Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 13th September 2022

Mountain Views

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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Warburton, Melba Highways included in road works blitz

Draft Waste Plan proposes major bin changes

Tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth II

Lakes filled with stonker rainbow touts

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A Star News Group Publication

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Works in limbo

By Callum Ludwig

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There’s concerns the committed $20 million upgrade of Maroondah Highway, Coldstream between Melba Highway and Ingram Road is in doubt with the State Government working with the new Federal Government as it ‘undertakes a review’ of projects.

In response to Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence’s questioning, the Roads Minister has replied saying the previous Commonwealth Government made this commitment without any State Government consultation or planning and development, and the state and new government are reviewing projects in its investment program.

Ms Vallence said this is a blow to the residents who’ve been campaigning for years.

“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 get out onto the highway, and at times it is becoming borderline impossible. People

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and Coldstream residents gathered to discuss the issue around the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG 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.”

Since the announcement, the State Govern-

ment 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 continu-

DAVID MCKEE

ing its investigation into options for upgrades along the section of Maroondah Highway between Melba Highway and Ingram Road in Coldstream.

Read the full story on page 5

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Shocking report into call services

By Parker McKenzie The State Government released a review of the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority — the body handling triple zero calls —on Saturday 3 September, showcasing the struggle faced by responders to handle the high influx of calls when demand for emergency services surges.

The report by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management and former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Aston was commissioned to assess the current state of ESTA’s services to Ambulance Victoria, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Police and SES. It aimed to identify critical capability challenges for the organization, consider the effectiveness of the current communications infrastructure, examine the legislation and policy environment surrounding ESTA, examine the current and future drivers of service delivery demand and impact on the community and provide recommendations to the government on any required changes to the authority.

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.

“Organisation in the sector has played a role in where ESTA is today. Each of these organisations must now invest and commit to support-

Only 39 per cent of calls for Victorian ambulances were answered within five seconds in January.

Picture: JOEL CARRETT/AAP ing ESTA in the delivery of the reform to come.”

Emergency service operators like SES, CFA, police and Ambulance Victoria rely on ESTA to answer every emergency call for assistance before they work together to dispatch a front-line worker to the incident.

Alongside recommending the disbanding and replacement of the board, Mr Ashton made 19 other recommendations. These included rebranding the organisation to Triple Zero Victoria, working collaboratively with Ambulance Victoria and exploring alternative call management practices, commissioning an independent review of ESTA training standards, further funding from the state government, introducing live monitoring of call data to alert emergency services to potential large scale emergencies, developing and implementing outcome-based performance standard and introduce the monitoring and investigation of ESTA’s performance.

The state government accepted the findings of the review and supported the recommendations.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said in a statement she offered her sympathies to those who lost loved during the pandemic.

“Our dedicated call-takers, dispatchers and other staff at ESTA have worked tirelessly to support Victorians in the face of sustained, unprecedented pandemic-related call volumes, we cannot thank them enough,” she said.

“Building on significant investments and major structural reforms already underway, we are using the lessons from these reviews to prepare our system to be strong and resilient into the future.”

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.

The average wait time for an ambulance in the Yarra Ranges from 1 April to 30 June was 17 minutes and 23 seconds. For non-life threatening but acute and time-sensitive code two patients, the wait time ballooned to 40 minutes and 52 seconds.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Gembrook MP Brad Battin said staffing cuts and mismanagement of triple-zero services contributed to ESTA’s failure to meet targets.

In the middle of a health pandemic, Daniel Andrews cut the number of triple-zero call takers and now we are seeing the tragic consequences,” he said.

“Daniel Andrews has run Victoria’s health system as Premier or Minster for 12 of the past 16 years, the person who broke the system is not the one to fix it.”

Fifth blow

By Parker McKenzie Homeowners throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges will see the cost of their mortgage rise again, with the RBA announcing another rise in the cash rate target for the fifth month in a row.

Amid rising cost of living and inflation, the RBA announced the .50 basis point raise to 2.35 per cent on Tuesday 6 September. RBA Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement the board is committed to returning inflation to the 2 to 3 per cent range over time while keeping the economy on an “even keel.”

