Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 3rd May 2022

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Petition push for works to Knox Athletics Track

Residents urged to submit skate park feedback

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

Mail RSLs eager to welcome younger veterans

Rescuing storm logs for community project

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Soaring prices

By Tyler Wright Rising food prices are hurting Australians’ hip pockets alongside the cost of fuel.

Compare the Market’s latest Bill Shock Survey has shown over a third of shoppers are now actively trying to cut down on supermarket spending, with 25 per cent planning cheaper meals, 15 per cent switching to home brands and 21 per cent looking harder for discounts.

Other saving methods Australians have been using include eating less meat, switching to home brands, only buying in-season fruit and vegetables and buying more frozen foods.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said these price hikes are making a “massive difference” to household budgets and quality of life.

“Planning for cheaper meals ahead of time is a great way to save on your grocery bill, as is utilising the discounts available and buying in-season or longer-lasting frozen goods,” Mr Ford said.

“According to the United Nations, the crisis in Ukraine alone could raise global food prices by as much as 20 per cent, and we’ve recently seen high prices for staples like vegetables across the country.”

In March, the average Victorian spent $182 on their weekly shop, an increase from $168 in September, according to Compare the Market.

And Dandenong Ranges locals are taking matters into their own hands by helping their community with the cost of living.

Turn to page 5 for the full report John and Debbie from the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service in the food pantry.

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Petition for Knox track

By Parker McKenzie A local MP is asking locals to sign his petition for State Government investment into Knox Athletics Track, which could turn it into one of the best facilities in the state according to the Little Athletics Centre president.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor has launched a campaign tith the support of local clubs who use the facility asking for the Victorian State Government to fund further upgrades to the ageing Knox Park track on Bunjil Way, Knoxfield.

President of Knox Park Athletics Centre David Kearsley said while Knox City Council has committed to funding an upgrade to the facility, with the support of the state government “we can turn the track into one of the best tracks in the eastern suburbs.”

“Other than Lakeside Stadium, we’re the only other track in Melbourne that’s got a camera base timing system,” he said.

“It was all installed about 15 years ago, around the same time the track was upgraded, so those cameras are coming to the end of their serviceable life. The funding Jackson is talking about we’d use to purchase new cameras from America and get the facilities up to date.”

In Knox City Council’s proposed 2022-23 budget, $3 million has been allocated for “reactive track renewal”, $382,000 for lighting upgrades and $96,000 for a shade sail at the Knox Athletics Track facility.

Mr Taylor raised potentially funding upgrades to the facilities in State Parliament, with upgrades to the field, amenities, lighting and relaying the track as priorities. Local little athletics clubs like Boronia Bolters and Knoxfield use the facilities regularly.

Mr Taylor said he knows a lot of locals have fond memories of the local athletics track and it is clear it is well-loved.

“One thing that has stood out from conver-

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor with local athletics club members launching his petition. sations I’ve had with Knox Council and local clubs is the need for better and upgraded facilities here,” he said.

“I’m really proud of our ripper local athletics clubs, and I’m keen to see that the State Government continues to play its part in backing them in with the facilities they deserve.”

Mr Kearsley said the track was built to service schools in Knox, but the facilities have a

Picture: SUPPLIED

huge number of athletes competing regularly at the track including from places like Xavier College in Berwick.

“The reason is because we’ve got a bigger grandstand and we can accommodate about 700 people in the grandstand alone,” he said.

“This year we had about 335 athletes who competed in track and field across the summer season, so we are the largest centre

in the eastern suburbs.”

Mr Kearsley said funding further funding could be used for a scoreboard where times from the camera system are displayed, with many secondary schools using camera-based timing during athletics events.

Mr Taylor’s petition can be found at www. jacksontaylor.com.au/campaigns/back-inknox-athletics

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

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IN BRIEF

VCAL to be merged into VCE in 2023 As part of the 2022/23 State Budget being released on Tuesday 3 May, the State Government has announced the Victorian Certificate of Education and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning are set to be combined from 2023 onwards.

Within the budget, the State Government will invest $277.5 million in the biggest reform to the senior secondary system since the VCE’s inception, recognising the increased demand for careers in trades and services and to attempt to provide students with a more rounded education.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the new certificate will support students in choosing their career path.

“Careers in trades and services are just that: careers – with good pay, and secure jobs. And they’re the jobs we need people doing,” he said.

“We know not everyone wants to go to university so we’re making sure every young person has every opportunity to choose the career path that’s right for them.”

The new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL, aiming to provide students a wider range of opportunities for apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, nonATAR university pathways or straight into the workforce after leaving school.

A $120.2 million investment will be made to help schools implement the new certificates and provide every student access to a core offering of 12 different Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways.

Students and their families will also no lon-

Candidates in the Casey election have asked for supporters and the local community to stop vandalising campaign signage.

Several election signs from different candidates across the political spectrum have been vandalised since the election was called. After a Greens sign was removed and thrown into a creek on April 10, a sign belonging to Liberal candidate for Casey Aaron Violi was defaced with profanity.

Independent candidate for Casey Claire Ferres Miles took to Twitter on April 23 to denounce the defacement of Mr Violi’s sign.

“We can’t control the actions of others but we can control what we do next, and the standard we walk past. Graffiti, profanity and destruction of campaign signage is not acceptable,” she said.

“Each of the 11 candidates in the federal

A 33-year-old man was pulled over by police on Narcissus Avenue in Boronia with more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system in the early hours of Anzac Day. Police said the man returned a positive primary breath test at the scene after being pulled over at 8.30am, before returning an evidentiary breath test of 0.176, well above the legal limit.

The man’s license was immediately suspended and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $879.

Police said he will be charged with drinkdriving offences and he will likely face the magistrates’ court.

Lysterfield man charged with murder Police have charged a 44-year-old Lysterfield South man following a fatal shooting in Dandenong in 2019.

The man is the third to be charged after Mitat Rasini was murdered while driving his car in Dandenong, when the 51-year-old was found unresponsive with several gunshot wounds after crashing into a pole on 3 March 2019.

The man will appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via Webex on Thursday 28 April.

The Victorian Government have announced a huge revamp to late secondary education.

Picture: ON FILE ger be required to front out-of-pocket costs for essential learning materials for their VET studies, saving many families up to $1000.

Professional development will be provided for teachers to help them implement the transition, with non-government schools also encouraged and interested in undergoing the transition. Most have begun preparing for the new pathways.

Further funding of $69.4 million to expand the Head Start program to every government school in Victoria, encouraging students to undergo an apprenticeship or traineeship while completing Year 12 studies and $87.9 million to strengthen the teaching workforce with funded study to attract 400 extra VET trainers, professional development for up to 1,900 teachers and increased funding for jobs, skills and pathways coordinators in schools.

Head Start gives students career planning support, a tailored pathway into the industry of their choice and a fair training wage in key industries like building, construction, community services and health, business, primary industries and technology, while they’re earning their senior secondary certificate.

Minister for Education James Merlino said study towards the important jobs that build and care for our state has the same value as any other education after school.

“More young Victorians than ever before are pursuing careers in booming trades and services, Victoria’s a different place to what it was when VCE and VCAL started,” he said.

“For many students, getting industry experience and combining an apprenticeship with school is the best way to set them up for the good, decent jobs they want to do.”

Candidates condemn signage vandalism

By Parker McKenzie

Boronia drink driver

electorate of Casey have a right to promote their candidacy with signage located on private land compliant with bylaws.”

Mr Violi said it was disappointing to see multiple signs damaged for different candidates.

“It is disappointing to see candidates in the upcoming election having signs vandalised and I condemn anyone who engages in political vandalism or vandalism of any kind.” he said.

Greens candidate Jenny Game expressed her disappointment about the damage to her campaign signs to the Star Mail on April 14.

“We will never know who did it – it may be targeted, or it may be random and impulsive – having said that, it is a destructive act, and not in the spirit of democracy,” Ms Game said.

“I stand for saving and protecting – local forests and the planet – not destruction.”

Monbulk collision Victoria Police, CFA and Ambulance Victoria responded to a traffic collision in Monbulk on Thursday 28 April after reports someone may have been trapped in the vehicle.

At 5.15pm, three CFA vehicles responded to a call regarding a car accident on Mcallister Road. CFA said the situation was under control by 5.24pm.

Victoria police said the vehicle rolled onto its roof and the 18-year-old Emerald man was rescued from the vehicle. The vehicle left the road as it entered McCallister Road from Moores Road Paramedics from Ambulance Victoria treated a man in his late teens for minor injuries before he was taken to the Angliss Hospital in a stable condition.

Casey ballot order When Casey residents vote on May 21, the candidates nominated for the election will appear in the following order on the ballot: Jenny Game - The Greens Craig Cole - Independent Andrew Klop - Animal Justice Party Aaron Violi - Liberal Party Bill Brindle - Australian Labor Party Paul Murphy - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Chris Field - Australian Federation Party Trevor Smith - Liberal Democrats Peter Sullivan - Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party Anthony Bellve - United Australia Party Claire Ferres Miles - Independent

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Missing 17-year-old

One of Liberal candidate Aaron Violi’s signs was recently vandalised (edited to remove profanity).

Picture: SUPPLIED

Police are searching for 17-year-old Tylah, who has been missing since Tuesday 19 April.

He is around 165cm tall, with a slim build and short brown hair. He was last seen on Virginia Way in Ferntree Gully.

Police said he is known to frequent Ashburton, Forest Hill, Glen Waverley and Ferntree Gully.

The police and family are concerned due to his age and health conditions. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Knox Police station on 03 9881 7000.

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Knox draft budget online

By Parker McKenzie With Knox City Council releasing their draft 2022-23 budget online, Ferntree Gully residents will see the maximum amount of rate increases allowed as council looks to complete several large infrastructure and sporting projects throughout the suburb.

Residents in Knox will see a 1.75 per cent increase in rates across the board in the newest draft budget, the maximum allowed under State Government caps on rate increases.

Knox City Council is projecting total revenue from rates and charges to reach $112.2 million for the 2022-23 financial year. While on average rates will increase by 1.75 per cent, residents may see a different increase based on their individual experience, the council said.

“It is important to note, the actual rate increases experienced by individual ratepayers may differ from the 1.75 per cent increase due to revaluations,” Council said.

“Rate increases are impacted by the average rate increase and the property valuation increases or decreases of individual properties relative to the average across the municipality.”

Council also projects a surplus of $7.9 million based on operating results for the 2022-23 year. It has allocated $106.9 million towards the ongoing delivery of services to the Knox community and $81.8 million towards capital works projects — projects which create assets — including $31.6 million worth of projects carried forward from the previous year.

Council has allocated $18.3 million on sporting upgrades throughout Knox, $11.4 million to parks and reserves, $11.6 million to improve roads and drainage, $4.5 million for footpaths and cycling paths, $3.5 million for a new library at Westfield Knox and $900,000 to upgrade Erica|

Allowances approved

By Mikayla van Loon

Knox City Council has released their draft budget for the community to give feedback.

Picture: ON FILE Avenue in Boronia.

Roads in Ferntree Gully will be receiving funding for upgrades, with Mossfield Avenue being allocated $375,000, Adele Avenue $370,000 and The Haven receiving $15,000 for design works to begin.

Upper Ferntree Gully Rail Link will receive $150,000 for footpaths and cycleways, along with $45,000 for Rose Street and $15,000 for Ferntree Gully Road.

Kevin Avenue in Ferntree Gully was allocated $200,000 for flood investigation and the Knox Regional Netball Centre will receive $740,000 for building redevelopment and associated works along with $15,000 for car park and landscaping work. $2.3 million in funding for the centre has been carried over from the 2021-22 budget. $309,000 for Mountain Highway works in Upper Ferntree Gully have been carried over from 2021-22, along with $752,000 for drainage projects in the suburb.

Knox City Council has released the full draft budget online and is asking the community to provide feedback by Sunday May 29.

Yarra Ranges Council has voted to approve the new mayor, deputy mayor and councillor remuneration package increases under the independent review released in March.

The determination of allowances made by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal came into effect on 18 December last year and will be retrospectively applied for the current council members.

From the recommendations, the creation of a special allowance for the deputy mayor will be added to the existing remuneration package.

Councillor Tim Heenan said he was grateful for the Tribunal’s financial acknowledgement of the work the deputy mayor does throughout the year.

“Since coming to the council in 2005, I’ve always been disappointed that the function of the deputy mayor in supporting the mayor at certain times throughout the mayoral year has never been remunerated properly,” he said.

“I’m just eternally grateful the State government has seen fit through this independent body to finally recognise the role of the deputy mayor.”

Under the Tribunal’s determinations, each council was placed into a category of payment for its councillors.

Yarra Ranges Council was placed into the highest tier of category three, apart from Melbourne City Council which was given its own pay category.

This was based on the council’s revenue and the size of the population in the council area.

The current pay for the mayor equates to

Changes to the council remuneration packages have been handed down by the State’s independent body.

Picture: ON FILE $111,577 per annum and will be increased to $119,316 retrospectively.

Previously the deputy mayor had been receiving the same pay as a councillor but with the creation of the deputy mayor allowance, it will increase to $59,658 for this year.

Commencing on 18 December this year until 2025, the mayor and deputy mayor will see gradual increases in their pay, while councillors will see a six per cent increase applied in two equal portions in 2022 and 2023.

Deputy mayor Johanna Skelton said while the issue had not been raised within Yarra Ranges Council, she had heard other council’s were concerned about not everyone having the chance to serve as deputy mayor because they are within marginalised groups.

“For our council, I would love to see the officers who have a long term understanding and vision across this…to keep their eye out for the possibility that the deputy mayor role might not be available to all, to women, to people with disabilities, people who are marginalised in some way so hopefully they are not missing out on the deputy mayor role in future times.”

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Prices hurt the pockets

By Tyler Wright Hills locals are looking for solutions to the increase in food prices throughout Victoria as supply for utilities remains scarce.

A recent Comparethemarket.com.au survey found 6 per cent of Australians are skipping meals as they simply can not afford the increasing expense.

“Compared to the September quarter last year now Australians are averaging $10 more each week on their groceries,” Comparethemarket.com.au spokesperson Chris Ford said.

“Victorians [are] spending…$182 on average per week on groceries. So it’s an enormous bill for Victorians [with the] cost of living pressures and our pockets getting pinched at the fuel pump and otherwise - that with groceries increasing it’s really hurting; and more personally for regional Australia.”

“It stands to reason that there could be more hurt for those that live in those regional areas, because there is increased freight costs.

So they could be passed on to the supermarket checkout as well.”

Mr Ford said there are a range of factors contributing to the extra cash Australians are dishing out for their groceries, including the introduction of Covid safety protocols and features in factories, the cost of ingredients imported from Eastern Europe as the sanctions on Russian exports continue and the shortage of wooden pallets used for the transportation of goods.

“We have seen large increases. Be it seasonal - but also due to inflation in fruit and vegetables - and that has really pinched upwards of 20 per cent for some of those products including lettuce and capsicums,” Mr Ford said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also revealed this week that Australia’s consumer price index inflation rose to 5.1 per cent

John and Debbie from the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service are part of the movement to help residents cope with the cost of living.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS in the March quarter, and rimmed mean annual inflation, which excludes large price rises and falls, increased to 3.7 per cent - the highest since March 2009.

