Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 24th May 2022

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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Special coin marks Yarra Valley an emblem

Concerns over platypus deaths by hair ties

SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bana films new movie locally

Healesville resident prepares for Ultramarathon

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A Star News Group Publication

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Special board game inside

Walk to School School traffic can be arduous on a busy morning, but last Friday 20 May, primary school students grabbed their bags and started to pound the pavement and follow the footpaths.

With parents and police in tow, kids around the country enjoyed the opportunity to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day. Turn to page 9 for the story

The Star Mail has worked closely with artist and writer Jenni Ivins to deliver a board game dedicated to the Yarra Ranges.

This edition of the Star Mail newspaper includes the playing board, game cards and instructions for people to play with friends and family.

Ms Ivins has plenty of experience designing board games, with Connecting Communities – Yarra Ranges Shire being the third she has published within Star News Group newspapers.

“One of my core values is that art should be accessible for anybody and I like to include free activities as well as paid workshops with my exhibitions,” Ms Ivins said.

Your pull out board game is on pages 16 and 25 and playing cards on pages 31-34

Sergeant Gavin Rhodes joined students from Yarra Junction Primary School for National Walk Safely to School Day.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Violi claims seat The Liberal Party’s Aaron Violi will replace Tony Smith as MP for Casey in a victory for the outgoing government, despite the Labor Party winning the election.

Mr Violi has won the May 21 contest by a slim margin, leading Labor’s Bill Brindle by 1.5 per cent with 72.2 per cent of votes counted.

When counting is completed, it is likely to be

the closest election since 1987.

Mr Violi said Mr Brindle had already congratulated him on his electoral victory.

“I got a call from Bill last night congratulating me, which was nice to receive and testament to Bill as a person. He is a man of integrity and character,” Mr Violi said.

“There is a little bit of counting to go, but I’m feeling confident based on the trend of

postal votes that I’ll be the next member of Casey. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to serve the community.”

Mr Brindle said he thinks Mr Violi will be a good local member and he wishes him the best, knowing Casey is in good hands.

“For him, I would imagine that negotiating with a government on the same side would probably have been easier than negotiating

from the opposite side of the aisle,” he said.

“Aaron will have to organise the local support to make sure that their voice is heard.”

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the Prime Minister on Monday 23 May, as he prepared to travel overseas to meet with leaders from Japan, India and the United States for his first foreign trip.

Turn to page 4 for more on the election

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By Parker McKenzie and Cal Ludwig

NEWS

Thanking local volunteers

By Callum Ludwig The Covid-19 pandemic provided a major challenge for businesses and households alike, and online shopping and frugal spending became the norm.

Spare a thought for volunteer organisations with National Volunteer week running from Monday 16 May, who so often rely on social events and efforts to fundraise.

The Rotary Club of Wandin did and has proudly donated $2000 dollars to four local volunteer organisations. President Ben Vallence said it has been incredibly hard for many volunteer organisations to keep operating.

“These volunteer organisations cannot operate unless they are able to fundraise. The Wandin Rotary Club saw these organisations were struggling and decided it wanted to help them out,” he said.

“We couldn’t think of a better way of acknowledging our incredible volunteers than providing some much-needed funds during National Volunteer Week.”

Mr Vallence presented the Wandin Fire Brigade, the Seville Rural Fire Brigade, the Gruyere Fire Brigade and the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin with a $500 cheque each at their most recent Rotary meeting.

“Our local Fire Brigades and CFA volunteers do an amazing job for our community. They are always there to put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Mr Vallence said.

“We wanted to demonstrate how important they are to the community and provide them with the support they need to continue providing their essential service to the community.”

The CFA thanked its over 54,000 volunteers for more than 1200 brigades across Victoria in recognition of National Volunteer Week in a challenging year that has seen CFA members assist local, Victorian and interstate efforts. Mr

The presentation of the cheques at the Rotary Club of Wandin.

Vallence said fundraising for the Rotary Club of Wandin has even been tough in recent times.

“We are very much looking forward to holding our annual Wandin Custom Car and Bike Shows again after two years. The Car Show not only helps Rotary raise funds to donate to the

Royal Children’s Hospital and put back into the community, but it also gives these volunteer organisations the ability to raise much-needed funds,” he said.

“The Wandin Fire Brigade operates the BBQ, the Seville Fire Brigade helps park the

Picture: SUPPLIED cars and the Inner Wheel Club sells soft drinks.

It’s a great event where the community can come together and raise funds for so many important causes.”

The first show is on Thursday 27 October at the Wandin East Reserve on Old Baker Rd.

Lilydale Youth Hub hosts celebration for IDAHOBIT Day

By Mikayla van Loon International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) happened on Tuesday 17 May, calling for the end of discrimination and raising awareness around LGBTQIA+ rights violations.

IDAHOBIT day marks the end of the World Health Organisation’s catagorisation that put homosexuality under the of Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

The Lilydale Youth Hub had a busy IDAHOBIT calendar, travelling across the shire to spread the message of pride and inclusion.

“The Lilydale Youth Hub is proud to work with various community organisations to stand against all forms of homophobia, biphobia, intersex discrimination and transphobia in the Yarra Ranges,” a Youth Hub representative said.

The team travelled to Sherbrooke Community School and Lilydale Heights College to speak with students and join in on IDAHOBIT activities.

“The students showed a lot of enthusiasm and connection to the meaning and purpose of IDAHOBIT and our pronoun and Ally badges were quickly snapped up.”

This was followed by cupcake decorating and banner making in the afternoon with Rural Rainbows.

“It’s a day to celebrate how far we’ve come whilst acknowledging a history of brave and resilient LGBTQIA+ people that came before

Cupcake decorating in bright, pride colours was also on the agenda for the Rural Rainbows gathering. and the ways we still need to go,” Rural Rainbows’ Finnley Stirling said.

“It is a time to acknowledge that homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia, and transphobia still exist and make commitments to stand against it.”

Finnley said this is where the idea to create a banner with the slogan ‘all welcome’ in bright painted letters came from.

“Everyone who enters the Hub knows that it is a safe space for all and LGBTQIA+ young people have an instant, big and colourful signal that they are accepted.”

The Lilydale Youth Hub staff have done everything in their power to create a warm, inviting and safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community since opening in October last year.

“We are proud to be a safe and supportive space for young LGBTQIA+ people 365 days a year.”

Ally badges were a hot commodity on Tuesday.

Young people joined Rural Rainbows at the Lilydale Youth Hub on Tuesday 17 May to make an all inclusive banner.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The major task on Tuesday was to create a colourful banner saying ‘all welcome’ to be hung in the Hub.

Yarra Glenergy’s Free Community Renewable Energy Roadshow is almost here!

Not long now, don’t forget to register for Yarra Glenergy’s FREE community event on the 31st May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall.

Come along to learn more about your local Community Renewable Energy Group!

Registration is essential – please visit: https://bit.ly/3vwyRuN or scan the QR Code 12550555-SG21-22

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Pleading for masks

By Renee Wood

Doctors are concerned viruses will spread from Victorians at the polling booths.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE children among high schools, primary schools and preschools.

“They have parents, they’re highly transmissible virus and as we’re entering the winter, which is the traditional season for the spread of respiratory illness, we’re starting at a very, very bad point.

“I can assure you, the influenza virus that’s now in our suburbs is a very significant respiratory illness, particularly the physically smaller the person - so your toddler, neonate, they’re beginning to get profoundly unwell.”

Dr McRae believes the community has gotten complacent with the spread of Covid-19 but assured the global pandemic is still upon us.

“It’s very complex but the winter period, a lot of these conversations about go to the show, go to the restaurants, all that sort of thing is that we should have waited for spring, because we’re going to have a horrible time

Labyrinth solar lights taken

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A 42 year old Healesville male will front the Ringwood Magistrates Court on the 1 June 2022 after Yarra Ranges CIU executed a search warrant on a residential address in River St, Healesville earlier this morning in relation to a stolen trailer.

It is alleged the man along with a 29 year old Croydon female have attended a business premises on Mountain Highway, Boronia on the 17 April 2022 stealing copper wiring.

The offenders then returned later that evening with a vehicle and stole a tandem trailer from the premises. Police recovered the trailer along with a quantity of methyl amphetamine and cannabis from within the premises.

A 39 year old Healesville male was also taken into custody for possessing a drug of dependence, theft of motor vehicle and warrants and is currently assisting Police with their enquiries.

Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park Pty Ltd is facing two charges following the death of a camper due to a fallen tree branch in March last year.

The man in his 40s was sleeping alone in a tent when the large branch fell at the Healesville BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park on Don Road. The charges the business face is under Section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure that the workplace was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe alleges the company failed to take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of that branch falling and also to reduce the risk of other branches falling and causing serious injury or death.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 May 2022.

The solar lights have been stolen from on top of these posts.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Recovery of stolen trailer

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Thieves have struck the Healesville Labyrinth Garden taking eight solar lights from the site at the railway station park.

Judy Osbourne from the Friends of the Healesville Labyrinth believes the theft occurred between 12-20 April.

Ms Osbourne said their loss should not go unacknowledged.

“These eight lamps have stood on their pedestals at the rim of the Labyrinth pathways, to gently light the space for evening access and for safety purposes,” Ms Osbourne said.

Yarra Ranges Council Environment and Infrastructure Director Mark Varmalis said council was saddened to see the lights were stolen and have reported the theft to police.

“It’s disappointing that someone would take these lights from a community park,” Mr Varmalis said.

The Labyrinth garden was a community

driven space which was was built more than a decade ago and is believed to be a meditative and healing space.

The site is used on a daily basis by residents and visitors as a reflective space and it has been a valuable and much-loved asset being used over the years for special occasions and events.

Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise and solstice events have been held at the site and the Friends of the Healesville Labyrinth also hosts events including their most recent World Labyrinth Day walk.

Council is currently arranging the replacement of the lights.

“Our teams are in the process of organising replacement lights through insurance,” Mr Varmalis said.

Any with information regarding suspicious activity on the site or the theft of the lights is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Healesville Police on 5962 4422.

12521584-BL46-21

By Renee Wood

The Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit(CIU) is seeking information regarding suspicious behaviour in Wandin North on Saturday 14 May at about 4.30pm.

Near the Warburton Rail Trail carpark, a young male is believed to have leapt from a white Hyundai iLoad van, taking off before the van followed quickly in pursuit.

The young male is described as being between 15-19 years old with long sandy-blonde coloured hair in a bushy afro style and standing between 167-180cm tall. He was wearing a brown and cream coloured cotton open shirt with a t-shirt underneath, khaki shorts and had no shoes on.

The Eyewatch Facebook post clarified neither the driver of the van nor any of the persons involved are believed to have committed any offences at this stage. Anyone who observed the event or has any information is urged to contact Yarra Ranges CIU on 9739 2401.

Detective Acting Sergeant at Yarra Ranges CIU Ross McDonald said the information came in from an anonymous call and they are still hoping for some witnesses who may have seen the same activity to provide further information.

“We’re unable to link those observations to any sort of crime at this stage, but we’re hoping through community input and some other fresh eyes, we might get some further information,” he said.

“Going forward, any suspicious behaviour which catches anyone’s eye, any vehicle descriptions, registration numbers, descriptions of persons and so on would be greatly appreciated.”

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The Australian Medical Association is pleading with Victorians to wear masks in public indoor spaces despite no government mandate.

AMA Victorian President Dr Roderick McRae fears the worst after the election weekend due to cases of respiratory diseases surging ahead of winter.

“Let me assure you, there’s going to be a massive spread of respiratory illness as a consequence of fronting up in person to exercise your democratic right at a polling booth,” he said.

“I expect every Electoral Officer is going to go home with some form of respiratory illness.

It doesn’t have to be Covid and it doesn’t have to be influenza because there are many other viruses out there.”

Dr McRae is urging all Victorians to voluntarily wear masks to help slow down the spread.

“Even if people only wear masks while they’re in there voting, then that’s an improvement,” he said.

“Anywhere you’re indoors and there’s a higher risk of viral transmission, it’s in your personal interests to minimize the chance of you contracting a highly transmissible respiratory virus.”

Dr McRae said illnesses, deaths and hospitalisations are increasing across the board and personal actions can help stop preventable deaths.

“There’s a general complacency around that once the mandate for something as simple as wearing a mask has been removed, that’s been taken as a group think across the communities.”

Influenza and Covid-19 are the biggest concerns, while influenza is currently affecting

and there are going to be unnecessary deaths.

“Nobody’s really worrying about the healthcare system until they need it and then they go oh, I can’t believe it’s this bad, so I’m trying to impart the message that it is that bad – so going right back there are very simple precautions like wearing a mask.”

Workforce shortages are still being felt within the health sector, which is presenting a bleak picture for the months ahead, with hospitals at crisis point.

Dr McRae said the AMA backs the Victorian government’s recent budget spending on recruiting staff and more services but understands this won’t have an immediate effect to help what’s to come.

“That’s not helping us tonight so we do have a problem. And hence...all Victorians should just volunteer to wash, your hands, use a mask, get vaccinated.

“The emergency departments are under extreme stress.

“If you present to a hospital, apart from the fact that can be a very long wait, nobody really knows you’re there until you’re admitted and you can be deteriorating…. And there’s nobody really there knowing you and your circumstances.”

AMA is encouraging anyone who feels ill to contact their GP and have a test to determine which anti-viral medications may be available to you.

“Whenever anybody can track the respiratory illness, it’s important that they have a test because we now are two and a half years into the pandemic, there are new antiviral medications and if you can get onto those medications so rapidly, your personal symptoms will reduce your requirements for hospitalisation or your risk of death reduces,” Dr McRae said.

Suspicious Wandin North incident

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Violi takes out Casey

By Parker McKenzie Aaron Violi has been elected as the new member for Casey, despite the Liberal Party failing to return to government.

The Liberal candidate to replace Tony Smith won by a slim margin, leading Labor’s Bill Brindle by 1.5 per cent. When all the votes are counted, it is likely to be the closest election since 1987.

Mr Violi said he would work hard to represent all residents in the electorate, not only those who voted for him.

“It is humbling to think that the people of Casey having trusted me to represent our communities,” he said.

“I understand firsthand that Casey is a unique and special electorate. We’ve got urban areas, we’ve got farmland, we’ve got regional areas, we’ve got the Dandenongs and we’ve got many brilliant and unique communities within those townships.”

Labor candidate Bill Brindle briefly lead Mr Violi early in the vote counting, however, as more votes came the Liberal Candidate built a lead to 4 points once preferences were counted, 52 per cent to Mr Brindle’s 48 per cent.

“There is a little bit of counting to go, but I’m feeling confident based on the trend of postal votes that I’ll be the next member of Casey. It’s really exciting to have the opportu-

nity to serve the community.”

Mr Violi’s lead shrunk slightly, although the flow of preferences and postal votes saw him elected as the first new MP in Casey since Mr Smith won his maiden election in 2001.

Mr Violi said he would like to wait before making any conclusions on why the Liberal Party was defeated by Labor.

“I’m a big believer in data and numbers coming from a business background. I want to see here in Casey and across the nation a little bit more data of where votes have gone and where they’ve ended up,” he said.