“The path to achieving this balance is a narrow one and clouded in uncertainty, not least because of global developments,” he said.

“The outlook for global economic growth has deteriorated due to pressures on real incomes from high inflation, the tightening of monetary policy in most countries, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID containment measures and other policy challenges in China.”

According to Finder’s RBA cash Rate Survey, the average monthly mortgage payment is up 29 per cent in the last five months. Head of consumer research at Finder Graham Cooke said after the rise comes into effect it will cost the average Aussie homeowner an additional $801 per month compared to what they were paying in April 2022.

“This fifth rate rise since May piles on the pressure for Aussie homeowners, who will have almost $10,000 less to spend on groceries, clothing and holidays compared to only six months ago,” he said.

“Fixed loan holders are in for a big shock once that rate expires and their payments spike. Our figures show the average fixed-rate homeowner will be paying $600 extra per month come December.”

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IN BRIEF

Regional road blitz

By Callum Ludwig The State Government has committed to its annual major regional road maintenance blitz, with the Warburton and Melba Highways set for repairs.

Residents have previously been frustrated at the state of the Melba, Maroondah and Warburton Highways.

More than 10 kilometres of the Melba Highway will undergo rehabilitation and resurfacing works in multiple locations, while sections of the Warburton Highway in Wandin North and Seville will undergo significant resurfacing works.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said since 2014 the State Government have made record investments in upgrading and maintaining the state’s road network.

“This work will continue over the next eight months – with a majority of funding spent in regional Victoria,” he said.

“Right across the state, crews will begin repairing and rebuilding the roads that regional Victorians rely on most, connecting people with employment and education opportunities, key freight routes, family and friends.”

The State Government said the $780 million investment will repair and resurface more than 1500km of roads and is double what the Opposition spent when last in office.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has been frustrated by the roads in the electorate, previously highlighting the state of the Warburton Highway, particularly through Woori Yallock, Melba Highway and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd between Healesville and Woori Yallock.

The 1300 individual projects that are set to be carried out were selected based on expert inspections and community feedback.

Ms McLeish said only repairing sections of

Emergency services have responded to a serious incident in Healesville An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics were called to an incident in Healesville at around 11.20am on Monday 12 September.

“One patient was trapped in a vehicle for a period of time before being extricated and is about to be airlifted to hospital,” they said at 1pm.

A CFA spokesperson said two CFA vehicles and crews also responded, along with SES who performed the extrication and Victoria Police.

“CFA declared the incident under control at 12.46pm,” they said.

Gilderoy theft update

Potholes on the Warburton Highway.

Pictures: ON FILE

the 35-kilometre-long Warburton Highway is simply not enough.

“While some trouble areas will be repaired, other spots in need of work will miss out completely.The same issues will arise on the Melba Highway. Only roughly 10 kilometres will be resurfaced out of a 65-kilometre highway that locals are saying is in the worst condition they have seen it in for 50 years,” she said.

“Both the Warburton and Melba Highways have deep potholes that are causing tyre blowouts, busted wheel alignments and putting drivers at risk of accidents. The same issues will remain in the areas not being resurfaced.

More absolutely needs to be done.”

In August, ‘Fix It’ was spray-painted onto the Melba Highway in Dixons Creek.

Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit have recovered a number of items and executed a search warrant as part of their investigation into a theft from a Gilderoy property last month.

The Kubota RTV-X1140 utility vehicle and the 6x4 Single axle trailer have been recovered.

The items were stolen from a property on Yarra Junction-Noojee Road between 22-23 August.

Investigators would like to thank the community for their assistance with the investigation so far.

A ride on lawnmower and a diesel tank still remain outstanding.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Cardboard bailing machine rescue

Potholes on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd. 250001

Meeting secured to discuss Urgent Care

Coldstream CFA was called out on Saturday 10 September for a worker with their fingers stuck in a cardboard bailing machine in Lilydale.

Alongside colleagues from the Lilydale SES Unit, Lilydale CFA Fire Brigade, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, they worked to remove the patient.

