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Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 21st June 2022

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Ranges Trader

Controversial Cockatoo sculpture moved

Council welcomes major kinder reforms

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Mail Aaron Violi officially declared Casey rep

SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bana films in The Basin

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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On route to crash By Tyler Wright On Saturday 11 June at about 4:30pm, UberEats driver Shiva Kankala took the turn from Perrins Creek Road onto Hacketts Road after being directed to do so by his maps. But without forewarning and a lack of familiarity with the area, Shiva was unaware his all-wheel drive would be no match for the road’s steep and unstable incline; with his wheels losing traction and his Subaru heading downhill while he tried to accelerate. “When [I was] hitting the acceleration, I [went] backwards, not forwards, so I ended up going into a pitfall,” Shiva said. “When I was going back [I thought] I would have fallen to the mountain”. Nearby resident Bill Pizzey said he has witnessed between six and eight similar instances of cars rolling and being stopped by the ditch on Hacketts Road over the past three years. “[Drivers] get up to the point of going round the tree, and they’ll slide [20 or 30 metres] from there; some of them getting further than others, before they fall in the gutter,” Bill said. “I know that talking to the tow truck driver he’s pulled out quite a few…there’s probably a few more than we know of.” He is calling for both Google Maps and Uber to remove the Perrins Creek Road entrance to Hacketts Road, and send drivers through to the Olinda-Monbulk Road entrance as a suggested route to avoid future incidents - but has not yet received a response from either organisation. “From the point of view of telling Google Maps...to effectively cut the road in half so there’s an east and a west end, and force their mapping program to send you around the other way,” Bill suggests. This plea follows not just the incident on 11 June, but another on 28 May also involving

UberEats driver Shiva Kankala rolled down the Hacketts Road slope on Saturday June 11 while trying to deliver a food order. a delivery driver and the installation of a sign reading ‘HIGH RISK SLOPE - SEEK ALTERNATIVE ROUTE’ by Yarra Ranges Council 18 months ago. “We’ve been working with community members on Hacketts Road in Olinda to better manage through-traffic,” Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Mark Varmalis said. “It appears the road offers a shortcut when travelling through the Hills. Unfortunately,

the mapping does not represent the difficult terrain and high risk slope on Hacketts Road, which is very challenging without a fourwheel-drive in sections.” Community members and Council staff have also been sending feedback to map providers like Google, advising them that the road is not a suitable route for many visitors.” Shiva had to pay a $400 towing fee to continue driving through the evening and wishes the customer would have left a note to warn

Picture: SUPPLIED

him of the terrain. “We strongly encourage everyone driving through the area – whether you’re a community member or a visitor – to pay close attention to road signs on your journey, so you can have an easy and safe experience and avoid potential accidents,” the Director of Environment Infrastructure said. In a response to the Star Mail’s request for comment on Tuesday 14 June, Uber said they had not been made aware of the incident.

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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IN BRIEF Woman collides with garden shed A woman was taken to Knox Hospital in a stable condition with no obvious injuries after a collision on Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully yesterday. The CFA was notified at 1.09pm to reports of a vehicle accident on Wednesday 15 June and crews found one vehicle had crashed into a garden shed on arrival. Two CFA vehicles attended with support from Fire Rescue Victoria and the SES, working with the SES to extract a patient. The patient was then assessed by Ambulance Victoria and the scene was declared under control at 1.17pm.

Firefighters warn of fire risks throughout winter

‘Negative Curl’ was recently introduced to the Cockatoo community and was shifted yesterday.

Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT

Lifted and shifted By Tyler Wright and Shelby Brooks

The artwork sits next to the McBride Street railway crossing. significantly from its original spot on McBride Street. This comes after locals raised concerns over the structure’s location earlier this month, with Cockatoo resident Chris Thompson telling the Star Mail the artwork could have been placed in a more “prominent spot”.

State enters high-risk road death period

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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 or visibility is affected are simple but life-saving 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 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 vis-

ibility 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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Police officers caught 21 drug drivers across Cardinia over Operation Regal over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Along with the 21 drug drivers were three drink drivers, nine disqualified drivers, seven unlicensed drivers and 19 unregistered vehicles. There were 73 speeding offences, two mobile offences and two seatbelt offences. Eight people disobeyed signs or signals and four vehicles were impounded. Victoria Police launched Operation Regal on Friday 10 June - a four-day statewide road policing effort to reduce road trauma and target poor driving behaviour. More than 5000 offences were detected during a major road safety effort. There have been 107 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 12 higher than the same time last year (95). Pedestrian fatalities have more than doubled, with 16 pedestrian deaths compared with six at the same time last year. With six lives lost to date in June, police are urging motorists not to be complacent during the remaining winter months. Operation Regal concluded at 23.59pm on Monday 13 June 2022.

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A controversial Cockatoo sculpture has been “lifted and shifted” by the council after an outcry from locals that it was in the wrong spot. Cardinia Shire Council confirmed more work was done last week on the public artwork ‘Negative Curl’ on Cockatoo’s McBride Street. The piece, commissioned by the shire and created by James Voller as part of the Cardinia Public Art program, is set to be completed and open to the public in coming months. “There was some more work done on the artwork’s placement Monday 14 June,” a council spokesperson said. “It was around lifting and shifting the artwork into its optimum place to best suit the artwork and its surrounds. “The next stage after this is the landscaping.” It is understood the artwork was not moved

“I’d like to see more art around town - it just would have been nice for it to be put somewhere where people will actually see it,” Chris said. A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson also told the Star Mail the council “explored a number of different suitable sites for this piece of artwork, working carefully with the artist and his team, Cardinia’s Ranges Ward councillors (at that time) and Puffing Billy (as owners of the land at Cockatoo Station which was the mutually agreed final site)”. “Whilst the artwork itself was completed as originally planned, due to risks associated with other sites and impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic it has taken longer than was originally anticipated to place the artwork on site,” the spokesperson said. “The artwork celebrates the wonderful history of the Cockatoo community incorporating original photos in its design.”

As the cold weather sets in across the state and Victorians switch on their heaters to combat the chill, firefighters are urging people to be aware of the fire risks at their home. 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. “Remember to never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended and turn off heaters before leaving the room. “Ensure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving your house or going to bed. “Ideally, gas heaters should be professionally serviced every two years.” On average, Victoria’s fire services respond to more than 3,000 house fires across the state each year, and many could be prevented by taking simple precautions.

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Kinder reforms to come By Tyler Wright 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,

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

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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.”

Concerns over log placement at Emerald lake car park By Tyler Wright In early May, Parks Victoria placed hardwood logs recovered from storm damage in the Dandenong Ranges National Park at Emerald’s Lake Aura Vale car park, but one kayaker and regular park-goer has taken to social media to express his concerns. “I live in Avonsleigh and I use the lake two times a week during this time of the year, and my whole family would use it a couple of times a week regularly in summer,” Jay Pinkster said. “We paddleboard and kayak on the lake with a lot of other families.” But with these logs now sitting between the bitumen and the grass used to access part of the lake, Jay said foot traffic may become a hazard. “In the last five years, the population of kayakers and stand up paddleboarders who use the lake has absolutely exploded,” he said. “In Summer when the car park’s congested, you’re going to have all these people carrying their stand up paddleboards and 12 foot kayaks through the middle of the carpark trying to find a gap in the logs…you’ll have 10 cars waiting for a car park or trying to drop stuff off.” The mums and dads who are trying to carry picnic gear and get over those logs is just ridiculous.” Parks Victoria Arief Chief Ranger, Darren Mitchell, said there is a “considerable gap between each log, placed adjacent to existing and elevated gutters that encircle the whole car park, with no impact on all abilities access”. “This placement allows typical visitor access and activity, while identifying a clear entry point to the park,” the area chief ranger said. “Parks Victoria is using the logs as a management technique to restrict illegal vehicle access into the park, following an increase in unsightly and costly vandalism at Aura Vale Lake Park, and cases of illegal parking at mailcommunity.com.au

Hardwood logs have been placed at the Lake Aura Vale car park by Parks Victoria, but one kayaker is concerned about user convenience. Picture: SUPPLIED Henleys Picnic Ground.” Jay Pinkster, also a member of Stand Up Paddle Melbourne, Stand Up Paddle Victoria and Melbourne Paddlers, is calling for more

consultation with community organisations invested in public areas. “It’s not just locals who use the park - people come from all over Victoria to use it.

