Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 15th March 2022

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Lilydale

Mail

Celebrating women in emergency management

Bike racks installed on public transport

SPOTLIGHT: Mooroolbark gets its wings

The importance of Ride to School

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

PAGE 12

PAGE 16

A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

12496493-NG22-21

Jumping for joy

By Mikayla van Loon The final decision to save the land at 150 Cambridge Road has been handed down to the community after two years of petitioning and campaigning.

Yarra Ranges Council made the unanimous decision at its meeting on Tuesday 8 March, gaining support from all nine councillors.

Before getting the final approval, a community consultation process occurred, receiving overwhelming support from 95 per cent of people who responded.

Key petitioner John Phillips said it was a historical moment for the council and the community.

“I think the unanimous vote at the council’s last meeting combined with the community consultation outcome brings about a rare and historical occasion for council but primarily for Kilsyth and Walling Ward history,” he said.

Mr Phillips said aerial shots of Kilsyth show the lack of passive open space in the suburb and was pleased the council had the foresight to prevent this land from becoming another housing development for future generations.

“This will be fantastic and will last a lifetime now for many generations,” he said.

Councillor Len Cox said not only did people approve of the purchasing of the land but approved of the method in which the funds would be available to the council with the selling of vacant blocks in surrounding areas.

“I was much heartened by that result from the public,” he said.

“If we can pass this tonight to buy this land it will become a focal point in the area of Kilsyth… With more and more backyards disappearing into housing the open space is just so badly needed and will be needed more and more as the years go by.”

Councillor Tim Heenan supported the motion to approve the purchase and said it was one of the best forward planning decisions for open space to be made by the council.

Although the design of what to do with the

A group of Kilsyth and surrounding suburb residents celebrated the win that took over two years to get, led by John Phillips. 271851 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS space is possibly still a little way off, Mr Phillips said the community is quite passionate about keeping the old staircase as a historical memento and having a say in the naming process of the reserve.

For Mr Phillips he sees the best design outcome being something similar to that of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve (EBR) with walking paths and gardens.

“Somewhere family orientated, somewhere

people of all ages can go to, somewhere for the elderly, this can be great for a lot of the elderly where the EBR is too far to walk and they can’t drive,” he said.

Continued page 3

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

Tel:฀9736฀2853฀•฀Clancy฀Road,฀Mt฀Evelyn฀3796

www.evelynrecycling.com.au

12450347-LB23-20

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

We฀buy฀copper,฀฀brass,฀aluminium,฀etc . . .

We฀Buy฀Steel

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12488431-SN20-21

Every third dose protects everyone you love Getting your third dose of the vaccine now, won’t just protect you. It will help protect your entire family.

From the oldest to the youngest, getting your third dose now, means you’ve done everything you can to protect everyone you love from serious illness.

Find your nearest vax site and walk in, or book now.

Go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au

VACCINATION

TICKET Find out more at CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12539246-NG11-22

2 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Mt Evelyn house explosion A house on The Wridgeway in Mt Evelyn was the scene of an explosion early in the morning on Friday 11 March.

Ten CFA vehicles and volunteer firefighters responded to the call that was reported at about 6.14am, supported by Victoria Police.

The house was unoccupied and no one was injured.

The incident was declared under control by 7.34am, while crews remained on-site assisting with cleaning up the damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the matter being treated as suspicious.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Chirnside Park road rescue

The brightly coloured Lilydale station underpass is now open for the community to use.

Picture: LXRP

Lilydale underpass has bright new face The underpass of the Lilydale skyrail has been given a brightly coloured face lift, with the open space now ready to be used by the community.

Sitting adjacent to Lilydale’s transport hub, with the new train station above it and new bus bays for the local community and school students either side, the open space provides the community with an informal meeting area.

“Removing the Maroondah Highway level crossing has not only made the road safer for drivers and pedestrians, but has also given us the opportunity to create a fantastic, vibrant

open space for the local community,” Level Crossing Removal Project program director Steve Brown said.

“The colourful open space will benefit Lilydale locals for decades to come, providing a place to meet and move through the new station precinct.”

The orange and yellow hues used in the design were developed in consultation with the Urban Design Advisory Panel and other key stakeholders to reflect the Victorian stone cladding and rusted look of the architectural screens.

By using vibrant colours the LXRP team hope during the shady hours of the day the orange and yellow will create a sense of lightness.

Landscaping works are still underway at both the Lilydale and Mooroolbark stations, where more than 60,000 shrubs and grasses will be planted.

Once the Lilydale station is complete in mid 2022, the station’s forecourt will connect to the Warburton Rail Trail and the improved car parking around the station.

Community prevails with land decision From page 1 Having been through the pandemic and lockdowns, 150 Cambridge Road became a well used natural open space for exercise and somewhere to improve mental health.

Mr Phillips said he hopes that can continue and people use the space to escape the

four walls of their home into the future.

“It’s good for mental health and wellbeing and it’d be another area where families create memories. “It’s almost impossible for an area like that to make people feel negative, especially with the wildlife, as well as the fresh air and the outlook and being out of the home.

“And from that what happens generally, you study better, people work better, which creates better production, with less health costs overall. So it’s just a plus plus, plus.” A deposit will be paid by the council to the State government to move forward with the purchase.

A number of emergency service crews were called to a small collision in Chirnside Park this afternoon, with reports of someone being trapped in their vehicle.

Initially nine crews were listed as responding, with CFA, FRV, VICSES and Ambulance Victoria each sending vehicles to the Grandvalley Drive incident.

“CFA was called to a car accident with a possible person trapped at 1.24pm at Chirnside Park,” a CFA spokesperson said.

“One car was involved in the accident with a person partially trapped.”

Ambulance Victoria paramedics were on scene to assist with any injuries.

“Paramedics are currently assessing two people who are in stable conditions for what appears to be minor injuries,” a spokesperson said.

The area was declared safe at 1.39pm.

Seville stabbing Police are investigating after a serious assault in Seville on Wednesday 9 March.

Investigators have been told a group of youths allegedly got into an altercation with a man on a bus before a knife was produced and the man sustained a suspected stab wound.

Paramedics were called to the incident around 6.20pm to treat the 44 year old man with serious upper body injuries.

The man was flown to the Alfred hospital with non-life-threatening injuries in a stable condition.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, are currently helping investigators with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Protection against mosquito bites Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Deborah Friedman said mosquitoes are still active at this time of year and are capable of transmitting a range of diseases, including Japanese Encephalitis virus and the more common Ross River virus.

“Mosquitoes can be active throughout the day, but the peak period is often around the late afternoon and into the evening as well as around dawn and dusk,” she said.

“People should wear long, loose fitting clothes and use repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin.”

WE ARE SEEKING A FULL-TIME

Gardener

Fleming’s is Australia’s leading light in horticulture.

Not only growing beautiful trees and plants for over 100 years but now designing, building and maintaining amazing domestic and commercial landscapes across Melbourne and Geelong.

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

12537245-AV10-22

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

PRACTICAL, HANDS ON, FULL TIME ROLE. ATTRACTIVE SALARY. Call or email ANDY to apply or find out more about a career with Fleming’s.

Ferndale is a beautiful 35 acre private property in Sassafras. We have extensive lawns, landscaped gardens, orchards, vegetable growing areas and hothouses.

We are looking for an experienced gardener to join our team.

If you are an experienced Gardener with commonsense, attention to detail, the ability to plan and most importantly, a person who delivers on promises - send your resume and cover letter to hr@ferndalezen.com

You will be responsibile for the care of our trees and gardens, and help Mother Nature do her work.

Head Office Fleming Lane, Monbulk VIC 3793 AUS T 03 9756 6105 E jobs@flemings.com.au flemings.com.au 12540360-SG11-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 3

NEWS

Women in emergencies

By Mikayla van Loon Celebrating women in emergency management is something the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWENetwork) does every day but having a day dedicated to recognising women everywhere brought their work into the light.

Vice president and co-founder Amanda Lamont hosted an International Women’s Day breakfast in Lilydale on Wednesday 9 March in the hopes of reconnecting with women, and men, in emergency management and volunteer roles.

“With Covid, we’ve noticed a lot of people are staying at home more and it’s getting harder for people to travel, just because they’ve not quite comfortable, and perhaps a bit more introverted,” she said.

“So having an event for women to come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, locally and conveniently, just gives people the opportunity to connect and reconnect with each other face to face.”

Living in the Dandenong Ranges herself and having experienced the damage caused by the June storms, Ms Lamont became even more aware of the role women played in the clean up.

“I am particularly invested and passionate about the role that women play in supporting themselves, their families, their neighbours, their communities, their businesses in a disaster context because the role that they play is in uniforms with lights and sirens but it is so much more than that.

“Women play incredible roles behind the scenes often unrecognised and unspoken about and are not celebrated nearly enough in terms of mums looking after kids, keeping them safe, keeping them well.

“Also, in terms of teachers in schools, librarians, neighbourhood houses, community centres, getting communities together when they

Women in local government, psychologists, PhD candidates, national strategy and policy advisers and community volunteers joined in the International Women’s Day breakfast in Lilydale hosted by the AWENetwork.

Picture: SUPPLIED are needed after a disaster event to keep them connected and supported.”

Although Ms Lamont and the AWENetwork like to celebrate the work of women all year round, she said with the impact of the last two years, her fellow colleagues and friends were becoming exhausted.

“Those women have done incredible things off their own backs at their own expense in their own time whilst running households and getting kids to school or homeschooling.

“So it’s important to recognise it, particularly on days like International Women’s Day because I want these women to know we see them, we’re walking alongside you, witnessing how hard it is but we’re witnessing the success

and the difference that they’re making in people’s lives.”

The network welcomes all women, from those who volunteer in the CFA to those who work in emergency management at councils but it also supports women who live in the community.

By hosting the breakfast, Ms Lamont said those women who feel as though they just do what they think is right in an emergency were connected with emergency people where they could start discussions.

“We know that building connections in peacetime means that we can do a much better job when there is a disaster,” she said.

“So I want to be able to create a space for

people to come together and sit around the table and find the connection.”

Ms Lamont said these breakfasts will become a monthly addition to the AWENetwork calendar in the Yarra Ranges to ensure the conversations can continue.

“We’re going to continue to create the space for women to meet and connect on an ongoing basis because guaranteed if something goes down, those women will reach out to each other remembering they met at that breakfast.

“Having this in the Yarra Ranges, to support our local community, and particularly the women is really key to how we build resilience and face the next challenge, which is inevitably coming our way.”

29 MARCH 2022

Come and experience the opportunities available at Mount Lilydale Mercy College 12519073-NG11-22

4 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bus Association Victoria’s Chris Lowe, Martyrs Bus Lines manager Bryan Sultana and MP Cindy McLeish welcomed the Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON installation of the bike racks on the Lilydale and Warburton bus services. 272183

The bike racks fit two adult sized bikes and are secured by a safety arm.

272183

Bike to bus made easier

By Mikayla van Loon Taking a bike on a bus in the Lilydale area is now going to be more accessible with the inclusion of bike racks on a number of buses servicing the suburb.

A five year long project initiated by the Bus Association Victoria (BusVic) to first research the need and complexities of installing bike racks on buses has now come to fruition in the Yarra Ranges.

“We did a trial for a number of years and now we’re delighted that we’re able to bring bike racks to the buses that operate the Yarra Valley services, being the 683, 685, 686 and the 687,” BusVic executive director Chris Lowe said.