Whilst Paramedics provided generous pain relief, our CFA crews isolated the power and ensured immediate scene safety. SES’ highly trained Rescue Operators, worked closely with their colleagues and secured the machine to ensure it couldn’t move and then released the patient by releasing the hydraulics of the machine.

Blessing of trucks

By Renee Wood Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG) has been successful in securing a meeting to discuss the case for a Healesville Urgent Care Centre to be established at the hospital.

This follows the State Government’s announcement it’s supporting the roll out 25 new urgent care services on Tuesday 30 August.

Chairperson Jane Judd said members of the group will be meeting with the health minister’s chief of staff to put forward a case for Healesville to be included in the next tenm, which are yet to be announced.

SHHAG will be securing supporting data that will highlight the needs for the service that would support the people of Healesville and towns on the Melba, Warburton and Maroondah Highways.

It’s something the group’s been pushing

Serious crash traps person in Healesville

Members from Seville Rural Fire Brigade (CFA), Yellingbo Rural Fire Brigade and Gruyere Fire Brigade attended a service at Wandin Seville Anglican Church for the annual blessing of the trucks on Sunday 11 September.

Each year this tradition is held before the fire season.

The brigades thanked the Wandin Seville Anglican Church for their wonderful hospitality and continued support.

Water Play Parks opening up Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health. 2018. 179027 for over the past decade due to the lack of services in the region.

It’s believed the government is currently analysing suitable locations for future sites and as part of that work, announcements are expected in coming months.

After the initial announcement, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the

initiative will assist EDs and fast track nonemergency cases.

“Not only will this initiative free up beds in the ED for those with the most critical needs, but it will also fast track non-emergency patients so they can receive the treatment they need in a more comfortable setting,” Ms Thomas said.

Yarra Ranges residents and visitors can soon again enjoy water play parks in Lilydale, Seville and Warburton, when the season begins in mid-September.

From 17 September, water jets will be active at Seville Water Play Park at the recreation reserve, Lillydale Lake splash pad and Warburton Water World.

Water play park jets turn on between 8am10am, depending on location and are turned off at 8pm.

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Kerbside pick up changes Recycling – yellow lid (paper, · Mixed cardboard, plastics, metals) · Glass Recycling – purple lid (bottles, jars) – red lid (non-recyclable household · Rubbish waste)

By Renee Wood 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

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

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)

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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.

Now’s the perfect time to prepare your emergency plan

By Renee Wood 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

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through the 2021 Wooroloo Bushfire in the Perth Hills.

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.”

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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

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Highway project in doubt

By Callum Ludwig

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

FSA/DETS1029

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

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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Tributes pour in for Queen

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.

A national day of mourning public holiday has also been announced for Thursday 22 September.

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

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at O’Shannessy Lodge, Warburton in 1954.

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.

The pair spent the weekend of Saturday 6 March to Monday 8 March at the perfectly understated but newly refurbished O’Shannassy Lodge for a taste of the Victorian bush.

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.

“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

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

CARTOON

Upcoming memorial The Yarra Valley Anglican Church would like to invite residents to a public memorial service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The service will be held on Sunday 18 September at both St Paul’s Yarra Glen and

St John’s Healesville.

Service times:

· 11:00am at St Paul’s Yarra Glen · 3:00pm at St John’s Healesville

Your voice for the Yarra Valley Cindy MCLEISH MP STATE MEMBER FOR EILDON Shop 10, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen | PO Box 128, Yarra Glen 3775 03 9730 1066 CindyMcLeishMP

cindy.mcleish@parliament.vic.gov.au CindyMcLeishMP

www.CindyMcLeish.com.au

Authorised by Cindy McLeish MP, Shop 10, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen.

Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Picture: AAP

12451381-DV25-20

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NEWS

Living costs push crisis

By Callum Ludwig Desperate times are facing many Australian families due to the cost-of-living pressures, and higher rates of mental health crises are being seen as a result.

A new survey from Suicide prevention Australia shows that 40 per cent of Australians report cost-of-living and personal debt are causing them elevated distress compared with this time last year.

