Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 12th April 2022

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Mail

Federal election called for 21 May

An update on the proposed bus changes

Program steering youth away from crime

SPOTLIGHT: Exhibition searching the universe within

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Millgrove On Show Art Attack stunned Millgrove residents on Saturday 9 April, lighting up the town with their very own photos.

It was enjoyed by all and was well received after months in the making.

Photographer Suzanne Phoenix has been working with local residents capturing shots to be showcased through the projected art attack.

For more turn to page 21 It was a beautiful night to spend in Millgrove.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX

Warby’s debate Warburton has become quite the hub for Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS events. 276161 nity Economic Development Association (WV CEDA) reached out to businesses in the area to gather how the event affected them.

WV CEDA represents 96 businesses in the

Upper Yarra Valley and said they welcome the shift towards main street events in Warburton.

“Recent historic events in Warburton have not involved traders, usually located at locations away from the main street such as at football oval or golf club, traders have historically lamented the fact they did not have an opportunity to leverage event attendees due to separation,” a WV CEDA representative said.

“Warburton Valley CEDA sought to gain better benefit for traders, by encouraging the event organiser to bring their activity into the heart of town and as close to traders as possible. We have a long-held belief that Thomas Avenue (Riverside) would make an excellent ‘pop-up’ event and festival space and walking street

(during sanctioned events only).”

East Warburton resident Greg Roberts thinks the infrastructure in Warburton simply isn’t prepared for large-scale events.

“Over three days there were 18 road closures, even though some of them are stop and go signs,” he said.

“It’s a huge problem, especially when you can often go to Warburton and drive backwards and forwards to each end of the town and not find a parking spot.” Mr Roberts started a petition on Change.org campaigning to stop the Giro Della Donna, which received 118 signatures, and he says there were more phone calls in support.

Turn to page 10 for the full report

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The high number of events rolling through Warburton in recent times has divided opinions among residents and businesses, particularly after the Giro Della Donna was recently held, with some seeing the incoming tourist dollar and the exciting atmosphere as an opportunity to enjoy the town, while others find the road closures, traffic and parking management and noise as a disruption to their lifestyle.

Warburton has become quite the hub for events, with the Warburton Environment Group even recently stating in a submission on the proposed Warburton Mountain Bike Destination that only six weekends per year in Warburton are event-free.

Warburton Valley Community Commu-

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NEWS

Bumpy drive for produce ROADS FOR AGRIBUSINESS

By Callum Ludwig Yarra Ranges’ agribusinesses are struggling to prevent their produce from being damaged by unsealed roads that link to many local farms and orchards.

Yarra Valley Cherries is based on Victoria Road in Seville, a long stretch of dirt road and during the Cherry season from November to December the roads are precarious after a wet springtime, Andrew Fairley, owner of Yarra Valley Cherries said the damage to the unsealed road after rain is inevitable.

“We get wash-aways on the road, because there’s a lot of water comes in from various from all directions and no matter how hard council try to fix the drains, they seem to block up,” he said.

“Because of the intensity of the water, it starts pulling the road away and softens up the road, when you have people driving too fast it then it creates really significant corrugations and big holes when it starts to reform.”

Mr Fairley said the bumpy, uneven roads cause significant damage to high-quality produce from agribusinesses all over the Yarra Ranges.

“When our fruit is packed into pallets and boxes for sale into the domestic and international market, as soon as it gets out onto the dirt road and it starts getting pummelled across the corrugations, the fruit settles in the

The notorious dirt Victoria Rd in Seville causes damage to Yarra Valley Cherries’ produce. 276159

The opposing Chandler Rd in Seville on the side of the cherry farm is also unsealed. 276159 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Any rain causes significant changes to the road’s conditions. 276159

box, with the fruit down the bottom getting squashed,” he said.

“It diminishes the quality of the fruit, but also reduces the shelf life because it damages the crunchy skin of a cherry which is a really important part. When it then goes soft, people say that’s not what I signed up for when I’m buying premium quality fruit.”

Yarra Valley Cherries is not alone and is in support of the Yarra Ranges Council’s push for ‘Roads for Agribusiness’ federal funding.

“They [YRC] wanted to really ensure the Federal Government had an understanding of the impact that poor roads had on agricultural producers, particularly where you have a product that is susceptible to damage.”

Yarra Ranges Council estimates the shire is

were quoted by the council $300,000 for the stretch of road to be fixed.”

However, they remain grateful the funding is being pushed for and feel as though the importance of agribusiness is reflected.

“It sounds like they realise that agribusiness is significant, and as we are tourism-related, I’m sure it will put a smile on people’s faces if they are happy with the tourism experience,” they said.

Yarra Ranges Council is asking Casey candidates and political parties to provide $150 million to deliver 150 kilometres of unsealed roads upgrades connected to local producers.

It would act similar as the ‘Roads for Community’ initiative which sees landholders also front some of the bill at a reduced cost.

home to a large unmade road network of approximately 700 kilometres.

At current every year the Council spends approximately $4.5 million grading unsealed roads at a cost of $1250 per kilometre for each grade.

Another agribusiness also spoke to Star Mail, but wanted to remain anonymous.

A representative said as a tourism-related agribusiness, unsealed roads affect their business model.

“We have people consider us a once-only experience because they are disappointed by the access, and we want to encourage repeat tourism so having good access to the farm is a high priority,” they said.

“I worry the funding will come up short, we

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Election called for Saturday 21 May

By Parker McKenzie Voters throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges will head to the polls on 21 May after a six-week federal election campaign.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison informed Governor-General David Hurley on Sunday 10 April of his intention to call the election at Government House in Canberra.

Former Speaker of the House Tony Smith is retiring from politics after serving as the Member for Casey since November 2001. Mr Smith was widely respected by parliamentary colleagues for his bipartisanship.

Currently, there are five candidates who have declared their intention to nominate for the federal seat, which is located in the southeast of Melbourne.

Local businessman Aaron Violi is the Liberal candidate nominated to replace Mr Smith after winning a crowded pre-selection in November 2021. Mr Violi will be hoping the goodwill towards Mr Smith will serve as a quasiincumbency advantage for him, as he has signalled he will pursue a similar platform to the retiring member if elected.

Engineer and small business owner Bill Brindle is making his second attempt at winning the seat of Casey for the Labor party after he lost to Mr Smith at the 2009 Federal election. Mr Brindle told the Star Mail on 14 December one of the key issues he will campaign on is the introduction of a National anti-Corruption Commission.

Former Sustainability Victoria CEO Claire Ferres Miles was chosen by the political engagement group Voices of Casey to represent them as a community-independent candidate. Ms Ferres Miles flagged action on climate change, integrity in politics and the respectful treatment of all people regardless of culture, gender or sexuality as the three key issues for the election.

Academic and Musician Jenny Game is the

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate T’neil Kilgower.

The 32-year-old is wanted on warrant for make a false report to police.

Kilgower is known to frequent Wandin North, as well as the Devon Meadows, Point Cook, and Lara areas.

Investigators have released an image of Kilgower in the hope someone may have information on her current whereabouts.

Anyone who sights Kilgower, or has information about her whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Yellingbo CFA needs members

Residents in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley will go to the polls on 21 May. Picture: ON FILE Greens candidate for Casey. Also running for the second time after 2019, Ms Game said in an interview with the Star Mail on 8 December the Greens would run on a platform of climate action, creating jobs in renewable energy, affordable housing and integrity in politics.

Former infantryman, Air Force navigator and Australian Federal Police member Anthony Bellve is the United Australia Party candidate. Mr Bellve and the UAP are running

The Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fight at a Warburton property on the night of Tuesday 5 April.

Police have been told the altercation broke out at a property on Comangin Avenue at about 7pm.

Three men, two aged 29 from Millgrove and a 49-year-old from Yarra Junction, and a woman aged 37 from Warburton; were located in the vicinity of the property with suspected non-life-threatening stab wounds and taken to hospital for treatment.

Residents reported seeing the perpetra-

tor on the run before a 36-year-old man from Warburton was arrested in relation to the incident and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

It’s believed those involved are known to one another and the altercation may relate to an incident earlier in the day in which a car was damaged at Wesburn.

On Thursday 7 April, the accused was charged with multiple counts each of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, recklessly cause injury, firearms and weapons offences and possession of a drug of dependence.

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on platform of ending lockdowns, banning domestic “vaccine passports”, abolishing the national cabinet, investing in nuclear technology, and protecting free speech and “Australian values”.

While many candidates have been active in the community promoting their aspirations, with the election campaign officially started residents in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley should expect to see them even more in the coming weeks.

Yellingbo CFA are appealing for more volunteer firefighters to join up, and are hosting an information night for anyone interested.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the station, view the trucks, learn the role volunteer firefighters perform in the community and meet current members.

The session is on Wednesday 6 April at 6.30pm at the Yellingbo Fire Station, 6 Tudor Court Rd, Yellingbo and a free sausage sizzle will be provided.

Registration is also open for those who are unwilling or unable to fight fires, with positions available on the rehab vehicle which rehabilitates firefighters during a fire incident.

No prior experience is required for any position at the station, as nationally accredited firefighting training, first aid training and protective clothing is provided.

Chocolate egg recall A number of Kinder Surprise eggs products have been urgently recalled from Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Big W and other major retailers.

The popular Ferrero Rocher buys have been pulled from shelves due to salmonella contamination.

Anyone who has purchased the following products are advised to safely dispose and not consume as they may cause illness: Kinder Easter Basket 120g (6x20g) - best before dates from 7/10/22 up to and including 20/11/22 Kinder Mini Eggs Hazelnut 100g - best before dates from 23/8/22 up to and including 13/9/22 Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g - best before dates from 23/8/22 up to and including 13/9/22 Kinder Surprise Maxi - Natoons 100g - best before dates from 23/8/22 up to and including 13/9/22 Food Standards Australia has advised that Kinder Surprise 20g single and three-pack eggs in white, blue and pink varieties sold in Australia are not affected by the recall.

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A 36-year-old man has been arrested after four people were stabbed in Warburton.

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Yarra Ranges Council is advising residents to be aware of a potential scam where residents are offered construction of a cheap driveway using surplus asphalt sealing materials leftover from Council projects.

The individuals offering this service are not council-appointed contractors and they may be looking to take advantage of residents.

If you have been approached in relation to this scam, please contact your local Police Station to make a report. If you have any CCTV footage of the persons, it would be appreciated.

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Four sent to hospital after local stabbing

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MAIL 5

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NEWS

Pledge to complete trail

By Parker McKenzie The Federal Labor Party has committed to $4.9 million towards fully funding stage 2A of the Yarra Valley Trail if elected in the May federal election.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King announced the election promise at Yarra Glen Railway Station on April 8 alongside Casey candidate Bill Brindle.

“It’s important we’re not asking council or state government to match we’re providing the total $4.9 million for the project because we want this council to be able to get on with the project and just get it done,” Ms King said.

“It obviously is contingent upon us being elected at the next election. But we’re prepared and competitive, but I’m not complacent about that at all.”

The Yarra Valley Trail will connect Lilydale,

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King announced the funding commitment at Yarra Glen Railway Station.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE Yarra Glen and Healesville while linking up with the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail when completed, creating a network of trails for bike riding and walking.

Stage 2A consists of a track running alongside the railway to connect the Yarra Glen Township and Tarrawarra Road.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the local community has been through a lot since the 2009 fires.

“Truly it is such a wonderful announcement. We can deliver this project, you can walk, ride your bike from Lilydale through to here and connect right into this township,” he said.

“That will be mean so much for the community and the businesses of this town.”

Yarra Ranges Council expects the development to generate 27 jobs and attract 220,000 visitors a year.

Stage 3 of the project will connect Healesville to Woori Yallock and Seville.

Mr Brindle said the project will make a huge difference to the local community.

“From locals getting out and about to visi-

tors supporting local businesses, this will create jobs and make the Yarra Ranges an even better place to live,” he said.

“This is a great project for our region and I am so proud to be able to say that an Albanese Labor Government will deliver it.”

Stage 1 of the Yarra Trail connected Lilydale to Yering, while a Yering to Yarra Glen trail is being built in 2022, which will feature reconstructed bridges replacing heritage bridges destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday fires and a new bridge crossing the Yarra River.

A spokesperson for Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said “Labor can’t say how they’ll pay for their promises and they can’t manage money.”

“Over the last 30 years, Labor has delivered higher unemployment, higher interest rates, and higher electricity prices and not a single balanced budget,” the spokesperson said.

Yarra Ranges Council receives $10 million for disasters

By Parker McKenzie Yarra Ranges Council has received $10 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Preparing Australia Program, the most out of any municipality in the country.

The Preparing Australia Program funds projects to mitigate or reduce disaster risk, impact and consequences.

The funding will be delivered over a sixyear period.

Mayor of Yarra Ranges Jim Child said the funding will increase disaster preparedness, risk management, recovery and future resilience for communities in the shire.

“We’re extremely thankful that the Federal Government has recognised the importance of this issue, particularly as we approach the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic storms that hit the Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Child said.

“Responding in an emergency is as much about preparation and planning as it is about the actual response and clean-up itself, so this funding will go a long way to help us plan and protect our communities for any future emergencies that may arise.”

The funding will be used towards the Resilient Yarra Ranges Project, which aims to increase resilience planning, complete

tree management and clean-up from storm events, access the feasibility for a microgrid across the essential buildings in Monbulk, upgrade council community buildings to serve as emergency relief centers, provide suitable facilities for those unable to use accessible toilets at Kilsyth Sports Centre, commission a bushfire risk assessment for areas in the Dandenong Ranges and provide better-coordinated support and material air resources across the Yarra Ranges.

