Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 13th September 2022

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

Lilydale

Mail

Mother dies in Mooroolbark home fire

Police search for new information in cold case

Region pauses for Battle of Australia

Celebrity chef opens school kitchen garden

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A Star News Group Publication

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Mount Evelyn RSL piper Iain Townsley played a series of laments in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Members from the community came to honour the Queen, as Mr Thiele stood at attention.

Tributes pour in

By Mikayla van Loon For 70 years Queen Elizabeth II reigned with strength and grace and in the mourning of her death, Yarra Ranges residents have honoured her service in a flood of messages and tributes.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday 8 September, aged 96, after an announcement

doctors were concerned for her health.

The news has sent ripples of emotion throughout communities, with a poignant statement from Premier Daniel Andrews saying “very few of us know a world without The Queen in it.”

“Her presence spanned countries, cultures, language, and continents – her reign transcended decades and generations,” he said.

“And like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection. We treasured her and the entire world respected her.”

The longest reigning monarch left an impression on both people of the Commonwealth and the world, but it was the glimpses in local communities that inspired people.

Travelling to the Yarra Valley with the late Prince Phillip in 1954, the pair passed through

Lilydale and Mount Evelyn before making the final stop in Warburton.

Remembering and honouring Queen Elizabeth’s legacy, Mount Evelyn RSL’s piper Iain Townsley played a series of laments, while Chris Thiele laid a bouquet of flowers at the base of the Australian flag, which stands at half mast, on Friday 9 September.

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NEWS

Remembering royal visit

By Anthony McAleer For nearly seventy years Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has reigned over Britain and its Commonwealth. When she was first crowned, at a special ceremony in London in 1953, people throughout Australia celebrated the event and welcomed a new Queen.

At Lilydale the Coronation was celebrated with a ball in the Athenaeum Hall and on that occasion the Shire President, Cr Frank Batten, proposed a toast to the new monarch expressing ‘the hope that our young and beautiful Queen would reign over us, God willing, for many years’. His remarks were greeted with loud applause.

As the new Queen of Australia she was looked upon as a phenomenon. The adulation and affection that was openly shown for her by her loyal subjects in Australia had become almost fanatical. All over, her image sold goods and merchandise and the public could not get enough of her in newspapers and magazines. At Monbulk the ladies of the CWA planted a memorial tree, complete with a commemorative plaque in her name, in the forecourt of the RSL clubrooms.

The sentiment reached fever pitch however during the three month Royal Tour of Australia in 1954, at that stage the greatest journey ever undertaken by a reigning British sovereign and the first time one had set foot in Australia. Lilydale was extra excited when it was announced that the Royal train would pass through the town on March 6th en route to the Queen’s weekend stay at Warburton.

The Lillydale Shire Council decided to officially make the day a special event for local residents. They organized a sub-committee to make arrangements for the occasion and even allocated £400 to be spent on decorations and the creation of 5000 souvenir flags. A golden crown was painted on to the wall of the Nylex Cables Factory facing the railway and back fences were painted a patriotic red, white and blue. The town was even spruced up, just in

Crowds gathered at what is now the Lilydale High School reserve to watch the train go by.

Lilydale celebrated the Queen’s arrival in 1954 with handmade banners.

Picture: ANTHONY MCALEER case she returned by car, and the Crown Hotel was repainted, the most likely place in Lilydale a Queen would stop if she wanted refreshments.

The most impressive was the large floral display set up on a prominent embankment by the Lilydale Horticultural Society, a huge masterpiece of red flowers that spelt out ‘Lilydale’ on a white and blue background, whilst overhead, prominence was given to a fragrant golden crown and the insignia ‘ERII’.

On the day, just at Lilydale, a crowd of 20,000

locals gathered along the line to welcome the Royal train, most stationed where the Lilydale High School reserve is today. Some climbed trees and fences to get a good vantage point while others stood on car roofs or sat on the cattle pens opposite the station.

Travelling through Mooroolbark first, one newspaper reported: ‘the Queen and Duke laughed as seven people and a three legged dog, standing precariously on a pile of sleepers, toppled backwards into a blackberry bush’. As they

arrived at Lilydale the crowd sang ‘God Save the Queen’ and then cheered and waved flags. Her Majesty and the Duke stood on the observation platform at the rear of the Royal Train and waved and smiled continuously to the crowd as they slowly travelled through. As they moved past the floral display it was reported that ‘the floral masterpiece caught the eye of the Duke as the train crawled past. Many people saw him touch the Queen on the arm then point to the display’.

All along the railway line to Warburton, crowds came out to wave to the Royal train as it passed. At Mt Lilydale College and sisters and the students stood at the back of the school property and cheered them going by.

The whole event at Lilydale took less than 15 minutes but even so the local paper hailed it as a ‘truly momentous occasion for Lilydale – one that the thousands of old and young will never forget.’ To this day the 1954 Royal Tour of Australia is still the most popular and elaborate ritual ever seen in this country.

By Anthony McAleer OAM, from his book – ‘We Did But See Her Passing By’ – The Queen’s visit through Lilydale in 1954.

Region pauses to honour Queen Elizabeth after death From page 1 “The President and members of Mt Evelyn RSL are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. “A truly remarkable lady who gave her all for her country and the Commonwealth over her 70 year reign. From her service in World War Two, to swearing in the new British Prime Minister just days ago, our sovereign’s commitment to duty never wavered.”

With people hearing the call of the bagpipes, commuters and passersby stopped to listen in what they said was a lovely tribute and celebration of a life well lived.

CFA brigades, RSL clubs and Yarra Ranges Council alike have taken to lowering the Australian flag to half mast across the shire as a sign of respect and protocol.

“Her seven decades on the throne was

a model to the world on how to serve one’s people with grace, dignity and dedication.

Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family,” Montrose Fire Brigade posted on social media.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence also took to social media to pay her condolences to the Royal Family and the broader community.

“Her Majesty the Queen served with grace and distinction for 70 years, during times that really tested our world including wars, natural disasters and a pandemic,” she said.

“Also the only woman in the royal family to have served in the armed forces in World War II. An inspiration.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the first to address the Australian people and in the words of the Queen herself said “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

“From the moment the young princess became Queen, shouldering the mighty weight of the institution into which she was born, Her Majesty made dedication to duty and service above self the hallmark of her reign,” he said.

“She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious but steadfast too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.

“Throughout it all, she was a monarch who let her humanity show, performing her duty with fidelity, integrity and humour. In this, she was supported so long and so lovingly by the late Prince Philip, her “strength and stay” for 73 years.”

Queen Elizabeth was said to have been surrounded by King Charles III and the

Queen Consort in the moments before her death.

The King said in a statement, released by Buckingham Palace, it was “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

Flags across the country will remain at half mast until the day after the Sovereign’s funeral which will be in 10 days time.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Lilydale rescue

Tragic house fire

By Mikayla van Loon Residents and neighbours of Maralee Drive in Mooroolbark are still coming to terms with the fatal fire that occurred on the street on Monday 5 September.

A woman and her two children had been trapped inside the house, with CFA crews having to pull them from the burning structure.

While the children were transported to hospital with smoke inhalation, the mother could not be saved having also suffered stomach injuries.

Alisha O’Brien, who has been house and pet sitting for a friend, was first alerted something was wrong as multiple emergency service vehicles came into the street with lights flashing.

“We just had some dinner and the lights from the trucks were all the way down the street, so I didn’t notice the smoke or anything but I came out and then saw the house was on fire,” she said.

“All the neighbours were watching and we didn’t know where the father was. After some time he came, he couldn’t even park up the street so he came running up.

“Then we realised there were people in the house and it looked like the house could burn down.”

Mooroolbark CFA captain Tony King said the last time the brigade attended a job of a similar kind was 28 years ago and he was just grateful the two children could be saved.

“They came out unresponsive. We had them on the front lawn and FRV worked on them along with our guys for quite a while,” he said.

“That looks like it’s going to turn out to be quite a good news story.”

Police officers and detectives were on site to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal house fire in Mooroolbark on Monday 5 September. 297816 Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON Ms O’Brien said after firefighters had controlled some of the flames they were able to get into the house, first pulling out the woman, followed by the two children.

“It’s the most awful tragedy you can imagine.

The effort was extraordinary because it looked as though the whole family had perished. Bringing them out, they just looked lifeless,” she said.

“The girl was covered in a blanket. The boy I saw was unconscious. I saw his face. He was in another ambulance.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed the two primary school aged children were taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in a serious condition.

The RCH confirmed on Thursday 8 September that a 10-year-old boy was in a stable condition, while an eight-year-old girl was in serious condition.

Mr King said the boy had been taken out of his coma and was awake and talking. The girl

was still in her coma, waiting to be woken. Both are expected to make a full recovery.

“It’s very gratifying to hear that our training and work that we do all paid off and we were able to help a couple of youngsters like that.

That was really good and I’m really proud of the brigade and our FRV colleagues,” he said.

Clearly still shaken by the events of that night and trying to process what had happened, Ms O’Brien said “I’m just so sorry for that family and the kids, I hope they’re ok.”

Detectives and the forensic team were at the property most of the morning on Tuesday 6 September, taking photographs and gathering evidence.

The exact circumstances leading up to the fire are still being determined, however, police are not looking for anyone else at this time.

Looking on as police, paramedics and firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and attempt to save the woman’s life, Ms O’Brien said it was “extraordinary.”

“It was horrible. I really thought the whole family had perished and just how the emergency responders worked, they were extraordinary.

They worked so hard to help and they were incredibly distraught as well. It was terrible.”

As volunteers, Mr King said responding to jobs where there is a death can be challenging for his members but the CFA is a “pretty big family.”

“We were only human and although we are first responders we get to see a bit of that nasty stuff, especially when kids are involved, it always hits home.

“Some of the team are still a bit fragile, but they’ll come through, they’ll be fine. There’s plenty of systems and plenty to help.”

Police search for info on Kilsyth death Victoria Police have renewed an appeal for information in relation to the 1990 death of Kilsyth man Douglas Phillpott.

Homicide Squad detectives understand Douglas and his wife Irene were at their Balmoral Street home on Saturday 10 March 1990 when Douglas went out on to the back verandah about 10.15pm to feed their cat and dog.

Irene was inside in the lounge room watching television when she felt something behind her and a hand was placed over her mouth.

A man dressed in black and wearing a balaclava demanded money from Irene before striking her in the head and face with his fists and then an ornament he picked off a nearby shelf. The man forced her into the bedroom.

Although saying there was no money in the house, the man bound her hands and feet before ransacking the room to find a small amount of cash.

A second man asked Irene if her husband was sick before threatening to shoot her if she didn’t tell them where the money was hidden.

Kilsyth man Douglas Phillpott was found dead in his home in 1990, where his wife Irene had also been attacked.

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE Both men then left the room and this gave Irene the opportunity to remove her bindings and escape through the bedroom window.

She ran to a neighbouring home and was able to call triple zero (000).

When police attended her house, they located Douglas lying on the kitchen floor. He had visible bruising and abrasions on his face

and arms. Douglas passed away at the scene.

Douglas also had a history of heart disease and his cause of death was recorded as being heart-related due to the trauma of the incident.

Both were 64-years-old and had been living independently at home after both their children moved out and were married.

The family had immigrated to Australia from England in 1970 and lived in their Kilsyth home for 20 years.

Douglas and Irene were both vulnerable and defenceless and would have been no threat to any intruders.

Homicide Squad investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the incident and those involved.

While over 30 years have passed, investigators believe there are still people out there with information that could help solve this case and give Douglas’ family some answers.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.

Lilydale SES members were called to a rescue on Hutchinson Street in Lilydale on Saturday 10 September.

On arrival, the unit found a worker who had their fingers stuck in a cardboard baling machine at around 2.15pm.

Supported by Lilydale CFA, Coldstream CFA, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, the crew was able to remove the patient from the machine.

Paramedics were able to relieve pain while the CFA members isolated the power and made the scene safe.

Highly trained rescue operators from the SES prevented the machine from moving, released the hydraulics of the machine and removed the patients fingers from the machine.

“A great outcome facilitated by great teamwork,” a Lilydale SES social media post read.

“Unfortunate circumstances for the young staff member in Lilydale today, but a great example of efficient multiagency collaboration.

We wish the injured worker all the best in their recovery,” Lilydale CFA added.

Firefighter stair climb Around 600 firefighters and emergency service personnel from across Australia took part in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb over the weekend, raising money for mental health organisations.