HICCI executive officer Alison Gommers said it has just added another layer on top of everyone’s struggles with the uncertainty of Covid over the last two years.

“It’s just the increase in simply everything.

Food, petrol, mortgage rates, everything’s gone up meanwhile the pension and other offsets haven’t. We’ve definitely seen more people coming in,” she said.

“Even we’ve had to also reduce our budget because our costs are going up as well while trying to make sure we can cater for all the people who come in.”

Suicide Prevention Australia’s annual State of the Nation report showed that the 40 per cent affected by cost-of-living pressures were the highest cause of the 70 per cent of Australians who have experienced elevated distress.

The figure is slightly higher for women (44 per cent) than men (36 per cent).

Ms Gommers said it can be tough for people to ask for help in times of need.

“Especially when they haven’t asked for help before, it is hard, but we encourage people to give us a call and we can talk to them over the phone. It’s not only just HICCI funds that we provide, we refer to other services as well, whether it’s financial counselling or other grants we can put in to help people,” she said.

“The pressure just builds up for people.

We’re happy to talk to people and offer some options for them that they may not be aware

The rising cost of living is seeing demand for services like HICCI rise. of to help them. Particularly with depression, things can spiral so quickly, and uncertainty is difficult for everyone.”

88 per cent of suicide prevention services recorded an increase in demand over the same 12 months – up from 78 per cent in 2020, with World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10 September.

Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray said it’s positive to see that more Australians are seeking help, but warned further economic turbulence could prove challenging for already stretched frontline services without additional funding and commitment to a National Suicide Prevention Act. “Feeding the family and keeping a roof over our heads are two of the most basic human behaviours. While inflation and interest rates

Local student calls for more 683 bus runs

Picture: ON FILE

keep rising, we must be prepared and proactive to prevent mental distress and suicide rates from doing the same,” she said.

“For example, the issue of cost-of-living and personal debt is ranked the biggest risk to rising suicide rates over the next 12 months both by the public (68 per cent) and by the suicide prevention sector (74 per cent). This is higher than in previous years and is the first time an economic issue has overtaken social issues like drugs, loneliness and family breakdown. “ Suicide is complex and it is important to remember multiple factors can combine to cause it, such as mental ill-health, relationship breakdown, housing and job security, financial hardship, social isolation, retirement or alcohol and other drugs.

Ms Murray said we can’t afford to ‘wait and

see’ if rates increase before legislating an accountable National Suicide Prevention Act, particularly when both the public (79 per cent) and the sector (75 per cent) back it.

“Women account for the vast majority of suicide attempts overall while it’s well-documented most suicide deaths are men,” she said.

“A National Suicide Prevention Act will ensure we get towards zero suicides faster by ensuring every government minister is aware – and prepared – for the human impact of their policy decisions.”

To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.

ALL - NEW

OUTLANDER

By Callum Ludwig

mailcommunity.com.au

Calls for the 683 bus route to run more often are being heeded by the community.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and will continue to work closely with operators and councils to ensure the the public transport network is accessible and better connected.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said they know how important the Yarra Ranges’ bus network is for providing access to services such as healthcare, education and employment.

“We’ll continue to explore options for future improvements to the public transport network in the Yarra Ranges to ensure we’re keeping the community connected,” they said.

“The 2022/23 Victorian Budget invested $109 million to improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes and get students to school.”

To view the petition, visit https://www. change.org/p/put-more-buses-along-the683-bus-line-victoria

TEST DRIVE NOW

LILYDALE MITSUBISHI 56-70 Main Street Lilydale T 9735 5800

12525325-JW49-21

A local Year 10 student has begun a petition to see the 683 bus route between East Warburton and Chirnside Park Shopping centre run more regularly.

The Change.org petition has already garnered 726 signatures as of Friday 9 September.

It calls for a bus service every 30 minutes, instead of once an hour.

“The 683 is a bus line running on the Warburton highway, stretching from East Warburton to Chirnside Park,” the description of the petition reads.