With a high number of cyclists in the area and the increasing number of bike trails in the region, Mr Lowe said it seemed like the right time to bring this initiative to the Yarra Ranges.

“It’s a very popular tourist destination. It’s also a very popular cycling destination. Not just Lilydale but Warburton and Healesville as well,” he said.

“So it’s a great investment to encourage this inter-modality, the active and the public transport coming together. There’s a good density of public transport users out here as well as there are active transport users.”

Supported by the Department of Transport (DoT), Mr Lowe said it would take another five years to see the bike racks installed across all

services in the state.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish said this was a great outcome from the region, to improve environmental sustainability and accessibility to the outer pockets of the district.

“This is a good initiative and it’s taken a little bit of time to get to the Yarra Valley but it was a bit of a no brainer,” she said.

“I think any tourists coming out bringing their own bike, you can get on the bus really easily and use these racks very simply actually.

“You can get off anywhere along the Warburton Highway or do the rail trail or you can go to Healesville or Yarra Glen and experience those towns. It allows you a lot of flexibility to get around easily.”

Ms McLeish said as Yarra Ranges Council expands its rail trails, the ability for people to access options like the bus bike racks will only improve the experience in the area and give people variety.

Two compact bike racks are located on the front of the bus, which can be pulled down by a lever and a support arm keeps the bike in place while travelling.

The bike racks will be operated by the user when they get on and off the bus. Safety and instruction videos can be found on the BusVic and DoT websites.

Unfortunately, the bike racks are not suitable for children’s bikes as they are usually too small for the safety arm.

ADVERTISEMENT

How will you afford to pay your higher interest rates?

Authorised by: Clive Palmer, United Australia Party, 153 Gooding Drive, Merrimac 4226 mailcommunity.com.au

UAP13508B

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

12539768-CG11-22

We can never trust the Liberals, Labor or Greens Again!

MAIL 5

NEWS

Upgrades to Lilydale club

By Parker McKenzie Upgrades to the Lilydale Sailing Club’s boat storage shed will begin in April after the sod was turned at a ceremony at the Lilydale Lake facility.

Community representatives, local councillors and state politicians turned out on Sunday 6 February to mark the beginning of the project, which is expected to be completed by the middle of 2022.

Lilydale Sailing Club President Michael Taylor said Lilydale Lake was a shining example of what can be done by flooding some parkland, putting some adjacent land, creating cycling paths around it and creating wheelchair-safe areas.

“When the lake was formed, a group of blokes got together down in Docklands and decided there was interest from overseas for those little bathtub boats that can be built to take disabled people out on the water in a safe manner,” he said.

“That project was kicked off not knowing how big it was going to grow, it was called S for E, Sailing for everyone.”

Representatives from Paddle Victoria, Lilydale Radio Yacht Club, Australian Classic Dingy Network, Stand Up Paddle Boarders and

Lilydale Sailing Club President Michael Taylor, State MP Harriet Shing and Yarra Ranges Counsellors Sophie Todorov and Tim Heenan.

Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE

Lilydale Sailing Club’s facilities at Lilydale Lake are receiving an upgrade.

Melba Support Services were present at the project launch.

Eastern Victoria Region MP and member of the Lilydale Revitalisation Board Harriet Shing said the project has been “a labour of love” and it has often felt like an uphill battle.

“This investment is about acknowledging and respecting the effort that it takes as community members, as family members and the loved ones of people who deserves access to all of the activities which we pride ourselves on having,” she said.

Yarra Ranges Counsellor Tim Heenan said the project will see the boat shed have increased storage, a training and maintenance room, accessibility ramp and the capacity for new programs to get people more interested in water activities.

“We thank you all for your contribution to this project,” he said.

“The passion of local clubs and their membership is the lifeblood of the community and the reason why we’re all celebrating the launch of this project today.”

“I used to walk around this lake while it was being filled up as a 15-year-old and I remember thinking I wonder what it will look like in 20 or 30 years’ time. Today, looking at this revitalised, energised, inclusive and brimming with activity, I can’t help but thank you all.”

The State Government’s suburban revitalisation program contributed $150,000 towards the project, which will also create a training room within the shed. Local clubs who use the facilities and Yarra Ranges Council contributed $27,000.

After 30 years, sailing towards a new vision at Lilydale “Being able to do something second best and put them in a boat which is quite low, so their hand can trail in the water, they’ve got that sense of being on the water again,” he said.

Working in disability support services himself, Mr Beitzel understands the importance of programs like Sailability.

“To have the facilities to do that and the opportunity, most of these young people live in a group home, they couldn’t exactly store a boat or have a boat of their own but they can come down to the club and go sailing and feel like an equal person in the community.”

The bigger picture vision for the Lilydale Sailing Club is to create a watersports hub at Lillydale Lake with a purpose built pavilion and storage facility close to the water for easy access.

“Out of that came the vision that we wanted to try and have an aquatic club at Lillydale Lake such as what’s at Albert Park Lake,” Mr Taylor said.

“This boat shed here, we’re 200 metres off the water, which in itself is problematic. It’s a big job to get boats out and get them down to the water.

“We’re all volunteers and we’re elderly volunteers. That has to change. Part of the vision is if we don’t get the community involved in what we do, this club will die.”

Although not there yet, Mr Taylor said the club will continue pushing towards the vision to provide a proper sailing experience to all people and a place for the community to learn aquatic sports. The extension to the current shed is a step in the right direction.

By Mikayla van Loon

Everyone is welcome at the club to either learn to sail, meet new people or help out around the shed.

The Lilydale Sailing Club is looking to expand its junior sailing program and bring on more members as it aims to grow.

Picture: LILYDALE SAILING CLUB “That’s the vision. This is not about any individual. This is about giving the community a centre so that even if you’re not a sailor, you can join because then you become part of that whole competitive edge that helps us to push forward.”

Building a junior program already, Mr Taylor said he can see the potential for success in some of the young people, who are thriving on having an alternative to other sports.

“Where there’s football, cricket, basketball, netball, swimming, whatever sport it

could be, sailing is tenth on the list, if not further down,” he said.

“We understand that, we’re not trying to compete. We’re trying to give an alternative.

We’ve got a great junior group and some of those kids are going to go on to world standard. I absolutely believe that.”

While the Sailability program will still be an important part of the club, Mr Taylor said having put a lot of effort and resources into it in the past has left members and the committee exhausted.

Taking a step back from the previous Sailability capacity is to ensure the health and wellbeing of the few volunteers who can instruct those sessions.

Junior sailing instructor Steve Beitzel said the benefits of the Sailabilty program are countless, particularly for those who are unable to go swimming anymore because of their condition.

ADVERTISEMENT

DELIVERING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES AS WE GROW. 12521584-BL46-21

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

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

6 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Harriet Shing MP LABOR MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

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

William Matthews Funerals 12477005-JW03-21

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS Large Chapel Pre Paid Funerals Available

12474992-LB50-20

The Lilydale Sailing Club has over 30 years of history teaching and training young people in the art of sailing, as well as providing one of the first disability sailing programs in the state.

But with the impact of Covid-19 on volunteer numbers, president Mick Taylor said the pandemic was a good time for the club to reset and work out what its future looked like in the long term.

With a bit of a restructure and reshuffle of priorities, the club is aiming to expand sustainably and move into opening doors for young people with an interest in sailing.

“When Covid hit in early 2020 we got a bit of a shock because we couldn’t operate even though it was our peak operating time and like everyone else, we were shut down,” Mr Taylor said.

“We’d already talked about how we should be doing more junior stuff and we should be taking the club in another direction.”

Basing its new direction on the history of the club, the Lilydale Sailing Club’s motto returned to being ‘sailing for everyone’ - the original name of the club when it first started.

Wanting to provide better services and equipment, Mr Taylor said a new feature at the club is a membership system.

“We’ve actually created memberships that we haven’t had before. People ask ‘why do I have to pay?’ Well, I want you to be part of what we do. We want you to have some ownership,” he said.

Before you decide call Bill, Narelle, or Melanie Matthews & Micah

9739 6868 www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

N.F.D.A Member

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bushfire report submitted

By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Council has agreed to submit its thoughts and recommendations to the Bushfire Planning made Clearer Discussion Paper, an investigation organised by DELWP. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have invited submissions from local councils to improve the bushfire planning schemes, particularly surrounding the bushfire building overlays.

Councillor Fiona McAllister said current planning schemes are difficult to navigate and are often quite subjective.

“The bushfire overlay that is in place over many parts of the Yarra Ranges is currently incredibly complex and for those seeking to build not just in our forested areas but in our many of our urban areas it produces complexity and expense and restriction and a very subjective experience for them to endure often at a great financial and personal cost,” she said.

Changes to the bushfire planning schemes were introduced after the 2009 Black Saturday fires and sought to prioritise human life over policy objectives and structural assets.

Cr McAllister said she had seen many

Yarra Ranges Council has approved a submission to a DELWP research report on the bushfire overlay system.

Picture: UNSPLASH changes and adaptations to the overlay system that started as the wildfire management overlay but this would be the best change she’d seen should the State government really hear the council’s concerns.

Yarra Ranges Council’s report discussed the insufficient recognition of the ‘right to build’ and the extent of construction standards that make it possible to safely build in bushfire risk environments.

“Fundamentally our council position is that we do support people’s right to build in the bush and we do support priority of life but that

doesn’t mean people aren’t allowed to build in the bush and the country and the many parts of the Yarra Ranges covered by the bushfire management overlay,” Cr McAllister said.

“We do strongly support ‘a streamlined approval process that relies on achievement of prescribed technical standards that can be checked and confirmed by suitably qualified professionals.’

“At the moment there are many layers and many opportunities for subjective interpretation and that’s got to change.”

Cr McAllister said the standards to which houses are built and properties are maintained in bushfire areas probably protects the land more because of the precautions taken but wading through the planning schemes and processes are challenging and expensive.

Cr David Eastham said he was grateful to the State government for providing local councils the opportunity to submit to the discussion but said he really hoped it would all be taken into consideration.

“I hope for the many residents in the Yarra Ranges that have had to deal with this process that it is clearer, smoother, that the process is much more efficient with less red tape and bu-

reaucracy and only having the red tape there that is actually needed,” he said.

Cr Johanna Skelton raised concerns about the clearing ability along fence lines, being up to five metres, to allow access in a bushfire situation, adding to the discussion around appropriate vegetation removal provisions.

She said she could understand the rule for larger, archeage properties but was not confident in the necessity and wished to abstain from voting rather than objecting. Cr Andrew Fullagar also abstained from voting.

Cr McAllister closed by saying a vast majority of people get the balance right between “protection of vegetation and protection of property and life” and fully supports the right to clear access ways along fence lines.

“It’s not about ensuring houses or fences continue to exist, it’s about protecting people and the animals and the wildlife that live in those areas and to enable firefighting crews to get through. We do have to accept that we do live in a fire prone area.”

The motion was carried unanimously with the two abstaining votes being outweighed by the other councillors.

Coldstream housing development moves forward

By Renee Wood A housing development earmarked for Coldstream is getting off the ground, after contract approvals were provided to the project dubbed Coldstream Views late last year.

Tony De Felice Homes is developing the land off Maroondah Highway and Killara Road and it was first proposed four years ago.

Agent Rachel Muir said council regulation adjustments were needed after the initial plans were submitted, and following pandemic delays the project was given the green light late last year.

The billboard was installed Tuesday 1 March and Ms Muir said 13 parcels of land have already been sold with buying interest high.

“Virtually immediately we were getting inquiries just off the board, so there’s no internet advertising at this point, and we’ve been inundated,” she said.

