Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 28th June 2022

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

Mail

Fridge deliveries cause a stir

Breakthrough in breeding success for state emblem

Health workers honoured with awards

National karate star celebrates recent win

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Generous juniors

By Renee Wood Healesville Hospital has received a donation from Wandin Yallock Primary School in honour of a school staff member and her late husband who died from Leukemia.

Sue Marshall has previously been a teacher, relief teacher and currently runs playgroup, working at the school for 37 years and her husband Jim has always been there to support in other ways.

Ms Marshall said Jim did a lot for the school including as maintenance on the oval and other ways to help out.

“He did it because he loved the school and out of the goodness of his heart,” Ms Marshall said.

Jim sadly passed away earlier this year while in end of life care at the Healesville Hospital.

The school and students wanted to do something in his honour and decided that raising a donation for the hospital was a fitting option.

The Junior School Council was given the opportunity to come up with an idea and decided to have a milkshake day, connecting back to one of Jim’s favourite treats.

Out of a school of 122 kids, they were able to raise $200 from the special day.

Teacher Alex Green said, “[because of] what he meant to sue and the school, we wanted to show our support.”

Junior School Council student members Lucius, Kai and Asher visited the Healesville Hospital to hand over the donation to Nurse Manager Christine Wittkopp in the garden used as a space of peace for patients and their families.

Lucius said it was something special to do in remembrance.

Christine Wittkopp, Kai, Asher, Lucius and Sue Marshall enjoyed the visit in the Healesville Hospital garden.

The students were able to walk through the garden and learn about what end of life care means and the importance of the space. “[The garden] was peaceful and it had a good view,” Kai said.

“I liked the chickens,” Asher said.

Ms Marshall was grateful the donation was going towards the hospital who helped her through a difficult time.

“It’s the whole family that is supported and the dignity, the care, the respect that is given to that person in their final days is just pretty amazing and it brought me a lot of comfort personally,” she said.

“I’m very proud and his memory’s honoured in a special way. It’s just our way of giving back, my family and as well as the kids, just giving back to this wonderful community.”

Ms Wittkopp said it’s wonderful to see the students do something like this.

“It’s absolutely amazing that they that they wanted to do something in memory of Jim and to think of us for that is pretty amazing, obviously they have a great social conscience and Jim must have meant a lot to the school,” she said.

“We’re very grateful for all of our donations and what a great thing for the kids to do.”

Picture: RENEE WOOD

Kai handing over the donation to Ms Wittkopp on behalf of the hospital.

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Road fund

By Tyler Wright Yarra Ranges Council is looking to apply for a new round of local government area road safety grants, as applications open from Monday 20 June.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, currently in its ninth year, offers funding to local councils for projects aimed at reducing death and serious injury in pedestrians and cyclists.

“Our teams will be looking with interest at the 2022 Transport Accident Commission (TAC)’s Local Government Grant Program,” Director of Environment and Infrastructure Mark Varmalis said.

“We manage more than 1700km of roads in the Yarra Ranges, all of which have their own unique issues. Pedestrian and cyclist safety near roads is always a crucial issue, along with providing a safe and usable road surface for motorists,” Mr Varmalis said.

The grants offer up to $30,000 for analysis projects and $100,000 for infrastructure projects – with a conditional 1:1 contribution from the recipient.

Examples of past submissions include wombat crossings on local streets, in-depth walking and cycling audits around schools, and off-road cycling facilities, according to the Victorian Government.

“No Victorian should experience the devastating impacts of road trauma – these grants will help us create safer road environments across the state and embed a culture of road safety within the Victorian community,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said.

The state government also said the road deaths for pedestrians and bike-riders has doubled compared to last year and sits above the five-year average.

“We cannot accept road trauma as inevi-

The 2022 Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, will offer local councils who apply, grants of up to $30,000 for analysis projects, or $100,000 for infrastructure projects.

Picture: ON FILE table – no one should be killed or seriously injured on our roads and the TAC LGA Grant Program is about supporting local councils in protecting the people who use the roads in their areas,” Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore said.

The primary focus of the TAC LGA Grant Program is pedestrians and cyclists but local councils are encouraged to consider projects that will also address the safety of other road users.

“We welcome any opportunity for funding support from the state and Federal governments, and are thankful for the support received in recent years through Roads to Recovery and the Roads for the Community Program, among others,” the Yarra Ranges Council Director of Environment and Infrastructure said.

“Our teams will discuss project ideas ahead of the grant application closing date.”

Applications close on Wednesday 27 July, with grant recipients being notified by November 2022.

For more information on the TAC Local Government Grant Program, head to www.tac. vic.gov.au/lgagrants.

Nazi symbol banned in Vic Victoria has been the first state and territory to ban the public display of the Nazi symbol, often referred to as the Nazi swastika.

The Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2022 was passed on the 21 June, which makes it a criminal offence for a person to intentionally display the Nazi symbol.

The intentional display of the Nazi swastika will result in a maximum of penalty of almost $22,000 dollars or twelve months jail time and possibly both.

This new law is meant to show that Nazi and neo-Nazi ideology has no place in Victoria.

It is important to note that the Bill recognises the cultural and historical significance of the symbol for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain as a sacred symbol of good fortune and peace. The display of the symbol is not prohibited in religious and cultural contexts.

The ban will be supported by a community education campaign to raise awareness of the origins of the religious and cultural swastika, its importance to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain communities and its distinction to the Nazi symbol.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes says she is glad to say that no matter what side of politics you are on, it can be agreed that the display of the Nazi swastika will not be tolerated.

“The Nazi symbol glorifies one of the most hateful ideologies in history – its public display does nothing but cause further pain and division.”

The Government undertook consultation with religious, legal and community groups on the offence, including to understand the religious use of the swastika and ensure exceptions are in place for appropriate displays of the Nazi symbol, such as for educational or artistic purposes.

Investigations continue into a recent incident when the symbol was chemically burnt into the Morrison Reserve.

Picture: ON FILE “These laws are part of our unwavering commitment to challenge antisemitism, hatred and racism wherever and whenever they occur,” says Minister of Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence.

This legislation will come into effect six months from now to allow time to implement the campaign.

The government plays to monitor the use of hate symbols and may consider the inclusion of additional hate symbols at a later stage.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Urgent Kia recall

Two men injured

and model information: KIA QL · Make Sportage, UM Sorento 2015- 2020 UM Sorento, 2016- 2021 · Variants: QL Sportage · Year range: 2014 - 2020, 2015 - 2021 · Affected units: 31,074

By Renee Wood

Due to a software issue, the Heater Core Element may operate at a higher than intended temperature causing damage to the connector. If this occurs it may result in a vehicle fire, which could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.

Owners can contact their local Kia dealership to schedule an appointment to have the HVAC control unit software updated and the Heater Core Element and connector inspected and replaced if damaged.

Or for more Information: https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-005443?

Outdoor dining to close

Emergency crews were on scene to assist a car rollover involving two men.

Picture: MARYSVILLE SES

Falling trees a concern for Station Road

By Callum Ludwig A number of instances of falling trees in the Upper Yarra have caused temporary road closures and are a genuine concern for residents after the effects of the June 2021 storm event.

Ever since the June 2021 storm caused thousands of trees across the region to fall, the threat of falling trees or branches is a scary thought for Yarra Ranges residents.

Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Mark Varmalis said teams were called out to a tree blocking the road on Station Road in Warburton on Tuesday 21 June.

“A very small and thin tree fell onto the road. Our teams cut the tree into small, manageable pieces,” he said, “The road is open to the public now. Trees can often fall, or drop limbs, with little warning. Many factors may cause a tree to fail. We know that winter weather usually results in more trees falling, due to the wet soil and strong winds,” he said.

The tree down closed the road entirely, despite not being particularly large, and was the second complete road closure on Station Rd, Warburton due to a fallen tree this month after another incident at 11:44am on Thursday 2 June.

Mr Varmalis said Yarra Ranges Council know that falling trees can be a concern for residents and visitors alike, traveling through the region.

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The Victorian Government has looked to community safety and has introduced important reforms to bolster the work of Victoria Police.

The Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2022 delivers changes to assist police effectively undertake their dayto-day operations and continue to deliver the expected services to the community.

This legislation will grant police new powers to protect the security of police premises.

This involves allowing officers to remove people from premises, including police stations, that do not have legitimate reason to be there or pose a threat to the peace. This is different from current laws which only permits officers to remove people that have committed an offence.

The legislation also establishes a framework for the Restorative Engagement and Redress Scheme which supports current and former police officers who have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace, providing more privacy protections for participants.

Police can currently only enter into agreements with commercial operators for additional police services inside events but cannot recover costs for services outside venues such as traffic management and managing crowd behaviour.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

“Trees blocking roads, impacting powerlines, or threatening public infrastructure are our highest priority for removal, and we encourage anyone noticing a tree down to contact us immediately on 1300 368 333,” he said.

“Key things community members should keep an eye out for are trees moving in the soil, or new cracks in the trunk of a tree. If you’ve noticed these things, or you are concerned about a tree, please give Council a call, email mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au with photos and details, or fill out the form on our website.”

Yarra Ranges residents can report any tree issues on public land or private property at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/ Trees-and-vegetation/Report-a-tree-issueon-public-land.

Firewood anyone?

As well as fallen trees, this could include broken branches which could fall on a road, footpath or driveway, trees which are suddenly leaning, have recent cracks in the soil or roots coming out of the ground or trees with recent cracks and splits through the trunk.

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Council will be winding up remaining temporary outdoor dining sites at the end of June, returning the sites to car parking for the community. Over the pandemic, Council issued an additional 40 permits to businesses, for temporary outdoor dining - to allow for sociallydistant meeting and dining. This includes 14 sites using carparks.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the outdoor dining provided vital extra seats when tourism returned to the region.

“When people returned to the Yarra Ranges, business capacity limits meant that we needed more socially-distant places for people to meet, sit and eat,” he said.”

“We helped to establish temporary outdoor dining in spaces like carparks, laneways, nature strips and other shared community spaces.

“With capacity limits gone and high tourism traffic, we’ll be removing all temporary carpark dining sites, returning the area to how it was. This will provide better car parking options for residents and visitors visiting our 55 towns, and reflects the post-restrictions period we now live in.”

General Enquiries Tel: 5957 3700 Email: enquiries@mailcommunity.com.au Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910 Advertising Group Advertising Manager – Tracey Aitken Email: advertising@mailcommunity.com.au Editorial Editor – Renee Wood Email: editor@mailcommunity.com.au Classifieds Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Deadlines: Display Advertising: 4PM Wednesday Trades: 4PM Thursday Classifieds: 4PM Friday Sports Results: 9AM Monday Managing Director: Paul Thomas

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Emergency services responded to a car roll over last night which occurred south of Don Don Saddle towards Healesville.

Healesville SES were at the scene just after 7pm which saw two males in a 4wd vehicle towing a trailer of wood that had rolled into a ditch on the side of Maroondah Highway.

The occupants had extracted themselves from the vehicle and Ambulance Victoria members provided care.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said both men are in a stable condition.

“A man in his 60s was taken to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with what’s believed to be minor injuries,” they said.

“A man in his 30s was taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition with upper body injuries.”

Lilydale SES and Marysville SES also responded to the scene.

CFA crews attended and stayed at the incident for a washaway and to maintain safety until the vehicle was removed.

All efforts were used to clear the vehicle from the ditch before traffic flow could resume.

The road was blocked until after 9.30pm.

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

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NEWS

Fridge drop off disaster Yarra Valley wineries are among Victorian businesses who have been inundated with free fridge deliveries.

Coldstream’s Punt Road winery has reported up to 15 being dropped on their doorstep last Tuesday 21 June, while Payten and Jones Winery in Healesville has reported a delivery of 11 fridges - both businesses have told the media they were only after one.

The bungled drop offs have come from the State Government Energy Efficiency Program which allows energy retailers to offset emissions by getting businesses to install energy efficient appliances in return for carbon credits.

It’s believed the value attached to the carbon credits is seeing not one, but many fridges shipped off to businesses to get the benefit.

Essential Services Commission has responded to the claims and said they are aware of the fridges being ‘dumped’ or provided to customers who don’t want them.

“As the administrator and regulator of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, we considers this behaviour to be completely unacceptable,” they wrote.

“Businesses accredited under the program are on notice that we won’t tolerate this behaviour.”

The ESS said it won’t be progressing registration of Victorian energy efficiency certificates while it investigates the reports.

“The commission will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against accredited persons where we find breaches of the program rules. This could include suspension from the program and the surrender of Victorian energy efficiency certificates.

Cabinet re-shuffle after four ministers resign

Yarra Valley businesses have been delivered unwanted fridges.

Picture: UNSPLASH “The dumping of these appliances on public thoroughfares must stop and we will alert the relevant authorities.”

The public, businesses, or program participants are encouraged to contact the Essential Services Commission with any information regarding the dumping of fridges cabinets on (03) 9032 1310 or veu@esc.vic.gov.au

Several senior Victorian Government ministers have announced they are resigning from their positions in Cabinet effective immediately. They will remain in Parliament until the November election.

Deputy Premier of Victoria, Minister for Education and Minister for Mental Health James Merlino, Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Equality Martin Foley, Minister for Police and Water Lisa Neville and Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Trade, Business Precincts, Sport, Tourism and Major Events and Racing Martin Pakula are the resigning members.

Mr Merlino said renewal is critical for any government.

“Fresh ideas and new energy. As hard as this is, I believe in my heart that renewal, new cabinet ministers around the table, is the best thing for the Government and our state,” he said.

“I know how much capacity and talent there is in our team. I look forward to supporting the new ministers for Education and Mental Health.”

On Saturday 25 June, Jacinta Allen was announced as the new Deputy Premier, replacing Mr Merlino in the cabinet.

Pascoe Vale MP Lizz Blandthorn became the Minister for Planning, Bundoora MP Colin Brooks is the Minister for Child Protection and Family Services and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Oakleigh MP Steve Dimopoulos was announced as the new Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny will be Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support and Minister for Fishing and Boating.

Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing was announced as the new Minister for Water,

Minister for Region Development and Minister for Equality.

Mr Pakula said a decade in the Ministry has taught him that a government with big ambitions for the state, its people and its future is something to be cherished.

“It’s certainly not something I have ever taken for granted, and if the rest of my working life is half as rewarding as this chapter has been, I will consider myself truly fortunate,” he said.

“Thank you and farewell.”

The announcement of the new Cabinet team next week will mark the replacement of the outgoing ministers.

Mr Foley said the past two years have been a tough time for all Victorians.

“Many of us have come to reflect on what we aspire to achieve. I am no different. I am looking forward to contributing to a better, fairer, sustainable Victoria in a different capacity,” he said.

“One that allows me more time to focus on my family and wellbeing and different interests.”

Minister for Planning and Housing Richard Wynne also announced his retirement from politics as of the November election in late 2021.

Ms Neville said she is not finished with public service.

“While it is no longer sustainable from a health perspective for me to commit to being Minister and local member for the next term, I am not finished with public service and look forward to finding other ways to continue to contribute to public life after the election in November,” she said.

Ms Neville was hospitalised after a longrunning fight with Crohn’s disease, which was a contributing factor to her retirement.

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Premier Daniel Andrews has thanked the outgoing ministers and is now facing a significant Cabinet reshuffle.

Picture: ON FILE

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NEWS

Millions for mental health

By Callum Ludwig Schools statewide will see expansions to their mental health and wellbeing programs following the $200 million state announcement for the ‘Mental Health in Primary Schools’ program.

Yarra Junction Primary School is one of many who’ve welcomed the news and Wellbeing Officer Glenda Jewell said the investment is an exciting move to bring support into school.

“It’s a struggle for us in the Valley that there are not enough services for our kids, or for our families to get to them, whether they can’t transport them or the process is overwhelming,” she said.

“Going to medical centres can often feel as though you have to be sick to go there, and they aren’t always sick, they just need a bit of extra help with their mental health.

“Schools can hopefully be a different environment.”

The package will see every single government and low-fee non-government Victorian primary school implement the program, by employing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing.

It’s anticipated to be scaled up from 2023 and all schools should be facilitating the program by 2026.

The program builds on a successful pilot with 100 schools, where reports showed more than 95 per cent of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders said the model improved their school’s capacity to support students’ mental health and wellbeing needs.

More mental health support for young children has been an issue that’s needed addressing for some time, and the pandemic exasperated the issue.

Yarra Junction Primary School was one of many schools who have already implemented

extra mental health support during the past two years.

Principal Lisa Rankin said Mrs Jewell applied for a grant for staff in the school to receive youth and mental health first aid training.

“All of our classroom teachers and Glenda were able to be trained, and since then myself and another member of the wellbeing team have been trained,” she said.