“Over 18,000 people live in the towns where this bus runs, and thousands of residents including myself rely on this bus to get around. However the 683 only has one bus every hour, and buses do not start running until just before 9.00am on Sunday.”

Only four services run from the last bus stop at Whitegum Dr/Woods Point Rd, East Warburton to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre on a weekday (7.17am, 9.21am, 1.14pm and 5.29pm) and only three times does the return trip go the full distance (7.39am, 12.01pm and 4.06pm departure from Chirnside Park Shopping Centre).

The student said this makes getting around very difficult and makes it impossible to work some hours.

“I would like for buses to begin running at 7.00am at the latest on weekends, and for there to be buses every hour,” “This will make travelling considerably easier and allow many people like myself to get where they need easily and in a timely manner.”

The Victorian Government’s Bus Plan is aiming to better meet demand, improve accessibility and performance, and deliver value for money by exploring ways to provide more convenient transport options

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NEWS

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 8 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

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.

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

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

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Treasurer John Allward laid a wreath as piper and vice president Iain Townsley played the pipes.

Tragic death of Upper Yarra SES member remembered

By Callum Ludwig A former Upper Yarra SES member who was tragically killed has been memorialised at the opening of the Emergency Services Memorial in Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens last week.

VICSES and partner emergency service agencies attended the official opening.

A VICSES spokesperson said the memorial surrounds a large pondage and the beautiful setting is a fitting tribute to almost 200 fallen emergency services personnel in Victoria who have died in the line of duty.

“This picturesque memorial garden is intentionally open to the public to be able to pay their respects and learn about the dedicate of members fallen in the line of duty.

This includes six brave VICSES members, who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities,” they said.

Rodney King, formerly of the Upper Yarra SES Unit, has a small plaque among other SES crew members that reads ‘R.King Upper Yarra Unit 08.05.2003’.

“Whilst a tragic reminder of the risks confronting our emergency service personnel, the memorial garden offers the chance for us to remember, reflect and acknowledge the lives of these members together with friends, family, and colleagues,” the VICSES spokesperson said.

“Rodney King from the Upper Yarra Unit was tragically killed by a falling tree in 2003 whilst providing fire response support as an SES volunteer.”

The Age reported on May 9 2003 that four volunteers had been called out by the mailcommunity.com.au

Rodney King’s plaque (top left), memorialising the loss of his life in 2003. Picture: SUPPLIED

Emergency services personnel of all descriptions attended the official opening in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on duty.

Pictures: WOLF COCKLIN

The memorial is surrounded by beautiful gardens and pond.

Launching Place CFA at about 2.30am to help with a 30-metre tree burning on property next to the Warburton Highway. The volunteers checked the tree and were about to walk

Luke and Matthew.

The Emergency Services Minister at the time, Andre Haermeyer, paid tribute to Mr King.

away when the branch, about 12 metres long, fell and struck Mr King killing him instantly.

Mr King was 53 at the time and left behind his wife, Marion, and two adult sons,

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MAIL 9

Become a foster carer

Play a part

Play a part today. Call 1800 013 088 fosteringconnections.com.au 12567075-MS37-22

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NEWS

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.

“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 reward-

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 ing 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.”

Dementia education a focus for improved care services

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 dementia-specific training.

“We can’t separate staff wellbeing from residents’ wellbeing. Increasing wages without addressing staff wellbeing will only be a short-term 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 “remailcommunity.com.au

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 cruitment 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 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 organisation 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.

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NEWS

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.

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 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 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 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

Upper Yarra Dam Safety Upgrade receives awards

By Callum Ludwig The Upper Yarra Dam Safety Upgrade has recently been recognised for the fine work put into modernising the site.

It was one of the two categories Melbourne Water received awards for at the annual Civil Construction Federation (CCF) Victoria Earth Awards.

Melbourne Water General Manager of Major Program Delivery Craig Dixon said they thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we undertook the works.

“Melbourne’s dams are amongst the safest in the world. These proactive works make the Upper Yarra Dam compatible with the latest industry standards, ensuring the ongoing integrity and stability of the dam wall,” he said.