Aura Vale Lake is a beautiful lake, but it’s also protected from most winds, so you can paddle on that lake when all the beaches are too windy,” he said. Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Deer could cost billions By Callum Ludwig Feral deer have been wreaking havoc in the Dandenong Ranges, 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.

Feral deer control is becoming a key concern for Yarra Ranges residents who are experiencing damage to their properties. Picture: ON FILE However, some hunters will need to get a registration of interest to hunt pest animals on 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 landhold-

ers 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.”

Code changes for shelters

Small acts make a big impact.

By Callum Ludwig 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

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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. “These changes to the Code of Practice will be a positive step for our state – giving the community the confidence that Victoria’s much-loved cats and dogs are receiving the care they deserve,” said Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas. More information about the Code can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au

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Still displaced from home By Tyler Wright When Matthew Gardner put his children to bed at 5.00am on 28 October 2021, he was disturbed by the wind but eventually returned to bed. It was soon after Matthew and his wife Nicole opened their eyes to find rafters falling through their bedroom ceiling and a tree land diagonally across the roof of their Avonsleigh home. “We quickly grabbed the kids and darted down the other end of the house not knowing what was going on...once daylight came we were able to go outside and establish that the tree had fallen across the house, taken out our main supply line for power while also damaging the brand new master bedroom,” Matthew said. This freak storm event on October brought wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour in some areas as it moved through the state, and while the Gardners were left with damage to their home, it was also the aftermath in the months afterward that left the family frustrated. “Because the power was live for [a] week and a half, they couldn’t attend to do the MakeSafe...they couldn’t come and remove the tree and they couldn’t come and tarp the house to protect it... My wife and I lost our entire wardrobe because of the water damage,” Matthew said. By 4:00pm that day, the family of five were placed in temporary accommodation 30 minutes away in Ferntree Gully on a month-tomonth basis and over seven months later have recently been given the option of finding a minimum six-month rental. “You’re having to do washing every day and

Matt Gardner and his family Nicole, Jaxon, Harrison and Lachlan in their master bedroom that was hit by a tree. 284784 run it in a dryer because you don’t have the room with five people to hang it out to air dry - and even if we were to go back into our house tomorrow with power, because it hasn’t been repaired as far as the other two bedrooms go, we’d be in exactly the same position,” Matthew said. The insurance company handling the Gardners’ claim, RACV, has compensated the family for their damaged clothes and told the Star Mail it works to progress all claims in a timely way regardless of the volume of claims from other events.

“The claim has progressed since 4 December 2021 to date, including both initial and full assessments of the damage, removal of the tree, a ‘Make Safe’ at the property, restored electricity and a Scope of Works including revisions requested by Mr Gardner,” an RACV spokesperson said. Now, the Gardners are awaiting permits so builders can commence work on their property and will continue to adapt as they have since last October, and their three sons aged nine, seven and five will remain at their primary school in Macclesfield and kindergarten in Avonsleigh.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“We are certainly lucky that with my mother and father in law in Wantirna, we are able to be there so still have access to a backyard and have toys at their grandparents’ they can play with... “But definitely for the first three or four months [after the damage], when any kind of wind came up, the kids were in tears...they were worried that a tree was going to fall on our house again”. As at 9 June 2022, RACV is waiting for Engineer & Surveyor drawings to update the Scope of Works before work can commence.

Tree removalists warning locals about safety this winter 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 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] mailcommunity.com.au

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 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 wash-

es 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.” Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 7


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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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NEWS

Passing on tourism 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

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 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 tourism, 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.

New free art exhibition to help with storm recovery By Liz Millman The Hills Creative Alliance has been joined by other local groups and members of the community to put on a free art exhibition in the Karwarra Gardens building, called ‘Reflections of the Storm.’ The exhibition is open from Friday 17 June on Fridays on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm during the gardens’ opening hours while the building is also currently being used by the Yarra Ranges Recovery Support Team. “It’s so important for the community to have ongoing opportunities to get together and support ourselves, getting rebuilds and repairs done is an ongoing nightmare for many people and many feel that the recovery is as painful as the initial shock of waking to discover the shock from the storm damage,” Hills Creative Alliance secretary Liz Millman said. The Rescue Logs team is sharing artwork done by the children at Mount Dandenong Primary School, which was used to illustrate the book called ’The Big Storm’. They will be showcasing ideas for an exciting project being planned to create artwork using the incredible root balls of giant gum trees felled by the wind. “We will be delighted to hear from others who have creative art that they might like to share, or stories and poems that we can post on the website that will accompany the exhibition and we also have ideas to create a book to remember the storm, the tremendous efforts that those who helped us have made, and the way that the communities have come together to support ourselves,” Liz said. Silvan based ‘Recycled Roots and Leaves’ plant rescue nursery has provided native trees and plants the bring an interesting dynamic into the gallery. Members of the Kalorama Collective have been supporting getting the display together and all the groups will be helping to ensure that there are volunteers to welcome visitors and be available to chat and reflect. Children will also have a chance to draw and colour to create yet more exhibits to display. This comes after community groups in the Hills townships have come together after the June storm event to support one another, including those still in temporary rentals or mailcommunity.com.au

Art Therapist student Denise talking with Anton from Rescue Logs at the exhibition launch. Picture: SUPPLIED

(From L-R) Dave Ferrier, from ‘Treasuring our Trees,’ Liz Millman, Secretary of the Hills Creative Alliance, Errol Lobo from from St Michael’s Tuesday Afternoon Drop In and Paige Kelsall, Artistic Director for the ‘Reflections of the Storm’ exhibition at the launch on Friday 17 June. Picture: SUPPLIED

A space to share the children’s book Rescue Logs produced call ‘The Big Storm’. Picture: JULIE HALL

Developing ways to prepare for other challenges that may hit the Hills communities is also on the group’s agenda, with psychologist David Younger sharing ways to help friends and neighbours during difficult times and in the recovery period on Friday 8 July, after this session was postponed on 17 June. On Friday 24 June, Yarra Ranges Community Recovery Coordinator Linda Snell will be providing an update on the work that

has been going on and the plans for the next steps in the Yarra Ranges Council plans for recovery for the Hills communities. Bernard Smalberger from Parks Victoria will also be sharing insights into the recovery of the National Park. “These sessions also provide opportunities for the community to meet and thank the people who have been helping us,” Liz said. For more information, contact Liz Millman at lizmillman@yahoo.co.uk.

storm damaged properties. Supported by Olinda Community House, the Hills Creative Alliance have held ‘Community Focus Friday’ sessions which have brought people together who want to explore ways the community can help one another. The sessions, running from 10:30am to 12:00pm, recently welcomed Michelle Dunscombe who shared her ‘ABCD’ approach to community action which developed after the Kinglake Back Saturday bushfires.

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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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

Yarra Ranges Council biodiversity officer Scott Allen has been out assessing trees in forested areas ready for hollows to be installed. Picture: SUPPLIED 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.

“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 using 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.”

