Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 8th March 2022

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Prized car off to auction raising funds for charities

Emergency services respond to snake bite

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

Mail Meet Streeton ward’s new councillor

Art exhibit highlights resilience

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A Star News Group Publication

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Loss of a legend

By David Nagel

A country in mourning. The great Shane Warne with the 1999 World Cup. 271192

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It’s been so hard to process and digest the news of the death of the biggest superstar Australian cricket has ever seen…world cricket in fact - it’s simply impossible to comprehend the death of Shane Keith Warne.

And coming off the news, just a day earlier, that another legend of Australian cricket – Rod Marsh – had also passed away…it’s just compounded the pain.

Warne’s on-field brilliance, transforming the then dying art of leg-spin bowling into the coolest act in the game, and his off-field antics that kept us equally as entertained made the great Victorian the absolute supreme package.

The cricketing genius of Don Bradman, mixed with the flair of Keith Miller…Warney had it all!

Disbelief, shock, a nation and world-ofcricket stunned, memories of the Upper Ferntree Gully-born man will live on forever.

For what it’s worth, my greatest memory of Shane Keith Warne was the way he singlehandedly dragged Australia back from the brink in the 1999 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

Everyone remembers the last ball of the classic contest, with Allan Donald being runout after the hottest potato in world cricket bounced through the hands of Mark Waugh, Damien Fleming and Adam Gilchrist, leading to wild celebrations and a place in the final against Pakistan.

But wind back the clock 10 wickets…and the Aussies were staring defeat well and truly in the face.

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NEWS

Car auction for charities

By Parker McKenzie Ferntree Gully Nissan will be holding a charity auction of a GT-R supercar to raise funds for their local CFA and a Lilydale-based charity.

The Nissan GT-R T-Spec — nicknamed Godzilla — was discontinued in Australia in 2021. Its 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine can propel the car to a top speed of 315 km/h.

The car being auctioned also features an engine cover “signed by Mr GT-R himself” Hiroshi Tamura.

Ferntree Gully Nissan General Sales Manager Gregg Dennis said when the Nissan GT-Rs were discontinued, not everyone who wanted to own one got the chance.

“When we were ordering the cars, admittedly, I had the guts to put my hand up in order a fair few and there was always going to be one last one left,” he said.

“The following that they have is just next level and so I knew that there would be a lot of people that would be heartbroken if they missed out on the opportunity to get one.”

Ferntree Gully Nissan knocked back an offer of $600,000 for the car and is hoping to raise as much money as possible for Upper Ferntree Gully CFA and Lilydale-based youth charity Bridge Builders.

Bridge Builders chief executive officer Beck Mitchell said the funds raised from the auction are likely to be the biggest donation the charity has ever received.

“We’re turning 20 this April and our survival over the past two decades has been from our own fundraising events, and the corporate and community support we receive,” she said.

“For an organization out there to think that Bridge Builders is so deserving of that kind of funding, it says a lot about what we’ve

The engine cover of the car has been signed by “Mr GT-R” Hiroshi Tamura. built over the last 20 years and the work we’ve been able to do.”

Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Peter Smith said Ferntree Gully Nissan has supported the brigade in the past, but their generosity was “unbelievable.”

“The ongoing support from Ferntree Gully Nissan, I can’t praise them enough,” he said.

“It’s a nice pat on the back and a bit of appreciation from a big company, who could have gone elsewhere with the auction. They are a very good group of people.”

Mr Smith said the funds — which will also

Picture: SUPPLIED

be one of the largest contributions the CFA brigade has received — would go towards planning for the future.

“We would like to put an extension on our fire station and the CFA is very happy with that idea,” he said.

“We have a lot of things to do for the short term, but we’re thinking about the long-term future. The brigade is hopefully going to get more members and we need more space.”

Ms Mitchell said the funds would be used to ensuring youth programs continue to support young people aged 12 to 25 who find them-

selves disadvantaged, distressed or in need of assistance.

“I was a 17-year-old struggling when I first joined Bridge Builders 17 years ago. The words that you hearing today aren’t from just some person that works here,” she said.

“I feel like I’m one of the greatest advocates of what we do simply because it changed my life so much.”

The auction will take place at the end of March, with the date yet to be confirmed. It is being managed by Bid for Good, Ebay’s charity and non-for-profit fundraising agency.

Nation shocked and heartbroken from Warne’s death From page 1 A 90-run partnership between Michael Bevan (65) and Steve Waugh (56) propelled the Australians to a modest total of 213 from their 50 overs, with two of South Africa’s greatest – Shaun Pollock (5/36) and Allan Donald (4/32) – having bowled their country into a seemingly impregnable position.

And when Herschelle Gibbs (30) and Gary Kirsten (18) blazed their way to a 48-run opening stand – the Aussies hopes had almost petered out.

Steve Waugh, the captain, had only one option…the game was slipping away…0-43 off 10…it has to be Warney to come on earlier than expected to bowl the 11th over.

What happened next was the stuff of legends with Warne delivering with the ball – in his own unique way – but also instilling belief and hope into his playing comrades…and his country.

The second ball of the 13th over pitched

where an imaginary fifth leg-stump would stand, spun past the outside edge of Gibbs’ bat and rattled into off stump.

Gilchrist leapt from behind the stumps, while Warne marched directly towards him, straight down the middle of the pitch, several times yelling ‘C’mon’ as rejuvenated team mates high-fived him along the way.

Inspirational…we’re back in it!

The first ball of the 15th over – South Africa 1-53 – and Kirsten tries to launch one over cow-corner, only to misjudge the big-turning leggie which smashed into his off-stump.

Warne – having delivered with the ball – became motivator again, leaning back with clenched fists that were pumping to the sky before waving his arms twice in a circular motion.

He landed in Gilchrist’s arms, before his swarming teammates arrived with renewed enthusiasm and increasing admiration for a legend on the rise…South Africa 2/53.

And two balls later it was 3/53, with South African skipper Hansie Cronje (0) edging Warne to Mark Waugh at first slip.

In just 20 balls Warne had decreased a worrying run-rate, then claimed three wickets during that spell to bring the World Cup final within reach.

The World Cup…the boy from St Kilda Cricket Club was showcasing his talents, and carrying a nation on his shoulders, on the biggest stage that world cricket has to offer.

A remarkable game of cricket would then ebb and flow.

South African Jacques Kallis (53) was the dangerman before Warne removed him – caught by Steve Waugh in the covers – with the second last ball of his 10th over to make it 6/175 at the end of the 45th over. Warne would end with 4/29 – the only Australian to take multiple wickets – as the crescendo built to the last-over run out of Donald.

Shane Keith Warne won that game for his country, and would grow his legend even further with a mesmerising spell of bowling in the final, taking 4/33 off nine overs to claim man-of-the-match honours as Australia (2/133) comfortably chased down Pakistan (132) We all have memories of Warney…the ball of the century, the 700th wicket, 40 wickets in the greatest Ashes series of all in 2005…or marrying Sharon in Kath and Kim. He was a rebel; he was a champion…he was Shane Keith Warne…and he did it his way.

And there will never be another one like him.

Surely, one day, Warne will be looking over all future test matches at the MCG – from The Shane Warne Stand – and his memory will never be forgotten.

Heart-felt condolences go to the Warne family and his closest mates.

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IN BRIEF Mt Dandenong motorcycle accident

Damages remain

By Parker McKenzie Several key bridges in national parks and conservation reserves remained damaged and unusable after the 2021 June storm event, with one having no time frame for assessment and repairs to begin.

Currently, Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve is closed as it awaits repairs to bridges and bridge 9 at Lyrebird Falls, bridge 17 at Baynes Park Road and a bridge on Wattle Track in Sherbrooke Forest are all damaged.

President of Friends of Sassafras Creek Jane Hollands said the group is concerned about the bridges in Sherbrooke Forest and Sassafras Creek nature conservation reserve that were damaged by the recent storms.

“Parks Victoria had a meeting with us last week and it isn’t until September this year that two of the bridges damaged in the storms will be repaired,” she said.

“In June 2023 another two will be looked at and funds will be available, but they need to build them. One of the bridges, they don’t even have any plans yet to repair them.”

Upper House MP and former Streeton Ward

Several bridges throughout the Dandenong Ranges haven’t been repaired after being damaged in the 2021 June storm event.

Picture: ON FILE councillor Cathrine Burnett-Wake called on the State Government to prioritise repairs of these bridges in a speech in parliament.

“It was heartbreaking to see these muchloved parks in the Dandenongs damaged during the 9 June storms last year. Trees fell and

damaged multiple bridges and tracks across the mountain, and eight months on they remain damaged,” she said.

“Visitors are being encouraged to come and visit these beautiful parks only to find areas of the parks closed and bridges broken. Many people are still visiting the area and ignoring the closures.”

A Parks Victoria spokesperson confirmed Bridges 9 and 18 along Sassafras Creek and access to Wattle Creek Track at Sherbrooke remains closed.

Ms Hollands said the closure of bridges interferes with important conservation practices.

“The storm recovery is a long process and we understand that, but they are just starting to do insurance assessments of some areas,” she said.

“We want Parks Victoria to repair these bridges in a timely way so we can all get and enjoy the reserve.”

Information regarding parks opening and closures can be found at www.parks.vic.gov. au/news/2022/02/25/01/33/more-parks-reopen-as-storm-response-continues

Monbulk CFA joins snake bite rescue

By Renee Wood A Melbourne Water worker has been rescued by an Ambulance Victoria helicopter, winched through the air after suffering a snake bite in difficult terrain just outside Healesville.

Emergency services were called just before 3pm Thursday 3 March to help extract the man in his 20s, who was bitten by a snake on the leg while doing some maintenance work in the catchment area.

Lilydale SES Unit Controller Shaun Caulfield was at the scene and said several rescue options were explored due to the difficulty of the rescue site.

“SES were requested to assist with our mule wheeled stretcher carrier initially, but once AV got on scene, they identified it was actually about a 40 degree slope that the patient was down,” he said.

A High Angle Rescue Response was also planned for and additional resources from FRV and CFA crews were brought in, including Healesville, Badger Creek and Wandin Fire Brigades.

Mr Caulfield said the victim and his colleague were also 40 to 50 metres down the slope and no ground crews were able to access them by foot.

“Luckily, the area they were in was literally in a clearing, so they were able to winch one of the flight paramedics down to the patient, and winch them back out again.”

Healesville SES and Monbulk CFA were also among the 11 appliances who responded to the call near Black Spur Road.

“Obviously, we were all there on standby because there’s a multitude of factors that

The patient and flight paramedic being winched into the Ambulance Victoria helicopter. 271170 Picture: LILYDALE SES can prevent them from being able to winch in and out.”

Mr Caulfield said luckily the patient was able to be successful removed for treatment by the winch and Ambulance Victoria confirmed he was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

“They winched him up in the harness rather than a stretcher, so it suggests that he was doing okay, because you have to be conscious and alert to go into the harness.”

“It all worked out quite well in the end, the Melbourne Water crews were able to give us some fairly good location details.”

Mr Caulfield said snake bite rescues aren’t very common and within the SES he has only been called to a suspected bite in

the past on Mount Dandenong.

“In my professional career as a paramedic as well, I think I’ve been to three snakebites in 20 years and one of them was Healesville Sanctuary with a keeper.”

It’s unclear which snake bit the man but Polyvalent Snake Antivenom is usable for a broad spectrum of snake species.

“It’s come quite a long way, 20 years ago when I started in ambulance, it was pretty crucial to try and identify the type of snake because you had to give the right anti venom.

“Death from snake bite in Australia is actually quite rare and it’s usually only when people are bitten in very remote areas that it can turn out to be fatal because treatment is so good, and so readily available.”

A 21-year-old motorbike rider has been airlifted to hospital after crashing on Friday night.

The man was trapped under a trailer in Sassafras after losing control of his vehicle on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road on 4 February around 10pm.

The man suffered serious injuries to his upper body after he became trapped between a car and a trailer before he was freed from the accident and flown to the hospital.