“The project’s success was due to productive collaborations between Melbourne Water, designer AECOM and Seymour Whyte Constructions.”

The Earth Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in civil construction, with judging criteria including construction excellence, environmental sustainability, and project management.

The upgrade won the Category 5 Award for projects valued between $30-75 million.

Mr Dixon said this is an excellent result and demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with our partners to bring ambitious innovations to life.

“I congratulate everyone who worked on these incredible projects amid challenges including highly technical scope, unprecedented weather systems and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

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Representatives of Melbourne Water and Seymour Whyte receiving the award.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The Upper Yarra Dam Safety Upgrade has received an award for the works done.

Picture: SUPPLIED “The projects are wonderful examples of infrastructure that enhance life and liveability for the greater Melbourne region today,

tomorrow and for future generations.”

The Upper Yarra Dam Safety Upgrade now qualifies as a finalist in the CCF National

The works in progress.

Picture: ON FILE

Earth Awards, held in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 18 November 2022. mailcommunity.com.au

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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NEWS

CFA training goes virtual

By Callum Ludwig Seville CFA is preparing for the spring and summer with virtual reality training sessions taking them into almost 70 different firefighting scenarios.

The technology was developed by a CFA firefighter and has been introduced to CFA training statewide over the last 12 months.

Seville CFA community relations officer Liz Hudson said it is a fairly realistic experience from the feeling of wearing breathing apparatus to the pressure of the hose.

“The hose has a nozzle on the end that feels like the hoses we use, and once you turn it on, the air pressure makes it feel as though the hose is really turned on,” she said.

“It mimics everything, your movements, putting water on the fire and you can teleport yourself around, to the back of a house or shopping container or anything like that.”

The technology is used in 34 countries around the world and CFA has 11 of these training sets.

Deputy Group Officer of the Yarra Valley group of fire brigades Paul Spinks is clued up on virtual training and said the training kits have been very popular.

“It’s been focused on more of a younger generation that is much better with this technology and interacting with a virtual reality world and they are really enjoying it, but what we are really noticing is a lot of our wiser members of brigades are really starting to enjoy this sort of technology as well,” he said.

“It’s given us another element of training away from hazardous environments. Instead of being at risk of harmful smoke say at a service station, we can simulate that in the virtual world. That’s the great thing about different innovations within firefighting and it’s even being used in the army as well, it’s the new generation of training and it’s been really well

Josh Cruickshank using the extinguisher kit. accepted throughout CFA.” Some examples of scenarios that can be practised include putting out a mining tipper on fire, dealing with the engine of a Boeing plane that has burst into flames of combatting a grass or bushfire.

Seville CFA has also been busy elsewhere, with nine members soon to take on the Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb on Saturday 10 September.

Ms Hudson said not quite as much has been raised by the brigade as last year, but they are still excited.

“Last year, we were in the top three or four highest-donators until the week of the climb.

The last two years was the virtual stair climb where we couldn’t actually do the real one, so our members have been training this year,” she said.

“Usually on the last weekend of the fundraising, they double any donations that are made.”

Supporters can donate to Seville CFA’s efforts here: www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/seville/

Seville CFA members like Roly Rak took to the virtual world for a training session.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Fashion parade at FICE to inspire bargain shopping

By Callum Ludwig Cost-of-living pressures are ensuring serial shoppers are feeling the pinch, and it’s tough to feel as though you were confident enough to hit the catwalk on a budget.

Yarra Junction First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) showed serial shoppers another alternative with a fashion parade at Yarra Junction Library this week.

First Impressions Clothing Exchange Coordinator Renee Cooke said it’s important for women to be able to dress fashionably on a budget.

“Sometimes, they are also uncertain of their style as well, so at FICE we help them with picking an outfit or styling and providing access to affordable fashion they might not be able to otherwise purchase,” she said.

“Cost of living is playing a big part on people’s budgets and especially being in the Valley, it’s not as accessible to the major shops, especially with petrol and mortgage increases another factor.”

FICE’s Customer Services Officer Nicole was the first to strut her stuff, putting together an outfit that cost a mere $16.