Rabbit control a hot topic in Emerald at Hills Hub Rabbit control will be the topic of conversation at Emerald’s Hills Hub on Wednesday 22 June. A meeting has been organised with help from the Emerald Village Association and member of the Emerald Feral Rabbit Facebook group Martin Mebalds, to help educate the community on how best to manage feral rabbits in the locality. “There’s been discussion in the past about how to go about controlling rabbits, there’s been people volunteering, hunting rabbits - I thought what we needed was some experts to come and talk to the community to tell us the best approaches,” Martin said. Annie Lamb, Leading Officer of Biosecurity and Agricultural Services at Agriculture Victoria, will be coming out to discuss the impact feral rabbits have on the environment; including overgrazing native pastures, a loss of plant biodiversity and the spreading of disease. “The issue for Emerald and surrounding areas is that the usual techniques of fumigation and burrow ripping…they’re impractical, and they may have impacts on our environment,” Martin said. “For instance; baiting rabbits with poison could mean we might get wombats taking bait…maybe predatory birds like eagles [will]

Martin Mebalds, member of the local feral rabbit Facebook group, hopes to be part of an areawide control program. Pictured is a burrow undermining an Emerald fenceline. Picture: MARTIN MEBALDS

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feed on poisoned rabbits and therefore succumb to the poison themselves…there could be pets that are affected by the poisons,” he said. Martin said rabbits are common in the Hills locality, namely in Emerald Reserve. “I’ve heard of one person who’s had rabbits burrow under the house and to the internet cables; they can be quite a nuisance in their own right. I’ve had rabbits destroy my vegetable garden, so I’ve had to put up barriers to protect the veggies,” he said. “We’ve been seeing that trend increase over the years.” Martin said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if around 40 people attended Wednesday’s meeting, starting at 7:30pm. “I’ve put out invitations in the [Emerald Village Association’s] weekly newsletter, and distributed invitations via their email to [their] members - and there’s 114 in that group,” the local said. “There’s no point in just controlling rabbits on your own property, because they’re going to come and in and fill a void if there’s no rabbits on your property, but the next property has an abundance of rabbits... “You really need an area-wide control program or effort.” The Hills Hub is located on 402 BelgraveGembrook Rd, Emerald VIC 3782.

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

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

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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By Tyler Wright

MAIL 11


IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Poetry book released By Parker McKenzie At 70-years-old, teacher and poet Ron Thomas has had time on his side when compiling his first poetry book Water Over Rock. “I belong to a writers group called Writely So, where we discuss each other’s poems each fortnight and criticize each other’s work and improve each other’s work,” he said. “I’ve been doing that for a few years, writing two or three poems a week for the last two or three years.” One of the poems in the Water Over Rock was written 52 years ago when Mr Thomas was 18-years-old. Mr Thomas said he was encouraged to take the leap into published work by his fellow writers in the group. “When I submitted it to the publisher, I asked what do you think of the quality and you wouldn’t just publish it if it wasn’t good?” he said. “He said no, no, no, we really liked the quality of the work.” Aside from his poetry, Mr Thomas has taught English at Monbulk Secondary School for 28 years and has published a textbook on engaging students in drama. The book launch on Friday 29 July will be at 1812 Theatre in Upper Ferntree Gully, where Mr Thomas practices reciting his poetry. “They allow any local writer to come along and read their work on Friday, once a month and that’s been a real stimulus to me, that’s been really helpful,” he said. “The feedback I’ve got from the audience there has really helped me put the book together.” The book launch starts at 7.30pm and will feature an introduction from a former student of Mr Thomas, Deakin University Writing Literature and Culture assistant lecturer Hayley Elliot-Ryan. Mr Thomas said the best way to improve as a poet and a writer is to find a group to critically assess your work and to keep honing the craft. “It’s even more special when it’s you performing your own work,” he said. “You can put every nuance into it that, it requires whereas somebody else’s performing your work, they don’t quite get it.” You can read one of Mr Thomas’ poems below or view the book at www.ginninderrapress.com.au/ store.php?product/page/2485/ Ron+Thomas+/+Water+Over+Rock Bas-Relief By Ron Thomas Our parents chisel madly From mirror images At unformed rock – or not School friends gouge and cut Teachers rub little bits To a nice polish At Uni besotted by other poses and poseurs We brandish our own hammers To the pre-cuts Craft elaborate curlicues of pretension A Romantic ear A Gothic stare Our lovers try to tidy up the mess Into their likeness In old age we abandon work Admire what’s complete Acknowledge the huge cliff face From which we partly peep 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Film crews spotted By Tyler Wright If you live around The Basin and spotted vans near the town’s roundabout on Friday 17 June it was because the star studded cast of the film adaptation of Jane Harper’s novel ‘Force of Nature’, were filming 15 minutes away in our very own Dandenong Ranges. Eric Bana has assumed the role of detective Aaron Falk and is joined by actress Deborah Lee-Furness playing Jill Bailey, in the follow up to smash hit ‘The Dry’. Lynette Hayhurst, resident of The Basin, had the chance to chat to Deborah Lee-Furness on Friday and said she was “friendly” and “delightful”. “She said ‘I’d love a hot cup of tea’, so I went back over the road and told Meryll (from Rainy Day Books) she wanted a cup of tea...and that’s what Meryll did,” Lynette laughed. “The scene [was] just amazing - it’s like ‘what are these huge star vans doing here?’ The locals [were] ecstatic, saying ‘what’s going on?” While there was no public access to the set, Lynette made sure she got the most out of the opportunity to mingle and advocate for the town. “I got to speak with the costume designer and the assistant director [as well], so that was a pretty cool opportunity,” she said. “I was actually trying to promote the local bookshop, because [the owner] is very excited about the book and has books by Jane Harper in her store; and of all times, she ordered the

Vans that house stars of the film ‘Force of Nature’ during filming appeared in The Basin on Friday 17 June. Picture: LYNETTE HAYHURST book the movie is based on, [which will] arrive on Monday.” ‘Force of Nature’ focuses on five women who take part in a corporate hiking retreat, with only four coming out on the other side. Federal Agents Aaron Falk (Bana) and Carmen Cooper (McKenzie) head deep into the Victorian mountain ranges to investigate in the hopes of finding their whistle-blowing informant, Alice Russell (Torv), alive. Lynette said having the area’s landscape on the big screen will put The Basin “on the map”. “I’ve never seen a film crew descend on a small town of 4000 people...it’s a very small and overall really quite lovely town and it at-

tracts because of its natural beauty,” the local said. Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon told the Star Mail in May ‘The Dry’ was an extraordinary success, reaching number one at the Australian box office and quickly becoming an Australian classic. “We’re delighted to support this immensely talented team’s return for Force of Nature and deliver an enthralling Australian thriller. Starring some of Australia’s finest actors and set against the striking landscapes of Victoria, this film is set to be another cinematic event,” he said. The film has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen and will be entirely shot in Victoria, with the Otaways also chosen as a location. “From Jane Harper winning the Premier’s Literary Award for The Dry to now having a second Victorian-made feature film in the works – this is a stunning Victorian creative success story that will inject $10 million into the state’s economy and showcase Victoria’s regions to the world,” Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said. Eric Bana and Deborah Lee-Furness are also joined by cast members Lucy Ansell (Utopia) as Bree and Jacqueline McKenzie (Romper Stomper) as Federal Agent Carmen Cooper. Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor is back in the role of Erik Falk, alongside Richard Roxburgh as Daniel Bailey, Tony Briggs as Ian Chase and Kenneth Radley as Sergeant King.

Student filmmaker captures local spirit By Tyler Wright A young Dandenong Ranges based filmmaker was presented with the ‘Young Film-makers Award’ at the ‘Show us your Shorts’ Film Festival Awards ceremony at Warburton on Sunday 19 May. Ivy Tucker, Year 9 student at Belgrave’s Mater Christi College, felt the desire to make the move from acting on-screen to working behind the camera 18 months ago. The result? Her first short documentary, ‘Agricola 7101,’ which was picked from competition ‘Show us Your Shorts’ and will be presented to the local Yarra Ranges audience who are at the core of the film’s themes. “It’s about the generosity of the people at the [Lilydale] Sailing Club, how they gave my brother Agricola 7101 and gave up their time to help my brother learn how to sail this boat during the difficult times of lockdown,” Ivy said. The six month filming and editing process involved the director documenting the group of locals who bound together to rescue a longneglected and rare classic Australian sailing dinghy - fundamentally changing the life of a young boy (her brother) along the way - an act of togetherness essential during the pandemic. “I like being able to tell a story from behind the camera and being able to make people feel something; being able to create something that makes people feel kindness or compassion towards other people,” Ivy said. And while this is the student filmmaker’s first foray into an individual project, she is no stranger to documenting experiences and putting them on screen after starting at the Ranges Academy of Performing Arts seven years ago. “We made a couple of films together with this group, and I went to Spain for an International Children’s Film Festival where one of our first films we made together was screened, which was pretty awesome,” Ivy said. “That was in 2018 - and then I’ve gone on from there by myself” The teen has since juggled her studies with virtual filmmaker forums, youth discussions and promotional events across the USA including Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival. Not far from home, though, was the Lantern and Light International Children’s Film Festival in Belgrave which inspired Ivy to sub-

Dandenong Ranges student Ivy Tucker presented with the ‘Young Film-makers Award’ at the ‘Show us your Shorts’ Film Festival Awards ceremony at Warburton on Sunday 19 June. Pictures: SUPPLIED mit her own work to be screened. Ivy has received an invitation to speak at the upcoming 2022 Comic-Con, as part of the film’s selection for screening at the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, but is still undecided if she will be able to attend in person. As for future projects, the storyteller and aspiring actor remains tight-lipped. “I might in the future think about making other [films], but I’m experimenting with lots of different types of filmmaking at the moment,” she said. Ivy was also awarded $200 in prize money at the ‘Show us your Shorts’ Film Festival Awards ceremony. You can find the trailer for Agricola 7101 here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=8goiGcwQLC0

Ivy’s brother was gifted the rare Agricola 7101 and taught the tips and tricks of sailing - the focus of her documentary. mailcommunity.com.au


BELGRAVE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Lanterns of all shapes and sizes will be on display during the festival.