“We were able to access it all through a grant and we’re certainly hoping the investment into mental health might support schools to access this training for all staff, including education support staff and specialist teachers as well.”

Ms Rankin said it’s great to see funding towards mental health go to early year education, following on from a similar package for secondary schools last year.

“It’s really important that we put a focus on where it’s actually starting from at the core, and we can help them, and it will be complimenting a lot of the programs we already have,” she said.

Yarra Junction Primary Schools’ long-running well-being program includes visits from the Resilience Project, Respectful Relationships, Positive Body Image and Online Cybersafety programs and a mandated 50-minute block dedicated to wellbeing each week.

Mrs Jewell said mental health is a lifelong journey all the way even through to adulthood.

“It’s like of a domino effect, If you don’t get it right to start with, it impacts on our community as adults,” she said.

“If we can support from foundation level in primary school, we might be able to give our kids some skills and strategies to be successful as teenagers, young people and adults in the world so it’s impacting on society. It’s huge.”

Ms Kate Cairns, Miami, Charley and Mrs Glenda Jewell in Yarra Junction Primary School’s ‘Gratitude Garden’.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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NEWS

Hope for possum’s future

By Renee Wood There’s hope for the future of one of Victoria’s critically endangered state emblems following the breakthrough breeding success of the Highland Leadbeater’s Possum.

The breeding program at the Healesville Sanctuary has recently welcomed the arrival of two possum joeys, a decade after the program restarted and more than 20 years since the animal has been born in captivity.

Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum President Steve Meacher and secretary were invited to the first health check of the first arrival, which was discovered to be a female.

“It was a privilege to be invited to go down... that was very special and to see her being checked to find that she was a female was really good because obviously, it’s great to have a female from the point of view of future breeding,” Mr Meacher said.

It’s believed the first female was born in late December but due to the sizing of the animals, it can be difficult to know of a pregnancy until the joey grows.

The second was a male who was born more recently to another couple, bringing great optimism for the future of the species.

The births comes after diet and husbandry were changes, which are believed to be the key to unlocking the reproduction.

Increased fibre and essential vitamins and minerals have been implemented in the possums’ honey based nectar diet, seeing positive changes to the possums’ gut microbiome and reproductive health, with sperm production increasing.

Zoos Victoria Life Sciences Manager Conservation and Research, Monika Zabinskas said it’s brought hope for future conservation efforts.

“This breeding success with Highlands Leadbeater’s Possums has shown us that the

Leadbeater’s Possum Joey going through it’s health check. dietary and husbandry changes we have made are working and gives us hope that we could breed Lowlands Leadbeater’s in the future,” Ms Zabinskas said.

The newborns in the Highland Leadbeater’s Possums, which are native to Mountain Ash Forests, could see breeding success for the Lowland Leadbeater’s Possums who are genetically different and live in swamp like habitat in Yellingbo.

The Lowland species currently have fewer than 30 in the wild and the numbers have been dropping for several years.

Habitat changes have affected the animal due to land owners looking to control seasonal flooding to protect farm land, which then saw natural flooding decline in some areas which the animal relies on.

As the population has been in declined, the genetic pool has shrunk in the wild seeing natural breeding affected by health and reproduction issues.

“The population is not large enough to have enough genetic diversity to really remain viable, so there are a number of problems with that lowland population,” he said.

“We really hope that they can be resolved, so that it can be brought back up to the numbers that we were seeing 10 years ago.”

The Highland species is also of critical concern with numbers in the low thousands suspected to be in the wild.

Habitat destruction again another factor, with the decay of 1939 fire damaged hollow bearing trees and continual logging.

There’s currently a 200m buffer set for logging to cease if a Leadbeater is spotted, however, Mr Meacher said it’s helpful but not scientifically correct and a 1000m buffer was recommended by the scientific advisory group in 2013-2014.

“That is really a minimal protection… these animals when they’re seen at night, they’re ob-

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA viously out of their nest, in the forest foraging for food and they may be more than 200 meters away from their nest site.”

Now there has been a breeding achievement, this will provide insurance for what’s to come of this species which is at threat of being extinct.

“If there is a catastrophe in the wild population, you want to know that they’re there so that’s why it’s significant to have success with breeding of Highland animals in captivity.”

The State Government has provided $2 million to the Faunal Emblems Program and since 2018, almost $4 million in funding has gone to improving the long-term sustainability of both emblem species in the Helmeted Honeyeater and the Leadbeater’s Possum.

“We’re excited to welcome these two precious possums and to see the success of our ongoing investment into our state’s faunal emblem and the unique biodiversity of Victoria,” Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

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Healesville’s tasty taps

Turn your passion for caring into a career

Healesville residents should be proud of their tap water after the Melbourne Water team won the award for Best Tasting Tap Water in Victoria.

The competition was held at Bendigo on Wednesday 22 June with the water the Melbourne team used to secure the title obtained from the Cresswell Treatment Plant in Healesville.

Central Highlands Water, Goulburn Valley Water, and Melbourne Water were the finalists who went tap to tap.

This is the very first time Melbourne has had bragging rights over the best tasting tap water.

Before the finals, regional and metropolitan teams went through heats on Tuesday 21 June.

Judging considered odour, colour, clarity and how the water feels in the mouth while blindfolded.

The competition is aimed at recognising

and acknowledging the work that goes into ensuring Victorians are supplied with safe and enjoyable tap water.

Water Industry Operators of Association of Australia (WIOA) are the organisers of this event and Ixom were the dedicated sponsor.

“We have been able to run the competition through these uncertain times because of their unwavering commitment and support to the industry,” said Mr. George Wall, WIOA Managing Director.

The next step for the Victorian winner is to compete for the national title later this year.

The competition will be held in New South Wales, who are last year’s boasters of Australia’s best tap water.

If you thought it stopped there, you’re wrong! The national winners will travel to West Virginia USA for the annual Berkley Springs International Water Tasting Competition.

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Live in the Yarra Ranges Shire and love helping older people stay living at home independently for longer?

VMCH is now hiring enthusiastic people to join their team!

• Permanent and casual positions minimum 10 hours work per week • Regular shifts between 7am – 4pm Monday to Friday • Get paid for kilometres travelled between clients

Mount Evelyn local Susanne Richards screwed metal onto her deck railing to prevent Cockatoos from tearing away at it.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Bird bandits

By Tyler Wright When Cindy DeLuca had new decking built on her Healesville property, she did not know several years - and $15,000 - later, she would still be trying to keep cockatoos from damaging timber and chipping away at her railing.

“We’ve just repaired the railings from the last lot of damage…instead of taking the railings and replacing all the corners, we just routed them off so they’re on an angle,” Cindy said.

“We had the painter come…three coats of paint he gave the railings, and then a week later [the cockatoos] are back and they’ve just destroyed it.”

The problem comes when no-one is at home to monitor the birds; with the most recent damage occurring after Cindy left her house for one night.

Ms DeLuca has tried the fake animals such as owls and toy snakes but the birds just “threw them over the edge.”

“We’ve got eight acres and lots of dead trees around our property and [the cockatoos] like to sit in the dead trees - I know they’re just sharpening their beaks…but they’re so destructive, and it’s the cost of it, [too]...

DELWP told the Star Mail cockatoos’ constantly chew to maintain beak size and condition as their beaks beaks grow throughout their lifetime.

“Cockatoos flock together to favourable food sources and are known to use regular flight paths and return to good feedings areas.

This can result in them returning to the same area each year and causing repeat damages to properties.” Port Phillip Regional Manager, Natural Environment Programs Merryn Kelly said.

One Mount Evelyn resident, Susanne Richards, came up with a solution almost 33 years after first encountering her local cockatoos - screwing plasterer’s metal corner strips into her railings.

“It’s a metal that plasterers use when they have corners in rooms and they plaster over that - it’s very supportive and very strong…I’ve got my regular Cockies and I think they’ve all learned it’s a waste of time [now],” Susanne said.

After posting her innovative answer to what appears to be a common problem in the Yarra Valley, Susanne received almost 900 likes on one Facebook post.

“I painted a mixture of olive oil and cayenne pepper on our heritage balcony and they left that alone quick smart let me tell you,” one commenter wrote.

“We have also put metal over ours as well, it seems to work,” another penned.

Recent Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Science (ARI) modelling conducted earlier this year estimated the statewide population of Sulphur-crested cockatoos is 7.7 million, with a slight recent decline in number of Sulphur-crested cockatoos at a state-wide level. mailcommunity.com.au

About the role VMCH Support Worker’s provide individual direct care and support to older clients to help them continue living as independently as possible in their own homes. Things like: • Personal care and self-care assistance; showering and dressing assistance, medication prompting • Home care and domestic support such as cleaning and laundry • Meal preparation • Respite, social support, and companionship • Transport, shopping, and community access • Accompanying to appointments About you You have a passion for working with elderly people and their families and

making a real difference to their lives.

Maybe you already have experience looking after people with specific care needs?

If you speak a language other than English, that would be awesome, as VMCH Support Workers are often working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

You love working flexibly and independently knowing you are part of a bigger team.

Interested?

As part of VMCH’s recruitment process, you’ll be joining a group interview session.

This will be your opportunity to get to know the team, find out what it’s like to work at VMCH, and discover the fantastic range of employee benefits on offer.

VMCH understand hiring processes can be long and frustrating, so these sessions are designed to fast track your way to VMCH. When: Thursday 30th June 2022 Time: 8.45 am – 1.30 pm Visit vmch.com.au, click the Yarra Ranges banner to register and find out location details for the day.

The repairs have been to no avail - with the Cockatoos returning and tearing at the decking.

Healesville local Cindy DeLuca recently had her decking painted.

Susanne said the issue has “always been the same” in the hills They’ve got magnificent communication between them - they know exactly what they’re doing - so if one finds a good spot, he tells all his mates,” she said.

“You can go to the several plastering depots around…you’ll be able to get the [metal] there.”

It is illegal to harass or harm native birds and other wildlife without authorisation and All Victorian native wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, with all practical non-lethal control methods needing to be considered before applying for an Authority To Control Wildlife (ATCW) for lethal control.

“If you’re being faced with damage to your property, the aim is to break the habit of cockies roosting in the area they’re causing damage,” Port Phillip Regional Manager, Natural Environment Programs Merryn Kelly said.

Other deterrent methods include using chicken wire to protect furniture, wooden window frames, install rolling perches, spike clusters, electric shock perches or wiring to prevent birds perching on fixtures and using retractable shade-cloth to protect wooden surfaces or windows during absence.

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RURAL HEALTH AWARDS

Friendly face for 35 years

By Callum Ludwig Woori Yallock residents are likely used to the friendly face of Dr Andrew Kirwan, who has been the GP at Woori Yallock Medical Centre for over 35 years.

Dr Kirwan recently received a Length of Service Award from the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria to recognise the outstanding healthcare he has provided to the community.

Dr Kirwan said it’s an honour to have recognition.

“I’ve just been doing a job and I’ve stuck it out, working in the community has been a privilege really, getting involved with the community was one of the reasons I wanted to move out to a semi-rural area and that’s what I’ve done over 35 years,” he said “Being recognised is just a nice bonus really, it just means I’m getting older!”

Dr Kirwan moved to Woori Yallock in 1986, having previously worked in Glen Waverley, at St Vincent’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as receiving obstetric training overseas. He made use of this training, delivering babies until he was 40 before it became too disruptive to be working at the centre before heading off to deliver a child.

Dr Kirwan said a lot has changed since those days.

“Back then we had Yarra Junction hospital working and I also delivered at Warburton and Lilydale but they’ve all closed now and some have turned into nursing homes,” he said.

“I used to admit patients and was the president at Yarra Junction Hospital until it shut in 1990, and nowadays we refer patients down to bigger hospitals, not enough people had private cover back then for it and we couldn’t get specialists to come out.”

Following the closure of the Yarra Junction hospital in 1990, the Warburton hospital was also closed by the turn of the millennium,

leaving the Upper Yarra with no hospital of its own, something which still frustrates residents today with pushes to reopen the Warburton hospital in recent years.

Dr Kirwan has been based in the same office at the Woori Yallock Medical Centre for almost 30 years, following a small move across Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd in the early 90’s.

Dr Kirwan said he had customers tell him they appreciate the value of an ‘old-fashioned surgery’ and it’s very important for rural communities to have a consistent medical presence.

“Not too many doctors want to move out away from facilities, for communities where they’re more isolated, it’s much more difficult to get access to doctors as easily, even with incentives.”

“There’s still not enough doctors in some communities and it is more difficult, but healthcare is important.”

Winners of the 2022 Victorian Rural Health Awards were announced at the 17th Virtual Gala Awards on Thursday 16 June, with awardwinning comedian and rural Victorian Geraldine Hickey the MC for the event.

Dr Kirwan said he has enjoyed his time in Woori Yallock and the relationships he has formed over the years.

“It’s been a privilege to deliver babies and then they come back and have babies of their own, or generations of families coming through, they’ve become friends as well as patients. Some of them have been coming to the end of their time as well and are dying, so it can be quite emotional,” he said.

“I feel a part of the community and like I’ve been fully accepted by the locals, especially with the well-established families who have been here as far back as the 1800s, and to have been able to be involved with the local football club, having played tennis locally and in other community activities.”

Dr Andrew Kirwan in the office he has operated out of for over 30 years.

Woori Yallock residents have been tended to by the familiar face of Dr Andrew Kirwan for over 35 years.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

Dixons Creek local honoured for nursing contribution

By Renee Wood A Dixons Creek local Jacinta MacCormack has been acknowledged for her dedication to providing vital care to a remote Victorian community at the Victorian Rural Health Awards.

The registered nurse has received an award for Outstanding Contribution to a Rural Outreach Provision.

The accolade is certainly well received as Ms MacCormack has been working at Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre for six years, a clinic five hours drive from her home.

Ms MacCormack said it’s something she highly enjoys and was humbled to receive the acknowledgment.

“It’s been hard with Covid and just the way the world has changed and to have something positive like that, it was good,” Ms MacCormack said.

Nurse Manager Sue Carroll nominated Ms MacCormack for the award and said it’s a deserved accolade.

“She’s a very capable person with a brilliant sense of humour, great communication skills with the patients, as well as any other health professionals,” Ms Carroll said.

“She’s just such an asset to our bush Nursing Centre and our community.”

The 61 year old’s background is in oncology and midwifery but the role at Swifts Creek far extends this to include clinic care, home visits, palliative care, wellbeing support for local residents, plus much more.

Being a first responder is also a pivotal part of the role, with ambulance training conducted yearly.

“At Swifts Creek, we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so if you cut your finger off, or if you’re having a baby, or whatever, you come to us,” Ms MacCormack said.

“We do vaccinations, we’re first responders, so we go to car accidents, and we beat ambulances there.”

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Jacinta MacCormack, Warren Howden and Sue Carroll at Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Clinic.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Jacinta MacCormack is a valued nurse who travels from Dixons Creek to the Swifts Creek area.

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It’s an all-round service that others have passed up, but Ms MacCormack highly enjoys it and has always put forward the confidence to serve the farming community, which has a population of 430 people.

“Whatever walks in the door you’ve got to deal with, and a lot of nurses say there’s no way I need a team around me. Where as Jacinta says yes, I will do that, she’s got that confidence,” Ms Carroll said.

“I do get frequent comments about how amazing Jacinta is and how they [patients]

really appreciate her coming along.”

The bush nursing clinic is a not-for-profit, providing vital care to locals which allows many to receive health support in their home town, who would otherwise have to travel.

Ms MacCormack told Star Mail of patients who have been able to receive cancer treatment and palliative care while staying in the local area and not needing to travel.

“A gentleman actually died at home and I felt so honoured to be part of that,” Ms Maccormak said.

Putting on a weekly lunch for the elderly and isolated residents is another way Ms MacCormack and the clinic gives back.

“I love the whole thing…I just think how lucky am I that I can do all these things,” she said.

After first doing her training in Shepparton, Ms MacCormack has been part of the health workforce for 42 years and working in remote areas is a passion of hers, often travelling to work throughout Australia.

Groote Eylandt, Elcho Island, Arnhem Land and other remote areas in Western Australia and Northern Territory have also been places Ms MacCormack has spent time in.

“I’ll be in a little four seater plane, and I think I am the luckiest woman in the world to be able to do things like that,” she said.

Although the Covid lockdowns have seen a grounding of many plans, Ms MacCormack has still managed to offer her contribution to Victorian clinics such as Swifts Creek.

Her husband Steve has been very supportive in her passion for assisting remote areas, something Ms MacCormack said she couldn’t do without.