Members from Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Montrose put on their 25kg of turnout and breathing apparatus gear to scale 28 floors together, raising funds for Lifeline, Fortem and the 000Foundation in the process.

This year’s challenge raised more than $500,000 to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness for mental health issues.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was great for emergency service personnel to come together in person and take the challenge head-on to raise money for a worthy cause.

“This is a fantastic physical event that our CFA volunteers have been enthusiastically participating in for nine years running now,” he said.

“We’re coming out of an incredibly tough few years which no doubt have taken their toll on people’s mental health in many ways, so it’s great to support these issues by finally coming together for some friendly competition and exercise.”

ESTA call data A report released by the State government on 3 September showed the pressure Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) responders have been under with a high influx of calls.

The report states ESTA responds to 2.5 million emergency calls annually and employs approximately 1000 people, however, in January 2022 only 39 per cent of calls were answered in the five-second target.

“A single workforce cannot sustain this continual barrage of stress, criticism, and heartbreak, and it should not be left to ESTA to resolve these issues alone. ESTA is part of the sector,” the report states.

The state government pointed to record ambulance call-outs peaking at 4000 a day during the omicron surge, with paramedics responding to 93,000 code one callouts in the first three months of 2022.

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Family awoken to flames

By Mikayla van Loon Mooroolbark CFA were called to yet another structure this week, to find a shed, decking and pool ablaze in the early hours of the morning.

Arriving at the Chevalier Crescent home at 1.30am on Wednesday 7 September, captain Tony King said his brigade, with support from Chirnside Park and FRV, were able to bring the fire under control fairly quickly.

“It was under control in 10 minutes and I put a stop on the job about 20 minutes in.

When you’ve got FRV with two appliances, we’ve got three appliances, and then you’ve got Chirnside Park,” he said.

“So you’ve got five primary appliances, that’s a lot of firepower, put it that way.”

Resident of the home Geraint Gardner said he and his family were first alerted to the fire by his three-year-old son who awoke during the night.

“From that, my wife said she could hear a bit of crackling and then there was a bang outside,” he said.

“So that was at 1.15am. I walked out the back, had a look out the laundry door and then saw those flames.”

Acting quickly, Mr Gardner said his initial reaction was to get his wife Nicole and son Knox out of the house, as well as moving the cars out of the garage to create space for the fire brigade.

“I just wanted to get some water onto the shed that was about to creep into the house and wait for the fire brigade to arrive.

“All the panic and I suppose you don’t really know at the time but your adrenaline is rushing, you’re panicking, and you’re just hoping that your house isn’t going to burn down.”

Remembering from his days at school the importance of getting out of the house as quick as possible and congregating at the letterbox, Mr Gardner said those learnings just kicked in.

Mooroolbark CFA responded to a shed fire earlier this week on Chevalier Crescent.

Being able to prevent the fire from spreading even further meant protecting neighbouring properties and the main house.

“The neighbouring property lost their fence and there’s always a risk of it spreading,” Mr King said.

“It was a pretty standard job. Not a lot to worry about for us because we got there, protected the exposures and made sure everybody was out.

“The residents did the right thing. They met us at the letterbox which is great because then we don’t have to go looking for people and they were able to flag us down. It was a good job that went well.”

Mr King said one of the best things people can do is prepare a fire plan for any circumstance where there is a fire.

“As a family we hadn’t discussed it but I’d highly recommend everyone to probably do that now. I think I just knew to get out of the house and make sure the family was safe,” Mr Gardner said.

Posting a video of the fire to the Mooroolbark Community noticeboard on social media, Mr Gardner also urged everyone to check their smoke alarms and said a faulty outdoor fan appeared to be the source of the fire.

A fellow community member commented on what a timely reminder it was to ensure everything was in working order.

“Thank you for posting this and sorry for your property losses last night. Thankfully everyone is ok. We live very close by and it is a timely reminder how quickly fires can take off,” they wrote.

Picture: MOOROOLBARK CFA Having only moved into the house about five months ago, Mr Gardner said he and his wife hadn’t yet had the chance to meet many of the neighbours but in a silver lining, the fire brought everyone together.

“We’ve had a lot of support from our local neighbours and everyone has reached out and offered help and support, even the fire brigade have been great.

“As far as the location and area we’re glad we’ve moved here and just unfortunate events, but we’ve got an amazing community, which I think makes it just a little bit special.”

Forever grateful to the fire brigade for saving their house, Mr Gardner said “we’re just thankful the fire brigade got there quick enough and we didn’t lose our home. We’re all good. We’re safe and that’s the main thing.”

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Highway project in limbo

By Callum Ludwig The State Government is working with the new Federal Government as it undertakes a review of projects in its investment program and Coldstream residents fear this could prevent a greatly desired community upgrade from going ahead.

In the 2019-2020 Federal Budget, the previous Federal Government committed $20 million for the upgrade of Maroondah Highway, Coldstream between Melba Highway and Ingram Road however, works are yet to begin.

Residents have been campaigning for the duplication of the Maroondah Highway at Killara Road in Coldstream for over four years, with support from Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence.

“For the last four years, on behalf of the Coldstream community, I’ve raised the dangerous Killara Road intersection on 15 separate occasions in State Parliament, requesting information from the State Government about when works would commence to fix this dangerous intersection and when the highway duplication would occur,” she said.

“This is a massive kick in the guts for Coldstream residents. In March 2022, the Roads Minister said ‘community engagement [would] commence in upcoming months, with pre-construction works to follow’, but now six months later we’re being told this vital road safety project is under review. What’s changed?

Maroondah Highway and Killara Road are still dangerous.”

Coldstream CFA Captain Sean Bethel said the project is vital for the fire brigade, which is on Killara Road, and the upgrades and lights would provide easier access onto the highway or across the highway.

“Most of the time when we respond, lights and sirens are on, but tourists and locals that drive through here don’t always see or hear them,” Cpt Bethel ssaid.

“We’re having to take measures to try and

With cars, trucks, buses and bikes using the highway, it is dangerous turning from Killara Road.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG get out onto the highway, and at times it is becoming borderline impossible. People also cross over at the bus stop and you’re sitting there waiting for ages for a gap to come through or running the gauntlet in trying to get across.”

Resident Kevin Ryan said a petition he previously started on the issue garnered nearly 2500 signatures from local residents and businesses.

“I wrote a letter to the local member at the time, before Bridget came in and the response came back saying the Roads Minister at the

time said there is no requirement for a set of traffic lights because there’s not enough traffic. There are in excess of 17,000 cars, trucks, buses and bikes every day, including on the weekend,” Mr Ryan said.

“This is the main corridor to go north. If for example, you try to turn out of Killara Road at Easter, forget it, the traffic is bumper to bumper all the way to Exeter Road [in Croydon North]. It’s at a snail’s pace and no one is going to let you in.”

Coldstream resident Paulette Bisley has had a near miss at the intersection, unable to see

Del, Resident

Take the

past a parked truck on the left of Killara Road, a common spot truckers stop to head to Foodworks or the Coldstream roadhouse for a bite to eat, and ended up almost being hit by oncoming traffic.

“We have to protect people. We as taxpayers say it will cost a hell of a lot cheaper to spend $20 million than it would to be paying for the loss of lives,” Ms Bisley said.

“The government responds only to immediacy, which is probably a death and until then they don’t do anything.”

A State Government spokesperson said it’s busy rolling out the $780 million road maintenance blitz right across Victoria while the opposition points fingers in the wrong direction.

“The former Federal Government made this commitment without any planning and development of the project, nor any prior consultation with the Victorian Government,” they said.

Since the announcement, the State Government has accessed some of the funding for the Department of Transport (DoT) to undertake the development work to determine the scope, timing and cost of the proposed upgrade.

The Department of Transport is continuing its investigation into options for upgrades along the section of Maroondah Highway between Melba Highway and Ingram Road in Coldstream.

Upgrade options will address immediate treatments to ease congestion and improve safety along the route. In addition, it is considering potential options that will address traffic safety and accessibility concerns for all road users, including pedestrians that will align with the projected future growth in the area.

The Department of Transport will continue to work closely with the new Federal Government and Yarra Ranges Council to achieve outcomes that address concerns and the community’s needs.

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Calls to invest in training

By Mikayla van Loon Health and aged care were two of the industries hardest hit during the pandemic but it was an area already feeling the effects of worker shortages which was only having an impact on patients, residents and staff.

With the Jobs and Skills Summit last week and Dementia Action Week happening from September 19 to 25 September, Mooroolbark based Dementia Care International (DCI) backs calls from Dementia Australia to respond to the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission to invest in dementiaspecific training.

“We can’t separate staff wellbeing from residents’ wellbeing. Increasing wages without addressing staff wellbeing will only be a shortterm solution as burnout will still occur,” DCI president Hilary Lee said.

This was echoed by Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM who said “embedding a minimum level of compulsory dementia care education is as important as increasing staffing numbers and wages.”

Having travelled to Paris in 2009 with DCI founder Jane Verity to meet with OECD Head of Health Division Mark Pearson, Ms Lee said one of the OECD’s future predictions was “recruitment and retention of staff will become the biggest issue facing aged care in the future.”

This was put down to a lack of job satisfaction and lack of education, something, since that time DCI has worked to improve.

“With this information as a guide, at Dementia Care International we decided to develop a Model of Care that focuses both on the

Creating positive messages and having specific dementia education is an important part of ensuring people who have dementia are cared for in the best way.

Picture: UNSPLASH needs of the staff as well as the residents and clients,” Ms Lee said.

Ms Lee said DCI’s education perspective focuses on a heightened “level of emotional intelligence in teams”. “[It’s] providing each person with the autonomy to problem solve human needs from a deeper level. This means staff can feel fulfilled in their role and experience elevated job satisfaction,” she said.

“The education provided by our organisa-

tion facilitates increased self-confidence and self-esteem and reconnects people with their purpose.

“All of us look for a purposeful existence.

Having a purposeful role at work positively and profoundly affects all aspects of life.”

Ms McCabe said 65 per cent of people in residential care have a moderate to severe cognitive impairment, while 70 per cent of the half a million people in Australia who have dementia receive in-home care.

“All staff employed and entrusted to provide care must be appropriately trained in dementia care,” she said.

“The sooner the whole aged care workforce is accessing appropriate dementia care education and training the sooner we will begin to see the changes needed to improve the health, lifestyle and care outcomes for people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.”

Not only is education important for staff and carers but for the community as well, with Dementia Action Week’s theme for this year being ‘a little support makes a big difference’.

This theme is trying to dispel some of the stigmas and discrimination that occurs for someone who has dementia.

“We know discrimination has a significant impact on people living with dementia, their families and carers, and a little support from the community and healthcare professionals can make a big difference,” Ms McCabe said.

“We are encouraging communities to come together to learn more about how they can support people living with dementia.

“Whether in a workplace, at a bowls or footy club, or just with friends and family, we want everyone to get together to learn more about dementia and how a little support can make a big difference.”

For information on Dementia Care International, their Model of Care and specialised education please visit www.dementiacareinternational.com As an individual, find local dementia support in Mooroolbark with Caladenia Dementia Care. Visit www.caladenia.com.au for more information.

Now’s the perfect time to prepare your emergency plan Now spring is upon us, Yarra Ranges residents are being reminded to get prepared and create their emergency plans.

Australian Red Cross Divisional Operations Officer Sue Jack said lots of areas in the Yarra Ranges are known as high bushfire risks and prone to other disasters.

“All those areas are heavily treed, heavily populated – they’re all bushfire risks.. We’ve now got storms added to the list as well and a lot of flooding areas, so there’s multiple hazards in the Yarra Ranges,” Ms Jack said.

“Even people in suburbs, they don’t think they’re going to be impacted so much and yet you can be - if you’re surrounded by parkland or grasslands, you can be impacted by grass fires and things like that.”

The Australian Red Cross has free resources available such as the ‘Get Prepared’ app which assists in creating a plan and discusses various hazards from natural disasters to medical emergencies.

“The benefits of the Get Prepared app is really good for people that are actually using

technology for a start…so they can just do it easily through their phone,” she said.

“It looks at preparing for all hazards, so you can take it in the context that you wish or depending on where you are, whether it’s storm, flood or you’re looking at a possible medical emergency.”

The Rediplan is another helpful tool which can be downloaded and printed off.

“It walks you through you as a person, what you can, what you can’t do, what you need to do, what you need to think about, and it’s looking at all hazards, so it’s very good and it just makes you think and even makes you think about the mental preparedness.