Pop-up blood donation clinic in Olinda Red Cross Lifeblood will have a pop-up clinic in Olinda from 21 to 25 May where residents can donate blood and plasma to help save lives.

The details of where and when it will be open will be confirmed at a later date.

Free animal desexing for Knox concession holders Concession card holders in Knox can apply for free desexing of cats and dogs at Animal Aid in Coldstream.

The Victorian Government has awarded a $25,000 grant to deliver the pet desexing program in the Knox community to help residents gain access to essential services for their cats and dogs. Up to 150 cats and dogs will be desexed through this initiative.

“Providing support for pet desexing will reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs that end up in shelters,” Knox City Council said.

“Unwanted cats is a large concern in our community. In 2019/2020, we impounded 340 cats and kittens, and only 17 per cent of cats were reclaimed by their owners. Cats have a much lower chance of getting reclaimed than dogs, which had a reclaimed rate of around 80 per cent, “Unfortunately, cats that were not adopted or reclaimed had to be euthanised. This program will help avoid this sad outcome for unwanted animals by helping pet owners desex their cats.”

To further encourage households to adopt, Knox City Council is providing free registration for newly adopted and desexed pets for the first year of the registration period, if registered within 30 days of adoption.

Police seeking information on a missing girl Police are asking anyone who has seen a missing girl to urgently call Boronia Police Station on 9760 6600.

16-year-old Caitlyn was last seen in Ferntree Gully on the morning of Sunday 6 March.

Police said they have concerns over her welfare because her disappearance is out of character.

Police described her disappearance as “out of character.”

Picture: KNOX EYE WATCH

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Addressing climate costs

By Parker McKenzie With climate change increasing the longevity and intensity of bushfires, the risk of natural disasters in the Dandenong Ranges has continued to rise.

Last week the Star Mail discussed the increasing risk — signalled by insurance companies increasing premiums, removing coverage and sometimes leaving the market completely — with Chief Fire Officer for Forest Fire Management Victoria Chris Hardman and Cloudehill Gardens owner Jeremy Francis.

Can Dandenong Ranges address the increasing risk of natural disasters going forward?

Mr Hardman said the solution is to have a knowledgeable public who is prepared to respond to the threat of disaster.

“We have to learn how to live with this increase in risk and that is about knowledge, that’s about taking responsibility for your-

Chief Fire Officer for Forest Fire Management Victoria Chris Hardman says climate change is accelerating the risk of bushfires.

Picture: ON FILE selves your own property,” he said.

“It’s about all of us doing what we can to understand and mitigate those risks because we’re not going to move people away from these areas.”

Mr Francis believes addressing what he sees as a blurring of residential areas and bushland could help mitigate risk.

“I think at some point when the whole community is going to sit down and rethink how we live in these areas, we’ve got to decide what’s bushland and what is residential,” Mr Francis said.

“If we control risk in residential areas, then it actually gives us a tool to manage bushland areas as well.”

Another potential way to address the risk of bushfire is by returning to the solutions from the past.

Mr Francis said the Wurrundjeri people were “almost certainly fire-stick burning all around the edges of the mountain.”

“If there had been no landscape management by the Indigenous People, that wouldn’t be kangaroo grass growing for 100km from here,” he said.

“It’s a very strong indicator that there

were fires going through, probably every 12 months.”

Kangaroo grass benefits from occasional fires, which helps stimulate its growth.

Cool fires produced by fire-stick farming can change the vegetation structure by reducing the density of flammable plants like brachen to reduce fuel loads.

Mr Hardman said Australia’s indigenous people have 60,000 years of knowledge about how to manage country.

“The Aboriginal people would have seen what mother nature did on an annual basis, and it would have worked off the back of that to deliver their own aspirations for country,” he said.

“We shouldn’t be thinking about cultural fire as bushfire risk reduction, but there are incredible lessons from First Nations people that should be applied to healthy country. Healthy country is a country that is resilient, and resilient country is country that can survive bushfires.”

Vegetation removal permitted at Belgrave Motors site

By Parker McKenzie When residents of Belgrave became aware of potential tree-felling at the Old Belgrave Motors Site — recently the focus of a VCAT hearing surrounding its development — they quickly raised concern and reported it to Yarra Ranges Council.

The Star Mail can confirm the works were exempt from planning approval and did not involve the felling of trees.

Yarra Ranges Council Director of Planning, Design and Development Nathan Islip said the council recently received reports of vegetation

removals at the former Belgrave Motors site.

“Our Planning Compliance Team investigated and found that all vegetation removed was exempt from requiring planning approval,” he said.

“This is because the vegetation consisted of weed species and other vegetation within 2 metres of legally existing buildings, including fences on property boundaries.”

The Old Belgrave Motors site, located at 2-14 Monbulk Road, was earmarked

by Pulitano Properties for the development of a supermarket, shops, cafe, offices

and a childcare centre.

After local opposition to the plans for a five-storey complex, Yarra Ranges Council rejected the planning proposal. Pulitano Properties appealed to VCAT, however, the refusal was upheld in January 2022 after a 16-day tribunal hearing resolved the fiveyear battle.

“Further works are expected on 7 and 8 March to continue this removal, and we will continue to monitor the site and liaise with contractors, to ensure the works continue to stay within the permissible limits of the planning scheme.” Mr Islip said.

Contractors completed permit-free deweeding at the Old Belgrave Motors site.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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

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

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

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

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Pet plan released

Fee free courses

By Parker McKenzie Knox City Council has announced a new fouryear plan for pet ownership in the shire.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 was developed by the council to address the needs of a community with 18,233 registered dogs and 7294 registered cats.

Knox City Council Mayor Susan Laukens said the plan aimed to balance the needs and expectations of both pet owners and non-pet owners.

“We are building and enhancing existing Council initiatives and services to better manage dogs and cats in our municipality,” Cr Laukens said.

“Initiatives under the plan include increasing public education about responsible pet ownership to improve pet registration rates, address dog waste in public spaces and reduce pet nuisances to neighbours, “Council is also exploring a pet companionship program to improve health and wellbeing for socially isolated and lonely, older residents living alone.”

Knox City Council said the plan was developed after reviewing feedback from more than 3,400 participants, with some of the main issues identified being the need for community education about dog off-leash rules and areas, solutions to address the problem of dog waste not being collected and disposed of properly and the issue of feral and nuisance cats.

The plan includes measures to support cat owners adjusting to the new requirement to keep their cats on their property at times, which begins on 10 April 2022.

Knox City Council said the measures are designed to “keep cats safe, protect wildlife and assist in reducing nuisance to neighbours.”

Cats in Knox must remain on their owners property from 20 April 2022.

“When cats are kept safe at home they can live up to four times longer than cats that are allowed to roam,” Cr Laukens said.

“We appreciate this is a new rule for cat owners so for the first six months the emphasis will be on assisting cat owners in adapting to the change and no fines will be issued.”

Former Knox City Mayor Peter Lockwood said if the desired outcome of keeping cats indoors is to protect wildlife, a night-time curfew would achieve the same results.

“I don’t see why you need to keep them locked up for 24 hours a day,” he said.

Picture: ALEXIS CHLOE

“The remedies they are offering like cat enclosures are quite expensive, especially for pensioners.”

Mr Lockwood, a former State Upper House MP and Baird Ward councillor, said while he on Knox City Council an overnight curfew was trialled, but little information was collected from it.

“They want to do it because it is administratively easier,” he said.

“Local council officers don’t come out at night if somebody has a complaint about a cat.”

Government backflips on property reforms

By Parker McKenzie The Victorian State Government has decided to no longer proceed with proposed reforms to the property and development sector, following criticism from industry groups and local councils.

The plans, which the State Government said would “cut red tape, slash approval times by speeding up planning processes, support local councils, create jobs and bolster construction,” were criticised by the Eastern Region Group of Councils — which includes Knox City Council and Yarra Ranges Council — because it would exempt the State Government from paying rates on social housing properties.

Knox City Council Mayor Susan Laukens said the ratepayers of Knox were being asked to pick up the bill for services the state government was responsible for.

“There is a critical shortage in social and affordable housing, and the Victorian Government should be commended for finally taking action to address the historic underinvestment in social housing,” Cr Laukens said.

“But this policy is short-sighted. The needs

of people accessing social housing don’t just end with a roof over their heads. They need ongoing support from local services which are funded by rates.”

The State Government argued the package would have delivered $7 billion in benefits and created tens of thousands of jobs over the next 10 years.

Several industry groups spoke out against the proposed reforms which, combined with opposition from local councils, resulted in the State Government taking all three components of the package of reforms “off the table.”

Minister of Housing Richard Wynne said the proposed reforms would have provided Victorians with the dignity of housing.

“Our landmark Big Housing Build is changing lives, but this would have delivered thousands of more roofs over the heads of Victorians in need,” he said.

“The property and development sector has chosen an extraordinary position against supporting these sensible reforms, and the dual benefits for planning and vital public infrastructure.”

The package would have made social housing exempt from council rates like other public assets such as schools and hospitals; however, it would cost councils a large amount of income when many are facing deficits because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cr Laukens said the government has both limited funds council can raise themselves, while it proposes to take away the means to provide services to the community.

“Over the next 10 years this will rip more than $16.7 million out of services and facilities which our community relies on. This includes things like our libraries, playgrounds, clubrooms and change rooms, our parks and bike paths,” she said.

“While its own tax take is projected to grow at almost 7% per year over the next four years, the Victorian Government has capped increases in rates at 1.75% next year, “For all the rhetoric surrounding partnerships to deliver the Big Housing Build, the lack of consultation with local government to understand the impacts of this proposal is astounding.”

Teachers in the Dandenong Ranges will be able to access a free Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) under a new program from the State Government.

Minister for Education and Monbulk MP James Merlino opened round one of the programs on Wednesday 2 March, which gives teachers who want to undertake further study the opportunity to encourage increased inclusivity in their schools.

“We’re helping teachers get the skills they need to champion diversity and inclusion to ensure all Victorian students, especially those with a disability or learning difficulty, have all the support they need to thrive at school and beyond,” Mr Merlino said.

“We’re building on our reputation as the Education State by ensuring every government school in Victoria has a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student, regardless of their ability or background.”

The certificate will help teachers increase their knowledge and skills in relation to learning difficulties — like dyslexia and dyscalculia — after being designed by experts at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne.

The program will offer 75 places for Victorian teachers in Semester 2 in July, with recipients able to complete the course online and part-time over one to two years.

The Victorian Government has invested nearly $1.6 billion in the disability inclusion reform agenda to ensure schools have access to resources, support and guidance for students.

Applications for the eighth round of the fee-free Master of Inclusive Education program have also opened. The program aims to ensure every Victorian government school has a masters-qualified inclusive education teacher.

More information can be found at education.vic.gov.au.

The program will give teachers access to free certificates. Picture: TAYLOR WILCOX

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Meet elected Cr Fullagar

By Parker McKenzie Newly elected Streeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar has joined Yarra Ranges Council until the 2024 council general elections, following the February by-election.

Mr Fullagar told the Star Mail he is humbled to be elected to represent the people of Streeton Ward.

“I’m also excited and slightly terrified, so a combination of those three if that’s possible,” he said.

“This year was a very interesting ride, it was quite tense for the whole week.”

Mr Fullagar has now been inducted onto the council and joined his fellow councillors for a forum on 1 March.

He said the next few weeks will be a learn-

ing curve while he gets to know the other members of Yarra Ranges Council.

“Whether people voted for me or not, I’m out there to represent them as best I can. I’m absolutely humbled by their support and their trust in me,” “I’m absolutely rapt that I was elected to be the councillor for this term.”

Six people were nominated for the by-election: Doug MacDonald, Wil Mikelsons, David Hill, Jarrad Page, Gavin Wootten and Mr Fullagar.

After preferences were allocated, Mr Fullagar finished with 55.04 per cent of the vote, with Mr Mikelsons finishing second with 44.96 per cent.

Mr Fullagar believes the biggest issue facing people in the area is the recovery from severe storm events in 2021.

“I mean that in a physical, mental and financial sense. That of course relates to climate change,” he said.