The Belgrave Lantern Festival is not to be missed, coming back bigger than ever this year after the pandemic. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Finding Nemo characters were some familiar lantern faces at a past event.

Embrace the lantern glow This year’s Belgrave Lantern Festival puts all of Belgrave on the map, taking festival revelers on a self-led journey across and around the entire township. ‘Activated’ spaces and creative precinct ‘pop ups’ appear in streets, alleyways, arcades, nooks and crannies, featuring art, music, workshops, circus arts, DJ’s, bands, solo artists, food trucks, fire-pits and more. The last two years have been big - for everyone! Covid, unfortunately put the knocker on

any ambitions of a street parade, but together - the team worked up a great Plan B. As a community, we learnt to adapt and move forward in the face of multiple challenges. The good humans of Belgrave proved that going without, didn’t mean missing out. Last year’s ‘re-imagined’ lantern pivot, which saw shop fronts transformed into luminous lantern exhibits, verified that the hills community is an undaunted, creative and tenacious mob, prepared to do whatever it takes

to keep the glow in our streets, and in our hearts, burning bright. This spirit sets the tone and inspiration for 2022. Belgrave will again become a literal and figurative beacon of light, levity and celebration across the hills this year and on Saturday 25 June, The Belgrave Lantern Festival will splash down! And it may well prove to be a way-shower for all future lantern events. So, will there be lantern-making workshops in the lead up? Absolutely.

Can I bring my lantern on the night? 100 per cent. Will I get a chance to display my lantern like last year? Without a doubt. On the longest night of the year, we invite you to experience and re-experience Belgrave anew. Saturday 25 June is a homage to light, the imagination and to the community that illuminates, nourishes and informs how Belgrave lives, works and plays together. See you there.

BELGRAVE

LANTERN FESTIVAL

2022 JUNE 25 5PM — 8PM

12555195-HC25-22

mailcommunity.com.au

12554669-SN25-22

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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NEWS

Cox’s clocks keep ticking By Marcus Uhe When John Cox said goodbye to his wife of 58 years, Jean, two years ago, he found himself in what described as a dilemma. The former electrician spent years caring for her in their Lyndhurst home before moving her to a nursing home in her final days where she could access round-the-clock care. He found solace in his workshop garage where it was suggested he make a clock for a friend. Two years later, the 84-year-old hasn’t looked back. “I’d never touched a clock in my life until I started,” Mr Cox said. Using recycled and discarded wood found on nature strips and around town, from old cupboards, chairs and abandoned DIY projects, the great-grandfather turns trash into treasure in his workshop, with rock and jazz music accompanying him as he works, punctuated by the roar of power tools. The installation of a battery-powered quartz mechanism, which keeps perfect time, is the key, according to Mr Cox. Upon their completion, he takes them to markets at Akoonah Park, The Gully in Ferntree Gully and Chelsea. “I think the best thing is the market,” Mr Cox said. “I love meeting people. Even if I don’t sell a clock I love seeing all the people.” His love for woodwork extends to other projects around the house, including a bird box in his backyard, a lazy Susan, tables and chairs. There’s even a table made from an old chair. He believes the expensive manufacturing costs of circular, round objects, which can balloon due to the equipment required, pushes customers towards his creations, which are

The master at work in his Lyndhurst garage. 284637

John Cox’s clock that takes pride of place in his garage workshop. 284637 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mr Cox turned a discarded chopping board into a timepiece. 284637

not as costly, and also ensure support for a local talent. When he’s not working away on his time

“I’ve been a volunteer for them since Christmas and I love every minute of it,” he said.

pieces, he volunteers at Cranbourne charity Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, where he also ran a stall at their first pop-up market last month.

Need local staff? Then give us the job... Star Mail

Need local staff?

Then give us the job... we will advertise it in our employment section and attract local staff

12544966-DL15-22

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SHOP LOCAL EMERALD

Trustworthy and reliable Alexander Neil & Associates is an accounting and taxation firm established in Emerald over 30 years ago. The founders Giovanna (Jov) Busacca FIPA FFA, Alexander (Alex) Laghi CPA and Emanuele (Neil) Busacca CPA have worked tirelessly to build this business into the accomplished accounting practice it is today. Accountancy firm Alexander Neil and Associates offers a broad range of accounting services including, but not limited to, taxation and GST, business advice and bookkeeping. Over its duration, the business has built up a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable, within the community, both immediate and surrounding. Alexander Neil and Associates has established a broad network of professionals including financial planners, lenders and professional brokers to augment the services they can offer to clients. Employing sound business practices and integrity in their approach, the team has also maintained a good rapport with their peers in the surrounding district. All partners and employees endeavour to keep their practice knowledge current by attending ongoing conferences and professional developments. It is important to the whole team to provide clients with the best service and advice possible. With seven professional accountants, two book keepers and three admin and support staff, Alexander Neil and Associates is able to offer sound, experienced advice and personalised customer service. A dedicated bookkeeping service (in-house and mobile) is also offered for the accounts and business management needs of clients. Advancements in accounting programs, online services (e.g., cloud-based accounting), continuous changes in tax law, together with the ATO business portal, other ATO/gov-

The team at Alexander Neil & Associates, Emanuele, Giovanna and Alessandro. 242936 ernment platform services, (e.g., Single Touch Payroll) and audit review capacity, the demands on business operators and professionals are constantly evolving. The team at Alexander Neil and Associates are always updating their professional knowledge as well as keeping abreast of accounting software, to ensure

AN

they are proficient with the changing business environment and the various online platforms that are readily available. With this in mind, Alexander Neil and Associates stresses the need for taxpayers to keep their books and accounts in good order and be aware of their tax obligations. If unsure of

what is required, seek the advice of a professional accountant. Contact Alexander Neil and Associates, Lower Ground Floor Office 1, 333 Belgrave Gembrook Rd, Emerald. Phone 5968 6062. Appointments are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

THE RAILWAY DOG

ALEXANDER NEIL and Associates Pty Ltd

GIG GUIDE

ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Accounting

• Management & Financial Accounting • GST Consulting • Business Consulting • Book Keeping Services

Thursday June 23rd 7.30pm Open Mic Night – with Jason Vorherr

Taxation • Individual Tax Returns • Company Tax Returns • Superannuation Fund Returns • Business Tax Returns • Trust Tax Returns

Saturday 23rd July The SunBears – Live

We work jointly with our clients to achieve financial outcomes. Lower Ground Floor, Office 1/333 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald Vic 3782 P: 03 5968 6062 F: 03 5968 6247 E: reception@alexneil.com.au

Saturday 13th August Geoff Achinson- Live

12549653-DL20-22

The Laughing Fox Café Full Menu Available Daily until 6pm Or call in just for Drinks!

Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Tea • Angus Beef Burgers • Vegan Burgers • Foxy French Toast • Dine in or Takeaway

EXCITING NEWS!