“Having a visual written down plan might be quicker and especially if someone maybe older and is not familiar with technology, having a written plan is just as good as having it on your phone.”

New research has revealed the importance of community preparedness after looking at the Australian Red Cross emergency preparedness programs among people who lived through the 2021 Wooroloo Bushfire in

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Key findings included most people felt very prepared for an emergency and had increased confidence, evacuated earlier and their plan resulted in reduced half to themselves and family.

The most common activities were planning the best exit, preparing with family, learning about local hazards and arranging insurance.

“Once you’re actually faced with a disaster like a bushfire or flooding event, most of us initially panic and don’t think straight, that’s just normal,” Ms Jack said.

“So having a plan beforehand, you’ve actually talked about it, you know about it, it’s in your memory, some people will have it written down so they might refer to that to refresh. So I think actually preparing for an emergency helps you deal with it when it actually happens.

“It’s good to have that in your mind before something happens, because when something happens, you might not have much time to do much at all.”

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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Mount Evelyn RSL vice president John Sumner led the service for Battle for Australia day.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Mr Allward stood for a moment of reflection to honour the fallen, as well as those who were never the same after the war.

80 years since campaign

By Mikayla van Loon The Battle for Australia, a campaign that lasted many months throughout 1942, was commemorated by Mount Evelyn RSL on Wednesday 7 September.

Recognising 80 years since Japanese forces edged closer to mainland Australia during World War II, having taken Singapore in February and later fighting battles in the Coral Sea and along the Kokoda Trail, the day represented the determination of Allied soldiers to protect the continent.

Leading the service at the Mount Evelyn

Memorial Gardens, vice president John Sumner said it was a privilege to honour those soldiers in that way, particularly the many who served in Kokoda.

“The words just about lose me for what those men, those soldiers did over there with the dysentery, malaria, lack of food, the intolerable rain and the mud,” he said.

“It’s like the Australian motto is ‘we will never give up’ and that’s what they did right to the very end which saved Australia because it was the last stepping point for the Japanese.”

The Battle for Australia was first recognised

nationally in 2008 when the Australian government decided a service would be held on the first Wednesday of September every year.

As a member of the RSL for many years, Mr Sumner said he was saddened to think it took such a long time for this combined effort to be regarded as such an important part of Australian history.

“They should not ever be forgotten those soldiers…being an ex soldier, this has really opened my eyes and I won’t forget. It’s really poignant in our history,” he said.

Mr Sumner said it was hard to imagine what

Australia would be like now or how the war might have been different had those soldiers not “fought with bravery and tenacity” as they did.

Reflecting on a famous quote from the then Prime Minister John Curtin who said “the fall of Singapore opens the Battle for Australia. It is now work or fight, as we have never worked or fought before,” Mr Sumner said sums up the commitment, determination and a wreath was laid at the base of the War Memorial to honour all the soldiers who fought, were injured or died, as well as the nurses who were captured or killed during the Battle for Australia.

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Lilydale High School student Olivia Bradshaw spoke at the Battle for Australia commemoration about a solider who fought in Kokoda.

Picture: DONALD KENNY

By Mikayla van Loon Lilydale High School student and Year 10 captain Olivia Bradshaw was honoured to have the opportunity to speak at the Battle for Australia day commemoration at the Shrine of Remembrance on Wednesday 7 September.

As one of four students from different schools to participate by reading the story of someone who fought to protect Australia’s borders, the 16-year-old spoke about a soldier who fought in the Kokoda campaign in July 1942.

“It’s difficult as a teenager in this day and age, to imagine what a young man of the 1940’s would have felt and experienced mailcommunity.com.au

while fighting for his country on foreign grounds,” Olivia said.

Admitting that as a young person of this era the biggest concerns she has are doing homework and “what my next Instagram post will be”, so stepping into the shoes of someone else was gratifying.

“I was honoured to represent Lilydale High School and to be able to share this story with other young people like myself.

The ceremony commemorated the heroism and sacrifice of all the Australian and Allied forces who fought in the Pacific.

“It was a great opportunity to educate the youth of Melbourne, of those who came before us so that we will never forget the service of those brave men and women.”

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Bin pick ups to change

By Renee Wood

Yarra Ranges Councillors will be deliberating the Draft Waste Plan at the Tuesday 13 September council meeting.

The waste bin will also see a change with all bins to get a new red lid placed on them.

This is part of the State Government’s policy which is bringing all Victorian councils in line to the same colour coding of kerbside waste.

Which are as follows: Food & Garden Organics – lime green lid (food waste, green waste) Mixed Recycling – yellow lid (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals) Glass Recycling – purple lid (bottles, jars) Rubbish – red lid (non-recyclable household waste) Sustainable Victoria statistics show that by removing food and organic waste from general

· · · ·

waste it will cut the waste bin’s deposits by 40 per cent, which is why the waste bin will be moving to a fortnightly pick up. A further 10 per cent of waste bin’s content could also be recycled such as plastics and paper.

Yarra Ranges Waste Management Executive Officer Graham Brew said the move to pick up the waste bin fortnightly is justified if 50 per cent of current waste will be going to other allocated bins and diverted away from landfill.

“It’s unnecessary if the bins aren’t going to be full and the material that’s there is odourless, so it’s not going to smell because hopefully the majority is doing the right thing, it’s all going to be in their weekly bin,” Mr Brew said.

The changes to rates aren’t yet known as

council is waiting for the tender process to be finalised to understand the costs involved.

It’s expected the increase in the service level and it’s affect on rates will be submitted in the budget next year.

Residents won’t be able to opt in or out of services as the overhaul will see a change in the shire wide standard of service.

Extensive engagement and community consultation of the draft plan will be undertaken with pop ups at markets, shopping centres and engagement activities for the community to be part of.

Residents can tune into the council meeting 7pm Tuesday 13 September.

FSA/DETS1029

Yarra Ranges Council is proposing changes for kerbside rubbish pick ups in line with the new state government waste policy.

From October next year, more than 60,000 properties will have a green food organics and garden organic (FOGO) bins introduced for weekly pick up, while waste bins will be cut down to fortnightly.

Recycling will stay on a fortnightly pick up and the new purple lid glass bin is expected to be brought in by 2025 for a monthly pick up.

The Draft Waste Plan will be deliberated at the Tuesday 13 September council meeting.

“This is probably one of the most important items that we’ve had to deal with at Council,” Mayor Jim Child said.

Other councils, such as Knox City Council, have been met with resident outrage as they’ve made the decision to change the services without community consultation.

However, Yarra Ranges Council is hopeful residents concerns’ will be appeased once there is an understanding that a weekly pick up of the FOGO bin will dispose of ‘smelly’ food scraps - removing the necessity for a weekly pick up of the waste bin.

The new green organic system will allow for organic waste such as food scraps, seafood, meat bones and coffee grounds that will then go to be processed at a composting facility.

Small kitchen caddies and compostable bags will also be delivered for the easy disposal of scraps that can then be placed in the FOGO bin.

Nappies, home sanitary and medical waste items will still need to go into the waste bin, collected fortnightly.

Council said it’s working with other councils to establish the best option for those items including education programs, reusable nappies support and nappy recycling systems.

Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life.

Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services.

In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state.

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Galdesville Gardeners Hannah, Toni, Melissa, Steph and Jen were so pleased to have Stephanie see the garden taking shape. 298141

The team from General Mills were onboard to help with shovelling mulch and guiding the planting.

298141

Garden becomes a reality

By Mikayla van Loon Kilsyth’s Gladesville Primary School officially launched and opened its newly replenished kitchen garden with a visit from a special guest on Thursday 8 September.

Having received a grant from Australian chef, restaurateur and food writer Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Foundation, the school was able to turn the dilapidated space into an outdoor learning environment for the whole school.

Buildings and grounds committee lead Melissa Strangio designed and organised the entire project with the help of some enthusiastic parent volunteers known as Gladesville Gardeners (GGs).

“It was time to get reinvigorated, time to get children’s wellbeing back on track and things like that with a kitchen garden,” she said.

Starting late last year when allowed back on school grounds, Melissa and the GGs cleaned out the space and installed compost bins, with the grand plan of designing wicking garden beds and an orchard.

Receiving the grant from Stephanie Alexander’s foundation meant this dream could be more of a reality and she was overjoyed to see what could be done with one of her grants.

“Some people think it’s an impossible dream for their school. Really the message I’d like to put out there is if the school values their children learning about lovely fresh food, it is not a difficult thing to do,” she said.

From a young age Stephanie had an appreciation for fresh food, something she wants to pass onto the next generation who may not have had the opportunity or pleasure at home.

“Diversity is very important in this program and having an appreciation of our diverse community and that’s the way I grew up but so many children for one reason or another are not having contact with soil or not eating together as a family.

“We find the students themselves respond very quickly. The school community usually responds very positively to having a kitchen garden program in their school and parents are astonished at what it does for their kids.

“Time and time again, we hear a parent say, ‘my child is now so much more interested in trying something different and wants to help or wants to make suggestions when we go to the shop’.”

Stephanie said more than that too, growing fruit and vegetables in a garden gives students a better understanding of when something is in season and what might taste the best.

As an added bonus, Gladesville Primary School was also able to receive help from General Mills, who shovelled mulch and helped with the planting.

“It’s so terrific to see community organisations and locals, parents and everybody wanting such a lovely thing for their school. We know just how much of a difference it makes in the lives of the kids in this school,” Stephanie said.

Every step of the way students have been involved in the process, with some becoming environmental leaders and others helping their parents on weekends or after school to mailcommunity.com.au

Gladesville Primary School students Mia and Matilda were excited to get planting on Thursday 8 September. 298141 pull out weeds and the old garden beds.

“It’s very much been about working together because at the end of the day, it’s the children’s garden,” Melissa said.

While the GGs and Melissa have been the muscle power and masterminds behind the garden, the responsibility will be handed over to the students, where they will be able to learn and grow healthy produce.

“A garden brings people together, food brings everybody together and everybody’s happy when they’re in the garden,” Melissa said.

“Children are hands-on learners, they live life like this and everybody’s just happy. So bringing them outside, this is what they love.”

Gladesville principal Nicki Wood said this garden will become a part of so many conversations and activities at the school.

“We want our kids to experience the joy of growing and using food in cooking and hopefully then move into doing that at their homes,” she said.

“We want our kids through this opportunity to develop a better understanding and appreciation of real flavours.

“We’re looking forward to developing an awareness and an understanding of appreciating the food we have and not wasting food and to minimise our waste and our footprint in a sustainable way.”

The vision for the school after returning

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Piper worked to plant different types of lettuce.

298141

from the pandemic is to also become a community hub for the local area, which will begin with a fresh food swap in October.

“After the last few years it’s what’s really been missing in our lives. So it’s an amazing day for Gladesville. We could not be prouder of our students and our parents and the community as a whole.”

After planting her first seedling, Mia was quick to help it grow with a good watering. 298141 Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 9

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Play a part today. Call 1800 013 088 fosteringconnections.com.au 12567073-JW37-22

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Help kids find their feet

By Mikayla van Loon Foster carers can play one of the most important roles in a child’s life, being a person of stability and support in a life that may never have had that before.

But as Victoria reaches a crisis point of potentially having 27,500 children in out-ofhome care by 2026, foster care agencies like Anchor are hoping to change the perception of foster caring and are urging people to help a young person find their feet.

This Foster Care Week, running from 11 September to 17 September, is aiming to celebrate carers and the task they have taken on.

When Kym’s niece and her two children needed a place to stay, she was quick to welcome them into her home but once they left, she found she had a hole in her heart where they had been.

“I loved those kids like they were my own.

I could see that I was a positive influence in their life and so I thought to myself, ‘I could love other people’s children’ and that’s when I looked into doing foster care,” Kym said.

For nearly 15 years Kym has been looking after children of all ages, from babies to teenagers.

“I did respite for a couple of boys for quite a number of years. That was my first placement,” she said.

“From then on, I have had lots of different kids and I’ve got two girls permanently now.

They’re all grown up and I’ve got two that are still in foster care.”

While each young person is different, Kym said she tries to focus on being a stable and supportive person in their lives.

“I try to be a positive role model. Teach them right from wrong and teach them morals and try to teach them to be a good honest person,” she said.

“I just try to give them a good, stable environment, so that they don’t have to move around all the time because a lot of that happens in foster care.

“Some people don’t want to do long term, whereas I’d rather do long term because then I know I’m actually making a real difference in their lives and giving that stability in a family type unit.”

Kym is the first to admit foster caring can be challenging, particularly with teenagers but staying strong and positive makes a huge difference.