“I couldn’t have done this without my husband supporting me because the fact that he lets me go and do what I do, I’m so lucky that he does…I do appreciate that,” she said. mailcommunity.com.au

A DV E RT O R I A L

Bob and Faye are loving village life in leafy Lilydale THERE are lots of different reasons why people move to a retirement village, but for Bob and Faye - who live at Tudor Village in Lilydale - one of the main drivers was to avoid becoming a burden to their children in the future.

“Both Faye and I had fathers who ended up being on their own, and we spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals, looking after them,” Bob explains.

“We wanted to future-proof our lives and make sure that if either of us should pass away, the other one would be part of a community, and have friends around to provide companionship and support.”

Bob and Faye, who have now lived at Tudor Village for 10 years, say they have already enjoyed the caring support of friends at the village.

“I recently had a long run of illness, going in and out of hospital, and lots of residents were contacting us to make sure we were ok,” Bob says.

“While I was here at home convalescing, people would call or drop around to ask if we were okay, needed anything or just wanted to chat.

“There is a real sense of community here... it’s really wonderful.” Bob says that one of the other key reasons for moving to a new home at Tudor Village was to say goodbye to the onerous maintenance required at their former home in Chirnside Park, which was more than 40 years old, perched on a steep, 950-square metre block, and had a big garden, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two kitchens and a double garage!

“I was around 70 at the time, and

still quite active, but the house needed a lot of work, and the maintenance was starting to run amok,” he says. “It was on the side of a hill, up and down stairs, and I thought ‘enough of this, we should move to a village’, so we started looking around.”

Unique charm After looking at “every other “village in the area, the couple visited Tudor Village and immediately fell for its unique charm. “All the other villages looked like they were cloned, and a lot of them afforded you little privacy, had carports instead of garages, were rundown or had rules and regulations that were just too tight, “Bob says.

“Tudor Village was the last one we looked at, and as we drove up Tudor Drive, we both said ‘hey, this is different’.”

Faye says she and Bob were drawn to the fact that all the homes were individual, with different home styles and gardens. “It’s lovely and leafy, and it feels really welcoming,” Faye says. “As soon as we saw the village, we thought ‘this is the one’!”

At the time, plans for a new stage in the village had just been released, and the couple didn’t take long to select a threebedroom home from off the plan.

“It was just what we’d been looking for, with a nice northerly aspect and even a double garage for Bob, who loves his garage,” Faye explains. “After living in an older house for 23 years, it was wonderful to move into a brand new home that is open and light, with no steps, close to the village Community Centre and fitted out with nice little touches like handrails, lever taps, wide doors

and an emergency call system, which might come in useful as we get older.

“We enjoy the lovely morning sun here, we have privacy, a nice leafy outlook, and we don’t feel boxed-in at all.

“Residents are given the choice of whether to maintain the front garden or have the village do it, so I get to potter around in the garden, which I really enjoy ... and the maintenance guys come around to mow the lawn, which Bob really enjoys!”

Fitting In While they were a little concerned about moving from their big property to a smaller one, fearing they’d have too much furniture, Bob and Faye were surprised to find that it would all fit in quite nicely. Having moved from nearby Chirnside Park, Faye says they have been able to retain their current doctor, are close to many family members, and are already familiar with all the local facilities, including shopping centres, public transport and Maroondah Hospital, all within easy reach.

“Everything is on your doorstep, and you’re at the gateway of the Yarra Valley ... .it’s a lovely spot to be,” Faye says. “There are so many reasons why we enjoy living here .. .it’s so relaxing, and it feels like home ... we love it!”

Tudor Village is located at 520 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.

To find out more about Tudor Village, call 9739 6122 Monday to Friday to arrange a personal appointment and village tour, or visit tudorvillage.com.au

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Tragic loss of loved local

By Callum Ludwig The community is rallying behind the Ulehla family after loved and respected Warburton resident Anna Ulehla sadly passed away Thursday 2 June.

The business owner of Back to Earth Medicine died after a difficult battle with a very rare and aggressive sarcoma cancer, having suffered for five months. Anna’s younger sister Julinka Ulehla said she was the most vibrant, healthy person anyone has ever known.

“She was an avid gardener and passionate food grower and herbalist, interested in everything to do with plants, mushrooms, natural remedies and health. I think that’s why this journey was such a shock to her and the community,” she said.

“She always had time for everyone, even though she was the busiest person in the world.

She would never say no to anyone and any local community member that needed something from her...I think that’s why the community has been so incredibly supportive because she’s had that positive impact on them.”

Anna leaves behind her two children, 10-year-old Angus and seven-year-old Nadia, who have moved in with their father Dan. Dan was Anna’s ex-partner and they remained good friends, and he and his partner Claire have now taken in Angus and Nadia, with a baby of their own on the way. Julinka said Anna was a very authentic person who pursued all her passions in her life.

“We were just so grateful that my sister lived her life to her fullest and had no regrets. In her 32 years, she achieved so much, traveled the world, was the most incredible mother and started her business, she achieved more than most 90-year-olds have,” she said.

“It made her death a little less tragic because it would have been a disaster if she had never gotten to do any of the things that she wanted to do. She was a very straight-up person who had no fear, pursued everything and was never afraid of anything.”

Anna underwent surgery on Tuesday 5 April to remove a tumour, with the hopes a diagnosis could also be reached. Two biopsies previously only indicated that Anna may have been suffering from an Aneurysmal Bone Cyst, Lymphoma or Ewings Sarcoma.

Sadly not all of Anna’s tumour could be removed and on Thursday 14 April, it was realised that Anna was suffering from an even more aggressive variant of sarcoma, a tumour that occurs in the bones and soft tissues.

Anna’s biological material was sent to a specialist sarcoma testing facility in Boston to try and find out more through thorough testing by some of the world’s leading sarcoma diagno-

The late Anna Ulehla found in her happiest place, among nature.

Anna Ulehla tending to a garden.

Anna Ulehla was fearless and passionate.

sis specialists. Julinka said Anna was given a less than 10 per cent chance of survival within three years.

“It was a death sentence, we went from being really hopeful and thinking we could heal her and particularly being into the natural medicines to a massive shock to hear that nothing will work. There was so little time to even be processing death just because of the levels of pain she was in and it really is an extra horrible type of cancer,” she said.

“It’s totally devastating for her children, and for my parents to lose their child, we are all still processing it and will be for a very long time.

The Warburton community were also totally shocked by her passing.”

On Thursday 21 April, Anna began chemotherapy to try and prolong her time, but by Thursday 12 May, Anna’s tumour mass was rapidly growing and had an infection, leaving her no longer fit to continue chemotherapy.

As Anna was no longer able to receive treatment and was moved to the palliative care ward, with visits from her partner Matt, her dog Nelly, and of course her primary carers,

her sister Julinka and two of her best friends Beela and Meg who left behind their own children, partners and jobs to ensure Anna was attended to 24 hours a day, with Meg even flying down from Arnhem Land.

Julinka said Anna had been heavily supported by the local community ever since January.

“The community had been cooking and dropping off meals, coming in and cleaning the house, taking the kids for playdates, running around buying all the things, there’s so much care involved with someone who is in a lot of pain and is at home,” she said.

“There’s just no way we could have done it without the amount of practical help we got, absolutely selfless from usually like young moms struggling with three kids, to go above and beyond to help and also be really respectful.”

A GoFundMe page was set up in late March to help cover the cost of Anna’s treatment and medical care, which was also used to cover Anna’s end-of-life expenses, with the remainder going to a trust for her children to inherit in their adult life, towards school fees, an organic

Pictures: SUPPLIED veggie box and children grief counselling.

So far the funds raised have gone to medicines, medical bills, equipment, food essentials, carers accommodation and flight expenses and regular bills and debt.

Julinka said the financial support has been incredible.

“I can’t imagine what we would have done without the money, the fact it hasn’t been an issue has just been such a relief, to be able to focus on her and not trying to get finances somehow, to book flights and be able to care for her, it’s been incredible and people have been so generous.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute towards the GoFundMe can do so here at www.gofund. me/c73e924c “We’re just looking for really tangible, measurable things that my sister wanted for her children, which was always fresh organic vegetables and fruit and for them to be able to go to school. We are hoping to keep the GoFundMe campaign going to reach the goal of $150,000, we only have enough money left over for one year, and we’d like to get that to three,” she said.

Warburton mechanic recognised as award runner up

By Callum Ludwig A young mechanic has finished as the runner-up in Box Hill Institute’s Apprentice of the Year Awards, which were held in Federation Square on Tuesday 21 June.

Thomas Durant is a final-year apprentice at Walkermotive Tyres and Auto in Warburton while he completes his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

Mr Durant said he is passionate about working on cars and has enjoyed a number of tasks like changing engines, gearboxes and clutches.

“I’m definitely glad that I got the opportunity and I was very pleased to work here, especially being so close to home, I was wrapped with that,” he said.

“I’ve learnt so much, the knowledge I have on cars and diagnosing them now is one of the best things from working here and I’ve gotten so much from the guys at Walkermotive.”

Mr Durant was nominated by one of his trade school teachers for the award.

Mr Durant said it was a surprise, but he was glad to be nominated.

“It’s really good to be recognised, and I was really happy with coming runner up, even glad that I got a nomination,” he said.

“I’m really glad Walkermotive gave me the opportunity to work here, I really like work10 MAIL

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Thomas Durant at work at Walkermotive.

Thomas Durant is in his final year as an apprentice. ing with them, they are good people to work with and really good friends.”

The awards ceremony celebrated winners from a number of categories, with awards for 1st to Final year apprentices, Vocational Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year, Schoolbased apprentice or School-based Education

Student of the Year, VCE/VCAL/iVCAL Student of the Year, VETDSS Student of the Year, International Student of the Year (Domestic), International Student of the Year (Offshore), Higher Education Student of the Year, Indigenous Student of the Year and the overall Craig Brittle Student Award.

Mr Durant said he also enjoyed the trade school aspect and encourages apprentices to find opportunities they are passionate about.

Pictures: SUPPLIED “The opportunities to get some trade skills and a learning experience have been really good, and I’ve gotten along with the teachers and students pretty well and have become friends with a lot of the kids in my class,” he said.

“If they are passionate about a job and the job comes up, I’d strongly encourage them to go for it. 1000 per cent I’d definitely encourage them to have a crack at least.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Quite the array of the shiny stuff!

Stephen Cameron with his sensei Brett Cross.

Primed and ready.

National karate champ

By Callum Ludwig Wandin North resident Stephen Cameron’s nine years of training at Wado Kai Australia Karate-Do in Mooroolbark has seen him go on to become a four-time Australian National Champion and Australian Open Champion.

Stephen is in year 11 at Mount Lilydale Mercy College and won his most recent golds at the Australian Open Karate Championships in Sydney during the April school holidays and he claimed one gold and two bronze in the Junior Male Open Kumite at Oceania Karate Championships in Noumea (New Caledonia) at the start of June. Stephen said he first got into karate through his sister.

“She was the one who wanted to start the sport, and I just joined in,” he said.

“I still most enjoy competing or training with my friends, the championships are nervewracking but really fun.”

Stephen currently sits 11th in the world for Junior Kumite Males under 68kg. Kumite is a sparring form of karate, which translates literally to English as ‘grappling hands’.

Chief instructor and Stephen’s sensei Brett Cross said Stephen has always been really dedicated.

“He has never complained and always works hard even when he was tired and he’s still the same now, no matter what,” he said.

“It’s a really special feeling to know he was maybe five or six when he started and to see the progress he’s made along the way from a little kid from development division to elite,

Stephen Cameron with a vicious kick. then to state champion and national champion, and now set to go off to international championships.”

Mr Cross is a fourth-dan black belt, and Stephen is a first-dan black belt.

Stephen thanked his sensei and sponsors for their support.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG “My sensei has supported me heaps, he’s been to every single tournament and even came along for the international ones as well,” he said.

“CanPack Machinery has been really generous in sponsoring Stephen and his family to go together to the Oceania Championships in

Noumea,” Mr Cross said.

There are opportunities for other sponsors to help support Stephen’s competitive journey, particularly for very likely selection for the World Championships in Turkey which will be selected in August following the National Championships held in Queensland.

A backstage view into ballet after Covid lockdowns

By Celeste Duthie After two long years of dancing quite literally in the kitchen, this year has been the time aspiring Yarra Valley ballerinas can return to their studios for face-to-face classes.

During the lengthy lockdowns, dancers of all ages took to Zoom to continue their dance education with dedicated teachers adapting their lounge room to teach their classes.

Nadia Lockwood, the current Principal at Yarra Valley Ballet shared her insight into the effects lockdown had on students and teachers and the adaptation process after coming back to in person classes.

Ms Lockwood found there was some positives from teaching remotely.

“It was probably that it made me a better teacher, because I had to think, in really different creative ways. I couldn’t teach a class like I normally would,” she said.

About 60 per cent of students dropped away during the period of online classes but once lockdowns were lifted, Ms Lockwood noticed a steady increase of returning students eager to continue their learning.

However, many dancers were still cautious of getting sick and apprehensive about returning to on site dancing.

Slowly but surely, as people went back to school and work, dancers came for one class, mailcommunity.com.au

then two and before they knew it, they were dancing weekly again.

After returning to the studio different ages adapted differently.

Students twelve and up made a good transition but the younger children were at first distracted with chatting to their peers.

Ms Lockwood said it took roughly a whole term for them to adapt to being quite in class again and was like a prolonged version of students coming back after school holidays.

The best part of coming back to face-toface for Nadia was seeing everyone again without a computer screen in the way.

“Straightaway, as soon as you walked in, it was so lovely to be able to look at people in person and see them smiling back at you.”

Once back on-site Ms Lockwood got to enjoy teaching properly again. She is enthusiastic about teaching all ages and enjoys watching adults progress.

“I particularly love teaching adults because I love seeing the progression.”

Ms Lockwood said it’s similar to being a parent and watching your child progress.

“I guess you get the same thing as a teacher, but in a really unique way.”

With all lockdowns hopefully behind us the Yarra Valley Ballet school is eager to grow and flourish with new students and devoted teachers.

Yarra Valley Ballet has enjoyed the return to dancing.

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MAIL 11

NATIONAL REFUGEE WEEK

Caffeine fix helps with life and work

By Mikayla van Loon A group of young Burmese migrants have just graduated from a free introductory course into coffee making, teaching them the technical skills of being a barista while developing their English.

Because the course has been so successful, organisers are hopeful local cafes in the Lilydale, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges area would be willing to take on graduates for work experience and volunteer hours to help them gain confidence and eventually a job.

Program coordinator Warren Mendola began liaising with local Burmese leaders in 2021 to establish a hospitality training initiative having identified a skills shortage in their community.

Due to Covid-19, however, the program kept being disrupted and so it was delayed until term two this year.

Using the facilities at the Central Ringwood Community Centre, students learning English at Box Hill Institute and people from the Burmese community took part in the eight week ‘Migrant Barista Program’.

“It’s about learning how to make a great coffee, while learning customer service skills and building up your confidence and self esteem to be able to work in hospitality,” Mr Mendola said.

“What I noticed at the beginning of the term of the Migrant Barista Program was that there was just an absolute fascination with how coffee is made.

“These students didn’t really understand the concept of grinding coffee and then going through a coffee machine and steaming milk.

It was really, really beautiful to see that fascination.”

Funded by the Department of Education, Mr Mendola said he hopes the course can be something the community centre offers each term.

For five of the students who graduated on Monday 20 June, most in their mid to late 20s, the aim is to get their first job.

“Some of the students say ‘I’ve never worked a day in my life, but now I can do this program and I feel confident enough to go and start cold calling and start applying for jobs’.”

Over the eight week course, Mr Mendola said he came to know each of the participants really well and has now offered to be a reference on their resume as they begin looking for work.

Warren with Janina and Ji with the coffees they made. 286635 While the main focus is about job ready skills, for some of the participants it has been about gaining an extra skill that they can take to their local church or because it has connected them with another group of people.

“The goals are up to the students about what they want. Ideally it’s getting a job and for some of the students, that’s definitely the goal for sure.

“Part of it too, is just building those connections in the community. Because if you’re in a new world, the more connections to places, services and people you can make, you’re probably going to have better outcomes on employment.”

The next part of what Mr Mendola is hoping to do, with the help of the Migrant Information Centre and Jobs Victoria, is to enquire with local cafes about work experience opportunities.

“I’d love for a cafe to be able to give one of these students an opportunity to come in for a week or two and get that hands-on experience without any pressure of them feeling like they had to employ them,” he said.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“If you volunteer somewhere and people notice that you make great coffee, for example, or you have really good customer service, it probably increases the likelihood of employment.”

Not only would it allow students to practice their skills but to become familiar with point of sale machines, taking multiple orders and understanding how a cafe operates.