Mr Child thanked the retiring member for Casey Tony Smith, who he said has been a wonderful local representative for the Yarra Ranges.

“Tony has been a great advocate for our community for a long period of time and has helped us advocate for better funding and services in our municipality.

“This is a perfect example of the great working relationships we have with our counterparts across different levels of Government.”

Mr Child also said there is still significant work towards recovery from the June 2021 storm weather event.

For more information on the funding and other successful application can be found at www.recovery.gov.au/preparing-australiancommunities-program-local

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NEWS

Where to go for VicRoads The new VicRoads service centre in Ringwood has opened to the eastern suburbs with the facilities now offering licence testing and inspections.

As the major hub now for the Yarra Ranges Shire since the closure of the Mooroolbark testing site, the purpose built centre was said to have “more testing capacity than any existing centre in Melbourne’s east” by a Department of Transport spokesperson in December last year.

The State government expects the Heatherdale Road centre will be able to supply 1,000 appointments per week, including 600 license tests.

“The opening of the new VicRoads Testing and Inspection Centre in Ringwood will make

it easier, faster and more accessible for people to complete their everyday paperwork,” Roads and Road Safety minister Ben Carroll said.

“Whether it’s vehicle testing, license testing or drive tests – we’re making it more convenient for locals to access the services they need right in the heart of Ringwood, with the modern facilities they deserve.”

Other services include both computerbased and drive tests, as well as vehicle inspection and long vehicle testing for cars towing trailers or caravans, with more than 50 car spaces for customers, as well as a canopy dedicated to vehicle testing.

For residents based in the Yarra Valley, the closure means learner drivers will be required to go to either Ringwood or Pakenham to un-

dertake driving lessons and sit their driving test.

The Mooroolbark VicRoads closure was the fourth for the Yarra Ranges Shire in the last five years, after the Monbulk, Healesville and Yarra Junction centres were shut down in 2016 but the government hopes being located close to public transport, it will ideal for customers.

Testing and inspection services are available by appointment only and can be booked now through the VicRoads website.

A new Ringwood Customer Hub is set to open nearby in mid-2022. The temporary Ringwood Licence Testing Centre along Warrandyte Road will remain open for license testing until mid-June.

Roads minister Ben Carroll, Maroondah Council mayor Cr Mike Symon and workers at the new Ringwood VicRoads Centre opened the facilities on Monday 4 April.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Bus feedback extended

By Renee Wood The feedback period for the proposed changes on the Yarra Valley Bus Network has been extended until Sunday 24 April and another information session has been announced.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing has confirmed the extension to provide more time for people to contribute to the route changes. Information sessions have been held at Healesville Coles, and another has been scheduled for the Wednesday 20 April between 4.30pm – 6.30pm. Information brochures and copies of the feedback survey can be found at the Healesville library to allow locals to submit their feedback in writing.

It comes after commuters raised concerns about the upgrades, saying the proposed cutting of the route 684 will be of a disadvantage to many. Route 684 would start and finish at

Chirnside Park Shopping Centre rather than continuing on to Southern Cross – meaning passengers will need to take a train from Lilydale station to get into the CBD. It’s a service Healesville commuter Naomi Simpson Wynd uses regularly.

“You’re saying improvement, but you’re cutting services,” Ms Simpson Wynd said.

Ms Simpson Wynd said the service allows her to have her independence and is of benefit to many elderly and disabled residents.

“A lot of people suffering anxiety problems, they have a lot of trouble getting on public transport. This one is a safe, secure transport for them to Melbourne. “For anyone elderly, anyone with disabilities, it is so much to get this bus to Melbourne. “It’s clean, it’s comfortable, it’s direct, which means when I go down to the city for any particular reason,

Feedback on the proposed changes for the Yarra Valley Bus Network has been extended.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS or if I need to get to specialists or hospitals, I have direct access.” Other proposed changes to the network include removing Route 687 from Healesville to Chum Creek, consolidating Route 685 and 686 which will see some

bus stops removed.

For more information on the changes and to provide feedback visit ptv.vic.gov.au/yarravalley Commuters can also call 1800 800 007 to provide feedback.

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Final decision coming up

By Callum Ludwig The Inquiry Hearing for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Environment Effects Statement concluded as of 7 April 2022.

The project has received a very mixed response from its many stakeholders, with some excited by the prospect of a one-of-eight gold class mountain bike trail and its potential to rake in $48M for the regional economy, while others are concerned it may overrun Warburton’s infrastructure, disturb the local community and cause significant damage to the ecosystem of the Yarra Ranges National Park.

The following parties have all submitted documents as part of the hearing which began on 15 March.

The Warburton Advancement League put forth a submission on 1 April, stating they feel the controversial Trail 1 of the project is crucial and have been advocates for tourism on Mt Donna Buang.

“The Warburton Advancement League has been an avid supporter of Tourism on Mount Donna Buang for all our 67-year history, not simply with advocacy, but also with our boots on the ground support,” said President Jeffrey Gill.

“We feel that the ‘Drop-a-K’ signature trail (Trail 1) on Mt Donna Buang has the same relevance to this Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project as the lookout tower did to the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs back in 1957, and are keen again to advocate for this key element of the project to be included.”

Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Inquiry and Advisory Committee will now prepare the final report over the next 40 business days. They may ask for an extension if further information is requested and received following the close of the Hearing.

Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (WVCEDA) conducted a survey in December 2021 of 96 of its

Old Warburton residents expressed their disproval of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination back in 2018.

Picture: ON FILE members, which found 90% of responses were in favour of the project.

They cited the economic benefits to region, local employment, new and expanding businesses, benefits to health, recreation, economy and natural environment and the potential to lead to the upgrading of public facilities and amenities for the benefit of all as key reasons for their support.

The Entomological Society Of Victoria displayed their disdain for the project in their submissions. Believing it will cause irreparable environmental damage if Stage 2 of the trail within the Yarra Ranges National Park is approved.

“Stage 2 in the National Park is not an essential part of the Project. At this stage the Proponent only has firm plans and funding to build Stage 1. The Proponent itself acknowledges that Stage 1 on its own is economically viable,” they said.

“Stage 2 comprises only 36% of the proposed total trail length, but carries with it by far the majority of the risk posed to the environment by this Project. Permitting Stage 2

cannot be justified, given the “real and present danger” it poses to the things which the National Park was created to protect and preserve.”

The Warburton Environment Group also raised their concerns. They had issues with the likely increase in traffic that would come from the estimated 527 visitors per peak weekend day, the crowded events schedule in Warburton that sees about six weekends a year the only ones free from events, the disruption to sites like Wesburn Park and the Warburton Golf Club and the increased bushfire risk with more visitors likely to cause more ignition events and a further congestion of traffic of those attempting to feel in the event of a bushfire. Warburton is largely n extreme bushfire risk area.

Member of the Upper Yarra Pony Club Anita Prowse also took issue with the proposed use of Wesburn Park, as it would disadvantage and demean other groups such as the Pony Club who have been utilising the facility prior, but would have to accommodate for mountain bikers.

The Victorian National Parks Association condemned the project.

“The VNPA urges the IAC to find that the impacts of the project on the Park are both significant and unacceptable, Ultimately on the materials before it, the IAC cannot be satisfied that the environmental impacts in the Park are acceptable so as to recommend Trails 1 or the alternatives 45, 46 and 47, or any other trails in the National Park, should proceed,” they said.

“Even accepting the mitigation measures proposed, the proposal will present an unacceptable level of risk to the Park’s conservation values, including but not limited to, listed threatened rainforest communities and threatened species, particularly the Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly.”

The Parks Victoria Board had their say, requesting an investigation of trails 1 and 2,

while rejecting additional trails 5,6,7,8,45,46 and 47 on the basis of the need to protect park ecological values and the habitat of threatened species.

According to Parks Victoria, their primary issues in relation to potential biodiversity impacts include: Cumulative environmental impacts of extensive mountain trail networks throughout this largely intact conservation-significant landscape, including significant Cool Temperate Rainforest and Cool Temperate Mixed Forest Threat of disturbance to an abundant and critical forest component tree species, Myrtle Beech, with its high vulnerability to the fungal pathogen, Myrtle Wilt Impacts on threatened Leadbeaters Possums and the habitats in which they forage, breed and seek refuge Impacts on water systems and waterways relied on by the endemic Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly Melbourne Water expressed their desire to ensure the project overcomes the technical challenges facing waterways in order to meet their statutory and mandated requirements for; waterway management, waterway crossings, stormwater generated from the trails and construction, water quality monitoring, biodiversity, integrated water management and Environmental Management Framework.

With the closing of the hearing, Yarra Ranges Council representatives summarised the council’s case for the project they have been planning for four years, having made their submissions at the beginning of the hearing.

The Council presented criticisms of the arguments put forward by parties such as Parks Victoria and Expert Witness Mr Edward Tsyrlin, and presented evidence of their work at length to ensure the project resolved any proposed concerns put forward by stakeholders.

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Open Night 2022

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Wednesday 4th May - 6:30pm Healesville High School 10 Camerons Road, Healesville Vic 3777 (03) 5962 4088 www.healesvillehs.vic.edu.au // healesville.hs@education.vic.gov.au healesville.hs mailcommunity.com.au

healesville.hs Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Warby’s growing debate

By Callum Ludwig The high number of events rolling through Warburton in recent times has divided opinions among residents and businesses, particularly after the Giro Della Donna was recently held, with some seeing the incoming tourist dollar and the exciting atmosphere as an opportunity to enjoy the town, while others find the road closures, traffic and parking management and noise as a disruption to their lifestyle.

Warburton has become quite the hub for events, with the Warburton Environment Group even recently stating in a submission on the proposed Warburton Mountain Bike Destination that only six weekends per year in Warburton are event-free.

Warburton Valley Community Community Economic Development Association (WV CEDA) reached out to businesses in the area to gather how the event affected them.

WV CEDA represents 96 businesses in the Upper Yarra Valley and said they welcome the shift towards main street events in Warburton.

“Recent historic events in Warburton have not involved traders, usually located at locations away from the main street such as at football oval or golf club, traders have historically lamented the fact they did not have an opportunity to leverage event attendees due to separation,” a WV CEDA representative said.

“Warburton Valley CEDA sought to gain better benefit for traders, by encouraging the event organiser to bring their activity into the heart of town and as close to traders as possible. We have a long-held belief that Thomas Avenue (Riverside) would make an excellent ‘pop-up’ event and festival space and walking street (during sanctioned events only).”

Warburton Valley CEDA met with some of the local business traders and received both positive and negative feedback after the event site trial for the Giro Della Donna. They are now compiling all of the information and feedback to report back to the event organisers and Yarra Ranges Council.

While they welcome tourism growth in Warburton, WV CEDA said infrastructure needs to develop to match it and avoid disruption to the Warburton community.

“Warburton Valley CEDA calls on Council to urgently attend to parking deficiencies in and around Warburton. One of the key reasons WV CEDA has to inject into these sorts of events is that town infrastructure cannot cope with unmanaged surge volumes,” the WVCEDA representative said.

“When coordinated it improves but there is a fundamental traffic management problem council needs to solve urgently which is equally problematic on any normal busy weekend.”

The 2022 Giro Della Donna event was the first trial with an event organiser to gauge if further opportunities are viable to activate Thomas Avenue as an event space for the town.

It is not a CEDA event, CEDA doesn’t manage any public events. Weekend trade, as reported by some members, was also heavily impacted by weather and Covid-related cancellations that were not related to the event.

Owner of Silva Coffee Cleo Silva in 2020, is happy to see events in Warburton. 213542 Pictures: ON FILE

Warburton is in need of infrastructure to continue to host large events, with parking the major Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS gripe. 276161

Warburton Motel is one business welcoming events in the area.

Warburton Motel owner Richard Stanwix said he was disappointed at the response of some Warburton business owners and residents.

“As local business owners and residents, we are disappointed by the negativity that a loud minority trumpet from the rooftops, especially on social media, about visitors to Warburton who are misrepresenting the quieter masses who welcome tourists and interesting events,” he said.

“Whilst some businesses complain about this and many other topics, it is interesting to note that they do nothing to proactively leverage opportunities and then wonder why they don’t have a bumper business. People are quick to judge others whilst doing nothing to promote their business, their wares or their welcome of visitors to the town.”

East Warburton resident Greg Roberts has concerns about large events in Warburton like the Giro Della Donna in Warburton, but insists he is not anti-events.

“I’m not anti-events, but I am anti-events that disrupt the town because we have plenty of events. The Giro Della Donna is the only one that has road closures, and a lot of the other events tend to put back into the town a little bit,” he said.

“This one tends to take and they don’t show respect.”

Mr Roberts started a petition on Change. org campaigning to stop the Giro Della Donna, which received 118 signatures, and he says there were more phone calls in support.

The local resident thinks the infrastructure in Warburton simply isn’t prepared for largescale events.

“Over three days there were 18 road closures, even though some of them are stop and go signs,” he said.

“It’s a huge problem, especially when you can often go to Warburton and drive backwards and forwards to each end of the town

“Three years ago I moved back to Warburton, after spending 20-odd years away and one of the main reasons is because Warburton is becoming a vibrant, active town, with facilities, events, new shops, opportunities and interesting people living here,” he said.

“I think tourism is one of the major drivers behind these positive changes in Warburton.

The town does get uncomfortably busy from time to time, our infrastructure needs upgrading, and tourism needs to be carefully managed to minimise negative impacts.”

Both Silva Coffee Co-Founder Cleo Silva and Oscars on the Yarra owner Christine Birch have said they would like to see the scope of events in Warburton expand to midweek rather than solely weekends.