Foster carers are urgently needed in Victoria, with carer of 15 years Kym saying it is the most rewarding thing she has ever done and has seen her family grow every time she looks after a child.

Picture: UNSPLASH “Teenagers are challenging but you’ve just got to keep in mind that if you can make a bit of difference and keep them safe and try to steer them in the right direction, that’s basically all you can do.”

Throughout all the years and all the challenges, Kym said it is by far “the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

“I have seen how far these kids have come and I’m really proud to be part of helping them through their life and through their troubles and giving them that stability, giving them the love they need, the support they need and trying to give them a normal, happy childhood.”

Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker said often foster caring comes with quite a stigma or preconceived idea of what it would look like but broken down it is really about “looking after the state’s most vulnerable children.”

“There’s probably been some myths about foster care and what it’s about. It isn’t necessarily taking a child full time for the next 10 years and having that commitment,” she said.

“We really are very grateful for people that take children for a weekend or for respite or in an emergency or for a short term period.”

Heidi said people often think their family or personal situation may not fit the criteria for foster caring, whether it be because they don’t have children, are in a same-sex relationship or feel they are too old or too young.

“People make those assumptions about it but foster carers come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, all levels of family structures.”

The current situation of foster care in Victoria is urgent, with Heidi saying “we don’t have enough foster carers of any kind.”

“But in particular, where the system’s really failing is being able to care for those children who might be primary school or early high school aged children who have siblings.”

The result of not having enough foster carers, Heidi said, means children are having to be looked after in hotels and motels by paid staff on a rotating roster.

On top of the struggles through the pandemic, Heidi said “the perfect storm of our economic situation that’s now deteriorating” has left some families unable to take foster children and on the flip side more disadvantaged families are struggling to care for their children seeing more enter the system.

Not only can foster care help the child themselves but Heidi said it has that domino effect, filtering out to the school, the community and later perhaps work, as well as the birth parents.

“The impact of good foster care and its child or young person launching successfully into their adulthood makes a difference for generations to come.”

Seeing the relationships that can be created through foster care, Kym said she has bonds with all her foster children which will never be broken and her family extends every time she has a new foster child.

Kym said with the need at the moment for foster carers she hopes people will give it a go, even just respite care because it really has changed her life.

“If I hadn’t done this I could have been a very selfish adult, just thinking about myself, but this has really changed my life. And I actually feel like I’m blessed from having these children in my life. It’s benefited me, not just them.”

Board gaming to break social isolation for R U OK day

By Mikayla van Loon The process of joining a new club or meeting new people can be a daunting task, that’s why one local man decided to organise R U OK 2 PLAY? with an event hosted at Chirnside Park’s GAMR last week.

Matthew Stone has been involved in board gaming groups and networks for quite some time but late last year decided to turn his social games into a way of getting people who may be struggling with mental health out into the community for R U OK? Day. “It’s maybe not so much about the conversations around mental health but just to know that people can connect not through traditional means,” he said.

As someone who has had his own experiences with mental health, Mr Stone said while R U OK? Day is a great initiative, sometimes for people who are “struggling or suffering and on their own” the question of ‘are you ok?’ is not always enough.

“One of the things too with R U OK? Day, there is a pressure on people to ask and a pressure on people to answer honestly,” Mr Stone said.

“We want to take a bit of that pressure away. You can just come and be with us and make those connections and share the time together.”

Mr Stone’s partner Fiona said after lockdowns, she saw these events as an escape from social isolation. “[For a lot of people] who attend they have that social anxiety or that social nervousness and when you play a board game, you get to mailcommunity.com.au

make a social connection and break some of that isolation, which is particularly prevalent since Covid,” she said. “[But it can happen] without having to make small talk, without having to go through those niceties because the board is there. It’s structured with turn taking so when it’s your turn it allows you to then break into the conversation.”

Thinking R U OK 2 PLAY? would just reach the surrounding suburbs of his local community in Ringwood, instead 25 events were hosted across the country over the weekend of 2, 3 and 4 September.

While the event at GAMR fell on the regular social games evening held there once a month, Mr Stone said he hoped new people felt comfortable in coming.

“It’s a shared activity, we can sit down at a table and there’s people across from you that you don’t really know and all of a sudden you’re laughing together and you’re sometimes picking on each other in good fun.

“It’s just that camaraderie around the table. It’s that atmosphere. I’ve always really enjoyed the atmosphere and have connected to those people. I really hope new people can do the same.”

Having been sponsored by one of the biggest board game suppliers in Australia, VR Distribution, Mr Stone said there was a range of tabletop games of all different difficulty levels.

These games that were donated also went into a raffle system, where the people who played the games would go into a draw to win them.

Matthew Stone, organiser of R U OK 2 PLAY? finds board games are a great ‘social buffer’ for making friends and coming out of social isolation.

Picture: RINGWOOD SOCIAL GAMES Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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Local fisherman Brian Hawkins caught a big rainbow trout in Lilydale Lake and threw it back to live another day. 297188 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mr Hawkins gets a high five from Hooman another fisherman who was on hand to help net the fish. 297188

It’s the one you dream of

By Renee Wood Lilydale resident Brian Hawkins has caught a ‘fish of a lifetime’ at the Lilydale Lake, snagging a stonker rainbow trout weighing around five kilograms.

Mr Hawkins said he regularly fishes at the Eildon Pondage but this catch in his backyard is one of the best he’s ever snatched.

“In all my years of fishing that’s the biggest trout I’ve ever caught…It’s the one you dream about,” Mr Hawkins said.

On Thursday 2 September, Mr Hawkins was having a casual fish at the Lilydale Lake when he noticed his rod had ‘doubled over with a big bite’.

“The only problem was I only fish with a two kilo line and being an over five kilo fish, you’ve got to be very careful when you bring it in because you just snap your line,” he said.

Thankfully Mr Hawkins was able to reel the catch in, with someone helping with the net.

The fish is one of thousands that have been released across Yarra Valley waterways, part of the Victorian Fisheries Authority fish stocking in time for the school holidays and trout season opening.

Lilydale Lake, Healesville’s Don Lake, Em-

Brian Hawkins reels in the massive trout. 297188 erald Lake and the Ferntree Gully Quarry have all been stocked with ready to catch 800gms rainbow trout and massive stonkers averaging five kilos.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said seven tons have been released in the last two weeks across family friendly lakes in the Yarra Valley and also places like Eildon Pondage and the Goulburn River.

“It’s a wonderful experience for kids and for older kids,” Mr Dowling said.

“When you go along there and you’re fishing with light line and a worm on the end of your rod just relaxing and one of these big stonker touts starts to pull your rod in the water, it can be pretty exciting and lots of fun.”

The stocking of the larger fish in the urban waterways has only recently commenced in Covid years due to travel restrictions into regional areas.

Mr Dowling said due to the success, it’s continued.

“We brought them to metropolitan regions so that people who were unable to travel distances because of the restriction, then still have the opportunity to get out and stretch their legs and use their time to go fishing in waterways really close to home,” he said.

The Yarra Valley areas also receive stock of other native fish throughout the year, including Murray Cod and Golden Perch, with a record breaking 10 million native fish being released across Victoria in the past year.

The stockings have been funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to boost fishing.

Local Brian Hawkins said it’s great to be able to take the grandkids to local lakes year-

round to drop a line.

“It gets kids out and around the lakes and around the streams without their devices, they get a bit of fresh air and they get a bit of sport,” Mr Hawkins said.

“It’s always great to see kids fishing… it’s a very basic sport, you don’t need a lot to go fishing and it’s a lot of enjoyment – even if you don’t catch fish it’s relaxing.”

The best tip for catching a fish of a life time is just to get out there.

“Just pick up a rod, whether it’s after work before work on a weekend and just go down there and you never ever know what are your chances?” Mr Dowling said.

Rainbow trout are said to be a good catch for beginners and a variety of baits and lures are usable.

“I would suggest if you’re fishing for trout in these waterways the old humble garden worm with a few rocks, with a small sinker, just cast it out there and you’re very, very likely to catch one of these trout,” Mr Dowling said.

“If you’re really super keen and you really want to try and catch one of the big ones, [head out] the first two hours of light in the morning, so really from six till eight in the morning, and your last two hours of the evening.”

Stellar year sees local bridge players off to Asia Cup

By Callum Ludwig Yarra Junction resident Alan Race and Kilsyth resident Geoffrey Johnson from the Yarra Valley Bridge Club have had a stellar year to date at the bridge table.

In April Mr Race and Mr Johnson finished fifth in the Australian Seniors final in Canberra against some of the top players in Australia, narrowly missing a place in the Australian Seniors Team for the World Championships.

Mr Race said he first got into bridge growing up in the UK. “My father got me into bridge when I was a kid, and I played some relatively serious bridge up until I was about 30. I then packed up for about 36 years until I was retired, by which time I was over here and have been playing again for about five years,” he said.

“When I was playing in Leeds, there were a lot of good players around Yorkshire, including possibly the best ever English player, a chap called Tony Forester. It was a bit about being in the right place at the right time to some extent.”

Bridge is a trick-taking card game played by four players in competing duos, sitting opposite each other around a table.

Mr Race said it was a moment of hesitation that potentially cost them a World Championships place.

“We finished fifth in that and were a bit 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

unlucky, I made a mistake. Our competitors raised an objection to it and the result got amended. If they’d allowed that contract to stand, we’d have finished third instead of fifth,” he said.

“It was a bit disappointing, to say the least, especially as the top three automatically qualified to play for Australia. “ In May they won the Victorian Seniors selection final, before representing Victoria in July in the Seniors team at the Australian Nationals in Adelaide, finishing fourth.

In October the pair will be representing Australia in the Seniors team at the Asia Cup to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Mr Race said he feels fortunate to have found some good players at the Yarra Valley Bridge Club and to have the opportunity to go to the Asia Cup. “I struck up a partnership with Jeff and I had another one before that, which is also a pretty good partnership with a chap called Martin. I started off thinking I was just going to play some bridge for a bit of fun and relaxation, and I guess you could say it has developed,” he said.

“I’m not exactly a youngster anymore, and I may not get an opportunity like this again.

There’ll probably be 30 countries that go to the Asia Cup and a number of them like China, Taiwan and vietnam have some very good players.”

L-R: Geoffrey Johnson and Alan Race after winning the Rye Congress earlier this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Nathan Muys was joined by Raych on the Run to shave his hair for the World’s Greatest Shave on Friday 9 September.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Nathan’s hair will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation to make wigs.

Although a little overwhelmed, Nathan was so happy to have been able to reach his donation target of $2000.

Standing proud for cause

By Mikayla van Loon Nathan Muys completed his Greatest Shave for the Leukeamia Foundation, surrounded by friends, classmates and teachers on Friday 9 September.

The Grade 5 student at Victoria Road Primary School took his position on a make-do stage after three years of growing his hair.

Although it started as a desire for a mullet, when the pandemic prevented haircuts, Nathan took it upon himself to keep growing his hair for the charity.

Wanting initially to reach a target of $1000, Nathan surpassed that weeks out from the day and on the morning of his Greatest Shave, with one final donation, he ticked over to $2000 in total.

The three step process of sectioning Nathan’s hair into small ponytails, cutting and then shaving was done by hairdresser Raych on the Run. Although all over within 15 minutes, cheers and claps, and private congratulations afterwards, were passed onto Nathan.

“I’m very happy. It feels good and fuzzy,” he said.

A little overwhelmed by the feel of his now very short hair, Nathan kept brushing his hands over his head.

Even though he’s only just returned to short hair, Nathan said the plan is to grow it long again, ready to shave it all over again for the Leukeamia Foundation.

The Chirnside Park school principal Lisa Branch invited Nathan’s fellow classmates to think about the weight of what he was able to do for a good cause.

“It’s a really lovely gesture to do something like that. It can be pretty confronting. Getting

your head shaved is a pretty confronting thing and doing it in front of an audience even more so,” she said.

“But he’s done that in order to be generous to people who are in a position where that’s something they’ll need.

“Congratulations to you Nathan because it’s not just about the hair, it’s about where you’ve come as a person to think that’s an important thing to do.”

Nathan’s hair will now be donated to the foundation to create wigs for people receiving cancer treatment.

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Lilydale young person Finn Stirling

What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m super sensitive, and need 8-10 hours of sleep a night!

What inspired you to pursue youth work and volunteer at headspace?

When I was younger, youth workers made me feel so seen and helped me really grow! I want to foster that same sense of safety, understanding and support for other young people. I’m also super passionate about young people’s voices being heard and valued in our community, and headspace really champions this.