Available to anyone, no matter their age, Mr Mendola said one student who has signed up for next term has been attending Box Hill Institute to learn English and is in her 60s.

“There’s no barrier around ages or anything like that…Anyone can come along because it’s not just about learning to make coffee, it’s about feeling connected, it’s one extra place that these people can come to where they feel part of the community.”

At the heart of the community centre’s philosophy, Mr Mendola said, is providing a safe and welcoming space where migrants feel comfortable to come for any of the classes or programs, so they can form friendships and build their English proficiency.

RAR event enjoyed Refugee Week is an annual celebration, informing the public about refugees and celebrating their contributions and this year’s (Sunday 19th – Saturday 25th) had the theme ‘Healing’.

Healesville RAR (Rural Australians for Refugees) showed the highly acclaimed film ‘Scattered People” at an event on Friday 24 June, a compelling documentary about the unifying and therapeutic power of music.

The film was followed by a scrumptious supper and the attendees, from Maryknoll, Warburton and more locally, were then treated to a musical performance by Wood’Wire and friends.

Generous donations received will assist Healesville RAR in further supporting donations to ASRC and to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project; regular phone recharge costs for refugees, who were in detention, in New Guinea; assisting ‘Gifts for Manus and Nauru’ with phone cards; and towards involvement in social activities for refugee families living within Yarra Ranges.

Healesville RAR has produced a CD called Homespun which retails for $20 plus postage (nominally $5). If readers would like to buy one or some to support our work, that would be awesome.

The group’s aim is for an Australia in which asylum seekers and refugees are treated with dignity and humanity, not with punishment and cruelty. We need to show values of fairness and generosity towards those who are vulnerable and in need of sanctuary.

For more information about Healesville RAR email: rar.healesville@gmail. com or check out our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HealesvilleRAR

The Healesville RAR National Refugee Week event was enjoyed by all.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Helping a Ukrainian refugee find his feet in Australia

By Mikayla van Loon With an influx of refugees from Ukraine and the upheaval they had already experienced, the opportunity arose for a Lilydale couple to provide a safe and welcoming space for one man in his journey to building a home in Australia.

Rudi and Shelagh didn’t initially know who would take up their offer but were soon pleased to meet their 32-year-old male hostee.

Not doing it for praise or recognition, coming to Australia as immigrants themselves 20 years ago, the couple decided they could help give someone a start, particularly someone who had had to flee their home country so abruptly.

“It’s easy to donate sometimes and donations are great but we just felt we needed to do something practical,” Shelagh said.

“We live in this world of ours and everybody goes about their daily business and you just think, ‘Oh, someone else will take care of it, or the government will take care of it’,” Rudi added.

“But we thought ‘no, let’s just see if we can help someone’ and we were quite happy to do that because we’re alone. We’ve got a three bedroom home and there’s just the two of us.

“So, the decision was quite easy, based on a 12 MAIL

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Rudi and Shelagh took in a single man who came to Australia as a refugee from Ukraine because he had been struggling to find accommodation.

Picture: UNSPLASH Christian lifestyle I suppose and doing something kind for someone.”

Shelagh said at the time they were considering taking someone into their home, many people were willing to help women and children who had fled Ukraine but were not as ready to accept single men.

“Shelagh and I, we have three sons. So it was just nice to have a young man in the home and now we call him our Ukrainian son,” Rudi said.

Being split from his family, Rudi said their hostee came with no one but had an uncle

who lived in Doncaster who tried to help as best he could.

“So he ended up here and his brother went to the United States. The whole family is ripped to bits, which is really tough, but he’s trying to give it a go here,” he said.

The hostee stayed with the couple for a month, after Rudi caught Covid it was too risky for the hostee to stay without healthcare support.

Despite the short amount of time spent together, their bond was strong.

Rudi and Shelagh have offered to their ‘Ukrainian son’ that if he ever needs anything, he can walk straight through the front door and be welcomed with open arms.

“He knows that he can phone anytime and say ‘I need a place to stay’ and that might still happen,” Rudi said.

“That’s not what he wants. What he wants is to find his own accommodation where he can pay rent and he wants a job where he knows he’s got a regular income.

Shelagh said, “he was determined to learn English and to make Australia work.”

Should the opportunity arise, Rudi and Shelagh said they would take anyone else who needed a place to live but would first need to ensure their Ukrainian son was no longer in need of their help.

While for them their experience was more than pleasant, Rudi and Shelagh said for anyone thinking about opening their home to a refugee, there are things that need to be considered.

“We knew that we had to be all in all in and certain parts of our social life, our family life, would have to take a backseat,” Shelagh said.

Rudi said things like mutual trust and cultural differences are certainly important factors but more so, making sure refugees can connect with their own community is vital to their wellbeing.

“Because their communities are based more on the other side of town, is it fair for them to live in the eastern suburbs where they have no direct contact other than phones?” he said.

Approaching their own situation, Rudi and Shelagh said they had no expectations of what it would be like but knew all they needed to do was be loving.

“This home is just stuff whereas that’s a real person’s life that’s been so badly affected and whatever comes we will just love the person or people because nothing else is important because of what they’ve been through,” Shelagh said.

Their Ukrainian son has moved closer to his community, now living in Melton but as Rudi said, he has a “lifeline” in Australia should he need it. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Building the workforce

A campaign has been launched encouraging disability workers to register as a disability workforce.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The Victorian Disability Worker Commission has launched a campaign encouraging disability workers to register to show people with disability they have the right skills to deliver quality services.

Cases of abuse and neglect in the sector currently being heard at the Royal Commission demonstrate how vital it is for people with disability to be confident that their worker is safe, skilled and professional. Victoria is leading the way in delivering better safeguards for the sector and is the only state in Australia that has a registration scheme in place for workers, introduced in July last year.

Disability workers that are registered have been deemed suitable by the independent Disability Worker Registration Board of Victoria.

The assessment provides additional checks to the NDIS worker screen criminal history check, by assessing a worker’s skills and experience and commitment to undertaking continuing professional development.

Melanie Eagle, Chair of the Disability Worker Registration Board of Victoria, said that disability workers do crucial work with some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Registration acknowledges this and recognises workers for the important work they do.

“We know that disability workers are pas-

sionate and proud of their work. There is a huge amount of trust involved between a worker and a person with disability, so knowing upfront that a worker is appropriately assessed provides great confidence.

“Everyday disability workers deliver diverse services to people with disability, ranging from high-level 24-hour personal care to ad hoc support as required.

“Workers that register are not only providing confidence to those with disability, their families and carers, but are showing they want to be part of change in the sector to ensure the right people are working with our loved ones,” Ms Eagle said.

Employers who choose registered disability workers also have the benefit of saving time, money and paperwork as checks are done by the Victorian Disability Worker Commission.

Disability workers can go online to find out more and to register at vdwc.vic.gov.au/registration. Registration is currently free and a worker’s skills, experience and track record are all taken into account.

Applications are now open for the second year of registration which runs from 1 October to 30 September. Enquiries call also be made by calling 1800 497 132 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

TAX TIME

Award-winning accounting, taxation and advisory support Locally owned and operated, Dalcorp Accounting Services offer business advisory, tax and accounting solutions to businesses and individual taxpayers throughout the Yarra Valley.

The Dalcorp Team, directed by principal accountant and business advisor Dale Feim, work closely with clients to analyse and implement the right solutions to suit your business.

“We ensure our clients start their journey by selecting the right cloud accounting solution,” Dale said.

“Helping clients establish a business plan is critical and enables our team to go beyond the number-crunching.”

Assisting clients with cash flow planning and strategic tax solutions, Dale and his team immerse themselves in their clients’ businesses.

“It is via our business advisory solutions and extensive app technology experience, that we are able to provide the greatest value to our clients,” he said.

Awarded 2021 National Practice of the Year,

Dale and his team have been advising clients of the tax benefits surrounding the Temporary Full Expensing and Loss Carry Back incentives which support business and encourage investment.

“The Loss Carry Back initiative allows businesses to carry losses back and claim a refundable tax offset in the current financial year, which can be a powerful tax strategy,” Dalcorp senior accountant Debbie Cameron said.

The Dalcorp team is available for phone, zoom or face-to-face appointments to discuss your business or personal accounting requirements.

Conveniently located at 6 Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction, open five days a week with evening and Saturday morning appointments also available.

Please contact the team on 5967 1312, visit their website www.dalcorpas.com.au or engage via their socials, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest information and events for your business.

Debbie, Dale and Suzy look forward to seeing you at Dalcorp. 286435

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

THE Yarra Valley Accountant, I understand land, locals and community • When you work with me, you get me, • So call or email and I’ll personally set up a time for us to chat about saving tax and growing your business

12555954-ET26-22

my experience and expertise

(03) 9898 9590 • 0418 563 512 Shop 1, 1605 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Vic 3139 PO Box 350 Yarra Junction Vic 3797 sue.clarke@theyarravalleyaccountant.com.au www.theyarravalleyaccountant.com.au 12555432-JC26-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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Junior firey joins the crew KIDS THESE DAYS

By Callum Ludwig A young community-minded Yarra Ranges resident is showing what youth can do in the area after finishing year 12 this year, studying, volunteering as a firefighter and becoming a voice for youth in the Yarra Ranges.

Amy Wahrenberger is studying audio engineering at Collarts, volunteering at Yarra Glen CFA and was a part of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) over the past year.

Ms Wahrenberger said she was terrified for her first call out with the CFA. “When the siren went off, it was very nerve-wracking and there was lots of adrenaline, but now I feel a lot calmer getting out into the truck, training has helped a lot,” she said.

“I started training late last year, and I’ve been able to go on call since about the end of Jan, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a dream of mine for a while.”

Ms Wahrenberger is considering pursuing a career in firefighting.

Ms Wahrenberger said the crew are wonderful and the experience of firefighting is very rewarding.

“They’ve all got so much experience and help out immensely and it’s been a great opportunity and use of my free time,” she said, “It can get crazy, you forget there’s fire there with all the adrenaline and you look around and just walk into it. We are out of the fire season now so it tends to be smaller fires and little incidents now, but I am looking forward to helping out going into the next fire season.”

Ms Wahrenberger was part of Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s Class of 2021 before getting into Collarts.

Ms Wahrenberger said while there is a lot of technical stuff, she is enjoying her degree.

Amy Wahrenberger has been showing what youth can do in the Yarra Ranges.

“It can be difficult, but I’m enjoying it a lot and it’s something I’ve always been interested in,” she said.

“I’m hoping to pursue being a studio engineer, like a recording and mixing engineer afterwards.”

Throughout 2021, Ms Wahrenberger was a member of the inaugural pilot program for YAG, which aimed to consult young community members on Council decisions.

Ms Wahrenberger said the project aimed to get the voices of young people in the Yarra Ranges heard and valued.

“We don’t always see our experiences being represented in the decisions, but for YAG, we were doing consultations and advising teams across Council on their projects or questions

they brought to us,” she said.

“We had one consultation with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions on development in Lilydale, and we created three proposals as a group, and one of them ended up being approved by the Lilydale Urban Revitalisation Board and approved for a grant of $100,000.”

YAG consisted of fifteen diverse members and has been renewed for another three years after the successful pilot.

Ms Wahrenberger said she is now in a peer mentor role for the new YAG group who have started up recently and that YAG is a really passionate group of young people.

“We are a very diverse group in the Yarra Ranges, and we discussed a number of issues

Picture: SUPPLIED including public transport and needing more connectivity among some of the suburbs that are a little bit further out, and needing more mental health services in the area,” she said.

“There was a lot of talk about the environment, with the amazing environments we have around here, as well as Indigenous Voice and LGBTQI+ issues. Unemployment was brought up a lot, especially with a lot of young people in the Yarra Ranges abused in the workplace with nowhere to go.”

Ms Wahrenberger said she adores the beautiful places and parks in the Yarra Valley, and thinks the Yarra Ranges is home to some amazing people, a great culture and an amazing community.

Woori Yallock nurse runs for Cystic Fibrosis cure

By Callum Ludwig Woori Yallock nurse Elfie Model is set to pound the pavement next month in the Run Melbourne event on 24 July to raise funds for Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Participants have the option to run 21.1, 10 or 5km.

Ms Model is a respiratory and lung transplant nurse and has tended to many sufferers of cystic fibrosis, a multi-organ genetic disease that affects one in every 2500 children and is the most common inherited disease in the world.

Ms Model said she saw an ad for the event pop up in her Instagram feed and registered straight away.

“After being isolated for so long, I thought it was a really great way to be social and push myself to extend my running journey a little bit, ” she said.

“It will be my first fun run, I actually signed up for a fun run late last year, but it got cancelled due to Covid. I’m very excited.”

Cure4CF was founded in 2002, and has been known by its current name since 2004, establishing events, research programs and fundraisers for the cause ever since.

MS Model said CF is a very misunderstood condition.

“A lot of people think it only affects the lungs, when it’s actually the entire body system and causes quite a few complications including persistent respiratory infections, diabetes, bowel problems, malnutrition,” she said.

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Woori Yallock resident Elfie Model started running with her dogs during the Covid lockdowns.

Picture: SUPPLIED due to frequent infections and frequent hospital visits for what we call tune-ups.”

CF is caused by both parents carrying a certain mutated gene and impacts the production and build-up of mucus around the organs, causing mucus to be thick and sticky, which clogs the lungs and other organs, making it easy for bacteria to grow. This often leads to repeated lung infections and lung damage, with lung disease currently the cause of death for over 90 per cent of CF patients Ms Model said patients have had it, particularly tough during Covid-19 and flu season.

“During COVID, it was very difficult for them and around flu season because they’re advised not to socialise due to the risks. Clinical trials are very hit or miss and job opportunities are tough to find as a large majority have to work from home,” she said.

“For females in particular, pregnancy is very difficult as the hormone changes can exacerbate their condition, quite a few of them have to resort to surrogacy which is expensive.”

Currently, about half of CF patients die by the age of 40 though improved treatments are

improving their potential lifespan. There is no cure, with treatments short-lived and can potentially cause debilitating side effects.

Ms Model said she really loved that she could choose her own charity to support from the Run Melbourne event.

“This charity is obviously very dear to me because I care for cystic fibrosis patients, Cure4CF focuses a lot on research and clinical trials which we perform at The Alfred Hospital where I work,” she said.

“A lot of my patients are on clinical trial medications which try to slow down the production of the mutated gene, and the charity helps pay for these medications as well.”

Runners participating in the Run Melbourne event will start from the Grand Slam Oval at the Melbourne and Olympic Parks with DJ’s and live music, clothing drop, postrun massage, retail and race merchandise, food trucks, big-screen viewing and Run Melbourne’s Charity Lane awaiting them at the finish line.

Ms Model said she used to be more of a walker or bike-rider until recently getting into running.

“After buying a dog during Covid, having felt lonely and socially isolated, I started going for walks as he was very active, which became jogging and led to running. Now I listen to podcasts about fitness and running and set goals for my running journey,” she said.

“The Warburton to Lilydale Trail is close to me and one of my favourite places to go, it’s accessible, very beautiful, quiet and very safe and I love being around other people as well.” mailcommunity.com.au

PEOPLE IN PROFILE

Kylie’s story of survival

By Mikayla van Loon Two years and three months. 804 days. This is how long Dandenong Ranges resident Kylie Moore-Gilbert was imprisoned in an Iranian jail for.

Captured by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2018 for being a suspected, but unfounded, spy for either MI6 or Australia, Ms Moore-Gilbert was transferred to the 2A wing of Evin Prison where she was held in solitary confinement, dehumanised and mentally tortured.

A rigorous line of questioning and interrogations followed her ‘arrest’, surrounding the nature of her visit to Iran.

Ms Moore-Gilbert had attended an academic conference after being invited by a Tehran university because of her research into Islam, revolutions in the Middle East and Bahraini politics as a lecturer at the University of Melbourne.

Conducting what she thought were harmless interviews for her research, turned into the catalyst for her detainment.

While held in a hotel after being taken from the airport, never did Ms Moore-Gilbert think her three week working holiday would turn into a little over two years being held captive for ransom.

The Australian government had been working to release Ms Moore-Gilbert by way of negotiations with the IRGC months after being taken prisoner but it wasn’t until a media storm that a deal was struck between Thailand, Iran and Australia to conduct a prisoner swap in late 2020.

Reduced to living in a two by three metre cell, with a barely functioning toilet, returning to Australia was an overwhelming culture shock.

First living with family in New South Wales, Ms Moore-Gilbert made the trip back to Melbourne at the beginning of 2021, in between lockdowns and border closures.

She returned to the house she had bought with her ex-husband just months before her trip to Iran in the green and leafy suburb of Belgrave.

