Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 21st June 2022

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Mail

Council welcomes kinder reforms

Upgrades to come for Cement Creek Rd Bridge

Arborists warn of ongoing storm damage

Tribute to Doctor Patricia Ellis

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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The old IGA site remains cordoned off.

Picture: RENEE WOOD

Fire crime scene Police are investigating the suspicious fire of the unoccupied old Warburton IGA building which occured last week.

The building was destroyed after a fire ripped through the former supermarket at about 1.44am the morning of Tuesday 14 June.

Seven CFA vehicles and volunteer firefighter crews responded, supported by Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria. No one was injured in the incident.

The arson chemist visited the scene during

the afternoon and a Victoria Police spokesperson said the fire was being treated as suspicious and will be investigated by Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit “The investigation is ongoing,” they said.

Warburton CFA Lieutenant Ron McIntosh said the building was pretty much completely burned to the ground.

“It’s gone, completely gone. We had one bad thing [in losing the old IGA building] but we also had one really good thing, we had a fantastic win in the fact that the adjoining Warburton Pharmacy we managed to save completely bar a little electrical damage on

the outside of the building,” he said.

“We only just got back to the station just before 10am to get the trucks ready to go out again.”

Warburton Pharmacy could easily have been another casualty of the fire but only suffered minor electrical damage and scorch marks and was without power for most of that day.

Proprietor of the Warburton Pharmacy Hamish Lou said he found out about the fire on his drive to work that day.

“I got there at about 8.30am and was briefed on the situation,” he said.

“It was upsetting because we had lost power and didn’t have it for that day, which just messes everything up.”

Mr Lou said he was pretty calm and focused on getting the pharmacy up and running again, but was grateful for the CFA’s efforts.

“We just had to try to get started as soon as possible and we had a generator going and everything,” he said.

“I’m incredibly grateful that the pharmacy is still here, it’s a miracle and I’m just really grateful for what CFA crews have done, they did an amazing job.”

Continued page 2 12553023-HC23-22

By Callum Ludwig

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NEWS

Snow causes road chaos

By Callum Ludwig Queen’s Birthday Weekend and solid snowfall on Mt Donna Buang aligned to create the perfect storm of traffic and frustration.

Visitors from near and far complained about the traffic on social media about the incredibly long wait to get up the mountain, with some snow-goers waiting over one and a half hours.

One such visitor was Tony Puryer who said his family tried multiple times over his longweekend stay in Warburton to make it up the mountain.

“We intended to go up the mountain on Saturday, about lunchtime, and the traffic was horrible, we just saw a long line of cars and didn’t know how long the queue was as we hadn’t been there before, so just did a difficult U-turn and headed home,” he said.

“We went up what we thought was early on Sunday morning, leaving at about 8.30 and did get further up than on Saturday, but after 20 minutes of waiting in the car I took my daughters and walked 600 metres up and found some snow on the side of the road to play in.”

A one-up, one-down process was in operation in the car parks on Mt Donna Buang, with visitors only allowed to park as another left.

Mr Puryer said he hopes there is a way to figure out a system so people aren’t turned away.

“Maybe the expected wait times would be a good start, or a booking system for days predicted to have large crowds where people are allowed up for a certain period of time,” he said.

“They have to be careful about turning people away because it’s such a good asset for Warburton and the Yarra Valley, and from a trader’s point of view, they would be thinking if they come into town, they’re going to spend money.”

The bottom car park was full of cars queuing on Monday 13 June.

The Yarra Ranges Eyewatch page said on Sunday 12 June that visitors could expect lengthy travel times.

“If you are heading to Mt Donna Buang this

arvo, expect your travel time up the hill to be well over an hour. Traffic is banked up a long way from any snow and the car parks.”

Parks Victoria manages Mt Donna Buang

Picture: TONY PURYER and will continue to work with partner agencies to manage visitation to Mount Donna Buang throughout the snow season, though they no jurisdiction over the roads.

Small acts make a big impact.

Not all cardboard can be recycled. Putting coated cardboard like ice cream cartons and takeaway drink cups in general rubbish means they don’t mess up the recycling process.

Find your small act today at sustainability.vic.gov.au/small-acts-big-impact Surrounding buildings avoided serious damage, including the Warburton Pharmacy.

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Did you see anything?

From page 1 Owner of the Warburton IGA Shane Wyles, whose current building is across the street from the old one, said he was in shock at the news.

“I’ve spoken with the owner of the pharmacy building and been across to the site and looked at it from the outside, and it was a bit distressing,” he said.

“The building is totally gutted and only the front facade appears to still be in place.”

Lieut. McIntosh said Warburton residents and business owners should remain vigilant.

“Think about who’s around the area and get security cameras. Hopefully, they’ll get something off the security cameras that are around the streets at the moment and figure out how it happened,” he said.

“Just be vigilant about people around and then if they look suspicious, ring the

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

An arson chemist attended the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. police and get them to come and pay them a little visit.”

Police are seeking any dash cam footage or any person who witnessed anyone in the area at the time to contact Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit on 9739 2401.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

State kinder plan

By Tyler Wright

Winter fire risk

The Victorian Government has announced it will build 50 new childcare facilities state-wide after Victorian University’s Mitchell Institute labelled suburbs such as Olinda, Sassafras, Silvan and Monbulk, ‘childcare deserts’.

Picture: ON FILE Sassafras, Ferny Creek, Monbulk and Silvan are all classified as childcare deserts after the research gathered information on how many centre-based childcare places were available across the country and where they were located.

The institute compared the supply to the potential demand, determining how many children live in each neighbourhood.

“The research clearly shows that the most access to childcare is found in wealthy electorates and electorates that cover the CBD areas of major cities. These are also the electorates with the highest childcare fees indicating that providers are attracted to areas where they can charge higher fees and parents have capacity to pay,” educational policy fellow at the Mitchell Institute Hannah Matthews told the Star Mail in May. “From a child development perspective, access to high quality early learning assists the most disadvantaged children in catching up so they do not start school developmentally vulnerable. This is particularly important in Casey where one in five children start school

behind,” Ms Matthews said.

Where possible, the 50 government-owned centres, first opening from 2025, will be colocated with schools to avoid the double-drop off, and alongside hospitals, TAFEs and major employers to create convenient access for working parents.

“Affordable and accessible childcare is vital to giving women more options – meaning they have more economic power and driving gender equality across every aspect of work and life,” VIctorian Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said.

The centres will be located in areas with the greatest unmet demand and informed by the ‘childcare deserts’ work from the Mitchell Institute, but the Star Mail is yet to receive confirmation where, or if, the centres will be built in the Yarra Ranges.

You can find information on the Mitchell Institute research here: https://www.vu.edu. au/mitchell-institute/early-learning/childcare-deserts-oases-how-accessible-is-childcare-in-australia

State enters high-risk road death period As Victoria enters one of the highest risk periods for death and injury on the roads, police have issued a critical road safety alert.

It comes after four lives were lost across the state, one of those being a fatal collision in nearby Buxton, in the 48 hours leading up to Friday 16 June.

Eighteen lives were lost in just two weeks this time last year and police are concerned about a repeat, especially as winter weather reduces visibility and creates hazardous driving conditions.

Distraction and speed were last year cited as the most common underlying factors in fatal crashes during the period of concern, spanning from 19 June to 4 July.

Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said now is not the time to be complacent when getting behind the wheel.

“Slowing down, remaining alert and being extra cautious when roads are wet

Victoria Police are urging drivers to be alert over the coming weeks as the state enters a high risk period.

Picture: ON FILE or visibility is affected are simple but lifesaving measures all motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users,” he said.

“Police will remain highly visible and on the lookout for any risky driver behaviour.

We are determined to do everything we can

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to ensure this period does not become synonymous with road trauma.”

For a third of the collisions during the two week period, speed was a factor, while a quarter involved pedestrians with poor visibility the main contributor.

Police also suspect fatigue and distraction were involved in these fatal collisions, with some drivers drifting on to the wrong side of the road and colliding with trees or other vehicles.

The road death toll this year has already reached 113, 18 deaths higher than this time last year.

It also follows the statewide road policing operation over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend which detected more than 5000 traffic offences.

Police will remain highly visible across the state’s roads as the school holiday period kicks off next week.

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CFA was notified of reports of a shed fire on Carroll Avenue, Millgrove at about 4.13pm on Wednesday 15 June, which potentially threatened the house on the same property.

The scene was declared under control at 4.35pm, and the fire was stopped from spreading to the house.

Five CFA vehicles attended from the Wesburn-Millgrove and Warburton brigades.

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Data from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) reveals Autumn and Winter are the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, due in part to the increased use of home heating.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said home heating includes open fires, wood heaters, fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, and portable electrical, gas, or kerosene heaters.

“More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms or lounge rooms,” said A/ CO Cook.

“Many of these fires are found to be caused by heating systems, appliances, and equipment.

Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended and heater should be turned off and fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room.

Gas heaters should be professionally serviced every two years.

Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Michelle Young said while the dangers of fire are very real, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself, your family and your home.

“Poorly maintained gas fires can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning and we have seen tragic consequences of this in the past,” deputy commissioner Young said.

“Another dangerous, yet common mistake people make is drying clothes too close to heaters and fireplaces. Clothes should be kept at least one metre from the heat source.”

New laws for equality The Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Act 2021 passed by the Victorian Government on 3 December 2021 is being enforced as of Tuesday 14 June.

Religious organisations and schools will no longer be able to sack or refuse to hire people based on protected attributes such as sexuality, gender identity or marital status.

Religious organisations and schools will only be able to make employment decisions based on an employee’s religious beliefs where these are inherent to the job such as a religious studies teacher, and the discrimination is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.

The legislation will not impact how religious bodies can select priests, ministers, religious leaders or their members.

Further provisions of the Act to commence in December 2022 include ensuring that religious organisations that receive government funding to provide services will not be able to refuse to provide them to people based on protected attributes.

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Yarra Ranges Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s plan to make three and your year old kinder free across the state from next year.

On Thursday 16 June, the State Government announced the expansion of the ‘Best Start, Best Life’ program which will also see the establishment of 50 government operated childcare centres from 2025 and a new year of Pre-Prep for four year olds.

Yarra Ranges Council told the Star Mail it owns 41 Early Years Facilities including the Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre, but most child care or long day care services are undertaken by private providers.

“The management of the majority of the facilities are managed by Community Committees of Management or Early Years Managers, whom all provide outstanding kindergarten programs across the municipality,” Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Communities Jane Price said.

This comes after analysis from Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute released in May found the federal electorate of Casey was a ‘childcare desert,’ with almost four children aged four and under vying for every childcare spot - but the Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities said the council’s current population projections do not indicate a high demand for additional early years services.

“Further investigation may be required to gain a better understanding of the current supply and demand following the recent Victorian Government announcement,” Ms Price said.

Casey was also labelled the electorate with the lowest access to childcare Victoria-wide despite 5350 families using childcare services in the area.

In an interactive map produced by the Mitchell Institute, Mount Dandenong, Olinda,

Millgrove shed fire

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

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Bridge to see upgrades

By Callum Ludwig At the first in-person Yarra Ranges Council meeting for over two years, councillors discussed works to upgrade the Cement Creek Rd Bridge that provides access to the stunning Redwood Forest in East Warburton.

The works are being completed as part of the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program and Bridges Renewal program and $2.6 million granted by the Victorian Government in January 2022, and are set to be delivered by Yarra Ranges Council. Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said that the topic of the bridge works is very dear to his heart.

“The bridge is the crucial link to the Redwood Forest in East Warburton, a site that is very fond among those from Metropolitan Melbourne that come and visit on a regular basis and locals as well,” he said.

“It’s become so popular that there isn’t even a sign out there that advertises the place, all shared through word of mouth and social media.”

Yarra Ranges Council is set to to increase the road limit of the bridge, include a pedestrian accessway and conduct resurfacing between the bridge and the entrance to Redwoods Forest Mr Child said it reached a stage a couple of years ago where the parking and traffic jams became horrendous.

“This will strengthen the bridge for the significant investment from Parks Victoria and the State Government, to install toilet facilities and other amenities out there and additional works to the car park as well,” he said.

“What really warms my heart is that it’s not costing Council anything, we know how to deliver projects and that’s the important part about this particular project which we will deliver on behalf of the stakeholders. It’s a wonderful outcome for our community and to our visitors to the Upper Yarra and the Redwood Forest.”

Steeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar

A view of the bridge over the Yarra River. 285905 seconded the motion. Mr Fullagar said it will be very opportune to fix the bridge with the expansion going on at Redwood Forest.

“For me, it’s all about safety as well, separating the pedestrians from the traffic so I think that’s a great addition to this particular bridge,” he said.

“And it’s awesome that we aren’t having to fund much of it.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Funding for the upgrades at Redwood Forest is coming from $2.3 million from the Victorian Government’s $46 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund and a further $300,000 from the Victorian Government as well as $300,000 from Melbourne Water, collected through the waterways and drainage charge.

On top of the works conducted by Yarra Ranges Council, Parks Victoria is adding around 200 new carparking spaces, constructing an accessible public toilet facility, a visitor weather shelter and provision of utilities, formalising 3.8 km of existing trails to create a signed walking trail network and installing a visitor safety gate.

Melbourne Water is also going to be responsible for the creation of boardwalks and viewing areas along Cement Creek for accessibility and environmental protection and fencing and revegetation along the creek and riverbank.

The current bridge on Cement Creek Rd towards the Redwood Forest is narrow. 285905 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The view of the Yarra River from the bridge at Cement Creek Rd. 285905

The windy Cement Creek Rd towards the Redwood Forest. 285905

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For more information about child safety on-farm, please visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/children-farms

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Violi officially sworn in

By Mikayla van Loon Aaron Violi was officially declared as the Federal member for the Casey electorate last week, with a ceremony held at the Australian Electoral Commission’s facility in Ferntree Gully.

The declaration of the poll ascertains that a candidate received the majority of the vote during the election.

Due to the closeness of this year’s election process, with Mr Violi falling briefly to Labor candidate Bill Brindle in the early stages of the count, AEC Divisional Returning Officer for Casey, Kessy Zhang could only declare the election result on Friday 17 June.

While all candidates were invited to attend the event, independent candidate Claire Ferres Miles was the only one to make an appearance.

Mr Violi said it was very humbling to officially be declared as the Member for Casey, surrounded by supporters and his family.

“It’s just an amazing honour and privilege to be able to represent my home but it also comes with a deep sense of understanding and responsibility for what being a Member of Casey means. I’m representing our communities and that involves fighting for them,” he said.

Ms Ferres Miles said she decided to attend the declaration because she felt if “you choose to participate in the electoral process, you should participate in the whole thing.”

“This is the final step in the declaration and I think it’s also a great opportunity to thank the Electoral Commission staff. They’ve done an extraordinary job,” she said.

Now the election is over, Ms Ferres Miles said the Voices of Casey movement would reignite to engage regularly with Mr Violi on what the community would like to see.

“The important part of the independent movement and Voices of Casey is constantly

Mr Violi was able to meet with members of the community who attended the declaration.

Casey MP Aaron Violi and AEC Casey Divisional Returning Officer Kessy Zhang were pleased to announce the official declaration of the poll on Friday 17 June.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON checking in with the community about what’s important to them and then feeding that information to the elected representatives.