THREE … facts about springtime

1

The word spring derives from the 14th century but before this it was called ‘Lent’. The word ‘spring’ became most popular during the 16th century in the form of ‘springtime’, which was shortened from ‘springing time’ denoting the time of year when plants would spring from the ground.

This was eventually shortened to spring.

2

Some of the most common flowers to bloom in spring include wattles, lilacs, daffodils, lilies and dandelions.

3

The reason spring and summer bring warmer temperatures is because the Earth’s axis starts to tilt towards the sun during these months.

What do you enjoy most about working to make a difference in young people’s lives?

The connections I make! Young people are so creative and dynamic, I love learning from the young people I work with and being a safe person for them.

What has been one of your most memorable moments/events ?

Talking a group of LGBTQIA+ young people from the Yarra Ranges to the Minus 18 Queer Formal this year is a massive highlight. Minus 18 played a huge role in my gender and sexuality exploration, and in finding my queer community. It was incredible (and so emotional!) to be a part of that for other young people.

Finn Stirling is a young person passionate about mental health and volunteers with headspace.

296128 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Having grown up in the Yarra Ranges, what is something you love about it?

I love being so connected to nature! It’s so peaceful and taking walks or reconnecting with nature is a big part of my self care practice.

gnial and Torres Strait Islander people and the Australian Government. This would mean the Australian Government not only acknowledges the ongoing and historical injustices of colonisation, but protects the rights of First Nations people in this country, and it’s looking like we will be the first generation to see this.

Who do you admire the most?

My grandma.

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

It would be incredible to witness a treaty being signed in my lifetime between the Abori-

Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Gene Kelly, Louisa May Alcott, Nevo Zisin, Alok Vaid-Menon

What is your favourite book and/or film?

Little Women is one of my favourite books of all time! (the movies are great too) my favourite film is Good Will Hunting.

mailcommunity.com.au

What are some of your hobbies?

I love reading, crafting (particularly embroidery), hiking and writing!

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 13

NEWS

Mark’s going the distance

By Mikayla van Loon For long distance bike rider Mark Hansen, taking on the 300km Around the Bay challenge seemed like an easy decision when he signed on earlier this year.

But when the Croydon North man came off his bike and broke an ankle, it became a personal endeavour to be ready to ride again by 9 October.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it at all but as I was doing the rehab, I thought I will do it and then I thought, well, I’ll give the ankle a real test and do the 300km. So it’s more of a challenge on the ankle,” he said.

Around the Bay will see riders venture through Point Nepean National Park, cross on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, through Geelong, Albert Park, Frankston and up Arthur’s Seat.

This will be the second time Mr Hansen has taken on the 300km ride and said the scenery of the route makes for an enjoyable experience, aside from the hills every now and then.

“I enjoy riding long distances. 300km itself, once you do a bit of cycling regularly, it’s just more cycling on that day.

“It’s not hugely challenging but the addition of going up Arthur’s Seat and around that area, there were quite a few hills so it’s a little bit tiring…as long as you’re not pushing yourself too hard it’s not a problem once you’re used to it.”

Riding sometimes up to 500km in a week to and from work, Mr Hansen said his body is fairly used to riding extreme distances.

Looking forward to having “a nice day out on the bike [and] chatting to a few people along the way”, Mr Hansen said it will be blissful to get away from the suburbs for a bit and experience a different part of nature.

“It’s enjoyable when you get away from the suburbs. Riding through the suburbs, sometimes it’s a little bit of a drag with all the

Having broken his ankle not long ago, Mr Hansen said the rider would be a good test for his endurance. 298049 lights,” he said.

“But once you get out past Geelong or on the Mornington Peninsula towards the end of it and coming towards Queenscliff, it’s a lot quieter, it’s enjoyable, the scenery is nice.”

Although grateful to live in an area where he can easily ride up hills in the Dandenong Ranges or out to Kinglake, Mr Hansen said the experience of riding for nearly 12 hours is something else entirely.

Around the Bay has partnered with charity The Smith Family since 1993, something Mr Hansen said is an added bonus of completing the ride.

“If it can help the charity along and help a few kids get an education, I think it’s worthwhile.”

Mr Hansen has already notched over his $1000 target but donations can still be made to help support his ride and The Smith Family by visiting www.aroundthebayfundraising.com. au/fundraisers/markhansen/2022 For more information about Around the Bay or to see the route, visit aroundthebay. com.au

Mark Hansen is preparing to take on the 300km challenge of Around the Bay in early October. 298049 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

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School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff.

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

SPRING CRAFT

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy

By Jed Lanyon

Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love.

The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use.

Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.

“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.”

Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more.

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping

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A worthy brand

Monday 19 - Wednesday 21 September 11:00am - 2:00pm Located next to Aldi

CIRCUS WORKSHOPS Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 September 11:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm Located next to Aldi

Visit the centre website to find out more!

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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NEWS

Celebrating our educators

By Mikayla van Loon Early childhood educators become such an integral part of a young child’s social and educational development, so much so, there is a day dedicated to these teachers every September.

For Early Childhood Educators’ Day on Wednesday 7 September Japara Neighbourhood House’s occasional care staff received affirmations of support, love and encouragement from students, parents and the board to say thank you for their dedication.

Educator Beck White said it was an idea the staff had to help include parents and students, while passing on a supportive or constructive message to the team.

“We decided to get the parents and the kids involved. We thought we might get some good stories of what they come home and tell their parents or what the parents think of our service and how it runs,” she said “And if they had any constructive criticism or just some lovely notes that we could look at because we thought it might be a good opportunity for the educators to get something nice.”

While thousands of childcare centres across Australia decided to go on strike for Educators Day to encourage wage increases and better working conditions, Japara wanted to look at the positives.

“It has been very challenging during Covid, we sometimes only had four children to look after,” Beck said.

“That’s definitely changed in the last few months. Everyone’s quite happy to get their children back in childcare and our numbers have grown dramatically which is great, it’s been a lot busier, a lot more fun.”

Japara board chair Mark Doubleday said what these incredible team members do, “it’s not childminding, it’s educating”.

“It’s about looking at the whole of the child,

Japara’s occasional care staff Tahnya Nolet, Lexie Taylor, Beck White, Lisa Sheridan, Andrea Comport and Jenny Cooper celebrated Early Childhood Educators’ Day by receiving notes from families.

Picture: SUPPLIED their social, they’re learning, their engagement with adults, engagement with other children and learning to explore the world and who they are,” he said.

“So there is a whole program and thinking that goes on behind the scenes that educators do.”

Mark said although the response from parents could have been critical given staff shortages and the pressures being placed on the team, it was all overwhelmingly positive.

“They’re great workers that do a great job and it’s a recognition. We’re not critical of the action that was taken today but [our staff’s] approach was, we want to stay open, we want to give our families a chance to say what they think and to their credit, every one of those messages was positive.”

Parent of two-year-old Flynn, Vickie White, couldn’t speak more highly of the educators who look after her son.

“He’s so excited to always go, he’s so excited

to always go and tell them new things, and he’ll come home and he’s just learned so much,” she said.

“We’re extremely grateful, they do so much for us as well just in terms of just what they offer.”

Having been going to Japara for nearly a year now, Vickie said Flynn first started just one day a week but enjoyed it so much he now attends all three days.

The centre, which Japara leases from Yarra Ranges Council, Vickie said has an incredible outdoor area for the children to use when the days are nice, something she is so appreciative of.

Some of Flynn’s favourite activities to do at daycare are playing in the sandpit and painting or drawing to release that creativity.

“There’s so much they do for the kids and I just love that they’re always combined with other ages too,” Vickie said.

“So rather than just being in a set age group or classroom it’s so great they’re bonding with other kids of different ages.”

Hearing and reading all the kind words from parents and the children themselves, Beck said, was lovely.

“Some of the messages are really beautiful and just about bring a tear to our eye when we hear some of what the parents say and how their kids are responding to us,” she said.

While steps towards better acknowledgement of what early childhood educators do, Beck said to have a day where it is recognised means so much.

“It is very important to get some recognition for what we do. Childcare, it is definitely on the lower paid scale and probably not quite as recognised as teachers are which everyone in that industry has done such a fantastic job.

“It’s great to be a part of the educators industry but to get that recognition today, it’s been lovely.”

The Spring Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now...

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 15

NEWS

Run from Yarra to the sea

By Renee Wood Running the length of the Yarra River is a mighty feat but it’s something Karin Traeger is passionate about to build awareness for climate action.

The Yarra Riverkeeper CEO has set herself the challenge of running 280km along the Yarra River from where it begins to where it meets the sea.

Ms Traeger will start the journey on 25 September, World Rivers Day, and will run the course over six days as a challenge to raise $100,000 for the organisation.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association advocates for the waterway and undertakes many projects to educate, remove pollution and rejuvenate wildlife habitat.

Ms Traeger has been running as a hobby for the past eight years and has been involved in ultramarathons, running 100km being her greatest distance.

Two years ago, Ms Traeger started planning for the 280km run after being inspired during lockdowns to bring awareness to the river in her own way.

“Being in lockdown a lot of people connected to the river - I spent lots of time running along the river and that inspired me to use that running format to express we are actually running out of time.”

Ms Traeger hopes she will inspire others to take action and be more creative in the campaigning sector.

“You don’t have to be an environmental activist to create change - if you’re a runner, you can just pick up a piece of litter during your run, and that’s also pretty valuable.

“I really look forward to bringing attention to the catchment that we have an amazing waterway. We have beautiful tributaries…”

The run will start near the Thompson and Yarra catchments where the Yarra River begins

Yarra Riverkeeper CEO Karin Traeger is running 280km to raise awareness for the Yarra River’s health.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ms Traeger has been running for eight years, with this her biggest journey yet.

and will go down through Reefton, Redwood Forest, Warburton, Healesville all the way to end at the Westgate Park.

The longest run will be on day one for 73 kilometres, other days will be around 35-42ks.

Ms Traeger aims to show the connection from the Upper Yarra to the sea and urges

is good for everyone and that’s something that has to be taken into consideration within the next elections, even the future use of the water itself.”

For more information or to donate visit https://www.pozible.com/project/run-theriverkeeper

policy makers and governments to invest in it’s health.

“Some 70 per cent of your drinking water comes from the Yarra and that’s how critical it is to make sure that its well looked after.

“You have a lot of threatened species living in the catchment …what’s good for the Yarra

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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Artist takes home silver

By Renee Wood Yarra Glen artist Jay Young has taken home the silver for the Creative Entrepreneur Award at the AusMumpreneur awards after recently being announced as a finalist in several categories.

Ms Young travelled to Sydney for the gala event and was delightfully surprised to hear her name called for the award.

Ms Young said it was inspiring to meet so many other like minded women and be announced as the silver award recipient at the same time.

“I found myself standing in a very crowded room full of the most influential and powerhouse women in business withing Australia.

So to hear my name called on the night was a MASSIVE surprise,” she said.

Ms Young’s business, Young By Design, is built around her desire to create peaceful and calm artworks for the home and nursery.

After only recently launching the business in September last year, Ms Young was honoured to be included in the awards and meet many other mothers who’re chasing their dreams.

“They all were so lovely and their stories of triumph and struggles were all parallel to my own. It was refreshing, inspiring and overwhelming all rolled into one. I feel like I have walked away from the experience with life long friends,” she said.

The AusMumpreneur Network aims to pro-

Artist Jay Young has won the silver award for creative entrepreneur.

Picture: SUPPLIED mote and showcase mums in business and inspires thousands of others to create their own businesses.

“Most of the women at the awards, myself included, work into all hours of the night trying to get their business to take off and they reach for the stars. These awards just go to show to everyone, whether you are a young women just out of high school or a Mum, if you have a dream, go for it.

“It can be done. Mum’s don’t have to stay at home all day anymore, in fact a lot don’t, but as the times are changing and gender equality is always on the improve, you really can do anything your heart dreams about.”

Josh Pyke’s upcoming tour Australian artist Josh Pyke is has announced a 30-date regional tour to showcase his recent seventh album To Find Happiness, including visits to Healesville and Belgrave.

Pyke will also be joined by singer-songwriter and vocalist for The Jezabels: Hayley Mary.

Pyke’s seventh full-length album aims to find joy, acceptance and unbridled creativity amongst narratives of uncertainty and self-discovery emerging out of lockdowns and isolation.

Pyke said it was the organic and unexpected artistic inspiration fostered during the pandemic years that ultimately drove him to conjure a follow up to his acclaimed 2020 album Rome.