“I can sense there’s the priority there for council to deal with that one. There are the direct impacts from the storm, but also the ongoing action on what we actually do about climate change.”

The by-election was triggered when Cathrine Burnett-Wake took up a Liberal Party vacancy in the Victorian State Senate following Edward O’Donohue’s resignation in September 2021.

There were 12184 enrolled voters in Streeton Ward, which includes the suburbs of Upwey, Tremont, Ferny Creek, Sassafras and Mount Dandenong and parts of Olinda, Upper Ferntree Gully, Kilsyth and Montrose.

Andrew Fullagar is the new councillor for Streeton Ward.

Picture: ON FILE

Claire Ferres Miles officially launches Casey campaign

By Parker McKenzie The official launch of Claire Ferres Miles’ campaign to become an independent federal member for Casey was marked with an announcement of funding from Climate 200.

The campaign launch event on Sunday 6 March at Kalorama Memorial Reserve was attended by around 90 community members.

Ms Ferres Miles said everyone in attendance was there because they believe federal politics does not represent the community’s values.

“Our voice has been silenced. Our vote has been taken for granted. I believe that we expect our leaders to be honest, and have integrity,” she said.

“We want smart evidence-based climate policy. We believe in equality, accountability and transparency. We want to be hopeful that our future can be different.”

Voices of Casey announced at the launch they have received a “substantial” donation of money from Climate 200, which is

Claire Ferres Miles was chosen to be a community independent candidate by Voices of Casey.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE more than $10,000.

Climate 200 is an Australian fund donating to politicians and campaigns supporting action on climate change. Donors to the fund include Simon Holmes à Court and

Mike Cannon-Brookes.

Ms Ferres Miles said the way to change the current “negative, tired old style of politics” is to turn up and turn apathy into action.

“We have courage and we step forward.

We volunteer, not for ourselves, but we volunteer for our community,” she said.

“Perhaps for the first time like me, we become active citizens in who will represent us.

We roll up our sleeves and we join the Claire for Casey campaign team.”

Voices of Casey spokesperson Fionn Bowd said to beat the major parties, they will need to recreate the party structure.

“We need to let the electorate know that Claire is here. We need to let the electorate know that this is a community candidate,” she said.

“This is not a single issue independent; this isn’t all about having just one thing that we care about. This is about what the community cares about, “We know that 80 per cent of Australians

care about climate change and climate action. We also knew that 70 per cent of Australians wanted equality of marriage. But how long did it take us to actually get that?”

Voices of Casey supporter Adriana Alvarez said Ms Ferres Miles was a person of vision, wisdom, kindness and insight.

“I think someone like Claire, who is a true listener and will be a true community voice, can reengage us all in the political process,” she said.

“That’s what we need, not about just saying well it’s hopeless and I’m not going to pay attention. I think a lot of us do that, so I want to be hopeful again.”

With 21 May being the latest date of the next federal election, Voices of Casey have 75 days at most to put together a campaign to challenge for a seat held by the Liberal Party since 1984. The seat of Casey is located in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne and extends into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Meet Labor candidate Mary Doyle running for Aston

By Parker McKenzie Mary Doyle is the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Aston, which covers Bayswater, Boronia, the Basin and Ferntree Gully.

Ms Doyle told the Star Mail if elected she would work hard to represent the community and act as their advocate in federal Parliament.

“Australia ranks last in the OECD for manufacturing, which is 50 per cent less than it was in 1990,” Ms Doyle said.

“The impact has been felt in Aston, especially with a number of industrial parks in Bayswater and Boronia.”

Aston has been represented by the Liberal party’s Alan Tudge since 2010. The Labor party

Minister of Education before the next federal election, after the release of a report into his relationship with former media advisor Rachael Miller found there was insufficient evidence to establish whether he had breached ministerial standards.

Ms Doyle said increased funding for Medicare and transparent funding for aged care would be a priority for the Labor party at the next election.

“Over the past eight years funding has continued to be reduced to medical services and that’s a real worry from what I gather from talking to people in the community,” she said.

“Everyone should have access to medical treatment when they need it and this is something that I would fight for. I know myself, I

had cancer many years ago, that it’s really important for people who suffer from ailments such as that to have decent health care.”

Having previously worked as a singer and an actor — including an appearance on Neighbours — Ms Doyle has also participated in a number of community campaigns.

She said if elected by the people of Aston she would “execute the role as their representative faithfully.”

“I would listen to everyone, take on board any concerns and be happy to take a phone call. My inbox would be open to them,” she said.

“I would definitely answer their questions and I am happy to talk with them on any issue that they would like to bring to me.”

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held the seat in the first six years of its inception from 1984 until 1990, however, it has been a safely Liberal-held seat since.

Ms Doyle highlighted policies from the Labor party to increase childcare subsidies to 90 per cent and focus on sustainable renewables as important issues for the 2022 election.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to juggle a career and a young family. I’ve got two kids of my own, and they’re teenagers, and my oldest is 20 now,” she said.

“But when they were growing up, I know, I do remember the cost of childcare was quite high, which is still the case.”

Mr Tudge, who held the seat by a 20.26 per cent margin in the 2019 election, has announced he will not return to his position of

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OPINION

Elder abuse advice Everybody has the right to feel safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to make their own decisions.Some older people however are denied these rights, often by the people who are closest to them.

The mistreatment of older people by someone they know and trust is known as elder abuse. Elder abuse often occurs in complex and highly distressing circumstances and can be financial, psychological, emotional, physical or sexual. It can also involve deliberate social isolation or neglect.

The recent National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study released by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that “Almost one in six (14.8 per cent) older Australians report that they have experienced abuse in the past 12 months. Only about one-third of those victims have sought help.”

Eastern Community Legal Centre’s (ECLC) Elder Abuse Responses are committed to supporting older people who might be experiencing elder abuse.

The Centre has two programs that provide free and confidential legal advice and assistance to older people experiencing or at risk of elder abuse.

ELSA (Engaging & Living Safely & Autonomously) is a partnership with Eastern Health

Legal

matters Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre dedicated to supporting older people receiving care through Eastern Health.

ROSE (Rights of Seniors in the East) is open to all older community members across the eastern metropolitan region and includes a partnership with Oonah Belonging Place for assisting members of the Aboriginal community.

Both ROSE and ELSA offer legal assistance together with advocacy and financial counselling, as well as partnership with related services for people who are experiencing elder abuse.

Through these programs, ECLC identifies the key legal, financial and social challenges faced by older community members and works with them to provide options for ad-

dressing the abuse and improving their safety and wellbeing.

Through ELSA and ROSE, the teams assist older people with issues such as family violence, breach and revocation of powers of attorney, guardianship matters, grandparenting rights, access to welfare, misappropriation of funds or property, undue influence and support at various tribunal hearings.

ECLC also provides assistance and referrals for broader issues such as housing, health, aged care, and financial assistance.

Recently, the ROSE team worked with a client through a complex negotiation to recover a large lump sum of money that had been outstanding from a loan to a close family member.

If you or someone you know requires support or advice in relation to elder abuse, please phone ECLC on 1300 32 52 00 (1300 ECLC 00) or 0429 697 960.

If you would be interested in a free information session for your group or community, please contact Anita Koochew at 1300 32 52 00.

ECLC acknowledges the funding support of the Australian Government for the ROSE and ELSA programs.

Doctor and King, closer than you think Dr Gail Iles, RMIT University researcher into ‘Instrumentation’, Neutron scattering’, ‘Nanoparticle magnetism’ and lectures in Physics, but is personally skilled and certified in many other areas.

She is a certified open water diver, has her ‘wings’ as a private pilot, and regularly occupies a spot on Radio 3AW, answering curly questions from many listeners.

Her recent research interests are ‘space radiation’, and ‘the micro gravity phenomena’.

Why all this detail on Dr Gail?

Well I find her fascinating, but also, because recently I have been hearing and reading of lot about ‘Flat Earth’ believers and proponents.

Apparently there is a growing number of them and I guess they might team up well with those who don’t believe that there is such a thing as Covid, calling it a conspiracy, and one belief among them is that in each vaccination a foreign country is inserting a spying microchip.

I’ll vote for Dr. Gail – for her real knowledge after a life of research.

Never far away, my mind then went to the great King David, who has a city named after him in Israel, and their currant flag features the ‘Star of David.

As a teenage shepherd boy he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to eventually become King.

While still a lad and with a growing knowl-

Focal Point

Graeme Dawson

edge of God’s plan and protection over his people - in the face of taunting, he stepped forward and slew a giant with a stone from his sling. Yes there were giants in the land at that time.

He was handy and confident with the sling as we read of him killing wild animals while protecting his sheep.

Even as a lad he was prepared to take on responsibility: Not trained in a university but trained in life.

He became Israel’s greatest king and was celebrated in his country and surrounding areas for his victories at war – a warrior with a gentle heart.

He played the harp beautifully to sooth the old king’s depression, and wrote 150 Psalms/Songs or just real expressions of his journey with his God. Where do Dr Gail and King David meet?

Well they were both given opportunities in life.

They studied life from where they were and what they observed at the time. They tested

and practiced their skills.

David’s Psalm 139 has some amazing insights into life.

He was not perfect but when he died of old age, God’s epitaph over him was, “This was a man after my own heart”.

As a man with failures like most, I would love to think that God might write that over me one day.

This is where Dr. Gail comes back in.

Recently while on talk back radio, she answered a listener’s question with a pause for careful consideration.

‘Q’ “What would happen if a planet or the sun expanded – what would it do to the universe?”

Hope I get this right, but in effect she said that all would collapse out of their orbits and without naming the outcome, it was clear that it would be the end of the universe.

However, she did go on to say that each planet needs every other planet to stay on their gravitational orbit to maintain theirs.

I perceived that her answer came from studying that in University - and perhaps while sitting on a rock on a starry night as well.

And the King writes in a psalm after staring at the night sky, ‘When I consider your heavens, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that he is even on your mind?’

True war tale

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun A review of I Am Sasha by Anita Selzer As the world once again feels the impact of war, Anita Selzer’s I Am Sasha is a reminder of human bravery, resilience and survival in the face of barbaric aggression.

The book is based on the true story of how the author’s grandmother Larissa and father Sasha survived the Holocaust. Born to a Jewish family in 1929 near Brody, Poland (in today’s western Ukraine), Sasha had known the meaning of “anti-Semitism” from a very young age.

The mother and son moved to Lwów (today’s Lviv in western Ukraine) in 1933.

Life became increasingly difficult as Jews were limited in the professions and banned from areas of public life in Poland.

It was not just confusing but outright terrifying to young Sasha as Lwów was bombed by Germany and then seized by the Soviets before finally falling into German hands. In his eyes, the only thing constant in this ever-changing world was death.

“Mama gave up trying to hide anything at all from me now. The truth was inescapable.

I saw it all around me, outside in the streets, in the faces of my aunts... I turned away and curled up under the blankets on my bed.”

By 1942, Sasha and his mother were constantly in hiding.

“The terror raged outside for hours. We lost track of the time. The daylight intensified and then the light dimmed. After a while came the quiet. Not a sound. The silence was worse than the noise.”

Knowing the Nazi soldiers would order young boys to pull down their trousers to see if they were circumcised – and those who were faced execution on the spot or death in the concentration camps – Larissa came up with an ingenious plan.

To avoid suspicion, she purchased false identity papers and trained her teenage son to be a girl – his clothing, voice, hair, manners and more. In Sasha’s words: “There was no other way. Either I became a girl, or I would die.”

Thus Sasha became Sala, but the teenager was constantly in turmoil.

“I felt every nerve in my body protesting against this. I would crumble at any minute. I was screaming inside. I was scared and angry and fragile.”

“And how long would it go on for? Weeks?

Months? Years? How long would I have to be a girl? When could I be me again?… I’d never felt so terrified of the future before.”

The author’s fictionalised account of Sasha’s journey was remarkably bittersweet, but it is Larissa’s devotion, dedication and determination as a mother that makes the story outstanding.

It is a bold and heart-warming read.