It was here that she put pen to paper and wrote her astoundingly powerful and heartbreaking book ‘The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison’.

“I wrote it at my dining room table looking out over the trees that I have in my backyard,” she said.

The contrast of being enclosed by concrete walls to being surrounded by nature was a saving grace for Ms Moore-Gilbert in those early months.

“I didn’t see a green plant. The only green I saw was far away trees whose branches might be near the exercise yard of the prison but they weren’t something I could touch or see right in front of my face,” she said.

“I was in a desert prison for three months and not a single thing grew there, it was just barren.

“Coming back here and being able to just soak up the greenness and the plant life and knowing that stuff is living around me, it was really quite overwhelming at the beginning.”

But being able to go running in her local reserve, getting out into her garden and seeing the valley from her dining room “was really soothing and really calming.”

“I was really happy that this is where I landed after coming back from Iran because it gave me a sense of peace and serenity that I probably wouldn’t have got if I was living in the city.”

Although it was her home, having only spent a few months in it with her then husband before her ordeal in Iran, Ms Moore-Gilbert said it “felt pretty strange” to live in that space.

“It did feel like home. The house itself did, in a way, but it was also very strange to come back to an empty house that was not as it was when I’d left it and have to live here alone and readjust again. But it was a blessing, especially because of lockdowns and Covid,” Ms MooreGilbert said.

Initially hesitant to be around large groups of people, the Dandenong Ranges became a safe haven, away from crowds and too many people who knew who she was. mailcommunity.com.au

Kylie Moore-Gilbert survived 804 days in an Iranian prison and upon her return found solace at her home in the Dandenong Ranges.

Pictures: KRISTOFFER PAULSON

Looking out over a valley of trees and greenery, Ms Moore-Gilbert sat at her dining room table to write her powerful book ‘The Uncaged Sky’.

Even though neighbours checked in on her in those first few months, Ms Moore-Gilbert said they gave her space, something she was extremely grateful for.

“I’d spent so long in solitary confinement… if I was in a big crowd I just didn’t feel 100 per cent safe, I felt a bit anxious.

“And being in a place like Belgrave, where I have my own space, I have a backyard, I have a garden, it’s not crowded, if you want to see people you can, if you don’t, you can keep to yourself, I think that was really good.”

Feeling as though it was her duty to write a book about her experiences in Iran, her captors and the friends who helped her survive in prison, Ms Moore-Gilbert said it was healing to get everything out.

“I had so much to process because when you’re living through it, you just take each day as it comes and you don’t plot out what’s happened to you in the past and make sense of it necessarily.

“So coming home and deciding to write this book, I had to really sit down and process everything and some of it was quite jumbled in my mind and I had to make order and sense of my memories.”

While Ms Moore-Gilbert said those initial few months of being in prison where she was in “such a frantic state of mind” were the most difficult to remember, it’s hard to imagine with the level of detail portrayed in ‘The Uncaged Sky’.

“I was in shock and very upset and traumatised by what was going on but after my brain settled and I started to come to terms with the routine of the prison, my surroundings and the rules, I started to remember everything very vividly.”

Recounting each of the incidents that happened in prison, Ms Moore-Gilbert said even to this day she can remember them like they were yesterday but that time to her is entirely distorted.

“My sense of time is just warped by this, it feels like yesterday and it feels like a million years ago at the same time.

“I still have those vivid memories, I can close my eyes and imagine that I’m in my cell right now but at the same time, it also feels like it never happened to me at all and it was just a terrible dream that I had last night.”

Not only was it cathartic to tell her story, Ms Moore-Gilbert hopes it helps her “draw a line under it and move on with my life.”

Ms Moore-Gilbert is still trying to comprehend her inner strength and ability to get through the most harrowing of situations possible but said she is “not always strong and [is] not always coping.”

Nevertheless, she said she never realised just how strong she could be, nor how much our brains are capable of as part of the human condition when coping with trauma or trying to memorise important information.

Bringing that strength into her everyday life in Australia, Ms Moore-Gilbert said she is now less compromising and “I’m standing up for myself more.”

Still fighting emotional battles everyday, a large part of her reason for remaining strong is because of her friends and cellmates Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani, who remain in prison four years after their arrest.

“I promised them that I would speak out about it and I’d speak up and tell everybody what’s going on there. I really just felt like it was a sense of duty I had to them as well.

“I’m wary of making my life about this. I’m very cognizant of not getting myself emotionally weighed down too much by taking on board other people’s traumas and sufferings.

So it’s a delicate balance. I don’t want to work professionally only on such issues but it is my duty.”

Moving forward with life, Ms Moore-Gilbert is not entirely sure what the future holds or what she will do next.

For now she is focusing on the book, which will soon be published in the United States but said come the turn of the new year, she will see where life takes her.

“I’m hoping I’ll have an epiphany or something. Otherwise, I’ll just go work in the local cafe in Belgrave because there’s so many signs out saying ‘employees needed’. That would be a pretty easy and chill way to ease myself back into the workforce,” Ms Moore-Gilbert said semi-jokingly.

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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NEWS

Mont De Lancey exhibit

By Callum Ludwig Positions to display statues and other art at Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead in Wandin North are soon to open.

Applications for the Art on the Hill exhibition open on Friday 1 July.

Art on the Hill exhibition coordinator Paul Cacioli said there are a couple of requirements for artists.

“Artists are allowed to put in at least one sculpture as part of up to three works to be displayed,” he said.

“There other works can be printing, paints, which a lot of sculptors also do or anything else they like.”

Entries close on Monday 22 August and emails of acceptance will be sent out the following Monday 29 August.

Mr Cacioli is a member of the association of sculptors of Victoria himself and said it is really good to finally have the exhibition take place after being halted by Covid.

“I coordinate the sculpture exhibition at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, and the association runs four major

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead is hosting its Art on the Hill exhibition this spring.

Picture: ON FILE exhibitions, but there are restrictions on the number of times one piece can be exhibited,” he said.

“The idea was to give the artists the oppor-

tunity to bring out some of their new or old works, with a very small fee that they pay for an entry and no commission charged on the pieces, which means that they can price them

a little bit more reasonably.”

Art will be installed on Friday 9 September, with the exhibition running on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September between 10.00am and 4.00pm, before the works are uninstalled on Monday 12 September.

Mr Cacioli said it’s very important for artists to have these opportunities and the exhibitions have all had good responses.

“Artists look for opportunities, and particularly novel opportunities.I think the good thing about Art on the Hill is that it is based in the Yarra Valley, so it gives some regional artists an opportunity without having to travel so far,” he said.

“The public gets to see some of the talent that’s available within our own community, in terms of the art that’s able to be produced which is a very high quality and they get to come out to a historical area in the Yarra Valley for something a bit different.

A group of blacksmiths, including Mr Cacioli himself, will be on site and working on projects, with the Two Peas in a Pod cafe serving food and coffee.

The Upper Yarra’s a fisherman’s haven in winter

By Callum Ludwig The majestic Birrarung or Yarra River running through Warburton is a premier fishing destination for visitors to the Upper Yarra and Yarra Ranges, and there are plenty of great fishing opportunities in winter.

Tommy Finn’s Trout Farm at 3175 Warburton Highway, Warburton also provides an ideal spot for beginner, intermediate or more advanced fishing enthusiasts and is a great day out for families.

Manger Lucien Tran said beyond the farm, he knows of a few popular spots for line and fly fishing nearby.

“McMahon’s Creek, a lot of people tend to go there and a lot of hunters who go down our way towards Warburton but the water is a bit faster with a lot of rocks so is a bit tricker,” he said.

“It’s just a nice part of town and when you go fishing you don’t really have to catch something but when you do, it’s a bonus.

People also go fly fishing where the water is shallow enough near Warburton and of course, everyone has their secret spots that sometimes you’ve got to go for a drive and find.”

For those who prefer to check out the wonderful natural waterways of the Warburton Valley, the Victorian Fishing Authority recommends Armstrong Creek from the Upper Yarra Dam, Big Pats Creek and Starvation Creek in Warburton, McMahons Creek in East Warburton, Don River and Little Yarra River in Launching Place and Cockatoo Creek, Macclesfield Creek, Sheepstation Creek and Woori Yallock Creek in Woori Yallock.

One of the ponds at Tommy Finn’s Trout farm.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The view of the mountain from Tommy Finn’s Trout Farm.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The Yarra River from the bridge at Cement Creek Rd. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cement Creek at the back of the Redwood Forest. 285905 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

There are a range of different fish to be found in the Upper Yarra’s rivers, creeks and streams including trout, blackfish, lamprey and short-finned eels, spiny crayfish, perch, mountain galaxias, carp, goldfish, smelt and even freshwater mussels.

Mr Tran said the Upper Yarra has a worldclass landscape for fishing.

“It’s just like any Canadian tourist spot with Warburton and Mt Donna Buang with a crisp cool mountain air feel, you don’t have

to travel halfway across the world and our farm has an amazing view of the mountain,” he said.

“Our visitors can come to catch their fish, then weigh and pay for it and we gut and clean it all for you before you can cook it on our barbecues and enjoy.”

Mr Tran said the cold winter weather is the best time of the year for trout fishing.

“Because they are cold-water fish, winter is best suited for them and the cooler and

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

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

cloudier weather makes it a little bit easier to catch the fish,” he said.

“At the moment we are stocked with rainbow trout, and you can pay the entry fee and we provide all the equipment that you need, from fishing rods to bait and buckets.”

There are three fishing areas at Tommy Finn’s Trout Farm, ranging from a 4000 square metre pond that is full of trout, to an 8000 square metre one that provides more of a challenge.

Mr Tran said the larger pond feels like you are in the outdoors rather than at a farm, and the smaller pond provides an easier experience for kids.

“Most people tend to go to the harder section first to play around as they don’t want to catch too much straight away, and because our pond is so big, it gives them a more realistic experience of fishing, because you actually miss a lot of fish,” he said.

“The fish will bite and then you’ll miss it before you might catch it on your third or fourth go, So it’s not like you’re going to chuck a line down and hit a fish in the face you know.”

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

12527817-BL51-21

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

LAMON FARM – 3 DWELLINGS ON 30 ACRES THIS is one of the most unique properties in the district, proudly presenting a landmark property with incredible views of the city, Sugarloaf Dam and Mt Everard. Nestled in the heart of the Kinglake Ranges and just a short drive to the Kinglake Township, you’ll find this amazing 30-acre (approx.) property with homestead and 2 rustic cottages creating the perfect B&B or business opportunity.

If you’re looking for resort style living in a regional centre with business potential, we introduce to you, Lamon Farm.

The land is divided into a mixture of

pastured paddocks, manicured gardens, and scenic landscaped surrounds.

Supporting ample shedding for storage to fully cater for running the property/business comprises a 12x16m 3 bay barn shed with R/C door, concrete base, power, and mezzanine, as well as additional machinery shed of 12 x 12m with 3.1m high clearance.

One significant feature to note is an unlimited amount of water storage boasting high quality spring water bore, 122,000L of water storage, spring fed dam with pump, and a second dam. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3021 Healesville – Kinglake Road, KINGLAKE Description: 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 12 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: William Verhagen, 0437 371 969, INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE, 9730 2333

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

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

SIX BEDROOMS IN INCREDIBLE LOCATION THIS beautiful 6 bedroom family home situated in the highly sought Emerald Lake locale is nestled on its own leafy green oasis with sealed road access and just minutes away from the centre of Emerald.

Stunning established, low maintenance grounds offer a multitude of outdoor entertaining options with expansive grassed areas and a concreted area at the rear for all kinds of activities for the kids.

Boasting high quality features including ornate cornices, ceiling roses and built in cabinetry, the character filled lounge room is comfortable and welcoming, with large windows overlooking the stunning established garden where there is a variety of maples.

The ample sized timber kitchen has gas cooktop, wall oven, walk-in pantry and dishwasher and overlooks the backyard.

The meals area adjoins the kitchen and has external access to the rear yard. Featuring an incredible 6 bedrooms, the master is on the lower level and is serviced by a walk in robe and full ensuite and the remaining rooms all have built in robes.

There are three bathrooms; the family bathroom downstairs services the 2nd

and 3rd bedrooms and an opulent upstairs bathroom complete with double vanity, stone bench and walk in shower services the 3 upstairs bedrooms. The upstairs can be selfcontained as there is a kitchenette on this level. There’s enough room for the largest family, extended family or dependant relative accommodation.

The house is serviced by a stunning gas fire in the lounge room, split systems and ducted heating upstairs ensuring your comfort year round. Security is assured with separate alarm system for ground and first floor.

A double carport with additional workshop/storage and a separate home office/study caters to those wishing to work from home.

Positioned within walking distance of schools, shops and transport and just a few steps from the glorious Emerald Lake Park – with picturesque Lake, Puffing Billy, Discovery Centre cafe, Nobelius heritage nursery and over 50 hectares of family friendly parklands and walking trails, this home offers an unparalleled lifestyle and a multitude of options, so be quick as properties in this location are highly sought after. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 47 Emerald Lake Road, EMERALD Description: 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,050,000-$1,150,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sue Colic 0421 772 610 and Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD, 5968 4522

WIRE INDUSTRIES

1173081-FA08-15

Where Quality Counts Heritage Woven Wire & Gates are Powdercoated in 8 standard colours.

Gates come in 7 different pedestrian and driveway styles.

Available heights: 1250mm, 1100mm & 950mm HEAVY DUTY 4MM GALVANISED WIRE 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

For your local distributor please contact

1300 360 082

Fax: 9308 5822 Email: sales@emuwire.com.au | www.emuwire.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

PRIVATE AND LOW MAINTENANCE THIS well-appointed over 55’s unit is on a lovely flat, maintainable allotment of 236m2 and has plenty of ‘added extras’ sure to impress the most fastidious buyer. High ceilings throughout, open plan living/dining/ kitchen, spacious rooms and a fabulous location where you can walk into Gembrook Township, stop for a chat and maybe a coffee, and enjoy community living in this picturesque town.

Featuring: 2 spacious bedrooms, both with built-in robes.

Central bathroom - ensuite effect from the main bedroom.

2 Toilets Contemporary kitchen with wall oven, hotplates, and dishwasher.

Fabulous storage throughout.

Open plan living and dining.

Gas ducted heating and split system.

Single garage with internal access and 2nd car space on title.

Undercover entertaining.

Flat, fenced allotment with side access.

Quick access by foot to the supermarket, cafes, parks, churches and much more! ●

· · · · · · · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 13/13 Vista Court, GEMBROOK Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $480,000 - $525,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Emily Hudson 0418 570 474, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111

Lilydale Space & position – Bring the van/boat!

$590,000 - $640,000

Wesburn

$660,000 - $725,000

Once in a Lifetime Yarra Valley Dreaming

Beautifully renovated & located on a large corner block with two driveway entrances this home is ideal for those with extra cars, trailers, or caravan storage. A gem for first home buyers or a rare turnkey base for retirees in this price range. The one year old kitchen boasting loads of cupboard space & the large island bench flows through to the dining area & loungeroom beautifully decorated with warm tones & gorgeous shutters. Additionally, the bathroom has also had an upgrade offering separate bath & shower serving the two spacious bedrooms with an abundance of built in robe storage. Outside a large covered entertaining area & abundance of yard are a rare find in this area. Add to this a solid brick veneer construction, single lock up garage, reverse cycle a/c & more. Inspection is a must!

Privately secluded down a country road, this rare and unique 2.98 acre (approx.) allotment offers you the chance of a lifetime to build your dream home (STCA) amongst the trees, hills & rolling pastures of the picturesque Yarra Valley. Slightly undulating & with open spaces you have your choice of outlooks! The land features some bush with tracks, 2 dams & the Little Yarra River literally next door. This parcel has so much potential to create your own rural dream amongst the mighty mountain ash & gum trees. In a quiet area of Wesburn & only a short drive to the Primary School, shopping at Yarra Junction, gym, doctors etc you have the best of both worlds – serenity & privacy & still close to the necessities. Call now for an inspection!

Contact: Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513 Inspection: By appointment

Contact: Leah Bannerman 0448 924 266 Inspection: By appointment

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

SHANGRLI’ 3.29 HECTARES WITH VIEWS SITUATED in quiet country lane and offering complete privacy this picture perfect property of over 8 acres provides the ideal place for the whole family to enjoy country living with easy access to major arterial roads.

The spacious family home has been designed to take in the beauty that surrounds as well as a view that includes Port Phillip Bay and Westernport Bay in the distance.

There are 3 large living areas that span the length of the home and include a formal lounge and dining room with doors that lead to the paved outdoor area.

The central kitchen has an abundance of bench space and cupboards, dishwasher, induction cook top, wall oven and walk in pantry and has the meals and family room adjoining.