Saturday 10th September Phil Para – Live OPEN HOURS

We now offer | Printing on our COOKIES - CAKES & DRINKS! Our irresistible

GOURMET PIES Available every Thursday - only by pre-ordering made until each Tuesday

Plus many more ! • Cakes, Cookies & Ice Cream - Jumbo Coffee • Vegan & Gluten Free Available * Licensed Bar

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday-Saturday Sunday

4-9pm 12-10pm 12-11pm 12-8pm

Tickets available: therailwaydog.com.au/events

Also see our ‘SPECIALS BOARD’ Order online via thelaughingfox.square.site

5/329 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald Parties/Functions/Meetings • E-gift cards available Email: info@therailwaydog.com.au

0422 668 260

0482 624 634

13 Kilvington Drive, Emerald facebook.com/thelaughingfoxcafe 12554768-LB25-22

mailcommunity.com.au

12554770-DL25-22

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 15


NEWS

A big move in the corner of the squared circle.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

PCW wrestlers running through a match.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

Two decades in the ring By Parker McKenzie Inside the South Eastern Entertainment Centre in Ferntree Gully, the energy and chaos brewing within is immediately palpable. Rookie wrestlers drill their technique and practice moves to get the crowd on their feet, hoping it’ll launch them into super-stardom within the world of professional wrestling. Local wrestler Robbie Thorpe, clearly more experienced than those around him, runs them through a mock-match complete with a referee, tags to teammates standing on the ring apron and three-count pin for the finale. “We need to work on our strikes,” he says afterwards. “Just because you throw lots of them, doesn’t mean they look good.” The ring is more solid than you’d expect and with every big move it shakes and lets out a huge thud as bodies slam into the surface. In the change room behind the curtain and ramp leading to the ring, the tall, handsome and surprisingly well-spoken Tommy Hellfire is waiting to be interviewed by the Star Mail ahead of his championship main event. On Saturday 25 June, PCW National Champion Ryan Rapid will defend his title against Hellfire in front of what is likely to be a soldout crowd for the 20th anniversary of Carnage, one of PCW’s biggest shows of the year. Many in Australia will know Hellfire by his real name of Anthony Cincotta from the 2022 season of Married at First Sight — “more overproduced than wrestling,” he says — but when he steps through the curtain he embodies his chosen moniker. “I started wrestling in 2006. I remember I was in a band that was going nowhere, we were partying like the Guns n’ Roses, but without the talent or success,” he says with a wry smile. “You’ve got to step into a character, it’s that intensity, the drive, there’s a competitive streak inside me. When I’m in the ring it’s just sort of it’s an extension of myself.” It’s sometimes hard to tell where Cincotta ends and Hellfire begins, but when asked what it’d mean to him personally to walk out as champion at the end of Carnage, the switch is flicked and Tommy Hellfire is on full display. “I’ve earned this moment and this passage more than the other people who have gotten it before me,” he says. “I’m extremely excited and there’s no chance in hell I’m leaving here without that belt.” Hellfire is honest about being a wrestling journeyman — “I’m a tall dude. I thought it wasn’t going to take much work for me to become the biggest thing ever. Didn’t happen that way,” — but points to countless highlights throughout his career as the success he’s created along the way. “I was born and raised in Wantirna South and we did a show called Grandslam at the basketball centre there in front of 2500 people. Walking out to that crowd was an amazing feeling,” he says. “Going on tour in China, touring Japan and Singapore; all these things were amazing, but being able to come home and do it in your backyard, in front of the biggest crowd you’ve ever performed for was a truly amazing experience.” 16 MAIL

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Tommy Hellfire will compete for the PCW National Champion title on June 25.

Tommy Hellfire putting a rookie wrestler in a headlock. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE Live entertainment struggled through Covid-19 lockdowns, but since returning PCW has experienced sold-out shows and huge reactions from the crowds. For Tommy Hellfire, the interaction between the wrestler and the fans is what he lives for. “I have the crowd work for me. When I’m walking out there, I’m not begging for attention. I’m not trying to get them to hate me or anything like that,” he says. “When you figure out it’s an art form, it just becomes alive. At the end of the match when people aren’t just waiting for it to end, when they are on the edge of their seat wanting to see the bad guy get to beat up and see the good

Picture: SUPPLIED

Robbie Thorpe guides the rookie wrestlers through a match. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

guy overcome the odds.” Beyond the men’s title bout, the card features five other matches including the TriChampion Cass Stone facing down JJ Furno. Outside the locker room, Hellfire shows off a few headlocks on junior members of the roster and puts on his game face for the camera. “I give them tough love. I know they respect what I tell them, even though they don’t like that,” he says. “I’m at the top at the moment, and I’m more than happy for somebody to come and knock me off that off that perch, but they’ve got to knock me off because I’m not giving it up.” A consummate performer who’ll give the

fans their money’s worth, Hellfire says he is ready to put on a huge show for the packedout crowd on June 25. “It’s a live-action show, wrestling in honestly the greatest entertainment show on earth,” he says. “It’s interactive; the crowd dictates and takes you on a journey. It’s never always the same, it’s always individualised and it’s always customised to the crowd. There are no second takes, you’ve got to get it right the first time.” PCW was first established in 1999 and Carnage will be broadcast worldwide. Tickets to the all-ages event can be found at www.PCW.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

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. A great extra to this already wonderful home is the downstairs garage with internal access that doubles as the ideal rumpus room /bar area – Perfect for entertaining. Undercover

entertaining adjoins the dining / kitchen via French glass doors and will make indoor/ outdoor living become the normal weekend routine. Outside, the fully fenced rear yard is secure for kids and pets to play safely – Even the chooks have their very own place to nest! Parking will never be an issue with great driveway access to both the garage plus extra parking space for cars, trailers and other toys. In a quiet street, located only minutes from local kindergartens, schools, shops and public transport, this much loved home could soon be yours. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 38 Lily Avenue, SELBY Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Contact: Sharyn Chandler, 0439 882 442 and Glenn Chandler, 0418 410 689, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888 18 MAIL

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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 mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 19


HOME FOCUS

SUB-DIVISION OPPORTUNITY SET on an acre and a half, this property has a 2-lot subdivision almost completed, but there is an amazing opportunity now to expand the subdivision into multiple lots (STCA). Contact the agent to explore the details further. Enter this beautiful home via one of two driveways into the horse-shoe drive to the grand entranceway of this unique 4-bedroom home. Just a short walk to Gembrook shops, Puffing Billy, and Gembrook primary school. Enjoy the beautiful cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and lovely community of this iconic hills town. Inside, enter into the foyer where to the right is a lounge room with a fireplace and the master wing that has been gorgeously renovated with a massive walk-in robe, dressing room, a large modern ensuite, and plush grey carpets. The modern kitchen has butcher block countertops, contemporary tiles, a large stove with a gas cooktop, a breakfast bar and island, stainless steel appliances, and a massive walk-in pantry. The kitchen is open plan to the dining and second living room and has a perfect view of the pool and deck area making entertaining a breeze. The living room or dining area has a blackboard wall and built-in cabinetry for plenty of storage. There is an upstairs viewing space that would be perfect for an office or observatory. Down the hallways is the central bathroom, between two bedrooms, and is contemporary with a white and grey design with a butcher block sink with modern fixtures and fittings. The remaining bedrooms have great storage, plush grey carpets and are light-filled.

Outside there is an above-ground pool, a 6x12mtr shed with concrete floor and power perfect for housing cars, equipment, storage, or a space to enjoy your projects. There is a second accommodation

perfect for aging parents, in-laws or as a teenager’s retreat. It has a good-sized open plan kitchen and dining room with the main bedroom and full bathroom. 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: 28-30 Main Street, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,400,000 - $1,500,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Richard Birtchnell, 0438 747 357, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD, 5968 6222

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 20 MAIL

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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 21


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 22 MAIL | Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au


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 23


28-30 Main Street, Gembrook

$1,400,000 - $1,500,000

3 Sunnyslopes Road, Kallista

$745,000 - $810,000

Sub-Division Opportunity!

A Hidden Gem in Kallista!