“Representation is not just an election it continues.”

Although he hadn’t yet been declared as the MP, Mr Violi said since the election he has been making an effort to visit groups and organisations in the division to understand the broad array of challenges facing the uniquely different areas.

“We’ve got a lot of challenges locally and nationally, and I’ll be working really hard to make sure our voice here in Casey is heard in Canberra with the new government,” he said.

Some of Mr Violi’s key areas of focus will be on supporting small business, community

groups and the tourism sector in parliament.

His first priority, however, will be securing funds for the Lilydale Youth Hub, a pledge Mr Violi made during his campaign if he and the Liberal government were elected.

“My first priority is to really fight for the commitments I made in the campaign.

“I made those commitments because the communities in Casey were telling me that’s what they wanted and they’re all going to be key priorities but the Lilydale Youth Hub commitment of $3.5 million is urgent. “[That] extends the program for another three years and that the funding runs out in December this year. It’s a vital service for Casey, particularly after the pandemic.”

Mr Violi said he would be lobbying and ad-

vocating for this funding to be a priority of the Labor government and the federal ministers that hold those portfolios.

Having had almost four weeks to come to terms with the result of the election, Mr Violi said he is still trying to live in the moment and soak in what has happened.

“I think sometimes in life, we can keep moving forward on to the next goal without taking a moment to really soak in what’s happened and for me, it’s important to take a moment and understand this is a huge honour.”

Working towards this for quite some time, Mr Violi said he has been reflecting on the last six months throughout his campaign and has been preparing for his Federal parliament debut.

“I can’t put it into words…is probably the summary because it’s part of what I have worked for but I haven’t worked towards this goal for myself.

“It’s for what I believe passionately that I can bring to the parliament on behalf of the residents of Casey and that’s what I’m really excited about, bringing that local connection, that business experience to Canberra.”

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Members of the community and supporter of Mr Violi’s campaign were at the event on Friday to offer their congratulations.

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Park welcomes support

By Callum Ludwig One of the Yarra Ranges most popular destinations for holidaymakers is set to receive a further upgrade, with new facilities coming to the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville. $100,000 from the Enabling Tourism Fund has been provided by the Victorian Government, to add to the park’s own contributions, towards the feasibility of a new aquatic centre, outdoor play areas, mountain bike and walking trails, three-bedroom laketop cabins and more other accommodation.

General Manager for the Park Lane Group Joshua Hellings said there is so much demand for tourism in the Yarra Ranges region.

“We’re looking to make sure that we can cater to as many people as possible, and these fantastic new facilities will make sure they have a fantastic time while they are here,” he said.

“We’re working with an award-winning sustainability builder in Breathe Architecture to ensure whatever we do is going to complement the environment and complement the aesthetics of the property, while making sure that they are as functional and as good as possible.”

Local Wurundjeri elders are also set to be consulted for opportunities to develop options to share learnings of the culture, language and history of Country they are visiting.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said it’s important to be bringing back tourism to our regions after the last couple of years.

“The Enabling Tourism Fund is a specific fund to help tourism operators look at plans and business cases and make sure the ideas that they’ve got are workable and can be converted into a better outcome for the visitor economy,” he said.

(L-R) CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism Simon O’Callaghan, Minister for Tourism Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula and General Manager Joshua Hellings.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG “Anything that we can provide to assist that process means that the Big4 can have a really good look at what extra offerings they can make and make this well-used facility even more popular.”

The potential projects are expected to create 11 full-time jobs and boost overnight stays by about 9000 nights per year.

Mr Hellings said the project will help the park to utilise more of their 66 acres of property.

“We’ve got about six MCG sites of land and currently we’re only covering about a third of the block. This will help us get into a bit more of what we’ve got access to,” he said.

“Beyond this, we’ve got some further plans in the long run down the track, we’re really excited to take a loose concept plan and create a firm plan that we can really build.”

Brothers and General Managers at the Park Lane Group Joshua (left) and Luke (right) Hellings with a new tram accommodation project in the works.

The reception of the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park.

Push to stop proposed bus route changes The proposed changes to the Yarra Valley bus service will see routes merge and regional lines be cut short.

Speaking in Parliament, State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish called for the Minister to abandon his plans to alter the bus routes in the Yarra Valley which extend into the Murrindindi shire. The proposed changes will abolish route 687, merge route 686 into route 685 and significantly cut short route 684.

“These cuts and changes are deeply unpopular in the communities they serve.

Passengers like their bus travel. They appreciate the assistance of the bus drivers and like the comfort and safety buses provide,” Ms McLeish said.

“I have heard from many concerned locals who say they don’t feel safe on trains and will not be able to manage their luggage or easily navigate connecting trains and trams.”

“Regional residents tell me they feel ripped off and are being treated as unworthy of receiving the same level of services as those in Metropolitan Melbourne despite paying taxes and the same fares for service.”

Despite community uproar, submitted complaints, media coverage and Ms McLeish’s e-petition with 497 signatures tabled in parliament, the Public Transport Victoria website still reports final changes

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish is urging the government to stop proposed changes to the Yarra Valley bus network.

Picture: SUPPLIED to the Yarra Valley bus network will be introduced in late 2022.

“Cancelling this direct service will severely impact these communities. This is why I asked the Minister not to disenfranchise all of those bus passengers. Ditch the plans to abandon these routes,” Ms McLeish concludes.

Under Parliamentary guidelines the Minister has 30 days to respond to Ms McLeish’s request.

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Cash boost for cellar door

By Renee Wood From a cellar door that started from a tin shed to a multi-million dollar tourist attraction, Helen & Joey Estate is a step closer to fulfilling its dream expansion.

The estate has welcomed $3.5 million dollars from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to go towards the Spring Lane, Gruyere winery’s development.

Construction is currently underway for the project that will see a 16 room boutique accommodation, 110 seat restaurant, event and conference spaces and inviting landscape designs.

The plans have been in the making since 2015 and the pandemic brought many sleepless nights for the business owners, not knowing how it will come to fruition while losing general trade.

“For the last two years, as everyone is saying we suffered a lot as a business and there were so many nights we lost a lot of sleep because we didn’t know what was going to end up,” Owner Helen Xu said.

Ms Xu said as a new migrant to Australia, this has always been a dream for herself and husband Joey to build a business like this and they were overwhelmed when they heard of the government’s support.

“You need to plunge yourself into this society and find a gate into this Australian community and to start a business like this is one on the best way,” Ms Xu said.

Ms Xu said the jobs will be doubled once the establishment is operating and further opportunities will be supported during the construction.

It’s a 20 million dollar project that’s hoping to draw in 40,000 visitors annually with international tourism a target market.

“We’re going to focus it quite heavily on overseas promotions to try to get more visitors to here, whether it’s from Europe, or the States or even from Southeast Asian,” Ms Xu said.

Sales and Marketing manager Stephen

The new facilities are currently underway with competition expected by the end of 2023.

Tourism minister Martin Pakula with winery owner Helen Xu in front of the hotel accommodation.

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

The boutique accommodation will be three floors delivering 16 rooms.

Powell said the new facilities will look to target off-peak times.

“A big part of it is general tourism but also really feeding a lot into midweek tourism as well around business, so it’s set up to really be fantastic for micro conferencing,” Mr Powell said.

Integration through to the whole farm experience with the orchard and the grape vines will also be on the cards, with landscaping works building a walking trail and decking overlooking water on the cards.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

“The business is about 40 per cent of what

Martin Pakula and Stephen Powell spoke to guests about the project.

it used to be, but there’s a cash flow projection hold and this is where the department and the regional tourism investment fund has really come through and actually got us over the hump and start talking to us about a timeline of completion,” Mr Powell said.

Minister for Tourism Martin Pakula made the announcement and said it’s it will be a major boost to the Yarra Valley economy.

“It’s been a long time in the making Covid obviously had an impact on the timing and there is still a lot of work to be done over the next couple of years but I’m hopeful that the support in the state government will help bring this vision to fruition,” Mr Parkula said.

Funding to create pick, cook, preserve tourist offering

By Callum Ludwig Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods (YVGF) in Seville has been producing some of the Upper Yarra’s finest preserves and is set to take on the next stage of its success with support from the Victorian Government. $240,000 from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund has been granted for YVGF to provide tourism opportunities such as transforming one of their kitchens into a space for visitors to pick produce,come inside for a cooking class and make their own products and to create an art gallery and outdoor decked area.

Owner of YVGF Jacqui Harvey said the project is all about authenticity.

“Our core values are about creating premium condiments using the best local and Australian produce so where we can grow our own or use as much local produce as we can, we absolutely will do that,” she said.

“We don’t apologise for an expensive price point because we’re utilising Australian produce, and that takes priority over ingredients we can’t source.”

The Yarra Ranges is already an incredibly strong tourist destination, providing 6500 jobs and enticing approximately 5.9 million domestic and international overnight visitors pre-Covid in 2019, which brings in up-

YVGF Owner Jacqui Harvey with some of her team while they are hard at work in the kitchen.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG wards of $772 million each year.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said it is wonderful to have both the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and the Enabling Tourism Fund to enhance the tourism offering in the Yarra Valley.

“It’s been a great pleasure to be in the Valley today, and to be able to announce sup-

port for three projects in the region,” he said.

“I’ve got no doubt it will mean more tourists, more yield for the region, more visitation generally, and a better experience for those that do so thanks to your vision Jacqui.”

Despite the Yarra Valley’s reputation for its wineries, the food industry also attracted 825,000 visitors in 2019 to epicurean activi-

ties, with upgrades like those at YVGF hopefully set to encourage them to stay longer and try more.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said YVGF is a real hidden gem.

“We drive past this place every day, and when you come in to see what’s happening, the enthusiasm of Jacqui and her team is absolutely amazing,” he said.

CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism Simon O’Callaghan said he wanted to congratulate Jacqui and that the fund is an acceleration opportunity for businesses to help them get where they want to be.

“People don’t realise how hard it is to generate working capital to invest back in as Jacqui has on her own, and I think she will now see the fruits of her labour. We really look forward to seeing how that evolves into a tourism experience for the Warburton Valley which really needs more of them,” he said.

The project will expand YVGF’s production space, and create accessible walkways, a loading bay, increased parking and a guided epicurean tour.

Ms Harvey said she had the epiphany to start YVGF in a meeting with Yarra Ranges Tourism.

“They said it’s not just about people coming up to visit wineries anymore, people want

Healesville CoRE’s Free Community Renewable Energy Roadshow is almost here!

Not long now, don’t forget to register for Healesville CoRE’s FREE community event on the 23rd June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Healesville 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 12554636-SG25-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 7

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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NEWS

Trees still affected

By Tyler Wright Tree removalists in the Yarra Valley are anticipating residents will see the ramifications of last year’s June storm for years to come.

Ranges Tree Services, a small family-run businesses servicing areas from the Dandenong Ranges to Geelong and Torquay, completed about 40 emergency jobs removing trees off houses and assets after some 373 hectares of the Dandenong Ranges were impacted with fallen trees due to the event.

“If you have five standard trees and four of them come down, you’ve left that one tree in the open which has got major exposure now, so you’ve got to really assess what could potentially happen after that,” arborist Harley Sanderson said.

“The wind came from southeast - we hardly ever get severe weather from the southeast, it’s usually southwesterly - and by doing that, it had funneled up all the channels and hit all those major 200 plus year old trees that never really cop the wind from that side... that’s why the severity of the storm was so big,” sub-contractor Aiden Pace added.

Aiden was also on deployment for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in the Dandenongs for two and a half weeks after the storm, witnessing the damage first hand.

“Our priority was to clear all main roads and get access to emergency houses that were really impacted, as well as trying to find residents that were still unaccounted for; the damage we saw was pretty catastrophic in the sense you’d have an area of 50 metres and there’d be 50 trees all on top of each other - I came across a few cars [that were] crushed,” Aiden said.

According to Yarra Ranges Council, the cost of removing, processing and disposing of the fallen trees and repairing roads has been $10.3 million, however the actual cost of the services supporting the recovery is thought to be closer to $31.4 million based on learnings from previous disasters.

For the team at Ranges Tree Services, the impact on the environment in the Yarra Valley

By Callum Ludwig

The team from Ranges Tree Services have been heavily involved in tree removal and inspections, since last year’s June storm event. L-R David Pace, William Mackenzie, Harley Sanderson and Aiden Pace.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT is still evident one year on - with compromised trees falling on roads on a still day without strong winds.

“We’re still cleaning up in the [Toolangi] State Forest - we’re finding trees that are hung up or over roads being damaged... trees that are snapped out, ready to come out, and they’re still falling down... the damage throughout Victoria is still being cleaned up, and it’s a process that will keep going on for a number of years,” Aidan said.

The team advises concerned locals to call an arborist if they are concerned about the condition of their trees.

“It’s definitely changing in the Dandenongs because trees suck up a lot of water, roots hold all the dirt, grass holds everything in together... so you get rid of the roots, trees and shrubs, you’re just left with a little bit of earth, and with a little bit of rain it just washes away and starts erosion,” Aidan said.

“That’d be what people will be looking at doing in the next few years; working on the erosion, planting shrubs and replanting trees, putting in proper erosion beds, special blankets they put in to stop the erosion from happening when it rains, to give it a fighting chance.”

Feral deer could cost the state billions

By Callum Ludwig Feral deer have been wreaking havoc in the Upper Yarra, and new figures from a report by Frontier Economics suggest not controlling the species could cost Victoria between $1.5 to $2.2 billion over the next 30 years.

The independent report was commissioned by the Invasive Species Council to investigate the economic costs of feral deer caused by lost agricultural and forestry production, vehicle accidents and reductions to the recreational values of national and state parks.

Invasive Species Council deer project officer Peter Jacobs said acting now could deliver benefits exceeding the cost of control by at least four times.

“There is no short-term fix to mitigate deer impacts now that the population has been allowed to grow to over a million animals spread across the state,” he said.

“We appreciate the Victorian Government is investing $18.25 million over 4 years for feral deer control, but this pales in significance to what we now know the real economic and social costs of insufficient action will be.”

Mr Jacobs believes the species is inherently being ‘protected’ due to being classified as game and would like to see them re-classified as an ‘environmental pest’.

“Protecting feral deer as game for hunting under Victoria’s Wildlife Act has been hindering effective control as the population has exploded,” he said.

“The Victorian Government must, as a matter of priority, remove this protection so feral deer can be rightly classed as an established pest animal as recommended by the 2021 Senate inquiry.”

To hunt deer on public land, hunters must possess a current Game Licence. Animals considered a pest like rabbits, goats, wild pigs, foxes and wild dogs do not require a game licence and can be hunted all year round.

However, some hunters will need to get a registration of interest to hunt pest animals on mailcommunity.com.au

Changes to pet shelters

Feral deer control is becoming a key concern for Yarra Ranges residents who are experiencing damage to their properties.

Picture: ON FILE crown land in order to have a genuine reason to obtain a firearm with which to hunt pest animals.

Mr Jacobs would like to see the State Government follow the Conclusions and Recommendations of the Australian Government’s Senate Inquiry into the Impact of Feral Deer, Pigs and Goats in Australia.

Recommendation Eight suggests all Australian jurisdictions make necessary changes to existing legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure wild deer are treated as an environmental pest, maximise the ability of landholders to control feral deer and maximise the ability of park managers to control feral deer in World Heritage Areas and National Parks.