Lot sizes range between 333sqm to 559sqm, priced from $400,000 to $560,000.

Ms Muir said the overwhelming response is coming from many young families and couples looking to downsize.

“It’s a mix of age groups that have been waiting for quite a few years now.

“I think the hesitation over the last two to three years has increased the demand and a lot of people have been keeping a sharp eye on the development there.”

Ms Muir has noticed a trend among families as well looking into at the sites.

“The children who are in their 20s with their partners they’re buying a block, and

The Coldstream Views sign was installed Tuesday 1 March. 271724 then the parents are as well, so it’s becoming very communal.”

The local economy and services are expected to get a boost from more residents moving in once completed.

“It’s a positive thing happening to Coldstream, extra families coming into the area,

more money coming into the area - helping small businesses, the supermarket, schools are a big factor.”

A green space with a park is also part of the development.

Infrastructure works on roads, drainage and underground powerlines are expected to

Picture: RENEE WOOD begin in eight weeks.

The developer is hopeful titles will be available between September and October.

“The developer himself is very keen to progress very quickly on it and get the land subdivided and the opportunity for people to start building on there.”

12540483-AI11-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 7

NEWS

Habitat for Humanity program manager Thomas Alexander, Mieke Alexander, Japara House’s community engagement officer Jackie Warren and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle all opened the garden on Tuesday 8 March.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The garden’s main purpose is to be a place to honour those who have experience a violent household.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers helped transform the garden from being overgrown to a nicely landscaped space.

A garden for one and all

By Mikayla van Loon Finding a tranquil place to sit and relax in Kilsyth has now been made possible with the Garden of Contemplation officially opened on International Women’s Day. After days of tiring work to get the rear garden at The Bridge House weeded and landscaped, community organisations, council members and those who worked on the garden enjoyed a small celebration on Tuesday 8 March.

Japara House’s community engagement officer Jackie Warren said none of it would have been possible without the idea Mieke Alexander came to her with.

“I thought it was a good project because it was brought to us by a community member and we felt it was for a group that didn’t need a signpost or a monument or anything like that, but just somewhere quiet for reflection,” she said.

“We had the space here and we just thought it was just a perfect spot where it was private

Pockets of the garden encourage people to be reflective and respectful. but not too private and that people would just come and reflect or have a quiet place to sit.”

With so much else going on in the other garden spaces at The Bridge House, Ms Warren said it would provide another element to the space and will complement the rest of the grounds.

“This area now will be the quiet part of the garden where people will be able to come and sit and have their lunch, whereas the other part of the gardens will hopefully be full of garden beds for vegetables, for planting, for a community compost and just basically learning for the community.”

Ms Warren said her hope with the garden being connected to a community house is that women will feel safe to walk into the house and ask for help.

Yarra Ranges Councillor Len Cox said the garden is now a great asset for the Kilsyth area and he is so pleased to see the space being used purposefully.

“The people who organised this should be congratulated because six months ago this was looking very shabby and it had been overgrown by weed plants and it was looking terrible and they’ve brought it up to scratch,” he said.

“It is looking very attractive and I think they’ve done such a good job at sorting it out

and it’ll get used more now that it’s looking like this.”

Originally Cr Cox said the garden was used to look after those who had been hurt in accidents and had resulting brain damage or physical damage.

“That all stopped about 10 years ago and it had all just slowly deteriorated but now it’s had a rebirth,” he said.

The garden has now taken on a similar purpose in honouring those who have suffered from family violence to reflect, find peace and feel safe.

“We’ve managed to provide what we hope is a place of peace that recognises and honours survivors to show we know,” Ms Alexander said.

“We hope this garden will be used by all.

Some to remember where they’ve come from, some to rest and forget and some like me who like to be surprised sometimes and reflect how fortunate they are to have the life they’ve had.”

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

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

9pm 25 Mar to 6am 4 Apr

Closed at the level crossing

Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert

8.30pm to 6am, 15 to 24 Mar

Closed at the level crossing

Watsonia Road, Watsonia

At night, in late Mar to late May

Lane closures between Devonshire and Greensborough roads

Bulleen Road, Bulleen

From Apr to late May

Changed traffic conditions and lane closures between Greenaway Street and the Eastern Freeway

9pm 25 Mar to 6am 4 Apr

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12537282-AV11-22

8 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Help those most in need

By Callum Ludwig The latest available census data from 2016 indicated that about 360 Yarra Ranges residents were experiencing some form of homelessness, but local charities and support services are working hard to turn the tide.

In 2016, Anchor Homelessness Support in Lilydale provided 6,579 episodes of housing and support services.

In 2022, Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker said it is likely the numbers have increased, despite difficulties collecting true figures in the past.

“Often when people complete censuses, or when you talk to them, they don’t necessarily define themselves as homeless, as they might be sleeping on someone’s couch, or they’re moving from one place to another. I would say yes, the numbers have definitely increased since 2016,” she said.

“The whole sector has worked quite hard to make sure that people without homes are counted, including being involved with the ABS to improve the ability to count people who are homeless.”

Not-for-profit independent charity Holy Fools’s Founder and CEO Neal Taylor said that the number of homeless people far exceeds census data as there are reasons people cannot or will not be defined as homeless.

“I would estimate about 600 are homeless in the Yarra Ranges as we speak. The number recorded in the census is only those who want it to be recorded or those who could even access it all,” he said.

“There is not just a lot of visible homelessness, but a lot of invisible homelessness. However, we are now starting to see a change with more and more people sleeping in doorways, in shops, and open areas.”

Census data from 2021 is set to be released in a staged process from June 2022 by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Homelessness support services are concerned about the level and state of homelessness in the Yarra Valley.

There have been a number of key issues raised over the last few years that have contributed to the homelessness concern in the Upper Yarra and wider Yarra Valley. The large number of people converting properties to AirBnB’s, damage from the June 2021 storms, Covid-19 restrictions and job loss, and rising house prices.

Ms Tucker said sharp increases in house prices in the area mean the accessibility to a home in the Yarra Valley is more difficult than in 2016.

“Lilydale house prices have increased so much in the last five years, and it is now push-

ing out into the Valley. Where people might have bought on the outskirts of Lilydale, they’re now being pushed further out,” she said.

“Anytime there’s a somewhat affordable house coming up for sale, it’s quickly snapped up.”

Median house prices have increased by over $230,000 in Lilydale between 2016 and 2021 and almost doubled from $375,000 to $675,000 in Warburton according to realestate.com.au.

Mr Taylor said that over the past 13 years that Holy Fools has been operating, more awareness of homelessness in the area has

Picture: ON FILE

had to have been acknowledged by residents and the council.

“You would not believe how many people we talked to who didn’t even know there was homelessness in the Yarra Ranges. We need to identify our homelessness services in the area, where they are and we want to conduct a count of the homelessness in the Yarra Ranges,”he said.

“As a community, I think it’s time we started to make some radical changes and move in a direction helping people stay out of and get out of homelessness. Armed with the data, we will be in a much stronger position to be able to work from.”

ALL - NEW

OUTLANDER Planned burns help reduce fuel loads for bushfires.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Planned burns begin

mailcommunity.com.au

Forest Fire Management Victoria are planning to ramp up controlled burns in the coming weeks.

TEST DRIVE NOW

share regularly to share resources, knowledge and expertise.

Other bushfire risk reduction works will be carried out, including mowing, slashing, mulching and maintaining or creating strategic fuel breaks.

“I thank the community for their support while our crews carry out this important fuel reduction work to protect life, property and the environment,” Ms Beckett said.

“Without year-round fuel management, bushfires will be more damaging and harder for firefighters to control.”

More information regarding planned burns can be found at www.vic.gov.au/ plannedburns.

LILYDALE MITSUBISHI 56-70 Main Street Lilydale T 9735 5800

12525325-JW49-21

Forest Fire Management Victoria will ramp up planned burns across the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley across the coming weeks.

Currently, planned burns will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 20 March in Montrose.

Planned burning is a key part of FFMVic’s bushfire and risk strategy to protect local communities, property and the environment.

FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tamara Beckett said FFMVic conducts planned burns based on conditions rather than the season, which means burning will take place year-round.

“As long as the conditions allow and it is safe to do so, we will carry out as many of our high priority burns in bushfire-prone areas as we can,” she said.

“We will undertake planned burns to reduce fire risk near communities, essential infrastructure and assets like water catchments, and ecological burns – particularly in the western grasslands – to help support rare and protected flora and fauna.”

FFMVic said it works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor weather conditions like humidity, temperature and wind speed, and will only carry out burns when conditions are right.

Planned burn programs are supported by local CFA brigades, who FFMVic crews

www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 9

NEWS

Inside the VIP marquee with plenty of pink on show.

Sarah Allan, Sarah Pedersen, Sam Bishop, Kat Coopersmith Shades of Pink committee members at the race day.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Yarra Valley Racing hosted the Shades of Pink Diamond Raceday.

Pink power to save lives

By Renee Wood Yarra Valley Racecourse was a sea of pink on Saturday 26 February 2022 as racegoers adorned themselves for the Shades of Pink Diamond Raceday in Yarra Glen.

More than $38,000 was raised for local breast cancer services on the day through VIP marquee tickets and race sponsorship from supporting businesses.

It’s the fourth race meet Shades of Pink has held and co-founder Kat Coopersmith said she’s grateful to all who supported the recent

event and those held in the past.

“We have been blessed especially over the last two years, because charity and fundraising organisations have been hit hard with Covid and cancelling of events,” Ms Coopersmith said.

Shades of Pink first started in 2017, with committee members Ms Coopersmith, Sarah Pedersen, Sarah Allan and Sam Bishop leading the charge arranging events to raise funds for local breast cancer services.

Ladies luncheons and race days have been held in support of the Eastern Health Founda-

Subscribe to any of the

Star Mail Digital Editions for

tion for the Eastern Health Maroondah Hospital’s Breast and Cancer Centre.

Ms Coopersmith said they wanted to create events for local people to provide funds for local services.

“We actually sit down with doctors and nurses and see what they need and what the public needs. So we know that 100 per cent of the money raised goes there,” she said.

Over the years Shades of Pink has raised around $360,000, which has gone towards Allied Health Clinician, 3D mammogram machine, 3D Biopsy System table and a portable Ultrasound all for Maroondah Hospital.

Ms Coopersmith said supporting advancing technologies and research are vital in saving lives from breast cancer.

“We were able to fundraise to get the program into the Breast Cancer Centre, so they both have 2d and 3d there, which is great to improve the diagnosis for each person going to get their mammograms.

“We know that our friends that live in there will go to that clinic now and know that we’ve made a small impact over the years for all women and men going into the future.”

The other part of Shades of Pink is continuing to build awareness for women and men to conduct monthly breast checks and book

in for regular mammograms which can save lives.

Something close to Ms Coopersmith’s heart while her mum is in remission after being diagnosed in 2012 and sadly losing friends to the disease.

Breast Cancer is something that touches many people, Cancer Australia states there were 17,725 new cases diagnosed in Australia in 2017 and it’s estimated 3,138 Australians (3102 females and 36 males) died from it in 2021.

The pandemic’s also caused concern around missed diagnoses from people putting off those vital doctor visits during lockdowns.

“The accessibility to go to an appointment has been harder for everybody. Some people felt that they couldn’t go and get diagnosed or go get checked.

“I would highly recommend talking to the GP and go get a mammogram if there is history in your family, but also if there are any abnormalities that you’re finding within your body to go and get them checked straightaway.”