Set on an acre and a half, this property has a 2-lot subdivision almost completed, but there is an amazing opportunity now to expand the subdivision into multiple lots (STCA). Contact the agent to explore the details further. This 4-bedroom home has a lounge room with a fireplace and a master wing with walk-in robe, dressing room, ensuite, and plush carpets. The kitchen has butcher block countertops, contemporary tiles, large stove with gas cooktop, a breakfast bar and island, stainless steel appliances, and walk-in pantry. The kitchen is open plan to the dining room and has a perfect view of the pool and deck area for entertaining. Upstairs is viewing space that would be perfect for an office or observatory. Outside there is an above-ground pool, a 6x12mtr shed with concrete floor & power. There is a 2nd accommodation perfect for aging parents or in-laws.

Set on just over half an acre, this beautifully renovated 2 bedroom home has a stunning view and is close to Lyrebird Falls, Kallista Tea Rooms, and Kallista Township giving you the best of the Dandenong Ranges. Inside has newly polished Baltic pine floorboards, a stunning stone open fireplace, a split system, 2 good-sized bedrooms with built-in robes and picturesque views from every window. There is an open plan dining/kitchen with stainless steel appliances and good storage. Open the café doors from the dining room onto the gorgeous deck for easy entertaining and enjoying the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the hills. The newly renovated bathroom has gorgeous views, modern frameless shower, and quality fixtures and fittings as does the laundry. Outside has a carport, stone steps, large under-house storage and lovely gardens.

Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0438 747 357

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

36 Eileen Grove, Woori Yallock

$740,000 - $800,000

14 Grandview Avenue, Emerald

$1,050,000 - $1,150,000

Beautiful Brick Home & Stunning Views!

Character Home in Emerald!

This beautiful 3-bedroom home is set on a 1,621sqm block with stunning views. This renovated home has a modern-country kitchen with stainless steel appliances and backsplash, subway tiles, butcher block benches, and charming fixtures and fittings. Enjoy picturesque views through the tinted windows which have electric roller shutters to keep the warmth in. The large lounge space has wood panel detailing and another connected space that allows for a play area or office space. There are split systems in the lounge and all of the bedrooms and the master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe. Outside has new fascia and gutters and the 8x6mtr shed has new gutters, and there is a new hot water pump system. There are solar panels and a sealed driveway that lead up to the 4-car garage and a fenced rear yard.

Enjoy the manicured gardens of this 3 bedroom plus study, brick home located in Emerald. This home is set on a halfacre consisting of 2 titles; one with a home and the land next door offers double the opportunity. Build a home for the parents/in-laws (STCA). This home has a cabin feel with 3 living areas, a fireplace, central Coonara, gas ducted heating and split system so you’ll be comfortable all year round. The beautiful polished hardwood floors, exposed brick and stunning wood beams add character to this warm family home. The handmade kitchen is spacious with plenty of storage, a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. There are 2 character-filled bathrooms, one with a clawfoot bathtub. Outside is perfect for entertaining with a huge deck, spa area, double lockup garage, a workshop, and plenty of under-house storage.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032

bellrealestate.com.au 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

5968 6222

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


PUZZLES

27

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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

William Matthews Funerals FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 HOUR SERVICE ALL AREAS

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

12410397-ACM06-19

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 25


OPINION

Changing education We know childcare fees are crippling family budgets. Families are spending up to 25 per cent of their average daily earnings just to cover these ever-increasing costs. But the truth is: our current childcare system has been set up to work against working families, and it has meant that for many parents – mainly mums – it doesn’t make sense to enter the workforce, or if they do, they actually lose money. That’s why last week the Andrews Labor Government announced a once-in-a-generation reform to Victoria’s kinder and childcare system to save local families money, get more parents into work and give every Victorian child the best start in life. To relieve pressure on household budgets, kinder will be free for three- and four-year olds from 2023. It will save families up to $2,500 per child every year – meaning you can focus on the important things, like returning to work, or taking the family on a holiday. We’re also ensuring every child gets the best start in life and is ready for school. We know that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before they are five, so the early years are critical in setting them up for the best start to life. We’re going to transition four-year-oldkinder to a new year of ‘Pre-Prep’ rolling out from 2025 with universal access by 2032.That means every child – regardless of where they live – will be able to access 30 hours a week of

Excellent stage presence

The state of

affairs James Merlino MP

Member for Monbulk free, play based learning to ensure they get the best start in life. It’s clear that we need to overhaul the childcare system in Victoria. In some cases, up to 25% of a family’s income is spent on childcare. Because federal childcare subsidies go down as household income goes up, many families sit around the kitchen table doing their sums and realise taking on extra days or hours at work just doesn’t add up when childcare costs are weighed against the extra wages. Being a stay-at-home parent is a legitimate choice – but it should be one that’s made based on what works for individual families, not one forced by the limitations of the childcare system. Plainly, it’s bad for mums and their families. But it’s also bad for our state, as our economy misses out on their skills and experience. Every family deserves to make the most of their child’s development and making childcare and kinder affordable and accessible is one of the best ways we can do that.

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

26 MAIL

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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


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Awarded for inclusivity By Tyler Wright

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club president Paul Proctor (centre) accepted the Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award at this year’s sporting community night of nights. Pictures: SUPPLIED tunity as anyone, and we’re trying to provide that,” the president said. Vicsport CEO Lisa Hasker said there was over 400 people celebrating local sporting clubs on the night - the first time the sports community has come together “as one” for a couple of years. “It was fantastic to see everyone there, to celebrate 20 different awards throughout the evening, and to congratulate everyone from coaches of the year, officials of the year, volunteers of the year, inclusion awards; a whole lot of different categories to celebrate everything about Victorian sport,” Ms Hasker said.

“It was good to celebrate initiatives that have happened during Covid...being back together with the sporting community and their mates, and reconnecting with other people, has been the big positive,” she said. Representatives from Knox City Council, Special Olympics Australia and Tennis Victoria all attended the awards ceremony. Running on Thursdays from 5:15pm to 6:15pm with a core group of about 20 in the All Abilities Program, Mr Proctor hopes to see particpation numbers continue to grow. “Hopefully it’s a model for some other clubs to take on board and take further,” he said.

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An All Abilities Session on Thursday 16 June, with participant Lachie holding the club’s Vicsport award.

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SPORT

Olinda’s devastating day By Frank Seal Coming off a refreshing bye, Olinda’s senior women faced a major test on an icy Saturday morning in Belgrave. The club suffered a disappointing round 8 defeat to the in-form Healesville outfit just three weeks ago, and this round 10 clash saw a great opportunity to respond to the rival bloods. It was a territory battle from the start, the team that cleared the ball forward looked to have the upper hand and it was Healesville showing more class and poise in the contest. Olinda’s effort was positive, yet two damaging Healesville goals in the first quarter established an early uphill climb for Olinda in what was a scrappy, contested battle. Returning from injuries, Lily Carlin and Kiah Burgess were finding their groove, while usual suspects Claire Hyett and Maddy Collins were giving their all to help lift their side. Each defender was holding up under intense Healesville pressure and Amalija Kostich was gaining high amounts of territory off her boot, but Olinda just couldn’t impact the scoreboard against quality opposition. Healesville was breaking away through the middle section of the match, only to be stopped by a devastating injury which forced play to halt and saw Healesville come out 50-0 victors, giving Olinda plenty to work on through the week. Olinda’s senior men faced a significant challenge at home against the 2nd placed Wandin, hoping to improve their season record to 5-3 in perfect conditions. On a momentous week for football, both teams were kitted in a special pair of MND-themed socks, and after a special, commemorative pre-game message from fellow blood, Peter Gough, Olinda 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, as coach Brendan Donovan predicted. Some

straight kicking and goal of the year contenders early saw Wandin impact the scoreboard early and give themselves a 16-point quartertime lead, as Olinda’s inaccuracy in front of goal was becoming an untimely worry. Olinda moved the ball quicker through the second term, but too much was being left to too few. Kelsey Currie was clean at ground-level, Dale Rohrmann’s defensive contests were halting Wandin’s offensive flow, and the forwards were being offered some gifts from the goal-square to tighten the margin at half-time. But the bloods were far from their best. 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 seemingly stoppage. Lachy Taylor was clunking everything, as was Josh Wallis, who was enjoying his time down forward, but the goal-kicking woes were proving a significant factor. 2 goals and 7 behinds for the quarter saw Olinda inch closer, and thanks to some set shot misses from their opponent, it was only a 9-point game entering the fourth. Through sheer talent and will from Olinda’s stars, the bloods jumped the dogs in the fourth and took the lead early thanks to two crucial goals, including a massive set shot roost from an inspired Matt Rosier. A three-point lead was not going to be enough to hold on however, Olinda needed to extend the margin. Refusing to let go of the game, Wandin continued their hard-nosed contested football, and were showing poise with their disposal, delivering the ball to their talls, limiting any Olinda chance to spoil. Some devastating late-game set shots sailed over the Wandin goals and proved too much for our bloods, who couldn’t respond in time, falling to the dogs by 9-16-70 to 12-15-87 in a heartbreaker. In other results, the Olinda reserves defeated Wandin 12-11-83 to 2-10-22, while the U/19s had a bye.