With Covid still a driving global focus and the conflict in Ukraine which Mr Ford said may seem “thousands of miles away,” these factors have still created “uncertainties” in the global market.

“It’s hard to say but it is very likely that we’re going to see more pain in the coming months at the supermarket.”

He offered some tips for consumers looking to reign in their shopping costs.

“Know the essentials, make the list before you go and plan out those meals. And when you go know that the essentials are often in the back of the stores.

The supermarket often tries to trick you and they want you to buy things on the way to those items, and use a small shopping trolley or a basket.”

Frozen fruit and veggies could be a cheaper alternative, and reducing snacks (often the

most expensive per-kilogram item in the trolley) might help the “hip-pocket,” he said.

“Buy bigger portions for meals so that you can get them at a cheaper price potentially on sale. And then you can cook once, but then eat twice or three times.

Cockatoo local David Wilkinson has recently taken the opportunity to share homecooked recipe ideas and tips on keeping grocery purchases within a tight budget on social media.

“With the rising costs of fruit and vegetables now, it’s really difficult for people on low incomes,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“When you’ve got options of buying a bag of chips or a bag of apples - the chips are always going to be much cheaper. So [I’m] trying to get people to make wise choices in terms of what they choose, but acknowledging that people are under significant strain [as well].”

“This is the first year I’ve taken growing food in the garden really seriously. And I’ve had great results. I’ve had huge amounts of produce, and that in itself would save me a lot

of money at the shops buying food.”

One of his popular posts includes a Mushroom Ragu ‘slowly cooked for four hours flavoured with herbs from the garden served with Pappardelle and grated Parmesan,’ but he is preparing for a new approach to his food posting.

“I will start using a traffic light system with red being a bit more luxurious and green the most frugal. I will apply that to the availability of ingredients locally as well,” one of his posts reads.

“I wanted to start applying some values to the recipe I’m actually doing - highlighting which are extremely affordable,” he said.

Tania Bevan, CEO of the Dandenong Ranges Relief Emergency Relief Service, said Covid-19 has increased the amount of people accessing services.

“People have been wanting more help with food and fuel vouchers, utility bills, and the cost of medication, too,” Tania said.

“Some [have] needed us less because the government increased the amount of money for people on job seeker…but we saw more people who had never been here before, because they’ve lost their jobs,” Ms Bevan said.

The Emergency Relief Service, located in Belgrave, provides or reasons such as illness, unemployment, domestic violence, homelessness, and other hardship and has a drop-in centre for those seeking social interaction and light refreshments.

“It’s really the fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and dairy that people are struggling with,” Ms Bevan said.

“If someone is struggling with the cost of living, they can contact their nearest emergency relief service who can provide food and potentially financial assistance in a confidential setting,” she said.

Inflation affects prices across the board

By Parker McKenzie With underlying inflation hitting its highest level since 2009, residents in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley are seeing prices increase across the board.

The Annual Consumer Price index — which measures household inflation and includes statistics about price changes in household expenditure — has risen to 5.1 per cent in the last year and 2.1 per cent in the last quarter mainly due to rising construction costs and fuel prices.

In the past year, the price of food and nonalcoholic beverages has risen 4.3 per cent, housing costs has risen 6.7 per cent, and transport — including fuel— has risen 13.7 per cent among a raft of other rising costs.

Head of Prices Statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics Michelle Marquardt said the CPI recorded its largest quarterly and annual rises since the introduction of GST.

“Continued shortages of building supplies and labour, heightened freight costs and ongoing strong demand contributed to price rises for newly built dwellings. Fewer grant payments made this quarter from the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder program and similar state-based housing construction programs also contributed to the rise,” she said.

“The CPI’s automotive fuel series reached a record level for the third consecutive quarter, with fuel price rises seen across all three months of the March quarter.”

In the past year, fuel costs have risen by 35.1 per cent, with annual price inflation for fuel the highest it has reached since the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

The rise in CPI represents a challenge to the Liberal Federal Government’s 2022-23 budget, which predicted inflation would reach 4.25 per cent by the middle of the year, well below the increase reached by the end

of the first quarter.

At a meet the candidates event at Healesville on Wednesday 27 April, several candidates for the Casey electorate discussed rising inflation and what it would mean for the community.

Liberal candidate Aaron Violi said the inflation rate is a significant increase on the target set by the government.

“Traditionally inflation is a demand-driven metric. If demand goes up, prices go up.

This is different, this is a supply-driven challenge. It comes about because of the war in Ukraine, it comes about because of the supply chain challenges because of Covid,” he said.

“We’re at 5.1 per cent. The United States 8.1 per cent, the UK over 8 per cent. The reason we are at 5.1 per cent is because of the fuel exercise cut by 22c. It allowed you, myself and community groups to significantly reduce the pressure on businesses.”

Rising petrol prices have contributed heavily to the steep increase in the Consumer Price Index.

Picture: ON FILE Labor Candidate Bill Brindle said inflation is the highest it has been in 20 years.

“Everything is rising except wages, all costs are going through the roof,” he said.

“I want to be part of the government that looks after people and doesn’t leave people behind.”

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Councillor David Eastham said landslides and erosion pose a risk around Silvan.

Pictures: ON FILE

Yarra Ranges Council has supported sending a submission to DELWP in their recent meeting.

Addressing local erosion

By Parker McKenzie With some topographical maps of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley using data from over 50 years ago, Yarra Ranges Council is hoping to use laser technology to map erosion and landslip throughout the region with the support of the State Government.

At a council meeting on Tuesday 26 April, Yarra Ranges Councillors voted to send their submission to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on their recent Landslide and Erosion in the Planning System discussion paper. The State Government is planning to update and improve natural hazard, climate change and environmental adaption, and risk mitigation strategies in Victorian planning provisions and schemes.

Councillor David Eastham said the recommendation is important and the opportunity

to provide feedback to the state is appreciated.

“A few of those key points that are within the paper are separating erosion and landslide, updated mapping and accuracy and the need to do this in response to climate change and the impact it is having on our landscape,” he said.

“Landslide and erosion are important factors to get right anywhere, but they do pose a risk in our municipality and the report identifies are few of those areas, particularly in the Chandler Ward around Silvan.

“I was surprised while reading the report to learn some of the topographical mapping we are using is based on 1960s data. It’s really important we use this opportunity to get updated and improved topographic maps.”

Yarra Ranges Council said updated mapping of landslide areas would ideally utilise remote sensing technology using the pulse

from a laser to collect measurements, which are used to create 3D models and maps of objects and environments. Due to cost factors involved in using LiDAR technology, the council said it would require financial assistance or support from State Government departments to complete the new mapping.

Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton said she agreed with Mr Eastham about the importance of addressing the issues.

“In the last year with our own flood and storm events in June and also watching North Coast New South Wales and all the footage of landslip as a result of flood and oversaturation of soil, we are all in the community aware of the impact of changed weather patterns climate change is causing,” she said.

“In this particular instance it is so timely they are updating and looking into that be-

cause it is changing so fast. I’m glad we are getting on the front foot of it in our area. I hope all counsellors agree that updated mapping might hopefully help reduce the need for private geographical assessments.”

The discussion paper aims to define the difference between landslide and erosion because currently there is no distinction between the two in planning controls throughout the state. Erosion is defined as “the geological process where earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water. Erosion includes water and wind erosion and coastal erosion,” while a landslide is “the movement of mass rock, earth, or debris down a slope.”

The motion to endorse the submission and submit it to the State Government was passed unanimously by Yarra Ranges Council.

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 59 already gone. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads across our suburbs.

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Lilydale Line

Monash Freeway

In May

Lanes, ramps and freeway closed at times between Warrigal Road and Eastlink

Princes Freeway

Some nights in May

Freeway closed at times between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

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Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions From 8.30pm 19 May to 23 May

Ringwood to Lilydale

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

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Climate action wanted

By Tyler Wright Groups Australia-wide are calling for consistent policy on climate action as Coalition members express hesitancy in the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions significantly within the next few decades.

Last year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the government’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. However, Liberal National Party candidate for the Queensland seat of Flynn, Colin Boyce, recently said net zero was a ‘flexible plan’ with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce adding the government’s commitment to net zero was not binding, and no legislation is attached to previous promises.

Liberal National Party Senator Matt Canavan said the agreement was “dead in the water”, but for the Deputy Chair of Doctors for the Environment (DEA) Kimberley Humphrey, the matter of climate change can not be boiled down to simple targets.

“Speaking with the health voice - we aren’t concerned so much about targets as we are about having ambition to reduce carbon in general. I think every tonne of carbon that we don’t burn makes things better, reduces the harm and reduces the risk,” Ms Humphrey said.

“If global temperatures rise to more than two degrees, 37 per cent of the world’s population will be exposed to at least one deadly extreme heat event every five years - compared to about 14 per cent If we only hit 1.5 [degrees].”

Ms Humphrey said the health impacts of climate change are already apparent in Australia this year as the country sees major weather events like flooding, despite the fact we are only in the fifth month of the year.

“We see things like trauma, so people getting injured, we see increases in infectious diseases, we see people being cut off from being able to obtain food.”

“There’s wide-ranging impacts; from flooding, from heat. From all of these extreme weather events, [it] will only get worse,” she said.

A recent Australia Institute survey showed fossil fuels were costing Australia $22,000 per minute, and Ms Humphrey said a “sensible

Members of the Doctors at the environment meeting in October 2021. transition” to renewable energy should be a part of federal government policy.

“We would like to see an ambitious national pet plan to cut climate pollution,” she said.

“That would involve banning new gas, coal and oil projects and ending public funding for fossil fuel, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and delivering 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.”

Jeff Barlow, president of Community Renewable Energy Inc’s (CoRE) Healesville branch, said Australians need a “consistent message” from local, state and federal government levels about the necessity of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “We need strong leaders to show us the way forward.

“I think the reason why we are inexorably moving towards the greater use of renewable energy is despite the policies of the Commonwealth Government, and because business and economists generally see that renewable energies are much cheaper than fossil fuels,” Mr Barlow said.

Despite Scott Morrison announcing the government’s plan last year, which was underpinned by a technology roadmap that prioritises investment in clean hydrogen, energy

Picture: SUPPLIED

storage, low emissions steel and aluminium and carbon capture and storage as reported

by The Guardian, the plan came without any modelling.

“Our country at a national level is 20 years out of date in refusing to have a consistent policy in regards to net zero by 2050.”

Coal, oil and gas accounted for 93 per cent of Australia’s primary energy mix between 2019 and 2020, according to the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Mr Barlow said there is an opportunity for a “major transformation” in the country’s economy.

“We’re getting bigger and bigger solar farms, wind farms, there’s now a proposal to have the largest solar farm in the world in the Northern Territory that’s going to be taking electricity over to Singapore…

“These are major projects, we’ve now got projects developing, significant funding being made available for hydrogen projects where hydrogen will be exported overseas,” he said.

The Northern Territory solar project received a $210 million funding boost in March from billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest, leading the way for further

solar plants to be built throughout Australia, according to The Guardian.

Liberal candidate for Casey, Aaron Violi told the Star Mail the Liberal Government is acting in a “practical, responsible way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 whilst generating new jobs and opportunities for industries”.

“I will continue to listen to local residents and strongly advocate for stronger, more resilient local environments for communities across Casey,” Mr Violi said.

At a recent ‘Meet the Candidates’ event for the Casey electorate in Healesville, climate change and action was a hot topic among some of the candidates and formed part of their desires for the electorate.

“Young people need to see a future for themselves,” Labor candidate Bill Brindle said. “... climate change, child care costs, housing affordability, job keeper, foreign relations,” are what he lists as some of the focuses of his election campaign.

As former CEO of Sustainability Victoria, Independent candidate Claire Ferris Miles said Australia is not wanting for innovation, talent, ideas or technology.

“We can become a renewable energy leader,” Ms Ferris Miles said.

“I support a minimum 50 per cent emissions reduction by 2030, and climate action presents economic opportunities for new businesses, new jobs, new manufacturing that are all possible here in Casey over the next decade.”

Greens candidate Jenny Game said the area of Casey has 130 native bird species and 61 native animals, with 52 species of threatened birds and 38 species of threatened animals.

“The greens plan includes an immediate ban on the construction of new oil gas infrastructure, ensuring we can transition our economy to zero carbon energy while maintaining a safe climate; and phasing out the mining, burning and export of thermal coal by 2030.”

“Every tonne of coal, oil and gas increases the intensity and speed of changes to our climate - which means more floods, more droughts, more heat waves and more bushfires.”

Greens senate candidates meet locals in Healesville

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Members of the all-black Greens Senate ticket met with the local community and branch members in Casey to detail their agenda for the federal election and answer questions.

Senate candidates Adam Frogley and Lidia Thorpe, along with Casey candidate Jenny Game, were at the Darren Honey Centre in Healesville on 30 April.

Mr Frogley focused on policy when he spoke to those in attendance, detailing plans for the Greens to reduce the costs of education, combat unemployment and underemployment and strengthen the university sector.

“The option as well for secure and ongo-

ing employment, which as a trade unionist is something that I’m very passionate about,” he said.

“We’ve lost over 30,000 staff from the university sector across the board. It has had an incredibly detrimental impact on the higher education sector.

“You can’t live a life where you’re constantly working three casual jobs just to make ends meet. It’s not right, it’s not fair.”

Djab Wurrung woman Sissy Austin and Wiradjuri, nonbinary person Zeb Payne round out the all Indigenous senate ticket, an Australia first.

Ms Thorpe spoke passionately about the challenges facing Indigenous Australians and First Nations peoples.

“I stand here as a survivor, and a matriarch of DjabWurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjmara, and also as a sign of resistance,” she said.

“In 2022 it’s about peace: peace with ourselves, peace with our nation, peace with our land, peace with our animals, in peace with every level of living being and the mechanism to get there is a treaty.

“We are only one of the few countries in the world that does not have a treaty with its people. It’s long overdue.”

Mr Frogley said he would be proud to see a Greens senator elected in Victoria.

“I’m very proud to support Lidia and see her elected as the senator for Victoria on the 21 May,” he said.

“If by some amazing chance and I win

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Tattsloto and I am elected as well, I will work to ensure the needs of all constituents and of course, their aspirations are recognised.”

Ms Thorpe rejected the use of Registered Aboriginal Party processes as dangerous and said it is used to circumvent the wants and needs of traditional owners of the land.

“It’s a strategy that government use to manufacture consent. Get rid of anyone else who doesn’t like it, we’re only going to deal with a registered Aboriginal Party and this little group of black fella because they will agree,” she said.

“The law of Aboriginal land is to listen to the people whose land it is and learn and then practice it. An acknowledgment to country is a call to action.”

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 7

NEWS

Skater feedback needed

By Tyler Wright Skateboarders in Emerald are being urged to have their say on the potential construction of a skate park in the town’s Worrell Recreation Reserve as the Cardinia Shire Council opens its proposed budget for public feedback.

Plans for monitored skateboarding facilities at the reserve were referred to in the Worrell Recreational Reserve Master Plan adopted by council in 2020, with the project still awaiting funding. Vanessa Kewish, Emerald local and organiser of the Emerald Village Exercise & Recreation Group, said local children are in need of this new recreational space on the reserve’s netball courts and the replacement of the library park play space.