The Department of Environment, Land, and Water Planning (DELWP) is in charge of deer control in Victoria and works with Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and peri-urban councils like Yarra Ranges Council to restrict the damage caused.

Deer control, monitoring, and fencing programs are undertaken across areas including in the Yellingbo Conservation Area, Bunyip State Park, Tarago Reservoir and in private properties along the border of public land areas.

A DELWP spokesperson said hunters and landholders play an important role in reducing feral deer numbers.

“Our Victorian Deer Control Strategy focuses on addressing the increasing numbers of wild deer across the state,” they said.

“Wild deer are unprotected on private land and their status as game under the Wildlife Act does not prevent hunters from being able to control their numbers.”

Reforms introduced by the Victorian Government in 2018 mean that on private land, deer are unprotected (except for Hog Deer).

This means deer on private property can be culled using a firearm, provided they possess the necessary approvals under the Firearms Act. DELWP’s primary method of control in public places is shooting, however, trials involving baiting and trapping of deer in other jurisdictions are underway. Trial outcomes will be monitored to determine the effectiveness and suitability of control methods with other options such as exclusion fencing also being used in sensitive habitats.

The Peri-urban Deer Control Plan was also implemented by the Victorian Government in March 2022 to help control problem areas like the Yarra Ranges, which included up to $250,000 of grants available to local councils and land managers.

Warburton property owner Professor Chris Lloyd has previously told Star Mail of his deer issues in Warburton and said once deer become fixated on a particular plant or area, they tear it to pieces.

“When I first bought the property in Warburton seven years ago, there was no problem with deer, it only started about three or four years ago,” he said.

“It seems as though they are herd animals, and once they find a particular property they’ve eaten from before, they just keep on coming back and back and back.”

Changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds announced by the Victorian Government are set to introduce mandatory reporting and collection of key data, promoting a transparent and responsible process of rehoming of animals.

It will compulsory for pounds and shelters to report data including whether a dog or cat is euthanised, is reclaimed by its owner, enters foster care or is rehomed after being taken into their care, which will be made available via an online, state-wide report.

Chief Executive of Animal Aid in Coldstream Mark Menze said Animal Aid welcomes the recent changes to the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats and supports the mandatory reporting of animal statistics in shelters and pounds.

“We have published our animal statistics annually for many years in our Annual General Report and are proud of our high save rates,” he said.

“I was a member of the Animal Welfare Committee led by Andy Meddick MP and fully supported this initiative.

Transparency is paramount when looking after our most vulnerable animals; this policy will be further encouragement for all parties to act in the best interests of each individual cat and dog.”

If an animal is euthanised, the reasons for euthanasia will also now need to be reported.

CEO of the RSPCA Victoria Dr Liz Walker said she also welcome the changes and that for more than twenty years RSPCA Victoria has voluntarily reported its animal fate data in its annual report, which is publicly available on its website and included in RSPCA Australia’s national report.

“This important change is something RSPCA Victoria advocated for – it will strengthen the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds and is in line with community sentiment, making the reporting of animal fate data mandatory will help ensure all animal care groups across Victoria are transparent and adhere to the same standards,” she said.

“As a socially conscious shelter, RSPCA Victoria believes transparency, including reporting of animal fate data, collaboration and continuous improvement of standards are vital to ensure all animals are treated humanely and are provided with their best opportunity to live a good life.”

The existing Code previously required records to be collected and kept for five years but did not require shelters or pounds to report to the government or publish any data recorded.

Dr Walker said it’s great to see the Government prioritising animal welfare and making proactive changes to improve the lives of animals.

“We know companion animals matter to Victorians – they make our lives better and we owe it to them to provide the best care and outcomes possible.

This includes the tens of thousands of animals who are cared for by shelters, pounds and rescue groups across the state every year,” she said.

“We were really pleased to hear the recent news that all 17 recommendations from the Government’s Taskforce on Rehoming Pets will be implemented, including improvements to the regulatory framework for rehoming pets, that will work to improve the welfare of dogs and cats requiring rehoming.”

The data will also help the Victorian Government to better understand the volume and activity and challenges faced by pounds and shelters, which can then be used to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 9

IN TRIBUTE

Trish’s everlasting legacy

By Renee Wood Friends, family and the Australian and international racing industries are mourning the loss of an equine veterinary specialist; the late DOCTOR PATRICIA ELLIS AM. Trish, as many may know her, has left a legacy from the pivotal role she played in shaping the nation’s animal health direction and management of disease responses.

Her devotion to science, dedication to research and diagnosis capabilities paved the way for progression in racing and thoroughbred industries.

Star Mail sat down with Trish’s husband Gary Smith to take a look back at her outstanding list of achievements.

Much of Patricia Ellis’ life has been dedicated to animals, and horses in particular were a passion of hers.

From joining pony club at a young age, to becoming a person industries and government bodies across the world could rely on.

Trish graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with 1st Class honours and later a Master of Veterinary Science, and her career took her across the world working in private practices in Australia, Uniting Kingdom, Asia and the Middle East.

Trish specialised in the international movement of horses allowing animals to be sent across the world, which was a great triumph for racing industries.

The back bone of this was being part of creating quarantine designs, biosecurity protocols and AUSVETPLANS for industry to follow, with epidemiology and control of equine diseases within her expertise.

Trish’s latest roles were as an Animal Health Consultant to Asian Racing federation, Principal Veterinary Officer for the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Director of Veterinary Department in the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Association.

She was also on the board of Victria Harness Racing, Head of Department of Horse studies at Box Hill College and the first female president of the Equine Veterinarians Australia.

Trish’s husband Gary Smith met her in 1978 and he said she always had so much drive and determination.

“She never stopped,” Gary said.

This was something that even carried through while Trish was sick with lung cancer before her passing in May this year.

The week that Japanese Encephalitis, which affects horses, pigs and people, broke out earlier this year was also when Trish was diagnosed with the disease.

Trish was the horse industry representative on the Consultative Committee on Exotic Animal Disease and all through her own personal cancer treatment she was still driven to assist.

“How she was able to do that and doing chemo and radio therapy every day, doing zoom meetings, doing teleconferences - just extraordinary, I have no idea where she got the drive from,” Gary said.

Being part of the Technical Committee during the Equine Influenza outbreak in 2007 was another major disease mitigation Trish played a vital role in.

Trish’s wealth of knowledge and expertise extended across the globe, which all helped to build her network that was often the source of supporting the Australian industry through murky waters.

“All of those professional relationships developed into a lot of personal ones...so many things that would be shortcut - go straight to the source,” Gary said.

“She just developed that network, which is really quite extraordinary and that was one of her absolute strengths.”

Trish’s great mind was also admirable during investigations of diagnosis.

Gary said Trish was able to collect useful information and distill it down to an answer or a conclusion.

“It’s a bit like a jigsaw and Rubik’s Cube is complete and she’s got the answer and she was just extraordinary at it,” he said.

10 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

The late Dr Patricia Ellis played a pivotal role in the Australian and international racing industries.

Pictures: ON FILE

Dr Patricia Ellis sadly passed away in May from lung cancer.

Her wealth of knowledge has been gathered from time working overseas and one of the first opportunities was at the Equine Research Station in Newmarket Suffolk, UK. Time in Ireland at an equine practice was another adventure filled with many memories and milestones.

Trish’s presence, straight talking wit and expertise lead her to gain respect from many during a time when there was very few female vets.

Gary said her passion and energy for it was built into her, with a work ethic like you wouldn’t believe.

“She was just good at it, just plain good at it – and became highly respected because of her ability to deal with whatever was going on with an animal.”

Trish was a trusted companion to the industry, no matter what country it was.

In 1978 when Gary and Trish met in Bahrain, she was working for the King of Bahrain as the equine Practice and Stud Manager.

A year into the role, Trish met Queen Elizabeth II when she touched down for a race meet, which Trish only had just a week to arrange when the visit was announced.

“Not just get the horses ready, but they had to fix the track, they had to get silks, they had to practice - it was just absolutely extraordinary.”

Within Trish’s career, she worked in the

Middle East twice – going over again in 1983 when she worked in Abu Dhabi prior to the start of international racing in the Arab Emirates.

During this time the movement of horses for race meets was prominent in Trish’s life, as she developed protocols and plans to make this happen.

“She had to convince the Europeans and Americans that their horses were free of disease by survey and science and collecting information.”

Trish was instrumental in working with governments to see the importing of horses, even into Australia.

She was behind the success of Irish international Vintage Crop winning the Melbourne Cup in 1993, the first northern hemispheretrained horse to win the race that stops the nation.

Gary said it was a very special moment when VRC boss Andrew Ramsden said in his speech after the win that this wouldn’t have happened without Doctor Patricia Ellis.

Being one of the behind the scenes principle people that made it happen, Trish was part of the design of the Sandown Quarantine Station in 1993 and in turn the internationalisation of the Melbourne Cup. “Everybody was happy and comfortable that we weren’t going to bring in a disease that

we didn’t want and of course it never happened until equine flu broke out in New South Wales in 2007.”

The management of Equine Influenza was another success from Trish’s history, as she was a principal author in establishing the AUSVETPLAN Disease Strategy Manual.

This helped to get around some of the unforeseen difficulties because they had enough background through the manual.

Gary was there for many phone meetings when Trish was working closely with industry and governments on the outbreak.

“She would just not put up with people who either hadn’t read their brief or tried to big note themselves by saying things and doing things that they really had no idea about,” he said.

“She was always very understated from the point of view of go back to the science, go back to the facts, go back to the pathway that you’ve worked out.”

Trish was always at the end of the phone with industry personnel from across the world.

In the last 10 years, Trish did a lot of pro bono work for Asian, South Africa and India racing industries and she was on the International Movement of Horses Committee.

“She did it because she loved it… She was one of the people on the end of the phone, if you wanted to get the right advice or you needed to follow something through or find the right person to talk to, then she was the go to person in so many situations,” Gary said.

“Just head down, bum up and got on with it.. Didn’t go looking for the accolades, but they kept on coming.”

After Trish’s passing, Gary recently travelled to accept Trish becoming a Fellow of the Australian Veterinary Association.

Garry said he was grateful she knew of the acknowledgment.

“That one and the AM I think were the ones that really hit the spot,” he said.

In 2013, Trish became a member of the Order of Australia for her for significant service to veterinary science.

Trish’s past awards include the Jo Miller Award for her outstanding contribution to the equine industry and the Industry Contribution Award from the Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria.

She was also the recipient of the Belle Bruce Reid Medal for Outstanding Women Veterinary Science Graduates and the AVA Meritorious Service Award, The AEVA Award for Veterinary Excellence.

And the receiving and giving surely went both ways as Trish always made time to be a mentor for the next generation of leaders.

Gary said she really enjoyed mentoring and gave back to education by teaching University and TAFE students and industry mentorships.

She was good at finding the next bright spark and devoted time to mentor them through to success.

“She would go to whatever lengths she felt she could to mentor someone to get them to a stage where they could be a recognised expert in a particular area, so that when she’s not around and when others are not around, that there’s people ready to take over,” “If there was someone there that she reckons she could help then just bend over backwards to do it and really enjoyed doing it.

Back at home with Gary, they’ve lived in Dixon’s Creek for many years.

Garry said Trish had quite the green thumb and enjoyed developing their lowline stud, and molly their dog was also one of her treasured companions.

“It was a labour of love developing this place and breeding our cows, and Tricia rode up until about four or five years ago, actively going to competitions and enjoying this beautiful lifestyle - doesn’t get better than this.”

Since the memorial held at the Yarra Valley Race Course, Gary has spent time organising and categorising thousands of pieces of paper filled with research and data on various diseases, concerns, protocols, processes plus much more, with Trish’s legacy to live on through the donating of her life’s work.

Anyone wanting to commemorate Trish by watching the memorial can do so via https:// www.vividstream.net/patricia-ellis mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Passing on skills

By Mikayla van Loon Finding work and choosing a career path as a young person can be daunting but for eight school leavers getting the opportunity to be mentored in the tourism industry has been a confidence boosting experience.

The Tourism Enterprise Scholarship Program, a collaboration between Yarra Ranges Tourism and the State government’s Eastern Metropolitan Partnership, has provided young people with work placements and free training in a certificate III in tourism over a 12 month period.

Four months into the program, Healesville Sanctuary’s events and tourism coordinator Donna Paterson said it has already been a pleasure being able to showcase her own role in the industry while helping a young person find their way in the industry too.

“This mentoring program gives young people an opportunity to explore the tourism sector and gain an understanding of various aspects of the industry. It’s also really useful for young people to find out their strengths,” she said.

As a mentor Ms Paterson has been paired with Taylor Johnson, who originally left school and took up a floristry apprenticeship but didn’t see it as a viable career option long term.

Applying for the scholarship program looking for a change, Miss Johnson said what appealed to her about the scholarship was the link to the travel industry.

“It’s human nature to want to travel and to see the world,” she said.

Hearing from business owners both during the Covid-19 pandemic and afterwards about the inability to find staff, the scholarship aims to connect travel-passionate young people, who are willing to learn on the job, to some of the best tourism destinations in the Yarra Valley.

A report called Jobs for Youth, undertaken by the Eastern Metropolitan Partnership, found there was an 8.4 per cent youth unemployment rate in the outer east in December 2019 with job opportunities not matching skill sets.

Accommodation and food services was noted as one of the top six growing industries in the region and data from 2018 placed tour-

Donna Paterson has worked in the tourism industry for over 20 years, now she is passing her knowledge to a young person just starting out.

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA ism, hospitality and events as the third highest vocational education training choice for young women.

While the interest was there, converting that to employment was becoming a challenge for tourism operators.

“As tourism is closely linked to hospitality, there has definitely been staff shortages in the industry,” Ms Paterson said.

“However, this mentoring program highlights the multitude of roles available in the industry to suit varying skill sets. It gives young people an opportunity to explore our beautiful region and share that knowledge with their peers.”

This has been something Miss Johnson has really valued about the scholarship program already, being able to experience all the different facets of the industry.

“One of the really good things about the placements and what keeps us engaged, is the fact that we’re moving around a lot,” she said.

“I think that’s a common theme with young

people, they don’t like being put in one position and where I’m working I’m moving around, working weddings, waitressing, working at the back in the kitchen and doing reservations.

“So I think moving around all the areas keeps us engaged and makes us really interested in what we’re doing rather than being put in a certain position.”

Being in the industry for over 20 years, Ms Paterson said she didn’t realise how much she had to offer someone who was just starting their career.

“It has made me self-reflect on the value that I can contribute to the region and the diverse skills that I have acquired,” she said.

“It has been wonderful to impart my knowledge and learnings from the diverse nature of my work at Healesville Sanctuary as a tourism destination.”

Sharing her decades worth of knowledge, Ms Paterson said, comes in the form of coaching, problem solving and support for Miss Johnson.

Impressed by Miss Johnson’s eagerness to learn and ability to ask questions, Ms Paterson said she could already see her development and growth in confidence in just a few months.

“It has given me real hope for the next generation. I know we are in good hands when these mentees become future leaders,” she said.

Seeing the connections this program has been able to give to these eight mentees, Ms Paterson said makes her look forward to what is to come for Miss Johnson and the other scholarship participants.