“We clearly need to take some time to reflect, review and understand what’s happened and map a path forward here in Victoria and nationally as a Liberal Party.”

Mr Violi said he would continue to advocate for projects he announced federal funding for throughout the campaign, with a focus on the mental-health hub in Lilydale as a priority need for the community.

“I passionately believe in all the commitments that I made because they’re what the community told me they were looking for,” he said.

“I worked closely with many organisations but also importantly Yarra Ranges Council. All of those commitments were on their advocacy list and they know our local area.”

Labor’s Casey candidate Bill Brindle runner up

By Callum Ludwig Australia is set to be led through the next term by the Australian Labor party after their triumph in the 2022 Federal election, but Casey swung the way of the Coalition with a narrow victory for Liberal candidate Aaron Violi over Labor’s Bill Brindle.

Mr Brindle said Labor’s promises for Casey are set to be carried out following the overall victory.

“The rail-trail linking Yarra Glen and TarraWarra, the community battery for the 250 homes in Yarra Junction and the solar emergency array at Monbulk are all locked in and happening,” he said.

“There were a few things that I wanted to advocate if I made it in, but that is not to be now, and it’s on Aaron’s shoulders if he wants to push for that stuff now.”

Mr Brindle received 25 per cent of the first preference vote, behind Mr Violi’s 36 per cent, both seeing a downturn from the 2019 election while the Green’s Jenny Game followed the pair had received 12.8 per cent at a 1.9 per cent rise.

Mr Brindle was supportive of Mr Violi and said he called to congratulate him.

“I think he’ll be a very good local member, and he’s a very decent human being. I wished him the best and think Casey is in good hands,” he said.

“For him, I would imagine that negotiating with a government on the same side would be probably been easier than negotiating from the opposite side of the aisle, and Aaron will have to organise the local support to make sure that their voice is heard.”

Mr Violi made a number of promises to Casey throughout his campaign, such as upgrades for numerous sporting clubs and other recreational areas, wineries, breweries and distilleries, sealing of multiple roads and the Resilient Yarra Ranges Project which will now have to be approved by a Federal Labor Government to deliver.

Mr Brindle said it’s an endless list of things that need to be done in Casey, and we have to start now.

“If it is an important local issue then I think it’s MPs jobs to get in there and raise the voices of local people so they are heard whether it be an emergency, health or mental health servic4 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

The new Casey MP Aaron Violi voting on election day.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Labor wins, Albanese elected Prime Minister

By Parker McKenzie

Bill Brindle out enjoying a democracy sausage on election day.

Picture: SUPPLIED es, my goodness there’s so many more things to be done,” he said.

“They’re all basic things to build better communities and a good base on which people can then go forth and build their lives and make their own money. We’ve lost aspects of that in this country over the past probably two or three decades.”

The Liberal Party’s hold over the seat will extend to 42 years by the time of the 2025 election.

Mr Brindle said his expectations were low in the lead up to the count, and he can’t see himself running again.

“I’m a glass half empty type of guy when it comes to politics, even though we did start to see some really good results coming in. I think it was the Lilydale pre-poll that brought us undone, that’s a margin of votes we just haven’t caught up to yet,” he said.

“It takes an awful lot out of you mate, it really does. It’s a grinding reality that most people don’t see and I’ve had two runs. We got close, and I’m glad I had the opportunity even if there were a few things I would’ve done differently in hindsight.”

Australians overwhelmingly voted for action on climate change and the establishment of an integrity commission in the 2022 federal election, as the Liberal Party was routed around Melbourne and the nation in traditionally safe seats.

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the Prime Minister on Monday 23 May, as he prepared to travel overseas to meet with leaders from Japan, India and the United States for his first foreign trip.

During his victory speech on Saturday 21 May, Mr Albanese said he would commit to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.

“I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honour. Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change,” he said.

“It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia’s prime minister.”

The Liberal Party’s blue-ribbon seats were besieged by a wave of independent candidates as they suffered a -5.7 per cent swing nationally.

The Labor Party’s primary vote held relatively strong with only a -0.5 per cent swing against them, propelling them to government. At the time of printing, the Labor Party has won 72 seats in the Lower House, which may potentially increase to 77 if results from marginal seats are favourable to them.

The Labor Party’s success is the first time an opposition party has won an election while suffering a swing against them in primary votes.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison stood down as Leader of the Liberal Party once it was confirmed his government wouldn’t return to power on election night.

“It’s a difficult night for Liberals and Nationals around the country, as nights like

Anthony Albanese was elected as the new Prime Minister of Australia following the May 21 Federal Election.

Picture: AAP this always are. They are humbling but so is victory,” Mr Morrison said.

“Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his electoral victory this evening.”

Around inner-city and suburban Melbourne, the Liberal Party saw once safe seats fall to independents, with formerfederal treasurer Josh Frydenberg being defeated by Dr Monique Ryan in Kooyong and former ABC reporter Zoe Daniel defeating Tim Wilson in Goldstein.

The Liberal Party has lost at least 16 seats after the six-week election campaign. Traditionally Liberal seats in the east of Melbourne, including Casey, Deakin and Aston all saw a swing against the incumbents.

The Greens Party gave their best performance yet at an election, winning at least three seats in the House of Representatives.

The party saw a 1.5 per cent increase in their primary vote and could hold the balance of power in the senate.

12 independents were elected to the House of Representatives with the majority being women, as moderate Liberal MPs in traditionally-safe electorates in Sydney such as Wentworth and North Sydney were defeated by climate and integrity focused outsiders. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The campaign for Casey

By Parker McKenzie A year ago, when Tony Smith was still a Member of Parliament, it would have been unthinkable for Casey to be won by such a small margin.

Mr Smith was a popular incumbent within Parliament and at home, having won seven consecutive elections comfortably. Casey received little attention from national media because it was never supposed to be a battlefield.

Labor candidate for Casey in 2019 Bill Brindle described Mr Smith as the “the best Speaker of the House in my living memory” despite hailing from different parties, showing the respect he earned throughout his decade in the House of Representatives.

When he announced his retirement in November 2021, which proved to be just six months before the federal election, a vacuum —for others an opportunity — presented itself.

Some 11 candidates from across the political spectrum nominated for Casey, the equal largest field of candidates alongside the 1998 election.

Mr Brindle, an engineer and small business owner, was again chosen by the Labor Party to try to win a seat it hasn’t held since 1984 when Peter Steedman was the Casey MP for two years.

The Liberal Party pre-selection was a fiercely fought process, with local businessman Aaron Violi taking 100 of the 254 votes in the final round to win the nomination to replace Mr Smith.

Jenny Game, like Mr Brindle, again contested the seat for the Greens Party after running in 2019. The Greens have campaigned in Casey and for the Senate by promising direct action on climate change, adding dental to Medicare and other progressive policies.

A swath of candidates advocating against vaccine mandates and Covid-19 restrictions, hoping to build off disillusion with the major

Residents of Casey had the opportunity to hear from candidates at events through the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.

Picture: RENEE WOOD parties during the pandemic, were quick to nominate. These included the United Australia Party’s Anthony Bellve, Paul Murphy from One Nation, Trevor Smith from the Liberal Democrats, Australian Federation Party’s Chris Field and Independent Craig Cole.

Mr Bellve, a retired military officer, plastered the electorate with eye-catching UAP signage to the chagrin of Yarra Ranges Council, whose election rules forbid signage from being attached to power poles and trees.

Independent Claire Ferres Miles candidate was also hoping to ride the independent wave, after being chosen by the newly formed Voices for Casey group.

Community-driven Voices campaigns have swept the nation after initial success in Indi, where two consecutive independent candidates have upended what was a safe seat for the Liberal Party.

Peter Sullivan from Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party and the Animal Justice Party’s Andrew Klop closed out a crowded field of candidates jockeying for the once in a decade opportunity to replace a retiring MP. The Star Mail approached every candidate for a profile piece during the months before the campaign, with Mr Violi, Mr Brindle, Ms Game, Ms Ferres Miles, Mr Bellve and Mr Smith all responding and taking part.

Six weeks is a long-time to be on the campaign trail, chasing after voters and pitching why you should be the person to represent Casey for the next three years. At candidate forums around Casey — from Tecoma to Healesville and online — the community had the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates on their views of the big issues including climate change, a federal integrity commission, storm recovery, national security and the cost of living.

It is easy to be cynical about politics, especially after a two-year period where it has been a lasting and overbearing spectre in our lives.

Despite disagreement in policy, beliefs and character, all the candidates interviewed by the Star Mail and who made themselves available for meet the candidate events expressed the same ideals of serving the community and a genuine want to represent the people of Casey.

This ideal has carried over to their volunteers — aside from some mild vandalism of signage, seemingly present in every electorate — who have canvassed shopping centres, sidewalks and pre-polling booths over the last six weeks.

Like his colleagues around Australia, Mr Violi and the Liberal Party promised large spending of federal money in a bid to hold onto the seat. $56.6 million in funding for sports grounds, roads, projects and initiatives was committed by the party, as a part of more than $3 billion promised nationally throughout the campaign.

With his election victory but the Liberal Party’s defeat, the projects and funding will be put on hold unless the Labor Government decides to fund them.

At time of printing, Mr Violi has received 36 per cent of first preference votes, Mr Brindle 25 per cent, Ms Game 12.8 per cent, Ms Ferres Miles 8.8 per cent and Mr Bellve 5 percent.

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MAIL 5

NEWS

Crane drivers, Coombe Yarra Valley staff, artist Peter Corlett and Grant Cummin were there to welcome the arrival of Dame Nellie Melba in April.

Picture: DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA

A stone block reads ‘Melba’ where the bronze statue now stands.

Dame Nellie Melba’s bronze statue was craned into place at the direction of artist Peter Corlett.

Pictures: COOMBE YARRA VALLEY

Back where she belongs

By Mikayla van Loon Lilydale’s Dame Nellie Melba has returned to prime position at her home in Coldstream, with her lifesize bronze statue relocated to Coombe Estate in April.

The statue of the female opera singer and one of Australia’s greatest exports was created by artist Peter Corlett and originally placed at NewQuay, Docklands.

But the redevelopment of the inner Melbourne, waterfront suburb saw Melba be removed from her position and put in storage since 2016.

Coombe Yarra Valley managing director Grant Cummin said he had been in conversations with Development Victoria for a number of years about getting Melba moved to Coldstream but the pandemic delayed the process.

“We engaged with the artist, Peter Corlett, who came on site and we decided on a location. His directive was that Melba had to always be in the sun, always be in the light,” Mr Cummin said.

“So she’s been positioned, facing into the sun and is almost greeting everybody that

Dame Nellie Melba scholar Samantha Hargreaves sang ‘Home Sweet Home’, a song Melba would sing at every performance, with Peter Corlett admiring the tune. walks through the front gates of the estate.”

Melba first built her Australian home called Coombe Cottage in 1912 and the property remained in the family after her death in 1931.

“For us, it felt like she was coming home.

The day she was placed, we had the Melba Opera Trust involved and the current scholar sang ‘Home Sweet Home’ when she arrived and when she was craned into place, which

was quite fantastic on that day,” Mr Cummin said.

As an icon of the Australian entertainment scene, as well as a local legend Mr Cummin said it’s something quite special to have Melba back on the property she once loved.

“One thing that we were quite proud of is there’s a lot of things named after Melba. We’ve got roads and tunnels and wine and other cafes and restaurants and obviously she’s on the $100 note,” he said.

“So given this is where her home was and this is where she lived and how much she loved it, we felt having the bronze statue of Melba in the estate she established 100 years ago really brought home the importance of the estate and also this is where Melba liked to be.”

Relatives of the opera singer visited the estate and Mr Cummin said they were so pleased to have Melba back on Yarra Valley soil.

Since making her return, visitors have also enjoyed having Melba at the estate’s entrance, with Mr Cummin saying numerous selfies and group photos have been taken already.

“The estate is all about coming together and we get a lot of special occasions, a lot of

families get together here. So it’s provided a really great focal point for people to take that iconic image when they come together. “[For] regional tourism, people who come to the Yarra Valley are actually now able to come and visit Melba and see her as close to the flesh as you can do. It’s lifesize so it is actually the size she was.

“So I think it’s a fantastic addition to what the Yarra Valley can offer in general from a tourism perspective.”

Development Victoria’s group head precincts Geoff Ward said the Melba statue gives Yarra Valley visitors another reason to come to the region and “she will remain eternally on display.”

Mr Cummin said the response just since April had been astonishing, with everyone who comes to Coombe recognising the significance of her being there.

“It’s one of only a handful of female bronze statues in the state, so it’s quite a significant piece for us to have and also for the state.

“It’s never going to go into storage again, it’s always going to be displayed in that position forever. We’re quite proud of that.”

The Yarra Valley’s charm coined as Australian emblem

By Mikayla van Loon The charm of the Yarra Valley has been embossed onto the face of a one dollar coin as part of the Great Aussie Coin Hunt this year.

Representing the letter ‘Y’, it’s a special one for coin collectors, young and old, with Lilydale Post Office seeing a demand for just that coin since the release on 9 May. Postal manager Lorelle Hull said out of all the ‘Y’ towns across the country, it was an honour the Yarra Valley was chosen.

“It’s just a bit of an honour. Lilydale is the gateway to the Yarra Valley with all the wineries and everything out there and the nurseries so it’s nice to be recognised as part of the Yarra Valley,” she said.

This year’s theme celebrates iconic Australian moments and quintessential emblems of Australian life, with other coins taking the form of Luna Park, vanilla slice, the Great Ocean Road and R.M Williams.

All 26 coins can be purchased in a bundle or collected separately. Some of the rolls of coins even include a random coloured ‘X’ coin, unique from the rest of the ‘X’ coins out there.

Ms Hull said one customer has already come into the store having received one of the coloured coins and was overjoyed with the discovery.

A daily $1000 prize is also part of this year’s coin hunt, with a QR code on the inside of each roll of coins potentially leading to a win.

In its third year Ms Hull said lots of people have continued their collection from the previous two years but some have just collected first name initials for grandchildren or the ‘Y’ coin itself.

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This is the first time a coin has featured anything from the Yarra Valley, which has become popular with locals.

Lilydale postal manager Lorelle and co-worker Sue are excited to have a Yarra Valley coin this year.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON “It’s pretty unique. We’ve had quite a few people wanting just the ‘Y’ so I have had to order more of those in. But it’s just a keepsake really for the community. To have that ‘Y’ coin is pretty special.”

While the coins can be collected from most Post Offices, Australia Post retail executive general manager Catriona Noble said she hopes this collection brings a sense of fun, adventure and tourism.

“The Great Aussie Coin Hunt is our most

successful collectables program and this year we hope it helps to excite Australians about not only collecting each of the unique $1 coins but also discovering some hidden-gem locations and stories in their very own backyard,” she said.

“With many of the 26 coins celebrating destinations across each of our eight states and territories, collectors and adventurers of all ages will be spoilt for choice.”

Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon

said he was thrilled to be releasing this new set of $1 coin collectables in partnership with Australia Post.

“Following the enormous success of the last two Great Aussie Coin Hunts, we are excited to once again give families around Australia the opportunity to participate in this fun and engaging national coin hunt,” Mr Gordon said.