“We’ve noticed that all these kids were building ramps everywhere … on the side of the road, and they would take their dirt bike or their skateboard and they’d jump off these dirt ramps and wood ramps that they’d made, and they were so unsafe,” Ms Kewish said.

“I started a little group [in September] and overnight I had 760 [people] in the group.”

The group proposed a ‘Pop Up Skatepark’ last year as a temporary remedy to meet the community’s needs and a Gofundme saw almost $6,000 raised - but the focus has now moved to having a permanent skate park and youth recreation area included in this year’s final budget to be released in June.

“In that [feedback] space, you can actually say ‘hey, I live in Emerald, I’m this old and I want the skatepark for kids and here’s why,” Vanessa said.

Accessibility to recreational facilities for youth aged between nine and 18 is a main issue in Emerald, and Vanessa said she has consulted with community groups such as the Emerald Village Association and received support.

“I think the community here just wants a plan, we want to know what’s happening,” she said.

Vanessa Kewish, and local children, pushed for a pop up skatepark in Emerald last year.

Cardinia Shire Councillor, Mayor Jeff Springfield, said he is advocating for the recreational space and skate park design works to be done in the next financial year.

“It took us two years to put the plan together with community consultation to establish what the best needs were for the community for this recreation space we have in Worrell Reserve,” Cr Springfield said.

“I believe there is a need for enhanced facilities across our Shire and Emerald certainly is a very worthy candidate to see more of this progress…

“These things do take time to deliver.”

Cr Springfield said he encourages the com-

munity to advocate for projects they would like to see delivered by the Shire in their locality.

“I’m trying to encourage, in the background, to get the community on board, because this is their budget,” he said.

“We’re all shareholders in the business that is Cardinia Shire and where those dividends are paid out in delivering community infrastructure like this is really important.”

Worrell Recreation Reserve is home to groups such as the local tennis, cricket and football clubs and houses the Hills Hub. New works have recently been completed at the site, including a new pavilion funded by

Escaping Reality Selected Paintings of John Krzywokulski Free to the public, this extraordinary visual art experience features selected paintings by local artist John Krzywokulski that span from 1988 to the present day.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Cardinia Shire Council, as well as new sports oval lighting and high ball catching net jointly funded by council and the State Government.

The Cardinia Shire Council Budget is a fouryear rolling budget, adopted annually.

You can view the Cardinia Shire’s Proposed Budget for 2022 to 2026 and have your say here http://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay, by post addressed to Cardinia Shire Council’s Chief Finance Officer, Scott Moore, PO Box 7, Pakenham, Victoria, 3810 or via email at mail@ cardinia.vic.gov.au Viewing and comment will be available until 5:00pm on 11 May.

Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard Pakenham VIC 3810 Available to see until Sunday 15 May from 10am – 3pm, Tuesdays – Sundays Meet the Artist Day Sunday 15 May 12pm – 2pm, refreshments provided For more information visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au

12546925-CG18-22

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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NEWS

RSL clubs seek next gen

By Parker McKenzie According to presidents of Dandenong Ranges RSLs, younger veterans are taking decades to join the clubs without being aware of the services made available to them.

Monbulk RSL president Bill Ford said it can be difficult for the clubs to know when veterans have moved into the area if they don’t reach out first.

“What we have found that takes between 10 to 20 years for veterans to join an RSL after they leave the service,” he said.

“We need the young veterans to keep the RSL going and there’s plenty of military veterans, whether they’ve served overseas or not, who can join the RSL and keep it going.”

Upwey Belgrave RSL president Anthony Stewart said he didn’t join the RSL until 28 years after he left military service.

“It took that long for me to claim the medal I’d earned while I was serving,” he said.

“It takes a while to learn, but when you realise anything that has already happened you can’t change. All you can do is work with now and in the future it’s negotiable.”

RSL clubs often offer services to newer veterans including dealing with veterans affairs and offering mental health services to those in need.

Mr Ford suggested one solution would be to have RSL members on bases signing up members before they leave the military, so they understand the services available to them.

“We’ve suggested to Anzac House to talk to the military and perhaps having an RSL club on the bases to sign members up,” he said.

“Wherever they are transferred to, they can transfer straight to the RSL on that base, getting them used to what the RSL does.”

Stuart Coghill, one of Monbulk RSL’s youngest members, said often it comes down to the individual and how busy they are with life after the military.

“A lot of guys my age would probably think it’s just another thing that is a bit too much effort,” he said.

“The sense of belonging is lost when you leave, regardless of how sound of mind you are. It’s a unique kind of friendship or mateship that is lost when you leave.

“I don’t really have anyone my age that I know very well, so I’d be psyched if there was.

I think that would be a huge part of it if there were friendly faces that they know.”

The youngest member of Upwey Belgrave RSL joined at 21 and the club has members who served in the military in other countries, including a former United States Air Force pilot.

Mr Stewart said often veterans don’t know what the RSL has to offer and still see it as a boys club.

“It’s where you went to forget about your shell shock, so you can get with your mates and have a few beers, have a few more drinks and sooner or later you’ve drunk so much you can remember,” Mr Stewart said.

“Mental health is now is now a major consideration and there are much better ways to deal with it.”

Mr Stewart recently used money from a State Government grant to display the military outfits from recent wars in the hope it would attract younger veterans to join the club, with one recently doing so after showing his son the uniform he served in.

Mr Ford said the biggest barrier facing recruiting newer veterans to RSL clubs is often being unable to reach them in the first place.

“I help them as much as I can, if we can’t help them we will take them to someone who can. They’ve got to make the move themselves, we don’t know where they are.”

“A lot of them are suffering from PTSD and mental issues and they need professional help from doctors. We are sometimes at a loss at what more we can do.”

Upwey Belgrave RSL president Anthony Stewart recently introduced a display of recent military uniforms and hopes it will attract younger veterans to the club.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

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mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 9

YOUR COUNCIL UPDATE

Mayor’s message ------

Council Budget 2022-2026

As 2022 is almost reaching its midpoint, I would just like to say how thrilled I am at the achievements we have all managed so far – and I know that we can keep this momentum going!

Cardinia Shire Council’s proposed Budget 2022–2026 is now available for viewing

With the development of our new proposed budget, we are demonstrating that Council is committed to making decisions that best serve our community, and delivering in the areas that you told us are most important to you.

and comment until 5pm on 11 May 2022.

Comments on the proposed budget can be

I would also like to take the opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has had their say so far to help shape the future of Cardinia Life as we aim to be able to redevelop this major community asset. If you haven’t yet had your say, read on for more information.

submitted to Council: • by post addressed to Cardinia Shire Council’s Chief Finance Officer, Scott Moore, PO Box 7, Pakenham,

I encourage all residents to head online to Council’s website and take a look at the many ways in which you can have your say, get involved, get active and stay connected.

• by email to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Let’s make the most of our wonderful shire!

• on the Creating Cardinia website.

Cr Jeff Springfield Cardinia Shire Mayor

You can also request to view it at Council’s

Victoria, 3810

Customer Service Centre, Siding Avenue, Officer, between the hours of 8.30am and

Cardinia Life needs you

Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee: Last chance to apply!

Don’t miss your chance to help shape your community - help us to create plans and seek funding for the future of Cardinia Life!

Applications are about to close to become a member of the Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee.

Council will consider all community

Your feedback is essential to inform the redevelopment planning and help Council seek funding to ensure Cardinia Life continues to support the health and wellbeing of our growing community now, and well into the future.

Find out more and submit your application online before Thursday 5 May, 2022 at 4pm.

the final version at the ordinary Council

5pm, Monday to Friday.

views and then discuss any changes to the proposed budget prior to endorsing Meeting on 20 June 2022.

Successful applications will be required for a term of appointment of two years. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cta

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

You can submit your ideas and comments for the redevelopment before 15 May, by: • calling 5943 4495 • completing the online survey • attending a focus group or workshop • visiting us at the final drop-in session: Wednesday 13 April 2022, 1.30-3.30pm, Cardinia Life, 4/6 Olympic Way, Pakenham

Places are limited, to book visit: bit.ly/3Os1xfB

www.creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ cardinia-life-redevelopment

What’s On?

Have your say

Check out what events are on in your local community: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/events

Jump online to provide your feedback on a number of current projects: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Cardinia Business

Roads projects

‘One-stop-shop’ for business support, and a place for our community to support local businesses: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/business

Find out what’s happening with our roads.

Visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/betterlocalroads

The information on this page was correct at the time of print, but for the most up-to-date information:

Cardinia Shire Council Phone: 1300 787 624

Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Translated resources: Cardinia Shire Council: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/translate Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450 (ask for 1300 787 624) 12547385-JW18-22

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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NEWS

The truck dumping the logs, one of five deliveries on 26 April.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

Anton McMurray, Rob Chewe and Julia Hall with the delivered logs.

Storm logs to be renewed

By Parker McKenzie Perched atop a hill in The Patch under clear blue skies, three people eagerly await delivery of the huge bodies of trees felled by strong winds in the June 2021 storms.

Julia Hall and Anton McMurray from the non-for-profit charity Rescue Logs are waiting with Rob Chewe from VicForests at a factory site on April 26, where a contractor will deliver the second of five deliveries of fallen trees.

VicForests is covering the costs of transporting and delivering the logs to the property in the Patch where they will be repurposed into community-focused projects, while Yarra Ranges Council is donating the materials themselves.

Ms Hall said the logs have been earmarked for two projects in particular, with a focus on areas hardest hit by the storms.

“The first is the Kalorama Park project. We have two parts to it: The first is a playspace with beautiful equipment, which will be very raw and tactile,” she said.

“The other part of that project is a reflection area. What we are planning is to have six upside trees with their roots at the top, forming a canopy with the root ball.”

Rescue Logs was created in the aftermath of the June 2021 storm weather event, when many were dealing with the damage — both

physical and mental — caused by falling trees and battering winds.

Through the use of the many fallen trees of the Dandenong Ranges, Rescue Logs aims to save as many logs as possible from becoming firewood or being chipped, and instead use them for community projects. The organisation also supports local events like the Kalorama Chestnut Festival and is hosting a local kite festival in June.

Mr McMurray said Rescue Logs grew out of the need to address the damage caused by the storm in a healthy and creative manner for people living in the hills.

“We love it here, the children love it here, but how do we make this a place where they feel safe?” He said.

“That was a key component of thinking for the kite festival because that’s about a transformative experience.”

“Transforming an experience that brings certain fears into one that brings joy, like flying a kite.”

The partnership between Rescue Logs, VicForests and Yarra Ranges Council makes sense when you realise the journey the logs are taking. After falling during the storms they needed to be cleared, but where do you keep the amount of timber?

“I went to a Wood Products Victoria meet-

ing and I did a presentation about the storm and what happened here, and the frustrations of not being able to get any help,” Ms Hill said.

“The very next day someone from VicForests called me and said we want to help but we’ve had trouble getting into the area. What can we do?”

Ms Hall said she wanted the logs to stay in the Dandenong Ranges where they belong.

“When we first talked to Yarra Ranges Council about where the logs were going, because we were seeing them go off the hill, they were quickly able to say we are holding them, we realise they are important, we’re not going to be sending them off and you will have an opportunity at some point to receive them,” she said.

“For organizations like Rescue Logs, it is important to be supported by the local council because it means that we can actually work with them and we can go back to the community and let them know what’s happening.”

Vic Forests has supplied thousands of dollars in machinery, expertise, contacts and labor for the project according to Ms Hall, who said the organisation is beyond thankful for Yarra Ranges Council gifting them the logs and the support of Vic Forests.

VicForests coordinated the delivery and engaged Bells Civil Excavations at no cost to Rescue Logs to haul the timber. Regular log trucks were unable to be used because of the small

size of the logs.

“VicForests is pleased to be working with Yarra Ranges Council and not-for-profit organisation Rescue Logs to retrieve and transport trees that were damaged in the 2021 storms.” a VicForests spokesperson said.

Rescue Logs envisaged putting what was lost to good use, to heal and create resilience throughout the community impacted by trauma. They have launched several other projects, including the Children of the Big Storm book, illustrated by local school children about their experiences in the June 2021 weather event.

Mr McMurray said Rescue Logs wants to continue to grow through community projects and supporting people throughout the Dandenong Ranges.

“People keep connecting with rescue logs and saying I like what you’re doing, this is what I do, how can I be involved? It’s quite an organic journey,” he said.

“It’s grassroots, it’s basically moving at the pace that it needs to. Now that winter coming up, it is going to be a really interesting time for a lot of people up here who are struggling with the windy days. We’re hoping that this might be something a bit more positive for them.”

You can find out more about rescue logs at www.rescuelogs.org

Lost war medal found

By Shelby Brooks A man has been reunited with his grandfather’s war medal that he lost along on the Princes Highway in Tynong North on Anzac Day, Monday 25 April.

Andy Smith, of Boronia, was riding his motorcycle back from a Longwarry Vietnam Veterans Anzac Day dawn service when his grandfather’s medal flew off his jacket.

“It was approximately 8.20-8.30am when I heard a “PING” and realised the medal had come off my jacket and bounced down the road in the left hand lane at 80km/h,” Mr Smith told Star News.

“I was absolutely devastated. My anxiety levels were off the scale as you could appreciate.

“It’s only a small part of my family history but it means so much.”

Mr Smith believed the medal fell off somewhere between Gumbuya World and Tynong Road, on the Melbourne bound side of the Princes Highway.

“It was one of my grandfather’s service medals. He fought in Western Europe,” he said.

Mr Smith’s grandfather was Private Henry Smith, apparently he didn’t pass the medical examination in Australia so he travelled to mailcommunity.com.au

New Zealand and signed up for the war there.

He served in Western Europe from late 1916 to 1918, Mr Smith said.

A Facebook post asking was shared over 600 times in 24 hours and was seen by Warragul detectorist Corey Lewis.

“My wife saw the post and said this is right up your alley,” Mr Lewis said.

In his spare time, Mr Lewis uses a metal detector to find hidden gems across the state.

“Myself and my mate had a spare hour and a half on Wednesday and thought we’d meet on the highway and walk the road,” Mr Lewis said.

Mr Lewis spotted the medal in the emergency service lane right where Mr Smith had identified he had lost it.

“We thought it was going to be a lot harder,” Mr Lewis said.

“But there it was, horse side up.”

Mr Smith was absolutely chuffed upon learning the medal had been found.

“I couldn’t thank Corey enough,” Mr Smith said.

“Things like this really restores my faith in humanity when complete strangers and everyday good people go out of their way to lend a hand and help.”

Private Henry Smith and his war medal.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Future health superstars

By Mikayla van Loon Four young women have been announced as the 2022 recipients of Inspiro’s tertiary health scholarships to help fund their studies and give them opportunities that might not have been possible before.

Amy Imms, 23, Zoe Eggleton, 24, Danielle Virgona, 21, and Olivia Marceddo, 22, were each awarded the scholarships on Thursday 28 April.

Physiotherapy student at Monash University, Amy, was awarded the major scholarship prize of $10,000, something that will help fund the final semester of her master’s degree.

“At the end of my course, I will have to pay $12,000 out of pocket to complete my final semester’ I will also be completing a regional placement in Hobart at the end of this year for five weeks that I’ll be self financing and I won’t be able to work for that five weeks,” she said.