“At Oscar’s, we are currently only able to open on the weekend, but would really like to be able to open during the week. A midweek strategy for Warburton to attract more midweek visitors is very much on our radar,” said Ms Birch.

“We feel having a central precinct where you can run successful events will hone down what locals and traders and the community at large consider a success and to benefit as much as possible with the least negative impacts.”

Silva Coffee partnered up with Little Yarra Crêperie for the Giro Della Donna, making the most of the tourist visitation with coffee and crêpes.

Ms Silva said in general, she supports events in Warburton to share the unique and beautiful location.

“I believe events bring vibrancy and festivity to a town. I think we’re proud to show off our town and our produce,” she said.

“No event is outright good or bad, I think some events work better than others. Whether it be events or just visitation, as business owners we need to embrace people coming to visit with whatever activity they’re doing.”

and not find a parking spot.”

Mr Roberts said despite the influx of cyclists brought in by the event, some Warburton businesses suffered.

“A lot of locals said Warburton was dead quiet and eerie on Saturday, with shops in town saying they had a lower taking on this weekend [Giro Della Donna weekend] rather than a higher taking,” he said.

“Supporting local businesses would help but I don’t believe they’re bringing the people that support local businesses. The actual genuine tourists bringing money in are avoiding the place because of the event.”

Since the 1990’s, Warburton has seen local business closures, namely the still-standing Sanitarium Weet-Bix factory, three major bank branches and the Adventist hospital. Jobs in the timber industry around the town are also falling, and look likely to be lost soon due to the State Government phasing out native timber harvesting.

Resident Theo Howard said the increase in tourist events in Warburton may help to keep Warburton residents from moving away as his generation did.

“Most of my generation left the area in our teens, because we didn’t see a future in Warby.

There was nothing happening here, no interesting career paths. We had very few recreational facilities, events or attractions growing up here,” he said.

“This led to a brain drain, where the most intelligent and promising individuals all moved away, started their careers and families elsewhere and never came back here.”

Mr Howard was born in Yarra Junction in 1979 and grew up in Warburton, going to school at Warburton Primary and Upper Yarra Secondary College, and today he is a self-employed designer, photographer and videographer.

Mr Howard said he hopes Warburton may be seeing the beginning of a recovery.

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NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

Local hero

The Lilydale Youth Hub

A local hero has emerged from the carpark of Yarra Junction Woolworths after helping an elderly lady who had a fall on Friday 25 March.

The hero, who wished to remain anonymous, was on the phone in the carpark when the incident occurred.

“She was walking back to her car, and I just noticed her fall out of the corner of my eye, but also heard the noise as my window was open,” he said.

“I yelled out, dropped the phone and leaped out of the car to run around and pick her up, make sure she was okay..”

Judy Stow had tripped over, blacked out and snapped her wrist in three places.

Our hero was taken aback by the extent of her injuries, to which Ms Stow tried to downplay, dazed and in a sense of shock.

“As I was picking her up she put her hand on her car and it was just all just blood, and she just kept apologising and saying no I’ll be fine,” he said.

“She really wasn’t noticing how bad the cuts were. I told a Woolworths worker who was dabbing at the blood put pressure on it, and told her if you’re able to walk I’ll walk you over to the medical centre.”

Ms Stow was unable to walk across to the Yarra Junction Medical Centre, so with her permission, he got her into her little Holden Astra and drove her across to the medical centre and alerted the staff. After initially trying to convince staff she would drive herself home unsuccessfully, Ms Stow was taken to the hospital for assistance.

Ms Stow’s daughter Emma Rowe said she and her mum are incredibly grateful for his kind act.

“He went above and beyond, I put up a post on the Yarra Ranges Noticeboard to try and find and thank him,” she said.

“My mom and I would’ve loved to get him

Judy Stow on the mend with her daughter Emma Rowe.

Picture: SUPPLIED something, a nice bottle of bottle of bourbon or rum or a dinner voucher to Yarra Valley winery for him and a friend but he would not accept it.”

The hero was concerned after leaving Ms Stow with the Yarra Junction medical centre, as he realised he hadn’t checked if she had a way to the hospital and called back the same afternoon to check if she was alright.

Ms Rowe said his parents, family and friends should be really proud of him.

“When I was told he phoned back later in the afternoon to find out she was I just thought wow, that’s just unreal, he’s a really nice guy to do what he did,” she said.

“Thank you so much for being so kind, you are an asset to the community.”

Ms Stow was allowed out of hospital after four days and is happy back at home living independently again.

The Lilydale Youth Hub is a mental health and wellbeing service for young people aged 12-25 living, working, or studying in the Yarra Ranges.

Since launching in October last year, we’ve supported young people in 39 of the Yarra Ranges 63 postcodes, from Lilydale to Belgrave, Healesville to Warburton and every town in between.

We do this through outreach, where a member of our support team can come and meet young people where they feel most comfortable – home, school, even a local café to chat through things.

The last two years have been particularly hard as young people attempt to adjust to school and work in a Covid-world. It has raised many new issues for young people in the Yarra Ranges and often made existing issues worse.

But we have seen firsthand how resilient and strong the young people in our community can be when given the support they need to thrive.

That’s why we’re here. Our support team helps young people to work out what they need to be thriving, safe, and valued.

If other services are needed, then a case manager will help with referrals, making appointments, and supporting clients to attend those appointments – because sometimes getting help isn’t easy.

Services that we regularly connect young people to include counselling and clinical mental health support; physical health such as GP appointments, dental, and sexual health; education and employment services; legal assistance; Aboriginal community services; and homelessness or out of home care support.

Sometimes young people and their families are unsure of what they need or where to find it.

Our support team are experts at navigating the mental health and social services system – so no one has to take the journey alone.

Mental health support isn’t always about counselling and psychologists. This year, we’ve run Creative Art Therapy, Animal Therapy, Yoga, Music Sessions and Workout sessions on offer, where young people can connect and enjoy themselves. We’re always planning more fun things too.

Our Hub space is open 12-5pm Monday to Friday, for young people who need a safe, welcoming space. Come in and relax, grab snacks, charge a phone, meet our support team – or just have some quiet space.

If you, or a young person you know, find that you need more specific mental health and wellbeing support, then we’re here to help.

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By Callum Ludwig

New deal for wine exports A new trade deal between the Australian and Indian Governments could come of a benefit for Yarra Valley wineries who are looking to export their blends.

When the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI ECTA) enters into force, preferential tariff treatment will be afforded to premium Australian wine imported to India, making Australia the first major wine producing country to negotiate such arrangements.

Wine Australia has welcomed the announcement, seeing the market a viable option for new winemakers to export as Indian consumers discover and learn more about Australian wine.

“There is potential for growth in the sale and consumption of Australian wine in India with Australia already having the greatest share of the imported wine market,” Wine Australia General Manager Corporate Affairs and Regulation Rachel Triggs said.

“In particular, the AI ECTA will make India a more viable proposition for small to medium winemakers who have not previously contemplated entering into that market.

Through the AI ECTA, India has also agreed to extend any preferential arrangements for wine afforded to other trading partners in future to Australian wine.

“The strengthening of the relationship between India and Australia through the AI ECTA creates an excellent platform upon which we can pursue a meaningful dialogue with India about regulatory and technical matters relating to the trade in wine.

In the 12 months to the end of December 2021, Australian wine exports to India increased by 81 per cent in value to $12 million – a record value of Australian wine exports to India. Volume also increased by 71 per cent to 2.5 million litres, and 74 per cent of this volume of wine was red wine.

The common customs tariff on wine imported to India is 150 per cent, making it a challenging market for imported wine.

In accordance with the AI ECTA, tariffs mailcommunity.com.au

A new agreement between Australia and India will see more wine exports into India more viable for Yarra Valley winemakers.

Picture: ON FILE on Australian wine with a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of over US$5 per 750ml bottle will decrease to 100 per cent upon entry into force, with a further phased reduction of 5 per cent per year for 10 years down to 50 per cent. Tariffs on Australian wine with a CIF value of over US$15 per 750ml bottle will decrease to 75 per cent upon entry into force, with a further phased reduction of 5 per cent per year for 10 years down to 25 per cent.

Wine in India – fast facts According to IWSR, Australian wine held a 42 per cent value share of the imported wine category in India in 2020, well ahead of Italy (14 per cent), France (12 per cent) and Chile (11 per cent).

IWSR reports that 72 per cent of the volume of wine consumed in India is produced domestically.

Euromonitor International reports that a rising middle class, increasing urbanisation, an inclination towards imported wine, and a shift in consumer preferences from hard spirits towards wine are expected to drive wine consumption in the forecast period, which is predicted to reach 55.5 million litres by 2025, up from 29.2 million litres in 2020.

Euromonitor International reports that the most popular red wines in India include Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, while for white wine Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are popular.

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Next gen of winemakers

By Mikayla van Loon The life and legacy of Wandin’s ‘gentleman winemaker’ Wally Zuk is being carried on in the next generation of viticulture enthusiasts as they take a step towards university studies.

Inaugural Wally Zuk Award recipient at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Selby Borg-Mcilroy was officially presented with the scholarship on Friday 1 April by Judy Zuk. “My husband had four degrees. The last one was wine science from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. He was always very interested in education but I think his dream was to get a vineyard and I went along with it and it turned out to be a wonderful experience for both of us,” Ms Zuk said.

“So I think this is wonderful because it’s going to promote viticulture in the Yarra Valley.”

Part of the criteria for graduating students to receive the $1500 scholarship was they needed to undertake a university degree in agriculture.

Originally from Healesville, Mr BorgMcilroy started his degree earlier this year in agriculture sciences at the University of Melbourne that integrates scientific, environmental, economic, and social considerations in all aspects of agriculture.

“Studying agriculture here [at MLMC] I found that I really liked it and enjoyed it and wanted to do something outside. I don’t want to be stuck in an office and agriculture is pretty perfect for that,” he said.

“I was definitely not expecting it, especially to be the first person to receive this is quite an honour.”

With a passion for winemaking, agriculture economics and biodynamics, Mr Borg-Mcilroy said his VCE studies at MLMC really prepared him for the practical skills needed for his university studies.

Agriculture teacher Tim Thompson said for

Selby Borg-Mcilroy was honoured to be the recipient of the award when he was officially presented with the prize on Friday 1 April.

MLMC agriculture teacher Tim Thompson, award recipient Selby Borg-Mcilroy, Judy Zuk and deputy principal Anita Kay-Taylor were proud to honour the work of Wally Zuk with the inaugural scholarship.

Pictures: SUPPLIED himself, seeing Mr Zuk’s memory continued on in this way was quite close to him having started his own career on the family’s vineyard Five Oaks.

“It’s, for me personally, a significant award because I feel a great deal of personal indebtedness to Wally and Judy, and also to the industry around the Yarra Valley for supporting the programs at the school to engage youth with them again,” he said.

“It also means that students who don’t quite fit in with your standard studies have a place to be and become excited about going to school.”

Mr Thompson said agriculture also offers a number of job and career opportunities for students that they may not be aware of and he was so pleased to see the success of his former

student in the field.

Deputy principal of learning and teaching Anita Kay-Taylor said while agriculture and horticulture studies at MLMC have a long history, it has taken a new form with the introduction of the award.

“This award raises and elevates this particular area of our curriculum… and the necessity is not simply because there’s someone out there who’s wanting to sponsor, there’s a future and sustainability in it,” she said.

“So for ag-hor to be leading in that area, curriculum wise and pathway wise, that’s really something where we’re very thankful for and proud of that Tim’s made that pathway possible for [students].”

Winemaking for Mr Zuk was a dream he

turned into a business having first completed a PhD in nuclear physics, as well as working to reduce radioisotopes in medicine for over a decade.

“Wine was his way of embracing his passion and he studied it for fun,” Mr Thompson said.

“It was a fun occupation but as a business it was very real…We both loved it because of the people we met and the fun we had,” Ms Zuk said.

When Mr Zuk died in September last year, Ms Zuk asked that friends and family donate to a charity of their choice rather than send flowers.

The result was the scholarship set up in her husband’s name with funds for at least 10 years.

As a family with international recognition in the wine industry and with connections with many Yarra Valley but also interstate wineries, Ms Zuk said the opportunities for the scholarship recipient don’t just come from the prize money but from the relationships that can be forged.

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

COMMUNITY POWER HUB CAMPAIGN

Building energy resilience

By Karen Casey Imagine retaining power in a storm or cutting your electricity bill in half. Imagine a home that is not only comfortable but cheaper to run with minimal carbon footprint.

Yarra Valley Community Power Hub (YVCPHub) can help you achieve this, one step at a time.

Supported by Sustainability Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government, YVCPHub is your first point of call for understanding the services, discounts, rebates and free upgrades available in your area. Six community energy groups in five LGA’s spanning the Greater Yarra Valley and Ranges are under its umbrella.

Executive Officer Jeff Barlow said the groups operating under YV-CPHub ensured much of the hard work was done.

“The local community energy groups do all the hard work for households by sourcing good quality products at great prices with reputable installers,” Mr. Barlow said. “Energy efficient products can pay for themselves over a few years just from the savings created from using less energy. Some banks even have Green Loans at low interest rates to assist with the upfront costs.”

Many householders are unaware they can have their home assessed for energy efficiency.

They can then upgrade the basics for free and have a free energy monitor installed to keep track of consumption.

Government rebates are also available on bigger items like hot water pumps, solar panels and batteries for those who qualify. And, thanks to the power of community bulk-buying, reverse cycle air conditioning, electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries and more are

available at fair prices.