As the last stop before reaching regional Victoria, Ms Hull said she hopes the coin hunt brings some people to Lilydale and the Yarra Valley but more so she said as “a very close-knit community in Lilydale,” the recognition means more.

“It’s just nice that the local people here have got their own coin this year.”

Avid hunters are encouraged to visit aussiecoinhunt.com.au where they will find more information on each coin’s letter, full terms and conditions for the daily giveaway, and an exciting new addition to this year’s hunt with an interactive map that includes road trips and travel ideas aligned to each of the 26 coins. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Clubs address road safety

By Callum Ludwig The Victorian Government is supporting the re-release of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Club Rewards Program which began in 2021, rewarding community football netball clubs in promoting road safety.

AFL Victoria aligned clubs across regional and metropolitan leagues are eligible for up to $10,000 for actively trying to reduce road trauma around the club in line with National Road Safety Week last week.

Seville Football Netball Club Secretary Mick Morris said any initiative that is going to save lives is a good thing.

“100 per cent the club is interested, the most important thing is to get the message across, every little bit helps and the grant comes second, even though any grant that comes to a club is much needed,” he said.

“The message is the number one point, of course, and if you can get it across to even one person, that’s going to help.”

To demonstrate clubs are making an effort to save lives on the road, they must be able to show in the application form that they have met two of the following six criteria: How well did the club amplify and support the TAC in spreading important road safety messaging in the following areas; Speed, Drink/Driving, Fatigue, Distractions, Vehicle Safety, Young Drivers.

What measures did the club have in place to discourage participants from drink/drug driving at their club events?

How did the club support key messages to Learner Drivers and P-Platers?

How did the club engage their community in Road Safety Round (15-17 July).

Did the club watch the TAC AFL Victoria Road Safety Presentation?

Did club members complete the road safety survey?

· · · · · ·

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll and Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh visited Shepparton Football Netball Club to make the announcement.

Picture: TAC If successful, the grants can go towards equipment, apparel or the delivery of programs at the club.

Mr Morris said Seville FNC would likely use their active social media platform to show their support.

“Over the past three or four years we have really concentrated on our Facebook page to get out there, there are all sorts of different ways [to promote] but I think social media is the main avenue nowadays,” he said.

“If we were sent flyers or posters, we would send them out or hang them up around the rooms and could probably set aside a few minutes with the playing group to have a chat.”

In 2021, a plethora of Outer East clubs were

recipients of the grant including Woori Yallock FNC and its Junior Football Club (JFC), Warburton-Millgrove FNC, Wandin JFC and Yarra Junction FNC and JFC. Mr Morris said the clubs he has been involved in already promote concerns about key road safety issues.

“Alcohol is a dangerous thing, as is sleep deprivation and fatigue or anything negative on the road,” he said “At Seville, we make sure folks are getting home all right, especially if someone’s had one or two, maybe we make sure we get them a taxi. We’ve been like that as a club for a few years now and I think all clubs are pretty much the same.

In 2022, 94 people have died on Victorian roads and there has been a rise in the number of young people aged 18-25, with the number of deaths at 19 - up from 10 at the same time last year.

“Local football and netball clubs are central to Victorian communities, and we urge them to use their platform to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of their members,” said Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore.

The requirement of sustained and continued efforts to promote road safety and address key concerns will be assessed by road safety experts from the TAC and representatives from AFL Victoria when reviewing applications before clubs are rewarded.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll and Head of AFL Victoria Ben Kavenagh visited Shepparton Football Netball Club to announce the re-release of the program and said local football and netball clubs can have a huge and meaningful impact on promoting road safety.

“The influence of local football and netball clubs in Victorian communities is far-reaching, and unfortunately, many local sporting clubs across Victoria will have experienced the impact of road trauma firsthand,” Mr Carroll said.

“Our message and belief is clear – we, as community football people, can all have a meaningful impact in bringing incidents of road trauma down and the TAC Club Rewards Program is a terrific avenue to drive that positive change,” Mr Kavenagh said.

Applications are to be completed and submitted by midnight Friday 12 August 2022, with recipients announced in September.

Clubs can sign up and apply at: aflvic.smartygrants.com.au/2022TACRewardsProgram and more information can be found at www.aflvic. com.au/tacclubrewards

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NEWS

Raising awareness for rare conditions

By Callum Ludwig Millgrove resident Jackie Murphy has had immunodeficiency all her life, but it wasn’t until she was 38 in 2006 that she was diagnosed.

Ms Murphy was experiencing infections that were snowballing in frequency and severity which led to partial lung collapses 16 years prior.

“I started really getting sick in my early 20s and my GP was treating me for increasingly severe and frequent infections without thinking ‘Is there a problem with immunity here?” Ms Murphy said.

Bronchiectasis then followed, a congenital terminal lung disease that permanently scarred and damaged her lungs, something she battles with daily.

Ms Murphy has Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) which is slightly less severe than Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID), where a baby is born with no immunity at all and often tragically will die within a few months due to infection they can’t fight at all, even with antibiotics.

“I have some antibodies, but they are defective. There was one baby born with no immunity at all who died at 10 weeks of age because he got an infection and they couldn’t do anything,” she said.

If babies are diagnosed as a part of the newborn screening program, such as conducting the heel prick test, then they can have a bone marrow transplant within the first few months of life before their immune system develops and there is a 98 per cent success rate of them going on to live healthy lives.

When Ms Murphy was diagnosed, only the Alfred, Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s hospitals could treat her condition.

Ms Murphy said she understands people, including medical professionals, who are un-

Jackie Murphy with paramedic Andrew Turner in 2013. aware of the rare disease but it can pose an issue when finding local specialised support.

Just last month, Ms Murphy’s right lung collapsed, resulting in an extended stay at Maroondah Hospital, a difficult situation due to the rarity of her condition.

“I was told by a consultant that I don’t have a fever so the antibiotics are working, but I can’t generate a fever because I don’t have a functioning immune system.”

“When I have a rare disease I don’t mind people learning, but they sometimes have to listen to patients,” she said.

Ms Murphy said the removal of services in the Upper Yarra is also a huge concern.

“They have moved services from Warbur-

Picture: ON FILE

ton, and into Healesville, what about people without cars,” she said.

“They have to catch a 683 bus down Warburton Highway to Lilydale and then wait to transfer to a bus back up to Healesville and then back the same way. How’s that fair?”.

Ms Murphy is now the President of AusPIPS and has become a passionate advocate for improving the quality of life for others, sharing her story in hopes of building awareness for immune deficiencies.

There is a diverse group of more than 400 potentially serious, chronic illnesses that can lead to frequent or severe infections, swellings and autoimmune problems.

Youth have their say on the region’s future

By Callum Ludwig A Yarra Ranges Council initiative has helped students from two local high schools have their voices heard on the future of the Shire.

Some 24 students from Upper Yarra Secondary College in Yarra Junction and Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville attended the Yarra Ranges Tech School for the pilot ‘Hearing the Voice of Yarra Ranges Youth program’ where they aim to help present projects to improve the sustainability of the Yarra Ranges’ future.

Upper Yarra Secondary College teacher Jessica Petrie said the first session on Thursday 12 May gave students an introduction to the 11week program.

“Since then, they’ve been generating ideas and creating prototypes. They got to play with a couple of pieces of technology like a windmill to see the best design for how much energy could be generated from it,” she said.

“They were really inspired by what they could do to have their own voice and ideas heard, particularly around Yarra Junction because that’s where most of the students live.”

Ms Petrie and Innovation Specialist and VET teacher Marcus Cook accompanied the students to the session, where they will develop, design and build a project based on the criteria of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS).

Ms Petrie said the students were brainstorming ideas on the bus ride home for how to improve recreational areas in the Upper Yarra.

“They were talking about certain theories to improve parks, including wanting a safe area around the skate park because they felt that that wasn’t safe and appealing to hang out at,” she said.

“Another group was talking about how to make the Yarra River cleaner, including plants to be planted there, as well as putting out more picnic tables, barbecue areas and shelters as well as landscaping different areas.”

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Students tuned in to a presentation at the Yarra Ranges Tech School.

The students watched the film ‘Regenerating Australia’ for some inspiration, as well as being introduced to the plethora of different facilities and technology available to them such as virtual reality, drones, green screens, recording studios, robots and 3D printers.

Ms Petrie said growing up in the Yarra Ranges, her generation didn’t feel they had the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“Growing up in Yarra Junction myself, I wish we had these options and be able to experience that as well, it’s a great opportunity for them,” she said.

“It makes them feel that they’re being included in the community, and getting involved

Gofundme to save Barak’s art The descendents of Wurundjeri artist and Ngurungaeta William Barak are calling on the community to help raise funds to purchase two of his artworks going to auction at Sotheby’s in New York this week.

A GoFundMe set up by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation has been aiming to raise $250,000 to bid on the culturally significant artworks on Wednesday 25 May. As a figure tightly linked to Healesville and the Coranderrk campaign for freedom of place and uniting Aboriginal people, Barak was also the first Indigenous artist to be renowned for his artworks.

It is a rarity that artworks from the First Nations leader are up for auction.

The last attempt by the Wurundjeri Corporation to purchase one of his drawings named ‘Ceremony’ in 2016 at an auction in Sydney was unsuccessful, being outbid by an art collector.

“We seek your support in raising funds to purchase these two pieces of artwork so that they can be returned to Country and be kept safe for the Wurundjeri people and their descendants,” the GoFundMe reads.

The first of the artworks up for sale is a drawing called ‘Figures in possum skin cloaks’ which was created by Barak in 1897.

“It is different from previous work and depicts a group of male and female figures in possum skins cloaks who are shown gathered for a cultural purpose,” the GoFundMe says.

“The second artwork is a Barak parrying shield. The shield is unique, as there are three boldly incised motifs at the centre. These motifs are design elements not found on other parrying shields attributed to Barak.”

As of Monday 23 May, over $46,000 had been raised for the auction but it is estimated that combined the artworks will fetch up to $1 million.

Picture: SUPPLIED

with it as well, it was just so great to see all these inspired 12 to 15-year-olds and I really enjoyed taking them there.”

Economic Development and Investment, Environment and Infrastructure, Communications and Engagement, Planning Design and Development and the Youth Development Team all had representatives at the event, as well as two of Yarra Ranges Council’s Youth Ambassadors, Patience Ntim-Duodu and Sarah Miles who will continue to guide the students with their projects going forward.

There are four more sessions at the YarraRanges Tech School for the students to look forward to before presenting their final projects to Council at a showcase in June.

William Barak was a Wurundjeri artist and Ngurungaeta (headman) who lived between 1824 and 1903, known for his art ability and his uniting of Aboriginal people at Coranderrk.

Picture: ON FILE mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The Golden Wattle stops by to access gov support

By Callum Ludwig

The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $36 million to fund over 2,000 centres and services across Australia during the Red Shield Appeal taking place on 28 and 29 May. Picture: ON FILE

Dig deep for appeal

By Parker McKenzie Research from the Salvation Army has shown most people in need are struggling to meet basic living expenses like housing, utilities, food and health care in the past year.

As a part of their annual Red Shield Appeal, the Salvation Army surveyed over 1400 people who have requested assistance from them in the past 12 months.

After paying for housing, 93 per cent of those surveyed were living below the poverty line. 75 per cent said managing financial stress was one of their greatest challenges, 65 per cent needed to talk for financial support from friends and family and 56 per cent were not able to afford medical or dental care when it was needed. National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Bruce Harmer said almost half of those surveyed have gone without meals because of a shortage of money.

“Over recent years, Australians have faced unprecedented economic stress and uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation and rising costs of living. In addition, we’ve faced fires, drought and most recently floods, putting even more financial pressure on the most vulnerable,” he said.

“Both housing stress and the risk of homelessness is high amongst those who participated in our research, with 78 per cent in hous-

ing stress, paying 30 per cent or more of their household income on housing, and 48 per cent in extreme housing stress, paying 50 per cent or more of their household income on housing.”

The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $36 million to fund over 2,000 centres and services across Australia during the Red Shield Appeal taking place on 28 and 29 May. The Victorian Government announced a $150,000 contribution to the appeal on Friday 20 May. Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines said the Salvation Army makes an incredible contribution to communities across Victoria.

“We’re encouraging Victorians to dig deep because every donation to this year’s Red Shield Appeal will help to provide crucial support to some of the most vulnerable Victorians when they need it most.” he said.

The Salvation Army said in the past year it has provided more than $70 million in financial assistance, assisted one person every 17 seconds, supported 5,800 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, provided 887,500 crisis beds to people experiencing homelessness and supported around 35,000 people with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions.

To donate to the Red Shield Appeal or receive support from the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.org.au.

Services Australia’s ‘Golden Wattle’ Mobile Service Centre is travelling through Warburton and Healesville from Tuesday 24 May to Friday 27 May, helping Yarra Ranges residents get access to services they are entitled to.The Mobile Service Centres travel to rural and regional Australia to assist with Centrelink, Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs(DVA) related questions, having helped over 5400 communities and close to 170,000 people since their introduction in 2006. Mobile Service Centre Manager Tricia Florent said the fleet aims to provide face-to-face access to government payments and services residents wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.

“My team onboard The Golden Wattle are really looking forward to visiting Healesville, Marysville and Warburton to help locals with their Centrelink and Medicare enquiries along with supporting access to online services,” she said.

“We can also provide information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services.”

The Mobile Service Centre will be able to help residents keep their information and account up to date and with most claims for Centrelink payments. They can inform residents on Medicare transactions and registrations, social work support, rural payments entitlements for farmers, and how financial matters may impact the payment and service options suited for their needs.

Ms Florent said she feels so lucky to be a part of such an incredible team.

“Working with rural and regional customers is at the heart of what we do. Re-

Services Australia’s Golden Wattle Mobile Service Centre is visiting Warburton and Healesville.

Picture: SUPPLIED cently, I helped an 82-year-old customer access his COVID-19 Digital Certificate on his phone. It’s so rewarding helping customers in this way, and I feel particularly proud empowering our customers to use online services,” she said.

“Golden Wattle is equipped with the latest technology, like self-service facilities, a private interview room, full wireless IT connectivity and wheelchair access. You get access to the same services as are provided from any Service Centre in Australia—in one handy portable location.”

They will also be able to support veterans in registering for a DVA account, lodging DVA forms and documents and connecting with the DVA and their support services such as Open Arms. The Mobile Service Centre will be situated in the Coronation Park car park on River Street, Healesville on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 May from 9am to 4pm and will be located opposite the Service Station on the Warburton Highway in Warburton 9am to 3.30pm on Friday 27 May.

Join us at the Book Launch Fernlea is proud to launch its new book ‘In the End: A practical guide to dying’. In our work, we see every day how the people we care for deal with their own mortality, and how being able to talk about and plan for the endof-life process can help.

Police, parents and kids stroll safely to school

By Callum Ludwig National Walk Safely to School Day was last Friday 20 May and primary school students around the Yarra Ranges were joined by their parents and police on the trek to school.

The event began nationally in 2004 to get kids active, promoting walking as a safe mode of transport for families to get students to school and to teach primary school-aged children important rules and lessons about road safety.