I Am Sasha fulfilled Larissa’s dying wish that the world knows the stories of those lives lost and those who suffered in the darkest hours of human history.

In the author’s words: “Such stories need to be kept alive. We must secure a peaceful world in the present and a peaceful future for all our children, everywhere. To do this, we must all remember our common humanity.”

CARTOON

Yarra Ranges Shire Council Streeton Ward by-election DECLARATION OF RESULT

FULLAGAR, Andrew

Genevieve Hammerton Election Manager Monday 28 February 2022

12527852-DL10-22

The following candidate was elected at the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Streeton Ward by-election that was held in February 2022:

The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted this by-election on behalf of Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

vec.vic.gov.au | 131 832 Authorised by W. Gately, AM, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

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OPINION

1993 alleged abduction

By Parker McKenzie

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EDRA’s shop local campaign, “get your fill in the hills,” was developed to help support business during Covid lockdowns and earned their members, some who featured in the videos produced, a finalist place in the 2021 Mainstreet Australia awards. Subsequently, and through a Dept of Jobs, Precincts & Regions grant, EDRA produced 15,000 A2 fold-out visitor information & touring maps, that can also be downloaded at easterndandenonranges.com.au.

Membership & Marketing Manager, Lynne Trensky said the website is the associations key real estate to promote its members businesses and the region, ranking page 1 or 2 on Google consistently and getting between 800-1000 campaign ad impressions every week.

An artist’s depiction of Ms Cahill’s alleged abduction. Picture: MUSEUM OF LOST THINGS Ms Cahill herself admits her husband — who was driving the car when the alleged encounter took place — doesn’t support her version of events and in her book even wrote he told her what happened was in her imagination.

“Although Andrew was with me during the encounter, I think he didn’t cope with it as well as I seem to have done,” she said.

“At first he didn’t deny what he’d seen, but he claimed to have no conscious recollection of many of the events that I remembered.”

Ms Cahill writes in her book the toll of the alleged abduction led to divorce, and her account of the way her husband and her speak to each other during the alleged encounter reads like poorly written X-Files fan-fiction. Ms Cahill proves herself a poor witness to her own story as she details her first extra-terreristrial experience, the result of six weeks of near starvation, and with no one else able to verify her claims they amount to little more than a fever-dream.

The events of Ms Cahill’s extra-terrestrial suffer the same fate as any other alleged abduction: a lack of evidence aside from fanciful claims leads the to the logical conclusion of despite how much she believes to be the victim of an abduction, the truth is probably much more mundane and earthly-bound.

In the 1990s, there was money to be made on the UFO-crazy circuit. Talking spots, books, and appearances at conventions made the life of an abducted individual more lucrative than being a stay-at-home housewife.

Was Ms Cahill lying about the events to escape the boring life of a housewife? Or did she have a psychotic break, given she details many cases before and after the alleged abduction where she describes having out-of-body and out-of-mind experiences?

We can’t say for sure, however, both of those explanations make far more sense than what she details.

Her recollection of events weeks after they occurred makes the story even murkier, as hypnosis can result in false memories becoming seemingly lived experiences.

Her story has lasted in the public zeitgeist for so long because of the unique nature of it being witnessed by others according to Ms Cahill and Phenomena Research Australia. Once scrutinised though, neither could ever produce any collaboration or evidence.

There is no surviving physical evidence of the encounter, and Ms Cahill has returned to live in Gippsland. Really, there is no evidence the encounter ever took place, despite what believers of the story say.

Unless the alleged witnesses – who were discovered when Phenomena Research Australia placed an ad in a local newspaper, creating even more doubt of their authenticity — or the researchers make their remarkably unbelievable research available to the public, Ms Cahill’s story should be banished back into myth and legend, just as easily as it was conjured into reality.

EDRA has again been successful in obtaining one of only thirty grants provided to business chamber and trader groups to support small business build digital capability, educate, inform & empower small business, transition into recovery & restart and enable local business collaboration.

The grant is being used to add additional modules to the website that will further enhance the customer experience including more business features, along with running two face to face workshops and offering 27 businesses a 1hr one on one mentoring session to assist them with the needs of their choice.

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One of the hills most persevering legends — it was even mentioned on X-Files revival —is the 1993 abduction of Kelly Cahill, which took place as she drove back through the Dandenong Ranges.

UFO enthusiasts were instantly drawn to the story for what they said was a unique amount of evidence, with claims of verifying testimony from witnesses and other victims of the abduction who were left with scars matching Ms Cahill’s own marked body.

The story, detailed in her 1994 book Encounter, began when Ms Cahill and her husband Andrew decided to head into the hills to meet with a family friend.

Ms Cahill — whose real name is unknown and operated under a pseudonym — claimed her first encounter with the UFO occurred just outside of Belgrave South, in a field before you enter the township.

“I saw a row of orange lights in the paddock: unusual lights that were produced by an object on the ground. A fluorescent mist surrounded them and they weren’t natural, that was instantly obvious,” she said.

“This object was like nothing I had ever seen before — it was a couple of hundred metres back from the road and low on the ground, and the lights were large, “What I saw had a distinct circular shape, and the outside was rimmed with the lights. By the time this thing caught my attention, I had maybe two or three seconds to look at it, then it disappeared from view behind the trees as we drove on.”

After spending the evening with friends in the hills, Ms Cahill said on her trip down the mountains — near Monbulk — she once again saw the strange object.

“I could then see that the orange lights were really windows, because they seemed to have a glassy appearance and I could make out figures standing behind portals,” she said.

“The figures were silhouetted in a contrast of black shadow against orange light. There was something solid above the row of lights, so that the craft had structure and form, even though not all of it was visible, “We were getting closer, and it was hovering at about twice the height of the trees.”

After driving down to near Eumemmerring Creek in Narre Warren following the second sighting, the UFO shone a spotlight-like beam onto the road in front of the vehicle, which triggered a blackout when her husband drove through the beam.

She claims she and her husband came to consciousness, driving down a different stretch of road.

Weeks later, Ms Cahill achieved a complete recollection of the abduction through hypnosis — which she said left her with scars and marks all over her body — and decided to tell the world of her experiences.

After her husband stopped the car to investigate the amazing flying object, a psychic voice warned her before she was taken, marked and delivered back into her car, driving 40km/h towards home.

For UFO hunters and believers, what sets this encounter apart from the rest is the alleged number of witnesses and physical evidence of the abduction. One person claiming UFOs landed in a field and abducted her is unbelievable, but if half a dozen witnesses collaborate her story, it is harder to explain.

But for all these claims of collaborating witnesses, where actually are they?

Phenomena Research Australia, who allegedly conducted the research, found the witnesses and collected physical evidence at the scene of the encounter, has never made any of their evidence public. Their claims of witnesses with matching scars with Ms Cahill cannot be verified or proven true and the alleged witnesses have never made their stories public, making these claims completely useless to anyone in search of the truth.

If there is no physical evidence, what about the testimony of those who experienced the abduction?

The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Business & Tourism Association (EDRA), has been supporting local business for the last seven years, and before that as the Emerald Business Group, providing networking opportunities, promotion, advocacy, training & events.

The additional modules to the website will showcase members' special offers & events, include an itinerary planner, buy local map and a blog that will be used to share news articles & feature ‘Meet the Trader’ profiles.

If your business is in the Eastern Dandenong Ranges, (Emerald, Cockatoo, Gembrook, Upper Beaconsfield, Belgrave, Monbulk, Kallista, The Patch, Silvan, Selby, Yellingbo, Menzies Creek, Nangana, Mt Burnett & Hoddles Creek), this is a great opportunity to join EDRA if not a member already. Businesses can join at the pro rata rate of only $25 until the end of June 2022 to take advantage of the EDRA workshops & free mentoring designed for businesses to get the best out of the easterndandenongranges listing as well as their own website and digital marketing activities.

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e r i t e R IN WHEELERS HILL A COMMUNITY WITH HEART Weary Dunlop Village offers living options to suit everyone, so residents can live the way they want and blaze their own trails.

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If down the track you need more support, we offer assisted living in an assisted living apartment and a full range of residential aged-care options. That freedom and flexibility is empowering for residents and knowing care can be dialled up as needed means, quite simply, ‘no worries’. It's all part of what we like to call the Ryman Difference.

With one and two-bedroom independent apartments available from $685,000, which can be secured with just a $10,000 deposit, this is your opportunity to enjoy our Village within your local village.

Independent apartments available now Call the team for more details or to book your private appointment.

WEARY DUNLOP VILLAGE 242 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill 1800 314 425

3519

rymanhealthcare.com.au 12538876-NG10-22

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Art therapy

By Parker McKenzie

Anton Mc Murray won the Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition prize in it’s 20th year of being held for his wooden carving of a lifeless bird.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Finding beauty in the damage caused by storm

By Mikayla van Loon Sculptor Anton Mc Murray has been exploring the human impact on the environment for many years but it has come to life in his most recent work for the Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and Awards.

As an artist who wants to start a conversation around the natural world and its deterioration, his now award winning piece ‘The Cost of Living, Part One, Paradise Lost’ does just that.

“We always think about the cost of living in relation to human beings but I like to expand it out into what our impact is on the broader planet,” Mc Murray said.

Over numerous years of observing and studying the death of wildlife on the roads, particularly birds, Mc Murray said he took that as inspiration to create an emotionally powerful piece. “[These creatures] just died and we all just rushed past and we don’t really think about that very much but clearly what we do has a lot of impacts.

“That’s just incredibly sad and I think it’s avoidable. So I wanted to make a sculpture that would draw attention to that.”

The beautifully carved and crafted cypress tree trunk depicts a lifeless bird, wings slightly expanded and fanning out, with blackened streaks filtered between the bright orange.

Living in Kallista, Mc Murray was in the heart of the June storm affected area where trees fell in the thousands.

Getting out after the initial crisis moment, he spoke to neighbours and his community to source trees that could be used in his sculptures.

“It feels transformational. It feels like you’re taking something where there’s been a lot of hurt and pain and damage to people and then you’re creating [something new].”

For Mc Murray the carving of fallen logs is quite a meditative and reflective experience that he wanted to share with his community.

After experiencing the storms he started

working with a group called Rescue Logs, to offer solutions to homeowners who had trees fall but didn’t know what to do with them.

As part of the healing process particularly for children, a book was published by the group with the illustrations from the Mount Dandenong Primary School students and a Master Plan for Kalorama Park is in the works to create a natural playspace made from recycled wood.

Mc Murray also wants to create a sculpture from one of the fallen trees to be erected in a place that encourages people to reflect.

Having taken home the prestigious prize of the Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition, Mc Murray said he was pleased to know the judges understood his purpose in creating the piece and the conversation was being continued in different circles.

“They spoke about using the grain, using the attributes of the material to help not just with the structure but to help with the messaging,” he said.

“What really touched my heart was that they mentioned you couldn’t observe this piece and not feel sad for the subject matter and that was my biggest goal.”

Mc Murray has exhibited works all around the state and country but he said having the recognition of his fellow community members who understand the local environment was a wonderful acknowledgement.

“I feel very privileged. It’s rare to make a sale. It’s really rare to win a prize. So these things are just wonderful when they happen. That’s not the reason I do this. The reason you do this is for just growing your work, having that conversation.

“If these things didn’t exist, then we wouldn’t get to be better artists because you wouldn’t have these places to get this conversation going.”

This conversation is being continued

by Mc Murray at a Hanging Rock Winery exhibition where his transformative work ‘Storm Leaves’ takes the damage of the storm and creates something beautiful.

An exhibition celebrating the struggles and resilience of the Dandenong Ranges community through the 2021 June storms was opened with a ceremony battered by winds at Kapi Art Space.

The Still Standing exhibition — which opened on 4 March — features local art representing resilience in the face of severe weather events and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Winds reminiscent of the severe storms swept through the garden at Kapi Art Space on Sunday 6 February as Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child officially cut the ribbon and opened the exhibition.

“You won’t need to hear this from me that the last two years have been probably the most harrowing experience for our communities,” Mayor Child said.