The next event the charity is organising will be a luncheon for the middle of the year, while those wanting to support the cause can also provide regular donations through the website. www.shadesofpink.com.au

FREE Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

Mail New Aussies welcomed

Sanders relives rally

Brown’s AFLW debut

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

Mail New Aussies welcomed

Sanders relives rally

Brown’s AFLW debut

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

SPORT

A Star News Group Publication

PAGE 8

PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Back to school!

12477081-JW03-21

A Star News Group Publication

SPORT

12477081-JW03-21

PAGE 3

Mail

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff.

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy

By Jed Lanyon

Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love.

The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use.

Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.

“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.”

Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more.

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping

12481673-SN07-21

A worthy brand

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit mailcommunity.com.au/subscribe 10 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Shades of Pink holds the race day yearly. mailcommunity.com.au

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

I love cars! After working in the car industry for over 10 years, I have learnt so much about them, different models, makes, new and old varieties but my favourite is the VW Kombi.

Tell us about your role as a Shades of Pink co-founder?

I have many different roles at Shades of Pink.

Liaising directly with Eastern Health Foundation with the goals we hope to achieve, to running our events, and most importantly deciding where the money is to be allocated at the Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre after meeting with staff and finding out what would be best to help all the community.

What has been your most memorable moment with Shades of Pink? Why? The most memorable day would be when we met our target to help fund the 3D mammogram machine located at the Centre. By doing this, we have been able to help many of the local community in their future breast screening appointments by having the latest technology available.

What do you love most about living in the region?

How lucky am I to live in the Yarra Valley! A beautiful region, surrounded by nature brings a sign of peacefulness to my life and my families too.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to cook! At home we have a beautiful orchard and vegetable garden which I love creating meals and jams for my family and friends to enjoy.

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

The end of the pandemic! Everyone is waiting for that day to be announced I’m sure.

Who do you admire the most?

My late father in law, Brian. An extraordinarily community minded person which over the years has shown me how to give back to the

with Shades of Pink co-founder Kat Coopersmith

THREE … facts from Breastcancer.org

1

Kat Coopersmith - co-founder of Shades of Pink. local community. His advice I will continue to remember forever and pass onto my children and many more generations to follow.

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

Homelessness is a real issue, not only in our

region but everywhere. Especially after the last two years, peoples lives have been changed in all different ways.

I would love to see how we as a community can help people to overcome being homeless in the future.

Breast cancer might not cause a lump Breast cancer doesn’t always cause a lump, it can be other breast abnormalities. By the time it does cause a lump, the cancer might have already moved beyond the breast into the lymph nodes. This is why it’s important to get regular check ups.

2

Younger women and men can get breast cancer In 2017, about 4 per cent of invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in women under age 40, while about 23 per cent were diagnosed in women in their 50s and 27 per cent in women ages 60 to 69. While 4 per cent might sound small, it isn’t zero: this percentage means that one in every 25 invasive breast cancer cases occurred in women under 40.

3

Most people diagnosed have no known family history Only about 5–10 per cent of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, meaning they’re caused by abnormal changes (or mutations) in certain genes passed from parent to child. The vast majority of people who get breast cancer have no family history, suggesting that other factors must be at work, such as environment and lifestyle.

We’re backing you.

If you’re looking for work, or you need staff, Jobs Victoria is ready to back you with personalised support, wage subsidies, job search and more.

Learn more at jobs.vic.gov.au or call 1300 208 575.

Backing Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Check coronavirus.vic.gov.au for the latest COVIDSafe Settings.

12536813-AV11-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 11

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Graeme West and Bec Gilbert were excited to see the project they had been working on come to life in Mooroolbark.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The brightly coloured wings are ready for photos to be taken outside the library.

Sprouting colourful wings

By Mikayla van Loon A colourful art installation has arrived in Mooroolbark just in time for the Celebrate Mooroolbark festival.

With the help of artist Graeme West, the festival committee organised to have two sets of wings installed on the walls of Mooroolbark library.

“In meeting with Celebrate Mooroolbark we were talking about getting families and particularly youth back involved with the festival,” Celebrate Mooroolbark marketing manager Bec Gilbert said.

Having seen a reduction in young people’s participation in the festival, Bec said the committee wanted to come up with an interactive way to bring younger people into the event.

“We wanted to make sure that there was an opportunity for people to get involved not only in person after the pandemic but online

as well and to help spread awareness that the festival is on and that you can come and partake in this now we’re back to real life,” she said.

Bec said the wings were a simple way of “giving local angels the respect and acknowledgement they deserve” within the community and hopes they can become a permanent feature at the library.

With some experience in the wing art design space, Graeme said he views the wings as a symbol of returning to life after the pandemic.

“We often dream about superhero powers and what people usually think of is flight and wings,” he said.

You can stand in front of it and you can visualise yourself in that way. So the idea is about, we’ve been alive but just surviving a little bit.

Now we get to possibly go out and just expand

and fly to new horizons.”

Graeme said the purples, pinks, blues and greens used represent the festival’s logo and makes the design unique to Mooroolbark.

It also brightens up a corner of the library that had just been two blank brick walls previously.

Mooroolbark Library manager Angus Cooke said already he has noticed people stopping by to take photos and look at the craftsmanship of the wings.

“Just straight away people are going ‘oh, wow this is something in Mooroolbark and something in a community space’ and people also now realise there’s a library inside,” he said.

“Something like this is really good for us because it’s bringing people down, making them realise what’s in the community and is allowing them to access the resources.”

To help integrate the wings more into the library’s programs, Angus said it hopes to run fairy story times and other activities for the children.

The local angels project was funded by Yarra Ranges Council’s Art Attack program and will remain installed on the library walls for five years but Bec hopes it can be extended past that should the reaction be positive.

People are encouraged to take photos in front of the wings to be shared online with the hashtags #localangels #mooroolbarkwings and #celebratemooroolbark.

There’s a set for adults and for children, with all abilities access as well to cater for everyone.

Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival will be held across two days on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March with lots of activities and events happening throughout the weekend.

Meet artists through Open Studios and new exhibit

By Renee Wood The Yarra Valley Arts Open Studio events are back for the year with Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra artists opening their doors over two big weekends.

The community’s invited to visit Yarra Valley artists who’re taking part on 19, 20 March and Upper Yarra artists open the following weekend 26, 27 March.

An exhibit coinciding with Open Studios has also opened at the Yava Gallery in Healesville with works from the various artists on display which will run until 3 April.

Warburton artist Ryan Tews is joining the event for the first time and he’s looking forward to sharing his work from various mediums, including photography and painting.

Mr Tews said the most rewarding part of creating art is sharing it with others.

“What other people see in the work is usually quite different to what I see and that’s actually one of the joys of making art for me, is to actually see how other peoples’ experiences shape their interpretations of it,” Mr Tews said.

Mr Tews will have his photographic series on display which captures the diverse landscapes of the local area.

“That photography is using all different cameras from all different eras, from ten years ago to 100 years ago.”

Visitors can also get up close to Mr Tews woodwork and paintings, while demonstrations will also take place.

Mr Tews work focuses on the complex ecological systems that make up the Upper Yarra.

“One aspect of it is the river the Birrarung, Yarra River, that’s a massive inspirational force and massive force on the landscape out here.

“One of the jobs as an artist for me is to really just show people what’s already there.”

12 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Dakini Maddock YAVA Gallery Manager and Annette Kilsby Gallery Guide with Claude Ciccone’s Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS artwork The Lockdowner at the YAVA Gallery exhibit. 271902

Dakini Maddock YAVA Gallery Manager and Annette Kilsby Gallery Guide looking at a Beth Williams painting. 271902 Yarra Glen artist Beth Williams is also taking part in the Yarra Valley open day for the first time.

The abstract landscape painter said she started painting two years ago and finds solitude and comfort within her craft.

“I work a lot with people as a music thera-

Ryan Tews will be opening the doors to his Warburton studio.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Artist Beth Williams will be joining the Open Studios event.

pist and I work quite intensely with people, and that’s probably my main motivating factor for painting in landscape, because it’s good for my mental health to have some solitude and focus in landscape,” she said.

Ms Williams will have three bodies of work on display, which are using different

mediums and inspirations.

“I hope they [visitors] get out of it a sense that anyone can engage in art making, and that it’s accessible and it can happen on any scale that you have materials available for.”

To browse the artists involved, visit https://www.yava.org.au/openstudios mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Join the adventure Mountain Pygmy-possum poking his face out of a nest box. 272109 Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA

Breeding milestone The final female among a group of wild Mountain Pygmy-possums brought to Healesville Sanctuary five years ago has given birth to a healthy litter of young, marking a significant milestone for the captive breeding program for this Critically Endangered species.

Pod, who is named after the Podocarpus Plum Pine found in the alpine region where the species lives, was one of 10 wild possums collected from Mount Loch in 2017 for the captive breeding program, which has provided invaluable knowledge and contributed to the genetic diversity of the program.

Pod’s three joeys – two males and a female – were born in a purpose-built facility for the Mountain Pygmy-possum within the Threatened Species Precinct at the Sanctuary. The three joeys make 21 babies from the group of wild females.

Zoos Victoria Reproductive Biologist Dr Marissa Parrott said, prior to the breeding program starting in 2006, it was unknown if it was possible to reliably breed wild possums.

“Over the past 16 years, our knowledge of breeding and caring for this species has grown exponentially,” Dr Parrott said.

“Our research has been focussed on ensuring we have the knowledge, facilities and capabilities to assist conservation and respond in an emergency, and Pod and her three babies are an important piece in that puzzle.

“These joeys will help increase the genetic diversity of the population, which is extremely important for general health, but also the success of the program into the future.”

Dr Parrott said the joeys are very adventurous and inquisitive at night. Infrared possum cameras often show the siblings exploring, engaging with enrichment items, or foraging.

Their favourite food is Bogong Bikkies, (a nutritionally suitable food developed to replicate the Bogong Moths that the species eats), as well as mealworms.

While peas are their least favourite.

The joey trio will remain at the Sanctuary as part of a breeding and research population for the species. As they mature, they will join the breeding program’s other possums in social groupings. Since the beginning of the breeding program in 2006, Healesville Sanctuary has successfully bred and raised 123 offspring.

Mountain Pygmy-possums were thought to be extinct until being rediscovered at Mount Hotham in the 1960s.

This marsupial is listed as Critically Endangered. It is believed fewer than 2,000 are left in the wild.

Zoos Victoria’s breeding and conservation work is made possible thanks to the generous support of donors including the Dyson Bequest and multiple partners including the Mountain Pygmy-possum State Recovery Team, which includes The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board, Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board, Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board, The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Ecology Links, CESAR, Goulburn Broken CMA, North East CMA and Zoos Victoria.

In just over four weeks time you could be competing as one of the Adventure Dog champions, running through the mud, jelly, rivers and colourful bursts of chalk with your best four legged friend.

On 3 April at the picturesque Wandin Park Equestrian Centre, participants will be mentally and physically challenged by 25 obstacles spread over almost four kilometres.

The fundraising event has been carefully crafted to be both engaging and exciting for human and canines alike.

Regular competition challenger Dillon, with his race assistant Stitch, completed the course four times last year.

“My favourite part of the event was having my best mate with me and doing a mud and obstacle run,” he said.

“I compete in other obstacle runs but can’t take Stitch on those, so Adventure Dog is an awesome day for him. It’s the perfect day to extend your bond with your best mate and hit some fitness goals. Letting your doggo meet other friends and playing in the mud doesn’t get more fun than that.”