Tyler Belloni rises for an acrobatic mark.

Picture: TREVOR CURRIE

Olinda-Ferny Creek women face ladder leaders Olinda Women’s team played ladder leader Healesville for the second time in three rounds at Belgrave on Saturday morning. While the result was the same, Olinda going down by 50 points in a little over 2 quarters of play, the spectacle was much better and Olinda was able to produce a much better brand of football. It was, in fact, the best football Olinda had played since it’s round 3 Anzac Day win vs Upwey. After dealing with the late withdrawal of young gun Grace Belloni, Olinda had even honours in general play in the first quarter. Ball movement was much slicker, as was transition from defence and clearance work. The difference between the two sides, and it plagued Olinda for the duration of the game, was Healesville’s ability to outnumber and get free players in attack. This resulted in 2 fairly easy goals for Healesville and they went into quarter time 16 points up. The second quarter brought a showing of Mars Attacks! as ruck Amalija “Mars” Kostich followed up her good first quarter with a masterful display in the ruck. Olinda won every centre bounce clearance, and Amalija’s contested work, marking and ball use around the ground was a highlight. Capt. Maddie Collins put on her usual display of strong body work, marking and long kicking. Claire Hyett did as she does every time she runs on the field, hard running and attack on each contest, and continually bringing her teammates into the game. However, the brilliance Olinda displayed was nullified by Healesville’s continuing ability to get easy goals, mostly as a result of their midfielders being able to drift forward unattended. Olinda had their chances up forward, but the delivery into the forward line was haphazard, and any genuine scoring opportunities were sprayed. Credit must go to Healesville, they have proven to be the benchmark of the competition at both ends of the ground. Healesville put on another 3 goals to go into half time 37 points ahead. Healesville started the third quarter with 2 effortless goals in as many minutes which mailcommunity.com.au

Luca Smith flies for another strong mark. was disappointing. Unfortunately, the game came to a sudden halt when Healesville’s Captain, Kelly Laidlaw, bravely backed into an oncoming marking pack and received a knee in the back for her troubles and landed awkwardly. With the risk of spinal damaged, she could not be moved until an ambulance arrived, and the clock ran out with no more play. We sincerely hope she is ok and applaud her courage. The final result was Healesville 50 to 0. Kylie Verbakel played as a defensive midfielder and hardly conceded a contest for the game. Ness Bateman continues to show a maturity that belies her age, fights hard for every contest and is sure by hand or foot. Lily Carlin was a welcome inclusion after a few weeks out with injury, her attack on each contest and elite ball use a highlight. Alex Gunn launches herself into every contest with ballistic intensity and wears her opponents like a glove. She is a nightmare match up for any opposition. Rapidly improving defender Sophie Caldwell stood Healesville’s Danielle Carrucan, the destroyer from the last match who kicked a bag of 7 goals. She finished the game with only 1 goal, kicked during Sophie’s rotation on the bench.

Picture: SUPPLIED Olinda’s mosquito fleet continues to be vibrant and effective. Ellie Andre, Emma McLaughlan and Emmalee Keegan all had impressive moments in the game. Full back Casey Seymour held her opponent goalless, and was the instigator in many of Olinda’s strong transitions out of defence. So whilst scoreboard wasn’t pretty, the coaches felt progress has definitely been made. With two of the best players to come back in, Olinda should be a much harder opponent for Healesville next time around. Junior’s The U9s Friday night comp only has a few rounds to go and this week was the first with only one match played by each team. The kids had a ripping time, as usual, but were ready to go for another game!! Both team played really well and their footy improves every week. The modified nature of the game, with zones, ensures everyone gets a red hot crack at the footy! A cracking winter’s morning greeted teams across the valley on Sunday morning, as our junior teams headed out to the various grounds to do battle with the league’s best. As one of our mighty U10s asked his coaches, “Why can’t they make the quarters longer

when the weather is like this?” The U10s were off to Seville and really enjoyed their morning’s footy. Whilst scores aren’t kept, Coach Ben said that the majority of the game was played in our half with multiple scoring shots and goals. Young Sol Smith snagged a couple whilst Syd Higgins won the medal for his dash across half forward past opposition defenders to snap a goal. Great stuff Syd! Billy Brown also led the way through the middle and Ben said that the experience these boys are having in the U11s is really showing in their age group. The sun out on a crisp Sunday morning made all the difference for players, coaches and spectators alike! The U11s came up against the toughest opposition away at Monbulk that they have faced in some time. It was a see-sawing game with only two points separating the team at half time. Whilst Olinda had the advantage at 3/4 time, early goals in the last quarter to Monbulk had the game up for grabs. Coach Stuart and his team furiously worked the magnets and plotted their way to find a win, which they did with goals to Connor Lourey and Syd Higgins, who kicked the winning goal with a great mark and set shot! It was great to see the team challenged and find a way to win. Well done boys! The U12 girls travelled out to Wandin on a spectacular crisp morning. There was great energy leading into the match with the girls celebrating Jess Verheyen’s birthday before the game. Wandin provided to be too strong for the girls but strong marks to Lulu Rayner and Reagan Seamer were a feature for the girls. Claire McPeake was a rock down in defence and Lucy Cremeane rucked well. Jasmine Thompson’s kicks to teammates on the wing generated forward movement whilst Franki Edquist’s run down the wing, in just her second game, was great to see. The U13 boys headed down to Mt Evelyn to test themselves against one of the stronger teams in the division. Like the U11’s, this was a tough see-sawing contest where neither side could break through with regular scoring. Continued page 30 Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 29


SPORT

Underdogs clear the win The first half of the season concluded on the weekend when Monbulk travelled to Pakenham, with both clubs level on points in fourth place. Since the YVMDFL merged with the South East League in 2019 it has pitted large outer suburbs against smaller hills communities. Pakenham, with a population just shy of 60,000 has a huge natural advantage over a town like Monbulk with about 3,500 residents. Another challenge for the Hawks was that Pakenham played the larger grounds well and had a strong home record. The only previous meeting of these two clubs on the Toomuc Reserve in 2019 resulted in a 68 point win to the Lions. It was a perfect day for football after recent cold and wet weeks, with sunny breaks and unexpected calm conditions greeting the players. Ash Beck played his 50th senior game for Monbulk since joining the club from Beaconsfield in 2018. Monbulk’s game plan worked to perfection in the first quarter as the Hawks controlled the play whilst adding 5.4 to nothing by the first break. Pakenham responded with three early goals in the second term before the visitors were able to tighten up. The Hawks then lost two players to game ending injuries but reasserted their supremacy around the ground. In the second half Monbulk always had Pakenham’s measure but further injuries and inaccuracy in front of the sticks allowed the Lions to remain within striking distance until late in the last quarter. When the siren sounded Monbulk had recorded a solid 19 point win on the back of 25 scoring shots to 11. The win sees them secure outright fourth place and also retain their perfect record away from home this season. Pakenham 8.3.51 def by Monbulk 9.16.70 Best: Glenn Strachan, Joshua Spencer, Lochlan Beecroft, Benjamin Grimes, Kai Linde, Mackay Bateson Goals: Glenn Strachan 5, Hayden Finlay 2, Mackay Bateson 1, Bailey Rutherford 1 In the reserves match the second placed Pakenham had a better understanding of each other’s game plans as the last placed Monbulk team failed to consistently string together passages of play despite some individual brilliance. Both sides were undermanned and relied on several Under 19s players to play a second match. Pakenham 14.13.97 def Monbulk 3.4.22 Best: Matthew James, Dale Ross, Riley Finlay, Chris Separovic, William Henderson, Tyrone Vear Goals: Dale Ross, Tyren Utting, Lewis Oliver Monbulk’s Under 19s had an early start at 8.50am but this did not seem to deter them. Attacking the ball ferociously and with fast coordinated forays forward, the Hawks dealt with every challenge to dominate the game from start to finish. An eight goal opening term was as good as any football that they have played all season. The pride and commitment shown right through was the reason that they managed to keep Pakenham from even registering a score. This was the first ever win that Monbulk has recorded over Pakenham at Under 19 level. Pakenham 0.0.0 def by Monbulk 14.12.96 Best: Ben Hughson, Patrick Snoxell, Harry Fleming, Coby Passingham, Gary Ross, Tait Colee

Brenton Wells gets higher than Joe Cocker at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.