Acting Sergeant and Officer in Charge at Yarra Junction Police Gavin Rhodes said it’s good to get out and spread the message.

“It helps ease traffic congestion in the area in the mornings and teaches them to hold each other’s hand until the age of 10 when crossing the road,” he said.

“It’s also good for community engagement, for the members here at local stations to speak with some of the children and liaise with the principals and staff at schools, which I think is really important as well, creating some contacts for us going forward.”

Sgt Rhodes attended the walk to Yarra Junction Primary School, which is located alongmailcommunity.com.au

side the Warburton Highway and around a ‘blind’ corner.

Sgt Rhodes said opportunities like this show kids that local police are approachable.

“A lot of kids, whether it’s by conversations with family or not having any experience around police are scared to come up and approach us, which obviously isnt good if something’s wrong,” he said.

“We’d like them to come up to us, to do regular visits at schools, and more often as kids get more exposure to police and hopefully they’ll be more willing to come and talk to us if there is something wrong.”

Sgt Rhodes said it was an opportunity to be proactive and diminish the reputation held of local police not being available at police stations often to engage with.

“When we are out responding to triple-000 calls, it can be hard for them to engage with us, and the expectation can be that local stations have had trouble with that,” he said.

The reaction was really positive, I had kids talk to me the whole way through and even parents looked shocked when they saw the police car.”

FERNLEA’S NEW BOOK

With more than 160,000 people dying each year in Australia, In the End is a much-needed resource. For a subject that is often taboo and difficult to talk about, the book introduces the subject of death in a way that is not confronting or challenging, and the practical section of the book can be used as a planning tool.

This book isn’t just for those who are dying though…it is an extremely valuable resource for those helping a loved one through their final stages, health professionals, counsellors, funeral planners, and anyone who just wants to be prepared. Registration link below.

11am on Saturday the 4th of June 2022 Gemco Community theatre 19 Kilvington Dr, Emerald VIC 3782

www.fernlea.com.au

https://tinyurl.com/in-the-end

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RELIEF & RECOVERY FUNDING

Grants boost recovery The unprecedented financial, mental and social costs of the pandemic and severe storm events have taken their toll on Yarra Ranges businesses and townships. To assist in the recovery of our communities, Yarra Ranges Council is introducing Business and Trader Group-Led Recovery Grants.

Community-led recovery is key to the revitalisation of our unique region, and this funding aims to support our businesses in the important role they play in our townships and across the municipality.

Council is keen to support the creation of new groups, as well building the capacity of existing groups to successfully create positive change in their areas.

Business and Trader Groups create networking opportunities for local businesses to connect and learn from each other. In addition, working collectively can have a greater impact with other stakeholders and open-up access to more funding and grant opportunities. A united voice can increase a township marketability, visibility, and credibility.

Mayor Jim Child recognises the unique role Business and Trader groups have in a community.

“Being a part of a networking or trader group is a terrific opportunity to get involved, and really advocate for your business community. We’ve certainly learned over the last two years just how important our local businesses are and how valuable being able to connect and support each other is.”

“Council values our relationship with our trader groups and business networks. They’re a vital voice into what our communities and business need,” he said.

The objective of the grants is to encourage and revive local businesses, organisations, and industries to operate and trade in line with

To assist in the recovery of communities, Yarra Ranges Council is introducing Business and Trader Group-Led Recovery Grants. 281810 broader new economic trends, whilst improving robustness to future shocks.

Council has a dedicated Trader Group Officer who can assist new businesses in connecting into existing groups or help support the creation of new networks.

The funding application process opened May 16. Townships will be eligible for up to $15 000, which can be applied to more than one project. Applications close 13 June.

For information on a group’s eligibility, project suggestions and to apply, please visit

yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/ Apply-for-Community-Grants/Relief-and-Recovery-funding-for-Business-Trader-Groups Alternatively you can email business@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 1300 368 333 and ask to speak to the Business and Trader Group officer.

Nobody knows their community like you.

Business and Trader Groupled Recovery Grants Now Open To support the revitalisation of our townships, Yarra Ranges Council is introducing Business and Trader Group-Led Recovery Grants.

For more information and to apply for the grant, head to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/Applyfor-Business-and-Trader-Group-Led-Recovery-Grant

1300 368 333

Scan to apply 12549566-DL21-22

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NEWS

Deadly hair tie sightings

By Renee Wood Hair ties are becoming a common issue plaguing the humble platypus in the Yarra River.

The Australian Platypus Conservancy has received two reports of deaths from hair ties from the Warburton area – something Biologist Geoff Williams is concerned about.

“It’s just in the last two or three years it really seems to have taken off and we don’t quite know why particularly it just seems strange we’ve gone from a small number to one that’s increasing,” Mr Williams said.

The most recent case was reported by local resident Johnathon McLay who found the dead animal with a hair tie around its neck in March this year when he was walking his dog near the fire break.

“I just saw something on the ground and then I looked closer, and I think it had been dead at least a few days, if not a week and there was a hair tie around it,” Mr McLay said.

Mr McLay reported his sighting near Warburton Road to the Conservancy.

“I took some photos and thought someone needs to be told about this. So it was important information particularly because Platypus are now officially declared a vulnerable species,” he said.

Another report to the Conservancy was from July 2020 where a juvenile female was found in a bad state with hair ties around her.

She couldn’t be saved and was later euthanized at the Healesville Sanctuary wildlife hospital.

Although the cases are years apart, Mr Williams said it’s a trend that’s starting to show at popular river tourism spots, with hair tie cases also being reported in Bright.

“I think what happens is people go swimming in the rivers over summer, they take these elasticated hair ties out and shake their hair then for whatever reason they’re dropped in the water and these things have been accumulating at a dreadful rate,” Mr Williams said.

“The problem is once it gets in on the bottom… platypus swim on the bottom of the creek or river, and move their head from side to side to activate scanning system and if there’s any, loops they tend to go over the platypus head and work their way back along the body.”

Generally the smaller juveniles are being affected, particularly females, and this can have a detrimental effect on the species population.

“The female adults are of concern to us, because they’re the breeding animals…they’re the ones that are a problem.

“This one that was found in July of 2020 was a female - so again it’s a major knock to the population when this sort of thing happens.”

The strength of the Yarra River’s population lies on the upper catchment due to the juveniles being produced in the area.

Mr Williams said once of age, the young platypuses make their way down the river and

The dead platypus found by Warburton resident Johnathon McLay with a hair tie around its neck. disperse which is around this time of year.

“That then keeps the population numbers good in the lower catchment where things are a little bit tougher and probably animals don’t live as long, so the Warburton area is a real vital, one for the, the Yarra population.”

Fishing line is another concern that affects platypus if it’s left in the water.

“It’s gets tied around them and we have platypus where the fishing line has worn right through their ribs and consequently, that has died a slow and unpleasant death.

The mammal being hooked by fishers on their bills or webbed feet is another issue and Mr Williams said it’s best to pull the hook out rather than to cut the line.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people even responsible anglers don’t know what to do... and then unfortunately, what happens is eventually the line gets snagged on something in the water of a log or a rock and then this poor thing is stuck there and either dies of exhaustion or drowning.

“So one of the things people need to be really aware of is that if they hook up platypus, they really do need to try to get the hook out.

Even if they cause a little bit of damage to the bill, it’s probably much more safer to do that than it is to just cut the line.”

Mr Williams said that anglers can also

Pictures: JOHNATHON MCLAY

The area the dead platypus was found near Warburton Road. pause fishing if they spot a platypus to allow it to swim through the area quickly without taking the bait.

Illegal opera house yabby traps are also still being used by some people which were banned in 2019. Anyone who sees one of these illegal traps is urged to contact the fish-

eries authority on 13FISH. “There was an incident last week in New South Wales, where four platypus were found dead in an illegally used opera house trap..

They’ve been banned in New South Wales for a year now but they are still out there and still being used,” he said.

Community Planting Day to rejuvenate the Yarra River

By Callum Ludwig The Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management (CoM) is hosting a Birrarung Community Planting Day on the Birrarung/ Yarra River banks in Warburton on Sunday 29 May to encourage vegetation regeneration.

Vegetation plays a vital role in maintaining water quality through natural filtration, with the Upper Yarra Reservoir storing 1068 gigalitres of Melbourne’s drinking water.

Member of the Upper Yarra River Reserve CoM Jane Stormer is helping organise the event and said it’s part of the reason our water is good and cheap, but it’s about more than us enjoying the river.

“It’s because of the biofiltration buffer the mountains and the vegetation provide, and we all want to be able to go to the river, but in terms of protecting the riverbanks we’re trying to do it in a way that it actually supports a whole lot of species as well as human beings,” she said.

“If the quality of the water is impacted, then you know, it’s not a river that we can all enjoy, and would have significant impacts on a range of species that actually live in the water.”

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

There will be a Community Planting Day for the Birrarung/Yarra River in Warburton.

Picture: ON FILE 10am to 1pm attendees will plant a range of native plants along the riverbank including Manna Gums, Silver Wattles, Blackwoods, Dianella (Flax Lilies), Juncus, Carex (Sedges) and Gardenias.

Ms Stormer said a number of invasive species present a challenge in preserving the river’s natural beauty.

“It’s an important part of our work because one of the challenges we have is that the area

that we manage, which is about 8.5 kilometres was settled by Europeans quite early, so an incredible number of weed species have escaped down to the river,” she said.

“Because we’re a high rainfall area as well those species have taken off, and unfortunately a lot of introduced species such as Pittosporum and Tradescantia(Spiderwort) don’t coexist happily with indigenous species and often smother them.”

The Upper Yarra River Reserve is a Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) volunteer Committee of Management dedicated to the river in the Upper Yarra, liaising with Yarra Ranges Council and the Victorian Government organisations on issues or projects pertaining to the river.

Attendees will meet just east of the Caravan Park in Warburton where the walking track enters the bushland, with parking available at the Waterworld car park. It is BYO gloves, drink bottle and all-weather gear.

Morning tea will be served at 11.30am.

For more information and to RSVP, press ‘GOING’ on the Facebook event here: www. fb.me/e/2kfg8xlmE or message Ms Stormer

by SMS at 0414 858 609. mailcommunity.com.au

SHOP LOCAL HEALESVILLE

Organic living gets easier ‘Miss Spelts Organics - Bulk Food & Zero Waste Store’ was born in 2020, from our belief that ethically sourced, local, plastic-free food should be more accessible and affordable.

We believe everyone has the power to change the world for the better by making socially conscious consumer choices.

Through our consumption, we can support fair and environmentally responsible food production.

We realised that there is a need to go back to the old-fashioned way of purchasing food in unpackaged form to put a stop to the growing waste issue.

We knew that there was more that needed to be done at the grassroots level than just banning plastic.

Bulk Food is as much about providing nutritious products as it is about embracing a zero-waste goal.

Our goal is to nourish families, foster a healthy community, and in doing so, take a hands-on approach to heal our planet.

We take pride in sourcing Australian products and prioritise local growers where possible to minimise carbon footprint.

We have over 400 bulk food bins filled with all your favourite vegan, paleo, organic, biodynamic, gluten friendly food and delicious assortment of healthy and hearty treats.

We have a large range of flour, nuts, grains, legumes, seeds, cereals, sugar, salt, dried fruit, pasta, rice, maple syrup and more.

We also have locally sourced honey, cooking oils, spices, tea, herbs, chemical-free cleaning products and personal care products.

We also offer certified organic vegetables 7 days a week, providing you with a one-stopshop wholesome shopping experience.

Our friendly staff will assist you with your cooking needs or assist you to grind fresh pea-

The team at Miss Spelts Organics - Michelle, Amy and Emily. 267175 nut butter or pour a cold glass of solar-brewed kombucha from the tap while you wait for the best zero waste experience Yarra Valley has to offer.

For us, Zero Waste is more than just a concept, it is a way of life that lies close to our heart.

That’s why we are giving all our customers who bring their own containers a 5% discount as a way of saying thank you for your efforts.

Even though it seems a small step, it is actually a giant leap for the future of our planet.

Miss Spelt’s Organics is situated at 250-252

Maroondah Highway, Healesville, telephone 5962 6470, info@missspelts.com.au, orders@ missspelts.com.au Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday 9am5pm; Thursday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 3.30pm.

12551348-AV21-22

OH WHAT A FEELING

“Thank you to our clients for your Trust & Support and for helping us in achieving this outstanding result.”

Ian Vine | 0488 179 767

Kerry Fisher | 0407 140 834

Director | Licensed Estate Agent ian.vine@eview.com.au healesville.eview.com.au

Senior Sales Consultant kerry.fisher@eview.com.au healesville.eview.com.au

“HE WHO HAS HEALTH, HAS HOPE; AND HE WHO HAS HOPE, HAS EVERYTHING” - Thomas Carlyle

Your Local Health Food Store • Certified Organic Fruit and Veggies • Herbs, Supplements and Superfoods • 400+ Bulk foods • Gluten-Free, Vegan and Allergy Free Food • Bread Making Ingredients • Eco-Friendly Products and much more and Equipment Open Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday and Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 3.30pm 250 - 252 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 info@missspelts.com.au | orders@missspelts.com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

5962 6470

12547554-DL21-22

Misss Spelt

Winter Holidays & Adventures are upon us!

Book now to ensure your Toyota gets the best attention & service.

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COMMITED TO ACHIEVING THE RESULT, NOT JUST ANY RESULT

Book your service via the my Toyota QR code or by calling 5962 4333 HEALESVILLE TOYOTA 112 Maroondah Highway Healesville Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 13

NEWS

Shortest Lunch returns

By Renee Wood After a two year hiatus, wine lovers will now get the chance to celebrate the winter solstice and roam, sip and taste what some of the Yarra Valley’s smallest wineries have to offer.

The Shortest Lunch 2022 is now back with 12 family owned, boutique wineries opening their arms and cellar doors for a winter flavoured feast.

The two day event on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June is run by the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries group and President Daniel Tokar said everyone is thrilled to see its return, cementing it into the region’s calendar.

“It’s all about warm, bite sized entree style food and the idea is it’s a roaming festival where you go from one participating cellar door to another and you try some wine… and go on to the next,” Mr Tokar said.

Live music, good food and wine tastings are the top ticket items.

Mr Tokar said in previous years the lunch has encouraged a lot of people to come and experience the Valley.

“The Smaller Wineries’ main focus is to bring people to the valley to advocate visitation to cellar doors, even if they’re not members, the idea is if they come into the valley it benefits everyone in the region, wineries, cafes - the lot.”

This year marks the 21st year for the event and it’s certainly a celebration after the last two years have been decimated by the pandemic.

The Shortest Lunch 2022 is returning after a two year hiatus.

“It helps to support the smaller wineries who might not see as much traffic as the main stream wineries,” he said.

“Most scraped through by the skin of their teeth… It was tough for a lot of the wineries, especially the smaller family owned ones to get through the winter months - even most of the last few years was nearly written off.”

Steels Gate winery will be participating in the day for the first time after recently becoming a member.

Winemaker Matthew Davis said it’s great

Picture: SUPPLIED

that more Dixon’s Creek vineyards will be part of the day, including Sutherland Estate.