Dillon has chosen to fundraise this year to help the lost and homeless animals at Animal Aid. “After doing the event last year, we met a lot of people who told us their stories of how Ani-

mal Aid had helped care for their pets or where they went to adopt.”

Animal Aid has been helping animals in need for over 70 years and receives no government funding to operate, relying heavily on fundraising activities and community support.

Every year over 6000 animals come through the Animal Aid doors, each one receives the highest quality care and support until the team can get them home.

Do you feel like a muddy fun day out? Register and join here https://adventuredog2022. raisely.com/

AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMIC PLAN We’re taking the next step to keep our economy strong.

• • • • • •

Keeping taxes low, because money in your pocket eases the cost of living Infrastructure projects across the country are creating jobs Skilling the workforce for the jobs of tomorrow Committing to making more goods in Australia to help secure our supply chain Delivering affordable and reliable energy to our homes and businesses Backing Australian businesses to modernise and innovate for our future

Australia’s Economic Plan has helped us through the last two years. There are 260,000 more people in work than before COVID. Australia has performed better than major advanced economies through the pandemic. That’s why we’re taking the next step.

To find out more, visit economicplan.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

12540591-HC11-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 13

OPINION

The dirty ‘P’ word This week I’m going to mention the dirty “P” word – posture. We all know how important it is...but so many of us admit that we’re not very good at it.

At my physiotherapy practice, we are treating more postural-type back and neck pain than ever before.

It’s because we’re living through a unique time of working-from-home, Zoom meetings and lockdowns – we simply aren’t out and moving enough.

The reality is, having a good posture – especially whilst sitting at a desk or a computer – is really hard.

To put it straight, the human body is simply not designed to sit at a desk for hours a day. Yet, for so many of us we are doing just that.

Not only are we working from home and online more than ever before, we’re still sitting on the couch watching tv, playing video games or even worse...crouched over our phones checking Facebook.

No wonder I’m treating so many headaches, back aches and muscle tightness issues.

The best cure for poor posture is, quite simply, to get up and move around.

Healthy

living Ben Croxford

Physiotherapist, Leads the team at Form & Practice Mount Evelyn and Olinda Our bodies are designed to move and be active.

Interestingly, there is a growing body of scientific research that suggests a slumped or slouched posture isn’t actually linked with pain any more than a “correct” posture.

However, what is linked with pain is how long we’re in that posture for.

We need to break up long periods of sitting – so go for a walk, get into the garden, head to the gym.

Even just changing your posture regularly can help to reduce the risk of back pain and headaches from sitting.

Now, this doesn’t mean we forget all that

we’ve learned in the past about posture – a good work station set-up is still important.

Obviously we can’t avoid sitting altogether – so when we’re relaxing, studying or at work we need to ensure that our desk-set up is top notch.

That can include things like a lumbar cushion, quality chair and ensuring an appropriate height of computer screen.

It might be helpful to get an expert like a physiotherapist to check out your desk setup.

Learning appropriate stretches to manage tight muscles is helpful as is strengthening your postural muscles through specific exercises or something like Pilates.

So remember, it’s not so much what posture you’re in, it’s how long you’re in it for that’s most important. Get out there and keep moving.

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn and Olinda.

His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health.

Find out more at formandpractice.com.au

Finding your voice in the sound of silence A review of Future Girl by Asphyxia Winner of the 2021 Readings Young Adult Book Prize, Future Girl is a visual extravaganza of text, paint, collage and drawings.

Created by Deaf writer, artist and activist Asphyxia, it is presented as the art journal of Piper, a deaf teenager based in near-future Melbourne.

In Piper’s Australia, real food is vilified and replaced by “recon”, synthetic food that is scientifically packed with nutrients and anti-disease components and distributed by the government as a social welfare solution.

But when peak oil hits, leading to nationwide fuel and food shortages, everyone is starving.

Worse, the government uses propaganda and censorship to protect the interests of large corporations that “own” the politicians.

Constantly hungry, Piper starts exploring the possibility of growing her own food.

Through her friend Marley and his Deaf mother Robbie, she learns to confront the challenges of creating a beautiful and productive food garden.

Those who have ever observed a homegrown tomato ripening, picked a bean, pulled a carrot or dug out a potato, or tasted lettuce freshly harvested from their own backyard, would appreciate the sense of awe and wonder

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN that Piper feels.

However, it is through the process of learning Auslan in order to communicate with Robbie that Piper gets to fight for her freedom of speech, both figuratively and literally.

Indeed, since she was little, Piper’s mother has trained her hard to lipread and be “normal”, to pass as hearing in order to “fit in” and get a good job.

As deafness is not a visible disability, it seldom occurs to those around Piper that she cannot hear anything.

She is left to carry the burden of communication alone, desperately trying to figure out what others are saying.

For example, how do you respond to “wasgoan”, which is how “what’s going on” looks when formed on the lips?

The book sheds considerable light on our Deaf community, how they communicate to promote access and inclusion.

It further touches on the nuanced process of learning Auslan, a three dimensional language whose grammar and vocabulary is very different from English.

To grasp a new language involves being part of its community and culture, and benefits from a sense of belonging cultivated only through a long process of participation and contribution.

By learning to embrace her Dead identity, Piper is finally free to accept that she is different and ask for her needs to be met.

Future Girl is a brilliant example of #OwnVoices writing. The Twitter hashtag, coined by Dutch author Corinne Duyvis in 2015, refers to books about characters from underrepresented and/or marginalised groups in which the author shares the same identity.

The writing is inspired by the author’s own experiences and written from their own perspective.

Asphyxia’s advice at the end of the book applies to both disabled and able-bodied people: “Teach your child how to recognise their specific needs and how to adjust their world to suit them. This means believing in our entitlement to access and developing the confidence to ask for it.” Highly recommended.

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Kemp’s curtain call The Bakery @ 1812 Mr Bailey’s Minder Leo Bailey is one of Australia’s greatest living artists, whose genius battles to survive the effects of alcohol, cynicism and self-loathing. Only one of his many children, his daughter Margo, is prepared to help, but she does so at arm’s length. Margo finds a live-in-mender, Theresa, who is fresh out of prison and disparate for a home. Then along comes Karl, a handyman who has the job of removing a valuable mural but who keeps coming, returning with offers of practical friendship.

A funny and deeply moving play about friendship, ego, art and the secret longing for a better life.

Season: 31 March to 30 April. Bookings 9758 3964 CCP Community Theatre Mort When Mort and his father attend the Sheepbridge hiring fair in the hope that this year Mort will finally get an apprenticeship, they didn’t expect the day to end with death. But at least Death offered Mort a job. As Death’s apprentice, Mort gets to travel and meet interesting people… well for a short time anyway.

But once Mort is trusted to take on the duty by himself, trouble brews, as Mort lets his heart rule his head. Adapted by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs from the fourth of Terry’s wildly successful Discworld novels, Mort brings the Discworld to the stage. Come and see how Mort gets out of the trouble he has caused.

Season: Friday 15 March at 8pm, Saturday 26 March at 2pm and 8pm, Thursday 31 March at 8pm, Friday 1 April at 8pm and Saturday 2 April at 5pm.

Venue: Boronia K-12 College-Performing Arts Centre Albert Ave, Entrance and Parking at Rangeview Rd, Boronia.

Bookings: 0417 014 584 between 1pm and 3pm.

Oscar nomination surprises The Oscars are right around the corner (March 27), so let’s briefly look at some of the nominations, surprises and snubs.

Dune received a whopping ten nominations, including Best Picture. Dune is one of the best films of 2021, but it’s unlikely to win Best Picture due to lingering Academy stigma against sci-fi. I certainly hope to be proven wrong, however.

If Dune wins Best Picture, it will be in the same position as Argo, which won Best Picture in 2013 but director Ben Affleck was not nominated for Best Director.

Dune rightly received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination, but Denis Villeneuve deserved a Best Director nomination for guiding such an engaging, well-paced and immersive film.

Denzel Washington absolutely deserves his Best Leading Actor nomination as Macbeth in The Tragedy of Macbeth, but Frances McDormand should have received a Best Leading Actress nomination for her riveting performance as Lady Macbeth, especially since the two roles are so complementary in the plot.

It was strange to see Macbeth and director Joel Coen snubbed for Best Picture and Director (respectively), as Coen helmed a classical yet bold telling of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

It was also bizarre seeing Don’t Look Up

14 MAIL

What’s coming to the stage

nominated for Best Picture; while it’s a very entertaining dark satire, I would replace it with Macbeth in a heartbeat.

I was shocked that Nitram saw no recognition whatsoever at this year’s Oscars. At the very least, Caleb Landry Jones deserves a Best Leading Actor nomination.

Not only does Jones deliver a nuanced, powerful performance of an immature, volatile man turning to violence, but his Australian accent is perfect; you’d never guess that Jones is from Texas.

Will Dune break the spice ceiling and become the first sci-fi Best Picture winner? Whatever the outcome, I look forward to watching the Oscars later this month.

- Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au

OPINION

Healesville and the Army In the early 1950s the Royal Australian Medical Corps was searching for a suitable site to establish Australia’s first School of Army Health.

What better place than Summerleigh Lodge, formerly one of Healesville’s elite guesthouses, set in 89 acres of picturesque, rolling countryside, including a nine hole golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a large ballroom and many other buildings.

No, it was not to become a rest and recreational centre for weary medics; it was intended to house and train medical staff for tasks they would encounter at home and overseas.

With some modifications and conditions to meet the Army’s special requirements, the site, reportedly purchased from Mr Holloway for £40,000 ($80,000) was an ideal location where the Army could provide thorough and vigorous training for both regular soldiers and national servicemen, students from nursing and dental corps and trainees from the Pacific Islands and Malaysia.

Inside the main building and nearby garages a small hospital with dental and x-ray facilities, a laboratory and enough classrooms for up to 200 students were created.

Students were taught most of their basic medical training in the surrounding bush.

They ‘lived’ under canvas to study the running of a field casualty station, and conditions were as realistic as possible, with ‘battle injuries’ simulated by synthetic ‘wounds’ and lifelike models.

Even large scale displays of mosquitoes and flies were set up around the grounds for stu-

Looking

back Bryn Jones

Healesville and District Historical Society president dents studying sanitation and infection control.

Most of the medical staff who went to Vietnam, at some stage, went through training at Healesville.

The School of Health established an excellent relationship with the town, so much so, that in 1974 t was granted Freedom of the Shire by the Shire Council.

This allowed them to march through the town with ‘bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying’.

They exercised this right in December 1981.

High ranking police and mounted police ‘issued the challenge’ before allowing the march to continue, in a colourful and time worn ceremony.

In 1986, in a re-organisation of Army facilities, The Minister of Defence announced that the School of Army Health would be relocated to the former Officers Training Facility at Portsea.

The move was a great blow to Healesville, both in economic terms and in the close relationship that had been established between the Army and the town.

On a brighter note… afloat

By Giselle Leonard THE TIME I WENT RAFTING, FOR THE LAST TIME EVER! The raft was literally going in circles. Ok “raft” may be a bit of an overstatement; it was 4 barrels tied together. It had taken our full hour to make and to say I was disappointed with it was like calling a leopard a ‘good pussy cat’ or Covid an ‘irritation’. The two people we had chosen to paddle our raft were sitting back-to-back and paddling on OPPOSITE SIDES (hence the circles).

The bright red barrels angered me more and more as I looked at them. Finally, they reach us, positioned just before the rapids, and we’re only five minutes behind the other team. But then, they keep going. Not intentionally, but rather as though the rapids are pulling them along.