“Of course the pandemic, but to be hit in June last year with that significant event, it just took us for six.”

A number of artists with works on display gave short speeches and a local artist performed Elton John’s Still Standing as winds blew through the courtyard of Kapi Art Space.

Artist Harrison Jacobs said painting has helped him through some tough times.

“During Covid it is pretty much my happy place. I’d like to thank the Kapi Inc. committee for not only their hard work here, but also the long hours and choosing to display my art,” he said.

“As a young man I fought with my autism.

I would not get into it or be accepted as much because sometimes they see the autism before they see me.”

Kapi Inc committee member Gail Koehler said everyone has been effected by the pandemic and storms in some way.

“If you weren’t directly affected, somebody

Kapi Inc committee member Gail Koehler, Artist Harrison Jacobs and Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE you knew was and it certainly affected the way we live down here,” she said.

“It became difficult. We’ve just got over not seeing my grandkids because of Covid.”

Kapi Inc founder Heather Bradbury said everyone has a story of hardship and resilience from the past two years.

“We want to have a platform for people who have that opportunity,” she said.

“When we had the first exhibition, what we found is that people said they’ve never really had an opportunity to tell people why they created this piece of artwork.”

The exhibition normally runs during Mental Health Week, however, because of restrictions and lockdowns it was postponed twice.

Ms Koehler said the team at Kapi Art Space would love anybody who wants to join.

“There’s six of us and the more people we have, the more we can build,” she said.

“If I learned nothing more through the storm, it’s that things get better the more you tell the story, and the more support we have around.”

The exhibition is being held by Kapi Inc in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council. Kapi Art Space is located at 1282 Mount Dandenong Road, Kalorama.

The exhibition will close on 13 March.

! w o h S l a r u t l u c i r The Bunyip Ag

Don’t miss…

9am–3pm Sunday 27 March 2022 Bunyip Showgrounds (Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Road, Bunyip) This year’s show features a new Land Management Expo and Speakers Corner in the main pavilion, plus the usual show favourites such as a petting zoo, pony rides, sheepdog events and face painting!

Come along and find out about: • horse property management • pest and animal management • dung beetle nurseries • ‘Making Our Farms Safer’– Victorian Farmers Federation • nesting boxes – Cardinia Environment Coalition • regenerative agriculture • local Landcare groups • wicking bed gardening • bees and pollinators and more!

The Speakers Corner and Land Management Expo is brought to you by Cardinia Shire Council and the West Gippsland Progress Association, and supported by the Victorian Government.

Show entry: $10 for adults, $5 for children and $20 for families.

For info about the free Speakers Corner events visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/bushfirerecovery For general info about the Bunyip Agriculture Show visit www.bunyipshow.org.au

12535442-SN10-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Top efforts Volunteers at the Puffing Billy railway were honoured at Lakeside Visitor Centre on Thursday 24 February, to celebrate their contributions to preserve, restore and maintain the steam railway.

Puffing Billy Railway CEO Peter Abott acknowledged the contributions of more than 300 volunteers.

“Puffing Billy Railway is made up of volunteers from all walks of life, across multiple generations who share the same passion for giving their time freely to help welcome visitors and preserve this heritage railway,” he said.

“For that, we are deeply appreciative and could think of no better way to commemorate this inspiring work than to bring everyone together to celebrate and reconnect after a particularly challenging two years.”

The volunteers celebrated have had tenure spanning one year of service through to over 60 years. Collectively the volunteers in attendance have 2118 years of service between them.

Some of the attending volunteers included: Phil Bourke, who reached one year of service after becoming a conductor during the Covid-19 pandemic Marilou Quick, a passenger guide originally from the Philippines who reached three years of service Kevin and Corinne Larkin, a husband and wife who met and fell in love at Puffing Billy 30 years ago Christ Tasker, who has volunteered for 21 years at only 39 after following in his father’s footsteps while becoming one of the youngest qualified drivers at age 29 Guests were taken on a special chartered train journey which travelled from Emerald Station to Lakeside station, before disembarking for the celebration.

“We celebrate the invaluable contribution of volunteers new and those who have spent

Chris Tasker accepts his 21 years of service certificate from Deputy Chair of the ETRB, Dianne Smith.

Kevin & Corrine Larkin celebrating 33 years and 30 years of volunteering.

· · · ·

CEO Peter Abbott with Drivers Steve Cochrane (L) and Les Thompson (R), who crewed the Volunteer Recognition Evening train to Lakeside.

Pictures: SUPPLIED a lifetime supporting the community that has been built over the last century.” Mr Abott said.

Puffing Billy commenced operation in 1900 and was built to transport goods and passengers throughout the hills. The railway spans 24km of the Dandenong Ranges and is one of only two surviving experimental narrow-gauge lines used in rural Victoria in the early 1900s.

Busy February for Rotary Rotary Club of Emerald and District have wasted no time getting the community events program back into full swing.

The Rotary Club had a busy February, organising three community events including a Deb Ball, Rotary Storm Recovery Festival and the emerald Rotary Market.

After cancelling six previous events in the past two years because of lockdowns and restrictions, the club was able to make their fairytale Deb Ball a reality for 36 couples on Saturday 26 February at The Grand in Wantirna.

Emerald Rotary President Shalini Penny said after many letdowns, the club was thrilled to finally deliver the event for enthusiastic year 11 and 12 students.

“Our club members supported the students, most of whom were from Emerald and surrounds, with dancing lessons over the past 20 months.”

“On the night, they all looked magnificent and did everyone proud, especially themselves.”

Emerald Rotary helped organise the Rotary Storm Recovery Festival on Sunday 27 February with Belgrave and Monbulk Rotary clubs to help support local people impacted by the June 2021 storm event.

Ms Penny said the festival was an opportunity to bring people together and acknowledge the challenges the community continues to face as a result of the storm.

“Rotary District 9810, of which Emerald Rotary is a part, has been working hard behind the scenes since the storms to raise much-needed funds for the community,” she said.

“I’m pleased to say that $102,000 has been raised through Rotary Australia World Community Service Inc.” “These funds will now go towards a variety of projects, activities and resources to

Emerald Rotary hosted a Deb Ball for year 11 and 12 students.

Picture: SUPPLIED provide more help to those in need and to strengthen local emergency response capability.”

At the Rotary Storm Recovery Festival, $92742 in funding raised was distributed to community-based groups and projects, including: The story of the Big Storm book for primary school students - $3,971.50 SES equipment and training - $16,775 Mt Dandenong Preschool - chestnut roaster & loo hire - $1,850 Habitat for Humanity - $27,000 Treasure Our Trees - $37,747 Monbulk Emergency Group - Satellite phones - $5,399 The monthly Emerald Rotary Market has been expanded with an array of crafts, produce, collectables and treasures, and is held on the second Saturday of the Month from 8am to 1pm at the Emerald Primary School oval.

Applications for the next Deb Ball scheduled for Saturday 11 June 2022 are now open. More information can be found at https://emeraldrotary.org.au/page/debutante.

· · · · · ·

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 58 already gone. We’re also continuing works to prepare for major construction on North East Link.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Belgrave and Lilydale lines

From 9pm 25 Mar to 8.30pm 1 Apr

Camberwell to Box Hill

From 8.30pm 1 Apr to 3 Apr

Camberwell to Ringwood

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Union Road, Surrey Hills

From 9pm 25 Mar to 6am 4 Apr

Closed at the level crossing

Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert

From 9pm 25 Mar to 6am 4 Apr

Closed at the level crossing

Watsonia Road, Watsonia

Late Mar to late May

Overnight lane closures between Devonshire and Greensborough roads

Greensborough Road, Watsonia

Until 13 Mar Weekdays, 7.30pm to 5.30am Weekends, 7.30pm to 7am

Centre lanes closed at night and speed reduced to 40km/h between Watsonia Road and Wattle Drive

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12537286-SG10-22

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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NEWS

Code Breakers: Women in Games, an ACMI touring exhibition celebrating the achievements of women working in the games Pictures: SUPPLIED industry. 271177

Several games will be available to play while profiling the creators. 271177

Cracking diversity’s code

By Renee Wood A new exhibit has arrived at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum which aims to shatter stereotypes and grow inclusivity and diversity in the games industry.

Code Breakers: Women in Games has transformed the site with interactive and immersive displays highlighting the gaming world – all while celebrating the achievements of Australian and New Zealand women working in the industry.

Visitors can play an array of video games made by women directors, programmers, developers, digital artists writers, producers and designers at the ACMI touring free exhibit which opened Saturday 5 March.

It’s hoped Yarra Ranges residents will visit the exhibit and be inspired to see where their passions and career can lead them.

Lisy Kane has a game featured in the exhibit, Armello, and is the co-founder of Girl Geek Academy which aims to find solutions to issues faced by women in the industry.

“Our next steps will be basically responding to whatever we think is required by the games industry and other areas of STEM, with the goal of encouraging more women and encouraging more leadership,” Ms Kane said.

Ms Kane will be helping to launch the event, speaking at Code Breakers International Women’s Day ‘On Gaming and Social Change’ online event.

Ms Kane has been in the industry for the past eight years and said technology and creativity lead her to the career.

“I’ve always played video games but growing up, I didn’t know that you could make them. So I actually didn’t figure out you could make video games until I was entering university,” she said.

Ms Kane studied game design and business and has since been working in the industry in various roles and knows how tough it can be for women to enter it.

“It is a very, very tough industry, and unfortunately there are so many stories around women and other underrepresented groups

experiencing harassment and burn out, all that kind of stuff.”

Some 46 per cent of video game consumers are female, although only 23 per cent of the Australian industry is female.

Ms Kane said that’s higher than the global average but we still have a long way to go.

“Australia has done a lot in regards to improving gender diversity, and it actually does come from a lot of things like Code Breakers and other initiatives that the Australian games industry does.”

Paper House Producer Caitlin Cronin will also be joining the online panel.

“We’ll talk a little bit about the video game industry and where we think it’s going and how it can improve in terms of diversity, safe work practices, all of those sort of issues that are coming to the fore with such a large industry,” Ms Cronin said.

Ms Cronin said although it’s a difficult industry to get into but the benefits are to work with interesting and dynamic people.

“I felt like I’m working amongst my kindred

spirits, in a way. It’s sort of a lot of really creative and interesting people.

“Making a video game comes with a lot of unique challenges that are very unique to the industry itself, so it’s a learning curve, but in a really interesting way.”

Ms Cronin said she’s excited to be part of the Code Breaker exhibit in the Yarra Ranges and hopes it can show young residents where their passions can lead them.

“Video games have very much been a big part of my life growing up and a very big interest that I’ve had, and working in the industry was always something that I have aspired to.”

School holiday workshops, online events, quiet hour sessions and lots of games to enjoy are all part of the program until it closes 15 May 2022.

For more information visit https://yarraranges.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/51268 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/Code-Breakers-Women-inGames

12539694-JC10-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 13

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

We are one community St Thomas More Primary School is situated in Belgrave in the Shire of Yarra Ranges bordered

by Sherbrooke Forest.

It attracts enrolments from a wide geographical area throughout the southern part of the Dandenong Ranges. It serves the commu-

nities of Belgrave, Tecoma, Upwey, Selby, Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo, and more.

The community reflects a combination of urban and rural lifestyles influenced by the surrounding environment of forest and hills.

St Thomas More’s is a small, caring school and is a community of faith based on belief in Jesus Christ and his mission to build a better world.

The school community expresses Christian values and a desire to bear witness to the faith

they share and nurture.

Enlivening the motto ’We Are One’, the Parish Priest, the Principal, staff, parents and students work together to develop an environment which is conducive to producing excellence in educational outcomes.

St Paul’s Primary School - 59 Moores Rd Monbulk

2022 OPEN DAYS

Thursday 17 March 9:30am Tuesday 29 March 9:30am Wednesday 11 May 9:30am School Tours are also available by appointment Call the office today on 9756 7201 to register for one of our Open Days

12537484-HC10-22 12538006-BL10-22

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

A taste of school, early It has been a smooth transition to school for the 17 Prep students at St Paul’s in Monbulk.