“One thing I know in the Yarra Valley, people move around from job to job and there’s a lot of people like myself who have worked in lots of different places and sometimes when you walk out a door the door closes behind you,” Ms Paterson said.

“I think for these mentees, they’re going to be going through a lot of doors and the door will still be open. They’re really forging relationships and networking as well. So that’s a very positive thing.”

If given the opportunity to be a mentor again, Ms Paterson said she would jump at the chance because it has refreshed her view of the industry and the Yarra Valley itself.

Council backs up support for tourism body

By Mikayla van Loon Since the inception of Yarra Ranges Tourism (YRT) in 2006 when two tourism organisations from the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley consolidated, Yarra Ranges Council has been providing financial support.

At the 14 June meeting, councillors moved a recommendation to continue the financial support of $489,000 for the tourism organisation until 30 June 2023.

Councillor Fiona McAllister said tourism is of substantial importance to the Yarra Ranges, both in financial benefit and social cohesion.

“We’ve had many discussions over the past three or four months focusing on our best investment in supporting tourism and the flow on

economic and social benefits that Yarra Ranges Tourism provides on our behalf,” she said.

The item was raised at the meeting because the partnering agreement with YRT was due to conclude on 30 June this year.

In addition to this, the Victorian government has released its Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan (VERRP) outlining the support that will be given to tourism boards.

This includes the transition of Regional Tourism Boards into a network of Visitor Economy Partnerships by 2023 but economic support specifics have not yet been advised and the council was recommended to continue its financial support for YRT for the next year until a commitment is made.

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

“The Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan still sits unresolved and we don’t really know the future of tourism bodies in our region,” Cr McAllister said.

“This is further funding for one year and supports not only the work Yarra Ranges Tourism does with their very small team, in supporting the close to 500 partners that are members and fund what they do, but also the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group and of course Wine Yarra Valley.”

On top of the close to half a million dollars in funding, the council will also contribute $50,000 to YRT’s Destination Management Plan.

The motion was passed unanimously by all councillors.

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

Cr Len Cox had the honours of the ribbon cutting.

Picture: YR COUNCIL

Gallery room opens

By Renee Wood A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the newly opened Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre, as councillors gathered for the first meeting in the gallery room.

Wurundgeri Elder Dave Wandin conducted the Welcome to Country and the longest standing Councillor Len Cox had the honour of cutting the ribbon on Tuesday 14 June.

Mayor Jim Child said this is a very special occasion, one that councillors have been waiting 10 years .

“We occupied a building that served this community so well for so many years and nearly thirty of those years was with the Yarra Ranges Council,” he said.

“Before that we all know it was the Shire of Lilydale’s Council home and it served them well to.”

Past councillors, past mayors and local Victorian MPs Cindy McLeish and Bridget Vallence were in attendance.

It was the first council meeting the nine councillors have come together for in the past two years and also the first time 2020 elected members met in a council gallery.

Construction first began in 2019 and it now boasts more spaces available to the community.

Yarra Ranges Council CEO Tammi Rose said it is now open to the public.

“The facility itself is designed as both a civic centre and a community building,” she said.

“The meeting rooms that you are sitting in and some of the other public spaces that are around here will be available for all of our community to come and enjoy and have meetings in the facility as well.”

The public is also now able to attend the ordinary council meetings in the gallery room, while live streams will also still be available.

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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Montrose residents Merriwyn Jordan and Jo Edwards. 285869

Healesville residents Bob Willis, Glen Liston, Beth Schilling, Dianne Demunk and Marion Wasley.

285869 Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Spot of tea enjoyed by all

By Renee Wood The Healesville Biggest Morning Tea was a delightful fundraising event for attendees on Wednesday 15 June.

The annual fundraiser, held by Le Pines Funeral Home and supported by Tarrawarra CWA, has been on hold for the past two years, but many were grateful to see it’s return.

Residents from across the Yarra Ranges LGA attended the event, despite numbers being down from previous years.

Guests were treated to many baked goods and sweet treats contributed by the CWA members, who also served hot beverages which were enjoyed by all.

The CWA joins the event in honour of past president Maria Graham who died from breast cancer.

Attendee Anne Holland said it’s great to get back to some sort of normality.

“Anything fundraising for cancer we like to support,” Ms Holland said.

The event is raising funds for the Cancer Council and research, with many of the guests touched by the disease in some way.

“I’ve been a nurse and I saw lots of people with cancer and that sort of thing and I knew somebody who had leukaemia that was very sad,” attendee Veronica Ireland said.

“I had a cancer on my arm removed there but it was benign.”

Jenny Smith from Le Pines said they were grateful for everyone who came to support a good cause.

“It was good to get back into the swing of things and hopefully this will contribute to be annual event going forward in the future,” Ms Smith said.

“It was a lovely morning and so many lovely things the CWA ladies made.”

Plenty of sweets and treats made by the Tarrawarra CWA branch. 285869

Rina Altobelli and Sandra Palmer enjoyed the event. 285869

Healesville residents Veronica Ireland and Anne Holland. 285869 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Faye Van Duin and Jen Morton from the Tarrawarra CWA branch.

Karen de Blaquiere and Jenny Smith from Le Pines with the large display of raffle goods. mailcommunity.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Festival makes its return

By Callum Ludwig The Warburton Film Festival made a successful return for the first time since 2019 for its 37th anniversary.

With films shown on the big screen in the Mecca Theatre at Arts Centre in Warburton over the weekend from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June, attendees were able to get their film fix again after years of remote viewing.

Committee Member of the Yarra Ranges Film Society and Organiser of the Warburton Film Festival Sally Ahern said the event was extremely successful in light of the delay for the past two years.

“We had over 80 people attend for each of the eight films, which we were very pleased about,” she said.

“The actual films were quite amazing, and a number of films were very thought-provoking, a lot of people came out in tears after some of them. They were really well received.”

Films were submitted from around the world, with submissions from Iceland, Argentina, Australia, Iran, Poland, France and Germany.

Ms Ahern said it is such an important opportunity for filmmakers.

“For some of them, it was the first time they’d ever been to anything like this to show their films on a big screen, and they found it absolutely wonderful,” she said.

“They couldn’t believe it, and wish they’d bought their families and will definitely be back next year, with other films, and we had older filmmakers all the way down to the youngest at only 15 years old.”

The 15-year-old in question was young Yarra Ranges resident Ivy Tucker, a Year 9 student at Belgrave’s Mater Christi College, who went on to win the Young Film-makers Award and $200 prize money for her short documentary ‘Agricola 7101’ in the Show Us Your Shorts competition.

Ms Ahern said it was a great opportunity for people from in and beyond the Yarra Ranges.

“We are pretty community-minded up here, but to all get back together, which we haven’t been able to do for two years, it was really lovely to make new friends and rekindle

Ivy Tucker with her Young Film-makers Award.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Executive Officer Creative Communities at Yarra Ranges Council Jenny Davies and Organiser of the Warburton Film Festival Sally Ahern at the Warburton Film festival 2022.

friendships,” she said.

“We have a rule that no one’s allowed after a certain time, but all of a sudden the doors opened and two young guys walked down the aisle and sat down. They had flown from Adelaide, hired a car and driven up here, and they came to every single film that we offered over the weekend. It was just gorgeous.”

Australian Directors Janine Hosking (The Eulogy) and Benjamin Gilmour (Jirga) attended the event on Friday night and Saturday respectively for an onstage Q and A about their films.

Mr Gilmour said film festivals Like the Warburton Film festival mean an opportunity for young filmmakers.

“Hopefully, it inspires filmmakers of all ages to realise what’s possible, and that you can be an entertainment creative and have your films screened, not only in Australia but internationally,” he said.

Director of Australian award-winning drama ‘Jirga’ Benjamin Gilmour and Treasurer at Yarra Ranges Film Society Laurie Hastings.

Local lads of Tudor Club release debut single ‘Embers’

By Callum Ludwig Kids These Days is a new segment from Star Mail highlighting the achievements and accomplishments of young people in the Yarra Ranges and Dandenong Ranges. Covered by Star Mail’s own young cadet journalist Callum Ludwig, we are excited to see going forward what the next generation of residents are up to!

Despite the Covid-19 lockdowns over the last two years devastating the live music industry, a group of young local musicians were undeterred, creating their own band and recently released their debut single ‘Embers’ on Spotify.

Tudor Club formed just short of two years ago, and consists of a group of local lads aged between only 19 and 22: lead singer and rhythm guitarist Rory Say, lead guitarist Flynn Trewavis, bassist Alex Theodoropoulos and drummer and backing vocalist James Dryden.

Mr Say said the band came together through varied means and bonded as a group easily.

“I tried to get a band together for the first time a couple of years ago and had met Flynn through a mutual friend. Then I met James’ uncle at an open mic and he got me in touch with James before meeting Alex in a Facebook group,” he said.

“We all obviously have a common interest in music, but we also had very similar music tastes and so we were able to bond over our different favourite bands, what gigs we’ve been to and we’re going to so it was quite easy.” mailcommunity.com.au

KIDS THESE DAYS The band members hail from around the Yarra Ranges and surrounding areas, with Mr Say hailing from Seville, Mr Trewavis from Monbulk, Mr Theodoropoulos from Ringwood and Mr Dryden from Mooroolbark.

Mr Say said starting out over lockdown was a blessing in disguise.

“It was interesting, but I think it was a really good thing, it made us go really slow and not rush into anything,” he said.

“We had heaps of time to rehearse both at home in lockdowns and when we could get together. We could just focus on becoming a band and starting up and locking in our songs, so it definitely helped us.”

Tudor Club describes itself as a Britishinspired alternative/indie rock band with an Australian flavour, in the style of Arctic Monkeys and Gang of Youths. Its Australian Music Radio Airplay Project profile describes it as boasting ‘punchy riffs, foot-stomping rhythms and catchy hooks’ and lists Alternative, Pop, Punk, Rock, Indie, and Garage as their key genres.

Mr Say said ‘Embers has had an amazing reaction and it was pretty surreal to be able

L-R: Band members James Dryden, Alex Theodoropoulos, Flynn Trewavis and Rory Say. Picture: SUPPLIED to put it out.

“We’ve been been a band for so long, but we’ve always been the band that hasn’t had any music out, so to finally be able to show people who have followed us and our friends and family was absolutely unreal,” he said.

“It’s been quite a successful few days for us, and I think we’ve almost cracked three 3000 streams on Spotify, which we didn’t expect at all and are absolutely stoked with.”

Currently, Spotify shows ‘Embers’ has 2,659 streams and the band has 669 monthly listeners.

Tudor Club is performing the single launch for ‘Embers’ at The Tote on 67-71 Johnston St, Collingwood on Saturday 18 June 2022 from 8:30 pm. They can be found in The Tote’s Band Room and tickets can be purchased for $11.25 at www.tickets.oztix. com.au/outlet/event/5dab56e0-adb9-42708c93-45f46140f126 Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Speeding up tree hollows

By Mikayla van Loon When over 25,000 trees fell in a single storm event last June, hundreds of animals were left without places to hollow, having a significant impact on local wildlife.

One of the main wildlife conservation areas in Mount Evelyn was heavily affected by this destruction of necessary habitat, seeing many trees that had been in the ground for 100, 200 and 300 years lose their footing.

Now a collaboration between Yarra Ranges Council and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will see fallen trees used to create natural habitats, as well as artificial nest boxes installed across six locations.

Biodiversity Rehabilitation Coordinator Scott Allen said because a decent sized hollow can take up to 200 years to form, replacing what was lost is important to ensure the survival of the 30 species in the Yarra Ranges that rely on hollows for nesting.

“We do have a number of different species that do depend on hollows for breeding and nesting and approximately 15 per cent of those are bird species and 31 per cent of those are mammals,” he said.

“Each species has its own requirements on size and location, so they can be a little bit fussy.”

These creatures range from the endangered Powerful Owl to the Yellow Bellied Glider and several small to medium owl species such as the Sooty Owl. While other issues, like a change in soil composition and lighting conditions, have presented themselves because of the lack of larger canopy trees in forested areas, Mr Allen said in his initial assessments what struck him most was the reduction of important habitat.

“When I first started doing the assessment of these sites to figure out where my priority lies in terms of recovery, I knew that all the regeneration stuff would happen naturally and it would just be a matter of us controlling the weeds,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council biodiversity officer Scott Allen has been out assessing trees in forested areas ready for hollows to be installed. Picture: SUPPLIED “But one thing that really stood out to me very early on was just the lack of trees. A lot of the trees are at a very similar age and height and therefore, we’re not going to get that diversity in terms of growth.

“A lot of these trees are at the age where they’re not old enough to be able to support hollow growth either.”

In an online seminar, held on Wednesday 15 June, explaining the artificial habitat hollows project, Mr Allen said he and his team had been considering the most effective way to construct the number of hollows needed.

Two options have been proposed: the first to use recycled plastic, modular nest boxes and the second, a hollow creation method us-

ing a customised chainsaw.

“The combination of these new nest boxes and new hollow creation method hopefully will allow us to rapidly roll out hollows where they’re needed quite quickly,” Mr Allen said.

“This will be not only good for the situation that we have at the moment where we have suffered a lot of impact but then we could also start rolling this out further down the line… [in] areas lacking hollows.”

Mr Allen said because timber can weather quite badly, research was conducted on the best solution to long term, sustainable nesting boxes that could regulate temperature and withstand the elements.

These nest boxes are ideal for smaller birds

and mammals, while the chainsaw hollows can cater to the larger animals that usually require those 100 to 200 year old natural cavities.

“Our priority is habitat creation and tree health. So we need to make sure that what happens here with this hollow creation is that it’s going to last decades if not the lifespan of these trees.

“So the priority right from the get go has been to ensure that whatever we do is going to last a long time not just be something that’s implemented and needs replacement or maintenance within 10 years [because] we can’t risk losing any more trees than what we’ve already lost.”

Successful breeding program for endangered skinks A breeding program for the endangered Guthega Skink has had success, seeing a step forward for protecting Victoria’s unique biodiversity.

Two babies have been born from breeding between the two Australian populations of Guthega Skink, marking a historic milestone in conservation of the lizard.

Healesville Sanctuary has successfully bred hatchlings from a female skink from Victoria’s Alps and a male from Kosciuszko in New South Wales, a positive step for genetic diversity in the native reptile.

Zoos Victoria Threatened Species Keeper Peter Comber said they provide hope for the future.

“Not only are they adorable little lizards, but these offspring provide hope for the future, and will play a key role to inform how we continue our conservation work at Healesville Sanctuary and out in the wild,” he said.

Zoos Victoria keepers were delighted to find the new arrivals basking on a rock in their specialist-built skink chalet. The duo’s arrival was late in the typical breeding season, ahead of the species’ winter hibernation.

They are the first instance of breeding between the two populations of the species, found only in Bogong High Plains Victoria and Mt Kosciuszko in NSW - two populations have not been connected for millions of years.

The baby skinks are tiny, weighing three grams – about the same as a small button.

The first ever successful breeding of Guthega skinks in captivity took place at Healesville Sanctuary in 2017.

The Guthega Skink conservation program has been running for 10 years, and the genetic rescue component began two years ago with knowledge developed by Healesville Sanctuary keepers, which resulted in incremental changes to husbandry techniques, housing, and hibernation strategies.