Find out more about home energy efficiency and YV-CPHub’s new reverse cycle air con-

ditioning offer at a Zoom information session on Wednesday, April 27, 7.30pm-9pm. More in-depth courses are available at community

houses in Eltham, Emerald and Pakenham.

Visit www.yvcommunitypowerhub.org.au to find out more.

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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MAIL 13

NEWS A local program run by the police is helping youth offenders navigate a path to a life out of crime.

Youth thrown a lifeline

By Renee Wood A program that’s run at Mount Evelyn YMCA Camp is throwing youth offenders a lifeline to turn their lives around after learning ‘the ropes’ with local police officers.

The ‘Ropes Program’ is run by Leading Senior Constable Kevin Bridle who recently took over from its founder Senior Constable Mick O’Meara in 2019.

Ld Snr Const. Bridle works in the Proactive Policing Unit at Knox Police Station and jumped at the opportunity to lead the program to help local kids bounce back from troubled times.

“I’ve always had an interest in working with the youth because some people don’t have a role model in their life, so if they can find one, it’s a good thing,” Ld. Snr Const. Bridle said.

It’s been running for 22 years and started after Snr Const. O’Meara was at court with a youth offender and noticed how unfair it was that children didn’t have a ‘diversion’ option to squash a criminal record.

Snr Const. O’Meara developed the initiative which now allows young people the opportunity to have their conviction wiped and move on with their lives, if they successfully complete the Ropes Program.

Ld. Snr Const. Bridle said the one day program includes the physical rope drill elements while developing problem solving and leadership skills.

Ld. Snr Const. Bridle also provides examples of how criminal convictions can affect your future life.

“Andrew Krakouer, played for Collingwood - as a 17 year old he got into trouble he pinched a car, got into an assault, he did time. When he played football, the club wanted to take all their players overseas for training courses in the States - he couldn’t go because of a criminal conviction.

“Those are the sorts of things we tell the kids - a silly thing you do can come back later in life, that spur of the moment decision can affect you. So Ropes today is about learning to stop and think about it, is it really worth the risk?”

Generally, it’s held once a month with up to twelve participants who have been deemed suitable by the Magistrate after meeting specific requirements, which includes no extensive criminal history and the offence is minor.

The youth has to admit the guilt and the defence and prosecution have to both agree to it before putting a submission to the Magistrate.

The course hasn’t been running during lockdowns and restrictions but now it has resumed this year.

Ld. Snr Const. Bridle is grateful for its return and said it’s a vital service steering youth back in the right direction.

“We expect children to push boundaries and have a bit of fun - that’s part of growing up, and making mistakes is a great way to learn.

“But this is your chance, this is where it stops. You do the ropes course, learn by it and move on.”

Ld. Snr Const. Kevin Bridle has been leading the Ropes Program since 2019. 276440

Youth offenders are getting the opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives after being part of the Ropes Program.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

It’s a program that’s been running for 22 years.

ticipate in something outside their comfort zone.”

Weaved through the physical activities is a main diversion talk.

“One of the things we’ll talk about in the talk is to learn how to say no - so if you’re in a peer group pressure, be the one that has the confidence to say no I’m not going to do that or no I don’t want to be involved.

“You might be pressured to get into a stolen car or something - if one person says no that’s dumb, you’ll be surprised how many other people will say yeah that is a dumb idea.”

The participant will either pass or fail after completing the day, with the majority passing, while others may fail for various reasons including showing poor behaviour.

It’s a one chance opportunity that’s seeing

less youth follow a path of criminal activity, while providing an opportunity to move forward into society.

One of the participants under Snr Const.

O’Meara was a young offender who contacted him concerned his passed offence would jeopardise his goal of getting into the army.

Mick assured him that due to the ropes program he would be cleared, and sure enough the man is now in the army in a high ranking position - an example of just how ropes can start a better chapter for young people.

Ld. Snr Const. Bridle said 15 per cent of the participants reoffend.

“Jails are full of people that broke laws within the community, and as a community we all have to live together and get along so we need to take consideration with the things that we

Everything on the schedule has strong meanings behind them.

Group problem solving activities are held to allow the participants to build some confidence among their peers and promote leadership skills, while the low ropes course, will see groups working together as one person climbs and the other two support.

“I relate that back to in life. Sometimes when you’re at a party or something like that, and things are getting out of hand, your friends are there to support you.”

The high ropes course is conducted later in the day with the leap of faith and giant swing also having strong connections to everyday life.

“The idea of these type of things is to face their fears… pushing the young people to par-

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NEWS

Truth-telling begins in Vic

By Mikayla van Loon The Yoorrook Justice Commission has officially launched its truth-telling process in Victoria with local Elders’ yarns scheduled to hear the concerns of First Nations People.

Commissioner and deputy chair Sue-Anne Hunter, a Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum Wurrung woman, said the launch of the commission was a historic moment for Victoria as the first truth-telling inquiry ever conducted.

“It signified what First Peoples in Victoria have been working towards for a very long time, which is achieving truth and justice,” she said.

“It signified the first steps and formal start towards learning about the injustices experienced by the First Peoples since colonisation.

The truths and stories told by First Peoples will be difficult to retell and listen to, but it’s an important step towards healing.”

With ancestors in William Barak, who was closely associated with the Aboriginal settlement Coranderrk located near Healesville in 1863, and his sister Annie Borate, Ms Hunter said she imagines they would be proud and pleased to see the progress happening in Victoria.

As the Yoorrook commissioners travel Victoria to hear from Elders on their priorities for the work of Yoorrook, Ms Hunter said she hopes the yarns are “beneficial in grounding our inquiry in the cultural authority of our Elders.”

“The Elders’ Yarns are incredibly significant in the truth and justice process as our Elders are an essential guiding force for the work we’re undertaking,” she said.

“The Yarns will help us understand exactly where our focus should be throughout the process and into formal hearings next month.

Our Elders will help us understand which areas are most important for community so that this process has the greatest chance of true healing.”

Both historical and ongoing injustices will be reflected on including cultural violations and massacres, policing and criminal justice,

The Yoorrook Justice Commission comprises Professor Eleanor Bourke, Sue-Anne Hunter, Senior Elder Dr Wayne Atkinson, Kevin Bell AM QC and Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter who will travel around Victoria listening to Elders.

Picture: SUPPLIED child protection, family and welfare matters, health and healthcare.

The truth-telling and hearings will be taking place from 26 April, allowing First Nations Elders to share their experiences, stories and pain at a public hearing in an attempt to heal.

As someone who has worked in Aboriginal child and family welfare for over 20 years, Ms Hunter said going into the yarns and formal hearings her background gives her a unique understanding of her people and the challeng-

es they face everyday.

“If we can break those barriers to speaking out and do things differently, we hope they too will come forward to tell their stories in a supported and safe way.”

Elders’ Yarns can be conducted in three ways: by attending a group Elders’ Yarn, a oneon-one session as scheduled upon request or a cultural or historical site visit also to be scheduled on request.

These yarns and public hearings will lead to

an interim report that is due in June. The Yoorrook will invite First Peoples to tell their truth in the second half of 2022, where the broader Victorian community will also be invited.

Elders’ Yarn locations will be published on the Yoorrook Justice Commission Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/YoorrookJusticeCommission To inquire about the Elders’ Yarns contact Joey Saunders 0459 871 952 or Lisa Thorpe 0467 513 823.

Top social justice priorities identified for Casey area

By Mikayla van Loon The community of Casey has identified the most pressing social justice issues it believes needs to be addressed in an Australian first report produced by The Salvation Army.

Data compiled in the National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR) showed the overwhelming percentage of people who have witnessed or experienced mental health concerns in the electorate of Casey.

While 67 per cent of respondents in Casey listed mental health as the top priority, which was 10 per cent higher than the state, social isolation and loneliness was within the top five, something that was not identified for Victoria or the nation.

The Salvation Army’s head of public relations Bruce Harmer said the pandemic had quite a large influence on the social issues people felt needed more support in a postpandemic world.

“Our experience with Covid has been that many people felt socially isolated and disconnected from society, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“Along with the increase of mental health issues, the stigma around speaking about mental health seemed to evaporate to a degree.

“People were more willing to share how they were feeling, something that was translated in the number of people that see it as the highest issue in Casey.”

Housing affordability (55.3 per cent), followed by family violence and drug and alcohol abuse (both 37.9 percent) rounded out the top five concerns, something Mr Harmer said all fit within the space of mental health stressors.

“Covid brought to the attention of the vast majority of people that episodes of mental health can occur to anyone, at any time, whether it be in relation to losing a job, social mailcommunity.com.au

The Casey electorate identified social isolation as a key priority in The Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake report. isolation or maybe housing affordability and we see that rating very highly also in the electorate of Casey.”

Mr Harmer said these social issues were all systemic elements within society before the pandemic but the report reveals the exacerbation and also the willingness to talk about these worries because of the pandemic.

“Our society seems to be opening up and having a newfound willingness to discuss these things openly.

“When the Salvation Army came into each of the electorates right across the country and asked the constituents what are the top

social issues from your perspective, it gave them an opportunity to sit and reflect.

“They are certainly social issues that need addressing, but…we’re on the right road to addressing them if we’re prepared to talk about them.”

By releasing the report, Mr Harmer said The Salvation Army hopes it draws attention to the key issues facing residents within electorates like Casey as it comes closer to a federal election.

“We want politicians, we want those who are running for public office, along with education, along with transport, along with health, we want them to think a little deeper

Picture: UNSPLASH

about the social justice issues that are prevalent in our community and we want them to begin the conversation.”

Mr Harmer said the report and research will also instruct The Salvation Army in how best to engage and provide support in the Casey community moving forward.

“For the Salvation Army, it underlines and confirms for us that these social issues are worth pursuing because other people in the community also see them as issues that need to be addressed.”

To view the report by nation, state or electorate go to www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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NEWS

Mountain Ash top Eucalypt The possums have received radio tracking devices.

Lowland Leadbeater’s possums from Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and Healesville Sanctuary have been translocated to a unique patch of forest in Victoria’s north east.

Pictures: ZOOS VICTORIA

Dan Harley putting up nest box for Leadbeater’s Possum at new translocation site near Mansfield.

Fighting extinction In a bold move for conservation, a translocation trial is underway that involves moving a third of the world’s population of critically endangered lowland Leadbeater’s Possums to a new forest home near Mansfield in Victoria’s north east.

Zoos Victoria, with the help of conservation partners Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, is translocating 13 of the remaining 33 lowland possums from the wild population at Yellingbo to the new location. This follows extensive surveys in Victoria’s north east and Gippsland to identify suitable habitat.

The translocation trial is the latest step in a recovery strategy based on one of the longest-running and most intensive population monitoring programs in place for a Victorian threatened species.

Zoos Victoria Senior Ecologist Dr Dan Harley, who is leading the translocation trial, said eight possums were translocated in October last year, and have done really well at their new forest home.

“Based on these results, we translocated a further five possums in late March [this year] as the next step in our trials to examine site suitability,” Dr Harley said. “The objective is to increase the population size and expand the area of occupancy as part of risk spreading against bushfire. The lowland population is suffering from inbreeding, so restoring genetic diversity is also critical.

“The translocation to new locations is a bold and brave step, but necessary to save a species that faces the very real threat of extinction in the next 15 years without intervention.

“By establishing a new wild lowland population of Leadbeater’s possums we can, hopefully, minimise the risk of this species being lost entirely during a climate-related event such as a bushfire. We also aim to increase population size and, with the introduction of some highland genetics, restore genetic diversity in the lowland population.”

A successful translocation is dependent on high-quality swamp forest habitat to support

foraging and provide sufficient food resources to promote breeding. Low predation risk from cats and foxes is also a key variable. Phase one of the translocation trial is already showing promising signs of breeding amongst the colonies. Importantly, no predation by cats or foxes has occurred.

Due to habitat loss, the lowland Leadbeater’s Possum now has a highly restricted range (of habitat) and is a species at significant risk of extinction because of climate change. Ninety-nine per cent of the fertile valley floors on which lowland possums rely were cleared for agriculture early last century.

The lowland Leadbeater’s Possum population is genetically distinct from highland Leadbeater’s Possums (also critically endangered).

Leadbeater’s Possum was presumed extinct early last century, prior to being rediscovered in 1961. Lowland populations of the species were thought to be extinct until 1986, when a group of surviving possums was discovered at Yellingbo. The Leadbeater’s Possum is one of Victoria’s faunal emblems.

An Aussie first for carbon neutral distillery Following a whopping $7 million upgrade to its Healesville distillery, Four Pillars is set to become the first carbon-neutral distillery in the country.

The expansion is set to open to the public by the end of April, and comes as part of the Australian government initiative Climate Active, which awards certification to businesses who have reached a state of achieving zero net emissions.

“This is a landmark day for Four Pillars and our commitment to sustainability,” said Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie.

“From the very first day we distilled gin we have tried to recycle, re-use and replenish our environment and give back to the community.

We cannot give more to the community than assure it that our gins tread carefully on our planet, especially in this time of climate crisis.”

To achieve this state, Four Pillars has been working with Climate Active and consultants Ndevr Environmental for over a year, taking into account the significantly complex process of making the production facility and all products carbon neutral, including once they have left the distillery.

“Our journey to carbon-neutral began with the simple idea of reusing oranges for marmalade, giving spent botanicals to pigs for feed, putting solar panels on our roof and of course offsetting what can be an energy-intensive production process by carefully purchasing carbon credits.” said Mr Mackenzie.

“To be honest, we are doing no more, or less, than what should be expected of a business that is lucky enough to be based in the magnificent natural surrounds of the Yarra Valley.” mailcommunity.com.au

A digital render of the upgrade and construction of Healesville 2.0.