The Prep students began 2022 confident and eager to learn due to the success of the transition programs at St Paul’s.

The St Paul’s “Ready, Set, Prep” program runs every second Friday. Three year old, four year old and five year old pre-school children are invited to the school on a fortnightly basis for ‘a taste of school’.

This involves sessions that focus on cooking, gardening, dancing, singing, art and even a science fair!

“The “Ready, Set, Prep” program aims to support pre-school children and has a focus on fine motor skills and gross motor skills. The program is centred on getting ready for school life,” said principal Michael Watt.

Deputy principal Stephenie Peels and Prep teacher Maria Cook said that by creating the ‘Ready, Set, Prep’ programs, the school was able to build relationships with local preschools and the pre-school children, as well as their families.

Now the whole school community is benefiting.

Mrs Cook could see benefits for both families and the school.

“Our Prep children begin school life at St Paul’s excited about all the things they’ll learn. The children already know us through their transition program, they are familiar with the surroundings, and we know the names of all the family members, including

younger siblings.”

Mrs Peels added, “By experiencing what school looks and feels like, the students feel comfortable, valued, relaxed and are more able to nurture new friendships”.

Mr Watt agrees.

“At St Paul’s, the ‘Ready, Set, Prep’ program equates to a socially and emotionally confident child who demonstrates a love of learning from the very beginning of their primary school life.

“Getting the opportunity to engage in school lessons and activities is a wonderful opportunity for pre-school children to experience what belonging to a school will be like the following year.

St Paul’s know that these are memories the Prep students will hold on to for a long time.”

The ‘Ready, Set, Prep’ programs are an annual occurrence at St Paul’s, located at 59 Moores Rd Monbulk.

The invitation is extended to all 3, 4 and 5 year old pre-school students from any kinder or child care centre.

Families are encouraged to register today by calling the school office on 9756 7201.

We are leaders in boys’ education

Join us at one of our enrolment events

Our broad and innovative curriculum and co-curriculum cater for the needs of all our students academically, physically and emotionally. Boys participate in an extensive sport and outdoor education programs and foster partnerships with local sporting groups and organisations.

5 Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 p (03) 9756 3112 e enrolments@stjosephs.com.au

stjosephs.com.au

Principal's Tours

Open Days

Grade 4, 5 and 6 'Taster' Days

Virtual Tours with the Principal

Enrolment Enquiry, Meet and Chat

Visit our website to register or contact our Enrolments Office 12539477-SG10-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 15

SHOP LOCAL MONBULK

Helping locals achieve Community Bank Monbulk and District has been open and supporting the local community for over 10 years.

An important goal when they first opened was to support locals achieve their dream of owning their own home sooner.

Community Bank Monbulk and District’s great old fashioned style of personalised service and genuine interest in their customers has seen them hold a strong position within the local community, Especially now, they are here supporting their customers and their town.

Dedicated staff member Margaret, who has lived in Monbulk her whole life, is friendly and approachable and will ensure you are completely taken care of with her personalised service.

Margaret has worked with many customers on their dream to own their own home.

Margaret provides assistance right from the beginning, working with her clients to achieve their goals. From saving techniques 12 months before buying to wealth creation and investments. Margaret’s experience and passion for her role is evident in all her customer interactions.

With a large horticultural industry in Monbulk and surrounding areas Margaret has taken on a mobile approach to helping the customers and local businesses.

Margaret is keen to be out and about in the local community, helping personal and business customers alike with their financial needs.

Community Bank Monbulk and District are here to help and would love to see you achieve your goals, no matter how big or small they might be.

If you would like to speak to Margaret about how she can help you, give her a call today on 0493 107 901.

Margaret from Community Bank Monbulk and District is here to help you.

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB 11 MOORES RD, MONBULK

Monbulk Bistro Specials by Day

Wednesday

Thursday

Parma Night

Bowlers Special Burger, Beer & Bowls

$15*

$25*

Sunday

Wed to Sun

First home, second home, reÞnancing or renovating, you’ll get everything you need and more with a Bendigo Complete home loan.

Kids Eat Free

Seniors Specials*

Come home to a low rate loan.

12537455-JC10-22

Same house, fresh start

Chat to a home loan specialist today or search Bendigo Bank Home Loans.

$12.90*

Community Bank ¥ Monbulk & District 9752 1130

NEW! ALL WEEK KID’S MEAL DEAL UPGRADE

Upgrade any kid’s meal for $4 to include a kid’s drink, ice-cream and an activity pack.

Make a booking 9756 6183 Dine a la carte Wed to Sun from 5.30pm Our Menu includes gluten-free & vegetarian dishes to suit special needs.

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

12537342-CG10-22

1 FREE KID’S MEAL per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. Dine-in only.

12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions. *Conditions apply for Specials

Terms and conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. All information including interest rate is subject to change without notice. Full details available on application. Credit provided by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 Australian Credit Licence 237879. (1676246-1704263) OUT_12507980 , 03/03/2022 mailcommunity.com.au

SHOP LOCAL MONBULK

Lane Way Nursery and Op Shop.

Amazing range on offer Open Door Community Care (formerly Monbulk Care Network) encourages everyone to visit their Op Shop in Main Street, Monbulk for an amazing range of pre-loved goods and also local honey, free range eggs and homemade jams and sauces. We also stock goats milk and herbal products suitable for all types of needs.

There is always one more book from our well stocked library area you must read, or one

more craft item you just might need.

The Laneway Nursery, part of our Op Shop, stocks a wide range of plants. Check out our range of locally sourced fruit trees. Ask our friendly staff to order in if you can’t find what is in stock. Also check out this month’s Special: Selected plants $5 each or 5 for $20.

More volunteers are always welcome in the Shop to serve or sort, or in the Nursery,

From Belgrave to Monbulk

so please chat to staff about your availability.

Even a half day to help would be most welcome.

ODCCCare’s goal is to serve the community.

All profits from sales in the Shop and Nursery are returned to the community through our Open Door Pantry, our school programs and to local community groups.

We truly value the support given to us each year especially at Christmas. The Monbulk

Bendigo Bank, Fletchers Real Estate, the two Monbulk CWAs, The Rotary Club of Monbulk and local schools all contributed to make Christmas a happier time for many struggling during that time. A huge thank you to all who donate to the Shop and the Pantry.

For more information about Open Door Community Care please phone 9756 7800 and leave a message if we are busy.

Open Door Community Care

116 Main Street - Monbulk 50 yrs Dry-cleaning experience

invites you to visit our

Experts in:

in Main Street Monbulk for a great shopping experience

• Bridal • Debutante • Evening Wear • Bedding…

Doonas, Blankets

OP SHOP

• Repairs & Alterations arranged.

• Soft Furnishings & Drapes catered for

See our selected specials for this month in our

LANEWAY NURSERY

Using the new

WETCLEAN SYSTEM Environmentally friendly using Crystal Clear H2o Water Based Cleaning Mon-Fri 7am – 3.30pm Sat 8.30am – 1pm 9754 3151 0418 547 484 bel_dry@telstra.com 12537713-HC10-22

mailcommunity.com.au

ODCCare Serving our Community 61-63 Main Road, Monbulk

Open Door

Phone: 9756 7800

Community

Mon-Fri 10:00-4:30, Sat: 10:00-1:00

Church

"If I could Fly"

12537334-BL10-22

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 17

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 071

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

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

8 1 5 7

9

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QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Synthetic material (7) Tiny, six-legged creatures (7) Cast down (11) Expanse (3) Manually (2,4) Poster (7) Shortage (4) Valuation (10) Senior managers (10) Andamooka gemstone (4) Argue noisily and angrily (7) Of a tribe (6) Official (3) Common joint injury (11) Late (7) Association of individuals (7)

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No. 071

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 16 18 21 23

24 27

Agreement (4) Gaseous fuel (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Surreptitious (11) Harm (3) Beachwear (7) Rib-like structure (5) Absence of motion (10) Showy (11) Society below the surface (10) To place imortance on (9) Blasphemous (7) Horrible (5) Actor, Oscar – (5) Sole (4) Unhappy (3)

DECODER

No. 071

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

8

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9-LETTER WORD

3

easy

medium

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”.

D

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

7 3 9 4 6 5 2 1 8

4 9 5 2 7 3 8 6 1

8 1 7 4 6 9 5 2 3

44 words: Excellent

3 6 2 1 5 8 4 9 7

9 5 4 3 8 1 6 7 2

6 7 3 5 2 4 9 1 8

1 2 8 6 9 7 3 5 4

2 4 9 8 1 5 7 3 6

5 3 1 7 4 6 2 8 9

7 8 6 9 3 2 1 4 5

5 6 1 3 2 8 9 4 7

4 8 2 1 9 7 5 3 6

3 2 5 6 4 1 8 7 9

6 7 4 8 5 9 3 2 1

1 9 8 7 3 2 6 5 4

9 4 3 2 1 6 7 8 5

2 5 7 9 8 4 1 6 3

8 1 6 5 7 3 4 9 2

hard

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3 9 2 5 7 1 6 8 4

8 5 4 9 3 6 1 2 7

7 6 1 2 8 4 3 5 9

1 8 5 6 4 9 7 3 2

4 2 3 1 5 7 8 9 6

6 7 9 3 2 8 4 1 5

2 4 8 7 9 3 5 6 1

5 1 7 8 6 2 9 4 3

9 3 6 4 1 5 2 7 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

E

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4 LETTERS ABLY ADZE AIDE BUSH CLAM HANS HIDE HONG OHIO ORBS SAIL SETH TROY USDA 5 LETTERS AGATE

AGENT AIMED ANGEL ANOMY AROMA ASCOT ASHEN ASIAN ATOLL BANNS BRAVE BRING CHEAP CORSE DREAM ECOLI EERIE ENDOW EVITA GENII

No. 071

HYENA IMAGE INNER LEAPS LEWIS LINEN LUCIA MAINS MANIA METAL OMEGA OPERA OUTDO PAYEE PETIT PRATE RECAP RESAT RIVEN SCENE

SEATS SICKO SIFTS SPANK SPAWN TENET TERRA THING TRIPS 6 LETTERS FATIMA KELPIE STATIC TARMAC

7 LETTERS ACCOUNT CANDIED HITACHI ICELAND MIDWIFE NIGERIA 8 LETTERS LEBANESE OVERFLOW PARENTAL WOMANISH

aced, aces, acid, acre, acrid, arced, arcs, caddie, caddied, caddies, caddis, cadre, card, carded, cards, care, cared, cares, case, cased, cedar, cider, cried, cries, dace, dice, diced, dicer, dices, disc, discard, DISCARDED, erica, iced, ices, race, raced, races, rice, sacred, scar, scare, scared, sidecar

8 2 7 9 2 6

15

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3 LETTERS AGO ASS BIZ EEL HAT HER HIC HUN ISH ITA KEN LEE MIR NAG NIL PAY RAP REC REP SPY SRI TIE TIM TRY

U CO S B ANH Y T I GQ

4

P F E L MX J D V ZWK R

1

WORDFIT

11-03-22

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

COUNTRY LIFESTYLE AT ITS FINEST SET on a picturesque 3 acres approx., with views across the distant hills, this beautiful home offers exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.

From the Merbau patio you are welcomed into the light and bright open plan living space, the modern kitchen features a family sized island bench with stone bench top, soft close doors, gas cooking appliances, dishwasher and European laundry whilst the living area boasts cathedral ceilings and takes in the stunning local views.

The home offers three spacious bedrooms, the master with renovated ensuite and walk in wardrobe whilst the secondary bedrooms both with built in robes, are serviced by the family bathroom.

For year-round comfort, there is ducted heating and air-conditioning as well as the wood fire in the living area for those extra chilly nights. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 74 Beenak Road, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brittany Barry, 0412 861 094 and Justin Barrot, 0438 683 781, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD, 5968 4522

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

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

ENVIABLE HOME WITH SUPERB VIEWS THIS beautiful residence in a premium Glenfern Rd location with views towards Birdsland Reserve is the ultimate acquisition whether you’re starting out or scaling down.