This welcoming area has a crackling wood fire as a centrepiece and will cater to a variety of happy occasions with family and friends.

The rumpus room also allows for large gatherings with a built in bar and room for a billiard table. Doors from the rumpus room lead out to the covered deck making this the right place for all weather activities and also allows a quiet place to observe a variety of colourful birds that frequent the property.

There are four bedrooms, the master with full ensuite and walk through robes/dressing area. The remaining bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom and separate powder room.

Outdoors stunning landscaped gardens with water features and expansive lawn area surrounds the home and paddocked areas cater to your four legged friends.

There are two stables, 3 bay machinery storage, double carport and a spring fed dam. Encapsulating everything that is required of a luxury country estate and just a short drive to the centre of Emerald where a variety of renowned eateries and cafes can be found as well as our highly regarded Primary School, kindergarten, child care, medical facilities, sporting facilities and artistic centres and direct access to Wellington road will make your commute so easy. You really can have it all here. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Kitty Lane, CLEMATIS Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767, BARRY PLANT EMERALD 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

5962 3030

Mark Gunther E in n L n O O cti Au

markgunther.com.au 189 Maroondah Highway, Healesville

R FO LE SA

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Healesville 31 Maroondah Highway

Healesville 25 Juel Crescent

Unique Investors Opportunity!

This modern commercial physician’s clinic in a prominent location on Maroondah Hwy features 4 consulting rooms, reception area, kitchenette, disabled facilities & staff amenities. Including ample parking at the rear, 2 road frontages, established gardens, garden shed & set on a 944 m2 (approx) block. This property would be a great addition to any investment portfolio.

3A 1B 6C Price Guide $750,000 $820,000 Inspect

By Appointment Agent Gary Lucas 0407 595 113

E in n L n O O cti Au

Often Sought - Rarely Found! $649,000

This perfectly positioned flat allotment with spectacular views, is set within walking distance to town & is an ideal parcel of land to build your dream home on (STCA). The vendor has done all the hard work as the block comes with plans & permits. Ready to go & set on 1,084m2 with power, water, gas & phone services available.

Don’t miss out, call today!

Inspect

By Appointment Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

R FO LE A S

Healesville Lots 1, 2, 10 / 29 McGrettons Rd FOR SALE

Build your dream home in McGrettons Rise. A boutique & exclusive estate walking distance to main street. Only 3 Blocks left!

All lots will be fully serviced.

Lot 1 | 620m2 (approx.) $490,000 Lot 2 | 593m2 (approx.) $490,000 Lot 10 | 514m2 (approx.) $510,000

Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030 Gary Lucas 0407 595 113

R FO LE SA

FOR SALE Healesville 20 Baden Powell Drive

Attention Mudbrick Enthusiasts This home is a post & beam mudbrick construction & comprises spacious open plan living, 2 bedrooms each with built in robes, updated bathroom, central kitchen, gorgeous brick flooring & a cosy solid fuel wood heater.

The home is set back from the road on a large 1/3 acre block (approx.) & with filtered views across the valley.

mailcommunity.com.au

2A 1B 2C Current Bid - $570,000 Inspect

By Appointment or OFI Agent Mark Gunther 0448 623 030

Healesville 1 Martin Lane This fantastic parcel of land is located a short drive to the township of Healesville. Offering approved plans and permits to build a 4-bedroom family home set in a semi-rural setting. With a gentle slope, existing rural fencing and clear of trees, you can get started with building your family home! (STCA) All services are available at the end of the driveway.

FOR SALE $600,000 - $660,000 Inspect

By Appointment Agent Gary Lucas 0407 595 113

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

FAMILY FAVOURITE IN GREAT LOCATION SITUATED in what is arguably the most sought after street in Tecoma, this charming, character home may look small and cute from the outside but let me tell you, it packs a punch with its size and sophistication on the inside.

With four spacious bedrooms (two of them with walk in robe and both ideal for master suites), luxury main bathroom with twin showers plus two toilets, this home is well suited to a growing family as there is plenty of space for everyone.

The expansive floorplan stretches to include two separate living rooms, sun filled dining area and an oversized kitchen that boasts stone benchtops, quality appliances and bi-fold servery window that is the perfect addition for outdoor entertaining. Ducted heating runs throughout the home while an ornamental fireplace adds to the charm and ambience of this 1920’s property.

Outside, the large undercover alfresco area will hold the largest of gatherings and is complemented by raised flower beds and tiered gardens that help to extend the amount of useable space around the home.

A separate home office and TV room has been well designed and is the ideal addition for those who need more living space for working from home options and/ or teenagers retreat. A garden shed, water tank and second driveway access/parking are also all included to complete this perfect property package.

Undoubtedly one of the best family homes on the market right now, don’t miss your opportunity to inspect. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Alec Street, TECOMA Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 97546888 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Integrity

Yarra Valley & Kinglake Ranges

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH INTEGRITY

KNOWLEDGEABLE

67 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake

EXPERIENCED

HONEST

LOCAL

29 Anzac Av, Yarra Glen

159 Willow Bend Dr, Steels Creek

SOLD FOR SALE 3

2

$830,000

FOR SALE

1

1/4 Acre

3

1

4

40 Acres

37 Beverley Dr, Healesville

4629 Melba Hwy, Glenburn

3

1

6

883 m2

158 Kings Rd, Kinglake West

4

SOLD

3

$1,450,000 2

73 Acres

SOLD

5

$1,530,000 2

4

12 Acres

SOLD

4

$1,360,000 2

7

5 Acres

Integrity Real Estate is a family-owned real estate agency servicing the Yarra Valley, Kinglake Ranges and surrounds. Our team draws on over 70 years real estate experience to provide premium property services, with unmatched personal service that only a family company can provide.

Bill Verhagen, Jane Nunn & William Verhagen

9730 2333

2/38-40 Bell Street Yarra Glen | 201 Maroondah Hwy, Healesvillle | 1/2 Kinglake-Glenburn Rd, Kinglake 12554873-LB26-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 23

21 Banks Smith Drive, Gembrook

24 Mayview Drive, Monbulk

7 Fairway Road, Emerald

PICTURE PERFECT PARK SIDE LIVING

MAKE THIS ONE YOUR OWN!

3,986m2 OF POTENTIAL

4 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

3 T

A

1 T

B

2 T

C

3 T

A

1 T

B

2 T

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $690,000 - $759,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $900,000 - $990,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

2685 Gembrook Launching Place Rd, Gembrook

35 Lawsons Road, Emerald

36 Ferres Road, Emerald

THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!

CONTEMPORARY STYLED HOME ON OVER 1/3 ACRE

PRIVACY, VIEWS AND CENTRAL EMERALD ON 986m2

4 T

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B

8 T

C

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $1,300,000 - $1,400,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Brittany Barry 0412 861 094 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $780,000 - $858,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE CONTACT AGENT INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Jacqui Ryder 0433 095 278 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

9 Peppermint Court, Emerald

47 Emerald Lake Road, Emerald

Crown Allotment 4,400 Mountain Rd, Gembrook

CENTRAL, PRIVATE AND OH SO VERSATILE

2219m2 IN AN INCREDIBLE LAKESIDE LOCATION

PERFECT PASTURES WITH PHENOMENAL VIEWS

4 T

A

2 T

B

2 T

C

6 T

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $960,000 - $1,050,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Gayle Barrot 0408 195 767 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,050,000-$1,150,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Sue Colic 0421 772 610 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE CONTACT AGENT INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

$990,000 - $1,080,000

4 Alec Street, TECOMA

FAMILY FAVOURITE IN A SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION!

4A 1B

FOR SALE

25 Nicholson Street, OLINDA

$790,000 - $860,000

CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH TREE CANOPY VIEWS

3A 2B 2C

Situated in what is arguably the most sought after street in Tecoma, this charming, character home may look small and cute from the outside but let me tell you, it packs a punch with its size and sophistication on the inside. With four spacious bedrooms (two of them with walk in robe and both ideal for master suites), luxury main bathroom with twin showers plus two toilets, this home is well suited to a growing family as there is plenty of space for everyone.

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.

Sharyn Chandler

Suzie Brannelly

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

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

FOR SALE

41 Earl Street, UPWEY

$1,370,000 - $1,500,000

LIFESTYLE PROPERTY WITH SWEEPING CITY VIEWS

4A 2B 6C

Discover serenity, seclusion, and spectacular city skyline and bay views from this peaceful property situated only moments from Upwey township. Boasting a beautiful family residence on a bountiful 11,080sqm (approx.) allotment with bountiful covered parking spaces for the toys, delightful gardens, circular drive, and subdivision potential (Subject To Council Approval), this is a lifestyle property loaded with extra features.

FOR SALE

1631-1633 Burwood Highway, BELGRAVE

$720,000 - $750,000

WINNING INVESTMENT IN PRIME BELGRAVE LOCATION An exciting opportunity exists here to buy the best investment in town! Currently the property has two tenants, one being a long established therapy/massage and the other a retail boutique. The current tenant (massage) has a 2 year lease in operation with one further option of 2 years and is currently paying $21,065 per annum (plus GST) plus outgoings. The boutique tenant is currently in operation on a 3 year lease with a further 3 x 3 and is currently paying $21,846 per annum (Plus GST) plus outgoings.

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

Daniel Steen

Glenn Chandler

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

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

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

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 25

PUZZLES No. 087

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

7

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

1

4 9

10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 23 25 27 28 29 30

22 24 25 26

Organ (5) Cut (6) Howler (5) Affectation (4) In a state of agitation (8) Reckoned (10) Docent (8) Filmmakers (9) Indigenous politician, — Bonner (7) Greek poet, born in Lesbos (6) Concord (5) Ceased (5) Cicatrice (4)

Relating to animals (10) Plunges suddenly (9) Ground (7)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

2 16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

6

15

3 9

14

26

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

medium

4

easy

3

6

2

1 4 7

1

5

EMN A V FW J X T QU L

7 1 5 3 4

H D B GK I Z ROY S C P HD

4

3

1 4 2 5 7 3 8 9 6

2 5 9 8 6 7 1 4 3

9-LETTER WORD

1 4 3 9 2 5 6 7 8

5 8 1 6 7 3 4 9 2

9 6 7 4 1 2 3 8 5

4 3 2 5 9 8 7 1 6

3 2 5 7 8 1 9 6 4

6 1 4 3 5 9 8 2 7

7 9 8 2 4 6 5 3 1

8 6 5 9 1 2 3 7 4

9 3 7 8 4 6 1 5 2

4 5 8 3 6 7 2 1 9

7 9 6 1 2 5 4 8 3

2 1 3 4 8 9 5 6 7

5 2 4 6 9 1 7 3 8

3 7 9 2 5 8 6 4 1

6 8 1 7 3 4 9 2 5

3 8 6 9 5 7 1 2 4

4 7 9 6 1 2 5 3 8

1 5 2 3 4 8 7 9 6

2 9 4 8 6 5 3 1 7

7 3 8 2 9 1 6 4 5

6 1 5 4 7 3 9 8 2

9 6 7 1 2 4 8 5 3

5 2 3 7 8 9 4 6 1

8 4 1 5 3 6 2 7 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

N

Today’s Aim: 9 words: Good 14 words: Very good 19 words: Excellent

Y

P

T

U

I I

G

N

5 LETTERS ACRID ADAGE AGLOW ALIAS AREN’T AVERT DEARS

DENIM EERIE ELDER EMAIL EVOKE GEESE IDLED INANE LADED LEERY MARSH MEDIA MEMOS NAILS NEEDS NOOSE OCTAL OKRAS PASSE PURGE REBEL

RODEO SAFER SASSY SEEPS SEWER SHRUB SIDED SINUS SIRES SKITE SLABS SPANS STAVE STORM TERSE THESE TRITE UNTIE USAGE YESES

input, ping, pining, pint, piny, pity, pitying, punting, tinny, tiny, tuning, tying, typing, unit, uniting, unity, unpin, UNPITYING, untying

8 7 6 1 3 4 2 5 9

hard

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

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

4 LETTERS BYTE EATS EVIL NEST PANT REAR REEF REIN ROTE STIR

$ / , $ 6

6 LETTERS BLOWIE CEASES MESSES ORGIES SISTER STONED

8 LETTERS AUDITORS HERETICS MINIMISE MISREADS 10 LETTERS HEADMASTER TARPAULINS

7 LETTERS AMASSES FRAMING ICEBERG READIER REELECT WAVERED

8 5 1

4

2

5 ( $ 5

9

1

0 ( ' , $

4 8

2 3 1 5

( 9 2 . (

7

8

0 $ 5 6 +

6 3 1

$ ' $ * (

hard

3 8 5 * (

9 2

6 $ ) ( 5

1 9 7 8 5 1 2 3 7

3 LETTERS ACE ADO AGE ARK CHI DOE EAR EAT EGG EVE FAN GEL INK JAR LEE LIP ONE ORE SKI SOP TAN URN

, 1 8 6 1 $ 1 ( . , 7 ( / , 3 $ 6 ( 6 * ( $ 7 6 & + , ( 5 ( ' 0 , 6 ( $ ' ( ' , / , 1 6 ' 2 ( * / 2: ( ( 6 ( / ' ( 5

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No. 087

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The Heritage Family

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

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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OPINION

Keeping pets warm It’s a cold winter this year!

Everyone is feeling the chill, but pets especially can be vulnerable to these weather conditions. A big task at Animal Aid is keeping all the dogs in our care warm and dry when the weather isn’t inspiring. Winter can be challenging for pets in families too.

The most obvious tip we have is to keep pets inside where possible, particularly on frosty, snowy or wet days. At the shelter, we have dogs in offices, indoor spaces and out of the elements.

Invest in some warm clothing for your pets; there are so many options available! From cute handmade knits to waterproof coats. Every dog at Animal Aid wears a coat overnight. We

Animal

aid Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO have pet-safe heat packs that get placed in their beds each evening. Insulated or heated beddings are an excellent option for older pets or those with arthritis.

It’s essential also to keep up the grooming.

A dog or cat’s coat is their first defence against the cold, but did you know a matted coat can be colder? Regular grooming will keep your pets comfortable, avoid matting and reduce shedding. Read our Winter Grooming Guide here: animalaid.org.au/Winter-Dog-Grooming/ Adjust food intake. Your dog or cat may need some extra nutrients over the cooler months to keep them warm, but on the flip side, dogs may not be getting as much exercise in winter, keep an eye on their energy levels and waistline to ensure they are healthy and happy. We always recommend calling your vet if you have questions about your pet’s condition or health.

You can call us on (03) 8756 1300 if you have any questions about pets during wintertime.

CARTOON

Enjoy circus fun at Burrinja these holidays Burrinja Arts Centre in Upwey will be turning into a big top these school holidays, providing a week of circus fun.

Circus Workshops include: Aerial workshops are perfect for students aged five and above, wanting to get up in the air and are suitable for all abilities.

Kids 5 to 13 years can join in the fun on Tuesday June 28 at either 10am or 1.30pm and on Wednesday June 29 at 1.30pm.

Teens 13 years and above can take part on Wednesday June 29 at 4pm. Sessions go for one hour, with limited places and cost $25.

Circus Mix workshops: Try a little bit of everything in Circus Mix

day June 29 at 6.00pm.

·

Kemp’s

·

curtain call

·

· ·

and explore skills like juggling, tumbling, hula hoops, trapeze, tightwire and more.

Kids 5 to 13 years - Wednesday June 29 at 11.15am.

Teen and adult 13 and above years - Wednes-

sessions are 1.5 hours and tickets are · The $25.

Circus Performances: Opulence and elegance Tuesday June 28 at 7.30pm in the theatre A decadent evening of circus cabaret invites people to put on a feather boa, bring out the top hat and don some dapper dress ready to be immersed in a night of 1920s circus delights.

For for information and events go to www. burrinja.org.au/burrinja-whats-on/whatson-circus-festival-at-burrinja

The King has arrived in new Luhrman film Elvis Starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks Rated M 4.5/5 Elvis is a stylish and poignant biopic detailing the rise, success and struggles of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), one of the most famous musicians in history.

Much like Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln or Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote, Austin Butler utterly embodies Elvis Presley on-screen (in a performance Elvis’s own family have spoken very highly of).

Butler superbly captures Elvis’s sensitivity, intoxicating masculinity and tremendous showmanship, and will undoubtedly be a frontrunner at next year’s Oscars. The film is replete with director Baz Luhrman’s bombastic, dazzling style, but this flashiness grows mailcommunity.com.au

more grounded as celebrity takes its toll on Elvis. The film delves deep into Elvis’s connection with African-American music culture, and shows his rise to legendary status, as a disruptive figure inspiring both frenzied admiration and moral outrage, but doesn’t shy away from his growing health, drug and family issues.