“We all offer quite different experiences and different things so it’s nice to have a little hub down this way where people can easily roam from one to the other, like they do when they head out to Seville and Maroondah highway,” Mr Davis said.

Like all participants, Steels Gate will have part of its menu to sample for the attendees, acting as a taste tester for what people can enjoy when they return.

“If you come out on a wine tour, you’ll do a meal at one place and then you do tastings at others - you don’t necessarily get to sample everything,” he said.

Also forming off the back of the small winery ethos, you’ll get to meet the winemakers themselves, something that enriches your winery visit.

“From people that really know their wine, they’ll ask questions about what your malolactic fermentation was, whereas with the general punter often you’re teaching them for the first time.”

The event has previously supported CFA crews with donations made to by equipment from the ticket sales.

This year the group has chosen to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation to hopefully connect with a local family and make a child’s dreams come true.

“The idea is always to give back to the community and one of the big ethos for the smaller wineries is we preach locality so we thought let’s make something worthwhile and meaningful,” Mr Tokar said.

Participating wineries include Billanook Estate, Boat O’Craigo, Brumfield Winery, Fin Wines, Kellybrook Winery, Payne’s Rise, Seville Hill, Steels Gate, Sutherland Estate, Tokar Estate, Whispering Hills and Yering Farm Wines.

For more information visit https://www. yarravalleysmallerwineries.com.au/pages/ shortest-lunch

Yarra Valley businesses boosting their tourism skills

By Tyler Wright Businesses in the Yarra Ranges will have the chance to upskill and expand their expertise as part of a program organised by the area’s official tourism body.

Yarra Ranges Tourism’s ‘Tourism Re-Gen’ initiative consists of an extensive series of workshops and mentoring opportunities to strengthen the regional industry.

“The list of training opportunities were designed with our partners in mind to provide them with a mix of face to face and online training they could attend,” Yarra Ranges Tourism Administration Officer Natalie McCarter said.

The program was also helped after state government funding was received early this year.

“We’re trying to upskill [businesses], because a big focus through the pandemic was social media marketing - so it was just trying to digitally upskill them in that way where they felt they could promote their businesses and their products to their visitors online.”

The official training sessions commenced in March with two previously run alongside Destination Travel Management Tourism; one session held in the Dandenong Ranges and the other in the Yarra Valley.

“We had about 40 people in total who turned up for a destination and marketing package [which was] very successful and [businesses] enjoyed collaborating with each other,” Ms McCarter said.

In 2021, Yarra Ranges Tourism found the overnight expenditure for vistors to regional Victoria sat at an estimate of $6.9 billion and the intrastate overnight spend in the regions rose 8 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

Joanne Tate, Cellar Door Manager at Tokar Estate, attended a workshop at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort on 8 March and said it was a good opportunity to network with other local businesses and be updated on new tools in the industry.

“They broke us off into groups so that we could work on some different strategies for bundling particular tourist attractions together or ways to attract different demographics out there in the tourism world,” Ms Tate said.

“Whether you’re attracting friends or family to your property or planning a ladies’ weekend away in the Yarra Valley - it gave us an opportunity to start from scratch, work out how you get them there transport wise, how do you accommodate them and what activities you suggest to them to do.”

Ms Tate stressed important to have communication with others in the tourism indus-

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

try, especially for new businesses.

“The more knowledgeable businesses can be in the region, the better it is for the visitor - we are all our own little information center and we’re all ambassadors for the Yarra Valley. We definitely do support each other in this region.”

Sam Jones from Killick Handcrafted Rum in Belgrave said the ‘Lookers to Bookers’ program he attended in March helped expand the business’s contacts.

“We’ve developed a sponsorship with Bunjil Place for the Casey Cornucopia Winter Festival, and we’ve set up a partnership with Peppers in Marysville,” Mr Jones said.

More workshops will be held throughout June including the “Secret Sauce for being a great coach and building great teams” online session with Changeable Consulting. The sessions run at a fee for businesses who are not partnered with Yarra Ranges Tourism.

“The lunchbox sessions give a brief overview of a certain skill; whether it’s staff retention or staff training...then it builds on through more in depth coaching on understanding staff in order to keep staff. And I think the skill and advantages [are] across all boards - not only in terms of marketing, but also connecting with your workers and connecting with industry,” Ms McCarter said.

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

Yarra Valley Tourism are bringing local businesses together through the ‘Tourism ReGen’ program.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

ART ATTACK BOARD GAME

Game on Yarra Ranges!

By Parker McKenzie Artist and writer Jenni Ivins has teamed up with Star News Group and Yarra Ranges Council to deliver a table-top journey across the Yarra Ranges.

This edition of the Star Mail newspaper includes the playing board, game cards and instructions for people to play with friends and family.

Ms Ivins has plenty of experience designing board games, with Connecting Communities – Yarra Ranges Shire being the third she has published within Star News Group newspapers.

She said the idea first started during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown in 2020 as a way to connect people to the community.

“One of my core values is that art should be accessible for anybody and I like to include free activities as well as paid workshops with my exhibitions,” she said.

“The games came about because when we went into lockdown, one of the people in my network was saying we don’t need to know which day of the week it is, back in April 2020.”

A Facebook group was born, where every Monday people would come together to work on art and connect with each other.

Ms Ivins said she already had a grant from Cardinia Council for an exhibition and when the lockdown was extended she received more funding to create something for the community.

“That’s where I came up with the first board game, it was called Apart Together because we were all playing a part together,” she said.

“It won a country press award for the best community campaign. We had people drawing pictures and making art because people were at home, and I was helping them with creating the art itself and then putting those on the cards.”

The success of the first board game led to another being commissioned, this time for the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Ms Ivins said she has had positive feedback from people who have played the previous two games.

“The last place that I did the residency in that project was at coordinate Caldermeade Farm. On one of the farm tours a lady told me she still has the game two years later and she still plays it with her boys,” Ms Ivins said.

Other feedback I’ve had is things like people didn’t know there were so many towns and they didn’t know that different areas were in the Shire. People are more familiar with the geography after playing.”

The board game features locations, people and events from across the Yarra Ranges which people have submitted to Ms Ivins, including the Kalorama Chestnut Festival, the Redwood Forests and local Belgrave wizard Baba Desi.

Each player places a marker on a town of

Jenni Ivins with the Connecting Communities – Yarra Ranges Shire board game.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

their choice on the game board, before taking a GO-TO card from the pile. The player moves the marker as directed, counting all the towns they pass through to get there. The game ends once every player has nine cards, where the scores are counted and the person with the lowest score wins.

Ms Ivins said after the release of the board game, she plans to return to her art and write a companion book for one of her exhibitions.

“I’m going to be writing a fantasy story to go with my mind drawings series fairies without wings,” she said.

“The exhibition will be touring next year.”

The board game is included in this edition of the Star Mail newspapers.

Turn pages to play The lift-out game board and 72 GO-TO cards will be published in all six Star Mail newspapers this week.

Readers will also find another set of 72 GO-TO cards in next week’s Mail editions on Tuesday 31 May. The PDF version with over 400 cards will be available from the ‘Connecting Communities - Yarra Ranges Shire’ Facebook group and www.MindDrawing.net in June.

There will be two sizes of GO-TO cards in the PDFs. The larger size will be great for those with impaired vision, as well as for those who want to enjoy the fabulous photography. mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 15

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

MAIL

HOMESTEAD ON 40 ACRES WITH EXCELLENT VIEWS SITUATED in Steels Creek in the beautiful Yarra Valley is this most attractive Homestead on approx. 40 acres.

The property (fully fenced) is a nice balance of bush and pasture for you to have stock, cows, sheep, Alpacas, or perhaps create your own trail bike track and nature walks on your own property. The pasture is divided into 4 paddocks and there are 3 dams.

The home with wrap around veranda’s consists of 3 bedrooms, formal L-Shape lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, double carport under roof and a large under roof area with an open fireplace for entertaining.

Features include: R/C A/C, beautiful leadlight panels that lets natural light into the home and soaring cathedral ceilings. The gardens are lush and well established and there is a small orchard of various fruit trees to enjoy. Apples, pears, oranges, and lemon trees just to mention a few. Shedding on the property consists of one 9 x 6 m and a 6 x 5 hay shed. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 159 Willow Bend Drive, STEELS CREEK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE, 9730 2333

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

TIMELESS TAPESTRY OF DESIGN THIS impressive character home secures a spectacular lifestyle location and a timeless tapestry of historic design. Boasting high ceilings, rich timber floors, lovely leafy outlooks, and a large 983sqm (approx.) allotment, this property encapsulates Hills living in exceptional style.

The lovely front garden is your first peek into the wonderful way of life on offer here.

From the front deck, a warm invitation is extended to step into a spacious foyer/ sitting room. The neighbouring open plan living area with skylight and stone surround open wood fire flows seamlessly toward the dining area and kitchen with gas stovetop and stainless steel oven for those who love to host for family and friends.

Exceptional comfort is also afforded in the bedrooms provided, including the main bedroom with ensuite, walk-in robe, and a surplus of windows that bring the outside in. Supplemented with a charming main bathroom with pedestal sink and recent hot water system every element has been thoughtfully considered.

Outside, the rear garden is ready for reimagining and provides ample space to make your mark. Paired with a premier position within walking distance of Upwey Station, township, local schools, and the 699 bus route to Upwey and Belgrave this property has it all. Don’t delay, plan your inspection today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 52 Acacia Avenue, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $750,000 - $815,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sam Adamson 0421 023 760 and Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH CANOPY VIEWS ONCE A luxury holiday retreat and now a compelling contemporary residence, this property epitomises luxury living in the Hills.

Residing on a private natural landscape neighbouring National Park and boasting distant valley views, this move-in ready residence is a marvellous acquisition.

The upper level of this lovely home is a shining example of open plan living in style.

The lounge is rich with natural light and kept cosy with a warm wood fire. The kitchen is executed with precision boasting streamline cabinetry, quality appliances, and sleek white stone benchtops. With the adjoining meals area leading out to the deck for taking in the glorious outlooks, the indoor-outdoor design is a winning combination of form and function.

Adding to the appeal are the beautiful bedrooms on offer. Accentuated by an ensuite with luxurious oval soaker tub, sophisticated touches enrich this home with a surplus of style.

This beautiful property is an investment in location and lifestyle. Inspection will impress. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Nicholson Street, OLINDA Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $790,000 - $860,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

CHARACTER HOME TO PLEASE EVERYONE THIS beautifully presented period style home boasts four bedrooms & plenty of space for everything.

You will love the soaring ceilings in the open plan living space which integrates easily into the fantastic covered deck where you’ll enjoy can relax and enjoy the tranquil views.

The modern bathroom offers the bonus of access from the master and is luxuriously appointed.

The kitchen provides plenty of cupboard space and includes dishwasher and gas cooking.

A fantastic shed has room for two cars and

workshop plus there’s heaps of driveway parking ideal for the tradesman or for a caravan/ boat.

The home includes all services, reverse cycle air-conditioning, mains gas ducted heating is fully fenced and offers a sunny veggie patch and fruit trees including apple, nectarine, peach and passionfruit, plus much more.

Located a short walk to bus stops, shops & amenities plus nearby to the iconic Warburton Rail Trail.

This home should be on your “must see” list now. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Gordon Court, WOORI YALLOCK Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $750,000 - $820,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

Woori Yallock Character home to please everyone

$750,000 - $820,000

Don Valley

$1,450,000 - $1,550,000

5 Acres of Family Lifestyle & Equine Haven

This beautifully presented period style home boasts four bedrooms & plenty of space for everything. You will love the soaring ceilings in the open plan living space which integrates easily into the fantastic covered deck where you’ll enjoy can relax & enjoy the tranquil views. The modern bathroom offers the bonus of access from the master & is luxuriously appointed. The kitchen provides plenty of cupboard space & includes dishwasher & gas cooking. A fantastic shed has room for two cars & workshop plus there’s heaps of driveway parking ideal for the tradesman or for a caravan/boat. The home includes all services, reverse cycle air conditioning, mains gas ducted heating is fully fenced & offers a sunny veggie patch & fruit trees including apple, nectarine, peach & passionfruit, plus much more.

This fabulous farmhouse on just over 5 acres, oozing character and offers up to 6 bedrooms, ensuite to the master and a third shower and toilet off the laundry. Open plan kitchen overlooks the family zone with cosy wood fire and a formal lounge and separate dining room give ample room for everyone. Your equine family are well looked after with lush pasture, 4 paddocks, loose boxes, 3 incredible mattress and rubber lined stables, tack room and a hot wash with concrete floor, to add to the equine excellence a ménage and a picturesque dam. The huge shed comes complete with a hoist, a great storage space for all of the toys. This is a brilliant lifestyle property in a gorgeous location that you will enjoy every minute living in.

Contact: Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513 Inspection: By Appointment

Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET IN 50 YEARS A NEAR level block approx. 1035sqm, a solid 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, an inground swimming pool, a double carport plus an undercover entertainment area are just some of the attributes of this much loved family home.

Through the years this home has created many happy memories for the original family, who owned it from new, but now is the time for new owners take the reins and move it forward to the next stage in its history.

Over time extras and upgrades such as a renovated kitchen, natural gas, water tanks, solar panels and a reverse cycle cooling unit have been added to meet life’s expectations and make the home more comfortable.

The layout of this family home is

practical with the master and ensuite at one end, access to a private undercover entertainment area from the lounge room, a laundry with extra storage cupboards and the other 3 bedrooms, all of which have built in robes, are situated towards the front of the home.

Access to the rear yard is also a bonus where you will discover an assortment of shedding for workshop and storage purposes.

Location is ideal, being within just a couple minutes’ drive of the Main Street or walking distance for those of the more active type.

With a little modernising this property has so much to offer in helping to create new memories and new beginnings for it’s next owner and their family. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 71 Badger Creek Road, HEALESVILLE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jane Nunn 0432 375 940, INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE, 9730 2333 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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Integrity Real Estate Yarra Valley & Kinglake Ranges

AGENT OF THE YEAR 2022 A CLEAN SWEEP FOR INTEGRITY

KINGLAKE

KINGLAKE WEST

YARRA GLEN

HEALESVILLE

BADGER CREEK

FLOWERDALE

AGENT OF THE YEAR 5 YEARS RUNNING!

Welcoming our new property managers Alannah Whitehead & Robert Verhagen

12549239-JC20-22

excellence in service, without compromise.

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME SET ON TWO LOTS BOASTING an unbeatable location, this sprawling property is a leafy mountain retreat within 2 minutes walk of Belgrave’s railway station, main street shops, cafes and services.

Exceptionally generous in size, this home sits on 2 lots and boasts 6 bedrooms, a sunroom/home office, 3 bathrooms, 4 toilets and a flexible floor plan suitable for family life and working or studying from home.

The 3 outdoor decks have private elevated views of the green surrounds, with the balcony accessed through bi-fold doors off the kitchen, a perfect spot for a morning coffee. Convenient features include a master bedroom with a private balcony, walk-in robe and en-suite, stunning bathrooms with luxury fittings, exquisite light fittings, gas ducted heating, new carpets, polished floorboards, refreshed kitchen and a fresh colour palette throughout.