The new Four Pillars distillery, named Healesville 2.0, has seen more than a 1000sqm expansion of the original site, directly adjacent, and wholly connected, to the original Four Pillars distillery on Lilydale Road, Healesville and has been designed by Melbourne’s award-winning and sustainability-led Breathe Architecture.

The environmental impact of the construction of Healesville 2.0 has been taken into account, and has used materials including recycled and upcycled concrete and bricks, pineapple ‘leather’ upholstery and even building waste has been carefully used and given a purpose. Furniture is all locally sourced, solar power panels are installed on the roof, and internal and external landscaping includes plantings of local natives and botanicals, many of which will be used in future gin distillations.

Picture: SUPPLIED

A new process of piping gin directly into the main bar through featured copper pipes to reduce glass waste and they will also be reducing bottled tonic usage, replaced in the most part by tonic in kegs. These two initiatives alone will see the site save 29 tonnes of glass per year.

The whole site, incorporating the old and new buildings, will be enclosed by a copper ‘veil’ made from 1650m of raw copper tubing, giving Healesville a stunning new landmark as well as working as a natural heat exchange to reduce energy consumption.

Ongoing sustainability programs include re-using the one tonne of spent botanicals produced each week in their Made from Gin food range or as mulch for local gardens.

For further information about Climate Active and to see the full rundown of Four Pillars carbon reducing activities please visit www. climateactive.org.au

By Renee Wood The Eucalyptus regnans, the Mountain Ash, has been dubbed the Eucalypt of the Year for 2022 following a national poll by Eucalypt Australia.

The competition has been running for five years and the votes quadrupled from last year, with the most going towards the Mountain Ash which is one of the principal forest trees in the Yarra Ranges area.

Eucalypt Australia Linda Baird said it’s unique in Australia and internationally.

“It’s the tallest flowering tree or plant of any description in the world, we actually hold that, that is our native tree,” Ms Baird said.

One of the tallest Eucalyptus regnans in the Black Spur stands at 86 metres tall and the tallest known is in Tasmania at 100.5 metres.

“The interesting thing is that the tallest isn’t necessarily the oldest – they gain girth.”

“So they grow up really tall and straight, and then they just get wider and wider and wider.”

The tree is also vital to local biodiversity, home to threatened species through hollows including the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider.

They also face growing issues when fire events sweep through their habitat.

“They are obligate seeders – when the regnans get fire on fire on fire it’s really difficult for them because their seeds will only be viable once they become mature and they take around 20 years to become mature.

“If you’re getting back to back fire events, that gets really really difficult.”

The poll aims to engage with the public to promote the diversity of Eucalypts, with 988 species, and to grow a greater understanding of what’s in your urban environment.

A hotly contested second place went to the Red Flowering Gum, Corymbia ficifolia and the Sydney Red Gum, Angophora costata, came in third.

Ms Baird said the poll delivered a healthy competition on social media as those in the West rallied to back the Red Flowering Gum, with a sense of pride growing among voters about what’s in their backyard.

For those wishing to see a Mountain Ash, they can be spotted in many areas across the Yarra Ranges including in the Upper Yarra and the Dandenong Ranges.

The Ada Tree is also a popular Victorian mountain ash in Powelltown, which stands at around 76 metres tall and is estimated to be over 300 years old.

Walking tracks to see the giant Eucalyptus can be accessed by the Ada Tree Picnic Area and car park on Ada River Road, Powelltown.

The Ada Tree near Powelltown is a popular Mountain Ash. Picture: ON FILE Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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NEWS

Toasting to Wandin club A photo of smiling Wandin Toastmasters climbing on a frame in a playground may not seem symbolic of a Toastmasters Club but at Wandin Toastmasters, they embracing a challenge sent to three states to produce an awardwinning promotional video - and they won!

Wandin’s club is six years young, and in that time it has won the highest Toastmasters International Club award every year.

The unique club has a member who was awarded the Toastmasters International District 73 (SA, VIC, Tas) Outstanding Toastmaster of the year award 2021-22 and our members consistently serve on the district leadership team. It is a hybrid club allowing members to attend club meetings in-person or online.

The highlight of any year are members who join and strengthen the fabric of our club, like Madi. Madi started Toastmasters after a oneafternoon meeting on a cold and dull Saturday in September 2021.

“I thought that it would be a bit of afternoon fun and that would be it. I was seriously mistaken,” she said.

“I had found my people and decided to join Wandin Toastmasters right away. These were going to be the people who would help me in more ways than one.

“My paperwork was quickly completed, and I had become a part of something bigger than myself and found something that was my own.”

Madi has grown so much since that September meeting. Toastmasters helped her through some tough decisions over the past six months - some short and long term, and others life-altering.

“I landed an interview for a receptionist po-

The Warburton Quilters and Stitchers have returned to the Yarra Junction Fire Station.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Quilters and stitchers

By Callum Ludwig

Wandin Toastmasters is inviting others to join their club.

Picture: SUPPLIED sition at a physio clinic, with the confidence that Wandin Toastmasters has given me, I walked into the interview with a strong aura of boosted self-esteem,” she said.

“It took four days before I heard the best news: “Madi, we want to offer you the position.” I was finally aboard the train of success, and I couldn’t have done it without Wandin Toastmasters.”

Come join Wandin Toastmasters, like Madi, your path to success could be a reality within a fun, joyous environment where you will find the amazing YOU.

The Warburton Quilters and Stitchers Group are once again able to meet up at the Yarra Junction Fire Station after Covid-19 restrictions prevented them from doing so.

They meet every Friday at the 37 Yarra Street station. Every first, third or fifth Friday they meet from 11am to 4pm or 5pm and every second and fourth of the month from 11am to 10pm.

Kayleen Coleman said the return of the group to in-person, inside meetings is very important for its 38 members.

“For many of the women, maybe a third, it is the main group they go to, and they might see one or two other people through the week, but to see group of people is quite important for them,” she said.

“Its been a godsend to have people come back, the zoom meeting just weren’t the same as meeting face-to-face.”

The ladies get up to all sorts of craft proj-

ects, with members who do hand stitching, machine stitching, knitting, crocheting, applique and foundation paper piecing, making a range of quilts, and more.

Ms Coleman said the group all gets along well and have a good time, and all are willing to help each other out.

“We have a good chuckle and laugh, and there’s plenty of food, tea and coffee, and if anyone needs help they bring it up up the group and we have a look at it.”

“It helps people keep people interested and helps people complete a project that they might otherwise struggle with at home by themselves.”

There is a $20 membership fee for any new members, and $10 every year after that to help cover the cost of tea, coffee, biscuits etc. The Fire Station is kindly rented to the ladies by the Yarra Junction CFA at no cost, and the group often supports the CFA in return, as well as hosting their Biggest Morning Tea every year to raise money for the Cancer Council.

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OPINION

Ways forward after Covid ‘Long Covid’ or its first variant ‘Omicron’, or its latest variant, ‘BA.2’, have added to our struggles with the entrails of all we has gone through in the last two years.

Long Covid seems to be the result of the struggle itself, given that the second anniversary of Covid’s landing was on the 24th of Feb this year.

Sadly the deaths and the daily stats along the way have left the average person in a state of confusion and uncertainty.

Unless we have been touched personally, it is hard to comprehend the terrible losses and grief thousands have gone through, and for many, are still experiencing it.

On top of that, the mass indiscriminant slaughter and displacement of millions in The Ukraine, is to us, inconceivable.

That war, and the floods in our north, drive a deeper despondency So what are these life traumas doing to us?

I observe in our communities a lack of hope, a despondency, a growing divide between the

Focal Point

Graeme Dawson

haves and the have-nots, and a lot of the issues cropping up again that we dealt with in our previous lock downs – rising alcohol consumption, relationship breakdowns and domestic violence is on the rise again, and the level on depression in our young people has blown right out.

Counselling centers are quoting up to 8 weeks to see clients.

So how can we even start to address these ills?

There are efforts being made, like offering free ‘Second Bite’ food for those in need. One venue near me which opens at 10am on a Friday

has most of its food taken by 9-45.

Another delivers many food hampers per week to the homes of the needy.

Then in most of our villages, sports clubs are thriving – a healthy balanced place for our young.

Another way to help, if you have a little more cash than most, is to try paying it forward by covering a food bill, or part - maybe when we see someone struggling to meet the total at the cashier in the supermarket.

The influx of coffee vans in our towns, offer great places for a chat, and if we are so wired, a friendship built there may even change a life and give us something worthwhile to do.

As Chaplain to Community I see many positive outcomes through a solid grounded faith in a God who promises life essentials like love, peace, security, hope, care, significance and purpose.

Although Covid has virtually closed the doors of smaller, older churches, people from all walks of life and various denominations

meet together in the church I attend. The place is full.

I believe people are looking for that rock/ the anchor that a faith in God brings, and a relationship with others who are seeking friendship and nurture as well.

Most Sundays at the above mentioned church people loiter over a cuppa and cake for up to three quarters of an hour after the main service finishes.

One thing that encourages me is that the Football/Netball Club where I was chaplain wants me to continue to read out a prayer over the Club at the start of each season. At the start of Covid I wrote one for protection from it – two years on, no Covid - 100 players and 100s of members.

There is hope to be found and friendships to be enjoyed if we lift our eyes to see who we could encourage and be encouraged by.

Many Blessings, Graeme Dawson, Chaplain to Community

Crime thriller worthy read Film a mediocre sandwich: poor filling, great bread

A review of Magnus Nights; The Helios Incident by Bryn Smith Magnus Nights: The Helios Incident, written by Bryn Smith and published in 2021, is the first of a series of political crime thrillers set in the futuristic city of Magnus.

Like many dystopian novels, it tells a tale of two parallel cities, with Magnus being the skycity where welfare and security is preserved. Those less fortunate in the undercity are left to struggle on their own or resort to crime.

But issues of social and economic inequality are only the backdrop. Likewise, sci-fi elements such as holography, plasma weaponry, wearable computing and communication devices and drone technology are generously deployed to help illustrate conflicts among prominent forces and their impact on the innocent and vulnerable.

So it comes down to the plot, the classic “whodunit and why” that generates much suspense, tension and excitement in all good crime thrillers. In this regard, the author has successfully hidden the identity of the criminal mastermind until the very end.

Another universal trope in the book is the “old cop, young cop” combination, as DS Augustine and DC Craddock of the police’s Taskforce Bloodhound race against time to find the source of powerful weapons that gangsters use to incinerate their enemies.

While the backstories of both detectives are lightly addressed, much attention is paid to Augustine’s hard-earned wisdom and Craddock’s instinctive (re)actions that are crucial in solving crimes. Both men are highly likeable, their dialogues revealing and humorous.

Other characters have their shadowy pasts and hidden motives. All questions are sufficiently answered in the end, with much pleasure remaining in the hunt for clues.

As the old Chinese saying goes, “the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the

PASSION

FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN bird stalking him”. The relentless pursuit, near captures and repeated escapes is what makes the story entertaining.

The author’s strength lies in the depiction of large-scale chaos. The power of the plasma guns is impressively displayed, the vivid details of the resulting mayhem and destruction both fascinating and terrifying.

Such deadly weapons cannot be allowed to fall into wrong hands, but who is to determine whose hands are eligible and righteous? This is an issue subtly raised in the book for readers to ponder upon.

Meanwhile, the author’s background in technology and as a combat engineer in the Army Reserves helps in building a technologically advanced megacity. Think of Philip K. Dick’s “The Minority Report”, Max Brooks’s World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War and even the animated TV series Arcane that is set in the League of Legends fictional universe – Smith’s Magnus Nights deserves to be brought to the big screen to showcase the madness of its metropolis.

Before that happens, sit back and enjoy the conspiracies and power struggles in Magnus, a microcosm of our current world that is at risk of being eroded by greed and violence. Disclaimer: This review is based on a print copy of the book provided by Brisbane-based Hawkeye Publishing for free in the hope that this reviewer would provide an honest, unbiased critique.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen Rated M 3.5/5 Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is an exciting and frequently charming magical thriller with a saggy middle.

In the 1930s, a group of witches and wizards, led by Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), must stop the tyrant Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) from becoming leader of the global magical community.

The previous Fantastic Beasts films had trouble integrating their titular beasts with the magical conflicts, but The Secrets of Dumbledore does a good job of balancing its magical animals with wizarding intrigue. Said animals provide some exciting set-pieces, including a tense but amusing prison escape, and the protection and delivery of a particular creature is an integral plot-thread.

However, Supreme Head Vogel (Oliver Masucci) stresses the importance of the magical community choosing their new leader, but having a magical animal pick the new leader contradicts this democratic message.

The cast still has fantastic chemistry, Mikkelsen gives the third and best portrayal of Grindelwald in the series, and Dan Fogler

remains an endearing source of comic relief and pathos as Jake Kowalski. The plot subtly explores Jake’s estrangement from his lover Queenie (Alison Sudol) and Dumbledore’s conflicted bond with Grindelwald, and the third act is a compelling, beautiful culmination of whimsical cunning.

And yet the second act, while fun overall, feels meandering and disjointed. The explicit assertion that the plan is no plan feels like a sneaky cover for lazy writing, and the new insights into the redundant Credence’s (Ezra Miller) identity feel as halfhearted as last time.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, which is playing at most Victorian cinemas, is engrossing, touching and funny, despite a flabby middle and confused views on democracy.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

CARTOON

Comical Elvis performance It’s Now or Never Elvis Presley fanatic Tom and his fiancee Alice arrive in Spain in preparation for their longawaited wedding. Keith Clark, a plumber and fellow Elvis fanatic, has offered them the use of his villa outside Mirabella whilst he is in London. But their arrival has been predated by a sighting by Keith of the real Elvis alive and hiding out in a nearby villa.