The film is very long (159 minutes) but never drags, and the musical numbers are soaring, passionate spectacles that further the tension between Elvis being true to himself and the rigours of business.

Oddly enough, the one weak link in the film is Tom Hanks, who plays Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s long-time friend and manager.

Hanks plays a compelling antagonist – a greasy, manipulative leech who nonetheless guides Elvis to stardom – but several scenes feature unnecessary, irritating narration from Hanks, and the film has a bizarre framing device of Parker on his death-bed, imagining himself in a casino and telling Elvis’s story.

A sterling diamond-studded character study that could do with a little less narration, Elvis is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Looking back at 25 PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Why do people nominate lists of “(insert a number) books you must read before you die”? Some would say they simply can’t help it.

According to Gia R. from Book Riot, we feel the need to share what we read because we want to share something of value.

Not only does this help to strengthen our relationships with others, but it also allows us to exchange viewpoints. In other words, sharing lets us learn not just other people’s views, but also where they come from in terms of their backgrounds, positions, values and visions.

This, in turn, enables us to better appreciate what we read from different perspectives.

Meanwhile – and perhaps more importantly – sharing helps others understand us. In Gia R.’s words: “Sharing a book can be a lot easier than providing a personal detail or explicitly stating something about one’s self. It is a way to share a part of ourselves.”

So. what can we learn about ourselves as Australians by sharing our favourite Australian stories?

What unique aspects of our society and culture do we want each other to know in order to promote tolerance, respect, and cohesion in diversity? Take reviewer Melanie Kembrey, who recently shared via The Age what she considers as the “25 best Australian novels of the last 25 years”. Her words reenforce the aforementioned point of sharing enabling the better understanding of others as well as ourselves: “There is no shortage of heartbreak, havoc or hilarity in Australian literature... Literature has always been a way to understand who we are as a nation, and the last quarter of a century in novels shows how bold, innovative, brave and important our storytellers are.”

Kembrey’s list is a reminder of Books That Made Us (2021), which, in its author Carl Reinecke’s words, “selected a sample of influential books, almost all novels” that are “stepping stones in the complex, crowded history of Australian literature and culture”.

Yet, as Kembrey’s list only extends to the past 25 years, it focuses on awardwinning and commercially successful books, “from those that have broken sales records, courted controversy and challenged the status quo, to quiet achievers that have slipped off our reading lists”.

Among the listed 25 are many household names, such as Peter Carey, Geraldine Brooks, Kate Grenville, Markus Zusak, Tim Winton, Steve Toltz, Craig Silvey, Richard Flanagan, Liane Moriarty, Charlotte Wood, Heather Rose, and Trent Dalton.

The list also includes many wellknown authors of diverse backgrounds, such as Alexis Wright, Christos Tsiolkas, Kim Scott, Michelle de Kretser, Melissa Lucashenko, Tara June Winch, and Anita Heiss.

Finally, the list features some delightful classics, such as books by Madeleine St John, Lily Brett, Thea Astley, Sonya Hartnett, Nikki Gemmell, and Shirley Hazzard.

As we keep on adding the latest titles to our TBR pile, why not take a trip down the memory lane to (re)read some of these great books from our collective past? We might be surprised how each other’s views and viewpoints about them have changed.

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 27

THE LOWDOWN Q&A 1. What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m super obsessed with crystals and have been collecting them since I was about two.

They cover almost every single surface in my room and I’m always adding more.

2. Tell us about your time as a work experience student.

It’s been really interesting. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me and has given me the best experience they can. I was super excited to be able to do some writing. I also have got to see all the hard work that goes into the newspaper each week and truly get an idea of the creative process.

3. What has been your most memorable moment this week? Why? Going out to an in-person interview has been the most fascinating. It was a moving story and the journalist I was with handled the delicate situation perfectly. I got to see a bit about how journalists need to approach different situations and what that can look like.

4. What do you love most about going to school in the Yarra Ranges?

Well, of course it’s so beautiful. I’ve learnt to really appreciate the little things about living here,

with Star Mail work experience student Celeste Duthie

Celeste Duthie has completed her work experience at Star Mail. one of them being the drive to school. I drive through some of the most stunning forests in the country and I am repeatedly in awe of how lucky I am to see this amazing place every day.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

It’s a privilege so many people don’t have.

5. What are some of your hobbies?

I’ll do just about anything creative. I adore playing music and try to do that as much as I

can. Painting and drawing are things I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember, and I don’t plan to stop. And of course, reading - I’ll read whatever I can get my hands on. My favourite book must be the His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. I’m yet to read another book that made me feel the same way.

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

I’d really like to see what the sky looks like in ten thousand years. We’re always told some of the light we’re seeing is coming from stars that have already died so I’d love to see how many constellations will have changed by then.

7. Who do you admire the most?

I’ve been surrounded by brilliant men and women my whole life and I can’t pick just one.

They have all inspired and encouraged me in different ways. Both my parents, especially, will forever have my admiration.

8. What would you like to see more of in the paper?

I really love horoscopes and star signs so I think it would be so fun to have a little section on the star sign of the month and their fortune. When I was little, I’d always search for my lucky numbers.

NEWS

Digitalising media groups

By Renee Wood There’s no denying the media landscape is changing, with reports of newspapers shutting down and online mediums gaining traction over the last few years.

It’s a turbulent environment for long standing print mediums to follow, trying to stay relevant while learning the new ways of future reporting. As younger generations take to social media or turn to digital publications, there’s still always a place and value for the printed publication, but the desire to maximise coverage across what’s available is high.

That’s something the industry is gathering together to do, and it’s a train the Star News Group has jumped on.

A new Digital News Academy has been launched by Newscorp, Melbourne Business School and Google, allowing publications from all over Australia enlist their savvy reporters into the course.

And that savvy reporter for Star News is our highly competent and engaging reporter Mikayla van Loon.

Ms van Loon reports for the Star Mail newspapers, predominately looking after the reporting for Lilydale and Mount Evelyn areas.

She’s leading the charge for the company as the first digital academy student, sharing with us the tips and tools that are needed to make an impact on the big wide web.

Mikayla van Loon is the Star News recruit for the Digital News Academy course. 284510 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Ms van Loon willingly enlisted in the course because she thought it was a good opportunity to expand her knowledge.

The RMIT graduate of 2020 said she’s always wanted to write for print but was interested in how social media can create greater engagement with readers.

“That intrigued me and wanting to just build my skill set knowing that moving forward it’s really going to be those digital platforms that takeover,” she said.

Since the course began Ms van Loon has joined for online webinars having discussions

around digital platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok, while being taught how to create content such as creating videos via phones. Also speaking with leaders in the digital space such a Wall Street Journal Social Media manager Julia Munslow and Hashtag Our Stories co-founder Yusuf Omar has been a great eye opener.

“That was really interesting to hear how a really traditional Wall Street Journal publication is taking Tiktok on board,” she said.

“So far hearing from those people has probably been some of the best parts of it, learning from or hearing from people who have been really investing in this new digital landscape.

“It’s just interesting to hear from other people about the possibilities of what media could become - some of its really scary and how do we actually do this in a good way.”

Ms van Loon is a third of the way into the course of nine months and is looking ahead to data journalism and other digital techniques which will be included in the course.

A trip to visit the Google headquarters in America is also on the cards for the most engaged reporters and certificate badges which will be recognised globally is also provided on completion.

Until then, Ms van Loon will be looking to use her new found digital skills within Star Mail – so watch this space for more to come on our social media and digital platforms.

Star Mail bids farewell to loved staff member Jackie Many of our readers and locals may have come to know Star Mail’s administration and accounts receivable superstar Jackie Riley who’s been with us for more than a decade.

For 12 years Jackie has been with the Mail newspaper, seeing the many changes that have come to pass while remaining as the one solid and stable rock for many.

Jackie was part of the newspaper during the part ownership by North East Media and Star News Group, before Star News Group purchased the company outright in February 2020.

During her time Jackie has worked in a variety of departments, taking up anything that came her way with a smile, while always be28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

ing the steady hand to guide newcomers into the office.

For readers, you may have come to know Jackie as being the person who always greets you at the front desk or the voice you’ll hear answering phone queries.

She’s made lasting friendships and many meaningful memories, but now it’s time for us to say farewell to Jackie as she hits the road on a new adventure with family.

Star News would like to give our heartfelt thanks and praise to Jackie for the strength and support she’s brought into the office and to the staff across the years.

All the best Jackie and family as you embark on the next chapter in your lives.

Jackie Riley has been with the Mail team for 12 years. mailcommunity.com.au

COMMUNITY NEWS

Peak a boo: it’s a girl!

Healesville Sanctuary’s newest Tree Kangaroo joey has decided to start peeping out of the pouch to observe the world for the very first time.

The little one with big blue eyes, just like her mother and father, has been named Ori [Pronounced: Or-ree], which means cloud in a region of Papua New Guinea where the Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo species lives.

It is the third time mum Mani [Pronounced: Ma-knee] and father Bagam [Pronounced: Bag-am] have successful produced offspring, however it is the first time the pair have produced a female.

Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Katherine Sarris said breeding a female was exciting due to the needs of the international breeding program.

“We were able to tell early on that this joey was a female during a voluntary pouch check,” Ms Sarris said.

“We have built-up a strong relationship with Mani over many years that allowed us to check on the joey’s development and observe

Ori in the pouch with mum Mani. milestones such as first whiskers, first toenails, and eyes opening for the first time.

“There is nothing cuter than a Tree Kan-

Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA garoo joey and the best time to see Ori at the Sanctuary is during the morning and afternoon when mum is eating. The joey will smell

the food and will likely pop her head out to investigate.”

This is the first time Ori has poked her head out. She has spent six months tucked inside Mani’s pouch.

However, as she grows larger and becomes more confident, she will be exploring the environment more.

Her male siblings Kofi and Chimbu were born in 2018 and 2019 and now reside at other zoos where they are contributing their genetics to the breeding program.

Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos are native to Papua New Guinea and are listed as Endangered with a decreasing population on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. Two species of Tree Kangaroos are native to Australia.

The Bennett’s tree-kangaroo and the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo. Both species are found in Far North Queensland.

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

CFA team enjoys Toastmasters group collaboration The members at CFA D13 Toastmasters group have enjoyed the training that members learn which assists with becoming an effective communicator as a volunteer firefighter.

Members adopt communication and leadership skills from Toastmasters to fulfill the role as a firefighter in stressful situations when they are attending an emergency as communication is paramount. Currently members of Community Fire Brigades in District 13 have their Toastmasters member-

ship paid for by CFA, which is another incentive to join.

CFA member Jim believes at toastmasters you’re given gentle suggestions on how to improve your speaking.

CFA member Mark said after joining CFA D13 Toastmasters he has noticed the improvements during meetings.

“I now realise the immense improvement with my oral communication and listening skills.” His leadership has developed and progressed and is thankfully, very comfort-

able speaking in front of audiences,” he said.

Judy has been a Toastmaster for 29 years and it has enabled her to participate in many special occasions.

“In the famous St Paul’s Cathedral, I stood at the lectern, took the time to stand silently and drink in surroundings before starting.

Afterwards the Cathedral’s Cantor told me that it was one of the best readings he had heard, thanks Toastmasters,” she said.

Other goals are set by members such as Allen, who is hoping to develop a purpose

in research and finding new ways to make a presentation that will hold an audience.

He enjoys meeting new people that have the motivation to make the effort to improve themselves. With skills, he gained the confidence to advance into more responsible leadership roles.

CFA D13 Toastmasters has changed the lives of members that assist the community in their time of need.

For more information visit https:// d13toastmasters.org.au/

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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MAIL 29

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SPORT

Chandler marks 150th

By Callum Ludwig A Healesville netballer and best and fairest winner hit a significant milestone with her 150th game against Olinda-Ferny Creek on Saturday 25 June.

Chenille Chandler is the captain and an assistant coach of Healesville’s top side and celebrated the occasion on Healesville’s home courts, but unfortunately they went down 1447 in the Battle of the Bloods.

Ms Chandler said she was really excited about the game.

“Healesville has been the place I call home ever since I was 14, following in my mum’s footsteps who has reached a few milestones herself,” she said.

“I just love playing netball and it should be a good game against Olinda at our home ground with hopefully good weather.”

Healesville’s top netball team competes in Premier Division B Grade and hasn’t quite managed to secure a win so far this season.

Ms Chandler said it has been so good getting back into netball after two interrupted seasons.

“It’s good just being social, again with netball and playing competitive sport, it’s been tough really bringing people together again and hopefully we will see that rise again in the future,” “I have so many memories with the girls, that’s why I play and decided not to leave, they are really good friends. I’ve grown up at this place, it’s like a second home and playing with my mum throughout my career has been really cool.”

The Healesville team was moved up from Division One A Grade into Premier Division B Grade after Round 5 of the season, with Ms Chandler featuring in Healesville’s best players

Chenile in action against Olinda-Ferny Creek. for all of their five opening games. She has featured in the best a further four times in their six games since, including best on-court honours for her side in her milestone game.

Ms Chandler said Healesville is definitely looking at a rebuild and focusing on community.

“We all are Healesville girls and are developing our skills, so we will see where we go in that forward plan because we’re quite a young side,” she said.

“I want to say thanks to my family because without them, I wouldn’t be playing at Healesville and carrying on the Chandler name.”

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MAIL 31

SPORT

Local clash between rivals

By Nick Adam

Yarra Glen just came out on top of their usual Pride Cup rivals Belgrave.

Local rivals Wandin and Mt Evelyn faced off for the second time since Mt Evelyn’s promotion to the Premier Division.

Played at Mt Evelyn’s home ground, both sides were used to the small field and it resulted in a heavily-contested game of footy.

Mt Evelyn’s pressure around the contest didn’t give the high-flying Wandin side the clean use of the football until late in the game, but they were able to pull away further for a comfortable win, the final score 22.21, 153 to 12.9, 81.

Wandin’s best players on the day were Patty Bruzzese, Clinton Johnson, Cody Hirst, Todd Garner, Brodie Atkins and John Del Giudice.

Goalkickers were Clinton Johnson with a big haul of 7, Brodie Atkins and Ryan Jackson with 3 each, Patrick Hodgett and Mitchell Mutsaers with 2 and Harrison Byrne, Brendan Foley, Todd Garner, Cody Hirst and Tom Merlino all snagging 1.

A crucial clash for second-placed Wandin next week as they head up the Warburton Highway to take on thirdplaced Woori Yallock with both sides on 32 premiership points.

Picture: ON FILE

Nine point victory

By David Ball Yarra Glen travelled to Belgrave, with the home team desperate for their first win. Yarra Glen started well, the midfield winning most clearances and strong marking forwards in Callum Morison and Anthony Harman kicking some early goals. As the quarter progressed Belgrave started winning contests and finding loose players. Their forwards in Dawson and Worsley were giving the River Pig defenders trouble and Belgrave went into quarter time leading 5-3 to 3.5. With the prospect of a victory, the Belgrave midfielders took control in the second and they went into halftime with a 21-point lead. Yarra Glen came out in the third quarter with more purpose and intensity and dominated general play kicking 4-6 to 1-4 to be just a point down.

The River Pigs missed a number of set shots and this continued in the last.

The ball spent 90 per cent of the time in Yarra Glen’s half, but Yarra Glen failed to convert their chances until defender turned forward Jayden Schille marked strongly to convert the necessary goals for Yarra Glen to run out 9 point winners, 9.19 to 9.10 The best players were Billy Gardner, Ben Ashton, Charlie Wood, Callum Morison, Jayden Schille and Dylan Flakemore.

The Yarra Glen reserves had a promising first quarter, being just 2 points down at the

first break. Belgrave had some experienced forwards, with Matt Johnson being too strong despite great efforts from the Yarra defenders.

He bagged 5 goals as Belgrave extended their lead to 16 points at halftime.The third quarter was an even battle as both sides added 2 goals.

Belgrave proved too strong in the last as Yarra Glen tired. Final scores 9.5 to 13.12.

The best players were Liam Dwyer, Brendan Davis (2 goals), Jordan Quinert in his first game, Nate Capuano (2 goals), Luke Vanderstadt and Zac Capuano (1 goal). Other goalkickers were Stirling Twite Moore (2), Dan Galbraith and Beau Hawkins.

Netball Yarra Glen A grade faced Belgrave on their beautiful new court in a battle for fourth spot.

The home side started strongly taking a 2-goal lead into quarter time.

The Yarra girls rallied in the second quarter with defenders Katelyn Vanderkolk and Peta Fay restricting Belgrave to 5 goals whilst in attack Yarra Glen added 12. Yarra Glen continued with much of the same in the second half, intercepting Belgrave’s forward moves whilst converting in attack to run out easy winners, 48-26.