Also, there is multiple off-street parking, a carport and ample storage. Tastefully renovated, the home has the charm and character of period features, with stylish modern-day fittings. Awaiting its new owners are new concrete stumps, improved driveways and courtyards. Just walk in to start enjoying the much-coveted hills lifestyle.

Only under an hour to Melbourne CBD by train or car, this home offers a convenient base to commute from for work or study, whilst also having unlimited choices for leisure nearby. Families will enjoy the short walk to the local playground, pools and walking tracks.

Puffing Billy, Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda, Sassafras and other famed destinations in the Dandenong Ranges are all a few minutes away. Sure to be snapped up quickly, this premiere property is not to be missed! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 74 Station Street, BELGRAVE Description: 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,375,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jan Brewster 0409 558 805, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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Ranges

We put you first

IS IT TIME TO MAKE THAT ‘TrEE CHANGE?’

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME SET ON TWO LOTS

BELGRAvE 25 BELLBIrD STrEET THE PERFECT MODERN FAMILY HOME

BELGRAvE 74 STATION STrEET WALKING DISTANCE TO TRAIN AND SHOPS

$845,000-$925,000 4A 3B 4C

Step up to a dream property where your new ‘Hills’ lifestyle meets all your needs.

Featuring a living room & rumpus (with a built-in bar) features stacker doors to decking, two ensuites, a spiral staircase to the main living that is focused around the deluxe kitchen and all the creature comforts such as DGH, combustion wood fire, split system, paved fire pit, fenced back yard, a second driveway entrance from the rear and a remote double garage with loft storage space. All this on a generous, fully landscaped 990sqm allotment.

Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

BE AT ONE WITH NATUrE ON OVEr 5,000 SQM

$765,000 - $840,000 3A 1B 1C 1E

This charming home has a flexible floor plan for the growing family, with bedrooms upstairs, main bathroom, spacious lounge & dining area, stunning new kitchen and a sunroom/home office with fabulous views. Downstairs is the large rumpus room, generous studio/4th bedroom if needed & 2nd toilet. Additional features include timber floorboards, freshly painted throughout, GDH, air-con, high ceilings and a sunny usable block with established garden beds. ‘Hills’ lifestyle in a highly sought-after location.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

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

6A 3B 1C 1E

Boasting an unbeatable location, this sprawling property is a leafy mountain retreat within a 2 minutes walk into Town. Tastefully renovated, the home has charm and character of period features with modern-day luxury fittings. Awaiting its new owners are stylishly renovated bathrooms, refreshed kitchen, new carpets, p/floorboards, freshly painted throughout, GDH, carport, multiple off-street parking, ample storage, 3 decks, generously sized rooms and a flexible floor plan suitable for family life and working from home.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

ALL THE CHArM OF YESTEr YEAr

BELGRAvE 21 EDWArD STrEET EASY WALK TO BELGRAvE CENTRAL

$1,250,000-$1,375,000

COCKATOO 12 BILOCLA AVENUE CHARACTER HOME WITH FOREST vIEWS

$800,000-$880,000 3A 1B

Set perfectly on its fantastic allotment, this character home offers discerning buyers a serene place to call home. Every room in the home has a nice outlook. Offering 3 bedrooms with BIr’s and a stunning bathroom with the latest matt black tapware. The lounge with a wood fire overlooks the front yard with classic cottage gardens. The central kitchen, dining and open study adjoining the rear deck looks out to the forest. Upgrades include a new hot water system, ducted heating & two new split systems - four in total.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

“We Put You First”

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

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

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MAIL 23

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

25 Nicholson Street, OLINDA

$850,000 - $930,000

CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH TREE CANOPY VIEWS

3A 2B 2C

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

FOR SALE

26 Hume Street, UPWEY

$820,000 - $890,000 3A 2B 3C

CHARMING HOME WITH LIFESTYLE TO MATCH

This charming weatherboard residence, backing onto Glenfern Valley Bushland Reserve, brings a whole new meaning to the concept of versatility. Offering dual living spaces on separate levels, this well-presented character home will accommodate the needs of your family throughout the years ahead.

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

Suzie Brannelly

Daniel Steen

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

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

FOR SALE

41 Griffiths Road, UPWEY

$1,150,000 - $1,250,000

PHENOMENAL FAMILY HOME IN PREMIUM LOCATION

5A 3B 2C

FOR SALE

3 Catherine Way, TECOMA

$750,000 - $820,000

SENSATIONAL OPPORTUNITY WITH INFINITE POTENTIAL

4A 3B 1C

This versatile home in one of Upwey’s most sought-after pockets is a sensational acquisition for growing families. Affording effortless access to Upwey’s township, train station and local schools while offering exquisite outlooks and a 1,672sqm (approx.) landscape to enjoy, this is an exclusive lifestyle property boasting endless comfort and convenience.

An exceptional opportunity awaits at this hills home perfectly positioned for convenience and investment prospects. Steps from all amenities in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this 4-bedroom property is ideal for renovators looking for a place to call home or investors seeking rare NRZ2 zoning potential (Subject To Council Approval).

Sam Adamson

Sam Adamson

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

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

Daniel Steen

Daniel Steen

M 0431 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

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

9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 25

PUZZLES Foot cover (5) Impartial (9) Break off a small piece (7) The price to be paid when we fly (7) Romance language (7) Assay (7) Medical application (9) Vexes (4) Uncertain (inf) (4) Least sufficient (9) Pressurised dispenser (7) Raise (7) Tableland (7) Process of sending something (7) Gluttony or sloth for instance (6,3) Common Indian surname (5)

1 4 9 10

easy

2 6

4

4 9

8 3 2

3 6

5 7 hard

7 2

3

1 4

8 5

6 7

9 3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

9

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8

QE G Z V S A XMR YOU 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

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9-LETTER WORD medium

1 9 5 4 8 3 7 6 2

7 2 9 3 4 8 6 5 1

8 4 1 6 5 9 7 3 2

1 3 6 4 8 2 5 7 9

9 8 5 7 1 6 2 4 3

4 7 2 5 9 3 8 1 6

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hard 4 6 8 5 2 9 1 3 7

2 7 5 8 3 1 4 9 6

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6 8 4 1 9 2 7 5 3

7 2 3 6 5 8 9 4 1

3 5 2 9 6 7 8 1 4

8 4 7 3 1 5 6 2 9

1 9 6 2 8 4 3 7 5

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

M

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 36 words: Excellent

P

I

S

S

U A

T

O

autism, auto, must, opium, opus, oust, ousts, outs, pious, possum, POTASSIUM, pout, pouts, puma, puss, puts, situs, smut, smuts, soup, sous, spout, spouts, sputa, stoup, stump, stumps, suit, suits, sumo, sump, sumps, sums, sups, upmost, utopia

easy

6 5 3 2 7 1 4 9 8

7

1

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A region’s weather (7) Use of false but clever arguments (9) Puts something in risk of harm (9) Custom (5) Earth in Latin (5) Sailing as recreation (7) Number of players in a cricket team (6) Dealer (9) Power cells (9) Force (8) Italian city (7) Dodging (7) Charted (6) Odour (5) French king also known as The Sun King (5)

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ACROSS

No. 082

$ 7 2 1 (

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

3 $ / ( 5

No. 082

6 & $ 5 )

SUDOKU

27-05-22

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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OPINION

Toolkit for politics A new, innovative toolkit developed by Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) and Parliament of Victoria is paving the way to make the political system in Australia easier to understand. This Toolkit is very timely having just been through a federal election and a state election just around the corner.

The Toolkit is the final outcome of the Engaging Communities in Democracy (ECD) Project that began in late 2019. The ECD project involved working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) and faith communities to improve understanding and engagement with the Victorian Parliament and its processes.

The project aimed to support these communities to engage with the parliamentary system of government and law-making, and to give community members the confidence to raise issues with their local Members of Parliament.

“The creation of this toolkit has been a wonderful collaboration that has tapped into the skills and talents of Victoria’s diverse communities,” Legislative Council president Nazih Elasmar said.

Movie has the power

Legal

matters Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre “We are confident that this work will contribute to better understanding of Parliament across many communities and will encourage greater participation in our democracy.”

“We are so pleased to have partnered with Parliament on the ECD project and believe the toolkit will help the communities feel more included and better equipped to understand the parliamentary system - across Victoria and nationally,” ECLC CEO Michael Smith said.

“ECLC are grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with and learn from diverse leaders across CaLD and faith communities in

this important step forward in fostering good community relationships and inclusion, while supporting these communities to advocate for issues they identify locally,” he added.

The easy-to-use toolkit provides informational videos that have been translated into 10 different languages including Chinese (traditional and simplified), Burmese, Arabic, Falam Chin, Farsi, Hakha Chin, Karan, Vietnamese and Zomi. The Toolkit contains: Animated videos on the role of an MP and how to contact an MP Short interviews with community members and Parliamentary staff on their experiences Tools on how to engage and interact with Local Parliamentary Representatives Co-designed with the ECD Project Advisory Committee, the toolkit is based on the experiences of people in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne (EMR) together with feedback provided by local MPs and Electorate Officers.

If you would like more information or to access the free Toolkit visit https://www.engagingcommunities.eclc.org.au/

· · ·

CARTOON

The Innocents Rakel Lenora Fløttum, Sam Ashraf and Alva Brynsmo Ramstad Rated MA15+ 5/5 The Innocents is an enthralling Norwegian supernatural thriller.

During the summer holidays, a group of children manifest dangerous paranormal powers.

The Innocents is a deeply humanistic thriller, drawing wonder and fun from the main characters’ self-discovery and squirmingly disturbing horror from broken homes, childhood angst and undeveloped empathy.

The pacing is slow and measured, immersing us in the children’s lives, and the tone shifts smoothly from exploration and play to terror and brutality.

Ida (Rakel Lenora Fløttum) and Ben (Sam Ashraf), who can move objects with his mind, are initially presented as destructive yet harmless rascals, but Ben’s sadism generates strong suspense as his anger, confusion and psychic abilities build.

The final act depicts an intense duel of minds more gripping than most superhero movies. The Innocents also has a gratifying arc of Ida bonding with and supporting her nonverbal autistic (and telepathic) sister Anna (Alva Brynsmo Ramstad).

The Innocents features remarkable performances from its young stars, who stand out amid the simple camerawork and minimal effects and music.

Fløttum is a compelling anchor as a shrewd, powerless girl navigating her friends’ powers.

Ramstad plays Anna with pathos and subtle expressiveness without using disability stereotypes.

Ashraf is downright scary as Ben, and Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim radiates authority as Aisha, who is psychically linked to Anna.

Content warning: this is the second film in as many weeks with an upsetting scene involving a cat.

With shades of a Nordic (and slightly more optimistic) Carrie, The Innocents is an outstanding and disquieting character-driven thriller, and is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au

High standard performance Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s May production was Terence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea. The play is about one day in the lives of Hester Collyer, her husband Judge Willian Collyer, her lover Freddie Page and people from her block of flats.

A well-produced and directed play with a high standard of acting from all the players.

Hester Collyer was given a superb performance by Angela Glennie who caught the finer nuances of the character. Her scenes were excellent, and the audience really felt for her in her dilemmas.

Her husband, High Court Judge William Collyer was given a stunning performance by Phil Lambert. His personality came across as a gentleman es too be expected of the character.

His delivery was good and his scenes with Hester were a delight.

Hester’s lover Freddie Page, was played by Ben Freeland. Hester was known to the other tenants as Mrs Page. Freeland gave an amazing performance as Freddie, an out of work pilot who did not know what the future would hold.

A remarkable interpretation of a man not sure of himself. Freeman caught the character as envisaged.

Mrs Elton, the landlady, was played by Lisa

Kemp’s curtain call Upton. A good performance of the character catching all the fine points of such a role. The neighbours Philip and Ann Welch were given great portrayals as the neighbours who discovered that things weren’t always what they seemed.

Mr Miller, the struck off doctor, was well played by Tim Murphy. He came to Lady Collyer’s aid when most needed and gave a great feel to the role. Ian Frost was Jackie Jackson, a friend of Freddie’s who gave some advice to Freddie but did not wish to become too involved. Frost kept up the standard of the evening adding to the enjoyment of the audience to the production.

A wonderful evening of theatre from Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre and one that makes me realise that you don’t have to go far to see a good theatrical production.

Beautiful parental love book PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN A review of The Love That Grew

by Sarah Ayoub and mimi Purnell The Love That Grew (2022), by Sydneybased author Sarah Ayoub and debut illustrator Mimi Purnell, is the perfect book for growing families everywhere.

Sweet and tender, it conveys and celebrates the love of all parents for their children.

“Let me tell you of a power that can never be tamed, of how I promise to love you all the same. Something so special you must never forget, no matter how big our family may get...” So begins the parent-narrator , whose love grew with each addition to their family.

Love is like magic: ”Just like a spell that has no end, that cannot break and will not bend... The greatest thing there is around, the kind of force that knows no bounds.” Just when we think we cannot reach another peak – when we fear the breaking point is near – once again we are reminded of the heart-expanding love: “Longer than a book of a billion pages, a love that can outlast all ages...

Protective like the toughest shield, with the kind of strength that will never yield.”

Reading these endearing words from the parent-narrator, some may remember that famous poem from Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861): “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Others may recall Sam McBrathey’s Guess How Much I Love You (1994), where a father lovingly whispers to his sleeping son: “I love you all the way to the moon and back.”

As for this reviewer, Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever (1986) surfaced from memory. It tells the story of a little boy going through the stages of childhood and becoming a father himself, when he realises the enduring nature of parental love and how it reaches across generations. A truly heartwarming story, especially when you need a good cry.

And, on this fine autumn day, when this reviewer was reflecting on The Love That Grew while watching a father playing with his daughter on the carpeted floor of a medical clinic, Sandol Stoddard Warburg’s book I Like You (1965) came to mind: “You know how to be silly – that’s why I like you. Boy are you ever silly. I never met anybody sillier than me, til I met you. I like you because you know when it’s time to stop being silly. Maybe day after tomorrow. Maybe never. Too late, it’s a quarter past silly.”

Perhaps this is why The Love That Grew is such a good book – Ayoub’s simple, fun language and not-alwaysperfect rhythms and rhymes have captured the universal sentiment that is our appreciation of parental love, which is indeed “a magic you cannot buy”.

“A love the world cannot undo, made by me and made for you.” As Purnell’s soft-toned yet subtle illustrations demonstrate, parental love remains the pillar of every culture and society, however the definition of “family” may transform and transcend through time.

The Love That Grew is best read by a parent and suitable for children from zero to two years old. Highly recommended.

Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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MAIL 27

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Life is a cabaret

By Callum Ludwig Velveteen Productions are bringing Byron Bay to East Warburton with a Small Hall Gypsy Cabaret at the East Warburton Public Hall on Saturday 28 May, 6.30pm to 11pm.

Andrew Darling and Szara Fox lived and performed in a number of small local halls in Byron Bay previously, with Mr Darling part of a popular band called Fatter Than Nusrat in the early 2000s.