“I was essentially inspired by creativity. Obviously things from my personal life have influenced the songs themselves, but in terms of wanting to do another record so soon after Rome, it was the act of creativity, that flow state that inspired me to push through and make To Find Happiness,” he said.

“I felt a compulsion to create, and that creative drive just kind of led me to make To Find Happiness. It was a really inspiring and creative time! This is my best work.

I really believe that musically, lyrically and production-wise, it’s a step up, and I feel like To Find Happiness is the sound that I want to build on from here. Still organic and authentic, but with experimentation that felt less restricted than before”.

The tour will be solo, with Pyke only taking his loop pedal and ‘ a few other bits and bobs’ on stage.

Pyke said he finds it’s a really amazing way to get to the core of the songs and the core of connecting with the audience.

“I’ll also have the incredible Hayley Mary from the Jezebels playing support so there’s a solid chance that we’ll be joining each other on stage at some point!”.

Pyke has six top 10 albums and five ARIA award wins from his music career since he shot to prominence in 2007 and is also a mailcommunity.com.au

Josh Pyke is coming to Belgrave and Healesville.

Picture: JEFFERTON JAMES seasoned children’s writer, with seven published kid’s books under his belt, as well as hosting the podcast It’s Raining Mentors alongside Elana Stone.

Pyke said he has had a few personal things happen in his life in the last few years that have really highlighted the importance of appreciating and truly enjoying all the good things in the moment.

“That’s something I’m actively trying to do, so touring will be an extension of that.

Travelling, playing music with friends to people that appreciate what I do will definitely be one of the amazing things to be appreciative of,” he said.

“It’s been such an isolating time in the last couple of years, so connecting with people in a room will be exciting! The few shows I’ve played this year have been joyous and had a really collective feeling, lots of singing along, so I’m keen to get more of that vibe”.

Pyke will be performing at Sooki lounge in Belgrave on Wednesday 19 October, with tickets available for purchase here: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/ f4d5116c-41e7-4ec6-9847-b7560afab9c0 He will follow this up with his performance at The Memo in Healesville on Friday 21 October. Tickets for that show can be bought here: https://yarraranges.sales. ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/77430

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Kilsyth News & Lotto 520 - 528 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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12539754-AV11-22

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MAIL 17

PUZZLES

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

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Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good

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William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567382-JW37-22

18 MAIL

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THE GREAT ENTERTAINER THIS exceptional home, built with versatility and flair, is a wonderful opportunity for those seeking something special to house a large family, turn it into a fabulous bed and breakfast, or could very easily become dual accommodation (STCA).

A home that has been very cleverly designed over two levels gives so many wonderful options for living and entertaining, with loads of storage, ducted heating and cooling, ducted vac upstairs and downstairs, and a unique, warm and inviting feel.

The commanding five-bedroom gem sits on 1500m2 of prime real estate with gorgeous views, and is in a great location within walking distance to the local village shops, the Warburton Trail, public transport and close to nearby primary and high schools.

The chic master suite will be the envy of your friends with a romantic private balcony, ensuite, walk in robe and plenty of space for a huge king bed.

All the other bedrooms have built in robes and enjoy the spaciousness of high ceilings, quality carpets and a leafy, private outlook from the windows.

The stylish central kitchen, offers plenty of bench and cupboard space and with the open plan design of the dining and family, gives easy access to your all-weather, partysize, outdoor entertaining area. A huge downstairs living room hosts a wood fire to snuggle in front of while you have a game of billiards on the quality table (that is included in the sale), a built in wet bar you could turn into a kitchen, bedroom five with two sets of

double robes and a powder room.

Outdoors leaves you with nothing left to do but enjoy your beautiful established landscaped gardens, spread out in a two car garage/workshop with toilet and utilise the ample off street parking with even enough room to park your caravan. There are so many beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the colours of the bountiful garden, gaze at the mountain views and breath in the fresh valley air.

Properties like this are exceptionally rare, so don’t miss out on this golden opportunity. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2482 Warburton Highway, YARRA JUNCTION Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 study, 2 garage Price: $870,000-$950,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION

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

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HOME FOCUS

SERENE SEMI-RURAL DREAM ON 2.5 ACRES HAVE you been longing to move onto greener pastures, a place where you have space for the family to thrive and the perfect setup for horses?

Introducing 458 Queens Road, Wandin East; a 2.5 acre (approx.) property that boasts a spacious home, superb entertaining and scenery plus everything equestrian-lovers could need for their steeds.

Accessed via a dual gated horseshoe driveway, there is substantial off-road parking for all of the family’s vehicles, including a double garage and two single carports.

The homestead is fronted by a long verandah and inside boasts beautiful architecture.

Vaulted timber-lined ceilings and walls, a series of contemporary updates and all of the creature comforts make it a stylish and comfortable place to live in every day.

It features separately-winged parents’ and children’s accommodation. This includes a front main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite plus two rear bedrooms with sliding mirrored wardrobes, feature lights and external security shutters that are accompanied by a communal bathroom, a separate toilet and a storage-equipped laundry.

The large lounge with a wood heater and combined fully equipped kitchen, family and meals area are set up for relaxing, dining

and socialising. An enclosed, connecting alfresco with tall timber-framed windows and doors provide plenty of room for allseasons entertaining and overlook the valley, hills and an in-ground swimming pool.

Further property highlights include ducted heating, air conditioning, double-glazed windows and doors, a children’s play area, a chook run, a horse arena, holding yard, five paddocks plus horse shelters and stables with power, water and a tack room.

Surrounded by stunning vineyards and close to the vibrant township of Seville, this property is ready to reward you with your dream lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 458 Queens Road, WANDIN NORTH Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,280,000-$1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Andrew Clark – 0448138142 Richard Linton - 0422443442, MAX BROWN LILYDALE

6 Lincoln Rd, Warburton

$650,000 - $695,000

716 Lusatia Park Rd, Hoddles Creek

Gorgeous cottage & Yarra River view

Walk into your new lifestyle tree change!

Set on 1250 square metres of lush private gardens this home boasts 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms, master with full ensuite and fitted walk in robe. Enjoy open plan living which flows outside through French doors onto a private deck overlooking the garden where you can sit & watch & listen to the river flowing nearby. The kitchen offers plenty of bench space, modern appliances, butler’s pantry and adjacent meals area. Extras include a crackling slow combustion wood fire, air conditioning in the living area & both bedrooms, lock up garage with remote door, instant gas hot water and much more. A flat walk from the house to everything that Warburton has to offer, this home is an oasis that you simply must visit if you’re looking to settle in this popular area.

On just over 2 acres of easily accessible and useable beautiful green land divided up into paddocks and stunning gardens! The home has 3 bedrooms - 2 of which have stunning mountain views , an updated laundry and bathroom and big open plan living area with gorgeous kitchen window where you have full view of the traditional cottage garden, along with a native garden. It´s truly like your own little wonderland when you meander through your garden paths! Along with horseshoe drive, double lock up garage with roller doors and concrete floor, storage shed, garden shed, wood sheds, chook house, a paddock that sheep currently graze in is also an established orchard.

Contact: Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513 Inspection: By Appointment

Contact: Leah Bannerman 0448 924 266 Inspection: Sat 11 -11.30am (Photo ID Required)

bellrealestate.com.au 20

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$900,000 - $990,000

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton com.au

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

mailcommunity.com.au

PRIVATE SALE 90 MARSHALL’S ROAD Traralgon

458 QUEENS ROAD WANDIN NORTH A 3 B 2 D 4

Silverwood Traralgon Exclusive to Max Brown. House & land from $590,000.

SERENE SEMI-RURAL DREAM ON 2.5 ACRES

There is no better time to consider a tree change.

Build the home you’ve always wanted in a location where everything is just moments away from the bustling town of Traralgon.

Stages - 1 to 3 Now selling. Lots priced from $274,000 With lots ranging in size from 494m2 to 834m2

Have you been longing to move onto greener pastures; a place where you have space for the family to thrive and the perfect setup for horses?

Well, we have the property for you! Introducing 458 Queens Road, Wandin East; a 2.5 acre (approx.) property that boasts a spacious home, superb entertaining and scenery plus everything equestrian-lovers could need for their steeds.

Richard Linton 0448488147

$1,280,000-$1,350,000

Andrew Clark 0448 138 142

Richard Linton 0448 488 147

Prepare your Property for

Spring!

For a limited time only when you list your property for sale with Max Brown Real Estate you will receive a

FREE $500

PRIVATE SALE PART 14A MOUNTAIN CRES MONTROSE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY. VACANT LAND 2.25HA

$550,000-$600,000

gift card to prepare your property for Spring Selling*.

Located in a quiet pocket of Montrose, this 2.25ha (approx.) bush block offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to build their dream home in a natural bush setting (STCA).

Visit maxbrown.com.au/springselling and take advantage of this limited time offer Andrew Clark 0448 138 142

Richard Linton 0448 488 147

131 MAX (131 629) mailcommunity.com.au

maxbrown.com.au com.au

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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HOME FOCUS

HISTORICAL HOME JUST STEPS FROM TOWN WITH exceptional character elements and enduring adaptability, this breathtaking circa 1920s’ residence will impress.

Situated within strolling distance of both Belgrave and Tecoma townships, schools and train stations, this home’s legacy is set to continue for years to come.

From its sealed drive with ample offstreet parking and expansive paved patio for entertaining, a family-focused lifestyle awaits. Through the landscaped gardens, a pathway leads to the covered verandah entry that offers lush outlooks of the local surrounds.

The interior is enriched with leadlight accents, timber flooring, high ceilings, and contemporary upgrades that ensure comfort throughout. At the front of the dwelling, the formal lounge and dining areas with ornate wood fires are immaculately presented and offer options to convert one to a fourth bedroom.

The hub of the home is the open concept kitchen with 900mm freestanding Westinghouse cooker, sunny skylight, stylish timber cabinetry, breakfast bar, and a custom hutch with clever servery through to the formal dining area. The adjoining family room leads to the covered alfresco that inspires entertaining year-round.

On this main level, there are two lovely bedrooms with built-in robes and an updated bathroom with subway tiles and sleek matte black tapware. On the private upper level, the parents’ retreat with luxe rain shower ensuite, walk-in robe, peaceful study, and generous balcony with garden views is a relaxed and refined space to retreat to.

With a long list of extra features and a lifestyle location near picturesque parklands and the practicalities of local townships, this elegant residence offers the best of Hills living.

Inspection will impress. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 22 Kitchener Road, TECOMA Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,125,000-$1,175,000 Inspect: Contact Agent Contact: Sam Adamson 0421 023 760 & Daniel 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 22

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com.au

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Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

11 St James Avenue, KALLISTA YOUR TRI-LEVEL, TREE HOUSE DREAM!

$685,000 - $740,000 4A 2B

Surrounded by a magical, lush green forest setting, this four bedroom, tri-level home is the idyllic tree house dream you have been searching for. Spacious and serene, there is more than enough room for any family with its open plan lounge and dining room, great sized kitchen and separate lounge area. In a truly unique, picturesque location so close to Kallista village, public transport and primary school, this home is the perfect Hills escape.

FOR SALE

22 Kitchener Road, TECOMA

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

SPECTACULAR CIRCA 1920S HOME STEPS FROM TOWN

3A 2B

With exceptional character elements and enduring adaptability, this breathtaking circa 1920s residence will impress. Situated within strolling distance of both Belgrave & Tecoma’s townships, schools and train stations, this home’s legacy is set to continue for years to come. From its sealed drive with ample off-street parking and expansive paved patio for entertaining, a family-focused lifestyle awaits. Through the landscaped gardens, a pathway leads to the covered verandah entry that offers lush outlooks of the local surrounds.

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

Sharyn Chandler

Daniel Steen

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

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

FOR SALE

4 Currajong Avenue, SELBY THE PERFECT PROJECT PROPERTY

$570,000 - $600,000 3A 1B

North facing and filled with natural light, this quaint, classic Hills home overlooks a gently sloping 1100m2 block that boasts seasonal garden surprises including an olive tree, many fruit trees and an abundance of colourful garden beds. Cosy and cute but in need of some repair, the home offers a beautiful fireplace, split system heating/cooling, hardwood timber floorboards and an eclectic blend of stained and leadlight windows.

PLEASE NOTE: Inspections by appointment. Saturday times available

FOR SALE

$770,000 - $830,000

5 Leonard Street, UPWEY

3A 1B

TREETOP OASIS NEAR PARKLANDS

C

This lovely family residence in a quiet no through road near Glenfern Valley Bushland Reserve offers a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle within proximity of Upwey township.