The best players were Lara Wandin-Collins, Chelsea Birchall and Katelyn Vanderkolk.

B Grade, sitting third on the ladder took on fourth-placed Belgrave in a must-win encoun-

ter. Belgrave started strongly to be 2 goals up at quarter time. In the second the Yarra girls clicked into gear, with quick ball movement supported by solid defence. They held Belgrave to 8 goals in each of the final 3 quarters, whilst adding 14, 17 and 13 goals respectively to end up convincing winners, 54-36 The best players were Ellen Brown (28 goals), Meaghan Carter and Gemma Ryan.

C Grade had a great battle with Belgrave, who sat one spot above Yarra Glen on the ladder. Neither team was able to string together any consistent ball movement. It was a lowscoring struggle with Belgrave holding a 1-goal lead at three-quarter time. The last was a thrilling contest with Yarra Glen taking the lead and holding on for a 1 goal victory, 16-15 The best players were Jackie Gardner, Ashley Shanks and Michele Young.

D grade opened the day for Yarra Glen and got away to a solid start to be up 20-13 by halftime. Belgrave rallied in the second half to outscore Yarra Glen who struggled to maintain their first-half control. Yarra Glen was able to hang in for an enjoyable return to the winner’s list, 32-29.

The best players were Sarah Orlandi (21 goals), Rose Morris and Sam Chetcuti.

Next week Yarra Glen returns to their home court to take on Berwick Springs.

Wandin and Mt Evelyn met in a contested game of footy.

Picture: ON FILE

Down to the wire for Seville against Gembrook

By Mick Morris Seville journeyed out to Gembrook Showgrounds to take on the third-placed Gembrook.

In the blustery conditions, Seville had what was the scoring end with 18 of the 21 goals kicked during the day at the temporary clubrooms end.

The Blues looked good going forward but just needed a bit more polish from the forwards in taking marks that should of be taken, the swirling conditions not helping.

Seville kicked 3 majors to none for the quarter and went into the first break 18 points up.

The second quarter saw Gembrook come out full of running piling on 3 quick goals in the opening minutes.

Gembrook’s Josh Tilly getting clearance after clearance and getting the ball down to forward Myles Wareham who slotted 3 for the term.

The Blues were having trouble hitting targets with hand or foot which was causing costly turnovers.

Seville did work hard at times and pushed up into the wind to register 2 majors but had no answer for a dominant Gembrook who slammed on 7-5 for the quarter to go into the main break 17 points up.

Seville’s coach Chris Murphy seemed relatively calm at halftime as he addressed the players and re-set for the 2nd half.

32 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

Seville sustained their first loss of the season.

Seville’s runners, Strachan, Weightman and the Sciortino brothers shifted up a gear getting the ball quickly into the forward 50.

Dylan ‘Tip Rat’ Broadway looking dangerous in kicking a couple and setting up a couple of others.

A 5-goal to nil third quarter saw Seville go into the final break 13 points up.

Picture: ON FILE Both teams locked horns in the last with the 4 points at stake and it was a classic with both teams right in it till the siren.

Seville got a bit of run and flow going in the last having 5 scoring shots into the wind but only registering 1 goal 4 behinds which in the end was costly.

Gembrook kicked 3 for the term to find

themselves 1 point up when the siren went, the game finishing 10.14, 74 to 11.7, 73.

Although it wasn’t the result The Blues were looking for I’m sure all those in attendance were happy to have witnessed a classic where nothing was left in the tank by both teams.

Seville still remains on top of the Division 1 ladder.

The best players for Seville were Jake Strachan, Dylan Broadway, Joshua Weightman, Jye Sciortino, Bailey Sciortino and Jack Nolan.

Other results: Seville Reserves defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo Reserves 9.13, 67 to 4.7, 31.

Seville U18s defeated Kinglake U18s 12.7, 79 to 9.4,58.

Seville Women were defeated by Belgrave Women 0.0,0 to 7.14, 56.

Netball: Seville 17Blue defeated Beaconsfield 17Blue 31 to 18.

Seville D Grade defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo 33 to 19.

Seville C Grade defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo 36 to 19.

Seville B Grade defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo 41 to 37.

Seville A Grade defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo 49 to 34.

Seville is away again next Saturday vs Emerald.

· · · · ·

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SPORT

Warburton Golf Club results

By Ron Hottes

Yarra Junction saw both great wins and disappointing losses this week.

Picture: ON FILE

Mixed results for Yarra Junction

By Stacey Davis Yarra Junction’s women’s team played the early game of the day on Saturday against Olinda Ferny Creek.

It was a low-scoring affair but The Eagles controlled most of the game, scoring the first goal of the game in the opening minutes.

The second goal for the game came in the third quarter and coupled with great defensive pressure, they managed to keep Olinda to just the one goal, winning by 3 points. Adele Orms-

by and Sarah Wilcox were stand-out players for the Eagles.

The A-grade netballers also had a great win against their opponents Kinglake. They dominated from the start outscoring Kinglake in three of the four quarters. Claire Spicer dominated in the goal ring shooting 38 goals for the team with Cara Lever also having a great game in defence.

The seniors were playing for second spot against Kinglake who also had a chance for second. A 3-goal to 1 first quarter set the Eagles

up well. Ewan Wadsworth dominated the middle as usual, with Bradeyn Mead and Michael Houston having great games as well. Going into the last quarter The Eagles were 9 points down and it was set for a great last quarter. Unfortunately, it went all The Lakers way kicking 4 goals to 1, which saw them run out 26-point winners for the day.

A massive congratulations to reserves player Daniel Lever who played his 250th game for the club in a great show of loyalty and commitment.

Wednesday 22 June, Stableford: On a day when the weather-gods treated us to better-than-recent conditions, the scores improved too, Our daily winner, Steuart Hawke, has been in a good vein of form lately, so this result did not surprise anyone! Steuart’s 39 points made him a clear winner, as our runner-up, Paul Kennedy, grabbed the second prize with 35 points!. Good shooting by both Steuart and P.K. It is no surprise, therefore, that balls extended to 32. NTP winners were Ian Garside, (3rd and 9th, good work, Junior) and to Ross Machar (15th).

Saturday 25 June, Stroke: The Match Committee in their wisdom, was encouraging much of this field to stay back afterwards, by creating a Shotgun start. This did have the desired consequence, with plenty enjoying the Presentation of the day’s winners. Alas not me, I’m afraid, nor Snorks!

With a stroke round, there tends to be some really impressive scores posted, but a few that are NOT memorable!

Therefore, only focusing on those impressive results, the MOST impressive was recorded by Steuart Hawke, with a 67 Nett! Now Nett 67 is NOT necessarily that memorable, except for the following. This is Steuart’s third daily win in a row, a very rare feat. AND he shot his age! Steuart is one of our fittest “older members”, and at 81, shot an 81 “off-thestick.” Again, memorable for sure! Well done, Hawkey, long may your “rare vein of form” continue! Barry Maltman was the day’s runner-up, with one of his better rounds recently, a Nett 68. The ball rundown reached 73. And, the NTP’s went to P.K. (3rd), Sam Dennis (5th), David Murch (9th) and to Max Parker (15th).

Warburton Golf Club results.

Picture: ON FILE

Trip away to Broadford for Warburton-Millgrove players

By Alexandra Woods Warburton-Millgrove made the road trip over to Broadford on the weekend for four Netball games and two Football games.

Under 18s made the trip over to Alexandra.

Cold conditions with little rain, which made for some great games.

Under 17s netball started off the morning.

In a tight match through all four quarters, the end result finished in a draw. Considering the last time the two sides met the final score was 5-22 Broadford way, to say the team has improved is an understatement. This team has worked hard since pre-season and it is showing in their gameplay on the court. The girls managed to keep a 1-goal lead for the last 2 breaks but unfortunately, could not hold it which resulted in a 2020 all-game.

Bests for this game were Grace Cole, Tegan Butcher and Ashlee Freedman, with Tayah Humphrey putting up 14 goals and Tahlia Thornton with 6.

Under 18’s Football took on Alexandra and their home ground. A closer margin than last time but still managed to secure a convincing win. 6.12-48 to 10.14-74 was the final score, with Luke Anderson, Blake Muir, Kobi Rostron and Hudson Semple all securing 2 goals each. Elken Croydon and Angus McDonald both managed mailcommunity.com.au

a goal each also. Blake Muir, Luke Anderson, Hudson Semple, Kobi Rostron, Tyler Bert and Ziggy Kneebone were all bests for this match.

C Grade took the court next and secured another win for the day. 26-38 was the final result for this match with Emily Hay scoring 22 goals and Mel Hancock putting at 16 also. Emily Hay, Bianca Fraser and Melanie Hancock were all the top performers for this game.

Reserves were up next and secured another big win over Broadford, a 1.3-9 to 13.13-91 end result. Stuart Irwin secured 3 goals, Matt Sidari and Christian Toy both got 2 and Marcel Kocher, Matt Lewis, Josh Plunkett, Josh Read, Coryn Reifel and Lee Weir all got 1 goal each. Bests for this match were Matthew Godenzi, Joshua Read, Jackson Blake, Nicholas Toy and Aidan Norfolk.

B Grade was next up for the day, and in another tough-fought match, resulted in another draw with 30-30 being the end result.

With close margins throughout the whole day and despite being up in the last break, it, unfortunately, resulted in a draw coming the final siren. Alex Woods secured 12 goals, whilst Ella Meerkotter and Jordana Butcher both got 9 each. Chelsea Barnard, Sally McIntosh and Alexandra Woods were all bests for this game.

A Grade had another hard-fought and physical match against Broadford, and definitely put a test to their physicality and fitness come final term. But nonetheless, the girls managed to se-

cure the 4 points towards the ladder and took home a 1 goal win. The A Grade girls managed to keep their calm and took control of the game, which lead to their win by the end. Bianca Daniels shot 29 goals, whilst Kirralee Luiyf put up 10. With amazing team effort across the court, Gabby Woods, Bianca Daniels and Morgan Wyatt were awarded top performers for this round.

The Senior boys finished off the round with another convincing win against Broadford/ Yea. Dale Morris and a couple of young guns in Kyton Handy and Josh Sharp come up to help the boys, as well as new recruits Marcus Hottes and Matt Wappett, welcome to the Burras, boys! The Seniors secured a 5.4-34 to 19.12-126 win, with Brady Mitchell having a great contribution to the goal kicking, securing 5 goals to his name. Great all-around efforts as a team, Trent Elliott kicked 3, Mitch Bonuda, Jack Farrugia and Patty Huynh all secured 2 goals.

While Brayden Ferguson, Tom Marr, Shaun Marusic, Brayden Woolridge and Josh Sharp all kicked 1. Brady Mitchell, Bailey Humphrey, Jack Farrugia, Harry Rothwell, Marcus Hottes and Trent Elliott were all top performers for this match.

Only D Grade and Under 18’s have matches next week, with the rest of the club having a bye.

Rooster’s Raffle will be hosted in our Social Rooms this day.

Jack Farrugia flies high for a mark.

Picture: GABBY WOODS Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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MAIL 33

SPORT

Women’s cricket launches

By Callum Ludwig The Wandin Cricket Club has made the exciting announcement of their very own standalone women side’s which will be joining the Ringwood District Cricket Association (RDCA) in the upcoming 2022/23 season.

They become the third Upper Yarra women’s team in the RDCA competitions, with Launching Place and Yarra Junction having established sides.

Wandin Cricket Club President Bryce Edwards said the club has been in the process of getting the team together for the past seasons.

“Previously we had been in discussion with another local team to go in as a joint team, but we’ve been able to go in alone,” he said.

“We’ve already got a group of core players, sitting at about six or seven so now it is really time to get the team going.”

The RDCA currently has three divisions of women’s cricket; A, B White and B Blue Grade.

Wandin Cricket Club Vice President Kate Hamilton said its really great to see more females coming into the sport.

“In the past, cricket has been quite a maledominated sport and it’s really good to see that even in smaller towns, there’s such a demand for women’s cricket,” she said.

“I’ve had a few people who have no experience playing before whatsoever who are interested, and mums of kids who play now and it will be a great opportunity to come through and learn and play cricket for them.”

Nearby clubs Launching Place, Montrose and Yarra Junction have shown there is plenty of telent in the local area, finishing fourth, second and fifth in A, B White and B Blue Grade respectively.

Wandin Cricket Club’s new women’s side is geared up for the upcoming season.

Both Mr Edwards and Ms Hamilton said the new team will be a great opportunity to get people involved with local sport again.

“Today with all the Covid stuff that’s gone on, the mental health side of things is very im-

portant whether that be reaching from womens to older men or younger kids,” Mr Edwards said.

“Mums, girlfriends, wives or friends are getting involved in the club where they previously

Picture: SUPPLIED wouldn’t have had that opportunity, it’s been really positive. They’re all really excited to see the different strengths of cricket, the personalities and the socialising around the club,” said Ms Hamilton.

Upcoming women of the AFLW includes local talent

By Celeste Duthie The AFLW isn’t slowing down, and neither are the possible new players from around Australia.

Montrose player Mia Austin has been named as one of the top 30 players to watch in the upcoming AFLW draft next week.

She unfortunately suffered a leg injury over halfway through the season but still managed to gain the recognition she deserves through truly praiseworthy strenuosity.

Danny Ryan, a talent manager for the Eastern Rangers speaks very highly of Austin.

“For me her real strengths are her athleticism,” he said.

“She really does launch at the ball and takes a really good high mark. She’s quite a good kick for goal after all that hard work of winning the footy, she’ll often get the reward by going back and kicking goals.”

Playing in the forward line and the ruck, Austin stands at 177cm, giving her a great advantage over her opponents.

Austin has had some really outstanding performances in her uncommonly short time with Eastern Ranges, having not followed the traditional path to being selected for the team.

The 18-year-old joined the NAB Girls League team late last year and in a brief period has made a good name for herself.

“She’s developed into a really good player but also a leader amongst the group,” Ryan said.

Of course, nothing is set in stone but there is a real sense of excitement and confidence coming from Ryan regarding Austin’s possible drafting.

Her coach Travis and the rest of the team at Eastern Ranges are optimistic about Austin’s possible career in the AFLW. According to Ryan her vertical leaps are part of what makes her so appealing to the AFLW. “Definitely her athleticism and her leaps, she’s got a great vertical leap.”

Being named one of the top players to watch is certainly a feat to be proud of.

“It’s a great reward for her hard work.”

34 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

Austin is known for her forward and ruck work.

Two other Eastern Ranges players, Mia Busch and Izzy Khoury are also in the running for the draft.

“We’re just proud of Mia and the rest of the girls, and we just want to wish them all the best next week. It’s certainly it’s going be a nerve wracking time for them and their family and friends but we just hope everything falls into place for next week and we can sit back and watch them on the big stage in the AFLW.”

Mia Austin has been named as one of the top 30 players to watch in the AFLW draft.

Pictures: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

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MAIL 35

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The tanks will not blow away or fall apart, and this is particularly important in areas where there is high wind, or in fire prone districts. In the event of a fire, a large tank (120,000 litres) can supply water back up to the main house. By setting up a petrol powered generator and pumping water up onto the house directly, via a reverse water sprinkler system, you will keep your home cool and wet. Or if need be, you can jump into the tank to keep cool and be protected from flames and radiant heat.

Water is our most important resource, and we cannot have too much of it! So for all your water storage needs when you are thinking of installing your next tank, please call Terry for a quote on 0419 462 814 or 02 6026 7021 or check out our website, www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au.

Nearly four years ago, we suffered our own fire here, in Barnawartha, and we were lucky. But it made me realise how important good water storage is. We are in for a long, hot, dry summer, and fire restrictions are in. Having an ample supply of safely stored water is imperative. So why not contact Terry now about your water supply needs, BEFORE, the heat builds up and water scarce. There is nothing more refreshing than your own cool, clear, clean water!

• Buy Direct and Save • Free Quotation • A Sound Investment te r websi Visit ou com.au ct. www.tm

• All tanks are 2.26m in height • All tank walls are 130mm thick • All foundations (tank top and floor) are 300mm thick • Tanks are algae free • Cool in Summer • Won’t blow away

Sizes from 22,000 to 120,000 litres 36 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

0419 4627115 814 Phone: 0419Phone: 462021 814FAX: PHONE: 0260 267 (02) 6026 Email: info@tmct.com.au Email: cjf57@bigpond.com PO BOX 372 BARNAWARTHA VIC 3688 Email: info@tmct.com.au TL1648715

www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au Concrete 40 mpa fully vibrated Concrete 40 mpa & &fully vibrated

TL1648715

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