Mr Darling said the pair wanted to see if they could bring down hall gig culture and help it kick off in the Yarra Valley.

“Back then we’d put up some posters and get 350 to 400 people crammed into the hall, dancing like there was no tomorrow,” he said.

“That culture up there was just an incredible scene that united and knitted together the community, and it was something we could do on our own terms.”

The event will be headlined by The Royal High Jinx who recently headlined the Healesville Music Festival as well as Ms Fox and Mr darling’s own gypsy fire-folk band Szara Fox and the Midnight Secrets, spoken word poet and internationally-renowned Ted-Talker Fleassy Malay. The Dinkum Bohos, Saoirse Clover Bellydance and a cabaret fire show from Torryn Draper will also be on show.

Violinist and vocalist of The Royal High Jinks Sarah Palmer said the event will be a party to the end.

“We come out at the very end I think and hopefully we’ll get everybody smiling, grooving, dancing, singing, cheering, just being happy to be alive and celebrating music again,” she said.

“When Andrew contacted us, we were so super excited to be able to be part of this event because small halls really are where a lot of magic happens. Just before the pandemic, we were at the very end of a small hall tour.”

The Royal High Jinks is a four-person act, performing Eastern-Balkan Gypsy Jazz music dressed in suits and corsets and fascinators.

They have released three albums, and have toured festivals throughout Europe, and will be performing many songs from their latest album Murder Motel.

The event is supported by Yarra Ranges Council’s Art Attack Program, which targeted bing events following the ease of Covid-19 re-

Mim Kocher created the Art Walks in Healesville zine to entice residents and visitors to explore Healesville’s public art.

281628 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

New art walk map

By Renee Wood

The Royal High Jinx is headling the Small Hall Gypsy Cabaret in East Warburton. strictions to areas of the Shire getting less traffic for art and performance events, laying the foundations for the use of the “beautiful” East Warburton Public Hall at 410 Woods Point Rd, East Warburton.

Mr Darling and Ms Fox hope the event will be a great opportunity for the community and artists alike.

“We just want a blazingly amazing performance night, all of the performances hit sixes every time. We want to bring the community together, there’s a sense of not just having a good night, but a real celebration of the community itself,” said Mr Darling.

“One of the things that I really enjoy is bringing creative people together so they can start collaborating, their energy grows from just only their performance or art but to bring

Picture: SUPPLIED

it together into a whole unit, which becomes an even bigger, better experience and greater enjoyment of the collective energy,” said Ms Fox. Mr Darling and Ms Fox have a broad vision of boosting local performance opportunities in the Yarra Ranges, with hopes of similar regular events, Ms Fox hoping to start up a fortnightly formal dance night in Healesville and the pair have spoken to YAVA about potential spoken poetry nights or singer-songwriter folk club events.

The event will be catered by Holy Cow Chai from Healesville, who will be providing food and their range of chai teas. It is an alcoholfree event.

Tickets are $11.64 and can be booked at smallhallgig.eventbrite.com.au

Eric Bana and team film in the Yarra Valley

By Renee Wood The team behind the award-winning feature film The Dry are visiting the Yarra Valley for the return of Eric Bana as detective Aaron Falk in the adaption of Jane Harper’s novel Force of Nature.

Shooting has begun in Victoria for the feature film with scenes primarily to be shot in the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs Ranges.

Robert Connolly is returning as writer and director and Mr Bana will be joined by cast members Anna Torv (Mindhunter) as Alice Russell, Deborra-lee Furness (Jindabyne) as Jill Bailey, Robin McLeavy (Homeland) as Lauren, Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat) as Beth, Lucy Ansell (Utopia) as Bree and Jacqueline McKenzie (Romper Stomper) as Federal Agent Carmen Cooper.

Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor is back in the role of Erik Falk, alongside Richard Roxburgh as Daniel Bailey, Tony Briggs as Ian Chase and Kenneth Radley as Sergeant King.

It’s easy to see how the region fits in well with the story line, with Force of Nature focusing on five women who take part in a corporate hiking retreat and only four come out on the other side.

Federal Agents Aaron Falk (Bana) and Carmen Cooper (McKenzie) head deep into the Victorian mountain ranges to investigate in the hopes of finding their whistle-blowing informant, Alice Russell (Torv), alive.

Mr Bana said he’s thrilled and proud to follow up their efforts on The Dry with Force of Nature.

“Jane has once again provided a thrilling story that gives us another chance to showcase 28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

The Force of Nature cast.

Eric Bana was delighted to begin shooting in for the Force of Nature in our dense landscapes.

Pictures: SUPPLIED a unique and incredible Australian landscape,” Mr Bana said.

“Whilst it was always our dream to bring

this story to the big screen, its fate always rested with the Australian cinemagoing public.

Their overwhelming support of The Dry turns this into a reality.”

Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky are producing alongside Bana for Pick Up Truck Pictures and Connolly for Arenamedia. Ricci Swart, Andrew Myer, Robert Patterson, Joel Pearlman and Edwina Waddy are executive producing.

The film has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen and will be entirely shot in Victoria, with the Otaways also chosen as a location.

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon said The Dry was an extraordinary success, reaching number one at the Australian box office and quickly becoming an Australian classic.

“We’re delighted to support this immensely talented team’s return for Force of Nature and deliver an enthralling Australian thriller. Starring some of Australia’s finest actors and set against the striking landscapes of Victoria, this film is set to be another cinematic event.”

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said the Government’s $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy was bringing more productions to regional destinations and creating thousands of jobs.

“From Jane Harper winning the Premier’s Literary Award for The Dry to now having a second Victorian-made feature film in the works – this is a stunning Victorian creative success story that will inject $10 million into the state’s economy and showcase Victoria’s regions to the world,” Mr Pearson said.

Talking a stroll around Healesville you may spot public artworks around town but be unaware of the history behind them.

To help cure the curiosity, sculptor Mim Kocher has now created something that can teach residents and tourists about the art which can be visited by foot.

Ms Kocher established a self-guided ‘Art Walks’ for Healesville, marking out a route with more than eight spots to stop at along the way in a zine.

Art works and galleries feature, including works from artists Clare James, Ali Griffin and Aunty Kim Wandin.

Ms Kocher was successful in receiving an Art Attack Grant from the Yarra Ranges Council to get her idea off the ground.

“During all our lockdowns, I did a lot of walking around Healesville and discovered there’s just so much public art and I thought wouldn’t it be great to have a purpose to your walk and have an art walk?” Ms Kocher said.

The artist spent time investigating the local works and discovering the history behind each of them and the information of each artwork and map has all been laid out in a pocket size booklet.

“It’s lovely to have a quest, you know when you go for a walk sometimes there’s a nice coffee shop at the end, but if you think you could have a quest to find those artworks and read a little bit about them.”

The brochure has distribution points around the area including the YAVA Art Street Library, The Memo and Health Gallery.

It’s hoped this is just the start of what’s to come, with Ms Kocher discovering there are still many other public pieces that can be added to the walk.

“New things happen all the time - like Indigenous artist Nikki Brown has just put up possums in a tree outside Sophie the Cheesemonger - things happen all the time so hopefully, more and more art,” she said.

The Healesville Community Garden is a stop along the way on the zine. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Diving into therapy A Plumed Whistling-Duck who is getting on in years has been given a new lease on life at Healesville Sanctuary, with keepers conducting weekly hydrotherapy sessions.

The 17-year-old bird was observed limping in December. Investigation by the veterinarian team at the Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre found he had injured a ligament in his leg.

Healesville Sanctuary Keeper Dr Jessica Thomas is now overseeing his recovery using hydrotherapy.

“By generating a current through the water, it increases the pressure that the duck must swim into,” Dr Thomas said.

“This means he really has to use his leg and not just float around through the water taking it easy.

“We are already seeing dramatic improvements to his mobility. He is walking well and keeping lots of important muscle tone.

“We have a lifelong commitment to all of our animals here at Healesville Sanctuary, and hydrotherapy has been a wonderful way to maintain that care.”

As this Plumed Whistling-Duck becomes more confident with hydrotherapy, he is also being trained for voluntary medical examinations, which will see him allowing vets to look closely at his leg in a non-intrusive way.

17 years is old for duck and Healesville Sanctuary has a lifelong commitment to caring for all our animals.

Plumed Whistling-Ducks can be found in the northern and eastern tropics of Australia, however their range extends into the Riverina region in New South Wales, as well as northern and western Victoria. This brightly coloured duck is known for making a distinctive whistling call.

Visitors can see Plumed Whistling-Ducks on the Wetlands Track at Healesville Sanctuary.

Zoos Victoria members and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au

Plumed Whistling-duck with age-related leg issues, improves his leg strength and mobility by doing regular hydrotherapy sessions.

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA

Volunteers wanted to help the Helmeted Honeyeater

By Callum Ludwig The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is seeking volunteers for their supplementary feeding and monitoring program at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve for the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater.

This follows the release of 18 of the rare bird species in the Yarra Ranges National Park on Monday 9 May, the only other location with a wild population of the faunal emblem as the species was declared in 1971.

Program Manager for Natural Environment Viv Amenta said volunteers will work alongside DELWP’s conservation experts to protect the iconic bird.

“Volunteers of the helmeted honeyeater feeding program play a crucial role in ensuring the continued survival of one of Victoria’s faunal emblems and unfortunately, one of

Volunteers are needed to help with feeding and monitoring in Yellingbo.

Picture: ANDREW SILCOCKS our state’s most critically endangered species,” she said.

“You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, meet new people and be rewarded by getting to see a rare and critically endangered subspecies in the wild.”

Volunteers would be required to commit to a minimum of one four to seven hour-long rostered shift every two months, with a flexible start time between 8am to 9.30pm. The feeding days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Helmeted Honeyeaters are currently threatened by the declining quality of their habitat in the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, with natural flood cycles no longer occurring due to the need for surrounding farming areas. This has resulted in the dieback of trees, on top of competition from other species and the threat of natural predators.

The birds can be identified by their yellow, black and olive plumage and a distinctive tuft of feathers on their forehead. Volunteers will be helping feed them a diet of arthropods and nectar, manna and honeydew.

Volunteers will require a moderate fit-

ness level, as they will have to traverse rough and sometimes wet and slippery tracks four to seven kilometres at a time, often carrying equipment. This is made all the more important by the fact that volunteers may be working in isolation, which can be dangerous in a critical situation.

There is no public transport access to the reserve, so volunteers must have access to a vehicle. Some paths require a four-wheeldrive or all-wheel-drive vehicle to access, but others do not so all can be accommodated.

Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian, with DELWP unable to provide supervision.

An expression of interest in volunteering can be made at: www.environment.vic.gov. au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-species-fact-sheets/helmeted-honeyeater

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MAIL 29

NEWS

Pet Census arrives

By Callum Ludwig The Victorian Government has identified their plan for the state’s first Pet Census as announced in the 2022/23 budget.

The census hopes to identify and address the key issues and concerns of pet owners in Victoria to help provide adequate support and services.

Saskia Adams, Founder of Forever Friends Animal Rescue in Gladysdale, said she thinks the census data will be useful for animal rescue organisations.

“We will have a better idea of why pet owners sometimes give up on their animals and surrender them to organisations like mine,” she said.

“The more we know about those reasons, the more we might be able to help pet owners and pets stay together if we can provide the support they need.”

The Victorian Government has allocated $613,000 from the budget towards conducting the census, which is hoped to be run online in 2023.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said Victorians love their pets and consider them part of their families.

“We are delivering the state’s first-ever Pet Census to better understand the important role pets play in the lives of Victorians,” she said.

“The Pet Census will help us ensure we’re best supporting our furry friends and their owners with the services they need.”

Pet ownership data is currently held mostly by local governments rather than collected state-wide and has resulted in contentious and unpopular pet management policy such as 24 hour Cat Curfews implemented by Yarra Ranges and Knox Councils.

Ms Adams said an average annual cost of pet ownership would be an interesting calculation to have available.

“It would be a really useful feature for people to consider before they adopt or purchase, not just the initial fee but the ongoing annual costs, which is not even just food but work,” she said.

“The things that could possibly help with exercise and socialisation via doggy daycare, or pet walkers and vet costs. I believe it’s currently well over $1,000 a year for both the dogs and cats, but it would be good if we had more accurate figures.”

The Victorian Government will include a number of questions to help guide future pet and animal welfare reforms, including questions regarding the demographics of Victoria’s pet owners and their pets, general matters relevant to pet health (e.g. diet, exercise etc), the costs and services associated with purchasing and caring for pets and the social and well-being impacts of pet ownership.

Millions of Australian workers will have access to up to 10 days’ of family and domestic violence leave after the Fair Work Commission has decided to adapt modern awards.

Picture: ON FILE

New leave approved

By Tyler Wright

Saskia Adams from FFAR welcomes the Pet Census planned for 2023.

Animal Medicines Australia indicated in the last year, pet ownership rates have increased by eight per cent from 61 per cent at the beginning of 2020 to 69 per cent at the start of 2022.

Ms Adams said she thinks it’s a great idea to increase our understanding of pet ownership with the increasing number of pet owners.

“70 per cent is a huge number of households and I think any challenges pet owners

Picture: ON FILE

have are going to also increase exponentially too and will put more pressure on animal welfare organisations as new owners potentially struggle,” she said.

“The government is realising and very much acknowledging how important pets are to so many Victorians now, in most homes they are considered part of the family. The more information the better for all of us.”

Council Civic Centre opens next week On Monday 30 May, the newly redeveloped Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre opened its doors to community and staff for the first time.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child, said he was excited to welcome the community into the new building.

“The opening of the redeveloped Civic Centre signals an exciting new chapter for Yarra Ranges and our community,” Cr Child said.

“The Civic Centre will be a hub for our community, offering a customer service centre, face to face planning and building services, bookable meeting rooms, new Council chamber with public gallery, casual work pods for community to use, free wifi, children’s corner and an art exhibition space.

“Shortly, outdoor greenspaces will also be available for community to enjoy.

“This new building also provides our community and staff with greater access for all abilities and given its sustainable design, will also significantly reduce our environmental footprint and operating costs.

“It will also enable us to adopt a more modern and efficient working model that will improve the way we deliver quality services to our community.

“Councillors and I are also really excited about the fact that we’ll be able to welcome the 30 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

The Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre is now open. community back for in-person Council meetings from 14 June in our new Council Chamber.

“It’s been more than two years since our last in-person Council meeting with a public gallery, so we look forward to seeing our community being in attendance once again.”

Community members will be able to visit the new Civic Centre via the Anderson St entrance if travelling by vehicle, or also via the Hardy St entrance if on foot or bicycle.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Council’s temporary office in Chapel St will be permanently closed from 5pm Friday 27 May, with all front of house services available from the new Civic Centre from Monday 30 May. Opening hours of the Civic Centre (including community meeting room availability) are 8.30am 5pm Monday-Friday. To book a community meeting space, please call 1300 368 333.

Millions of Australian workers will have their modern awards, which establish employment conditions, adapted to allow them access of up to 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence (FDV) leave each year after a decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission on Monday.

The Commission, during their four yearly review of modern awards, has also consulted government bodies and experts through the Family and Domestic Violence Leave Review which began in 2021.