With a modern single-level layout and a magnificent position only moments from train transport, bustling townships, and endless parkland, this property provides a premier lifestyle in an exclusive locale.

Through the gates, the sealed drive lined with sublime rose and veggie gardens leads to the covered verandah entry of this inviting home. The interior boasts a brilliant open concept design adorned with vaulted ceilings, contemporary flooring, and floor to ceiling windows with lovely, lush outlooks.

The charming kitchen takes pride of place and affords those who love to cook with gas cooking and island seating for added functionality. The floorplan then flows out to the expansive deck with treetop and hillside views certain to set the scene for special family moments.

With 3 spacious bedrooms all with builtin robes, a generous laundry and splendid bathroom with restorative soaker tub and separate WC completing the comfortable main level, this picture-perfect home pulls out all the stops to impress.

Additional highlights include an underhouse double garage/workshop with roller door and lovely fenced rear yard ensuring a fabulous lifestyle awaits fortunate new owners here. Guaranteed to grab attention, prompt inspection is advised. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 292 Glenfern Road, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $780,000 - $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sam Adamson, 0421 023 760, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 97546888

HOME IDEAL FOR GROWING FAMILY AFFORDING an expanse of living space for growing families and exquisite hillside views toward 1000 Steps parkland, this premier property is the perfect place to call home.

Set upon permaculture gardens only a short stroll from Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School near Ferntree Plaza and Upper Ferntree Gully Station, liveability and location combine here with compelling results.

Hobbyists will be enamoured with the double and triple garages provided and homeowners will have every imaginable feature at their fingertips. Each of the 4 levels is adorned with something special, beginning with the beautiful home office on the entry level. The main floor boasts an open plan kitchen with gas range and peninsula seating that branches to large living and dining areas that each extend out to their own covered alfresco. On the lower level, the generous rumpus room is the ideal getaway or teenage retreat with a deck for an impressive indoor-outdoor flow.

Abundant comfort is also catered for in the clever bedroom configuration on offer.

With 2 bedrooms on the lower level, a generous bedroom and new bathroom on the entry level, and an exquisite parents’ retreat with ensuite privately positioned on the top floor, this home will effortlessly evolve with your family through the years.

Unlike any other and offering unparalleled comfort in a convenient locale, this property requires prompt inspection to call it home.

Plan your viewing today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 53 Albert Street, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $1,220,000 - $1,320,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder, 0422 639 115, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 97546888 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

2820 Gembrook Launching Place Rd, Gembrook

51 Main Street, Gembrook

74 Beenak Road, Gembrook

COUNTRY CHARM ON 5 ACRES APPROX.

FAMILY LIVING WALKING DISTANCE TO TOWN!

COUNTRY LIFESTYLE AT ITS FINEST!

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,450,000-$1,550,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

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

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

13/13 Vista Court, Gembrook

11 Hamilton Road, Emerald

3 Heroes Avenue, Gembrook

OVER 55’S HOME IN THE HEART OF GEMBROOK!

BRING YOUR IMAGINATION & REAP THE REWARDS

UNLIMITED POTENTIAL ON 1,036M2

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2 T

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $500,000 - $550,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $890,000-$970,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $780,000 - $835,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

SOLD

SOLD

83 Mt Pleasant Road, Monbulk

9 Ash Grove, MENZIES CREEK

3 Caroline Avenue, Cockatoo

A MUCH LOVED HOME IN A PREMIER LOCATION

FAMILY HOME WITH TRIPLE ACCOMMODATION

A MAGICAL SETTING BUILT TO PERFECTION

3 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

5 T

A

4 T

B

3 T

C

4 T

A

2 T

B

4 T

C

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

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

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

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

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 21

25 Short Road Macclesfield

$1,500,000 - $1,620,000

14/11 Westlands Road Emerald

$550,000 - $605,000

Hills Lifestyle at its best!

Over 55s Beauty

Situated on nearly 7 acres of bushland and partially cleared land with a dam, this family home is a must to see. With three massive sheds, sized approximately 12x6m, 20x12m with 6m awning and 20x12m, all with concrete floors, one with 3-phase power generator there’s plenty of room for your many projects. Inside has a beautiful open plan kitchen-living space with an open fireplace 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. All of the 4 bedrooms have BIRs are close to the main bathroom. The master bedroom has an ensuite plus direct access to the pool.

Do miss this secluded beauty! Set at the back of Chestnut Gardens, close to Emerald central, this two bedroom home will not disappoint. This solid brick 2 bedroom unit is perfectly located, just a stroll to the heart of Emerald with its shops, cafes and public transport. Stylishly renovated, there is absolutely nothing to do but move in and enjoy this comfortable home. The home’s 2 bedrooms are large and light-filled and both have built-in robes and plush carpets.

The well-appointed kitchen has quality appliances, plenty of cupboards that overlook the living room with a dining area.

New floor coverings, plantation shutters and tailored drapes feature in the living area with glass sliding doors opening onto the paved courtyard. This beautiful home would suit retiree downsizers or investors and will not last long!

Contact: Aaron Day 0407365994

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438680032

7 Woodlands Avenue Emerald Woodlands Retreat

$750,000 - $810,000

170 Harvie Road Pakenham Upper

$1,650,000 - $1,800,000

Entertainer, Acreage & Dual Occupancy Potential

This 4 bedroom, brick home is close to Emerald central, on a sealed road with a sealed driveway, in a beautiful bushland setting. This highly sought-after location will sell fast so make sure to get in quick.

Enter through the brick double garage into a spacious living area with fireplace and large open plan kitchen-dining with ample space for socialising at the breakfast bar. A cosy living space, with coonara, looks out onto the spacious backyard and established gardens.

The large master bedroom with semi-ensuite is situated away from the additional 3 good-sized bedrooms; all with BIR and close to the spacious main bathroom.

With a manageable size block, you get all the perks of hills living without any hassles.

Set on 26.9 acres, this stunningly renovated home offers the dream lifestyle. The home hass 2 beautifully styled living areas with wood heating. The master bedroom has stylish built-in cupboards and ensuite, and the second bedroom overlooks the manicured lawns and is serviced by the main bathroom. The large kitchen features a steam oven and butler’s pantry and provides plenty of space for entertaining on the deck. 9-foot ceilings offer a spacious feel while the huge entertaining deck offers views over the property and bushland beyond. This studio comprises 4 rooms with wood fire and has its own separate entrance and carport, making it the perfect place for teenage independence, aging parents or horse friends.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407365994

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032

bellrealestate.com.au 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

5968 6222

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

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

53 Albert Street, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

$1,220,000 - $1,320,000 4A 2B 5C

EXPANSIVE HOME IDEAL FOR GROWING FAMILIES

FOR SALE

15 Reservoir Road, MONBULK

$1,030,000 - $1,130,000

LUSH, LEVEL PROPERTY WITH LUXE HOUSE AND BARN

4A 2B 6C

Affording an expanse of living space for growing families and exquisite hillside views, this premier property is the perfect place to call home. Each of the 4 levels is adorned with something special, beginning with the beautiful home office on the entry level. The main floor boasts an open plan kitchen that branches to large living and dining areas that each extend out to their own covered alfresco. On the lower level, the generous rumpus room is the ideal getaway or teenage retreat with a deck for an impressive indoor-outdoor flow.

Comprising a quality residence suited to growing families who appreciate style and a generous barn currently utilised as an expansive garage, rumpus room with bar and wood fire and upper level storage. The residence is framed by wrap-around patios with covered and uncovered zones and an enviable outdoor kitchen that services both living areas, including the lounge with warm wood fire. Dining in every season will be hosted by the gourmet kitchen and meals area that enjoy an expanse of glass that leads outdoors.

Brad Conder

Brad Conder

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

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

FOR SALE

25 Nicholson Street, OLINDA

$850,000 - $930,000

CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH TREE CANOPY VIEWS

3A 2B 2C

FOR SALE

2-3 Yeronga Avenue, UPWEY

$1,300,000 - $1,430,000

SUPERB FAMILY HOME WITH PERMIT TO SUBDIVIDE

3A 2B 2C

This property epitomises luxury living in the Hills, residing on a private natural landscape neighbouring National Park and boasting distant valley views, this move-in ready residence is a marvellous acquisition. The upper level of this lovely home is a shining example of open plan living in style. The lounge is rich with natural light and kept cosy with a warm wood fire. The kitchen is executed with precision and the adjoining meals area leading out to the deck for taking in the glorious outlooks.

Worth its weight in gold, this wonderful family home provides optimal comfort and outstanding potential. With rare and revered permit to subdivide, this is a long-term investment strategy with promise to pay dividends in years to come. Situated in a quiet nothrough-road only 650m from thriving Upwey township and train station, this large property is in prime position. Sweeping hillside views, splendid gardens, and spectacular outdoor entertaining areas ensure this Hills home immerses itself in the local lifestyle.

Suzie Brannelly

Sam Adamson

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

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

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

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 23

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

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24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Driving mentors needed

By Mikayla van Loon Building up confidence on the roads as a learner is challenging enough and for some young people, even having access to a vehicle or licensed driver means getting those hours is difficult.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) funded L2P Program matches learner drivers with a licensed mentor to help them gain confidence and increase their hours ready to take their driving test.

Yarra Ranges Council’s L2P project officer Steve D’Abico said the program has been running in the Shire since 2010 but in 2019 it was expanded with a funding boost to help more people.

But with the onset of the pandemic, the program was significantly reduced and some volunteers have not returned to mentor these drivers in need.

“We were impacted quite negatively with the lockdown. During those times where people might have been able to drive with their parents, for people in our program, obviously, they might not have been able to,” Mr D’Abico said.

“So for a lot of our young people, they weren’t able to drive for almost two years. As we came in and out of lockdowns, some volunteers chose it was time to move on and retire, which is great, they put in an excellent time of service that they supported the program and helped us get through, “There’s a big demand there from learners in the program and we want to try and be able to meet that demand with the amount of volunteers that we have.”

Mr D’Abico said usually the program likes to have 40 or more mentors but currently, there are only 20 with a waitlist of 60 learners wanting to take part in the program.

“There’s always a need in the Yarra Ranges,

Graham has been teaching Skye to drive to get her from her learners to her probationary licence as part of the L2P Program. 270995 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS with four major population hubs. We want to try and be able to service each hub,” he said.

“40 people, it’s not a huge number when we’ve got 20,000 young people in the community and of those 20,000 young people, there’s definitely a percentage that would need a program like this.”

Mentors are paired with learner drivers, to help create and build a relationship, something Mr D’Abico said not only helps with the driving but also in other areas of life.

Many people come from various back-

grounds and with different challenges, including limited financial means, being at risk of homelessness or supporting their own children.

“The program supports learners who either don’t have access to a vehicle or to a person that can supervise their driving, or maybe has other barriers that are limiting their ability to get the hours up for their license, by connecting them with volunteers,” he said. “[It helps] them so they can build that practice and get their license to move on to em-

ployment or work or study or different things in different spaces.”

Volunteers interested in the program and mentoring young drivers are encouraged to apply via the yarraranges.vic.gov.au/L2P website. Mentors need to be fully licensed and have available time.

Qualified driving instructors who would be interested in taking part in the program are also urged to contact the L2P Program staff at L2P@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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

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

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL 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.

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 25

SPORT

Two weeks in top spot

Emerald’s Amy Lawton can’t wait to back in green and gold for the Commonwealth Games and Hockey World Cup. 270566

Picture: AAP IMAGES

Sights set on cup

By Lachlan Mitchell Amy Lawton is once again preparing to represent Australia on the big stage as she sets her sights on the Commonwealth Games and the Hockey World Cup. The 20-year old girl from Emerald represented the green-and-gold in the postponed Tokyo Olympics at just 19, and has gone from strength-to-strength since finding the sport at a young age.

“I started playing when I was eight and it was in my school newsletter and my parents thought that my sister and I would enjoy the game,” Lawton said.

Lawton was the fourth-youngest Hockeyroo to represent Australia at an Olympics.