Amy said she was looking into various scholarships to help her be able to complete her degree when she stumbled on Inspiro’s program.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful I got it. When I got the call, I was just completely taken aback,” she said.

“The impact this is going to have in my life is just extraordinary. I’m not going to have to work to the bone over the next year to finance myself through the course. I’m going to be able to really immerse myself in my studies and to get experience in the field and just enjoy my final placements rather than being limited financially.”

For Zoe, who also received an Inspiro scholarship in 2018 for her undergraduate degree, she never expected to be selected again.

This time she was the recipient of the $7,500 scholarship for her postgraduate studies in physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne.

Zoe Eggleton, Amy Imms and Olivia Marceddo, as well as Danielle Virgona were the 2022 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS recipients of Inspiro’s tertiary health scholarships. 278880 Inspiro has also asked Zoe to stay on as an ambassador for the program to help encourage more young people to apply in future years.

“I’m so excited about it just because Inspiro has really helped me through my undergrad and now through my post grad as well. So to be able to share that experience, to hopefully inspire someone else to apply and have that benefit for them, it’s really exciting,” she said.

“There are so many people in the Valley who don’t know about this scholarship, who would be great recipients. So hopefully even just getting some more exposure so people know about it would be an aim of mine as their ambassador.”

Nursing student Danielle, who was unable to attend the ceremony and occupational therapy student Olivia were both the recipients of

the minor awards of $2,500.

Olivia said her scholarship will be going towards furthering her studies by doing a short course to help specialise her treatment ability.

“Ultimately I want to give back to the community because if I can further my study and be the best OT I can be, how’s that going to help everybody else,” she said.

“I’ve had personal experience of being helped through health services, healthcare and hospitals. I want to be able to do what they have done for me for someone else. So this scholarship is an amazing opportunity to be able to push me forward into that” Inspiro CEO Sue Sestan said as the new stewards of this scholarship, she sees the role as encouraging young people to learn what they can to then hopefully see them return to

the Yarra Ranges.

“There’s actually a workforce shortage across the whole of the health sector. Historically, this has been given to encourage young people to take up studies in health but now it’s even more important,” she said.

“We have ambitious young people out there but who are maybe not able to do something purely because they can’t get to the institution of study or whatever it might be.”

Judge Hamish Russell has been involved in the awarding of the scholarships since it began in 2000 by the Lilydale Community Hospital and has since handed out over $70,000 in scholarships.

“I think that is what makes it special. It’s been happening for this community for all that time and it’s been awarded to so many different sorts of people working in different parts of health,” he said.

The recipients of the awards are judged on two criteria: their academic excellence and their involvement in the community.

“We don’t want just takers, we want people who are giving and these girls are absolutely remarkable in the things that they do,” Hamish said.

Zoe has been volunteering at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne since 2015 and has recently become a mentor for other volunteers. She also contributes quite extensively to her university like the buddy program she has established for physiotherapist students.

Last year Amy raised over $5000 for Myeloma Australia after her mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021.

Olivia has spent much of her time volunteering coaching callisthenics and as a trainer for her local football club, as well as working as a swim teacher, all things that have helped become an even better health professional.

Mother’s Day Memorial service in Lilydale The annual Mother’s Day Memorial Service at the Lilydale Memorial Park is unrestricted for the first time in three years, with residents from all over the Yarra Ranges welcome to commemorate and grieve on what can be a sad day for many.

Organiser Karen de Blaquiere the service which has run for over 20 years, is open to all, including those who have lost their mothers and mums who have lost their children.

“Everyone is welcome. It is for the community and Le Pine value the opportunity to give this opportunity to the community to participate,” she said.

“The year before last we recorded a service for people to watch but it really isn’t the same. People are really looking forward to being able to participate in person and remember their Mum.” Numbers at the service were restricted last year, while the 2020 event couldn’t be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year,

dozens are expect to attend the non-denominational service performed by Ian de Blaquiere in The Federation Chapel at Lilydale Memorial Park from 10am on Sunday 8 May. The event is hosted by Le Pine Funerals Lilydale, Croydon and Healesville in conjunction with Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

Mrs de Blaquiere said people commemorate Mother’s Day in different ways, and the service has been appreciated by attendees for providing a way for them to do so.

“People will come by themselves, or as a family group, and that’s their start to their Mother’s Day, as a tribute to the person that they’re missing, and then they can then continue to celebrate Mother’s Day as they choose,” she said “Feedback from people has been just amazing, every person who rang or responded via email, is just saying how lovely it is to be able to join together again.” Those who attend are invited to bring a photo or memento of their loved one to the service which will be

placed on a tribute table during the service and can be collected afterwards.

There will also be a photo tribute during the remembrance service, which can be sent into Mrs de Blaquiere’s email to be included.

Mrs de Blaquiere said another recentlyadopted tribute is loved by those who attend.

“Recently, because we can’t release balloons anymore, we blow bubbles. It’s lovely for young children there to participate all together in a family group,” she said.

“They are sending their wishes up and people loved that idea.”

Attendees do not have to have a loved one resting at the Memorial Park or have had a funeral through Le Pine to attend.

Light refreshments will be available after the service, so those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP. RSVPs, as well as photos of loved ones for the tribute, are to be emailed to karen.deblaquiere@lepinefunerals.com.au

Karen de Blaquiere says all members of the community are invited to attend this year’s Mother’s Day Memorial Service at Lilydale Memorial Park.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

12530992-SN18-22

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Most large holly trees have been eradicated from Gembrook Park.

Electric vehicle owners headed to Emerald IGA carpark to answer questions about their alternative choice of transport.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Exploring electric vehicle options

By Tyler Wright Emerald IGA carpark was home to an electric vehicle display on Saturday held by the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association (DRREA), with owners sharing information on their cars’ maintenance and cost as petrol prices remain high.

“I think people are considering the cost of petrol and the fact that petrol cars are going to get phased out - there were a lot of people seriously interested in seeing electric cars,” Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association President Peter Cook said.

“It was more just people wanting the confidence of talking to other owners and knowing that they were genuinely happy with what they bought,” Peter said.

Three Teslas, four Nissans Leafs, a Volt, a Toyota Corolla and a Mitsibushi Outlander

electric vehicle were all on display, with attendees curious about running costs and maintenance of the vehicles, Peter said.

“You’ve got the choice of buying them new, competitively priced… or you can buy a second hand import from Japan and they’re very affordable when you do that.”

“I think more people realize that they can run their car off their solar system on their house or power from the grid.

The more people realize that, the more people will look seriously at getting electric [cars].”

Tony Forster, hills local and owner of an electric 2014 Nissan Leaf, said owning an electric vehicle in a two-car household was a “nobrainer”.

“I’ve always wanted to have an electric car because of the greenhouse gas emissions and [my interest in] internal combustion cars.”

“For every hour of charge you get 20 kilo-

metres of range,” he said of his Leaf.

“It’s about 20 cents a kilometre for petrol, and about five cents a kilometre for electricity.

Three cents of that is the electricity. And two per cent of that is the government tax” “It would take five hours to plug in in the garage overnight. I have noted the location of some free public charges between where I live in the city. But only once in the last eight months that I had the car have I bothered. “ Tony said he still chooses to drive his Subaru for four-wheel driving and long distance trips as his electric car goes for 100 kilometres from empty to fully flat would not last that long without a charge.

“By and large, people charge overnight and they do their run around shopping on the charge they can get during the night. But if you want to go to Geelong or Falls Creek, then you need extra charging stations to get there.”

Female lyrebirds’ secrets to be revealed

By Tyler Wright The female Superb Lyrebird will be celebrated at an upcoming event at the Monbulk Living and Living Centre with guest speaker Dr Vicky Austin, researcher of Lyrebird vocalisations.

The ‘Singing to Survive’ presentation will be held by Friends of Sassafras Creek (FOSC) this Thursday and will uncover the untold secrets of the incredible females.

“By using a lot of wildlife cameras, Vicky has been able to uncover a lot of secrets,” FOSC President Jane Hollands said.

“This is what she is going to tell us about, some of the behavior which wasn’t hasn’t been seen before - and the females role in bringing up the male Lyrebirds, because it’s a job that only the female has.”

Dr Austin will present footage she has collected of how Female Superb Lyrebirds interact with other females and how they teach the young males to sing - the study one of the first of its kind. But Dandenong Ranges locals have also been keeping a close eye on the birds for years.

“There’s a fabulous population [in the hills] and the Lyrebird Survey Group has been observing it for over 60 years,” Jane said.

“There’s fantastic documentation of the Lyrebirds, and [they’ve] followed their journey over that time and done a lot of work to maintain the population.”

Alex Maisey is a member of FOSC and the Lyrebird Survey Group, and said the population has more than doubled in Sherbrooke over the last 20 years.

“It’s a really significant area with seven threatened species, at least, and some really special vegetation that we try to look after by pulling out weeds and revegetating with Indigenous rainforest plants. mailcommunity.com.au

Friends of Sassafras Creek have planned to have the community hear the secrets of the female Superb Lyrebird.

Picture: SUPPLIED “We’re a diverse group of volunteers that love getting out into that environment and just kept quietly and slowly - but surely - working to reverse the degradation of the last 200 years.”

Part of that work has been monitoring the local Lyrebird population with an annual dawn count with interested community members, huddling at a campfire and then heading out into the forest with an experienced survey group member.

“We go to designated spots in the forest and wait for the birds to wake up because Lyrebirds actually sleep up high in the gum trees. And as dawn breaks, they start to sing territorially, the males need to tell the females where they are and tell the other males ‘I’m still here, this is my territory,’” Alex said.

“Using a compass and a watch and trying to note down a very rough estimate of how far away each bird is, you plot the time and direction that they start calling in.

It’s one of the the only ways that parks have really monitored the effectiveness of their predator control program for foxes because foxes are an introduced predator and they are very good at knocking off Lyrebirds,” he said.

The Lyrebird population in Sherbrooke Forest has been estimated to lie between 150 and 200 - a saturation point where corridors like Sassafras Creek are being used to move through to other parts of the National Park, and the birds are entering private property on their way, Alex said.

“It’s really important for locals to try to deal with their weeds… where they’ve got natural bushland, it’s a really important part of landscape that live birds can use” “If they’re able to plant some native plants and get rid of ivy on the ground or up trees or Sycamore Maples which just smother everything - the Lyrebirds will be much happier for it.”

He said Female Superb Lyrebird mimicry has been discounted by scientists in the past as a “byproduct of evolution” and it is exciting to learn about the female’s “fantastic” mimicry which is every bit as good as the males’.

“I think people are really interested in the female story so I do expect we’ll get quite a reasonable turnout, which is great.”

The Monbulk Living and Learning Centre is located at 21 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC 3793.

The presentation will begin at 7:30pm on 5 May, and a zoom link is available for those who cannot attend in person.

For more information and to register, email foscreek@gmail.com.

Milestone for weed control

By Tyler Wright Friends of Gembrook Park (FOGP) are calling on locals to help them reach their milestone of removing all English Holly from Gembrook Lake Park and encouraging those with holly in their private yards to remove the shrub.

FOGP said a problem arises when a large holly tree is felled by a falling branch of a gum tree. When the holly branches touch the soil, they form a clump of trees which prevent the germination of Indigenous plants.

“There used to be a lot of holly in the park, and they [grow] to quite large trees. And when that happens, you’ve got to drill holes in them and put poison in them to kill them,” FOGB volunteer Cheryl DeCoite said.

“Smaller hollies, you can pull out by hand…

So that’s really good that we’ve eliminated most of the big trees. But we still worked in the park only a couple of weeks ago and we were pulling out quite a lot of small ones,” Cheryl said.

The evergreen shrub hails from Western and Southern Europe and has shiny leaves with spines and white or pink flowers. Their berries ripen from green to red in Autumn, changing colour between May and Autumn in Australia.

Plants are either male or female with the female plant producing the berries.

And while they may be pleasant to look at, Cheryl said when birds eat the plant’s berries, the shrub then spreads and “takes over” the environment, taking the place of actual food sources for native animals.

“What we’d really like is for people whose gardens have got Hollies, particularly if they’re mature female Hollies with the red berries - to eliminate them out of their gardens,” Cheryl said.

FOGP advises locals to use the ‘cut and dab method’ for bigger plants larger than the smaller 12cm shrubs easy to pull out by hand after rain.

“You’ve got to cut it and then just we’ve got these bottles, a little bit of a sponge on top, and then you put a bit of poison on it,” Cheryl said, “We don’t generally like to use poisons and things but in that case - you have to.”

She equates Holly to another European native plant Ivy, which “sucks the life” out of Australian native trees and kills them.

“It’s also visually it looks really out of place. It’s got bright red berries, and shiny, pointy leaves. It’s an English plant.

If we can sort of work together a bit more, it helps the environment.”

Friends of Gembrook Park are set to hold a program with Gembrook Primary School, supported by Landcare, encouraging children to help plant native trees and learn about local ecosystems within the next month.

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 13

OPINION

Humorous parenting tales

By Christine Sun A review of Not Mentioning Any Names by Margaret Pearce As part of Eastern Regional Libraries’ autumn program of events from March to May 2022, local author Margaret Pearce recently launched her book Not Mentioning Any Names at the Ferntree Gully Library.

This is a quirky little book, consisting of 51 bite-sized stories about parenting (and, inevitably, grandparenting).

Some of these are hilarious, others bewildering and incomprehensible, and still others philosophical and thought-provoking.

While the book was originally titled “This Motherhood Caper”, the crucial role of fatherhood is favourably discussed in the process of childraising as both parents are often reduced to “tears, tea and aspirin, hysterics, sherry,

cigarettes, blunt instruments, bullying and blackmail”.

Pearce’s writing is witty, succinct, and at times fierce but always funny, as she turns daily “confrontations, truces, compromises and intermittent battles” into spectacular spectacles of life in the seemingly serene suburbs. The battles never end.

As Pearce describes it: “Suitable textbooks on survival of child-raising might well include guerrilla warfare, unarmed combat and, of course, communications.” Sure enough, these are battles that parents never win.

But who says the goal of parenting is to command and conquer? Reading the book, it is clear that without unending selfless love, there will be neither tender care nor tedious commitments.

Beyond doubt, parenthood is the sweetest burden that most if not all of us are content to shoulder. For example, in “Homework for Par-

ents”, various mothers work hard to finish their children’s school projects in time.

In “Mother’s Day”, as much as the mum cringes over the “terrible racket in the kitchen, the crash of crockery being broken and loud accusations and counteraccusations”, she happily admits “it is not every morning I get breakfast in bed”.

And true magic exists in finding fun through frustration. For example, in “The Lost Club”, the mother wonders what happens to all the odd gloves, socks, runners and football boots that get mislaid.

In “Transport”, the father marvels at his son’s excessive use of the family car.

In “The Tooth Fairy”, one childhood belief proves true. In “Five Minutes in the Life of...”, a boy enjoys being various heroes while trying to clean his teeth. It is true that the mums and dads portrayed in the book never had to han-

dle issues like climate change, global pandemic, threats of terrorism, and the digital divide.

Parenting in the 21st century appears to be much more confusing and confronting when compared to life in the 1970s.