Unbeknownst to Alice who is not much of an Elvis fan, Keith talks Tom into helping kidnap Elvis to sell the story to the British tabloid press. Things go according to plan until the victim appears to die in their custody.

The confusion resulting from the attempts to hide their hysteria (and the body) from Alice mailcommunity.com.au

Kemp’s curtain call while convincing The Sunday Insider of their conquest leads to chaos as a variety of Elvises’ appear and disappear and identities change by the moment in this fast-paced and frenetic comedy.

Season: 21 April – Sunday 1 May. Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

From the universe within

By Tyler Wright The Yarra Valley Gallery & Arts Hub (YAVA) launched a new exhibition, showcasing the work of locals Jessica Harris and Amanda Ruck Their works have been combined to form ‘The Universe Within’ an exhibit inviting viewers to connect to their own internal feelings and emotions through art.

Jessica’s tiny collages are mixed-media works and are part of a mural, representing the large emotions we tend to compress inside ourselves yet form such a significant part of our lives.

Whereas Amanda’s acrylic works are on large canvases and are paired with a ‘familiar’ an object that inspired the painting.

“It was matching up their philosophies in a way that would compliment each other,” Gallery Manager and curator Dakini Maddock said.

“They might be very different work, but it makes it a more dynamic and interesting exhibition.”

Amanda is a landscape painter, cloud painter on canvas and wood panels.

“I work to very beautiful, big, ignited blue skies, but I often tend to work at [sunset],” Amanda said.

“Nature continuously inspires me.”

And you can see that in the clouds and trees of her paintings, often with what she calls a sense of “hope” in the horizon created by a particular colour like naples yellow.

“I just wanted to put together a show that everyone could engage with in terms of their emotions.

“Sometimes the inspiration is really obvious, like a color or the light. Sometimes it’s a little less obvious and kind of travels a little bit deeper.”

Jessica Harris’ works are reactions to events happening in her life and her feelings, as she started creating tiny art during 2021’s lockdown.

Attendees at the launch of ‘The Universe Within’ at the Yarra Valley Gallery & Arts Hub last night.

Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT “I wanted to do a lot, so I thought bringing them down small would be more practical and more of an introspective look,” Jessica said.

The artist and educator will be holding a ‘Repetitive Lines and Patterns’ workshop on Saturday 16 and Saturday 23 April in the Margaret Lawrence studio at YAVA from 10am to noon.

“It’ll be a mindfulness type session, using the lines to just relax and take some time out.”

Dakini will also be holding guided meditations with breathing exercises one day a week

throughout the exhibition, choosing a different work from both Jessica and Amanda’s collection each time for participants to focus on.

“It’s about grounding and coming back to the present moment and having a bit of a rest.

It’s self care for people, but in a beautiful environment with beautiful artworks.”

Engaging with people through workshops and guided meditation is something Dakini is attempting to implement in the future after obtaining feedback from a group of young mentees at YAVA.

Amanda Ruck with her piece, ‘Romance’.

“I’ve seen how that’s worked in other galleries, especially in Europe” she said. “[We are] trying to meet people on those different levels.”

A gold coin donation box is at the gallery upon entry, and the exhibit will be running from now until 1 May with doors open between 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Guided meditations will run on Wednesday 13, 20 and 27 April from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

For more information, head to https:// www.yava.org.au/theuniversewithin

Julian Assange’s dad supports local ITHAKA screening

By Parker McKenzie As the screening of the documentary ITHAKA at Cameo Cinema in Belgrave approaches, John Shipton — the father of Julian Assange — spoke to the Star Mail about his son’s extradition case and health, the making of the documentary and Mr Assange’s brief time spent at Monbulk High School.

The documentary, directed by Ben Lawrence, was filmed over two years in Europe and the United States, as Mr Assange continues to fight to prevent being extradited to the United States for espionage. It will screen at Cameo Cinema on 17 April, followed by a question and answer session with Mr Shipton.

77-year-old Mr Shipton said he returned from the United Kingdom in late March after visiting Belmarsh Prison to witness Mr Assange’s wedding.

“Julian isn’t doing the best, but he’s very happy to put his life and his family’s life in good order by getting married,” he said.

“He’s entering his 14th year of arbitrary detention on the day after Palm Sunday.”

Through his organisation Wikileaks, Mr Assange published a series of leaks provided by a United States intelligence analyst in 2010, revealing the United States had killed civilians in unreported incidents throughout the Afghanistan War. Sweden issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Assange over allegations of sexual misconduct in November 2010 and after losing his extradition appeal, Mr Assange took refuge and was granted asylum in the Embassy of Ecuador in London where he remained until 2019.

Despite no longer facing extradition to Sweden, Mr Assange was charged by the United States under the espionage act after his asylum was revoked. He is currently fighting his extradition to the United States in the British courts.

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John Shipton will be at a screening of the documentary ITHAKA at Cameo Cinema in Belgrave on 17 April.

Mr Shipton said in the past decade, support for Mr Assange has grown among the public and the Australian Government.

“In 2013 there was just Andrew Wilkie and Peter Whish-Wilson supporting, now there are 29 other parliamentarians in the Assange group in federal parliament, giving you an indication of the constant growth,” he said.

“As well the leader of the opposition Anthony Albanese said in a caucus that enough is enough and the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce when he was in Washington said Assange must be freed.”

Mr Shipton said if Mr Assange’s appeals are rejected, the average time for appeals and

sentencing will mean he will have spent 27 years in arbitrary detention or detained before he can serve out a sentence in Australia.

“It looks like two or three more years of court cases in the United Kingdom. Julian’s defence has applied for another court case, an appeal, a decision on that is coming,” he said.

“If the decisions in the negative for Julian, he will go to the European Court of Human Rights. That will be fought over a period of two years.”

Mr Assange “went to a lot of schools” throughout his childhood and teenage years, and spent two terms at Monbulk High School.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

Mr Shipton said many people in the hills are both supportive and curious about Mr Assange because he spent time in the Dandenong Ranges as a teenager.

“People are concerned for Julian’s wellbeing because he’s an Australian and did some really earth-shattering things, so the public could understand what governments do, what the United States has done and what war crimes are committed,” he said.

“Thank you for the support people give and for the long memory, treasuring the time Julian spent here in the hills.”

Cameo Cinema is located at 1628 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. mailcommunity.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Millgrove residents taking in the sights.

Picture: GATHONI HOWARD

The streets of Millgrove became a canvas.

Picture: HEATHER WALKER

Millgrove streets light up Art Attack stunned Millgrove residents on Saturday 9 April, lighting up the town with their very own photos.

“Such a wonderful job and put so many smiles on faces. To bring these smiles, we could never repay you. A million dollars would not have given me the pleasure and happiness you and your volunteers did. Thank you with all my heart and this happiness and memory will be with me forever,” Vicky said.

“Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have wished for a better time. Beautiful pictures. It was an absolute dream to see, we hope there is going to be more to come. It was wonderful. Best thing that has ever happened in Millgrove.”

“I have loved living in Millgrove these past 22 years, and your event last night just made me fall in love with the community even more,” Penny said.

“The kids and I just loved #milgroveartattack.

Millgrove certainly got a makeover tonight! And I even got a photo in! It was so fabulous to bring the limelight to Millgrove.” Jane said.

“I think it’s nice to see how beautiful Millgrove is, we are very lucky we get to see it every day. I think it is an underappreciated suburb.

So it is nice that people can come here and celebrate it with us.” Bec said.

“It was a beautiful opportunity to see how beautiful Millgrove is, you don’t realise until you see it on camera,” Maureen said.

“It was so special, it was different and interesting and something out of the ordinary for our community so it was really lovely,” Christine said.

“Thanks so much to all involved in bringing us this wonderful, local exhibition! We had such a beautiful, moonlit, mild night.” Suzie said.

“Such a special evening. You brought people together in a delightful way. Sharing the

Taking it all in.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX

Even the timber mill was incorporated.

Picture: SUZANNE PHOENIX experience with old and young, chatting and eating ice cream while we enjoyed the wonderful photograph protections and amazing soundscape. Many thanks to all who made this possible.” Dakini said.

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

Making the magic happen.

Picture: HEATHER WALKER

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

Some younger Millgrove residents enjoyed playing with the light show.

Picture: GATHONI HOWARD

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

12527817-BL51-21

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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MAIL 21

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 076

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.

ACROSS

1 6 8 5

23 24 26 27 28

2 1

29

medium

9 5

10 11 12 13 15 16 18

8 2 1 2 6

No. 076

DOWN

Plunger (6) Sanctions (8) Rolling in the Deep singer (5) Social exclusion (9) Monetary units (5) Relating to the body (9) Perverse (8) Plant, 'Rose of Sharon' (6) Upmarket (6) Donated to; bestowed upon (4,4) Variety of nut (9) One of the Ionian islands (5) Capacity (9) Observing (5) Japanese game company (8) Thin outer coating (6)

1 4 9

easy

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

Tableland (7) Wipe (5) Supervised (7) Constitution (6) Winning streak (2,1,4) Photographic presentation (9) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Transpire (5) Pulls apart (5,4) Skipper (7) Holiday destination (7) Sun-dried brick (5) Defecate (7) Not as old (7) Must (6) Lift up (5)

DECODER

No. 076

WORDFIT

No. 076

3 LETTERS AWE

3 2 1 6 5 3 7

AXE CAR DID

3 5 7 1 8 7 2

6 2 3 7 4

DUO ETA EWE FEW GAS GEE GEL

8 6

HAM HAS IRA

hard

ISA

9 2

8 4 3 2

5 4 9

8

LAS ORB PRE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

RPM TAR

1 7

TEE

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

5

B F

ALICE

MARCO

TRITE

NEATEST

AMISS

MEDAL

TULSA

REFEREE

4 LETTERS

ANELE

NASAL

UNITE

SIDECAR

DREW

ARENA

NASTY

VIRAL

STUMBLE

9-LETTER WORD

EASE

ARISE

OBESE

WHERE

ERIK

BELIE

OPERA

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

ETNA

CAMEL

PANEL

6 LETTERS

AMERICAS

EVAN

CASIO

PARTS

APPEAL

EPITASIS

HIFI

CUBIT

PLANT

EATERY

TEETOTAL

IOTA

ELEGY

PRATE

ELATED

TOLERANT

KIRK

ENEMA

PRICE

PEBBLE

MATH

EXERT

RECUR

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good

OSLO

FIRST

RELET

7 LETTERS

STEADFASTLY

SINE

HOSTS

SCALD

CENTRES

TEMPERATURE

STEP

IDEAS

SLOTS

MEMENTO

TUTU

IDOLS

THETA

URGE

ITALY

TIMES

KATIE

TOTAL

5 LETTERS

LUNAR

TOTEM

ADORE

MALAY

TRASH

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

B

33 words: Very good 45 words: Excellent

I

N

D

N

U R

G

E

8 LETTERS

11 LETTERS

begun, bruin, budge, bunged, burden, BURDENING, burg, buried, burin, burn, burned, burning, debug, drub, drug, dune, dung, during, enduing, enduring, ennui, enuring, gerund, grub, guide, gunned, gunner, indue, inure, inured, nude, nudge, rude, rued, ruin, ruined, ruing, rune, rung, unbend, unbind, under, urge, urged, urine

2 1 7 3 4 6 8 9 5

9 8 3 6 7 4 1 5 2

5 7 2 1 8 9 4 6 3

6 1 4 5 2 3 9 8 7

7 9 5 3 1 8 6 2 4

3 4 1 2 9 6 8 7 5

8 2 6 7 4 5 3 1 9

2 3 8 9 6 7 5 4 1

1 6 9 4 5 2 7 3 8

4 5 7 8 3 1 2 9 6

3 6 5 8 9 7 1 4 2

9 8 4 5 1 2 6 7 3

6 5 2 1 7 3 4 8 9

8 9 1 2 6 4 5 3 7

4 7 3 9 5 8 2 1 6

7 3 8 6 2 1 9 5 4

5 4 6 7 8 9 3 2 1

1 2 9 4 3 5 7 6 8

5 1 8 4 9 6 7 3 2

9 7 3 2 8 5 6 1 4

2 6 4 1 7 3 5 8 9

6 5 9 3 1 7 2 4 8

7 4 1 8 2 9 3 6 5

3 8 2 5 6 4 9 7 1

8 9 7 6 4 2 1 5 3

4 3 6 9 5 1 8 2 7

1 2 5 7 3 8 4 9 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

18

hard

17

medium

16

easy

15

3 1 4 9

TUG

14

9 1 4 7 3 7

TIL WEB

A K O L J D S I NMQ T C

6

7

VWG X U R Y Z H E P B F

8

5 6

15-04-22

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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SPACIOUS LUXURY LIVING AT ITS BEST LOCATED in one of the most desirable areas of Healesville, this gorgeous family retreat has all the attributes of a world class home. Restrained luxury and a true sense of quality permeate every room of this magnificent property.

A welcoming entry leads through to multiple living areas, a large open plan family room, dining zone enhanced by the glow of a cosy woodfire, while a modern well-equipped kitchen boasting quality

appliances and excellent storage.

Accommodation is thoughtfully zoned and features a secluded master suite complete with window seat, large walk-in robe and a stylish ensuite finished with designer tiling and a rain shower, plus a private garden terrace area, being the ideal spot for a morning coffee. Additionally, there are 4 spacious robed bedrooms which share a modern family bathroom, plus a separate powder room for guests.

Relish the quiet, retreat-like atmosphere of the backyard, highlighted by a covered alfresco entertaining area with outdoor kitchen, plus a mesmerising inground solar heated pool being an ideal place to relax and unwind after the working day.