“Eight year-old Amy didn’t think she would be running around for Australia, but as I got older and made a lot of junior-state-sides I thought I’m actually not-bad at this and maybe I could make it one-day,” she said.

Covid has made preparation and the opportunity to train and play with her team mates

difficult with the Hockey High Performance unit based in Western Australia.

“Perth’s lockdown closure over the last two weeks has been tricky for us as we can’t all train together which has been the hardest part of the lockdown.” she said.

The Hockeyroos haven’t been immune to the constant border closures with an interrupted lead up to the Olympics.

“No international games against other countries have made it tricky, pre-Olympics we only played against New Zealand five times,” Lawton said.

“In Australia we don’t have as many countries around us like people in Europe...we can’t just drive to another country.”

Amy made her international debut in 2019 against New Zealand where she helped her side to a 5-1 victory. Lawton scored her first goal in an Olympic test event in Tokyo contributing to her sides win over the home side 2-1.

“It was pretty amazing for the Tokyo Olympics to go ahead, I was pretty thankful for the

opportunity to be part of the team,” she said.

“For me being my first Olympics, it was good to see the additional pressure that an Olympics can bring.”

The Hockeyroos Olympic campaign came to an abrupt halt after a 1-0 loss to India in the quarter final.

“It obviously wasn’t the result the Hockeyroos were looking for not getting a medal, but it does light a fire in your belly for the next big occasion with the Commonwealth Games and the Hockey World Cup around the same time,” she said.

Lawton’s star has continued to rise after she was awarded the Emerging Athlete of the Year after her 2019 debut for the national side.

“Having more experienced athlete’s around me since I joined the program, was so helpful for me,” said the Australian star.

“I moved over to Perth as a fresh 18-year-old who had never lived out of home, having your friends - not only your team-mates - around you who are so supportive is amazing.”

Tight bowls contests for weekend teams On Saturday Monbulk 1 played top team Dandenong Club at home in the final home and away game, hoping to improve their seventh ladder position.

Monbulk controlled the game early, but the contest tightened up late in the game. Brian Smith’s rink had control of their match after 9 ends and led by 14 shots.

They then lost 9 of the next 11 ends to be just 3 shots ahead going into the last end, but were able to win the final end and claim victory by 5 shots, 19 to 14.

Jenny Holmes’ rink were well in the game after 8 ends with the scores locked together.

Their opponents then took control winning 9 of the next 10 ends to lead by 16 shots. The Monbulk rink made up some ground late, but still went down by 14 shots, 11 to 25.

Eric Markham’s rink were on the scoreboard early and led by 8 shots after 5 ends. They then lost 6 of the next 7 ends and scores were tied.

The Monbulk rink were able to win the mat and won 6 of the last 9 ends to win by 9 shots, 26 to 17.

Jim Bras’ rink had a close contest when for the first seven ends there were all single shots with the home rink having their nose in front by one. Their opponents gained control and at the completion of the fourteenth end led 26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

Chris Clerici draws a resting toucher.

Picture: SUPPLIED by 7 shots. The Monbulk rink lifted and with two ends to play trailed by 2 shots, but more importantly, on the main board Monbulk were only 3 shots behind. However, the Dandenong Club won the last two ends to win the rink by 5 shots, 14 to 19.

This meant Monbulk lost the overall by 5 shots, 70 to 75.

Monbulk 2 who were in third position on the ladder travelled to Willow Lodge who were in fifth position.

Jim Anderson’s rink led their game early and were 4 shots in front after 6 ends. They were able to improve on this lead and with 5 ends to play led by 5 shots. However, they lost the last 5 ends to lose by 2 shots, 16 to 18.

When Alan Hamilton’s rink picked up 6 shots in 3 ends they led by 1 shot after the twelfth end. They then dropped eleven shots in the next 4 ends and eventually lost by 8 shots, 15 to 23.

Graeme Goller’s rink led by 4 shots after 7 ends, but then lost 8 shots in three ends to fall behind by 4 shots. They then won the next 6 ends to open up a lead of 9 shots, but lost the next 4 ends to be one shot in front with one end to play. The Monbulk rink had a disastrous last end dropping 5 shots to lose by 4 shots, 19 to 23.

Eric Furby’s rink was well on top early and led by 11 shots after 7 ends. They then lost 5 of the next 6 ends, but still led by 4 shots. Over the final ends, they were able to stay in front and won by 5 shots, 22 to 17.

Monbulk 2 lost the overall by 9 shots, 72 to 81 and will contest finals next week from fourth position.

Tuesday pennant saw top side Monbulk play second-placed Heathmont at home.

Eric Markham’s rink started well and after seven ends led by 7 shots. They then dropped four shots on the next end, but were able to get these back and still had a 7 shot lead after fourteen ends. The Monbulk rink won 5 of the last 7 ends to win by 10 shots, 21 to 11.

Peter Koomen’s rink trailed up until the ninth end when they picked up 4 shots and at the completion of the eleventh end led by 6 shots. They then dropped 8 shots in 3 ends and after 14 ends were 2 shots behind. The Monbulk rink levelled the scores on the fifteenth end, but lost 3 of the last 4 ends to lose by 3 shots, 16 to 19.

Jim Bras’ rink began well and by the fourth end led by 9 shots. Their opponents won 6 of the next 9 ends and led by 2 shots. The Monbulk rink picked up 7 shots in two ends to lead by 5 shots and when they picked up 7 shots on the seventeenth end the lead had blown out to 8 shots which was the final margin, 30 to 22.

Monbulk won the overall by 15 shots, 67 to 52 and have sewn up top spot for the finals which begin in two weeks.

Monbulk 2 travelled to Cranbourne and had trouble on most rinks coping with the slow grass green.

Alan Hamilton’s rink was only able to win two ends losing by 34 shots, 2 to 36. Eric Furby’s rink was only two shots down after 8 ends, but then won only 2 of the last thirteen ends to lose by 23 shots, 9 to 32.

Graeme Goller’s rink was the shining light and after 9 ends led by 13 shots. The opposition then grabbed the momentum winning the majority of ends and moved within 4 shots with two ends to play. The Monbulk rink held its nerve to eventually win by three shots, 21 to 18.

Monbulk 2 lost the overall by 54 shots, 32 to 86.

Monbulk 3 played Eastwood Golf and it was a close contest on 2 of the rinks.

Mike Harris’ rink were 3 shots in front after 8 ends, but then dropped 4 shots on the tenth end to trail by 2 shots. By the seventeenth end scores were level and the Monbulk rink finished strongly winning 3 of the last 4 ends to win by one shot, 17 to 16.

Alan Brooke’s rink trailed by 4 shots after 12 ends, but by the second last end had tied the scores. The Eastwood rink grabbed the shot on the last end to win 14 to 13.

Bruce Cockerill’s rink trailed by 12 shots after eight ends and they battled hard, but went down by 15 shots, 10 to 25.

Monbulk lost the overall by 15 shots, 40 to 55.

Karen Rice draws to the jack.

Picture: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Ferntree Gully play finals NR Reeves Shield Lysterfield v Knoxfield The Basin 5/261(cc) (J Sherriff 131*, B Walter 35, J Turcinovic 34; J Toohey 2/41, P Mastertoun 2/42) def Ferntree Gully 187 (H Cowling 67, P Jefimenko 39, G Kalisperis 27; S Luck 3/12, C Law 3/40, M Ley 2/43) RJ DeCoite Shield St Johns Tecoma v Monbulk Upper Ferntree Gully 9/146 (dec) def Eildon Park 126 Division 3 Knoxfield v Ferntree Gully Footballers Upwey-Tecoma v Lysterfield Division 4 Aura Vale 8/155(cc) (S Mohammad 54; J Wensley 3/32, D Cleary 2/28, K Storey 2/32) def Monbulk 145 (B Martin 31, B Trinnick 31; K Macdonald 2/6, S Macgraw 2/17, M Haughton 2/30, K Hussain 2/38) Eildon Park v Knox City Division 5 Knoxfield v Eildon Park The Basin 5/190(cc) (S Ewart 72, N Freeling 31*) def Lysterfield 131 (C Moore 40, S Finch 33; J Debernardi 3/33, N Freeling 2/30) Division 6 Lysterfield v Monbulk Johnson Park v Johnson Park SKLPS Division 7 Ferntree Gully 149 (T Cuthell 32, L Mclachlan 27; J Duke 3/20, L Bowers 3/26, N Whitty 2/28) def Lysterfield 133 (N Whitty 37; J North 3/37, L Mclachlan 2/14, N Vincent 2/17) Upper Ferntree Gully 6/116(cc) (A Edma-

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Ferntree Gully and District Cricket finals were played over the weekend.

Picture: FIELD OF VIEW SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

nson 31, H Stringer 30*; A Kalra 2/16, M Singh 2/19) def Rowville 72 (A Vatsa6/21) Division 8 The Basin v Knox Boronia Johnson Park SKLPS v Monbulk

M Francis 4/15, R Smith 3/16, M O’neill 2/12) Division 10 St Johns Tecoma v Ferntree Gully Monbulk 4/31 def Bayswater 9/27

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Division 9 Eildon Park v South Belgrave Johnson Park 5/190(cc) (C Clauscen 46*, R Smith 40; A Preece 2/22, T Stroud 2/27) def St Johns Tecoma 89 (J Virgona 33;

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MOTORING

A mechanic on the move Easy E’s Mechanical is a mobile mechanic service that comes to you.

Owner Emmanuel Damoulakis travels all over the South East to homes and workplaces with his mobile service.

Emmanuel offers log book servicing, diagnosis and general maintenance of cars, trailers and caravans.

He can also fit child restraints and service and regas airconditioning systems.

After each service Emmanuel will disinfect the interior of your vehicle following health and safety guidelines using a plant based disinfectant.

Emmanuel has more than 10 years’ experience as a mechanic servicing multiple makes and models.

His new business has already attracted pos-

itive Facebook feedback.

Satisfied customer Brian Dickson wrote on a Facebook review - “I had Emmanuel come to do a 150,000km service on my Ford Ranger and he was great, punctual, explained everything, even pumped up my spare tyre. I would highly recommend him.”

Another customer Shushi Mar said she was very impressed writing that Emmanuel was on time, friendly and professional.

Tyrone Oliver had Emmanuel service his Subaru.

“Best my car has driven since I had it. He changed filters I didn’t know were in the car and did a thorough job. Highly recommended and a great bloke to boot. Give him a call I’m sure you will be more than happy.”

To book an appointment with Emmanuel phone him on 0435 225 564.

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY, WE COME TO YOU

TEXT OR CALL

0435 225 564 mailcommunity.com.au

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AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING AND CAR HEATING REPAIRS

12506418-JW32-21

All Service and Repairs

Easy E’s Mechanical will come to you. 206531

KAR AIR PTY LTD

9752 4122 2 William Street Ferntree Gully 33 Years in Ferntree Gully

SEASONAL SPECIAL REGAS

CAR A/C SERVICE & RE-GAS

$165*

• System Diagnosis • Degas & Full Evacuation • Pressure & leak test • Regas to correct gas levels Wear • Inspect Hoses, Belts & Filter for Test e anc orm • Full Perf • UV Dye & oil to system • 6 Months Warranty on Gas loss *most vehicles 12509047-SN45-21

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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MAIL 27

Excellence in Aged Care

We believe it is the right of every Australian to have affordable access to high quality residential aged care services within a homely, safe, supportive and nurturing environment that is able to meet the individual needs, goals, preferences and care requirements of our residents.

Our residents always come first.

We recognise and value the resident’s family and/or other representatives in partnering with care, ensuring where relevant communication is strong in developing relationships.

We treat our residents as individuals and promote individual choice and decision making.

We take great pride in the professional quality of our work and have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in what we do.

Call our friendly community engagement manager, Amanda on 1300 428 886 for more information or arrange a personal tour.

Clovelly Cottage 16 Stewart Street, Boronia VIC. 3155

Permanent and respite available now.

1300 428 886

www.autumnagedcare.com.au 12483754-SN17-21

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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