I stretch out as far as I can, but I can’t reach without falling in. Then suddenly, just as it seems my friends are about to float away (at least our raft can do that) a figure fly’s past me like super man and grabs a rope

on the barrel. One of my teammates, accepting her fate and soaking herself in the river, hauls the raft back and our paddlers, soggy from the trip, struggle back up to shore. Now we just have to undo it all. I hear a cheer from the other team, and I know without looking that they aren’t cheering that we made it.

COMMUNITY DIARY Reconnect at Celebrate Mooroolbark The Mooroolbark two day festival is coming up on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March with stalls, artists, activities and more all on offer.

This year’s theme is ‘reconnect’ with the aim of getting back out into the community, meeting new people and catching up with old friends.

Held in Hookey Park, Mooroolbark over the two days, there’s something for everyone.

Go to the website for further details celebratemooroolbark.com

All abilities karaoke This Mount Evelyn initiative started 13 years ago and has been meeting fortnightly on a Monday night at Mt Evelyn Pizza and Bar on York Road from 6.30pm to 8.30-9pm ever since.

With a donation of $10, enjoy a night of singing, lots of dancing and the most important thing, lots of fun. To find out more, contact Irene Stewart on 0467 846 642.

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

Now just

$48.00 WAS $59.95

Bluey’s Caravan Adventures Playset with Jean Luc

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

12537059-JW08-22

Buy now from aussietoysonline.com.au |

MAIL 15

NEWS

St Richard’s Primary School students Logan, Darcy, Sam and April are getting ready to ride to school on 25 March when the Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS school celebrates National Ride2School Day. 270914

Riding to school doesn’t just have to be on a bike, with Sam choosing his mode of transport - a skateboard. 270914

Wheel-y fun school ride

By Mikayla van Loon Getting to ride to school has many benefits for primary school students, something St Richard’s in Kilsyth likes to encourage when it can.

That’s why National Ride2School Day is a major event for the primary school.

Deputy principal and wellbeing leader Rudy Vail said the school started taking part in the event three years ago because it fit with the school’s other health and wellbeing programs.

“It was an excellent opportunity for us to try to encourage children to ride to school where possible,” he said.

“To have this one day of the year as a real focus where we let the school community know the significance of a healthy lifestyle and you could achieve that by riding to school. We en-

courage students to ride to school on that day with the hope that in the long term we’d have kids riding more often.”

Mr Vail said although the wellbeing benefits are a focus for the school, it is also about teaching the children road safety and responsibility.

“The health benefits are a really big, important thing but that responsibility is also a really significant part.

“We encourage parents, if their kids are going to ride to school, make sure they’re familiar with how to get to school and all of the major crossings, so there’s that aspect of road safety that we’re trying to encourage them to be aware of.”

By taking part in the Ride2School day Mr Vail said it allows the students to have a sense of independence.

“If we can get some of the older children every once in a while riding to school that would be great for their own independence and for their own learning.”

With the outbreak of the pandemic, Mr Vail said he did notice some students retreat to using technology and rightly so when they couldn’t do much else but he hopes the event on 25 March will reactivate the desire to be outside.

“A lot of them have been locked down and isolated and they haven’t been outside playing and they haven’t been outside riding bikes.

“We’ve noticed that probably people are spending more time indoors and on technology. Part of our total wellbeing program is not only the physical side but the mental side and we teach that through such

aspects of meditation.”

St Richard’s Primary School makes a whole day of the Ride2School initiative, starting at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve where students get to meet before being guided to the school grounds ready to start the day.

Throughout the day each year level will also get a designated time to ride around the school to encourage that extra physical activity.

Mr Vail said for some students riding to school can be daunting but it can be a great way to gain confidence, independence and share in some fun with friends.

“Some children don’t want to miss out or they don’t want to not be a part of the Ride2School day because all their mates are going but when they actually get on a bike and they have some fun, that really ignites a new passion.”

Upper Yarra student vineyard proves pick of the crop

By Callum Ludwig Upper Yarra Secondary College is hard at work conducting its second annual harvest from the on-site vineyard.

Students from all year levels are invited to participate in the picking of the grapes, which have been tended to and grown by students completing the VET Certificate Two in Wine Industry Operations in Year 10.

Innovation Specialist and VET teacher Marcus Cook said despite the tough conditions faced since last year’s harvest, the yield is reasonably good.

“Last year we produced four tonnes of grapes and this year with frost and heat we’ve got somewhere between two or three tonnes,” he said.

“With these, we make pinot noir, grapes are sent to Yarrawood Estate and fermented there.

We get the bottles back, the students design the label and we sell them on from here.”

From the 2021 course graduates, two students have gone on to find regular work in the winery operations of Yarrawood Estate.

Mr Cook said there are plenty of opportunities for students to be involved with the harvesting process and to learn about wine making in a world-renowned destination like the Yarra Valley “After last year’s picking, students have done the pruning and managing of the canopy, tying down the canopy ready for this year,” he said.

“Then when it starts to flower, we reduce florets if we need to, and move bird-affected or diseased-ridden fruit, as well as secondary unripe that don’t go into the final product.”

Year 10 Wine Industry Operations VET student Samantha Spinks said she has enjoyed learning about the science behind wine making.

16 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

Marcus Cook (left) and VET students Samantha Spinks (centre) and Aiden Campbell (right) in front of the impressive vineyard.

Year 12 students Jacob Hansen (left) and Blair Lawton (right) were getting involved collecting grapes.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

“I’ve learned about when to pick the grapes, the sugar levels of them, and when they’re just right to make wine,” she said.

Ms Spinks is interested in a career in wine operations after completing her education and encouraged other UYSc students to get

involved with the vineyard.

Mr Cook hopes more wineries will link up with the school in the future.

“We’re hoping that we get a few other wineries involved and students can be jobready to either work in hospitality or work as

Year 7 Kyra Cathie (left) and Year 8’s Charlize Kelso (centre) and Tahlia Bradley-Degroot (right) braved the cold wind to chip in. a farmhand,” he said.

“It’s a new process, and there is no other school in the Upper Yarra that runs a course like this. The more stakeholders we’ve got involved, the better the outcomes will be for the students.” mailcommunity.com.au

Want To Burn Fat Fast?

Burn Up To 2.5 x More Calories In Just 14 Minutes a Day! Bobbi | Bowflex Max Trainer User

I lost 15kg in 10 weeks. That is ridiculous. The fat just melts right off. I mean, it absolutely changed my life!

Why Bowflex Works For You Save Time - Don’t let “lack of time” slow you down.

Lose Weight - Burns Up To 2.5x More Calories.

Get Motivated - Fun, low impact workouts combined with a personalised fitness program.

Get Healthy with the HIIT technology

Plus

* 12540636-SN11-22

Free $950.00 Gift *Call for Terms & Conditions

Call Now! 1800 440 440 mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 17

NEWS

Participants enjoyed the launch event for My Body’s Story.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Trusting your body

By Renee Wood A new exhibit called My Body’s Story has opened at The Memo in Healesville, sharing 13 local women and their journey reconnecting with their bodies to inspire positive body image and connection.

Body image consultant and breathwork practitioner Louise Wigg and body empowerment teacher and video artist Cat McKay led the project which was supported by the Yarra Ranges Council and Eating Disorders Victoria.

Ms Wigg said the participants joined workshops to learn why listening to your body’s needs is important and how to do so with compassion and trust.

“Sadly increasingly across genders, poor body image is becoming more common and I think when we’re not in a state of feeling great love for our bodies, we generally disconnect,” Ms Wigg said.

“We tend to trust weight loss diets and boot camps instead of actually listening to our bodies and how we want to eat and how we would like to move.”

The women involved learned how to celebrate their uniqueness and further captured themselves and the journey with help from photographer Suzanne Phoenix and videographer Lauren Hutchinson.

Portraits and videos are included in the exhibition, while a magazine has also been created as another element produced by Ms McKay. “Part of the process was for them to come back into connection with their bodies, and the journey they’ve shared with their bodies, coming to a place of celebrating that journey and sharing their stories.”

It’s hoped the exhibition will promote the message further and inspire others to grow positive self and body esteem.

“It’s important as a community that we shift the narrative so rather than talking about ‘obesity prevention’, we shift that focus back to health promotion and self care for all bodies.

“If we can change our language and some of our attitudes as a whole society, that’s going to really help people of all shapes and sizes to feel really great about themselves.”

Ms Wigg said she has been working with Ms McKay since 2018 on similar workshops but wanted to share this idea on a greater stage after struggling to find content which focussed on a wide range of body types.

“If we remove the focus of weight away, we can create environments where body diversity is celebrated and everyone feels equally welcome.”

Projects Advisory group member and EDVOS Program Manager Brianna Myors said it’s a remarkable project which provides a safe and supportive environment to reflect on our own body’s stories.

“Too often women feel disconnected from their bodies for so many reasons. For centuries, we’ve been told to look or act a certain way, and this has disrupted our ability to talk to ourselves in a way that shows kindness and compassion,” Ms Myors said.

“This project provides women with the opportunity to change that narrative and celebrate all of the incredible things our bodies can do for us. I’m incredibly proud of the work undertaken by Louise Wigg and Cat McKay.” My Body’s Story is showing at The Memo Gallery until May 1st.

12539754-AV11-22

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Kilsyth News & Lotto 520 - 528 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

Michele Osterhoudt was part of the workshops and spoke at the launch event. 272174 18 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

ACROSS THE VALLEY

Red Rattler on the track

By Parker McKenzie The historic Red Rattler trains have hit the tracks for the first time in 18 years, with a trip from Flinders Street Station to Belgrave Station to mark the occasion.

After multiple attempts to revive the steam locomotive trains since they ceased operation in 2004, 8 March was the first time the tait train, known more commonly as the Red Rattlers, has made a trip with riders since.

Steamrail Victoria Safety Manager Kevin Clark said after 18 years it is fantastic to relaunch the tait train.

“The restored train will bring much happiness to those who travel on it. It will be a great opportunity for older travellers to reminisce about the past,” he said.

“Younger folk can experience an electric train from a bygone era.”

The first Red Rattler steam-hauled trains were commissioned in 1910. The train was also the first to operate on electric rail service in Australia when it ran between Sandringham and Essendon in 1919.

After arriving at Belgrave Station aboard the Red Rattler, La Trobe MP Jason Wood said it was important to thank all the volunteers who made the restoration possible.

“I remember catching the old Red Rattler trains and the blue ones when I was a schoolboy going to Ferntree Gully Technical School,” he said.

“This has been a long-term personal project, as I said I made an election commitment of $1 million dollars.”

Steamrail Victoria received a $1 million grant from the Federal Government to return a train to service, which was used on safety enhancements, an exterior repaint and additional carriages.

The project included collaboration between several key stakeholders, including the accredited operator V/Line, Metro Trains, the Department of Transport, RTBU union and Downer Group.

The refurbished Red Rattler train will operate on a limited basis throughout 2022 while additional carriages are returned to service.

Liberal candidate for Casey Aaron Violi and La Trobe MP Jason Wood. Mr Wood made an election promise of $1 million to revive the historic train.

The historic train idling at the station.

Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE Liberal candidate for Casey Aaron Violi, who also rode the steam train, said the refurbished Red Rattler trains would contribute to tourism within the Dandenong Ranges.

“My grandfather was a train fanatic and used to take me down to see them,” he said.

“I didn’t quite get the bug as bad as he did but it’s always a good outing when you get to ride on a historic train.”