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Skink Chalet at Healesville Sanctuary.

The skink makes its home in alpine tussock grassland, heathland, and snow gum woodlands. This species is listed as Endangered with a decreasing population. Threats to the species include loss and degradation of habitat, predation, bushfire, and a loss of genetic diversity.

Zoos Victoria have received over $305 million in funding from the Labor Government to since 2014. The milestone is made possible thanks to partnership with Snowline Ecology.

The Government has invested over $560 million into protecting biodiversity since 2014 – more than any other in Victorian history. It halts the decline of Victoria’s plants and animals through its landmark plan Biodiversity 2037.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the government is making record investments into biodiversity, ensuring unique native species can flourish “These hatchlings are a million years in the making and give us hope for the species’ future,” she said.

For more visit: www.environment.vic.gov. au/biodiversity/biodiversity-plan

Guthega Skink baby at Healesville Sanctuary.

Pictures: ZOOS VICTORIA mailcommunity.com.au

ON THE LAND

The Dexters are a small breed.

Reginald is the Dexter Bull, a popular character with Kristyn.

Kristyn looks to bring more ‘dun’ colouring into the miniature blood lines.

Mighty minis win hearts

By Renee Wood On 20 acres overlooking the Yarra River, you might catch your eye on a herd of striking small breed cows.

Warburton resident Kristyn Preen launched Riverside Mist Cattle Stud in 2017 after falling in love with two breeds, the Miniature Belted Galloways and Dexters.

The dual purpose, beef and milk breed, are quite the rare sight in the region.

“A lot of people have never seen them before or heard of them,” Kristyn said.

The ‘belties’ originated in the Galloway area of south-west Scotland and Dexter cattle are a breed originating in Ireland, which both grow slowly, have nice temperaments and have curious natures.

For Dexter cows, they can be up to 107 cm and bulls between up to 112 cm.

Miniature Belties bulls are around 125cm and 120cm for a female.

Kristyn said enthusiasts and dedicated owners are why the breed is still in Australia.

“They are originally on the rare breeds trust so as the larger cattle…beefier breeds became more popular, dual purpose breeds like Galloway’s, and Dexter’s kind of fell out of favour,” she said.

Kristyn didn’t know anything about cows before she purchased them as she grew up in suburbia.

The secondary teacher was led to wanting to own cattle after developing a chronic disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The condition meant she had trouble getting out of the house, with little energy to do things requiring mental or physical labour,.

This is where gardening, owning fruit trees and chickens helped with her rehabilitation.

The cows were the next opportunity providing a relaxing hobby, while also beneficial in maintaining the family’s 20 acres.

“I really wanted something that was hardy that could deal with the cold weather and hot summers so I eventually got to Belted Galloways and Dexters.”

In 2017, Kristyn purchased her first herd members on a visit to a Victorian studs.

Kristyn said it was love at first sight and after first promising her dad she would come home empty handed, it turned out the opposite – starting her herd with two calves and six cows.

Not long after that, Kristyn then visited a Dexters breeder and again love blossomed.

“I thought I will bring four home it’ll just be a side project, and now I have some lovely bulls and some lovely cows who have come mailcommunity.com.au

from international lines.”

The Miniature Galloways have been bred down in size, while the Dexters are a standard small breed.

“Main differences are their personality and their coats - Dexter’s are not nearly as fluffy, but they still do well in the wet and the cold and they tend to be a little more outgoing.

“Of course having calves is beautiful and I love it every year but that’s kind of an initial excitement it’s everything that comes after that I really enjoy.

“Bonding with them on an individual basis and getting to know each of them as they grow old, seeing how they come into themselves.”

The stud formed due to the stock being already registered on purchase, but Kristyn said it’s something she wants to continue to give back to the community.

“I actually really enjoy being a part of the community that is around cattle and these two breed associations and I really enjoy and want to give back to that community by breeding better cattle.”

Kristyn is looking to breed more colour into the Belted Galloways by focusing on reds and dunns, which is like a beige that can be found in the standard lines.

“Over the past three years, I’ve been working on getting smaller statutes standards to breed into my own herd and effectually it’s creating a new bloodline so that there’s more genetic diversity in the herd.

“At this point, it’s really expanding on that making sure that they’re still very functional cattle but they still look nice that they walk well, that they’re not going to be prone to any diseases.

“We’ve just had our first calf born to our smaller standard, so bringing red into the herd and having them as full Bloods and showing them will be very exciting.”

The herd hasn’t been shown yet after losing opportunities to go to regional shows over the past couple of years due to the pandemic.

Currently training is being conducted with some of the younger animals, with skills needed across socialisation, walking, halter wearing and more.

“I’m looking at is the Finley Show…It is a smaller show in relation to the Royal Show but it’s still well-known enough that it draws quite a bit of a crowd,” she said.

“It’s just a really nice way to see what other studies are doing what they’re focusing on in their breeding.”

For more information, visit the herd on instagram and facebook under Riverside Mist Cattle Stud

Kristyn Preen runs Riverside Mist Cattle Stud in Warburton.

Pictures: RENEE WOOD

Several calves have been born on the stud this year.

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Mindful crafting for mums

By Mikayla van Loon Crafting has been known to reduce stress and provide a moment of relaxation, so mental health nurse Emma Smith has taken that creative philosophy to help her patients find an outlet.

Mostly working with mums two years postpartum who may be anxious or depressed, Ms Smith said the mindfulness techniques associated with crafting can be so useful to relieving those feelings and emotions.

As someone who has always been a crafter herself, dabbling in crochet and drawing, Ms Smith said an American invention known as Cricut, a cutting and writing machine, took her crafting to a whole new level.

Initially making things for herself and her friends, Ms Smith approached her Lilydale mental health unit noticing so many blank walls and asked if she could brighten up the place with quotes and images made from vinyl laser cuts.

Her messaging mainly focused on “it’s ok not to be ok and sometimes good things come out of that. You just have to wait, go through the process and then you’ll find your place.”

“I ended up taking it to work with me and during some of our sessions we’d just sit down and really just create some things,” she said.

“We’ve done mindfulness crafting and quite a lot of mental health units use this approach because there’s quite a few studies that show the effectiveness it has on people.”

Patients and staff were so intrigued by the designs and materials able to be used with the machine that eventually it became one of the primary mindfulness tools, steering away from the traditional colouring that is often used.

“Mindfulness really involves being fully present in the moment. So you’re not worrying about the past or the future, you’re really trying to focus on what you’re doing at that time and that can be really quite helpful for some people,” Ms Smith said.

“From a mental health point of view, there’s so many benefits to it because mindfulness can lower stress hormones.”

For some people, like herself, Ms Smith said are “born to be crafters” others can be a little bit apprehensive about trying something new or making a mistake which can “be quite overwhelming.”

“Some may be feeling that they’re not in a place to be able to cope with something like [craft]. So often people will just sit there and watch and then by watching, they’re gaining a bit more confidence as well.”

Ms Smith said starting with simple designs or crafts can help people who are struggling take that leap to feel more comfortable about taking up a creative outlet.

“Even if you think that you’re not very good at something, often people would kind of shy away from it and then I’ll show them quite a simple thing then they make it and they’re like, ‘Wow, I did that’.

“They get quite surprised at what they can

Emma Smith took to using her crafting skills when she noticed the walls of her mental health unit were blank.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ms Smith likes to personalise her gift wrapping for friends and family.

At Christmas, Ms Smith created reindeer lollipops for her coworkers as a gift.

do. It’s relaxing as well, mostly unless you get something wrong. But it’s fun, it’s relaxing, it’s rewarding.”

Throughout the pandemic Ms Smith said her crafting also became her saviour, something she is still grateful for.

“Even for health professionals, certainly at the moment, you need your own form of relax-

ation as well, somewhere where you can go to your own little space and just do your thing,” she said.

“When you can’t go out and you’ve got that stress and worry, then in those times, you can do your own mindfulness just centering on that moment in time now rather than worrying about all the other things.”

Another thing Ms Smith really likes about crafting is that it is no longer something you only hear about from grandparents and the older generation.

“Now I think crafting is really a young person thing, it’s also gender fluid. There’s lots of men who knit, crochet and Cricut, who do that designing now. So it’s for everybody.”

It is BYO snacks and a cup for tea. Hot water will be available.

If further information is needed, contact Judy Osbourne on 0457 4754 05.

you should attend Email Basics on Monday the 18th of July held at Healesville Library.

The course begins at 2.00pm and goes for an hour.

This event is free and friendly to all ages.

Bookings must be made by either using library credentials to log in and secure a spot or calling 03 9800 6497 to reserve your place.

need to know.

From beginning your business, maximising marketing, and sharing strategies to help you advance, this might be what you need.

The session takes place on Friday the 24th of June from 12.00am to 11.59pm.

To find more information and make a booking, go to the Yarra Ranges Council website or call 9294 6426.

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Celebrating Winter Solstice Come walk the Healesville Labyrinth on Saturday 25th of June to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the inspiration of Merran Macs.

It was Merran’s vision that was largely responsible for the implementation of the Healesville Labyrinth at the Railway sight.

It is recommended to rug up before meeting on site Saturday at 1.45pm for the 2pm start.

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Winter with a Good Book On Tuesday the 28th of June at 2.00pm local author Laurie Bell will be sharing her journey as an author, from publishing to answering your questions about the art of writing.

Laurie is a former teacher whose interests lie in science fiction and fantasy novels.

She has published four books as well as having her work featured in magazines.

This event will be held at the Healesville Library, is free of charge and a booking is required.

Bookings can be made by logging in with library credentials to reserve a place or calling 03 9800 6497 to ensure your spot.

Email 101 If you want to learn how to create an email address, access your email inbox, send and receive emails as well as adding attachment’s,

Recycling Books Beautiful Book Folding with Kay is a free event that will take place on Wednesday the 27th of July at 10:30am and will finish at 12:30pm.

This is a beginner friendly session designed to teach you how to transform old books into works of art. Minimum age is twelve.

Location is the Healesville Library and bookings are required.

These can be made by logging in with library credentials to reserve a place or calling 03 9800 6497.

Small Business Workshop If starting a small business is a passion of yours, this free course covers everything you

Healesville Library Regular Events There are some regular monthly and weekly events at the Healesville Library which might be just what you’re looking for.

The Games Group is held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm.

The Book Chat is the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm.

Last Tuesday Writers Group is on the last Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm.

Jobs Victoria Advocates is held weekly every Thursday from 1.00pm. For more information visit events.yourlibrary.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

SERENITY IN A SCENIC LOCATION (CIRCA 1910) 7.41 Hec (18.31 Acres) in 2 titles. this stunning 3 bedroom and study home is a stately representative of times gone by, of the great history of a community that thrived around a hardwood timber industry and the many small mills that were scattered amongst the forest in the area.

Set on gently sloping, cleared, pastured land, the property faces North with views over local farms and bushland and enjoys a permanent water supply that originates from mountain springs and is piped from a trunk line to tanks and dams within the property.

The home is located well back off the property’s road frontage and is quite centrally located. Ahead of its time, the highest grade Mountain Ash and other hardwoods were used in the construction of this home and were meticulously selected from a supply the then sawmiller owner, had at hand. Over the ensuing years, as well as being his own home it also became a meeting place for many in the community in the years between 1927 and 1976, as the “Gilderoy Post Office”.

Some features of this fine, period home as it presents today, include the separate timber verandahs, bay windows, large walk in pantry, the raised sliding vents in each room, electric ducted heating and cooling and 2 separate living rooms, one with a combustion wood heater that provides a mountain chalet ambience on a cold, wet

winter’s night. A drop down ladder provides access to a large ceiling cavity with potential to create an Attic and no problems with unheralded electricity outages here, as a flick of one internal switch fires up a diesel generator that powers up the entire house.

Outside there is ample sundry shedding including a machinery shed, workshop and chook shed, set in amongst well maintained gardens and surrounded by massive oaks and manna gums and perhaps the biggest white magnolia tree you will ever see.

Underneath, adjacent to a single car garage is a huge basement arrangement with separate small workshop area and study and the next key to this wonderful period puzzle. What was previously a games room or extra bedroom has been turned into a most magnificent miniature model railway setting, a life’s passion of the vendor’s late husband. Offered with the property this simply has to be seen to be believed.

The highest quality, European rolling stock, engines and carriages running around within a superb German or Austrian setting.

Located just 5 klms up the road from “Pony Club Victoria Equestrian Centre” at Gladysdale, this property is ideally suited for horse lovers or simply those wanting a small farming interest in a very scenic pocket of land with sealed road frontage and primary and secondary school buses running past the front gate, daily. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1310 Little Yarra Road, GILDEROY Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $1,550,000 to $1,650,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Richard Taylor 0407 081 957, STOCKDALE & LEGGO LILYDALE

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

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

STUNNING ARCHITECT DESIGNED HOME WAKE up to the peace and quiet of the birds tweeting and the whistle of Puffing Billy in the distance with this stunning property located in the coveted suburb of Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges.

Just a fifteen minute stroll to Emerald Village, its cafes and public transport, this home has everything you need for country living including a quiet work-from-home environment and all the amenities you require.

Step inside this light-filled 1970’s two-story entertainer’s home, designed by award-winning architect Lindsay Holland, which has been fully modernised to add all the creature comforts of today. There are 4 bedrooms, one is perfect as a guest suite with its own ensuite and built-in robes, and the Master has an ensuite, walk-in robe and direct access to the deck overlooking the private garden and pool. There is a separate modern bathroom with a spa bath and large storage areas including a huge linen press.

Upstairs is the kitchen, formal and informal lounges, a home office-study and powder-room. The large lounge room features an ambient electric fire and both living areas have an abundance of natural light from the many windows including floor to ceiling picture windows that bring the garden into the house. Enjoy a wine on the upper deck off the informal living area and take in the treed garden and pool. The gorgeous kitchen has granite benchtops, plenty of storage, a 900mm freestanding oven with a gas cooktop, a dishwasher and a breakfast bench. For a formal event, use the spacious formal dining room. There is mains

gas ducted heating and ducted vacuum cleaning on both levels for convenience.

Enjoy the resort feel of the in-ground swimming pool with separate outdoor shower, extensive paved areas and deck, and outdoor BBQ space that are all fully enclosed in a completely private, fenced, and landscaped area. This is an entertainer’s dream where you’re guaranteed many fun gatherings.

This spacious home sits well back on 1 acre of landscaped terraced and beautifully maintained garden with many wonderful mature native and exotic trees including: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Japanese Maples, Flowering Gum, Banksia, Tree Ferns and Chestnut. For the gardener you have expansive flat lush lawn areas, established garden beds, raised veggie box, and a secluded pond to relax by and take in your peaceful surroundings.

There is access to the home via a sealed curving, brick-lined driveway, bordered by attractive stone retaining walls and a manicured hedge. Keep your daily drive or

prized vehicles in the double lock-up garage with automatic door while there’s plenty of off-street parking and ample room to turn vehicles around or house a caravan or boat.

A complete feature survey, detailed Arborist’s report, full BMO assessment, architect and landscape plans prepared by award-winning firms, are all available for the discerning buyer. This unique home is

a must-see and will appeal to many buyers so don’t miss out and book your private inspection today before it’s gone.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 17 Steel Road, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day, 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto, 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

Yarra Junction Fabulous spot with many living options!