Nestled in its leafy landscape with meandering pathways, terraced garden, herb and veggie patches, established orchard, and ample off-street parking, you will feel worlds away from busy life while only moments from schools, shopping, and public transport.

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

Glenn Chandler

Daniel Steen

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

M 0434 979142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

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

com.au

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

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HOME FOCUS

UNWIND, RELAX IN STYLE AND COMFORT THIS immaculately presented and updated four bedroom, two bathroom log cabin is located on five cleared acres.

On arrival, you will be greeted by the sandstone stepping stones before stepping onto the front verandah to enjoy the tranquil view of the dam - complete with ducks and the park-like lawns that reach over to the three paddocks that encompass the home.

Step inside to enjoy the vaulted ceilings and light-filled rooms, bask in the warmth of the open fire place and enjoy the additional wood heater and split-system, as you wander into the modern kitchen.

The elegance continues in the kitchen, with soft close doors, and stone bench tops.

The bedrooms are spacious, and the master bedroom has both ensuite and walk in robes.

There are built-in robes for two of the remaining three bedrooms, making storage a dream.

The neat as a pin laundry leads out to the rear verandah. Once outside enjoy the entertaining deck, pizza oven, barbecue area, and half a basketball court, as well as plenty of space for your pets.

With well fenced paddocks and chicken shed, there are plenty of pet possiblities Shedding is more than ample with a 9m x 6m concrete floored shed/man cave, complete with wood fire heater, as well as separate shedding for your wood supply, external lean to, and another 6m x 6m with concrete floor. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 17 Deery Road, Emerald Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,180,00-$1,280,000 Inspect: Saturday 17 September 1.30-2pm Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 Brennan Mileto - 0422 996 451, BELL EMERALD 24

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4 Majestic Drive, Emerald

$845,000 - $895,000

1/54 McBride Street, Cockatoo

$500,000 - $550,000

Flat Half Acre in Emerald!

Opportunity Galore!

Charming 3 bedroom cottage, 2 bedrooms with BIRs on a flat 1/2 acre on a sealed road with dual access and circular driveway. Features include, high ceilings, fully renovated bathroom, and open plan cottage timber kitchen complete with granite benchtops and gas cooking with an adjoining dining area. The sitting room could be used as a playroom or formal dining room. Features include a split system, gas ducted heating, and a gas fire inset. Situated at the back of the home is a convenient mud room perfect for family living with a toilet and laundry close by. Outside has 3 carports, a workshop, 3 sheds, and plenty of water tanks that also keep the veggie patch growing beautifully and a beautiful water feature. There are approved renovation plans including approved council permits for those wishing to renovate this fantastic property.

Get in quick to secure this great commercial property in the main street of Cockatoo. It is currently being used as a medical centre and occupied by a popular GP. With McBride Street frontage there is plenty of opportunities to be seen by passing foot traffic and take advantage of the popular bakery next door. This premise is ready to occupy with a walk-out/walk-in sale meaning you won’t have a costly fit-out. Inside it is fully tiled front to back, there are 3 spacious offices, a disabled toilet, kitchenette, security system, on-site parking at the rear, and a clean and spacious reception room. Whether you wish to keep this site as a medical centre or make it your dream business the opportunities are endless. This property has it all so don’t miss out.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

1 Garden Street, Cockatoo

$700,000 - $770,000

14 Bayview Road, Emerald

$840,000 - $899,000

Character Home on Flat Block in Cockatoo

Low-Maintenance Home + Short Walk to Emerald

Beautiful 3 Bedroom home located in Cockatoo. With new carpets and picturesque views. The master bedroom has an ensuite while the family bathroom is centrally located.

The home has been freshly painted, has a new split system and a refreshed kitchen. The light-filled lounge room has vaulted ceilings, and a wood heater to keep you warm.

The open plan dining/kitchen is bright and opens up to a great entertaining space with a newly painted deck and a paved area with a fire pit. The kitchen has plenty of storage, white appliances and easy access to the deck.There is a fully fenced backyard with a shed with concrete floor and power, and a low-maintenance garden with a large grassed area.

Don’t miss this character-filled, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 garage home close to the Main Street of Emerald and with stunning views across the Dandenong Ranges. Inside there is an open plan kitchen/living/dining area that leads to a beautiful sun room with 180degree views. The hardwood kitchen has electric cooking, concealed double-draw dishwasher, and plenty of storage perfect for family living.

The huge lounge room has a gas log fire, plush carpets, and great views. The bedrooms are spacious with built-in robes, and plush carpets and the master has an ensuite. Outside there is under-house storage, gorgeous established gardens, veggie beds, a pond, paved pathways to meander in, and scenic views from the deck.

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994

5968 6222

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

311-313 Main St, Emerald

com.au

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

25

HOME FOCUS

A RARE FIND - THE SHERBROOKE LIFESTYLE IN a quiet cul-de-sac opposite the National Park stands a true hidden gem.

After more than 60 years, the owners are reluctantly letting go of their pride and joy - 33 Sherbrooke Lodge Road, Sherbrooke.

Step back in time to enjoy the true Hills’ lifestyle at one of the best addresses in the Dandenong Ranges.

The level gardens of some 2000sqm (half an acre approx.) boast magnificent stands of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, green beeches and maples, to name a few, and with the many water features in the gardens, you will enjoy the visiting kookaburras, crimson rosellas, king parrots, wattle birds and honey eaters.

The substantial weatherboard home of approximately 31 squares has a two-storey chalet theme giving a real country charm.

There are four bedrooms, study/home office, two living rooms and two bathrooms.

The chef of the home will delight in the kitchen with the four-oven Aga & Belling cookers, pantry, and dishwasher.

The adjoining family room has a cosy combustion wood heater as well as ducted gas heating. Upstairs is the rumpus billiards/chill-out space for whatever you wish.

There is even a spa/hot tub room by the back door. Step outside to winding pathways, open lawns and play space by the kids’ cubby house. At night, the grounds transform into a wonderland with all the garden feature lighting.

The garaging is double, single carport and a huge workshop plus storeroom. All the room you would ever need for those tinkering jobs.

Then, come the weekend, you have the whole National Park opposite to go exploring as well as all the renowned cafes and attractions the Dandenongs have to offer.

Here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so don’t delay calling or see you at our open day! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 33 Sherbrooke Lodge Road, SHERBROOKE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 study, 3 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL 26

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Ranges FABULOUS LOCATION AND vIEWS

EmErALd 13 BERRyS ROAD FENCEd rEAr YArd ANd rEAr LANE ACCESS

THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER

$785,000-$860,000 3A 2B 1C 1E

This tri-level home is set in the perfect location to make the most of the lovely views and all that Emerald Township has to offer is only a few minutes’ walk away. Features include 3 bedrooms & a study, large open plan living spaces, a spacious timber kitchen with SS upright stove and a dishwasher, a Solar 4kw system, single carport with plenty of off-street parking, fenced rear yard with rear lane access, pergola & a front deck all on just under a 1/4acre of established gardens. Don’t hesitate if you think this one might be for you!

mick dolphin 0429 684 522

We put you first

EmErALd 26 FERN GLADE DRIvE QUIET LOCATION

$1,190,000-$1,300,000 4A 2B 4C 1E

Set on approx. 2/3 acres and only a short stroll to Emerald Lake, this home is sure to impress the most fastidious of buyers. Offering zoned living with 4 quiet separate bedrooms, a study, several living options with a built in bar & rumpus room with a pool table, low maintenance landscaped gardens, an inground solar heated pool, long wide verandah, GDH, S/S, 3x OFP’s, ample parking for all the ‘toys’, double garage with mechanics pit & internal access & a large circular sealed drive with undercover parking.

Jack murray 0493 136 937

mick dolphin 0429 684 522

Jack murray 0493 136 937

A RARE FIND

Ever thought of a career in Real Estate?

Enquire about joining the team and your dream career with a confidential chat today.

SHErBrOOKE 33 SHERBROOkE LODGE ROAD THE SHErBrOOKE LIFESTYLE

rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

4A 2B 3C 1E

In a quiet cul-de-sac opposite the National Park stands a true hidden gem. After more than 60 years, the owners are reluctantly selling their pride and joy. Step back in time to enjoy the magnificent established gardens & water features on a level approx. 2000sqm.

This substantial two-storey chalet style home features a study/home office, three living areas, 4 oven Aga & Belling cookers, combustion wood heater, DGH, spa/hot tub room, cubby house, double garage & single carport and a huge workshop plus storeroom.

Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

Jane Mortimer | 0457620 542

9754 6111

$1,250,000-$1,350,000

“We Put You First” com.au

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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OPINION

Fostering pets brings joy to carers Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take in a pet to foster?

Foster caring is such an integral part of what we do at Animal Aid. Some animals are not ready to move into their new home straight away and need some extra time to heal, adjust and decompress; that’s where our incredible Foster Carers come in. A peaceful home environment is precisely what these animals need to become the best, happiest and healthiest versions of themselves.

Our Foster Carers feel like the experience is two-way, with the humans getting just as much as they give. If you are fostering cats or kittens, you will see them grow and learn about the world but also watch them learn to trust and experience warmth and safety for the first time. The smooches and appreciation

Animal

aid Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO they show in return are pretty extraordinary.

To foster kittens, you will need a spare room or area where you can set up a playpen or crate away from your pets. You might need to be home for regular feeding for very young kittens. But there are lots of cats and kittens who would love to be fostered into a family

environment. Patience and care are essential as we don’t always have their whole backstory.

You might find the most challenging part of fostering cats and kittens is giving them back!

Fostering dogs requires a bit more space and time. Secure yards are needed for dogs to keep them safe. Maintaining a peaceful space that allows the foster dogs to become comfortable and relaxed is key; this might mean initially having as few distractions as possible. Some dogs like to have another dog companion, which is very sweet to watch.

You will fall in love with your foster animals but be overjoyed to see them grow and find their new forever family. Animal Aid is seeking Foster Carers to join in the fun! If you would like to learn more about foster caring, please visit animalaid.org.au/foster-

Being careful of the use of control Hi readers, hope you can work this in with a coffee or a cupper.

I have been thinking lately about how much we like to be in control of things.

These things may range from keeping a check on our budgets, to driving carefully to save fuel, to having a go at staff in the super market because the pears are too firm or the apples are too waxed. The latter seem to have a sense of entitlement.

It seems to me that someone with an attitude of ‘I deserve more or better’, are seldom at peace with what they have – always climbing from good to better, to best in what they seek for themselves, and rarely notice that they are using others as stepping stones in the climb. I recently wrote this short piece in a community support forum.

“Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart” - (Author unknown) During the worst of those dark lockdowns in ’21, we lost control over many things.

‘They’ said that we couldn’t come to work, that we had to home school our children, that we had to wear masks everywhere and ‘they’ told us that if we didn’t get vaccinated, we could not fly in and out of Australia, nor work

CARTOON

Focal Point

Graeme Dawson

on building sites or in hospitals and at one stage could not travel more than 5kms from home. That is where we had a big loss of personal control.

Sadly many men assumed control over their partners, and fueled by the entitled drink, turned into domestic violators.

Without me preaching, but moving around chatting to people in the bistro and bar as chaplain at the Warburton Hotel at Wesburn, I often get guys coming up and saying things like, aww I don’t believe in God. To the last one that said that to me, I gently replied with a question, ‘I wonder who kept you breathing while asleep last night? And to another, ‘let me look into your eyes’ – strange, but he did, so I said ‘WOW, did you know that you are the only one in the world with irises like yours?: Accident hey?’

Actually we don’t have much control in many areas of our lives.

Just as well we are not in the hands of a bonsai expert who can retard a potentially giant oak tree by keeping it in a shallow container, constantly pruning the roots back and pruning for height and shape. At fifty years old the bonsaied tree may only stand 250 mil high, while the tree growing naturally may be 20 meters high.

Both have the same biology and both are genuine oak trees.

I often preached a sermon based on the biblical picture of the potter and the clay.

What I liked about that story was that God the potter, had us, the clay, safely in his hands.

Whether we participate or not he is shaping us into our best potential. He knows best what shape we need to be, and if we have watched a potter at work, we know the clay doesn’t argue with the potter about what shape it is becoming.

Be assured that we can trust this potter to make out of our often sad and broken lives, something beautiful.

Keep in mind that our finished product may not be designed to sit on a shelf and look good, but we might be taking on the shape of a vessel for daily use with which to bless others.