Additional features highlighted throughout the home include, gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, solar power back to the grid and a private courtyard to the front of the home.

Also offering boundless space for kids to venture within approx. 3200m2 of fully fenced landscaped gardens which comprises fruit trees, veggie gardens and fantastic shedding complete with home office, plus an additional double garage with remote door.

If this property showcases a lifestyle you have been searching for, then call Gary today to arrange your personal inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Eli Bates Court, HEALESVILLE Description: 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,650,000 - $1,815,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gary Lucas, 0407 595 113, gary@markgunther.com.au, MARK GUNTHER FIRST NATIONAL, 5962 3030

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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MAIL 23

HOME FOCUS

IMPECCABLE FAMILY HOME ON AN ACRE THIS home encompasses country living at its finest. Set among the lush serenity of Don Valley, on almost an acre of very usable land which offers ample space for the whole family. This ranch-style brick-veneer home sits central to both considerable front and backyards while being framed by established gardens, lush lawns and an abundance of mature trees.

The house has been renovated in a tastefully modern style, with new flooring

and newly painted walls throughout. There are four bedrooms with built-in robes and ceiling fans, the master bedroom has a walk-through robe to a private ensuite while a centrally located and generous family bathroom services the home.

An immense open plan kitchen/dining/ living area is well-designed, with a lovely blend of wood/brick accents, plenty of storage space, views and access to the backyard.

This is a perfect space to connect as a family or entertain friends around the stunning open fireplace. A further living space/children’s retreat is located next to the main lounge and is complete with its own Coonara wood heater and split-system cooling. Outside offers a terrific barbecue entertaining space, large work shed, garden shed, sectioned above ground vegie gardens and plenty of cleared land to bring your own vision to life.

There is vehicle access to the backyard from the driveway with the bonus of a fully gated backyard. This home is the perfect combination of ‘settle right in’ with the option of a blank canvas back yard to make your own.

Set in a perfect location with access to the local primary school and nearby townships of Healesville, Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Yarra Junction - this one won’t last long! 5967 1800. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 20 Williams Road, DON VALLEY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Ashleigh Hall and Team 5967 1800, PROFESSIONALS YARRA VALLEY

Woori Yallock

$570,000 - $620,000

Don Valley

$1,550,000 - $1,700,000

Solid home in a great location

‘Yinatharra’ - Mountain Retreat

Depending on what you’re looking for this may be the great starter to get you in the market or a stable investment opportunity, there is the option for the current tenants to stay on or this could be the place for you to call home. This solid home is in an ideal position close to shops, transport, and schools. Sitting pretty on a near level block with lovely established gardens, a handy patio for that morning cuppa, plenty of parking options, double garage and fully fenced what more could you want? Inside the home is cosy with an original yet neat kitchen, lounge with a split system for all year comfort and 2 bedrooms both with ceiling fans. A must to inspect.

The ultimate Yarra Valley lifestyle property, boasting over 50 glorious acres with a picturesque mix of rolling pastures and scattered bushland. The Main home is impeccably presented, full length windows allow full view of the ever changing vista, 4 family size bedrooms offer plenty of space with multiple living/family zones. The kitchen features premium appliances and very well appointed. Venture outside and enjoy or explore the outdoors with beautiful established gardens. There is approx. 53 acres (21.48 Ha) to explore and enjoy, a 2 bedroom caretakers cottage provides extra accommodation for the growing family or weekend guests. Located in a secluded area of the Yarra Valley, only approx. 1.5 hours to Melbourne CBD.

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: By Appointment

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

NEW LISTING

A

FOR SALE 670 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn • There are large paddocks, a holding bay & wood shed • Hardwood floors, high ceilings, decorative cornices & open plan living/dining room • The kitchen is light, bright & offers all modern amenities with the convenience of a breakfast bar • A Dependent Person’s Unit provides undercover parking, two bedrooms with BIR’s, large living/dining area, spacious kitchen & a bathroom

5

B

D

1

2

FOR SALE $1,550,000 - $1,700,000 LAND 9.14 Acres (approx.)

INSPECT See website for available times

A

FOR SALE 11-13 Wombat Crescent, East Warburton • Backing onto the Yarra River with near level land, park like surrounds and a dam • Year round comfort is provided by ducted heating, split system cooling and a delightful wood heater • The kitchen and large, open plan living/dining area creates the perfect space for entertaining • Charm your guests with drinks and nibbles on the superb decking

NEW LISTING

3

B

2

D

2

FOR SALE $780,000 - $850,000 LAND 3441 sqm (approx.)

INSPECT See website for available times

NEW LISTING

A

FOR SALE 17 Nature Park Rise, Yarra Junction • Open plan living room & dining adjoins well appointed kitchen with S/S appliances • Sliding door leads to an amazing entertaining area • The rear yard is terraced & landscaped to include bench seating • Other features include gas ducted heating, split system heating & cooling, double lock up garage with internal access, 2 X 5,000 L water tanks & solar panels

4

B

D

2

2

FOR SALE $750,000 - $820,000 LAND 718 sqm (approx.)

INSPECT See website for available times

A

FOR SALE 40 Worlley Road, Hoddles Creek • The open plan kitchen/dining is spacious, light filled, equipped with modern amenities and backyard views • Inviting salt chlorinated pool & heritage 1930’s ‘Red Rattler’ train doubles as a glorious pool house & entertaining area • Self-contained cottage on-site & fitted out with a kitchenette, lounge, bedroom & bathroom • Manicured gardens, grassy flats to frolic, bush land to explore & fruit orchards to sample

3

B

2

D

4

FOR SALE $1,380,000 - $1,480,000 LAND 6.07 Acres (approx.)

INSPECT See website for available times

PROFESSIONALS YARRA VALLEY ARE RECRUITING NOW FOR A SALES CONSULTANT TO EXPAND OUR TEAM We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced real estate professionals who have achieved exceptional results, are client focused, are team players and enjoy being part of a supportive team.

TASTE YARRA VALLEY

FOR SALE 3383B Warburton Highway, Warburton • Ready for a takeover of the lease and chattels on a walk-in walk-out basis with long lease available • Lease comes with a liquor license including footpath and rear garden redline area with potential to expand the café out towards the river • Commercial grade kitchen, refrigeration, wired-in generator, three-phase power and air-con • Establish yourself in the much sought-after Warburton

If you would like to work locally in a high profile & well established company, please make a confidential enquiry to Ashleigh Hall on 0419 500 059 or Allison our HR Business Partner on 0430 226 993.

FOR SALE CONTACT AGENT INSPECT See website for available times FOR SALE CONTACT AGENT

Please email a current CV to careers@mcmath.com.au Applications Closing Date: 16th April, 2022

INSPECT See website for

Professionals Yarra Valley Yarra Junction 5967 1800 Warburton 5966 2800 mcmath.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Ashleigh Hall Director

Chris Lord Sales Manager

Marc Barton-Johnson Sales Consultant

Matthew Devisser Sales Consultant

Jean Ting Sales Consultant

Lyndal McMath Hall Licenced Estate Agent

Melinda Darwall Licenced Estate Agent

Kristen Johnson In House Photographer

Teonii Hoy-Fooks Administration

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Erin Mithen Administration

|

MAIL 25

eldersrealestate.com.au

12544536-SN15-22

Woorarra, Healesville, VIC | 16.95 HA* / 41.88 AC*

One of the Regions Most Historic Holdings • Land Area: 16.95* ha (41.88 ac*) in two certificates of title (15.87 ha* and 1.075 ha*)

• Original machinery and hay shed, historic stables (recently restored), 2 bay machinery shed (11m* x 6m*)

• Original weatherboard homestead (c.1901), set within a stunning elevated garden setting offering panoramic north facing vistas towards the pristine Yarra Valley Ranges National Park

• Highly productive Watts River flats

• A separate historic 3-bedroom weatherboard residence (c.1897) (renovated)

• Town water and gas connected • Ideally located 2.5 km* NE Healesville, 20 km* NE Coldstream and 69 km* NE Melbourne CBD Woorarra is to be offered by Expression of Interest as a whole or as two separate contingent allotments

Expressions of Interest Closing Thursday 12 May, 4pm Henry Mackinnon 0408 408 299 henry.mackinnon@elders.com.au Nick Myer 0427 610 278 nick.myer@elders.com.au eldersrealestate.com.au In conjunction with Val Nichols Real Estate Val Nichols 0428 534 434 valnichols@bigpond.com

*Denotes Approximately

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MAIL 27

Trades & Services

General Notices V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

9735 3700

Mobile 0419 131 958 SERVICING ALL AREAS BOB WALLACE AND SONS

Tuesday, 19th April issue of the Mountain Views Star Mail as follows:

THURSDAY 14th APRIL at 4pm

Part-time Receptionist Healesville Medical Centre

Thursday 8:30-3:00pm and 1 out of 4 Saturdays 8:30-12:15pm.

Must be available to cover holidays of other staff 12 weeks per year (2-4 days per week).

Contact 5962 4379

Announcements V Deaths

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Ph Tim 0435 543 096

V Funeral Services

ROBINSON

Robinson John 16.03.1936 - 06.04.2022 86 years Loving husband to Glenda.

Loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Helping friend to all.

12545269-CG15-22

General Notices ADVERTISE with us and get better results

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO LEASE

Private Cremation V In Memoriam

Place your

V Public Notices and Event

A service to celebrate the life of John Robinson will be held at the Uniting Church, 286 Maroondah HWY Healesville on Tuesday 19th April, 2022 commencing at 10am.

Announcement Notice with us.

Phone: 1300 666 808 sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

DRYDEN Betty June 11.3.1940-15.4.2021 One year has passed my darling. You are gone but not forgotten. I love you more each day. All my love. Dave

Coordinator Community Engagement Japara Neighbourhood House Inc Based in Kilsyth Part Time

V In Memoriam

Yarra Ranges Shire Council (“Council”) gives notice under section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 (“Act”) of its intention to enter into a lease with Baxter Business Pty Ltd (trading as Cleanaway), in respect of part of the land at 840 Wellington Road, Lysterfield, as shown hatched on the plan below, (“the land”) for the continued use of a waste transfer station. Council’s proposal would extend the current lease by an additional two (2) years.

DRYDEN Betty June 11.03.1940 – 15.04.2021

CALL

The principal terms of the lease will be: 1. The addition of one further term of two(2) years, extending the lease until 31/5/27.

2. Under the lease, Baxter Business will be permitted to continue to use the land for a recycling and recovery centre, including sales, solid and putrescible waste transfer station, depot for waste bin hire and storage of waste bins. Further information regarding the proposal, can be obtained by contacting Michelle Danks, telephone 1300 368 333.

1300 666 808 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!

To my darling mother, The last 12 months have been the hardest journey ever without you by my side.

Forever loved and missed Love your daughter Deborah, granddaughter Natasha and great-granddaughters Janeka and Mia-Rose Come on the Magpies

V Firewood

REDGUM FIREWOOD $250 per metre

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and sent to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or posted to the following address:

V For Sale CAMPER TRAILER As is.

Where is. Good tyres. $500ono. 40 Graceburn Ave Healesville. 5962 1389.

RED E TRIKE. As new. $1000 or nearest offer.

Phone: 5962 1389

Please note that an earlier version of this public notice read “540 Wellington Road” – this is incorrect and the address has been updated above.

V Garage Sales

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au 12545214-HC15-22

Japara has a part time position (25 hours per week) ($60 - $63K plus superannuation). There is the potential to expand the role over time.

V Professional

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

V Pets & Services

0407 307 432

Submitters will be informed in writing of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council where submissions will be heard. Submitters should be aware that submissions are required to be available for public inspection.

Live local, work local, support local community.

Go to ethicaljobs.com.au or nhvic.org.au for more details

V Massage Therapists

Any person making a submission may request in the submission that they wish 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.

Public Submission The Chief Executive Officer PO Box 105 Lilydale VIC 3140

Are you passionate about community engagement and working with community groups? Are you committed to developing a vibrant Neighbourhood House?

General Classifieds

Delivered

Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Submissions must be submitted by no later than Thursday 28th April 2022.

12521726-SG46-21

12543704-CG14-22

5962 4841

C936869-KK25-11

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

CALL US ON 0458 735 250 12543759-AI14-22

YARRA VALLEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Contact us 1300 301 678 ÜÜÜ°ÌÀii >Ã °V °>Õ

12544683-SN15-22

V Septic Tanks

Classified deadlines for

V Positions Vacant

EAST WARBURTON 16 Whitegum Drive, Saturday 16th April, 8am-4pm.

Generator, fridge/freezer, LG washing machine/front loader, tools and more.

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

12423634-SN31-19

12462305-LB39-20

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìià GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

Casual. Exp. preferred.

Vic Roads check.

Based in Healesville.

Collin 0407 307 432

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES EASTER

12543897-HC14-22

Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

12449547-FA21-20

Rebedding & pointing Skylight resealing Written guarantee

Truck & Dog Driver

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Pensioner discounts available Leak detection & repair Valleys replaced Pensioner discount

V Positions Vacant

V Public Notices and Event

12545277-DL15-22

V Roofing

Employment

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

The longer you advertise the cheaper your ad!

Find it in the

General section of Network Classifieds.

FIREWOOD Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

Split & Dry Undercover Redgum and Bushwood Redgum pickup or delivery Weights and measures approved.

Provider of work cover and human services Credit card available LumbaJack

12492429-HC18-21

V Firewood

Call

0409 184 802

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Please leave a message if phone unattended, call will be returned.