Looking for a family home in the heart of Yarra Junction?

Look no further. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a 4th bedroom or study. Lounge and master bedroom at the front, continuing down the hall onto the kitchen, dining and extra living space. You then reach the other 2 bedrooms, laundry and family bathroom. Off the kitchen is a rumpus room with kitchenette. Outside is a great entertaining area overlooking rolling council land as well as a neat and tidy yard for your children or pets. Secure fencing, separating front and back, concrete driveway, double lock up garage with roller door.

Minutes walk to local Catholic private primary school, local high school and only 1.5km’s walk to shops, river, rail trail and public transport. It doesn’t get better than this!

Contact: Leah Bannerman 0448 924 266 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

$680,000 - $730,000

Warburton

$720,000 - $790,000

Classic Architectural Features of a Time Gone By Sitting on a beautiful garden allotment of approx. 1/3rd acre is a 1940s weatherboard home with original charm. A home steeped in local history, being built by the founder of Martyrs Bus Lines, offers a large kitchen/meals area with combustion stove in working order and a more modern oven/cooktop for convenience. 2 good sized bedrooms with built in robes, a modern family bathroom, a large lounge room with wood fire. Outdoors offers a self contained bungalow for the teenage retreat or workspace and a lock up single garage.

With the Yarra River just across the road and strolling distance to the township, this would be an ideal weekender, a B&B opportunity, perfect investment with current tenants, or a lovely place to call home.

Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190 Inspection: By Appointment

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

9 Sayle Street Yarra Glen

3

2

4

$950,000 - $990,000

Located behind a picket fence, only a few minutes walk from Yarra Glen shopping centre, this stunning home has been designed for modern day living, with first class finishes and a focus on family enjoyment across its sleek layout.

Enter this country style, crisp white, weatherboard home, into a wide hallway and the formal living area that leads to the open plan kitchen, family and meals area. The high-end kitchen is complete with ample cupboards and drawers, pull out panty cupboards, stone bench tops and stainless steel appliances. The family area adjoins the kitchen, and the dining area is split level from the family room, sitting proudly slightly above the family area with access out to the lovely alfresco area.

The hallway to the accommodation zone houses the family bathroom with separate wc conveniently located close to the living areas.

The three robed bedrooms, two with built-in-robes, plus a master bedroom with walk-in-robe and ensuite and sliding doors to the alfresco area.

There is also a generous laundry with workbench, drying racks and plenty of storage. Additional features include plenty of storage space, ducted heating and RC/AC, wood heater, high ceilings throughout, polished floors to living areas , LED downlights, verandahs & landscaped surrounds plus 4 car garage with internal access

3

1

$1,550,000 - $1,650,000

(Circa 1910) 7.41 Hee (18.31 Acres) in 2 Titles This stunning 3 Bedroom and Study home is a stately representative of times gone by, of the great history of a community that thrived around a hardwood timber industry and the many small mills that were scattered amongst the forest in the area. Set on gently sloping, cleared, pastured land, the property faces North with views over local farms and bushland and enjoys a permanent water supply that originates from mountain springs and is piped from a trunk line to tanks and dams within the property. The home is located well back off the property’s road frontage and is quite centrally located. Ahead of its time, the highest grade Mountain Ash and other hardwoods were used in the construction of this home and were meticulously selected from a supply the then sawmiller owner, had at hand. Over the ensuing years, as well as being his own home it also became a meeting place for many in the community in the years between 1927 and 1976, as the “Gilderoy Post Office”. Some features of this fine, period home as it presents today, include the separate timber verandahs, bay windows, large walk in pantry, the raised sliding vents in each room, electric ducted heating and cooling and 2 separate living rooms, one with a combustion wood heater that provides a mountain chalet ambience on a cold, wet winter’s night. A drop down ladder provides access to a large ceiling cavity with potential to create an Attic and no problems with unheralded electricity outages here, as a flick of one internal switch fires up a diesel generator that powers up the entire house. Outside there is ample sundry shedding including a machinery shed, workshop and chook shed, set in amongst well maintained gardens and surrounded by massive oaks and manna gums and perhaps the biggest white magnolia tree you will ever see. Underneath, adjacent to a single car garage is a huge basement arrangement with separate small workshop area and study and the next key to this wonderful period puzzle. What was previously a games room or extra bedroom has been turned into a most magnificent miniature model railway setting, a life’s passion of the vendor’s late husband. Offered with the property this simply has to be seen to be believed. The highest quality, European rolling stock, engines and carriages running around within a superb German or Austrian setting. Located just 5 klms up the road from “Pony Club Victoria Equestrian Centre” at Gladysdale, this property is ideally suited for horse lovers or simply those wanting a small farming interest in a very scenic pocket of land with sealed road frontage and primary and secondary school buses running past the front gate, daily.

12553981-AV25-22

1310 Little Yarra Road Gilderoy

281 Main Street Lilydale P: 9735 3999 mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 19

PROPERTY NEWS

CAMEO NIGHT FOR RANGES FIRST NATIONAL A BIG thank you to our past, present, and future clients, Ranges First National Real Estate held its yearly (unfortunately cancelled the last 2 years due to Covid19) Cameo Cinema night on Thursday, 16 June.

The movie screened was Jurassic World Dominion which was full of action and nail-biting suspense and made even more immersive with the brilliant sound system of the Cameo Cinema! The night wouldn’t have been complete without the yummy popcorn, choc-tops and fizzy drinks and each guest also received a backpack filled with goodies to take home.

The night was a huge success, thank you to all that attended including our sponsors we are thrilled that you had a great night!

We had some lovely messages come the next day. A few are below for you to read: ‘I just wanted to say a quick thank you for a brilliant night. My family and I really enjoyed the whole event so well done.’ Kirsty Wilkinson ‘Just a note to thank you for inviting us to the movies last night. We enjoyed the evening which was well organised and also meeting all of the staff.’ Kind Regards, Lisa and Mark Hall ‘Thank you so much for last night. Just regaining my hearing this morning!’ James Lowndes See you at the 2023 event! Mick Dolphin and Staff from Ranges First National Belgrave and Cockatoo. ●

· · · ·

A great night was had by all at the Ranges First National Real Estate’s yearly Cameo Cinema night.

HOME FOCUS

CHARACTER FILLED IN A QUIET LOCATION ORIGINALLY built in c1927, this character weatherboard home has grown over the years into a fantastic family home with zoned living areas, 5 bedrooms plus a study.

You will love taking a seat looking out over your property from the rear verandah to enjoy the privacy and serenity that this location enjoys. This property really ticks a lot of boxes, wide frontage block, on a no-through road, double carport with access to a 4 car garage out the back complete with power and heavy-duty concrete floor – ideal for all those projects you have been wanting to do!

The residence is the perfect blend of character and comfort. Take a step back in time in the feature-laden kitchen, with redgum benchtops recycled from North Wharf, and beautiful Baltic pine floorboards.

In the fireplace, under the ornate mantlepiece is a gorgeous wood combustion stove, also an electric under-bench oven, gas hotplates, and dishwasher.

The floorplan designed for today’s lifestyle with zoned living areas including a large lounge and a separate family room. The 5th bedroom is spacious and could easily be a third living area if required. Other features are, sash windows, French doors timber panelling, high ceilings and there is a loft storage area with hidden staircase access, providing plenty of space for those items that you only need every so often.

Mature trees dot the yard and with grass below it really does have a park-like feel.

Additionally, there is a wood heater to keep you cozy on a cold winter’s night, also the convenience of ducted heating with the flick of a switch.

Whatever your style, live your best life here.

There is so much to love about this house and Cockatoo in general, with its beautiful parks and gardens, fabulous local shops,

schools, eateries, sporting clubs, and with Emerald only a 7-minute drive away and Melbourne under an hour, you really will want this to be your new home! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 5 Springs Street, COCKATOO Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,050,000 - $1,150,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin, 0429 684 522 and Emily Hudson, 0418 570 474, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Ranges SHORT STROLL INTO TOWN

COCKATOO LOT 5 ALExANDER ROAD FlAT, ClEARED lAND YOu SAY!?

DUAL LIVINg POSSIBILITIES

$365,000 - $400,000

The perfect opportunity to grab a flat, cleared and sunny block just walking distance to Cockatoo. With a short stroll along Cockatoo Creek past Alma Treloar Reserve you’ll be in town. Set on approx. 826sqm you can look to build your dream home here (STCA) with a large building envelope and all services available. Local shopping is easy, with IgA, post office, primary & preschool, RSL, sporting clubs, walking & riding trails, cafés & restaurants plus the bus to Belgrave, 7 minutes drive to Emerald and under an hour to the CBD.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

IMMACULATE IN EVERY WAY

SElBY 72 TEMPLE ROAD lOVElY TREED ASPECT

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

MONBulK 72 MOORES ROAD FABulOuS VIEWS - gREAT INVESTMENT

$710,000 - $780,000 5A 3B 2C

This large family home is the gift that just keeps on giving! Dr. Who fans would refer to it as ‘The Tardis’, it looks small & compact at the front but upon entering it just offers more and more! There is even a separate unit with its own entry & driveway – perfect if you are running a business from home etc. Featuring a master wing with a private balcony, updated kitchen and stunning views of Monbulk and the surrounding countryside.

Privately located on a service road on over 1/3 of an acre backing onto farmland.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

Emily Hudson 0418 570 474

TIME TO UPSIZE YOUR FAMILY HOME?

$695,000 - $760,000 3A 1B 2C

This immaculately presented home is set on an 1128 sqm block and is only moments from Belgrave Central. Step inside and you will discover timber floorboards throughout living areas and carpeted bedrooms, a gorgeous sunroom, wood fire, galley style kitchen, A/C, gDH & Split System. Extensively landscaped with multiple entertaining and play areas, fruit trees and a chicken enclosure. Ample off-street parking and is walking distance to the dog-friendly Belgrave Lake Park, bus stop, Selby Primary School and Preschool.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

We put you first

BElgRAVE SOuTH 168 BELgRAVE HALLAM RD PARKS, RECREATION RESERVES & SHOPS NEARBY

$825,000 - $895,000 4A 2B 2C

Set within walking distance to the highly renowned Belgrave South Primary School, you’ll find a renovated home with an abundance of space. Features a modern kitchen & casual meals area that opens to a generous lounge, good sized bedrooms, a sparkling bathroom ideally placed for a growing family, covered entertaining area overlooking the spa pool, cubby house and a fully fenced near LEVEL yard. Double carport, extra parking space & additional shedding/workshop. Wellington Rd and City access is nearby.

grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

“We Put You First”

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 21

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

38 Lily Avenue, SELBY

$685,000 - $750,000 3A 1B 1C

FAMILY FRIENDLY WITH PLENTY OF EXTRAS

Warm and inviting, this three bedroom home is the perfect family package! Filled with natural sunlight, the living area is spacious and open plan, combining effortlessly with the classic kitchen and dining area. Warmed by a cosy wood heater and split system, there is also a large walk through sitting area/home office that is currently used as the ideal kids play area. All bedrooms are fitted with carpets with the main bedroom having a walk in robe.

FOR SALE

$670,000 - $735,000

210 Olinda-Monbulk Road, MONBULK

3A 2B

TREETOP HOME MOMENTS FROM MONBULK

This inviting home is a sensational opportunity to secure immense comfort, impressive views, and the convenience of Monbulk township only moments from home. The split-level interior with vaulted timber ceilings affords an enriched sense of space within the wonderful open concept design. The kitchen seamlessly connects with the dining area with skylight via polished timber floors. The lower level lounge boasts a cosy wood fire and balcony access for taking in the idyllic outlooks.

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

Sharyn Chandler

Brad Conder

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

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

FOR SALE

25 Nicholson Street, OLINDA

$790,000 - $860,000

CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH TREE CANOPY VIEWS

3A 2B 2C

FOR SALE

53 Albert Street, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

$1,100,000 - $1,195,000

EXPANSIVE HOME IDEAL FOR GROWING FAMILIES

4A 2B 5C

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.

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

Suzie Brannelly

Brad Conder

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

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

9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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PUZZLES

27

2 1 3

1

4 medium

3 7

1 2

5

DOWN Pudgy (6) Prohibited (7)

1 2

DECODER

No. 086

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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”.

I

Today’s Aim: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 20 words: Excellent

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No. 086

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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No. 086

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SUDOKU

24-06-22

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

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 23

OPINION

True impact The impact of Covid-19 on our children is far reaching. There have been a lot of discussions about children missing so much school and not being physically active.

But what does this really mean? Only now since kids are getting back to normal activities, are we starting to understand the severe impact lockdowns had.

Think about the impact of no physical education classes, especially for out littlest ones.

What about no organised sport or even the informal ‘kick of the footy’ or ‘throw of the netball’ at lunchtime or after school with mates?

Missing so much physical activity has led to real concern that many kids cannot throw or catch, do a somersault, or kick or hit a ball properly. The development of their gross motor skills is, in many cases two years behind where it should be.

Researchers from Victoria University have confirmed our fears finding just that – kids in Victoria have suffered greatly.

With so many great opportunities at our doorstep including walking and cycling tracks, sporting clubs and facilities, we should all be doing our best to encourage kids to get out and get active again. Move away from the screens and get outside.

Due to the lockdowns, more than half of Victoria’s nine-year-olds quit community sport. That is a whopping 82,000 children. I am concerned that if more children don’t get back to normal activities soon, they will fall behind in learning social cues and teamwork, as well as the basic skills requiring coordination.

Many parents have told me they are concerned about their kids catching up from time lost during lockdowns. We know researchers and academics are equally concerned and

The state of

affairs Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon have confirmed that there is a long way for kids to go to get back on track.

Professor Louise Paatsch from Deakin University reports preliminary research showed students do not know how to interpret their peers’ behaviour or co-operate during group work.Having been away from large groups of children, they got used to being on their own or just with their siblings.

Children’s education has also been shaken up. Students in Year 2 or Year 9 for example, suddenly find themselves as the bigger kids at school, despite not being there for two years.

The Grade 2’s never got the experience of being Preps, never had the time to understand tricky social cues or learn how to make new friends. Year 9 students missed the Year 7 introduction year, now their preparing for senior school.

Teachers are doing their best, but we all need to make an effort to ensure our kids are coping with the drastic changes of the past two years.

I encourage all parents to get their kids back into organised sports, get active and get social again. Use the amazing facilities we are lucky enough to have at our doorstep in the Yarra Valley.

Excellent stage presence Based on a real incident in Bennett’s life when an old crabby, eccentric, homeless woman, Miss Mary Shepperd was given permission by Bennett to park her van in his driveway for three months. Those three months extended into 15 years.

Alan Bennett was played by two characters, one, his real self and two, his writing self.

The real Alan Bennett was played by John Latham who gave a great interpretation of the man who was sympathetic to Miss Shepperd but did have a few moments of frustration.

Alan Bennett the writer was played by Michael Jewell also giving a great interpretation of the character.

Each Bennett was identically dressed and talked to each other as if Bennett was talking to himself.

Both capturing the character of a real life writer getting ideas from the presence of Miss Shepperd.

Rosy Cullinan was Miss Mary Shepperd.

A strong, wonderful, and excellent portrayal of the lady in the van.