Many Blessings, Graeme Dawson, Chaplain to Community

A risque line up Kemp’s curtain call The 1812 Theatre presents The History Boys The play opens in Cutlers’ Grammar School, Sheffield, a fictional boys grammar school the north of England. Set in the mid-late 1980s, the play follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations under the guidance of three teachers with contrasting styles.

Hector, an eccentric teacher, delights in knowledge for its own sake but his ambitious headmaster wants the school to move up the academic league table and hires Irwin to introduce a rather more cynical and ruthless style of teaching.

Hector is discovered sexually fondling a boy and later Irwin’s latent homosexual inclinations emerge.

Season: 6 – 28 October.

Bookings: 9758 394 The Basin Theatre presents Gentlemen Incorporated A slightly risque play by Deborah Muhall.

Damien is a male escort who runs a rather successful business that caters to wealthy and successful women.

When his old friend Marc returns from a backpacking around Europe, Damien talks him into ‘helping’ with an over-tight schedule. But unbeknownst to Marc and Damien, Marc’s mother Elinor is one of Damien’s clients. So is his girlfriend’s boss.

Season: Thursday 6 - Sunday 16 October.

· ·

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Has acting dry as a desert Dual Starring Karen Gillan, Karen Gillan and Aaron Paul Rated M 3/5 Dual is a sadly insubstantial sci-fi satire.

Sarah (Karen Gillan), a terminally ill woman, has herself cloned to spare her family the pain of losing her, but when she unexpectedly recovers, Sarah must duel her double to the death.

Dual has an intriguing first act, with a short but tense action opener and efficient exposition establishing Sarah’s illness, the rules of cloning and the rights of the clone. Sarah and Sarah’s Double have amusing adversarial interplay, as the Double usurps Sarah’s life and proves the more popular of the two. Sarah forms a macabre but endearing friendship with her combat trainer Trent (Aaron Paul).

The world-building is subtle and has some clever dark touches, such as Sarah using hiphop dancing classes to get fit for a deathmatch and paying alimony-like support payments to her Double, and the climax has a well-executed twist.

But beyond the subversive wit, Dual feels sparse and even tedious.

Dual’s pacing somehow feels both uneventful and rushed, brushing over Sarah’s finan-

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cial troubles and skipping nearly a year of her training with little fanfare, and the performances are witheringly dry. There is an art to delivering an engaging low-key performance (take Daniel Kaluuya in Nope), and dry delivery can throw dark themes into sharper relief, but Dual’s stiff, deadpan acting and extremely descriptive dialogue feel very artificial.

For a superior film about a usurping doppelganger, watch Richard Ayoade’s 2013 dark comedy The Double, and for a more suspenseful, inventive satire about a dystopia with a specific quirk, watch Yorgos Lanthimos’s 2015 film The Lobster.

Funny for the first act but burdened by flat pacing and dehydrated acting, Dual is available to rent and purchase from iTunes.

- Seth Lukas Hynes Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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SPORT

Brutal end for Barkers

By Callum Ludwig It was a top-of-the-table clash in the Grand Final of the RFNL Division One Seniors competition, with Mooroolbark set to square off with East Ringwood.

The Barkers had reigned supreme at the top for 13 rounds of the season undefeated, before suffering their first loss to the Roos themselves in Round 14, who held on to the top spot until the end of the season.

It was a disappointing result for the Mustangs in the end as East Ringwood claimed their second premiership of the day in a thumping 15.12, 102 to 2.7, 19 win.

Mooroolbark was kept goalless in the first quarter, while East Ringwood added three of their own but the game still appeared to be open enough for Mooroolbark to remain in it.

Mooroolbark coach Bret Larvas said in his first quarter address that the side had their opportunities but just hadn’t taken them.

“They were a couple of great efforts, our pressure early was really good and I couldn’t fault our intent in the first five, it was strong with our tackles, we just got a bit sloppy there,” he said.

“We probably didn’t listen to instructions, what did we say about kicking to advantage?

There were a few too many central balls and we kicked it straight to their spare [player] a lot of times. Composure and clean hands, I know it’s a final and it’s stressful time, but we need to take a little more time over it and be clean.

We are right in the mix here, let’s get on early.”

The Roos made it four unanswered goals at the start of the second before Mooroolbark got their first midway through, only for VFL side Coburg-listed player former AFL mid-season draft prospect Sam Lowson to get a quick reply from the goalsquare. After realising he potentially could have shepherded through the kick from his teammate for a goal, he did apologeti-

Mooroolbark players and supporters tune in to coach Bret Larvas at quarter time. cally try to find a way to hand it back to him before eventually slamming it through.

The game slipped further away from Mooroolbark in the third quarter as East Ringwood piled on 33 points to Mooroolbark’s soli-

tary one and they managed another 4.3 in the final quarter to the Barkers’ 1.2.

Two players, Trent Farmer and Sam Lowson managed five goals each as East Ringwood provided a plethora of chances for their forwards.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG Aaron Mullett, Bailey Dmonte, Austin Smith, Braedon Dobie, Trent Georgiou and Jayden Weichard were the Mustang’s best in the loss, with their goals coming from Dmonte and Ross Ansaldi.

Hawthorn legend Liam Shiels retires after 3 flags

By Parker McKenzie Hawthorn legend Liam Shiels called time on an illustrious career on 1 September, after three premierships and over 250 games.

Shiels told the Star Mail he sat down with his family and friends at the end of the season to work out what was the best move going forward.

“We’re really excited about life after footy and the opportunities that may present themselves, I’ll take a couple of months to sit down, relax and assess the options.”” he said.

“I’ve loved spending time with young developing players this year, if there was a development coaching role that came up somewhere it would definitely be something I’d consider.”

Shiels played 255 games for Hawthorn, scoring 90 goals after debuting in 2009 after a junior career at The Basin Football Club and a single appearance for Boronia Football Club.

He said he has already received several offers from local football clubs since announcing his retirement from the professional games, including overtures from his brother-in-law, who captains The Basin Football Club.

“He texts me every day, I’ve heard from him a lot,” Shiels said.

“I’ve probably heard from him more in the past week than I have over the last five years.”

Shiels played his 250th game for Hawthorn on Sunday 5 June, a moment he said was a special one in his 14-year professional career.

“The milestone games are something that you’ll never forget, but I think the biggest thing is the life experience that I’ve been able to have, all the friends that have been able to make,” he said.

“Obviously, the premierships come to mind straight away as well.”

Shiels won the premiership with Hawthorn on three occasions, in 2013, 2014 and 30 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

One from the archives: Liam Shiels playing for Box Hill in 2009.

Picture: ON FILE 2015, alongside two minor premierships in 2012 and 2013. He is also a Hawthorn life member and has won several personal accolades during his time at the club.

He said he was fortunate to spend his entire 14-year career at one club, something not many players are able to do.

“Hawthorn Football Club has done so much for me and my family,” he said.

“To finish up there after 14 years and 255 games is something I’m very proud of but I’m also very grateful for.”

Shiels said he wouldn’t have been able to have the career he has had if it wasn’t for the sacrifice, support and help from the people around him.

“Coaches, staff, medical team, and the fans for their support, but also to my family,” he said.

“They are the biggest part of my career.

My dad, brother, sister, and my wife Claire, I obviously can’t thank them enough for all the support over the last 14 years.”

Liam Shiels celebrates one of his three premiership wins with the Hawthorn fans.

Picture: AFL PHOTOS mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Devastating Demon blow

By Callum Ludwig Saturday 10 September marked Grand Final Day for EFL’s Division One football and it was minor premiers Montrose up against the inform East Ringwood in the season decider for the Under 19.5s.

It wasn’t to be for the Monners however, as East Ringwood came out on top in a nailbiter 6.7, 43 to 7.7, 49.

It was a cagey affair in average conditions.

Montrose had most of the play throughout the first half, consistently putting the East Ringwood defence on the back foot, with the Roos only mustering a major right at the death of each quarter. The first quarter goal came from Connor O’ Brien and the second after a controversial deliberate out-of-bounds free kick against the Demon’s Dylan Coppin was handed to Zachary ‘Chilli Chicken’ Cileceken on the boundary line who slotted home after the siren. Spectators argued that East Ringwood’s number 31, Mitchell Francis, should have been awarded the kick as the player putting the pressure on Coppin as he crossed the boundary line.

Cileceken proved to be a thorn in the Demon’s side all day, even preventing livewire Daniel ‘Chambo’ Chamberlin from taking a spectacular grab in the second quarter. Chambo had climbed high above the pack only for Cileceken to have gotten his hands up in front and taken the mark.

At the start of the second half, East Ringwood began to demonstrate their defensive strength by rebounding the ball quickly out of their defence. Montrose’s ability to win the clearances and get the ball forward never wavered, but East Ringwood got on top of the scoreboard with intercept marks and quick ball movement to isolate their forwards, particularly Cileceken. They kicked three goals to Montrose’s one in the third quarter, with the Monners major coming courtesy of Rylan Howes, who made amends for a downfield free kick that resulted in a goal with his own from a well-taken set shot.

East Ringwood had a one-goal lead at the final change in what promised to end in a thriller.

The Roos took the first scalp of the final quarter and held a 13-point lead for a short while before Montrose pegged it back with a pair of their own. A goal from Dan Chamberlin drew the scores level at 43 apiece and the game was well and truly on.

Daniel ‘Chambo’ Chamberlin flies.

Picture: IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY With only minutes left, Cileceken once again drifted clear in the forward line and took a mark as three Montrose defenders desperately chased back to try and make an impact on the contest. Cileceken goaled to give East Ringwood a six-point lead, pulling out a headbanging celebration to the crowd and leaving Montrose supporters with their hearts in their mouths.

The game ticked into time-on, introduced to the Under 19.5s competition only for the second half of Grand Finals, and the siren could’ve gone at any moment, as the third quarter had only stretched out to 20 minutes and 56 seconds.

Eventually, Montrose got a long ball forward from a Griffin Beardsley-Allen kick to a large pack congregated at the top of the goalsquare. No mark was taken and eventually, there was a stoppage as the umpire took the ball. It went up for the rucks and before Montrose could muster up a clear chance for a shot on goal the siren went, prompting despair and delirium from the respective sides.

Montrose players tune in to coach Dave Watson for the three-quarter time address.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Demons in despair after the game.

Zachary Cileceken claimed the Blue Ribbon for best on ground with his five-goal haul.

The best players for Montrose on the final day were Joel Smith, the strapped-up Josh

Picture: IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY Mentiplay, Noah Warton, Griffin Beardsley-Allen, Ben Schilte and Daniel Frith. Goalkickers were Smith and Mentiplay with 2, and Chamberlin and Howes each with one.

Successful season start and another win for Lilydale

By John Thomson Last Monday 5 September saw the start of the Spring Level Play Season for Lilydale Croquet Club.

In the Autumn season Lilydale was able to field two teams in the competition, the Lilydale Legends and the Lilydale Limeburners, with Lilydale Legends finishing the season as the champions.

This Spring season because of fixturing constraints Lilydale is only able to field one team, the Lilydale Limeburners.

Lilydale hosted Kew in the first game of the season. Unfortunately for Kew they struggled to field a side, so it was an under strength Kew that faced a very strong pairing in Glenn Crook and Craig McCracken from Lilydale and the scores certainly reflected this with Lilydale winning 4 games 33 hoops to Kew 1 game 17 hoops.

Next game Lilydale are home again, this time against Monash who always field a very strong team.

Thursday 8 September also saw Lilydale travel to Ringwood for the second game of the handicap shield.

Ringwood, like Lilydale, are introducing some new players into their lineup.

During the first game one of the Lilydale players, Alan Jones, became unwell and had a medical timeout, Alan came back on court and went on to win his game but unfortunately would take no further part in the game. Lilydale introduced their medical submailcommunity.com.au

Lilydale Croquet Club, as a sign of respect, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by lowering the Australian flag to half mast.

Craig McCracken, pictured, alongside team mate Glenn Crook were able to beat Kew in the first round of the Level Play Shield.

stitute for the rest of the games.

Lilydale went on to win the day, Lilydale 5 games 41 hoops to Ringwood 1 game 30 hoops.

It was a great team effort by Lilydale espe-

cially by the newer members who keep improving with every game.

This puts Lilydale on top of the ladder after the first two weeks but there is still a lot of croquet to play with seven rounds remaining.

Lilydale Croquet Club has had a great start to both the handicap and level play seasons.

Pictures: JOHN THOMSON Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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