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SPORT

Thrilling three wins

By Alex Woods Round 2 saw Warburton-Millgrove take on Powelltown. In different conditions to last week, we managed to come away with 3 wins for the day. The day consisted of 5 games of netball and 2 football matches.

Starting off the morning was our 17 and Under netball team. Although they fell short 10 goals, they played with team effort and didn’t stop until the siren of the last quarter. Our goal scorers for the morning were Tayah Humphrey (15), Layla Ata (3) and Ash Freedman (1). Our top 3 players were Emelia Robin, Grace Cole and Ash Freedman.

Our Under 18’s had a bye this weekend.

Next on the schedule was D Grade. Unfortunately through a tough fight, the girls were 2 goals off at the final siren. Cam Holland managed to put up 9 whilst Cam Partel with 7. Nicole Winzer, Cam Holland and Tamin Crunden all managed to provide a top game as their first match for the 2022 season.

C Grade secured our first win on the board for the weekend, finishing off the game at 2336. With the weather conditions providing some warmth and harsh sun, the girls managed to provide solid efforts throughout the 4 quarters. Emily Hay provided the team with 24 goals and Mel Hancock with 12. We saw top performances from Courtney Irwin, Catherine Vermeltfoort and Brooke de Pedro.

Starting off on the football field were the Reserves. They managed to secure the 4 points by taking out a massive win by 112 points. With the final score being 27-139, Ashley Taylor managed to secure 6 goals to his name, Aaron Pye with 5, Joshua Read with 3, Josh Sharp with 2 and Ricky Andueza and Noah Erickson both with 1. Ricky Andueza, Noah Erickson, Josh Sharp, Tyson Henry, Ashley Taylor and Dale Morris all placed as the top players for this match. Well done on the massive win boys!

Next on the netball court was our B Grade.

Unfortunately a tough day in the office for this team who couldn’t secure the win. Things didn’t work well for this team last weekend and didn’t happen to be the best of days unlike their previous match. With the final score being 56-8 we still saw a great game from Emerson Woods, Sally McIntosh and Chelsea Barnard despite the end scores.

A Grade Captain Morgan Wyatt searching for the right pass.

Another win for the weekend was secured by our A Grade girls. In a tough match in warm conditions, they finished off with a final score of 36-51. With a young defence line up, the girls managed to hold off Powelltown all game.

Our top performers were Bianca Daniels, Ally Langdon and Gabrielle Woods, with Bianca Daniels putting up a massive 40 goals, Kirralee Luiyf with 7 and Ashlyn Elliott with 4.

Finishing off the weekend, we saw our Senior boys play a thrilling match that unfortunately made us fall short 1 goal after the siren.

With heartbreaking being an understatement for the team, the effort these boys put in after being several goals behind was amazing. Having the sidelines feeling intense and nervous all last half, they managed to put on a show despite the end results. Being a goal for goal last few minutes, we saw top games from Mitchell Bonuda, Patrick Huynh, Brayden Woolridge, Trent Elliott, Timothy McKail and Liam Barnard. Our goal scorers for the day were Mitch Bonuda with 5, Trent Elliott with 3, Nelson Aldridge, Brady Mitchell and Brayden Woolridge all with 2. Josh Dobson, Jack Farrugia, Patrick Huynh, James Iacono and Matt Sidari all securing 1.

A nice Easter Break is deserved this weekend with Yarra Junction to follow.

Soccer season underway

By Steve Fleming The Victorian Churches Football Association season is well underway with matches taking place across the Outer Eastern Metro and the Yarra Valley over the past two Saturdays.

On 2 April the Women’s Season was launched at Silcock Reserve in Croydon with Yarra Valley SC taking on Healesville SC. Healesville was fielding a women’s team for the first time in 5 years, rekindling an old rivalry that provided an entertaining match in the wet, with YVSC taking the honours 5 goals to 4.

Unfortunately, YVSC had to forfeit their game against Berwick this weekend.

In encouraging signs for the growth of soccer in the Valley, YVSC is fielding 4 senior men’s teams in 2022.

The Division 1 team has had a cracking start to the season with two wins to date. Most recently against Waverley City 2-1, and beating fancied Berwick United 3-2 in their opening match.

The YVSC Reserves were defeated by Waverley City this weekend but still have some points on the leaderboard with their defeat of Berwick United Reserves 3-2 in the opening round last weekend.

The YVSC ‘Thunderthirds’ have had a similar mixed start to the season, notching up a wonderful 4-1 win against Maroondah United this weekend after falling to Dandenong RRFL - 3 goals to 2, in their previous outing. mailcommunity.com.au

YVSC’s Roxy Van Velp Fernand defends against a Healesville attack.

Picture: SUPPLIED While the Yarra Valley 4ths have yet to win a game, suffering a loss to Maroondah United 4-2 most recently and to the Mooroolbark Titans 2-1 the previous week, this newest addition to YVSC is building towards something special in the coming weeks.

In exciting news for the Junior teams, their season kicks off on 23 April with games for U10’s, U13’s and U15’s taking place on the final Saturday of the school holidays. For many of the younger members it will be their first organised sport in nearly 2 years, and they are all looking forward to it.

Seniors Vice-Captain Jack Lee looks up for a target.

Pictures: ALEX WOODS

Warburton Golf Club wraps up for the season Wednesday 6 April, Stroke and M. McGrann “Bag-day” qualifier And who should qualify this month; none other than “early-bird” John Haynes! John, and his regular playing partners, are always the first group to tee off at around 7.30 now that daylight-saving has finished. Those early starts clearly agree with John, as his winning score of a Nett 66 had the rest of the field covered. Well done John, see you at the playoff in 6 months’ time! The daily runner-up was perennial placegetter, Paul Kennedy. P.K. is one of our most consistent scorers, as his Nett 67 demonstrates. Another fine effort cobber! Balls extended to 71, ( Hallelujah!) And, this week, our NTP’s went to P.K. (3rd to cap off a very successful day for Mr. Consistent!) Mario De Vincentis won the 5th, Steuart Hawke the 9th and Ian “Junior” Garside nearly had an “ace” on the 12th!

Saturday 9 April: The Club held a long-overdue Working Bee on the course on Saturday and it was well attended by over 20 members! ( And, boy, did they get a lot done, well done to all attendees!)

Warburton Golf Club results. Picture: ON FILE A “full” 18-hole Stableford competition was then held followed by a pleasant BBQ lunch. The competition results were as follows: Our daily winner was Jason Kennedy.

Kenno is still relatively young and fit, so his 35 points had the field covered, ( although in the end, it was the best score within a 4-way countback). The runner-up, also in a countback battle, was declared as Roger Mataele, with 35 points, of course! Balls got to 33. There were no NTP’s held !

The Match Committee, especially Captain “Happy”, did a great job organising the “eager-beavers”. Well done to all involved, we’ll have to do it all over again, maybe in 6 months!!

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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SPORT

A strong bloods showing Round 2, a perfect autumn day saw us heading over to compete against long term rivals in Yarra Glen for our first away game.

Our under 19 boys though, headed up to Olinda for their first game of the year. As a club we are so impressed with this young group.

With low numbers the young Bloods took on the challenge. An even first half of footy we took the lead into the main break. A huge second half saw multiple goal kickers and great endurance to take out a convincing win. The best players on the day were B.Athanasopoulos, M.Sissins, J.Draper, B.Rutley, J.Grace and J.Stoppa with the final score 14.8.92 to 6.5.41 The reserves headed over with the memo to win at all costs. We started the first quarter hard and first at the ball taking a handy 20-point lead. The second quarter saw us relax a little allowing Yarra Glen with a sniff going into half time. We challenged the boys at the break and they responded with a 4 goal third quarter. At the last turn our tails were up, coaches asked the group to not let up but have some fun, running away with a dominant 8 goal final term.

The final score – 16.14.110 to 3.5.23 The resilient young Healesville Senior team ventured over to Yarra Glen with another fine debutant in Blair Sheldrick welcomed to the team. It was a very even first half with the Bloods dominant in the third quarter. Yarra

Glen ran out the last quarter kicking 4 goals leaving the margin only 5 points at the final siren. It was a very even contest overall with Connor Ballingall continuing his great form and Jesse Bates making an impact in pack situations and on the scoreboard. Jack Methven was also a welcome addition to the side. The final score – 11.15.81 to 10.16.76 The women’s side went in after some late outs and low on normal numbers we got a side together. Special mention to Sarah Frazzetto and Shannon Maile for helping us out. We came up against Yarra Glen who we knew nothing about, so it set for an interesting game. We started extremely well and really set the tone early. At each break coach Mitch Hay challenged the girls to continually work on all areas across the ground and they defiantly responded. The final score 16.12.108 to 0.1.1 – Best: S.Potter, P.Byron 6 goals, E. Cianci, K. Laidlaw and A. Frazzetto.

The netballers battled hard against Yarra Glen with a number of the young girls stepping up on the day. An exciting young group of players we are excited to see develop across season 2022.

After Easter on 23 April back at Don Road for the Anzac round clash against Belgrave, 5 football games and 3 games of netball. Gates open from 9am.

Healesville’s seniors scraped a 5-point win over local rivals Yarra Glen.

In space.

Dishing it off.

Pictures: KYLIE ROWE

Healesville’s netballers competed hard.

Wins for Yarra Glen netballers, but no luck in the footy Yarra Glen came up against Healesville on a warm windy day at Yarra Glen. The highlight of the day was seeing the Yarra Glen women running out onto the ground for the very first time. Whilst they lost to a much more experienced team, going down 0.1 to 16.12, they competed hard with Jess Beraud, Paris McMurray, Orla Murray and Sam Chetcuti, Rose Morris and Jasmin Wood amongst the best.

The reserves were once again battling injuries and unavailability but to the boys credit they made Healesville work hard for all 4 quarters. The final scores was 3.5 to 16.14.

Keith Gerovasilis, Liam Watson and Jacob Reddaway each kicking a goal. The best players were Artie Pinder, Dayne Downward, Jacob Reddaway, Steven Mylas, Chris Capuano and Matt McCann.

With a strong wind blowing to the river end, the seniors got off to a great start being only 2 points down at quarter-time despite kicking into the wind. Healesville lifted their work rate in the 2nd and increased their lead to 5 points. It could have more as they kicked 2.7 for the quarter. In the 3rd quarter, Healesville’s conversion improved and they stretched their lead to 31 points. Some posi30 MAIL

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

tional moves and a lift in Yarra Glen’s intensity saw them finishing strong. The ball spent most of the quarter in Yarra Glen’s half but some errant kicking resulted in a 4.8 scoreline.

With 5 minutes to go Yarra Glen was within 6 points when Healesville’s only deep forward entry saw them score their only goal for the quarter. At the final siren, we fell short by 5 points. Charlie Wood (4) Lachie Telford (3) and James Whelan (2) were multiple goalkickers. The best players were Sam Wood, Charlie Wood, Jim Marks, Billy Gardner, Richard Wyles and Nathan McCulloch.

Netball Healesville was only able to field A and B teams so C & D Grade had the week off. B grade continued on from their great round 1 form, winning 76 to 7. Ella Brown shot 46 goals whilst Abby Page finished off the good work from mid-court with 30.

A Grade put in 4 solid quarters and after being 10 goals up at quarter time they finished strongly with a 56-19 victory. Steph Gibbs racked up 25 goals.

After an Easter break we take on the powerful Seville outfit at Seville.

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Yarra Glen’s senior side just lost out to Healesville.

Picture: ON FILE mailcommunity.com.au

12544627-HC15-22

Mail TIP-STARS They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy?

Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...

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Mick Dolphin & Emily Hudson

Barry Cripps

Ken Hunt

Brendan Cox

Bill Matthews

Healesville Toyota

Monbulk Jewellers

Monbulk Bowling Club

William Matthews Funerals

Ranges First National

Brisbane Western Bulldogs Sydney St Kilda Adelaide Melbourne Carlton Fremantle Geelong

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Collingwood Western Bulldogs Sydney St Kilda Adelaide Melbourne Carlton Essendon Geelong

Monbulk Bowling Club

Phone: 5962 4333

Phone: 9756 7652

Phone: 9756 6183

Phone: 9739 6868

Phone: 9754 6111

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Ashleigh Skillern

Chris Lord

Cindy McLeish MP

Clint Rose

Harriet Shing MP

Yarra Glen Auto

Andrew McMath Real Estate

State Member for Eildon

Clint Rose Motors

Member for Eastern Victoria Region

Brisbane Western Bulldogs Sydney St Kilda Richmond Melbourne Carlton Essendon Hawthorn

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Harriet Shing MP

Clint Rose Motors

MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

Phone: 5962 3144

Phone: 1300 103 199

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

Phone: 9730 1844

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FIXTURES - ROUND 5 Saturday, April 16 ............................................................Melbourne vs GWS Sunday, April 17 .......................................................Carlton vs Port Adelaide Sunday, April 17 ........................................................Essendon vs Fremantle Monday, April 18 ..........................................................Hawthorn vs Geelong

William Matthews Funerals 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale

11 MOORES RD, MONBULK

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

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Thursday, April 14 ...................................................Brisbane vs Collingwood Friday, April 15 ...................................North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Friday, April 15 ............................................................ West Coast vs Sydney Saturday, April 16 .............................................. St Kilda vs Gold Coast Suns Saturday, April 16 .......................................................Adelaide vs Richmond

Everything we touch turns to SOLD Belgrave - 1 Bayview Road Cockatoo - Shop 2, 24 McBride Street Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

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12544615-JW15-22

SALE DATES WED 6TH APR - MON 18TH APR 2022

Auto One Woori Yallock

Phone: 5964 7366

1389 Healesville - Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 32 MAIL

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

T&C's Apply See Instore For Details

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