However, Pearce’s book remains relevant today with its focus on core values such as empathy, trust, responsibility, respect, integrity, and honesty. From one generation to the next, these universal values sustain not just individual families, but all communities, cultures and societies. This is why Not Mentioning Any Names can engage, inform and entertain generations of parents.

As readers reminisce about their own experiences with children – with fond smiles and an occasional grimace or two – they will reaffirm the fact that some things never change, even in this day and age where the only thing constant is change.

Hoons take over with no end in sight, upsetting locals

By Dale Wilson Over six months have passed since an alert was raised about shameful and dangerous driving on a skinny dirt road in Avonsleigh, namely Phillip Road.

Apart from a small section, Phillip Road is classified with an ‘end 50’ speed sign, which in fact allows impatient drivers to speed at 100km per hour.

This road has many cars, trucks and motorbikes who use the road as a ‘back road short cut’ between the Woori and Emerald main roads.

School children, mums with small babies and girls on pony’s use this road which has a gravel surface, blind corners and is tree lined.

Nonetheless repeated pleas to have the speed limit reduced by going to the Cardinia Shire Council and the Department of Transport have been ignored at every turn.

Cardinia mayor Jeff Springfield has said he doesn’t believe the current VicRoads state zoning guidelines (SS26) provide enough flexibility for the local government to administer a more “appropriate” determination on our local road network.

Why has no action been taken to protect residents not only on Phillip Road but other skinny dirt roads in the Cardinia Shire?

In 2015, an horrific crash killed three teenagers on Phillip Road, yet no affirmative action has been taken since.

Local Emerald police say ‘get the limit back to what it should be, 50km, so we can

stop the offenders and put them off the road’.

Unfortunately dangerous driving alone is time consuming and hard to prove.

Many of the roads are not actively monitored because local resources are badly limited. Emerald Police Station is closed most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

No face to face communication? Why don’t police and highway patrol ask for help?

When you read articles about police blitz’s on speeding like ‘Operation Roadwise’ and comments like ‘you will see more police making sure every motorist is doing the right thing’ it makes you think it’s a publicity stunt.

Periodical attempts to catch dangerous hoons does not ‘cut the mustard’.

Ratepayers’ lives are constantly threatened by rouges who seem to have no conscience or are drug or alcohol affected.

Recent pleas to Cardinia Shire Council to lobby the Department of Transport and honour their statutory duty to ‘take steps to reduce and prevent accidents’ on local roads has again been ignored. Who are they afraid of? The hoons?

On a recent visit to my home, the council officials said that Cardinia traffic engineers have reviewed the speed zone on Phillip Road and it is ‘considered appropriate’.

The limit is in accordance with various acts, regulations and policies. Their hands are tied, they say. No exceptions.

I said they need to ‘listen and act’ on residents ‘clear and present dangers, a bad law

The Basin’s new production

By Peter Kemp The Basin Theatre’s April/May production was Miles Tredinnick’s It’s Now or Never .

A story about two Elvis fanatics where one Tom, is getting married to Alice, who is definitely not an Elvis fan. Tom and Alice are lent a villa in Spain by Tom’s friend Keith. They think they see Elvis incognito in the next villa and decide to make some money out of it.

The Basin Theatre presented a wonderful stage set of the interior of a villa in Spain. As this is a typical farce there were the obligatory six doors which were well used by the players.

Lucas Thomas was Keith Clark, the owner of the villa. Thomas projects well but his voice was rather too loud for the intimate theatre.

Some of his scenes were outrageous and got a good response from the audience.

His mate, Tom Weals, was played by James Ness. Another good projection performance but again the voice was too loud and sometimes seemed to be screaming.

His overall performance was quite funny, and he worked well with his fiancee Alice Martin.

Alice Martin was played by Tina Bono, who gave an outstanding performance, really catching the character of Alice, the girl wasn’t 14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

should not be set in stone. Who are they afraid of? Is it a money priority? Do lives come second to bring the budget in the red?

My personal plea for a ‘concealed driveway’ sign outside my home was answered with “they don’t make them anymore.” I told them I have nearly been t-boned three times turning into my driveway as it’s very close to a blind corner.

Another request for a corner mirror on another blind corner on Phillip Road was answered with “they don’t work and are not effective.”

The mind boggles with this sort of ‘it’s in the too hard basket’ response. Get the priorities right and commit funds to save lives, road deaths decimate the families and general communities.

A reasonable person should expect to live in relative peace and safety around their own home.

Fake number plates are also a weapon that hoons use to practise their ‘deadly games’ under stealth and cover of night.

A hand delivered, written letter to Carol Jeffs, CEO of Cardinia Shire Council, expressing my concerns for roads like Phillip Road, after a 34 day wait, was met with zero concern. A junior council manager told me Jeffs was also “satisfied that a 100km limit was appropriate for Phillip Road.”

I wonder what the loved ones of the 2015 tragedy would say to her comments. It is pure luck that a further tragedy has not happened in the past five or six years.

As a last resort, I have spoken to the Vic-

torian Ombudsman’s office regarding the Cardinia Council’s concerning determination and process about ‘council backed’ inappropriate and dangerous speed limits on dirt roads.

They have contacted the council and say they will advise on the issue and result. Unfortunately I have had no contact from the ombudsman’s office for six weeks.

This despite two phone calls. I’m concerned that I have been lost in the system.

Surely they are not hopelessly underfunded?

The excuse that ‘non-built up’ areas can handle 100km speed zones is staggering.

They also have men, women and children that need protection. Any council negligence is unforgivable.

Again, is this the council’s priority about money and budgets not properly allocated to people’s safety on back roads. Do they need to revisit their values?

I say please do your job properly when road safety is paramount in a civilised community. Avoid the catastrophic effects of deaths on local roads and save lives.

Cardinia Council it’s time to lobby the Department of Transport, VicRoads and the State government to uphold your responsibilities regarding road safety on your local dirt roads. No one wants avoidable deaths on their conscience, money is second, third and fourth to innocent lives lost due to negligence and arrogance.

Hoons come to Phillip Road because it is ‘easy to let their rocks off’ in someone else’s backyard.

CARTOON

enamoured with Elvis. She participated in some great scenes which the audience really enjoyed.

The Spanish dry cleaner, Lydia Sandez was played by Nicole Barravecchio, who kept the standard expected of the role and was enjoyed by the audience.

Alan Ashby was Elvis. An exhausting role the way he was, shall we say, moved about. As Elvis he had no speaking role but as Rocco Sandez, he did have some lines. A good performance.

The journalist from England was given an hysterical performance by Elise Michelle as Cherry Richards. Some of her scenes were a sheer delight and the audience certainly appreciated her performance. The Police Inspector Olivera, who was only seen in the last act, was played by Greg Hunt. Hunt really captured the character as envisaged and caught the English as expected of a man not really conversant with the language. Another superb performance adding to the standard of the evening.

The Basin Theatre is to be congratulated on such a production, thoroughly enjoyed by the packed house. Audiences are glad to be back, and comedy shows are what people are looking for after the last two strenuous years. mailcommunity.com.au

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Olinda Community House Community Development Lead Krystal Bassett

Krystal Bassett is the Community Development Lead at Olinda Community House. From the UK, Krystal studied her degree in International Fashion Marketing in Manchester and put on club nights home to local bands and DJs. After moving to the hills in 2014, Krystal worked organising the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker and has put on events like Ferny Creek’s 2017 ‘Chill Fest.’

Her music taste spans from anything Fleetwood Mac, 90’s dance classics and Melbourne locals Amyl and the Sniffers.

Star Mail asked Krystal some questions about living and working in the Dandenong Ranges: What is something people don’t know about you?

I used to be in a punk band 10 years ago back in Manchester (UK), that was certainly another lifetime ago.

Tell us about your role as Community Development Lead at Olinda Community House...

I love that I get to work in my community alongside my neighbours, coming up with ideas that make where we are from even better. To help residents of the hills come to the realisation that THEY are a big part of this community - everyone has their own unique skill or energy and together we can build the community we would like to live in.

What has been your most memorable moment as Community Development Lead?

Why? During the June storms there was so much devastation but something beautiful came out of that, the community spirit and team work has brought people even closer. I was proud to work with Emma Jennings (of Emma Jennings Art Gallery, Olinda), together we persuaded Bunnings to donate some generators that we distributed to CFA’s around the hills for locals to borrow when needed. The general teamwork and comradery that came out of that storm was certainly memorable and further cemented my reason to do what I do for work.

THREE … flowers meanings

1

Chrysanthemum has a simple message: honesty. They are also commonly associated with Mothers’ Day in Australia thanks to their abundance in May and having ’mum’ in the name.

2

Carnations work for a lover on a budget. If you pick up one of these blooms, choose white (“sweet and lovely”) or pink (“I will never forget you”). But stay away from other colors. The twotoned version means “I cannot be with you,“and the yellow ones signify “disdain.”

3

Pansy is derived from the French word “pansee,” this bloom means thoughtfulness and remembrance. That may be why you often see them planted at funeral plots.

Krystal Bassett is the Community Development Lead at Olinda Community House.

What do you love most about living in the Yarra Ranges?

I know the ‘go-to’ answer is the environment but what I personally love most about living in the Yarra Ranges is the people. Hills folk are made of something else - everyone is different but we all make up the beautiful fabric of our community.

What are some of your hobbies?

I’m fortunate to say that my job is also one of my main interests, I love people, community and planning events. I have also just started Pilates at Mountain Pilates Monbulk which I am really enjoying and I also like surfing,

meditation and yoga.

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

Woodstock. I’m a hippy at heart.

Who do you admire the most?

I don’t have one ‘idol’ that I admire but I regularly meet people that I admire; people that have been through so much adversity and somehow have capacity to share love and warmth to those around us.

Olinda Community House will be holding a market and car boot sale on Saturday 30 April at 79-81 Olinda Monbulk Road, Olinda.

OPINION

Sequel not as bad, but still the worst film of the year Sequel to the worst film of 2020, the vain, aimless 365 Days: This Day is an improvement on the first film only in the sense that it’s less hatefully misogynistic.

To This Day’s credit, the film shows some learning from its predecessor. Laura (AnnaMaria Sieklucka) has more agency in her rela-

Morrone are still incredibly wooden leads.

This Day is atrociously paced, taking until halfway through the film to provide any substantive conflict.

The film is punishingly slow and empty even as Massimo obsessively seeks to reclaim Laura from Nacho.

The second half contains a contrived mob conspiracy, but the film keeps wandering away from its own plot.

Laura’s hidden pregnancy carries no dramatic weight, but Massimo’s secret brother

builds to an idiotic twist in the final moments.

The original 365 Days was a disgusting romanticisation of kidnapping and assault.

This Day largely excises these themes (but still has a troubling thread of deception).

To say that 365 Days is better without the rape, while technically correct, is madness; This Day rises from morally repugnant to the dizzying heights of bland and boring.

365 Days: This Day is available for streaming on Netflix.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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

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tionship with mobster Massimo (Michele Morrone) and the film places greater emphasis on her pleasure in the sex scenes. When infidelity drives the couple apart, Laura finds a genuinely sweet new partner in gardener Nacho (Simone Susinna). Significantly more of the dialogue is in Polish and Italian, as opposed to the stilted English of the first film (which is still present, mind you).

But like the first film, This Day is full of poorly-translated dialogue and shallow glamour, has an over-reliance on pop songs and montages to convey tone, and Sieklucka and

y

Tuesda

AVONSLEIGH Avonsleigh News & General Store 445 Belgrave Gembrook Road BELGRAVE Belgrave Newsagency 1704 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE Woolworths Supermarket 1629 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE IGA 151 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE Chandler & Co Real Estate 1689 Burwood Hwy BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1 Bayview Road BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road COCKATOO Ranges First National Shop 2, 24 McBride Street COCKATOO IGA Cockatoo 34 McBride Street EMERALD Kaye Charles RE 12a Kilvington Drive EMERALD Ritchies SUPA IGA 342 Belgrave-Gembrook Road EMERALD Emerald Village Newsagency 4 Kilvington Drive EMERALD Woolworths Supermarket Belgrave Gembrook Road EMERALD Auto Plus More Petrol Station 365 Main Street EMERALD Shell Service Station 336 Main Street EMERALD Barry Plant Real Estate 1/ 321 Main Street EMERALD Bell Real Estate 313 Main Street

FERNTREE GULLY Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagents, 1202 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY Glenfern Road Milk Bar , 83 Glenfern Road FERNTREE GULLY Coles Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Woolworths Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Mountain Gate Newsagency & Lotto Mountain Gate SC 9b Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Ferntree Gully Authorized Newsagency Shp 2/69 Station Street FERNTREE GULLY Shell Service Station 1140 Burwood Highway FERNY CREEK Ferny Creek & Post Office 195 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road GEMBROOK Gembrook Post Office& Newsagent 72 Main Street GEMBROOK IGA Supermarket 83/85 Main Street KALLISTA Kallista Cellars 85 Monbulk Road KALLISTA Kallista Real Estate 76a Monbulk road KALORAMA Post Office 1209 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONBULK Best Repairs & Accessories Monbulk - 26 Main Road MONBULK Food Express 128 Main Road MONBULK Woolworths Supermarket Main Road & Moores Road

Mail

MONBULK Monbulk Newsagency & Officesmart 76 Main Street OLINDA Monbulk Bowling Club, 11 Moores Road OLINDA Olinda Cellars Shop 7/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road OLINDA Ranges at Olinda 5 Old Main Road OLINDA IGA Supermarket 1526 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road OLINDA Bell Real Estate 11 Main Road SASSAFRAS Sassafras General Store 391 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road SILVAN Shell Princi Motors, 275 - 277 Monbulk Road TECOMA BP Service Station 1524 Burwood Highway TECOMA Bon Ton General Store 1537 Burwood Highway TECOMA O’Brien Real Estate 1567 Burwood Highway TECOMA McDonald’s Restaurant 1529 Burwood Highway THE PATCH The Patch Store and Post office 16 The Patch Road TREMONT Caltex Service Station 100 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road UPWEY Newsagent 18 Main Street UPWEY IGA Supermarket 62-64 Main Street UPWEY Yarra Ranges Shire Council 40 Main Street

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365 Days: This Day Starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka and Michele Morrone Rated R18+ 1/5

MAIL 15

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Forget calf stretching This is how you fix tight calves.

Hands up, who here has been told to stretch your calf muscles? Everyone? And who here actually does it every single day? And down go all the hands.

So what is happening when your calf muscles feel tight? Why doesn’t stretching them work?

To get to the bottom of this we spoke with the podiatrists from PridePlus Health in Emerald and Monbulk.

First question to Tanya, why do our calf muscles in our legs often feel tight and sore?

“Your calf muscle is one of the hardest working muscles in your body. When you start to move faster than a slow walk 8 x your bodyweight is put through your calf every stride. Now when you work your muscle more than it can handle it let’s you know about it. If it’s just a little bit overworked they feel tight. If it’s a lot you can have a painful muscle strain.”

So tight calf muscles are not actually too short, they’re not strong enough? Interesting.

Tanya again says “they can be tight because they are weak, or short, but the treatment for both is the same.”

Tanya’s podiatry colleague Laura explains how you can overcome tight calf muscles.

“When your calf muscle is not as strong as it needs to be, most of us know we need to get stronger with exercise. The mistake many people make is that they use running or walking as exercise but this does not make your calves long or strong. To do this you have to do resistance training.”