Cullinan captured the essence of the character, and the audience was relieved that the stage play wasn’t authentic enough to give out smells as apparently in real life Miss Shepperd, to put it mildly, stank.

Peter Burke played three roles, as Rufus, the neighbour across the road, a lout and an ambulance driver. Burke handled each role with realism, capturing the feel of each character.

Chelsea Rabl played the wife of Rufus and the social worker.

A contrasting of characters well handled

by Rabl. Each character was very different

Kemp’s curtain call both in speech and presentation which Rabl portrayed with professionalism.

Reg Ellery was Underwood, Doctor and Les Fairchild, Miss Shepperd’s brother.

Ellery really took on each role comfortably presenting well and handled each personality very well.

A good set, a floor to wall map of Camden Town, on the audience right was a desk, piles of books representing Alan Bennett’s workplace.

The wall map has a double door that opened to see the interior of Miss Shepperd’s van. And what a mess, also the front of the stage was decorated with a garbage can, plastic bags and ivy plants.

The two companies presented a wonderful play which is primarily based on a real happening and the audience were highly entertained.

The Basin Theatre also has considered local artists, the company has used the foyer space for artists in the area to show their works.

This adds to the enjoyment of visiting the theatre as while having a drink and a bite to eat one can view the local works of the artists in the area.

The paintings are for sale with a percentage going to the theatre.

How to avert a conflict through the eyes of former PM A review of The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the U.S. and Xi Jinping’s China by Kevin Rudd Former prime minister Kevin Rudd is described by Henry Kissinger as “a lifelong student of China [who] has become one of today’s most thoughtful analysts of China’s development”. Presently, he is CEO and President of the non-profit, non-partisan Asia Society, whose aim is to build awareness about Asia through education.

In The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the U.S. and Xi Jinping’s China (2022), Rudd warns a war between the two countries would be disastrous, deadly and destructive. Although such a war is no longer unthinkable, Rudd admits: “When I think of the collective killings of the last century, I fully acknowledge that my mindset forces me to make every effort to do whatever can be done to avoid yet another episode of global carnage on an industrial scale.”

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Rudd remembers the moment when, as a 14-year-old in October 1971, he saw the newspaper headline “The People’s Republic of China joins the United Nations”. While that headline inspired his lifelong fascination with China and its relationship with the U.S., his concern now is the welfare of the future generations, including his own grandchildren. In his words, the decisions contemplated by our generation “will determine whether these little

ones get to live in poverty, fear, and war – or prosperity, freedom, and peace”.

Rudd is responding to American scholar Graham Allison’s Destined for War: Can America and China escape Thucydides’ Trap? (2017).

As the ancient Greek historian Thucydides explained: “It was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta that made war inevitable.”

In Allison’s view, as China continues its aggressive rise, it is probable that a certain trade conflict, cyberattack or accident at sea could soon escalate into all-out war against the U.S. That is, the Pacific.

But Rudd offers an alternative, arguing both sides need to “preserve the peace and prosperity we have secured over the last three-quarters of a century while recognising the reality of changing power relativities between Washington and Beijing”.

Starting with a brief history of the U.S.-China relationship, Rudd investigates the myriad,

complex factors that are driving this relationship in an increasingly confrontational direction. His proposed “managed strategic competition” is a comprehensive realist framework where both sides can be mindful of “what buttons light up in the decision-making processes on one side when a particular action is taken by the other”.

Ultimately, it is not just essential but existential for China and the U.S. to identify, define and accept the principles and procedures of navigating each other’s “strategic redlines”, the areas of “nonlethal national security policy”, and those areas where “continued strategic cooperation is both recognised and encouraged”.

Is this a “mission impossible”? Rudd thinks it is a matter of choice: “Our best chance of avoiding war is to better understand the other side’s strategic thinking and to conceptualise a world where [both sides] are able to competitively coexist.”

Highly recommended.

Subtle horror and overdone Men Starring Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear Rated MA15+ 4/5 The latest film from writer-director Alex Garland, Men follows Harper (Jessie Buckley), a widow who arrives at a rural cottage for a vacation, only for her stay to turn into a macabre nightmare. A horror film with strong feminist themes, Men steadily reveals the trauma in Harper’s recent past and laces its cosy countryside atmosphere with unsettling microaggressions: unwanted touch, the men of the village making flippant or intrusive comments, and landlord Geoffrey chivalrously denying Harper her agency. With dashes of dark humour, Men explores the many mundane ways in which men blame and control women, and when a mysterious naked man starts stalking Harper, the tone escalates smoothly from creeping unease to a harrowing home under siege.

Buckley delivers a moving performance of pained resilience, and Kinnear shows striking range and physicality as every man in the village, including the landlord, stalker, vicar and a rude schoolboy. Giving nearly every character the same face in a story about abuse may be an

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

exaggerated satire of the disingenuous “Not all men” retort used by some anti-feminists. The climax is profoundly stressful, with Harper confronted by gruesome manifestations of the guilt imposed upon her after a recent family tragedy, but runs astray in the last few minutes. The film repeats the same abdominal body horror to the point of silliness (eliciting more than a few laughs in my theatre), yet the sequence has a sudden and strange lack of danger.

After the twin triumphs of Ex Machina and Annihilation, Men is the least of Garland’s filmography, but is still a tense, nuanced and disturbing horror film with a questionable ending, and is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Tudor Club’s lead singer Rory Say

What is something people don’t know about you?

Only people closest to me know this, but I despise cauliflower.

Tell us about your role as the lead singer of Tudor Club?

I like to think we put on energetic and fun shows so being the lead singer I try to engage the crowd and get them involved.

Other than that mainly just writing songs and organising things.

What has been your most memorable moment as part of Tudor Club? Why? Headlining Sooki Lounge is up there. It was such a huge milestone for us and we were buzzing for days afterwards.

Either that or releasing our first single.

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

I just love the mountains and the trees. It’s such beautiful scenery and the fact that it’s in our backyard is a privilege.

What are some of your hobbies?

I’m into my footy so following / watching the mighty Tiges play.

I’ve also gotten into a bit of gardening recently.

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

Arctic Monkeys live at Sidney Myer. Without a doubt.

Who do you admire the most?

I admire lots of people but as corny as it is I’d probably say my parents.

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

I think an important issue that needs constant exposure is the climate crisis.

Obviously it’s a global issue, but there’s no doubt our beautiful region will be affected if no action is taken in the coming years and beyond.

Rory Say of young Yarra Ranges band Tudor Club.

THREE … ways to support musicians

1

Sign up to newsletters Artist newsletters are a sign of support and helpful tools to spread the word on what’s coming up from the solo artist or group, whether it’s new gigs or album releases.

2

Share with your friends It can be hard to find new musicians or local artists so if you know someone that’s doing good things in the space, share it with friends and family. This can be done in conversation or through social media.

3

Purchase merch If you’re at gig, that’s a big tick already for supporting an artist through ticket sales, however, many also have CDs, clothing or accessories for sale. There’s nothing better than a band tee right?

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SPORT

First indigenous round

By Callum Ludwig Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club is set to host local rivals Powelltown Football Netball Club in their first Indigenous Match in Round 15 on Saturday 23 July at A.T Mac Sparke Oval in Warburton.

The event is supported by First Nations Traffic Management, a traffic management company aligned with Frist Traffic Management co-founded by former St Kilda and AFL legend Nicky Winmar which has been employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in construction careers on major projects throughout Victoria.

Warburton-Millgrove Vice Captain, member of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Indigenous Development team and proud Taungurung man Nelson Aldridge said a number of special guests will be attending.

“We’ve organised a welcome by Auntie Joy Wandin, a didgeridoo performance and smoking ceremony and artwork done by Cindy Mills, which will be on the Warburton-Millgrove football jumpers and netball dresses,” he said.

“Noongar woman Courtney Ugle who plays for and is an ex-captain of the Essendon Football Club’s AFLW side will be the guest speaker on the day and will perform the coin toss, and I believe Nicky Winmar is also making a guest appearance, having once played for the club.”

Mr Winmar did play for Warburton in the early 2000s after winding up his AFL career, even winning a premiership with the club in 2000.

Mr Aldridge said the event looks to build upon previous smaller Indigenous Rounds held in the Outer East football Netball league over the years.

Vice Captain Nelson Aldridge has helped organise Warburton-Millgrove FNC’s first Indigenous Match.

Picture: SUPPLIED “When I was younger at Healesville, we did a few Indigenous rounds and it was starting to gain some momentum, so I wanted to do something in Warburton with the significant Indigenous community there,” he said.

“I’ve felt really supported by the club, especially in the committee we’ve got made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

Then when we put the merch out a couple of weeks ago, everyone was putting their hand

up to buy a hoodie and t-shirt and it was a really great feeling.”

Powelltown’s jumpers and dresses have been designed by their very own Teghan Voce.

A sponsors lunch will also feature on the day.

The 50m arcs and the centre circle will be painted in the colours of the Indigenous flag and umpires and other officials will receive their own marngrook ball, from the traditional Indigenous game which inspired the creation of AFL.

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Mr Aldridge said he believes sport is a great way to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together, and a great way to encourage reconciliation.

“Considering the game of AFL itself was inspired by the traditional game Marngrook, I think it’s a great way to have that reconciliation, and it has always been great to see Indigenous people get out there [on the sporting field] having a go and showcasing their ability,” he said.

“I look at reconciliation as if it were a lake.

For years we’ve always people have always gone around the lake or the being too afraid to overstep the boundaries or ask a question but it’s really good to see people now starting to dip their toes in the lake, and immerse themselves in indigenous culture because we’re all part of the story of reconciliation.”

Mr Aldridge has been heavily involved with National Reconciliation week over the past two years, conducting interviews with Adam Goodes and Paul Roos to discuss reconciliation and the famous ‘Bloods Culture’ in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Mr Aldridge said he hopes the day continues to grow, in a similar vein to the Pride cup hosted between Yarra Glen and Belgrave each season.

“Reconciliation really is about coming together, it’s the acknowledging of the past and to work together in the present to move into the future and progress as one nation,” he said.

“Going into the future, we’ve seen the Pride Cup and how that’s grown over the years in stature and something like that would be ideal, and we will keep on working to slowly make it bigger and bigger each year. I’m really proud that the club has said it is happy to do this and to take this on board.”

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SPORT

Yarra Glen faces Seville Football Sixth-placed Yarra Glen hosted the unbeaten, top side in Seville for the Fight MND round, with the last time Seville played at the wide ground in their 2019 Premiership triumph.

The River Pigs started with plenty of fight full of running and caught Seville napping taking a 4.1 to 1.5 lead into quarter time. Intense tackling pressure from Yarra Glen put Seville on the back foot as the home side dominated possession with Brendan Dickinson only kicking a late goal for The Blues to get them on the board.

As expected the ladder leaders came out in the 2 nd quarter with more intensity and added 5 goals to Yarra Glen’s 1, with many of Seville’s forward entries set up by the Sciortino brothers tip-toeing there way through halfback and finding targets inside 50.

Losing Nathan McCulloch and then Jimmy Marks to injury had unbalanced Yarra Glen with Jack Nolan able to set up behind the ball to intercept Yarra Glen’s forward moves. Jason Godfrey was winning in the ruck and his marking around the ground, along with Billy Gardner in the midfield to keep Yarra Glen in the game. Seville punished some misdirected kicking with very clean and efficient ball movement to be up by 10 points at the main break.

Seville managed to slightly extend their lead by the end of the third quarter to 20 points, with Josh Weightman racking up the possessions and Paul ‘The Fossil’ Bailey doing the hard yards around the ground getting the ball out to the running brigade, including sharking one off the pack himself and sending it forward resulting in a goal.

The second half continued to be a great battle, with Yarra Glen continuing to push the top side to be within 2 goals early in the last quarter. Yarra Glen couldn’t capitalise on their work in defence and through the midfield, and despite having more scoring shots than Seville in the second half, couldn’t match their forward connection and conversion.

Seville’s Jack Nolan was sent to the goal square at full-forward after dominating across half-back for 3 quarters taking mark after mark.

Big Jack didn’t disappoint by kicking 2 majors including a snap over the left shoulder from 50 out on the boundary line which brought the crowd to its feet.

Seville kicked 4 goals to 3 for the quarter running out 23-point winners and remaining on top of the Division 1 ladder with the final scores Yarra Glen 10.12 to Seville 14.11 Best players for Yarra Glen, in a great team effort were Marcus Kikadopolous (4 goals), Charlie Wood (1 goal) Jason Godfrey, Richard Gurney (1 goal), Callum Morison (2 goals) and Jayden Schille. Other goal kickers for Yarra Glen were Richard Wyles and Ben Ashton. Seville’s best included Josh Weightman, Daniel

The action on a sunny Saturday at Yarra Glen.

Iacuone, Bayley Sciortino, Jack Nolan, Paul Bailey and Jake Strachan.

In the Reserves, last-placed Yarra Glen faced third-placed Seville and were very competitive through the first quarter. Yarra Glen captain Regen Daniel was able to slot through 2 goals to see the River Pigs within 8 points at the quarter time break. Seville lifted their work rate in the second quarter, with some of their better players starting to link up to produce a 4 goal quarter whilst holding Yarra Glen to just 3 points.

The home team continued to work hard but didn’t convert as well as the more accomplished Seville unit, with the occasional skill error being punished by the Blues.

To Yarra Glen’s credit, they continued to work hard, being outscored by only 1 goal in the last quarter. Final scores Yarra Glen 5.7 to Seville 13.13.

Best players for Yarra Glen were Steve Mylas (1 goal), Luke Vanderstadt, Zac Capuano, Nate Capuano, (1 goal) Brendan Davis and Alec Peterson. Other goal kickers were Regen Daniel (2) and Lachlan Crawford.

Best for Seville were Tim Cumberland, Benjamin Conder, Nick Sciortino, Nik Broadley, Liam Canaider and Aaron Stevens.

Netball A Grade: Sixth-placed Yarra Glen faced the top placed Seville and started with plenty of spirit and a combination of great defence and swift ball movement to take a 13-12 lead early in the 2nd quarter. Yarra Glen trailed by only 4 goals at half time. Seville seized the momentum in the 3rd to take a 14-goal lead going into the last. The Yarra Glen girls didn’t surrender but found Seville too strong, losing 31-48.

Best players for Yarra Glen were Steph Gibbs, Jackie Hibberd and Katelyn Vanderkolk and Yarra Glen player-coach Peta Fay was great in defence and would be pleased with the improvement in the team performance.

Hayley Ray, Carly McDonnell and Emily Wicks were Seville’s top performers.

In B Grade, fourth-placed Yarra Glen took on second placed Seville and was able to get

Seville Reserves coach Tim Baker and his assistant Brett Hook making some moves at 3Q time.

Pictures: SUPPLIED within 3 goals at quarter time. Yarra Glen was outplayed in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but showed some great fighting spirit to score 10 goals to 11 in the last, going down in the end 38-57.

Yarra Glen’s best players were Ellen Brown, Meaghan Carter (17 goals), Gemma Ryan and Tammie Milbourne.

Seville’s best included Hayley Ray and Alexis Tucker In C Grade, pushed the top placed Seville throughout the game. Seville outscored them consistently in each quarter with just the occasional turnover making the difference. The end result was 26-35 in Seville’s favour with the best players for Yarra Glen being Jackie Gard-

ner, Riley Shanks and Alex Bray (14 goals) and Courtney Canning, Tarsha Collette, Laura Colosimo for Seville.