The first chance for the public to ride on the train will be in May when shuttle trips from Berwick to Dandenong and Pakenham begin.

The train will also connect with Puffing Billy when it arrives at Belgrave Station.

Enjoy opera in the garden

By Parker McKenzie Throughout March, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria is holding garden recitals in Sassafras at the historic The Knowe homestead.

On 19, 20, 26 and 27 of March at 2pm, the theatrical organisation will be hosting an afternoon of Victorian and Edwardian parlour songs with the company’s best soloists.

The Knowe owner and member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Robert Ray said he first joined the society in 2002 and bought the homestead in 1994.

“We started doing this about 10 years ago, having recitals first of all in the house which we can fit about 50 people in the house. It’s built into the garden, which seemed to be a better place to be,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s Gilbert and Sullivan, sometimes it’s a similar sort of repertoire. We have people saying we come every year, it’s now a thing on their calendar.”

Gilbert and Sullivan were a theatrical partnership between dramatist W. S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan between 1871 and 1896. They collaborated on 14 operas, including the Pirates of Penzance.

Mr Roy said if the performance is hit by weather, it will move into the homestead.

“Last year was nerve-racking. It was scheduled for the garden, but we were rained out on two of the four performances,” he said.

“We couldn’t do anything inside of course for the last few years because of Covid but now mailcommunity.com.au

The Knowe is a historic homestead in Sassafras.

Picture: SUPPLIED those restrictions have lifted if we have a rainy day on our performances this year, the concert will move inside the house, which needs quite a bit of rearranging of all the furniture.”

The performances will see eight cast members performing, with around 50 people able to attend.

Mr Roy said the performance isn’t a complete opera, but instead highlights of their favourites.

“It’s delightful, people can bring their picnic lunch and we have a bar where they can buy champagne, wine or orange juice,” he said.

“It’s really lovely to have an outdoor concert, which is a bit rare these days. I think it’s a very Melbourne Dandenongs experience.”

Attendees are invited to attend from 12.30pm with the concert starting at 2pm. The Knowe is located at 4 Clarkmont Rd Sassafras.

Tickets for the event can be found at www. gsov.org.au

Di Moore with an old campaign poster from her time in council.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

In memory of Di Moore

By Callum Ludwig A memorial will be held next month for Beloved former Yarra Ranges councillor and mayor Di Moore after she passed away in Ballarat in December 2021.

The memorial will be held at The Memo in Healesville on Saturday 2 April from 1pm to 3pm with free tickets available on a booking system set up by Yarra Ranges Council from Friday 11 March.

Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council Jim Child said Yarra Ranges Council was saddened by her passing, and that Healesville has lost someone who was very passionate about the community.

Ms Moore lived in Ringwood prior to moving to Healesville in 1977 with her husband, quickly buying a house in what she thought was a beautiful country community.

Ms Moore’s first foray with council was as a councillor with the former Shire of Healesville, representing the Badger Creek Ward from 1988 until commissioners took over as part of council amalgamation in 1994.

She went on to represent the Ryrie Ward as a Yarra Ranges councillor from 1997 until 2005, including being elected as Mayor of Yarra Ranges in 2000, where she organised great bicentennial celebrations and played a part in welcoming the Olympic torch to Healesville during the Sydney Olympics torch relay.

Jane Judd became close friends with Ms Moore after she moved to Healesville in 1986 and said Ms Moore was an incredibly community-focused person who was loved for her enthusiasm.

“Di was incredibly compassionate and understanding. She had great energy and commitment to improving services for the community,” Ms Judd said.

“She had a long history of trying to maintain services for the community. When I first met her, she had been involved in trying to retain the railway system, which was being dismantled at the time.”

Di Moore’s fun-loving nature captured in some fun on a skateboard.

Mrs Moore was also a strong advocate for bringing in Eastern Access Community Health with the merger of Rivendale Community Support and the Healesville adult daycare centre.

She also worked to secure the 99-year lease awarded to the Living and Learning Centre site and to renovate The Memo hall, and was successful in lobbying for the Badger Creek old school building to be moved across the road and retained for the community.

In her spare time, Mrs Moore sang for Leah Marlow’s choir for over 10 years and was a passionate tennis player, playing doubles tennis for many years. She also was a regular attendee at local churches.

Anyone who would like to tribute Ms Moore at the memorial is encouraged to get in touch with Ms Judd.

RSVPs for the event can phone The Memo 1300 368 333 or in-person at the venue when open.

Online reservations can be made via the link: https://YARRARANGES.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/52170 Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 19

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 072

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

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

6 4

8

7 1 2 8

8 4 5 3 5

6 9

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Beverage powder (5) Female religious leader (9) Runway hub (7) Continuing (7) Requirements (7) Questionable (7) Medieval scientist (9) Type of goats’ cheese (4) Show sullenness (4) Female killer (9) Winning emotion (7) Local law enforcer (7) Contact (7) Beginning (7) Seizing (9) Meower (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

No. 072

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24

An ancient Semitic person (8) Pottery (7) Decoration (9) Metallic element (9) False gods (5) Warnings (5) Famous (7) The outstanding features to be seen on a visit (6) Terrible beating (9) – the Great, Prussian King (1712-1786) (9) Advantageously (8) A region in southern Japan (7) Snobby (7) Barbers (6) Melody (5) A language spoken in India (5)

DECODER

No. 072

3 8

9 1

2 1 7

6 7 3 2

8 5

6

hard

1 2

7 6 2

6 9 1 7 3 2 2

4 1

6

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

7 16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD

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”.

F

Today’s Aim: 19 words: Good 29 words: Very good

8 5 3 4 6 9 7 1 2

3 5 2 7 4 6 9 1 8

6 4 7 1 9 8 2 5 3

39 words: Excellent

9 1 8 2 3 5 4 6 7

8 3 5 4 6 9 1 7 2

4 6 1 5 7 2 8 3 9

7 2 9 3 8 1 5 4 6

5 8 6 9 1 3 7 2 4

1 9 4 6 2 7 3 8 5

2 7 3 8 5 4 6 9 1

1 7 4 5 8 2 3 9 6

6 2 9 7 3 1 5 4 8

4 3 5 6 1 7 2 8 9

7 6 8 2 9 4 1 3 5

9 1 2 3 5 8 4 6 7

2 4 1 8 7 6 9 5 3

3 9 6 1 2 5 8 7 4

5 8 7 9 4 3 6 2 1

hard

N

B

E

E I

8 4 3 1 6 9 2 7 5

1 5 6 7 4 2 3 9 8

2 7 9 5 3 8 4 1 6

3 6 4 9 1 7 5 8 2

7 2 8 6 5 3 9 4 1

9 1 5 8 2 4 6 3 7

6 9 2 3 7 1 8 5 4

4 3 7 2 8 5 1 6 9

5 8 1 4 9 6 7 2 3

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

D

T

E

beef, been, beet, befit, bend, benefit, BENEFITED, bent, betide, bide, bidet, bite, debit, debt, debtee, define, deft, dent, diet, dine, edit, feed, feet, feint, feinted, fend, fete, feted, fetid, fiend, fine, fined, idee, need, teed, tend, tide, tied, tine

8

15

4 3 1 4 9

14

A N L Y J H Z D F MW S E

5 6 8 1

OQB C K G I U T R V P X

3

P X

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS AGE AGO ALE ANT APE AVO COL DAB EEL EKE END EYE GAG GEE GEL HEN HES HOT HUE ILL IRE LEG RIP SAD TIN VCR 4 LETTERS ALLY ARID BENT EASY EAVE GABS GEAR GLUE HERE HINT LEEK OGRE OILY OPAL RIOT

SHOO TEAK VARY 5 LETTERS ADOBE ADORE ALBUM ALONE APPAL ATONE AUDIT BERRY BLADE CADET CLEAR DOSES DRIPS ENDOW ENROL ERECT EVENT

No. 072

GASPS HEDGE IDLER IDOLS INTER ISLAM ISLES LLAMA MACES NESTS NUDGE PARKA RANCH RESET RIPEN ROBIN SLYER SMILE SPREE SWEPT TACOS TAMER

TEARS TELLS TRIAL TWIGS WEDGE 6 LETTERS LAYMAN STREET 7 LETTERS ARTICLE ATTRACT COASTED

LESSENS OPTIMUM RECEDED 8 LETTERS EMULATES NEEDIEST SCHEDULE TRAVERSE 10 LETTERS CLASSROOMS CRITICISMS

18-03-22

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

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

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

12410397-ACM06-19

mailcommunity.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

General Notices

Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au (include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS/BANK TRANSFER

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

V Carpenters Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

Carpenter

In accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing to the undersigned by 13 April 2022. Submissions should be addressed to:

c 1FSHPMBT t %FDLT t "MM $BSQFOUSZ 8PSL t t 0WFS :FBST &YQFSJFODF t

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

*BO 3PCFSUT

0408 538 121

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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

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

฀

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

Jason 1300 644 698

rangerpestcontrol.com.au Free termite quotes - Family owned business ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

V Handy Persons

Buy & Sell in the

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

‘Your Local’ Qualified Tradesman House & Property Maintenance No job too small Quality work at a great price, Fully insured

Call Mick 0424 414 495

Find your Local Professionals in our

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

Advertise next week in the

฀ Insured

SJC HOME MAINTENANCE

www.sjchomemaintenance.com.au

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

Call for a free quote

0488 097 005

V Roofing

Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

12462305-LB39-20

V Rubbish Removal

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

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

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

Andrew 0408 242 015 | Chloe 0448 393 959

12507097-BL33-21

Rubbish Removal & Demolition

General Notices

section of Network Classifieds.

Call or visit us online! networkclassifi eds.com.au •

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

TERMITE CONTROL SPECIALIST

1129931-RC16-14

V Pest Control

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

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

V Electricians

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

It is proposed to declare this special charge at the Council meeting to be held on 10 May 2022, or should this meeting not proceed then the next available meeting, after the consideration of the submissions received.

www.fairbairns.com.au

12493755-SN19-21

A plan (the designated area) showing properties involved in this special charge scheme can be viewed online by searching Council’s website for the Agenda of the 8 March 2022 Council meeting.

9870 7059

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

12538966-DL10-22

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of those properties having abuttal to or gaining primary access via, Mt Morton Road (Section between Glen Road and Ryans Road) and Hood Street, Belgrave Heights).

A copy of the proposal to levy is available for inspection at the Yarra Ranges Council Community Links, 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (enter via Coles carpark) and 40 Main Street, Upwey during office hours until 13 April 2022.

Pensioner Discounts • Brivis Gas Ducted Heaters • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Installs - Service - Repairs • Duct inspections & Repairs

12345326-PB14-17

In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council at its meeting of 8 March 2022 has resolved of its intention to declare a special charge for the Mt Morton Road (Section between Glen Road and Ryans Road) and Hood Street, Belgrave Heights - road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in the provision by Council of road improvements carried out under Sections 8 and 10 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Hot Winter Specials

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

C1084033-JO31-13

MT MORTON ROAD (SECTION BETWEEN GLEN ROAD AND RYANS ROAD) AND HOOD STREET, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS - ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS

V Heating

12438941-CG04-20

SPECIAL CHARGE SCHEME

V Deadline

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start?

Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

12456635-CG32-20

V Public Notices and Event

www.southerncrossrr.com.au

12454729-SG29-20

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 21

NEWS

Protecting bogs and ponds like this one in the Yarra Ranges National Park are important to keeping frog species healthy.