Erin Foot, Program Manager of Inner and Outer East Family Violence at Anglicare Victoria and The Orange Door, said “any support” employers can provide staff experiencing family violence would be welcomed.

“When in crisis, employees’ lives are significantly impacted, often resulting in an inability to attend work or perform at their usual standards. When people don’t have access to appropriate leave, they continue to try to work so their financial situation is not impacted,” Ms Foot said.

“Access to family violence leave will be a massive support to families across the outer east and wider community. It will provide time and space to ensure safety, to access support services and seek alternate accommodation where needed,” she said.

Since 2015, workers in the Victorian public sector including nurses and teachers have had access to 20 days of paid family violence leave, or unpaid family violence leave for casual employees, with those in the private sector relying on modern awards and other agreements.

Michael Smith, CEO of the Eastern Community Legal Centre, said the decision is a step forward in supporting people impacted by family and domestic violence.

“A lot of people won’t use all that leave, but it gives people options in terms of getting help - whether it’s legal help from us or somebody else, whether it’s housing support or issues around education,” Mr Smith said.

“We’re at the court four days a week supporting people who are seeking to get or respond to an intervention order; we have specialist programs on family violence, and we have general legal help in that area, so we’re always happy to talk to people. And we have a reach right across the eastern region; including out in Lilydale and Healesville as well.”

The Fair Work Commission noted in their decision FDV leave helps individuals ‘maintain their economic security, access relevant services and safely exit to a life free from FDV.’ Under national employment standards, workers have had access to five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave since 2018.

The leave will be paid at the employees’ base rate of pay.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, contact 1800RESPECT or visit their website. mailcommunity.com.au

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Alex Gommers is training to run an ultramarathon, raising money for the Black Dog Institute. 280686 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mr Gommers is running five days a week to prepare for spring. 280686

Alex puts in ultra effort An 100km run is a giant feat for anyone and a Healesville resident is determined to do just that and reach the distance by spring.

Alex Gommers is currently preparing for the Surf Coast Century along the Great Ocean Road scheduled for 17 September.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges for me that I could imagine and envision - to me it transcends what I think I’m capable of,” Mr Gommers said.

The 20 year old has always been quite active, running in a marathon in 2019 and previously in the Defence Force full time.

But the training requirements are certainly

ramping up – running five days a week for an hour and a 25km run each Sunday.

Mr Gommers put the preparation simply – “A lot of running,” he said.

“In the last two months I’ll be running a marathon every Sunday, so it’s a big time commitment.”

While training Mr Gommers is also fundraising, setting a goal of $5000 for the Black Dog Institute.

“They work to help prevent anxiety and depression and I think after Covid that’s been pretty rife among the whole world.

“I thought two birds one stone - do something I’d like to do and do it for a good cause at the same time.”

The Black Dog Institute has been running for 20 years and develops mental health programs, new treatments for depression and is part of world-leading suicide prevention and early intervention strategies.

The institute said one in five of people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year and roughly 60 per cent of these people won’t seek help.

Mr Gommers said he’s gone through his own battles and feels it’s a vital cause to support.

“I just came out of a pretty hard time in my life and that was a charity that I thought aligned, to help people that are going through the same sort of thing.

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JOHN ROBINSON

So many people to thank for your prayers, thoughts, flowers, cards and other gifts given to me and my family.

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“And the fact that so many people have depression or anxiety that if I can do my bit to help some other people that would be great.”

Mr Gommers said he’s finding the challenge to be very fulfilling and enjoyable.

“I was looking for something to really put my mind to and have a pretty big purpose and then that’s what I set my sights on.

“I quite enjoy running, for me it’s just time to relax and clear my head and be fit as well.”

Fundraising events are expected to be held in the lead up to the event.

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SPORT

Emerald Belgrave game promotes women umpires

By Callum Ludwig

Senior coach Chris Murphy addressing the players at quarter time.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Outstanding performance

By Mick Morris Seville met Healesville on a sunny day at Seville with each team placed 1st and 4th on the ladder.

Seville charged out of the blocks and posted their 1st goal within 30 seconds, going on to have a dominant quarter to see them post 8 goals to 0 for the quarter.

Healesville finally got the goal they were looking for 10 minutes into the 2nd quarter and added 2 more for the quarter despite Seville posting 5 goals themselves.

The 3rd quarter was Seville’s best with a dominant display, kicking 9 goals for the quarter.

Healesville had no answer to Seville’s run and carry through half-back and the midfield.

Much of the same in the last quarter with the Seville boys still full of running scoring another 7 goals with Dylan Broadway kicking 4 for the quarter and his 8th for the game.

Seville ran out winners by 148 points. As well as Broadway’s 8 goal haul, Domenic Aloi

Outer East Football Netball in conjunction with the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association hosted a Women in Umpiring Day at the Emerald vs Belgrave games on Saturday 21 May. The day highlighted some of the AFL Outer East’s outstanding female umpires and encourage more women to give umpiring a go, particularly with the game shifting at a professional and community level to create a more hospitable and respectful environment for umpires.

AFL Outer East Head of Umpiring John Howorth said recruitment of new umpires, including female umpires, has been a big positive this season.

“This year we have recruited 54 umpires, which is accumulates to a third of our list’ he said.

“Of that, nine of our new recruits are female, taking our total to 16.”

The Senior match at Emerald’s home ground of Chandler Reserve were umpired by an all-female panel, pink umpire uniforms worn to honour the occasion.

Shannyn Gereg, Veronica Brown and Ella Priestley will offciated the Reserves game, while in the Seniors Sophie Mastaing and Sam Price werethe field umpires, Taylah and Georgia Priestley were joined by Chloe Siddall on the boundary and Amelia Gemmill and Sarah Fishley were behind the goals.

The AFL Umpiring department was in attendance to support and acknowledge the significance of the occasion to the re-

The girls decked out in their pink uniforms for the occasion. gion and umpiring as a whole.

AFL Head of Umpiring, Dan Richardson was joined by Head of Community Umpiring Brenton Sanderson to toss the coin and be apart of the formal proceedings of the day including a post match function in the clubrooms in which Dr Mandy RuddockHudson and well known sports presenter Brad McEwan from ELEVATE Performance and Wellbeing, sharef their experiences of female participation in community sport and how important the ‘Women in umpiring day’ is to the community and female participation in sport.

The AFL Outer East has a track record of supporting young female umpires such as Maddie Lum who has gone on to become an AFLW Boundary Umpire, having umpired 102 games previously in the Yarra Ranges including two grand finals in 2015 and 2016.

She has made 22 AFLW appearances to date.

kicked 5, Nathan O’Keefe 4, Brendan Dickinson 2 and Joshua Weightman 2, with Seville recording 14 individual goalkickers Next week Seville travels to Belgrave for their 2nd meeting of the season.

Reserves scores Seville 10-5-65 Healesville 10-8-68

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Senior Women’s Football Seville 1-0-6 Healesville 15-24-114

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U/18’s Seville 5-3-33 Warburton-Millgrove 20-13-133

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U/17’s Netball Seville 71 Healesville 2

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AFL Head of Umpiring Dan Richardson and YRUA President Peter Dixon having a chat with the girls pre-game.

Pictures: MEGAN WAUGH

All the results from Warburton Golf Club

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 18 May, Stableford: History is being made before your very eyes folks! Some years ago, many golf clubs changed to mixed competitions, involving ALL results on the day being both Men and Ladies’ results. This week, at Warburton, for the first time, our Wednesday winner AND our runner-up were both of the female variety! Lynda Dickson came out on top, with 40 magnificent points, no mean feat as she and her husband are preparing to head north very soon, for their Winter respite! And, so it came to pass that the runer-up on this day was none other than Michelle Jordan, with a solid 36 points. Great mailcommunity.com.au

work girls! On a tough day weather-wise, balls got all the way down to 30! NTPs were taken out by “Old-Man-River” Hubbard, (on both the 3rd and the 15th, another who just gets better as he gets older), David Murch (5th), Your Loyal Scribe (9th) and Alan McDonald (12th).

The Ladies’ B-Grade Championships are now complete. No scores are available at this stage, but winners are: Lynda Dickson (Open champion by a healthy margin!), and Ineke DeGraaf snared the runner-up trophy in the Open. Our Nett Champion is Sue Barratt, ( clearly with bragging rights for the rest of the year in that household!) and finally, the Nett runner-up is Michelle Jordan, clearly due to

her fine result in the last Round. Hearty congratulations to all trophy winners!

Saturday 21 May, Stroke and 4-Person Ambrose: As at the time of writing this, the election results are not fully known, folks, but I DO know the results of this Ambrose comp! And, it was NOT a close result, too! So avoiding a ‘hung parliament’ result, the team of Ben and David Lever, Troy Murphy and Ryan Smith, took out the top honours, posting a very impressive 49.87. The runner-up team was Richard Clifton, Tyson Freeman, Paul Jefimenko and Jason Kilby, with a score of 52.12. Balls extended to 59.25. There were no NTP results posted!

Warburton Golf Club had female winners over both days for the first time.

Picture: ON FILE Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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SPORT

Tough game on the court

By David Ball With the footballers having the bye, the netball girls headed off to Berwick to take on one of the stronger combinations in Division 1. A grade welcomed back premiership coach and team of the decade goalkeeper, Peta Fay, but despite her stoic defensive work, Yarra Glen was beaten 50-22. Berwick was consistent throughout the 4 quarter and was just too good on the day. Best for Yarra Glen was the experienced Meaghan Carter and Chelsea Birchall, along with Georgie Gough.

B Grade struggled to control the quick ball movement and excellent goal conversion of the ladder leaders and went down 77-33. The best players for Yarra Glen were Ashley Shanks, Melissa Hutton and Tammie Milbourne.

C Grade took on 2nd placed Berwick and came out competing hard to be only 2 goals down at halftime. In the second half, Berwick lifted their work rate and took control of the game to run out 37-21 winners. Best for Yarra Glen was the mother-daughter combo of Michel Young and Laren Bull (12 goals) along with teenager Jasmin Wood.

D Grade started well to take an 8-7 lead at quarter time. Berwick showed why they are the grade’s top team and powered away to win 5319. Best for Yarra Glen were Sarah Orlandi (14 goals), Kim Christian and Sam Chetcuti.

Next week Yarra Glen returns to play at home to take on Emerald.

Yarra Glen’s netballers took on Berwick while footballers had a bye.

Picture: ON FILE

Yarra Junction women show a great team effort

By Stacey Davis Our women’s football team took on Monbulk on Saturday in a twilight match at Monbulk.

Emily Spicer kicked the first goal of the match and from that point, we controlled the game.

Jess Laidlaw dominated all over the ground, Jade Mewburn in the middle and forward, Adele Ormsby on the backline, Emily Spicer forward and back, and Sarah Wilcox on the wing were the best players.

Everyone contributed to a great team effort as we won 6.6.42 to 0.0.0.

Our netballers travelled over to Yea at the weekend – with all four of our sides able to take the court.

D grade took on Powelltown while A, B, and C grade played Yea. D grade played Powelltown who are sitting

comfortably on top of the ladder – not the result that we wanted however the team started off well and were able to improve on their goals scared compared to last time.

Caitlyn Woolley was a stand-out with her high work rate in goals.

C grade was up next and they had a lot of player changes this week, the girls started off slow and were unfortunately unable to catch up going down by 11 goals.

Renee Beaumont had a great game working hard to bring the ball down the court and moving well in the goal circle.

B grade took the court with a few new combinations. t was a tight game from start to finish, the team adapted well to the new combos and worked hard defending down the whole court, they pushed through to record their first win of the season 28-25.

Teagan Eagle contributed with 12 goals with Charlee Robinson best on for the day.

A grade up next for the last match of the day.

They won 3 out of the 4 quarters on the weekend, having a great first half which saw them up at halftime 31-19.

Yea came back in the second half but strong defence over the entire court with lots of voice saw our girls run out eventual winners 51- 43.

Jess Ellwood had an accurate day under the post, shooting 40 goals and Jodi Terry was awarded best on.

Next week, all Yarra Junction sides will be back in action, taking on local rivals Powelltown away.

Yarra Junction netballers in action at Yea. Picture: SUPPLIED

Yarra Valley Soccer Club farewell two great club stars

By Steve Fleming The Yarra Valley Soccer Club sadly farewelled two of their members this week as they travelled home to Vanuatu.

Fred Talo and Apia Samuel played for YVSC while they worked in the region and their positivity, style and enthusiasm for the game will be missed by everyone at the club; as will the wonderful supporter squad that cheered their every touch. The club hopes they will return next year to don the boots and represent the Valley once again. One of the club’s other star recruits from Vanuatu, Winjo Williams, will continue to bring his exciting brand of play in the Valley colours until July when he also returns home. The club has loved having these members as part of their soccer community and looks forward to welcoming them back next season. In results news, wins were thin on the ground for YVSC with the Premier Reserves beating Mooroolbark 3-0 and the YVSC ‘Thunderthirds’ Beating BNFC 2-1.

The YVSC Premier team played away and lost to Mooroolbark, 2-3 in a tightly contested match. The Women’s team travelled away to Monbulk and were beaten 4-0.

In the Juniors, the U15’s also played away but were unable to score against a resolute Blackburn defence. Blackburn capitalised on their defensive prowess by scoring 4 goals at the other end. The U13’s played Marroondah at home and were unlucky not to score on a number of forward ventures. The final score38 MAIL

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

Fred Talo in action at Millgrove. line of 2-3 in favour of Maroondah didn’t reflect the effort and enthusiasm of the YVSC team.

A win is surely around the corner. Finally, the Under 10’s hosted Waverly City at Millgrove in a 5-0 loss to the YVSC Dragons.

The young team, in only their third game playing together, began to threaten the opposition goal and look set to score their first goal soon.

Fred Talo and Apia Samuel are departing YVSC as they head home to Vanuatu.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

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MAIL 39

Treat any suspect fruit with eggs or larvae using heat (boiling or microwaving) or freezing (until frozen solid). Then bag and bin.

Together we can prevent Queensland Fruit Fly in the Yarra Valley, and we can protect fruit.

Queensland Fruit Fly can travel to the Yarra Valley hidden inside infested fruit. Don’t bring fruit into the region from fruit fly areas. Eat it or cook it first.

QFF are 8mm long. They have yellow shoulder pads & two yellow stripes on their back.

Use traps in your garden to detect Queensland Fruit Fly early. Report any suspect flies.

Queensland Fruit Fly Images from: CSIRO & SITPlus project, IAEA

Harvest ALL the fruit in your garden & pick up any fallen fruit. Protect fruit with insect netting if QFF are in your area.

Fruit fly traps can target either male or female fruit flies. It’s good to use both types of trap in your garden.

Fruit fly traps need fresh lures installed inside them about every three months—check the label.

Spring is a good time to start. Check traps weekly and record results.

Report suspect flies or fruit to the Yarra Valley QFF Co-ordinator. Help is available in the Yarra Valley. Notify your neighbours too.

This project is funded by the Managing Fruit Fly in Victoria State-wide Action Plan Proudly supported by

TEXT (with photos if possible) 0490381999 or Email: qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com

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Tuesday, 24 May, 2022

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