In D grade, sixth-placed Yarra Glen took on second-placed Seville and found them to be just a bit too good throughout the game.

Seville slowly increased their lead in each quarter with Yarra Glen going down 20-46.

Best players for Yarra Glen were Sarah Orlandi, Chelsea Burton and Melissa Erickson.

Seville’s best players were Corinne Tesselaar, Hannah Ray and Tahla Gibbs Yarra Glen will face Belgrave at Belgrave next week while Seville is away again, taking on Gembrook Cockatoo at the Gembrook Showgounds.

Wandin maintain second spot in Premier Division

By Frank Seal and Nick Adam Playing away at the Olinda Recreation Reserve, Wandin Football Netball Club faced a strong opponent in Olinda-Ferny Creek that may well be a challenger came finals time.

On a momentous week for football, both teams were kitted in a special pair of MNDthemed socks for the SockItToMND round, and after a special, commemorative pregame message from Peter Gough, both sides were ready to leave it all on the football field for the next two hours.

Wandin came out the blocks hungrier, crashing through every contest and challenging Olinda’s ‘one-touch’ ability from the start. Some straight kicking and goal of the year contenders early saw Wandin impact the scoreboard early and give themselves a 16-point quarter-time lead, as Olinda’s inaccuracy in front of goal was becoming an untimely worry for them.

Two straight kicks separated the teams entering the second half, and the third quarter was a back and forth set-shot shoot-out. Both midfields dominated in patches, winning clean handballs, and gaining territory from 28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

It was a quality game of football as Wandin prevailed over Olinda-Ferny Creek.

Picture: TREVOR CURRIE stoppages. Goal-kicking woes were proving a significant factor for both sides, with Olinda-Ferny Creek’s 2 goals and 7 behinds

for the quarter seeing them inch closer to the Dogs whose some set-shot misses of their own saw it as only a 9-point game entering

the fourth quarter.

The Bloods jumped the Dogs in the fourth and took the lead early thanks to two crucial goals. A three-point lead was not going to be enough to hold on however as Wandin refused to let go of the game, continuing their hard-nosed contested football and showing poise with their disposal, delivering the ball to their talls and limiting chances to spoil.

Some devastating late-game set shots sailed over the Wandin goals and proved too much for the Bloods, falling to the Dogs by 9-16-70 to 12-15-87.

Wandin’s pressure around the contest was a highlight of the day and probably proved the difference in the end.

The best players for Wandin were Patrick Hodgett, Thomas Leech-Hines, Patty Bruzzese, Matthew Cerquarelli, Ben Chapman and Chayce Black. P Hodgett kicked 5 goals, Brendan Foley and Clinton Johnson 2 each, while Brodie Atkins, Ryan Jackson and Mitchell Mutsaers all kicked 1.

In other results, the Olinda reserves defeated Wandin 12-11-83 to 2-10-22. mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Warby netballers thrive

By Alex Woods Another away game this week for Warburton as they venturedover to Kinglake, with great weather, no fog and 5/6 wins.

Warburton had three netball games and three football matches this weekend.

Starting off on court was C Grade and it was another great win for this undefeated side securing a 10-45 win.

Emily Hay shot 27, Mel Hancock with 13 and Brooke de Pedro with 5.

Bests for this match were Courtney Irwin, Bianca Fraser and Emily Hay. This team is smashing the season with 4 wins ahead on top of the ladder.

Under 18’s took the field in what was set to be a tough match in muddy conditions.

Unfortunately for Warby, Kinglake ran away with a win at their home ground.

Final scores were 12.14-86 to 4.6- 30 with Angus McDonald kicking 2 and both Liam Westlake and Tarkyn Nicolandos kicking 1 each.

Bests for this match were Angus MacDonald, Liam Westlake, Hamish Murphy, Daniel Wills, Luke Anderson and Tyson Henry.

The boys are sitting 2nd on the ladder, just under Kinglake by 1 win.

B Grade was on court next and secured another win by 20 goals.

After a slowish start, the girls took control into the 2nd half and managed to push the margin at 3 qtr time from 8 to 20 by the end of the last term. Jordana Butcher put up 18 goals to her name, Alex Woods with 17 and Ella Meerkotter with 6. Solid performances from Chelsea Barnard, Tegan Butcher and Jordana Butcher, for this game.

This team is also sitting 2nd on the ladder, only 1 win behind a strong Powelltown.

A Grade took the court next in ‘Match of the Round’ for the league.

Another massive win by this team, who are also carrying on their undefeated streak since 2019.

23-62 was the final score with Shae Gee contributing 28 goals, Bianca Daniels with 23 and Kirralee Luiyf with 11.

Bests for this match were Morgan Wyatt, Shae Gee and Taylah Moschetti.

These girls sit 4 wins clear on top of the ladder, the finals series looks exciting for all the young netballers.

Reserves took the field in a closer win to other games.

Kinglake secured a 16 point advantage at quarter time but the Burras were able to bring

B Grade’s Sally McIntosh making an intercept. it back to 1 point going into the 2nd half.

The boys managed to secure a 4.7-31 to 6.844 win, in what was an intense match.

These boys remain undefeated since Round 2 in 2021 and currently sit 3 wins clear on top of the ladder.

Awesome effort boys.

Damien Egan secured 3 goals, having him kick 20 goals in just 5 matches.

Scott Muir, Josh Read and Matt Sidari all kicked 1 goal each. Best players for this match were; Corrie Crunden, Tyson Henry, Ziggy Kneebone, Noah Erickson, Joshua Plunkett

Picture: GABBY WOODS and David Bedggood. The Senior group finished off the weekend in what left the whole crowd on the edge of their seats.

Match of the Round for the league this weekend and it certainly lived up to its name.

In a massive win and one that was certainly needed, the boys have secured 3 wins in a row and 5 for the season.

Comparing the results from last time they met to the weekend just gone, it is a credit to the playing group, staff and Junior for the effort they have put in on and off-field.

With close margins and different game

leaders at the end of each term, it was Warby who came home with the 4 points by the end.

5 goals by Trent Elliot, Patty Huynh kicked 2 and Mitch Bonuda, Shaun Marusic, Tim McKail, Brady Mitchell and Brayden Woolridge all had 1.

Best players for this match were Trent Elliott, Shannon Noonan, Shawn Andueza, Timothy McKail, Nelson Aldridge and Shaun Marusic.

Well done boys.

11.13-79 to 12.14-86 was the final score.

To Broadford next week.

Winter conditions felt on Junction netballers take up the Warburton golf course the mantle with footy bye

By Stacey Davis

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 15 June, PAR: Oh boy did the wind blow on this game day!

Add a few heavy showers and a “feels-like” temperature a few degrees lower than 11, and you can feel the comfort level was a tad inhospitable. That’s why Steuart Hawke’s -2, which would usually never win the day, was probably the equivalent to about +2 or even +3! Well done, Hawkey, a stoic effort. GeoffLeckenby knocked off Your Loyal Scribe for the runner-up voucher, with a -3. I mention this obscure fact because Geoff’s father, Neil, ( alias “Mr Scotland”), also knocked off Your Loyal Scribe for an NTP on the 9th! ( I see an unsociable trend developing here!)

As expected, the ball rundown went all the way down to -5! The other NTP winners were Glen Forbes (3rd) and Ross Machar (5th). There were none on the challenging 12th or the 15th.

Saturday 18 June, Stableford: A better day, weather-wise, for golf meant some genuinely good scores were posted here. ( And, sometimes, quirky things happen on the course. Tex, Barry and Neil play together most weeks, twice a week even! mailcommunity.com.au

Warburton Golf Club results. Picture: ON FILE So, look at the following results, loyal readers!) The best score, on the day, was owned

by Barry Maltman, with a very impressive 39 points. The runner-up voucher went to his REGULAR playing partner, Neil Leckenby, with 36 solid points! But, fear not folks, Tex Van Der Kooi was not far behind, as he collected a ball! ( The 4th member of this star-studded group shall remain nameless!) Balls actually got down to 31! Finally, the NTP’s went to Happy Gilmore (3rd), Darren Wyatt (5th), Neil Leckenby- here we go again (9th), Clint Smallman (12th) and Roger Mataele (15th).

Yarra Junction netball teams were the only ones playing at home this weekend, with all four sides playing.

It was an early morning for our D grade side – playing at 8.30am against local rivals Powelltown. The girls put in a great four-quarter effort and never gave up. A couple of fill-in players were needed this week due to player unavailability, but they fitted into the team really well. The final score was 44-19 Powelltown’s way. Jessica Mebbrey was best on the court for the Eagles.

C grade was next up against Yea and they start off the game really well. It was a draw at quarter time and Junction was down by 2 goals at the main break.

A brilliant third quarter from their goalers saw us take a 4 goal lead at three-quarter time.Yea came out in the 4th quarter firing and managed to claw their way back into the game, the final result being a draw 28 goals each.

Renee Beaumont and Caitlin Conway shot 14 goals each and Tracey O’Neill was best on for the day B grade had a tough game against Yea, starting slow and unable to catch up for the day.

Going down by 21 goals in the end. Tegan Eagle was best on, shooting 18 goals for the team in a great display.

Yarra Junctions’ netballers were the only sides for the Eagles playing this week.

Picture: ON FILE A grade started their game strong taking a 12-goal lead at quarter time and adding to that lead in each quarter. It was a great game from the entire team, putting together 4 strong defensive quarters. Jess Ellwood shot 35 of the team’s goals with Cara Moore best on court.

Next week all Yarra Junction teams are playing at home Netball and Men’s football takes on Kinglake while Women’s football takes on Olinda Ferny Creek.

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Eagle Hawks fly as one

By Callum Ludwig The Healesville Junior Football Club and Worawa Aboriginal College have teamed up to help ensure as many girls can be involved in football as possible this year.

To recognise their new merger, the teams presented the Under 14 and Under 16 sides with brand new training tops designed by an older student at Worawa Aboriginal College.

President of the Healesville Junior Football Club Zach Coleman said as many girls playing football as possible is what the new age of football is all about.

“We are a big club, and we’d like to get even more girls’ teams in the club. We’ve got a U12’s, U14s and U16s but didn’t have the numbers for the U18s, who have gone up and are playing Open Age Women’s at the senior club,” he said.

“This partnership was about how we recognize the relationship between the two clubs, and so we decided to come up with the training/warm-up top to symbolise it.”

The training top is in the traditional red and white colours of Healesville, with an Indigenous design intersecting the white ‘V’ of the jumper. The new team goes by the moniker of the ‘Eagle Hawks’ replacing the ‘Bloods’ Healesville are normally known as.

Mr Coleman said the introduction of the Worawa girls is breathing new life into the club, and the support from club sponsors helped organise the transition.

“The excitement and the joy that they get out of watching and playing the game is phenomenal,” he said.

“Our sponsors, Fast Freddies Tyre Services, The Kitchen Design Centre and HICCI our major sponsor, were more than happy to jump on board, the desire for them to be involved was really pleasing.”

HICCI sponsored the tops for the girls

The Eagle Hawks decked out in their new tops. through a successful application for a Sports Participation Grant from the Yarra Ranges Council.

HICCI President Libby Prentice said it was a great opportunity for HICCI to engage with the desires of its members.

“We had actually put to our members after the whole Covid lockdowns for two years where they wanted to concentrate some of our funding and one of the key things was towards young people, particularly getting them back

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG into their sports and activities where they can be together,” she said.

Just really proud to have the opportunity to be a part of joining the two teams together and having the girls getting to know each other and playing together, it’s excellent.”

The U14 Eagle Hawks currently sit fourth on the ladder and play Upwey-Tecoma at their Queens Park home ground, while the U16 Eagle Hawks play third-placed Emerald away at Worrall Reserve in what is a crucial second vs

third clash, in round 10 on Sunday 19 June.

Ms Prentice said it’s a really important opportunity given what kids have missed out on over the last couple of years.

“They’ve missed out on so much social growth and social participation, I think it’s a perfect opportunity and really important that they keep active and just really enjoy each other’s company and have fun,” she said.

“Football teams are the perfect opportunity as they bring a lot of people to get together.”

Son of club legend a bright Outer East prospect

By Callum Ludwig The Outer East has proven to be a solid platform for the launch of football stars and Woori Yallock Junior Football Club’s Jak Ryan is another big talent coming through their ranks, featuring for the U16 Vic Metro side in their win over Vic Country on Saturday 11 June.

The Under 17s player has grown up around the Woori Yallock Football Club, with his dad Danny Ryan a five-time Woori Yallock premiership player, three-time senior premiership coach, 300-gamer and life member.

Jak said as a little kid he always looked up to his dad and his teammates.

“They definitely were role models to me and I wanted to be one of them one day and aspire to be like them,” he said.

“Woori has definitely played a huge part in my life and I can’t be any more thankful for them for the opportunities they’ve been given me. To come here two or so days a week, get around the boys and the club where I started my football journey, I couldn’t be more proud or thankful.”

Jak and his Woori Yallock teammates are no strangers to success, having won back-toback premierships in U11s and U12s in 2017 and 2018, as well as being the top-placed side in U15 Yarra division in 2021 with only one loss before the season was ended prematurely.

Jak said he has been fortunate to have such a strong team around him.

“It was awesome to experience a couple of flags with the boys and share a lot of memories with them over those flags and finals,” he said.

“To be able to play with the same group almost every year was awesome, I’ve built some really good connections with the football club and absolutely loved being here.”

After nine games played, the Woori Yallock Under 17s side is sitting pretty in first, unbeaten and with a three-win advantage over any other side.

U17s coach and Woori Yallock Senior Cap30 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Jak’s dad Danny is a club legend, and Woori Yallock is sure to remain a big part of Jaks’ footy journey.

Jak Ryan starred in the U16 Vic Metro side in the first game of the National Championships.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG tain Kody Busoli said Jak is a quiet achiever.

“He doesn’t talk too much, but he’s a pretty humble kid to be perfectly honest and he gets on really well with the boys,” he said.

“He’s got a big influence on his teammates and I think they do on him as well, he’s a pretty big team player, but doesn’t mind doing the flashy things and does use his pace pretty well.”

The Vic Metro team are currently competing in the National Championships, with

games to come against South Australia at Metricon Oval on the Gold Coast and against Western Australia at Thebarton Oval in Adelaide.

Jak said it was an awesome experience to play at such a high level with great players all around him.

“The footy was really hot, and the Country boys came out firing in a fast-paced game.

Certainly a bit different to local footy and even Eastern Ranges,” he said.

“The games coming up will be a chance for all of us to bond and get a bit closer and make new mates, I’m definitely looking forward to my family coming up as well.”

Vic Metro held on to beat Vic Country 14.15, 99 to 11.6, 72 and AFL Draft editor and analyst Michael Alvaro named Jak amongst the best players on the day, noting that his speed ‘left opponents in his wake upon burning into the forward 50.’

Jak said his speed and willingness to bring others into the game are some of his strengths as a player.

“At Vic Metro, I’ve been playing a halfforward or wing role so I’ve taking up ground and creating a lot of space using my running ability,” he said.

“I also love to bring others into the game, it’s all about bringing the whole team into the game not just myself to get the result in the end that we want to.” mailcommunity.com.au

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