· ·

· ·

·

Luna was watching the Monbulk footy team...most of the time at Toomuc Reserve. Harry Fleming 6, Ziggy Hatherley 5, · Goals: Jed Noar 1, Liam Lourey 1, Patrick Snoxell 1 The Monbulk Women’s football team played a twilight match at Belgrave. Although they battled hard to drive the ball forward, they were hurt on the rebound on occasions by some of Belgrave’s direct attacking moves. Belgrave 8.8.56 def Monbulk 2.3.15 Best: Indy Bakker, Shania Turner, Jade McCormick, Laura Gillard, Molly Horne, Ayla Short Goals: Laura Gillard 1, Shania Turner 1 The Netball matches were also played at Pakenham as Monbulk visited the James Bathe Sports Hub to meet the locals while the courts at Toomuc Reserve are currently out of action. In A Grade it was the fifth placed Lions and

· ·

Monbulk and Pakenham players compete for the ball. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

sixth placed Hawks that would meet in a vital encounter for both sides. The first quarter was evenly contested before Monbulk produced some scintillating netball for the assembled crowd. The margin grew steadily throughout the match after the first term until Monbulk had registered an emphatic 17 goal win and leapfrogged Pakenham into fifth spot. Pakenham 31 def by Monbulk 48 Best: Nicole Macdowell, Paige Whitworth, Mackenzie Oracz Goals: Tarnee Adams 33, Stephanie Puopolo 15 The B Grade Hawks met stiff opposition from a determined Pakenham side who were determined to bely their ladder position. In a neck and neck struggle the Lions held a slender

· ·

lead of 1 goal at three quarter time before the Hawks machine got going in the final stanza which produced 15 goals to 7. With Olinda losing to Wandin, this result now puts the Hawks two games clear in second place. Pakenham 41 def by Monbulk 48 Best: Georgia Himmelreich, Dayna Walsham, Siobhan Munday Goals: Dayna Walsham 33, Olivia Crook 15 C Grade were jumped by Pakenham in the first half before they regrouped and fought out a fairly even second half. Pakenham 42 def Monbulk 26 Best: Tasha Selby, Jamie Sands, Sammy Beecroft Goals: Jamie Sands 21, Chloe Schmidtke 5

· ·

· ·

Olinda-Ferny Creek footy juniors continue to impress From page 29 Ollie Haynes run and dash through the middle was great, winning loose ball. Spencer Garrett and Ned Monkhurst intercepted the ball well across half back for rebound efforts and Ollie Millwood’s height in the contest also proved telling. Rio Neish and Will Benkiron, in the end, found ways to kick goals and get the boys the win, in what was a pleasing result for the coaches. The U15 boys hadn’t really been tested since moving up to the top grade, and had played with the consistency and polish to match it with their opposition. This week, though, with five outs, mainly upper age key position players, and against a very strong 30 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Mt Evelyn outfit, they would be tested from the outset. Olinda struggled to match the bigger Mt Ev bodies in the contest which enabled them to win the ball in the middle and score easily. Cass Hine’s height and strength through the middle generated play and rebounded the ball, whilst Tom Ford was active around the ground. Aden Bates’ speed and skill make him a very hard match up and he repeatedly won the contested ball around the ground. River Bellemo’s courage around the contest was noted by Coach Scott in the main break and Will Meyer’s rebound defence was great. Tough day for the boys, but they’ll learn from it and improve. As Scott said after the game, “they’ve been wanting to be challenged and today they got it”.

The U17 boys headed down to Monbulk to see how their improving form would compare against Healesville. Coach Paddy was really looking for team oriented footy and set the agenda for the boys to be accountable for running receives and pressure acts. In close to their strongest line up for the year, the boys responded and put on a masterful display of hard running, team oriented footy. First Menzie Jans McKirdy’s 60m chase down the wing to spoil a kick, and then Quinn Forward’s run and chase down in the third quarter had the coaches roaring as perfect examples of rewards for team oriented effort. Luca Smith was powerful around the ground with solid marks and 3 goals. Ned Ford also

snagged 4 goals in a stand out performance. Isaac Tonkin battled through a corky sustained in senior football on Saturday, but provided options up forward when not up the ground. Abel Teese’s hard running and intercept marking was great all day and he was rewarded for a goal. The only disappointing thing of the day was Healesville’s intercept mark in front of a hard charging Max Dooley in front of goal which would have been a fine reward for his efforts and enthusiasm for the team. Next time Max! A great effort by the boys and, as Paddy said, they’ve set a benchmark now of how to play out the season and if they can continue in this form, they will be a tough unit to beat! mailcommunity.com.au


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Melbourne Western Bulldogs Essendon Carlton Geelong Sydney Adelaide Collingwood Port Adelaide

Melbourne Western Bulldogs Essendon Fremantle Geelong Sydney North Melbourne Collingwood Port Adelaide

Brisbane Western Bulldogs Essendon Fremantle Geelong Sydney Adelaide Collingwood Port Adelaide ADVERTISEMENT

Harriet Shing MP

Clint Rose Motors

MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

Phone: 5962 3144

Phone: 1300 103 199

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

Phone: 9730 1844

Phone: 5967 1800

Phone: 9730 1066

FIXTURES - ROUND 15

William Matthews Funerals 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale

Before you decide call Bill, Narelle, or Melanie Matthews & Micah 9739 6868 www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

N.F.D.A Member

12491742-JW17-21

24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS Large Chapel | Pre Paid Funerals Available

Saturday, June 25 ..............................................................Sydney vs St Kilda Sunday, June 26 ................................................North Melbourne vs Adelaide Sunday, June 26 .............................................................Collingwood vs GWS Sunday, June 26 ......................................... Port Adelaide vs Gold Coast Suns 12489459-SG14-21

Thursday, June 23 ......................................................Melbourne vs Brisbane Friday, June 24 ............................................... Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Friday, June 24 .........................................................West Coast vs Essendon Saturday, June 25 .......................................................... Carlton vs Fremantle Saturday, June 25 .........................................................Geelong vs Richmond

Everything we touch turns to SOLD

Yarra Glen Automotive • Log Book Servicing • Brake & Clutch-Engine Tuning • Passenger Vehicle, Light Truck & Small Bus Repairs • Tyre Sales & Puncture Repairs • Air Conditioning service & RWC onsite Belgrave - 1 Bayview Road Cockatoo - Shop 2, 24 McBride Street

Factory 4/1 Armstrong Grove Yarra Glen

PH 9730 1844 12492436-JW18-21

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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MAIL 31


MURPHY’S MITRE

HUGE

RENOVATIONS Are now well under way and we are still offering great deals in the process. With end of financial year fast approaching – now is the time to get a great deal. REMEMBER – It’s not always greener on the other side…….. It’s Blue.

For service and expertise, come and see the MONBULK team at THE OTHER HARDWARE STORE CNR MAIN AND SILVAN ROADS, MONBULK

PH: 9756 6306 MON- FRIDAY 7AM-5PM | SAT 8AM- 4PM | SUN 9AM-3PM 12555065-HC25-22

32 MAIL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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