The podiatrists take their time showing us how to strengthen and lengthen our calf muscles so they don’t feel tight. The exercise is a calf raise movement. We stand on the edge of a step and lift our heels up high onto our

Laura from PridePlus Health. 226408 tip toes, hold and then slowly lower our heels back down off the edge. It feels easy at first, but after a few repetitions we were getting a bit tired and shaky.

Then they asked us to do one foot at a time.

It was much harder to do. This is where the podiatrists rocked us with statistic.

Prior to this we honestly thought we had strong calf muscles… But the podiatrists explained we should be able to do 25 calf raises

on each leg. Well, this writer was getting shaky at only 12. Less than half of what I should be able to do. What does this mean for me?

Back to Tanya. “When you can do 25 slow and steady calf raises on each foot, your foot and ankle are strong enough to handle everything you throw at it. Walk further? Jog faster?

Easy.

You have that capacity. But if you’re not able to do the 25 you can still get around but everything is working close to the limit.

Your body tells you this by making your overworked muscles feel tight.”

And so the penny drops. Our tight calf muscles were not too short. They just didn’t have enough oomph to handle the beautiful Hills around Emerald we walked around most days.

We’ll be following Laura and Tanya’s advice and strengthening our calf muscles over the next few months to enjoy winter walks with the dogs without the tightness.

FIND YOUR HAPPY FEET ‘WALK MORE’ ‘STRESS LESS’ ‘FEEL BETTER’

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

Book online or by phone

9068 0966 prideplus.com.au 12543221-AI14-22

Emerald 1 Murphy’s Way

16 MAIL

Monbulk 1 Mt Pleasant Rd

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

Foot, Knee or Leg Pain?

Foot and leg pain are very common, yet successful treatment with long term outcomes seems hard to find. So what can we do about them?

It seems most treatment options consist of rest for extended periods, refraining from activities, having ongoing physical therapy or resorting to medications or undergoing surgery. But this isn’t the case anymore! Thanks to the latest advances in medical science, ongoing and reoccuring foot, ankle, knee and leg pain can be a thing of the past.

Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, one of Australia’s leading lower limb pain and injury experts, are having enormous success assisting people with conditions such as: general pain; soft tissue injuries (new & old); degenerative conditions like arthritis, tendinopathy; plantar fasciitis; bursitis, nerve impingements and children’s growth and development conditions. Their clinically proven treatment plans have helped thousands to alleviate pain, heal injuries, improve mobility, and re-engage in activities. They’ve even assisted many to avoid surgery such as knee replacements.

“The latest medical research has provided us with a better understanding of the body and how we can assist it to heal itself. If we look past the surface symptoms to uncover contributing factors like faulty foot function, repetitive stress patterns, biomechanical weaknesses and lifestyle factors - then utilise the latest treatments and management strategies, we can relieve stress on joints and tissues, improve function, enhance mobility, decrease or eliminate pain and even assist soft tissue repair,” says Dr. David Kavanagh who heads the Ringwood and Doncaster East clinics.

If you have foot, heel, knee or leg pain, injuries or arthritis you can see Dr. Kavanagh by calling Foot and Leg Pain Clinics on 1300 328 300.

12546135-CG18-22 mailcommunity.com.au

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Pilates for your wellbeing

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

deeper, stabilising muscles.

Pilates is a system of exercises and movements that we use to do just that - improve the balance between your stabilising muscles and your prime movers.

Clinical Pilates is the practice of using the Pilates system to treat and rehabilitate injuries of the spine, hip and shoulder girdle.

Pilates focuses on quality and controlled movements...and it is definitely hard work!

A Pilates Studio like ours may also include some specialist equipment like Reformers, Trapeze Tables, Gym balls and many other

bits and pieces.

It’s also important to remember that Pilates is great for everyone - young, old and everyone in-between!

So go on…give it a go!

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn and Olinda. His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health.

Find out more at formandpractice.com.au

Dr John Gyorki Belgrave Surgi Centre Shop 1 / 1651 Burwood Hwy Belgrave Enter via Ramp/Walkway toward the upper carpark

Serving the community since 1986 General Practice: Specialising in • Offering Full Body Surgical Office Procedures: Skin Checks • Removal Of Skin Lesions • Health Assessment & Skin Cancers • Management Plans • Upper Eyelid Reduction • Practice Nurse • Vasectomy • Onsite Pathology • Nail Surgery Collection • Removal Of Benign Anal • Immunisations Conditions-Hemorrhoids/ Fissures/Fistulae NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

12532669-SG07-22

Pilates has become hugely popular in recent years - but why do physios, personal trainers and others love pilates so much?

Let’s understand the basics first.

If we simplify things right down, the body has essentially two types of muscles.

The first of these are called prime movers that are the muscles responsible for most functional movements of your limbs and spine - muscles like your quads, calves, biceps, pecs or your rectus abdominus (your ‘6-pack’).

These muscles are generally quite powerful but if they were all we had we’d be poorly controlled and get injured often.

The other group of muscles are our synergists or stabilisers.

You may have heard of some: your rotator cuff, transversus abdominus (often taught in Pilates) or your Pelvic floor are good examples.

Arguably, these muscles are just as important as our prime movers!

These muscles are often smaller and deeper in the body and are responsible for control, co-ordination, stability and protecting a joint from injury.

Every joint has these muscles, whether it’s your shoulder, hip or joints in your spine.

To move optimally, your need a good interplay between your stabilising muscles and your prime movers. Think of it like having a good quality of movement rather than just being strong.

When someone injures themselves, often this balance gets thrown out a little as the stabilising muscles waste away and the prime movers will try to compensate and take over.

If you have chronic or long-term pain, it’s almost certain that this balance is out.

That’s why a physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises to rehabilitate these

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

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD YOUR EYES CHECKED? PHYSIOTHERAPY REMEDIAL MASSAGE CLINICAL CLASSES REFORMER PILATES

– MEDICARE BULK BILLED EYE EXAMS – EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FRAMES FOR EVERY BUDGET – LATEST IN LENS TECHNOLOGY – FULLY INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED – ONSITE LAB

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MENTION THIS ADVERT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OFFERS

VALID UNTIL 3OTH JUNE 2O22.

Book Online formandpractice.com.au or call 9751 0400 • • • • • •

Sports Physio Back/Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Headaches and TMD Home Visits Post Operative Rehab

• Knee and Hip OA Including GLA:D Program • Women’s and Men’s Health Physio • Foot and Lower Leg Pain • Pilates and Clinical Exercise • Running Injuries

OUR TEAM PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Ben Croxford Elisabeth Coffey James Taylor

Jen Vardy Madelyn Cunningham

12547769-SG18-22

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT CALL 9758 8574 OR ONLINE VIA WWW.MOUNTAINGATEEYECARE.COM.AU

Cherry Chung Tom Kerlin

Shop 44, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre 1880 Ferntree Gully Rd • Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 * Conditions apply. See in store for details. hello@formandpractice.com.au

OLINDA

MOUNT EVELYN

1542 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd 3788 P: (03) 9751 0400

19-23 Hereford Rd 3796 P: (03) 9736 2565

12546195-JW18-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 17

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mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

SNIPPETS

MAIL SNIPPETS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS

Friends of Emerald Lake planting event · Friends of Emerald Lake Park invite

Local CWA members have gathered for an important walking fundraiser.

Picture: RENEE WOOD

The CWA makes every step count

By Renee Wood The Country Women Association of Victoria’s Yarra Valley Group has made their steps count at Lilydale Lake, joining the global ‘Women Walk the World’ fundraiser to improve the lives for women and girls.

The annual fundraiser with the CWA and its affiliated group Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is conducted on 29 April, something the local branches have been part of for a decade.

This event is the first major gathering they’ve had since the pandemic, and the group raised up to $700 dollars for the cause.

The funds go towards various projects including building concrete water tanks, educational schloarships, medical, hygiene and health supplies.

“Think of the women in Ukraine at the moment, what their families are going through, and in Africa, even the Solomon Islands - everywhere,” Tarrawarra Branch President Anne Faulks said.

“There are people who are struggling and if we can do our little bit to walk around the lake, it’s part of such a bigger picture and you’re part of a whole groundswell of women who are saying we need to support women.”

It’s one of the many fundraisers and community projects that the wider branch takes part in, which includes Monbulk Day Branch, Monbulk Ladies Night Hawks, Wandin Branch, Wannallock Night Branch and Tarrawarra Day Branch.

“It’s the empowerment of women together and we feel a strength of being women together - we really do. Just that camaraderie and to think that in doing that we can then support other women to feel stronger.”

All branches are encouraging women of any age to join, saying it’s not all just ‘tea and scones’.

Group president Carmel Mitchell said the CWA has strong ties to making a difference within the community, the country and within the UN. “We have a voice with the Victorian and fed-

eral government. Resolutions that have been created from all the branches and groups, they go to the state conference [in May] and it’s voted on and then that’s presented to the government,” Ms Mitchell said.

On a local level, the CWA’s are also a part of other community initiatives including providing free meals at the Dinner at Darrons night at the Healesville Uniting Church - art exhibits also raise funds for local shelter services.

The ladies meet once a month and also work together in groups within other areas they’re passionate about, such as arts and crafts or fundraising events.

Tarrawarra member Jo Legge said it’s great for meeting new people when you move to the area.

“It’s a good way if you move anywhere, whether it’s a suburban town or a country town, it’s a good way of just seeing what the locals are like and getting to know people,” Ms Legge said.

For more information contact cwaofvicyarravalleygroup@gmail.com

Over 55s able to access free pilates

By Tyler Wright Over 55s in the hills are able to get moving at the Monbulk Living & Learning Centre as part of a series of fully funded pilates classes run by Mountain Pilates and supported by Yarra Ranges Council and Monbulk & District Madcow Community Opportunities Working Group.

Stretching and strengthening for the young at heart is the main focus of the eight week program, starting on Friday 6 May and led by pilates instructor Jeanette Tatton.

“I was asked to do a speech at the CWA’s agenda meeting at the start of the year, talking about the impact that stretch can have for people in the older generation,” Jeanette said.

“When I left there, after hearing their stories and doing a small five minute session with them and talking to them, I was inspired. And I just said ‘there’s more than I can do here. I’ve got to be able to reach this age group post Covid’…”

“A lot of people just didn’t have that support or understanding that this could really make a difference.”

The sessions will remind attendees about the importance of self-care, breath-work, strength and core exercises.

“A lot of this is going to be about being in a group of a community like-minded age group where people have not been in that position before, and hopefully friendships are formed. And hopefully, people will go out and have a coffee together or go for a walk mailcommunity.com.au

· · · ·

the community to join them in a planting project on Saturday 7th May, Sunday 15 May and Thursday 19 May at Emerald Lake Park.

Meet at Lakeside car park and follow the signs. Time 9:00-11:00 am.

BYO Gloves.

Further information: 59684603

Olinda Community House classes and events · Botanical Art Marta Salamon · Mon 2 May - Mon 20 Jun · 9.30am – 11.30am · 7 weeks $154 Guitar Michael Howard · Mon 2 May - Mon 20 Jun · 6pm – 7pm · 7 weeks $98 Yoga · Mon 2 May - Mon 20 June · 7pm - 8pm · 7 weeks $126 Kids Creative Dance 3-5yrs · Tue 3 May - Tue 24 May · 9.30am – 10.15am · Olinda Hall · 4 weeks $70 Art to Explore You with Gail Koehler · Wednesday 27 April to Wednesday 22 June · 10.30am – 12.30pm · Nine weeks $108 · Plus $15.00 for material Tai Chi with Jeff Davis · Wednesday 27 April to Wednesday 22 June · Beginners: 5pm – 6pm · Advanced: 6pm – 7pm · Nine weeks $126 Sing, Rattle and Groove with Cath Russell · Friday 29 April to Friday 24 June · 9.30am – 10.15am · Nine weeks $210 and $10 per week for additional siblings · contactus@och.org.au or 9751 1264 to book · All at Olinda Community House, 79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Monbulk’s Mountain Pilates held their ‘Pilates in the Park’ sessions earlier this year, and have now teamed up with local council and the Madcow Community Opportunities Working Group.

Picture: SUPPLIED together [afterwards],” Jeanette said.

“Hopefully, they can set themselves up for success with a little bit more confidence or a little bit more smile in their day.”

The free 45 minute classes will hopefully create a more accessible environment for over 55s to get physically active and interact with others in the hills.

“Walking into a studio, walking into a gym, or walking into a community space. I mean, that’s hard in itself, right?

“Covid has just completely pushed us into spaces where we have never felt before…, people just feel their self worth isn’t worthy enough. It takes a great deal of bravery and courage for people to step forward to make changes happen today, not like it was before,” Jeanette said.

“I want people’s lives to feel better.”

You can find more information about bookings by emailing mountainpilatesmonbulk@gmail.com

Boronia Playpark Knox City Council is hosting a free play area for families on Sundays at 257 Dorset Road.

The program includes table tennis, giant games, sports challenges, circuses and hula hoops, face painting and roving entertainment ideal for five to 15-year-olds.

People can drop in at any time from 11am to 3pm, with different activities each week.

The program is funded by the Victorian State Government and more detail can be found at www.knox.vic.gov.au/boroniaevents Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 19

AUTUMN IN PICTURES

Ducks are enjoying the weather.

Making the most of blue skies.

Tracy Dasler has been capturing the essence of autumn.

Pictures: TRACY DASLER

A stunning pink.

The changing of colours Dandenong Ranges resident and self-taught photographer Tracy Dasler has followed up her Spring snaps from last year with some dazzling autumn coverage.

The photographer has been taking the time to document this wonderful season throughout the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.

Ms Dasler has now provided her Autumn pictures to Star Mail from Alowyn Gardens, Tarra Warra Estate and Emerald Lake Park.

The Emerald resident’s imagery can be viewed through Instagram under @tracylandscapes

Emerald Lake Park.

On the lookout.

Gathering in nature.

20 MAIL

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Among the hedges.

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

Over the waters.

Pink or yellow, which will it be?

Harvest season.

Works ahead.

Walking through the gardens.

Getting out onto the lake is ever popular. mailcommunity.com.au

FAMILY SIZED LIVING IN A PERFECT LOCATION PERFECTLY positioned, within an easy walk to Belgrave South shops, sports reserve, bus stops and schools, this spacious family home is ready for its next new owners to put their own touch on it and enjoy.

Heather Grove is a family friendly road where street Christmas parties and roadside chats are the norm with great neighbours all around – For those looking for their forever home where kids can grow and play in a safe environment, this is certainly it.

There are 4 oversized bedrooms, the main bedroom having a full ensuite and spacious walk through robe as well as two large family rooms that give ample space for everyone.

With a walk in pantry, breakfast bar and plenty of bench space, the kitchen is fully equipped to cater for the busiest of meal times and is well positioned in the centre

of the home with an adjoining dining area.

Heating and cooling is well taken care of with hydronic heating, split system and huge wood heater. Large glass sliding doors as well as a formal front entry make indoor outdoor living seamless.

Whether you are enjoying a coffee on the front paved barbecue area or relaxing in the back yard under the gigantic Oak, you will love every minute of living on this 1402m2 block.

An easily accessible, circular driveway leads to the home where you will find not only an oversized carport but also a double garage under roofline – Ideal for tradies or those looking for extra storage.

