeykoon 51, T Scholfield 36, J Barker 35; S Hill 2/49) def Belgrave 117 (O Duesbury 31*, L Spence 28; J Barker 3/7, J Lindner 3/56, T Atkinson 2/25, C Bevan 2/27) Ferntree Gully 3/117 (J Toohey 54*, J Kilby 27) def Lysterfield 114 (N Hicks 40; R Bailey 3/9, L Farry 2/24, P Mastertoun 2/26); RJ DeCoite Shield Upper Ferntree Gully 3/202(cc) (C Williams 98*, R Murray 37, T Roleff 31*) def Olinda 8/201(cc) (J Scott 47, D Woodfield 35*, M

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·

·

Hyett 28; A De silva 2/29, H Wilson 2/36); Mountain Gate 8/127 (B Croxford 27; N Adcock 2/33, B Deckert 2/38) def Knox Gardens 126 (C O’connor 31, J Wagner 27; J Hardman 3/24, K Atacador 2/14); Monbulk 2/140 (J Fraser 57*, J Creed 38, S Cosstick 31*) def Eildon Park 139 (M Sutherland 31; S Cosstick 3/21, D Maher 3/26); St Johns Tecoma 8/192(cc) (B Schimleck 58*, M Hardy 56, J Sali 44; J Rogers 3/28, C Gunawardana 3/37) def Rowville 171 (A Walker 54, H Cowan 29*; J Sali 3/31, J Roleff 2/21, K Grenda 2/25)

AFL Outer East umpires search for recruits

By Callum Ludwig AFL Outer East umpires are encouraging Yarra Ranges residents to get involved in local footy again after two Covid-interrupted seasons, and even consider grabbing a whistle themselves.

Renowned for being a tight-knit group, the AFL Outer East umpires group prides itself on umpires being more involved with one another, helping improve their performance on and off the ground.

This year, the team is expanding its reach, offering club visits throughout the whole season whenever umpires are available.

They are offering anything from umpiring intra-club matches, to joining training sessions or just introducing themselves.

President of AFL Outer East Umpires Peter Dixon has already attended a club session at Wandin Football Club and said the initiative will instill a good culture between umpires and clubs.

“The key thing was a sense of mutual respect,” he said.

“It really helped to establish respect from the club and its players but the most important thing is that it is not just one-way.”

AFL Outer East umpires are also establishing a monthly report that will be sent out to clubs that will indicate the key areas of focus or concern from the team during the season and encourage clubs to reach out.

Head of AFL Outer East umpiring and currently listed AFL umpire John Howorth also said the AFL Outer East umpires members portal is open to all and encourages clubs to use it.

“We will be posting videos of what we are training on and doing each week. We aren’t going to be invisible,” he said.

Their main objective this year is to complete a full season, with everyone involved in the local footy scene yearning to get back into action this season.

Despite being a notoriously difficult job, new umpires will pick up a number of important life skills, as the nature of the role helps people to become confident and assured, with mailcommunity.com.au

A group of AFL Outer East Umpires on their Darwin Development Camp last January. L-R Harrison Pinney, Daniel Molino, Alex Tomada, Sophie Mastaing, Keiren Lazaruis, Francis Nickell and John Howorth.

Picture: SUPPLIED a greater understanding of the game and its laws a key drawcard for the large base of junior umpires who continue to play for their own teams.

Mr Howorth said that umpires can always look forward to the 4 F’s: “Fitness, Fun, Finance and Friendship,” he said Mr Howorth said in his umpiring career, the fun and friendships he has had are two of the

biggest impacts on his life “One of the most fun times of my life was umpiring in the middle of Optus Stadium,” he said.

“And 90 percent of my friendship group have come from umpiring.”

Umpiring is a notoriously difficult job, as umpires are constantly in high-pressure situations and making split-second decisions, often facing backlash from the sidelines.

Peter Koomen draws the shot.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Bowlers hold on to top spot Tuesday pennant saw Monbulk 1 keen to maintain their position on the top of the ladder play Eastwood Golf at home.

Eric Markham’s rink started really well and when they picked up five shots on the fourth end they were 13 shots in front. The Monbulk rink dominated the game with some excellent front end bowling from Anne Ward and Klaus Eisele with Karen Rice as third putting in some superb bowls. They went on to win 16 ends and have a convincing win by 26 shots, 34 to eight.

Jim Bras’ rink played well early with Terry Wright leading, to be 15 shots in front after 10 ends. A lapse for four ends saw their opponents move within seven shots, but they were able to take control again and win by 22 shots, 34 to 12.

Peter Koomen’s rink had a close game and after nine, fourteen and nineteen ends scores were tied. The Monbulk rink were able to grab two shots on the second last end and were able to hang on and win by one shot, 18 to 17. Monbulk won the overall by 49 shots, 86 to 37 and have consolidated their position on top of the ladder.

Monbulk 2 travelled to Cranbourne to take on Cranbourne RSL. Eric Furby’s rink held their own early and led by three shots after six ends and was a shot in front with four ends to play.

They then dropped six shots on the eighteenth end which proved the difference and eventually lost by four shots, 15 to 19.

Graeme Goller’s rink was right in the contest with scores level after sixteen ends. They then lost the last five ends to lose by seven shots, 12 to 19. Alan Hamilton’s rink was involved in a high scoring contest where they dropped eight clangers and picked up 5 to go down by 19 shots, 20 to 39.

Monbulk lost the overall by 30 shots, 47 to 77.

Monbulk 3 was hopeful of pulling off their third win of the season when they travelled to Yarra Glen.

Mike Harris’ rink started brilliantly and after eleven ends led by 17 shots.

They were able to maintain their form and won by 16 shots, 26 to 10.

Bruce Cockerill’s rink was only two shots down after five ends. They then lost the next nine ends to fall behind by twenty shots. They more than held their own over the last seven ends, but lost by 17 shots, 11 to 28.

Alan Brooke’s rink also started well and was nine shots up after seven ends.

The margin was reduced to just four shots after 11 ends, but this was as close as their opponents would get as the Monbulk rink won eight of the last 10 ends to win by 17 shots, 24 to seven.

Monbulk won the overall by 16 shots, 61 to 45 to record their third win of the season.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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