Pictures: PARKS VICTORIA

Researchers have been tracking the sounds of frogs in the Yarra Ranges National Park, locating frogs like the Alpine tree frog.

Frog recovery in spotlight A new research project in Yarra Ranges National Park is underway to learn more about the biodiversity of frogs in the Lake Mountain plateau.

The project between Parks Victoria, Museums Victoria and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort will capture and record frog calls across the alpine resort and national park. Ten specialised recording devices have been placed near waterbodies to record frog calls 24 hours a day over a four-month period.

Different species of frogs each make their own unique call. A frog’s call could sound like a croak, ribbet or grunt. They can also differ by pitch or speed. Identifying frogs on appearance alone can sometimes pose a challenge as they can be difficult to distinguish. This is

where the study of Bioacoustics can help.

By recording and monitoring where the species-specific sounds are captured, the research team will run the frog calls through a specialised call recogniser to determine which species are living on Lake Mountain.

“The recording devices are fantastic as they are a non-invasive way of capturing data. We don’t have to disturb the frog’s habitat to identify them. After all the sounds are captured, there will be lots of work to complete running the data through a call recogniser program to identify which species are present,” research project coordinator and ranger Sarah Matthews said.

Lake Mountain was historically home to a range of frog species including Common

Trades & Services V

Froglet (Crinia signifera), Victorian Smooth Froglet (Geocrinia Victoriana) and the threatened Alpine Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii alpina). In 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires saw significant damage to the native habitat, flora, and fauna species in the region.

“This project is an amazing opportunity to provide important insight into what species have recovered since the fires,” Ms Matthews said.

“We expect to detect some frog species like the Common Froglet and the Victorian Smooth Froglet, but we are excited to see what else might be recorded. Some species like the threatened Alpine Tree Frog haven’t been sighted on the mountain since the 1950s.”

The research project on Lake Mountain

is part of a broader conservation to protect nature – reducing threats and improving the health of Yarra Ranges National Park. Deer are a major threat to the health of Victoria’s alpine bogs and wetlands and are controlled at a landscape-scale through shooting, with special exclusion fencing in high biodiversityvalue areas to protect specific habitats and native species.

Through this program, several bogs will be fenced to allow moss to recover, protecting frog species which rely on the water as tadpoles.

For more information about Parks Victoria’s work to protect and conserve wildlife, visit parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/conservation-and-science

Employment

Tree Lopping/Surgery

V

Positions Vacant

V

Positions Vacant

V

PART TIME

12386568-ACM19-18

Croydon/Bayswater area.

2 Hours each day, Mon -Thur. Ph 0438 387 536 or 0418 559 098.

DAWSONS TREE SERVICES

☎ 9720 5111 General Classifieds Massage Therapists

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

Buy, & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

V

Pets & Services

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

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

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

General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.

22 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

12423634-SN31-19

V

DIESEL / HEAVY VEHICLE MECHANIC • Location: Lilydale • Full-time, permanent role and will see you undertaking the full range of servicing and repairs across our fleet of vehicles and smaller equipment.

• You must have a relevant trade qualification.

• Regular overtime is scheduled (2 hours per week), plus further overtime on Saturday is also available.

You will need to be ‘fully vaccinated’ to be eligible for appointment.

SKID / STEER LOADER • Location: Metro Melbourne • Full-time, permanent role • You must have a relevant Operator ticket/licence We offer a very competitive wage rates and ongoing support and opportunities to develop your career further.

You will need to be ‘fully vaccinated’ to be eligible for appointment.

SITE SUPERVISOR Bendigo, Seymour and Shepparton regions.

This position offers a wide range of exposure and experience to the applicant in delivering Project outcomes.

To be successful for this position you need to: • Have a proven record of ensuring safe work

MAKES IT HAPPEN

practices at all times • Deliver and participate in site safety, toolbox meetings and ensure operational safety oversight • Deliver active control and management of incidents and related follow-up • Take responsibility for the execution of all works in accordance with best trade practice whether carried out by direct labour or by subcontractors.

• Implement the project quality systems as directed to ensure that the works are completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications • Hold a current driver’s license and vehicle to travel independently to job sites • You must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with Victorian laws and have Australian work rights.

Ace Contractors Group is an Australian owned and established company, with over 45 years of experience in the contracting industry. We strive to ensure the culture of our working environment is one of support, friendship and knowledge and look for people who care about the impact that their work has on the overall success of our company.

Our continued success as an integrated, multi-disciplined contracting supplier depends on our strong team and our group of specialized companies finding innovative ways of delivering the best values to our clients across our Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Infrastructure, Landscape and Water departments.

If either role is the opportunity you were looking for, apply now to:

We require an experienced hands on Vineyard Manager to maintain a 20 acre boutique vineyard in Wandin East, Yarra Valley.

Duties include spraying, mulching, mowing and arranging various aspects of vineyard requirements. Must be self motivated and proud in achieving the best possible results at all times.

For enquires contact John on 0411 373 885 or 9417 9337 or send your details to the manager PO Box 2065 Fitzroy VIC 3065

Motoring V

Caravans & Trailers

Windsor Caravan • 8th Rego • Front Kitchen • 3 Way Fridge • Electric Brakes • Awning and Full annex.

• $9300 ono.

Phone 0414 613 430

People and Culture Manager

Buy, & Sell in our

Ace Contractors Group

Motoring

11-13 Moncrief Road | Nunawading VIC 3131

Vineyard Manager

12539077-CG10-22

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

12540846-JW11-22

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

12496966-LB23-21

$20 MILLION INSURANCE

Positions Vacant

section of Network Classifieds.

Real Estate

section of Network Classifieds.

Employment

section of Network Classifieds.

mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Kilsyth juniors in Vic comp

By Mikayla van Loon The Victorian Championship (VC) junior basketball league teams have been announced for 2022, with the best under-12 to under-18 VJBL teams cementing their place in the top division.

From 1202 teams registered for the 2021/2022 VJBL competition, the top 160 teams spanning 34 of the 51 associations have qualified for the VC competition.

Kilsyth, alongside Bulleen, Casey and Nunawading, has led the qualification with nine teams set to feature in VC in 2022.

Representing Kilsyth will be an under 12 boys team, two under 12 girls teams and boys and girls teams in the under 14, 16 and 18 age groups.

Kilsyth Basketball Association’s basketball operations manager and coaching director Mark Watkins said this was a great reward for all the players and coaches after a disrupted two years.

“It’s a really good sign of the depth the club has and we’re being rewarded for all the hard work that we put in,” he said.

Mr Watkins said the training and playing programs at Kilsyth are very similar across the age groups meaning players have consistency in drills, offensive and defensive plays and skill sets - something that helped players get through the pandemic and into VC. “If we’re ever locked down or there’s a period of time that we’re not together, then that doesn’t matter because we can refresh all the things we do quite quickly and the kids pick it up quite well.

“Whenever we change seasons, the kids have got a basic knowledge of what our style of play is and so that helps them progress into the next team with a new coach.”

The Kilsyth Basketball Association has had a successful selection process for the VJBL Victorian Championships.

With 20 teams per age group and gender qualifying for VC, the final select group of U12U18 teams finished up their qualifications on Friday 4 March and will take their places in the VC first round, tipping off on Friday 11 March.

With a diverse mix of metropolitan and country associations VC represents the toughest, most challenging junior basketball division in the country and Mr Watkins said teams could be travelling to Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland to compete.

“We’re all going to have to play very well to win a championship. They’re not easy to win

but I think we’ve got some good teams that can possibly do that this year,” he said.

The VC competition is a great pathway for young players to get to the NBA, WNBA and the NBL and Kilsyth’s players are excited to get back out there to play against the best in the state.

VJBL Manager Adrian Campbell said despite a couple of difficult years in VJBL across 2020 and 2021, the associations have picked up where they left off to make 2022 a hotly contested season.

“It’s been an impressive season already

Picture: UNSPLASH

and there’s a lot of excitement around 2022 VC teams,” Mr Campbell said.

“Our VJBL associations have shone to produce some brilliant basketball in qualifying for the VC competition.

“Whether they’re competing for VC titles or showing their skills in the VJBL divisions, we’d like to wish all the VJBL teams the best of luck for the season ahead.”

The 2021/2022 VJBL season will conclude on 16 September, with the VC Grand Final night following the VC season.

Women’s clinic helps develop junior talent

By Steve Fleming On a glorious Saturday morning, Lamartine da Silva from the Hope Australia Soccer Academy and Rob Prins from the Victorian Churches Football Association (VCFA) ventured into the Yarra Valley to conduct a skills clinic for females of all ages.

They were hosted by the Healesville Soccer Club at the Don Road Sporting Complex, and players from Healesville SC and Yarra Valley Soccer Club (YVSC) attended.

“It’s about helping women develop and reach their potential, finding that extra skill set that they might not otherwise have tapped into,” Rob Prins said about the motivation for the clinic. Lamartine, who has extensive coaching experience with international youth teams like Thailand and has played professionally for Portugesa FC in Brazil, is passionate about what he does.

“What drives me is creating dreams for young players. In Brazil, soccer is like a national religion, here there is so much competition for that dream from AFL, basketball and cricket,” he said.

“To help foster that dream, there must be investment in infrastructure and in the development of young players. That is why we are working with the young women today.”

Naomi Hauysmann, who coaches junior girls at Healesville SC, said it was interesting to watch on from a coaching perspective.

“It was interesting seeing the focus on agility training and how important that is in the skill development equation,” she said.

Michaela Langmaid, who plays for YVSC and is on the VCFA Women’s Committee was impressed by the high work rate.

“Seeing how professionals train will help us bring a bit more intensity to our own training. The progression from warm-up through to speed and agility training, drills and then gameplay is something we already do, but our approach will probably be a bit more focused now,” she said.

The clinic was one aspect of a strategic shift at the VCFA to encourage girls and women to take up soccer. Another aspect is the inclusion of a girls U16 competition in 2022. mailcommunity.com.au

Lilydale Croquet Club had a close game against Kew last week but were defeated four games to two.

Picture: MURRAY HOWLETT

Coach Lamartine da Silva instructs a drill technique for the junior girls in Healesville.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Close score but Kew too good

By Murray Howlett

Kiara Zekas and Hollie Eckhardt try a new agility drill while Coach Lamartine instructs.

The Women’s Season Launch will kick-off on 2 April where Maroondah United SC will host the round at Silcock Reserve in Croydon.

The round is devoted entirely to the female teams from U8’s to Senior Women’s and promises to be a festive and celebratory day.

The Lilydale Croquet Club has taken a second round loss under its wing after a close game out in Kew last week.

The second round of the Metro Golf Croquet Autumn Shield was played at Kew’s home court on Thursday 10 March.

Although Kew defeated Lilydale four games to two, all games were closely fought with the hoop score 36 to 34.

The play of the day went to Glenn Crook with a three metre jump shot.

Other players representing Lilydale were Murray Howlett, Colleen Howlett and Alan Jones.

After two rounds Lilydale is fourth on the ladder and will play against Mornington on Thursday 17 March.

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

|

MAIL 23

MURPHY’S OUTDOOR & CAMPING IS LAUNCHING ON MARCH 26TH!

Our one stop shop for all your Kings 4 x 4 accessories, swags, awnings camp gadgets & so much more.

Come on in and see what we have been busy working on...

Give aways and a sausage sizzle will run on the day!

87 Main Rd Monbulk next to Murphy’s Mitre 10.

SEE YOU THERE! 12540419-NG11-22

24 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 15 March, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au