For your opportunity to secure a family sized property in one of the most tightly held locations within the Dandenong Ranges, contact Sharyn today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 18 Heather Grove, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $950,000 - $1,040,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler, 0439 882 442 and Glenn Chandler, 0418 410 689, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 97546888

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

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

‘TARONG’ COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST BRINGING together all of the elements that create an ideal lifestyle, this beautiful property offers luxury, beauty and convenience and will allow you to live a country life with everything just a short walk away.

Well-built and thoughtfully planned, this stunning home boasts voluminous rooms with huge picture windows that frame a leafy garden view from every angle and a jaw dropping view from the living rooms out to the Warburton Ranges.

Whether formal or informal living is required the options are plentiful with a spacious lounge room leading to an adjoining sitting area where you can read a good book or just gaze off into the distance and observe eagles soaring in the distance.

The open plan family/meals and kitchen area caters to the largest family’s requirements and has sliding door access to the covered deck where alfresco dining will be a priority.

The large timber kitchen has gas hotplates, wall oven, dishwasher, plenty of bench space and an abundance of cupboards. Cooking up a culinary delight will be a pleasure here.

All four bedrooms are of the most generous proportions and all have fully fitted robes, the master suite has an additional walk in robe and a full ensuite with double vanity, spa bath and separate powder room.

Sunday brunch on the deck that leads out from the master is something else to look forward to here. Ducted heating throughout, split system air-conditioner in the family room and ceiling fans ensure year round comfort.

Outdoors the fully fenced yard provides space for children and pets to play, there is a 3 car remote garage complete with workshop area and sink under roofline, an abundance of off street parking and side access to the rear yard.

Walk to shops, Primary School, kindergarten, sporting facilities, artistic centres and our beautiful Emerald Lake Park or choose one of our many eateries to stroll to.

Here is a property that solves all of your family’s needs and gives you the private country lifestyle you desire on 2228m2. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

12547343-DL18-22

Address: 8 Emerald Monbulk Road, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,150,000 - $1,250,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gayle Barrot, 0408 195 767 and Justin Barrot, 0438 683 781, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD, 5968 4522

Terms and conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. All information including interest rate is subject to change without notice. Full details available on application.

Credit provided by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 Australian Credit Licence 237879. (1676246-1704263) OUT_16993002, 28/04/2022

22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

29 David Hill Road, MONBULK

$750,000 - $825,000

PRECISE COMBINATION OF LIVABILITY AND LOCATION

3A 2B 2C

FOR SALE

4 Fuller Street, BELGRAVE

$760,000 - $830,000

BESPOKE RESIDENCE IN BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE LOCALE

3A 2B 1C

With breathtaking gardens and a bounty of comfort and potential, this property is a premier offering. Situated on a superb, level 1,013sqm (approx.) allotment only a short stroll from schools, shopping, sporting facilities, park and cafes, a beautiful and balanced lifestyle is on offer. With brilliant bonus features including views from the back deck and a double carport, this property makes the most of its magnificent surrounds. Once inside, the familyfocused floorplan makes it easy to imagine living here.

From the landscaped garden with picturesque pond, firepit areas, and sealed drive with single carport and ample off-street parking, this commanding home takes centre stage.

The striking A-frame roofline is a stand-out and the covered deck entry with breakfast bar introduces the sequence of spaces that encourages entertaining throughout.

Brad Conder

Suzie Brannelly

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

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

Suzie Brannelly

Brad Conder

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

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

FOR SALE

80 Martin Street, BELGRAVE STYLISH HOME IN SOUGHT-AFTER POCKET

$730,000 - $790,000 3A 2B

FOR SALE

18 Heather Grove, BELGRAVE SOUTH FAMILY SIZED LIVING IN A PERFECT LOCATION

$950,000 - $1,040,000 4A 2B 3C

Set to a backdrop of beautiful outlooks, this enviable residence has been upgraded to an exacting standard. From the covered porch entry, the interior boasts open plan living that extends outward to the deck with breakfast bar for taking in the views. Lined with gleaming polished floorboards, the lounge, dining area, and modern kitchen with engineered stone benchtops, peninsula seating, gas range, and generous pantry work together to create a glorious space for gathering.

Perfectly positioned, within an easy walk to Belgrave South shops, sports reserve, bus stops and schools, this spacious family home is ready for its next new owners to put their own touch on it and enjoy. Heather Grove is a family friendly road where street Christmas parties and roadside chats are the norm with great neighbours all around – For those looking for their forever home where kids can grow and play in a safe environment, this is certainly it!

Suzie Brannelly

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

Daniel Steen

Glenn Chandler

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

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

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

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 23

590 Lusatia Park Road, Hoddles Creek

$1,200,000 - $1,320,000

17 Seaview Road, Cockatoo

$570,000 - $620,000

A Lifestyle Home Perfect for Horse Lovers!

Renovator’s Delight – Create your Dream Home with a View!!

This 3 bedroom cedar home is wrapped on all sides with a gorgeous veranda to sit and enjoy the views. It is situated on 10 acres with an established rose garden on entry. Inside, the 2 bedrooms have built-in robes, while the master has a walkin robe, split system, and ensuite. A fourth room can be used as a study or nursery. The main bathroom has a shower, bath, and toilet. The living room has a grand open fireplace, split system, and neutral coloured carpet. The country kitchen has a gas stove and stainless steel appliances and looks out onto stunning country views and your horse paddocks.

Outside there is a 12x7m shed, stables with concrete floor, power and water, a double garage, 3 loose boxes, and 5 fenced paddocks – perfect for any horse lover.

This 3 bedroom home will be snapped up fast with spectacular views like this. Inside there are 3 bedrooms, 2 with BIRs, hardwood floors, gas ducted heating, and a master bedroom with amazing views. Build yourself the perfect deck to take advantage of the views. The newly renovated bathroom has modern tiles and fixtures and fitting and is centrally located for family convenience. Outside there are 2 storage sheds, abundant flora, and fauna, fruit garden with plenty of room for dogs and kids. There is a dog pen to keep your best friends secure when needed, a secure chicken run, and many established fruit trees so you can take advantage of the hills lifestyle with this garden.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

Contact: Bethany Day 0438 844 968

49 Stewart Road, Emerald 8.5 Acres - Lifestyle Property in Emerald!

$1,200,000 - $1,300,000

17 Belgrave-Gembrook Road Gembrook Location, Character and Comfort!

Don’t miss this opportunity to live in the highly desirable suburb of Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges. Set on 8.5 acres, there are views from every window. This 3 bedroom home has a spacious master bedroom with a walk-through robe to a huge modern styled ensuite with a corner spa and double vanity. Two further bedrooms have plenty of space, carpet, and robes. There are mains gas and water and a coonara fireplace to keep cosy and warm in the colder months. Outside this lifestyle property offers a plethora of opportunities with fenced off areas that could be used as paddocks, a run-off dam, 7m x12m shed with concrete and power, a 8m x 15m shed with gravel floor, and an oversized carport perfect for boats, floats, and caravans.

This picturesque north facing, 3-bedroom mud-brick home on just over 1/3 of an acre exudes character and charm, and is situated literally a stone’s throw to the Cockatoo Primary School, public transport, shops, cafes and the Cockatoo township. Enter through the gates to a newly landscaped garden with stone retaining walls and steps and plenty of flat, useable space for all your cars, trailers, and vans. Inside the home, the warm polished floorboards and raked timber ceilings throughout add to the character along with the colonial bar windows and toasty gas log fire.

In addition there is a split system for year round comfort and convenience. The kitchen is spacious and has stainless steel appliances, gas stovetop, and a curved island with enough bench seating for the family to gather around for breaky and is adjacent to the dining room; perfect for

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032

bellrealestate.com.au 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

5968 6222

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

195 Gembrook Road, Gembrook

1 Symons Road, Avonsleigh

3 Bilocla Avenue, Cockatoo

FAMILY LIVING ON ½ AN ACRE (APPROX.)

STUNNING FAMILY HOME ON OVER 1500M2

A PIECE OF PARADISE ON 4,393m2!

4 T

A

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $850,000 - $910,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $850,000 - $935,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $930,000 - $990,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Brittany Barry 0412 861 094 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

173 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Selby

17 Beatty Parade, Cockatoo

9 Peppermint Court, Emerald

YOUR HILLS ESCAPE ON 2,910m2!

4 BEDROOMS & PRESENTS LIKE BRAND NEW!

CENTRAL, PRIVATE AND OH SO VERSATILE

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $730,000-$790,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $730,000 - $790,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Lana Maher 0408 535 075 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

17 Paternoster Road, Cockatoo

66 Kilvington Drive, Emerald

47 Emerald Lake Road, Emerald

‘BAYHILL’ - FAMILY SPACE, INCREDIBLE LIFESTYLE!

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU! ON 5533m2

2219m2 IN AN INCREDIBLE LAKESIDE LOCATION

4 T

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,500,000 - $1,600,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Sue Colic 0421 772 610 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,375,000 - $1,500,000 INSPECT By Appoinement CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,250,000 - $1,320,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Sue Colic 0421 772 610 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 25

PUZZLES

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DECODER

No. 079

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D E

2 7 3 9 8 1 4 5 6

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7 1 9 6 3 8 2 4 5

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2 4 7 1 6 9 8 3 5

9 6 5 2 3 8 4 1 7

4 1 3 6 8 5 7 2 9

6 8 9 7 2 4 3 5 1

7 5 2 9 1 3 6 8 4

1 2 4 8 7 6 5 9 3

5 7 8 3 9 1 2 4 6

3 9 6 4 5 2 1 7 8

2 5 4 6 7 8 3 1 9

3 8 6 1 4 9 7 5 2

1 9 7 3 5 2 4 8 6

6 3 5 9 1 7 8 2 4

9 1 8 4 2 5 6 3 7

4 7 2 8 6 3 5 9 1

7 2 9 5 8 6 1 4 3

8 6 1 2 3 4 9 7 5

5 4 3 7 9 1 2 6 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

O

E D

5 LETTERS ABOUT ADOPT

V

deed, delve, delved, devote, devoted, DEVOTEDLY, dole, doled, dote, doted, dove, dyed, eddy, eyed, leet, levy, lode, love, loved, teddy, teed, toddle, toed, toyed, veldt, veto, vetoed, vole, vote, voted

8 9 4 5 1 2 6 3 7

hard

T

11 LETTERS ACCUMULATES REPRESENTED

A S I A N

19

Y

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good

6 LETTERS LENSES LUSTER OYSTER SELENE

P U R G E

18

L

8 LETTERS CELIBATE PARASITE REDOLENT RESPONSE

O L D E R

17

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

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

7 LETTERS AKIHITO ARREARS COLOURS ESCORTS SALLIES STUDENT

SPURT STEPS STRIP SUPER TASTY TEENS TORSO TSARS UPSET YOUSE

B E L I E

16

medium

IMBUE LEONE LLANO MAKER MARIO OCCUR OLDEN OLDER ONPAR PAIRS PANSY PRIMA PURGE RESIT SENSE SMITH SPARE

A D O P T

15

C T P Z OAGQE I J L R

easy

ALARM ALIEN ALLIE AMEND AMPLE APART ASCII ASIAN BELIE DELTA DONOR EERIE ELOPE ENDED ERASE GALAH HARSH

R E P R E S E N T E D

S D K Y H U V X N MW B F

9-LETTER WORD

3 5

4 LETTERS EASE ERAS MEET OOPS OURS RASH SAFE SUSE TANG TARO TERM TRAP TSAR WATT

S E N S E

F B 14

4 6 1 5 8 2 4

A L I E N

A M E N D

8

2

A L L I E

4

1

3 LETTERS AIM ALA APP ARM BEN BRO CAM CRY FAD GAR ITA LEA LYE MEN NOT NSW PET PIE REM RIP SPA TAT UNI UTE

L E O N E

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

No. 079

H A R S H

3 1

WORDFIT

S P U R T

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

24

17

A S C I I

1

14 15 19 20

6 7 8 13 16

O N Y O S T E T S E L C R Y O E R S T U D S P O E N B R O E R N O O C P A S M

medium

9 10 11 12

Time of the year (6) Carved wooden watercraft (6) Ocean (8) Cicatrix (4) District governed by a prefect (10) Open (6) Curved sword (8) Semi-precious stone (8) Exercises (10) Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8) One who shares accomodation (8) Fierce storms (8) Bondman (6) Small rodent (6) Sternutation (6) Allege as a fact (4)

A P A R T M A K E R P R I M A A L A H P R E S I T M I T A T O R S O U T E S S A S R E R A S E F A D E L O P W L L A A L I E N T E E N S T A S T Y

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

5

1 2 3 4 5

A R R E A R S

8

DOWN

Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7) Former kingdom in northern Germany (7) Worsen (9) Refrain from enforcing (5) Of the eye (6) Prehistoric stone monument (8) A poetic unit of three lines (6) Admirers (4) Game console (4) Republic established in 1948 (6) Indian term for a woman in a position of authority (8) Internal organ (6) Fosters (5) Incapable of being seen (9) Heckles (7) Determination (7)

U T T A E N G M A I R M I B O U E T A L T E N R S I E P S

easy

ACROSS 1

No. 079

S P A R E

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

U P S E T

No. 079

A C C U M U L A T E S

SUDOKU

06-05-22

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

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Daniel Brown Mobile: 0409 395 635

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

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30 MIN FUN TIME "Visit You". Mature, blonde, D-cup. Monday-Saturday, 9am - 8pm. Call Yvonne on 0491 609 933.

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Call Chris 0412 099 142 23 years in roofing leaks

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

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

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In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council at its meeting of 26 April 2022 has resolved of its intention to declare a special charge for the Bell Street, Winifred Street, Read Road and Paynes Road (from 11 to 23), Seville – Nation Road, Selby - road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in the provision by Council of road improvements carried out under Sections 8 and 10 of the Local Government Act 2020.

The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of those properties having abuttal to or gaining primary access via the above listed roads.

Plans of the designated areas, showing properties involved in these special charge schemes, can be viewed online by searching Council’s website for the Agenda of the 26 April 2022 Council meeting.

A copy of the proposal to levy is available for inspection online and at the Yarra Ranges Council Community Link, 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (enter via Coles carpark) during office hours until 1 June 2022.

In accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing to the undersigned by 1 June 2022. Submissions should be addressed to: Public Submission The Chief Executive Officer, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and can either be hand delivered to the mailbox outside 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale (entrance via the Coles carpark), emailed to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or posted to PO Box 105, Lilydale, Vic. 3140.

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

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

Persons making a written submission to Council are advised that details of their submission (excluding submitter’s names and addresses) will be included a Report to Council at the meeting held when their submissions are considered.

It is proposed to declare the special charges at the Council meeting to be held on 28 June 2022, or should this meeting not proceed then the next available meeting, after the consideration of the submissions received.

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

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SPORT

Finlay notches up four In the third round of the Outer Easter Premier Division, the Monbulk Football & Netball Club travelled to Mt. Evelyn, where the facilities were heavily impacted by their building works for their new clubrooms, while the senior women played down the road at Seville.

The Senior footballers have had many tight tussles with the Rovers on their patch over the years and this game proved to be no different.

Mt. Evelyn gained a slight lead by quarter time and stretched it to 4 goals midway through the second term before the Hawks turned it around to find their radar and level the game by the long break. Despite having lost 3 players to injury, with only one left on the bench for rotations, the depleted Monbulk side ground their way out to a 27 point lead late in the game before hanging on to a 14 point win. This was Monbulk’s 10th consecutive win at Mt. Evelyn and brought the head to head win/loss record against the Rovers to an impressive 33 - 8 record since Mt. Evelyn joined the YVMDFL in 2002.

The results were: Mt. Evelyn 12.8.80 def by Monbulk 13.16.94

·

Kai Linde, Mitchell Veit, Dylan Werts, · Best: Glenn Strachan, Thomas Taylor, Hayden Finlay

Hayden Finlay 4, Kai Linde 3, Glenn · Goals: Strachan 3, Ashley Beck 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1 The Reserves showed improved form and some promising passages of play but were not able to apply consistent pressure.

The results were: Mt. Evelyn 17.7.109 def Monbulk 6.3.39 Best: Lewis Oliver, Thomas Trezise, Tyren Utting, Tyrone Vear, Steven Shankly, Dylan Goldberg Goals: Lewis Oliver 1, Ryan Gilbert 1, Joel Smith 1, Josh Rak 1, Sage Farmer 1 In the Under 19s Monbulk fielded a bare minimum 18 players against Mt. Evelyn, who were in turn able to muster 23. The Hawks were undaunted by the lack of a bench and were in control all day, notching their first win in commanding fashion by 59 points.

The results were: Mt. Evelyn 3.4.22 def by

· · ·

·

Monbulk 11.15.81

Harry Fleming, Ben Hughson, Riley · Best: Finlay, William Henderson, Gary Ross, Benjamin Smith

Patrick Snoxell 3, Harry Fleming 2, · Goals: Charlie Barge 2, Jai Farmer 1, Liam Lourey 1, Benjamin Smith 1, Riley Finlay 1 The Senior Women applied scoreboard pressure early and with great run and teamwork were able to consolidate a convincing win.

The results were: Seville 1.2.8 def by Monbulk 4.11.35 Best: Maddison Dodd, Shaye McLean, Shania Turner, Molly Horne, Laura Gillard, Simone Beattie Goals: Maddison Dodd 3, Laura Gillard 1 In a less than ideal scenario the netballers were missing all their coaches due to Covid protocols. In A Grade Mt. Evelyn made a strong start and got out to a 12 goal lead by half time.

The Hawks fought back in the second half to go down by 7 in the end.

· · ·

Great win for Olinda Ferny Creek women Olinda Ferny Creek Football Club hosted Pakenham for their round 3 clash in the senior men’s competition with a chance to go 2-1 up and set their season up well after a tough loss in round one. Thanks to last year’s shortened fixture, the Bloods faced the unusual predicament of having not played the Lions in over two years. A prediction of a fast ‘straight-line’ style of play from Pakenham proved accurate as the Lions certainly adopted this method in the first quarter. Assisted by numerous slipped tackles and double touches from their opposition, Pakenham leaped out of the blocks and piled on the goals in quick succession, kicking 7-3-45 in the opening term. Olinda had their chances with 7 scoring shots but only managed the one goal to quarter time.

The second quarter was a different story.

Olinda’s backs managed to steady Pakenham’s flow of scoring with some rock solid defending, led by Daniel Toma and Matt Scharenberg.

The Bloods also managed 6 majors themselves, as the forwards were working their way into the game, quickly cutting the deficit to 3 points at half-time. The back & forth trend continued into the third quarter, as once again, Pakenham gained momentum and slotted 5 goals for the term (including one on the siren) to Olinda’s none. Not for the first time this year, the Bloods were forced to try and claw their way back in the last quarter, trailing by 32 points at the final change.

Just as in both their second practice match against Mooroolbark and in round one against Woori Yallock, Olinda’s fourth quarter footy was a spectacle to watch.

The offensive ball movement out of the backline was sensational. Midfielders were finding space and playing on quickly. Forwards were taking contested marks and competing at ground level, and the team was kicking goals.

A lucky bounce from a long Nick Keegan bomb gave him his fourth goal and the Bloods some hope that it might be their day to pull off a remarkable comeback. But it was all too late as the siren intervened with Olinda one point short. It was another inspiring effort but yet another chance gone begging.

The final score read Pakenham 13-12-90 over Olinda’s 12-17-89; two losses by a combined 8-points for the Bloods.

In a more positive result for the club, Olinda’s senior women’s side continued their hot streak of success with a well fought out win over Pakenham. This followed a mere four-day break after an Anzac Day win, leaving many players battered and bruised but still determined to add to their winning tally. The Lions made the Bloods work hard from the start, but Olinda held strong and with a 13-point quarter time lead it looked like they’d only extend the margin.

Pakenham fought back making the second quarter an even contest. Then in the final minutes the Lions kicked three on the trot from centre clearances to cut Olinda’s lead to 8-points by half-time. The message at the long break was to take the game on and be creative mailcommunity.com.au

results were: Mt. Evelyn 33 def Monbulk · The 26 Sophie Stubbs, Mackenzie Oracz, Paige · Best: Whitworth · Goals: Tarnee Adams 19, Sophie Stubbs 7

B Grade were able to register a strong win which was set up with a dominating first quarter right across the court and finished the match with a 9 goal win.

The results were: Mt. Evelyn 26 def by Monbulk 35 Best: Iris de Wit, Georgia Himmelreich, Fleur de Wit Goals: Iris de Wit 21, Dayna Walsham 10, Olivia Crook 4 The C Grade girls battled hard but faced a well tuned Mt. Evelyn combination and came up short by 29 goals.

The results were: Mt. Evelyn 45 def Monbulk 16 Best: Courtney Witt, Indy Bakker, Chloe Schmidtke Goals: Jamie Sands 9, Chloe Schmidtke 7

· · · · · ·

Juniors build up strength The Olinda Ferny Creek Football Club U17 Boys were looking for some redemption after their math against Woori Yallock last week - and found form to seal a strong win against Belgrave out at Seville.

With many new players this year, the gelling process is well underway as the team builds comradery The U16 Girls had a great win to get their season back on track after a couple of really tough outings. Missing a coupe of key players and with some girls brand new to footy, they were able to hold their nerve against a willing Yarra Glen side and win by a point.

The U15s had a thumping win over Upwey Tecoma and are proving to be a real force in their division. Coach Scotty was really happy that it was a strong overall team performance with everyone contributing. Charlie Hooper kicked 7 goals on his debut for the red and white and Jarvis Reid seems to have his own cheer squad.

The U13 Boys couldn’t quite get the chocolates against Mt Evelyn, but the coaches were happy that they’re seeing more link-up footy resulting in scoring, especially from the younger players.

Coach Spida was especially happy with Rio Neish’s chase down tackle in defence to save a certain goal.

Our wonderful U12 Girls were defeated by Wesburn but as usual had a great day and enjoyed themselves with smiles all round. Coach Jaimee is proud of their efforts and the way they all love the game.

The U10s had a bye so they supported the local kinder at the Chestnut Festival and the U9s had a terrific time under lights on Friday night at Monbulk.

Phoebe Dixon from Olinda Ferny Creek Football Club celebrates a goal. with the ball. Olinda did exactly that in the second half, showing poise and class in response to Pakenham’s first half challenge. Claire Hyett was leading the way with contested packs, Chelsea Wilson was providing run and dash through the middle, Casey Seymour was reliable down back as usual, and the Bloods were

Picture: TREVOR CURRIE

overall clicking throughout the second half.

Olinda did not concede a goal after half-time and ultimately came out 30-point victors at the final siren.

It was an impressive display of women’s footy; the final score reading Olinda 9-6-60 over Pakenham 4-6-30.

The Olinda Ferny Creek Football Club’s U16 Girls singing the song after a one point win.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

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MAIL 29

SPORT

Pride Cup local success

By David Ball Football Saturday was the 8th Pride Cup event at Yarra Glen, with the home team facing Belgrave.

Both sides were desperate to enjoy their first win of the season, with Yarra Glen determined to maintain their unbeaten run in Pride Cup clashes.

Yarra Glen dominated general play in the first quarter but Belgrave was more efficient going forward kicking 3.0 to Yarra Glen’s 2.6.

With Sam Horsley providing plenty of midfield supply the River Pigs took a 14 point lead into halftime.

Up forward Callum Morison and Charlie Wood each had 3 goals by three-quarter time as the lead stretched to 23 points.

As in the first 2 quarters, Yarra Glen’s conversion was poor, heading into the last quarter at 8.16 versus Belgrave 6.5.

The last quarter was a real battle as Yarra Glen had lost some key players to injury and Belgrave poured on the pressure, outscoring the home team 2.5 to 0.4.

Yarra Glen held on to win their 8th straight Pride Cup, 9.20 to 8.10 . Belgrave gave a solid 4 quarter effort and showed they will not be easy to beat as the season progresses.

Jayden Schille took out the Pride Medal in a great display in the backline, well supported

by Blake Binion. Sam Wood, Billy Gardner and Dylan Flakemore all playing well in the midfield and up forward. Sam Horsley was great in the midfield.

The reserves put in a much-improved performance and in general play was much more competitive than the final score of 8.6 to 15.7 would indicate. Heath Chamberlain kicked 4 goals to be our best forward. Adam Beath in defence was our best player, with Steve Mylas, Zac Capuano and Adam Whelan all playing well.

Yarra Glen sporting their custom Pride Cup guernseys.

Netball The A grade team was determined to back the Pride Cup and at halftime held a 1 goal lead.

Belgrave’s Goal shooter, Ashlee Murphy was outstanding shooting 43 goals and taking out the Pride Medal. The Yarra Glen girls competed hard but ended up going down 46-52. Steph Gibbs (34 goals), Katelyn Vanderkolk and 200 gamer Chelsea Birchall were our best players.

B Grade started well, being up 11-9 at quarter time. Belgrave lifted and although Kim Williams, Gemma Ryan and Kayla Collins all

played great games, we went down 47-59.

C Grade let Belgrave get to an 11 goal lead by halftime, but fought bravely in the second half, outscoring the opposition. The final score was 27-36. Our best were Alex Bray, Gemma Ryan and 200 gamer Michele Young.

D Grade was able to post our only win for the day in a great 38-26 victory. It was a 4 quarter effort with Kim Christian, Jayne Bashford and Melissa Erickson being our best.

Next week we head to Berwick Springs for the first time.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Pride Cup Medal recipient Jayden Schille with Pride Cup founder and former YGFC player Jason Ball.

Footy umpiring crisis takes its toll in the Yarra Ranges

By Callum Ludwig The Yarra Ranges has not been spared from the umpiring crisis facing footy at the local and professional levels currently, with numbers down and appeals for new recruits to join up or old faces to re-engage with the profession.

The push comes after February AFL’s football boss Andrew Dillon told the clubs in February that the game was 6000 umpires short at local level which he believed was largely due to on-field abuse and the reason behind the crackdown on umpire dissent seen in the game this year.

The AFL Outer East and EFNL seasons are within their first month of starting and both leagues are struggling with retaining strong numbers of umpires.

Junior Health and Wellness Mentor for AFL Outer East Sophie Mastaing said she thinks there is a stigma around becoming an umpire, especially for school children.

“They can be worried about what classmates they’ve umpired might go to school the next day and if they have a go at them or lash back at them,” she said.

“I think it’s also about abuse on the field, which is being dealt with now with the new rules on umpire abuse, which is good, but we just need to get kids in and show them the fun side, and how beneficial it is for when they are playing football as well.”

Ms Mastaing has been an umpire, both field and boundary with AFL Outer East for over 6 years, and was appointed to her new role this year. Her role is to look after the next generation of umpires under the age of 18, ensuring they feel comfortable in game day scenarios and training.

She liaises with umpires and their parents on any questions they have, resolving any issues causing discomfort or uncertainty and ensuring junior umpires have someone present at their games to help them feel comfortable.

Ms Mastaing said it is important for umpires to be able to see the beneficial side of 30 MAIL

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More umpires are needed in local footy nationwide, and Sophie Mastaing would like to see more female umpires get involved.

Picture: SUPPLIED umpiring, and the skills they can develop as a result.

“Being an umpire shows you the other side of playing the game, helping you learn the rules and understand what’s going on. It helps players adjust how they and their team play to fit the game and understand what umpires look for,” she said.

“It’s really good for learning respect and leadership skills at a young age because you’ve got to respect and be responsible for the players, everyone around you and other umpires on the field. You are taught how to lead a team, be a part of a team and make sure everyone feels safe.”

Ms Mastaing said having more umpires getting involved, particularly people who also play football, will be important for supporting a continued crackdown on umpire abuse.

“More umpires will create less stigma around umpires because more players will be an umpire and they’ll understand what they’re doing and what they say,” she said.

“Even for spectators being the parent of an umpire will help them understand, they might see their kids go out and get abused and reconsider their behaviour, which will be transferred into senior football as parents play and watch as well.”

Umpires nationwide are being encouraged under new ruling to tolerate no dissent from players following any decision, with free kicks, 50m penalties or even yellow cards at a local level the encouraged response.

At the AFL level, this has controversially even seen players penalised for hand and arm gestures appearing to question the decision.

Ms Mastaing said less abuse may also encourage more female umpires to join up, who can be the target of gendered abuse.

“It would be good to see more female umpires, we only have a couple this year, girls are worried about specific abuse towards them,” she said.

“All of the players have been really respectful towards female umpires, and it’ll really help improve women’s and girl’s football as well because they’ll understand more rules and be able to move more fluidly through it.”

A former AFL Outer East umpire spoke to Star Mail about their experiences umpiring and why they chose to quit recently.

“I did not enjoy receiving abuse from middle-aged men and women while just trying to do my job. I was not going to continue in a job where I was being criticised for my every decision,” they said.

“The condescending questions I would

receive from coaches and even umpire escorts implying that I wasn’t aware of the rules of football also led me to want to stop umpiring. This is not to say that all spectators and coaches were disrespectful.”

“I did enjoy umpiring and met some great people. Some people really supported me and thought I was great, but eventually the comments made by the majority of people at local footy led me to realise it’s not an environment I would like to be a part of.”

However, they did say there were a range of skills they learnt and experiences they enjoyed from umpiring.

“Umpiring was a great experience for obtaining a wide range of skills. From umpiring I have learnt the following; decision making skills, punctuality, adaptiveness, communication skills, how to deal with different types of people, time management and organisation. I can use all these skills for any future job or career,” they said.

“The positive experiences I had were mainly within the umpiring community. Everyone was really supportive and helped me gain confidence. I am really appreciative of all the leaders who helped me learn and grow as an umpire.”

They said the umpiring community was super supportive and want to see more work done with clubs to create a more positive environment on game day.

“The support in the umpiring community was amazing. I think the work needs to be done through local clubs - informing clubs on current rules and explaining to parents and coaches that it’s not okay to abuse young umpires when they are learning and just trying to do their best. Everyone makes mistakes, the job of being an umpire is not as easy as people think,” they said.

“I understand the passion of local footy, having played it myself, but passion does not make it acceptable to abuse umpires. If I weren’t criticised for every decision I made and being questioned about my ability to umpire based on my gender then I would definitely stay on as an umpire. mailcommunity.com.au

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