Ms Cooke said FICE likes to keep everything at a really accessible price for women and will always help them out with extra things like makeup and pamper packs.

“Women can mix and match with their own clothing, or walk away with quite a few outfits together. It’s empowering for women to feel good about themselves and what they wear,” she said.

“It can change your whole perspective on your day-to-day life, how you engage with others or how you feel if you are going for a job interview. You just feel better, it’s like invisible confidence comes out.”

Volunteers Trish and Barbara came out showcasing a number of pieces of casualwear, with Trish, in particular, a big fan of a number of linen shirts.

Ms Cooke said the program creates accessibility to popular brands people otherwise may not have access to.

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Nicole strikes a pose.

Barbara looking dashing.

“We often can get brands that maybe are out of people’s reach normally, that they can purchase for $5 or $10,” she said.

“Each person gets rid of about 23 kilos of clothing annually, so there is a definite need for the sustainability and the recycling of clothing, whether it’s to repurpose it for your own needs like we saw Barbara do, who has her own eclectic style, or buying secondhand.”

Last but not least was Genie, who kept it classy with a number of stylish dresses perfect for a night out.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG Yarra Junction FICE is open Monday to Friday from 9pm to 5pm. Entry is through the pink door.

Work experience and volunteer opportunities are available at both FICE locations at Yarra Junction and Mooroolbark.

Donations of good quality women’s clothing are accepted at FICE Yarra Junction and Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park Community Hub, and Cire’s Lilydale office. They ask you to leave donations during office hours so they can thank you personally. CIRE can be contacted at 1300 835 235.

Trish loves her linen.

Genie ready for a night out! mailcommunity.com.au

ECOSS MARKET EVENTS

Yarra Valley ECOSS has become a community hub hosting many events and markets.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The community’s invited to share food, music and language from across the globe at Rhythms of the World Friday 16 September.

Culture and sustainability Yarra Valley ECOSS in Wesburn on Wurundjeri Country is a vibrant growing inclusive Community Hub set on 17 acre a permaculture designed property.

This inspirational project has become the home of The ECOSS Valley Market every Friday as well as: Earth education programs, indigenous programs and arts projects, Earth friendly festivals, community gardens, food forest nurtured by volunteers and co-locating businesses such as The Pottery Studio, Tonantzin Chocolate, Melganics, Bushwood Creations, Silvertine Bio Dynamic Farm, Tiny Houses to Go, The Dreaming Space Circus, Yarra Valley Bee Group, Warburton Environment and more.

In 2020 when the Valley was locking down, ECOSS was driven to support our local food producers and community by creating The ECOSS Valley Market.

For many community members, it was their ‘sanity’ in their week to be able to buy produce in a safe environment outside of supermarkets in an ‘open air’ environment.

Since then the Market has continued to grow, with funding support from various bodies and infused multicultural activities and food tastings for kids have been infused into the line up, funded by Vic Health, and monthly music events with The ECOSS Festive Market as part of a Victorian Government initiative to bring live music back across the state.

One of the special events coming up on Friday 16 September is Rhythms of the World, where ECOSS will bring the world to the Yarra Valley.

Rhythms of The World is celebrating cultures from around the world through a series of workshops, performances and food. This will incorporate West African, Brazilian and In-

dian music performances creating an incredible cross cultural experience through shared language, music and food.

In the market hub you can purchase dinner from India, Sri Lanka or Mexico or a sausage for the kids, plus local produce, wine, art, craft and healing stalls will be available.

‘A Taste of Culture’ kids event is also taking place on the same night, which is a free Indian cooking demonstration with tastings, Indian story and kids performance at 4.30pm in the market central.

Dr Sarita Mc Harg is celebrating Diwali in the Yarra Valley bringing her culture, delicious street food cooking demo, storytelling, dancing and traditional music.

The grand opening of UpCycles will be tied in to the massive night at ECOSS, which is something the team has been building over

BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE YARRA VALLEY

the last two years.

ECOSS aims to create community around this hub to upcycle discarded bikes for donations to people without bikes.

UpCycles will help reduce carbon emissions by encouraging pedal power and increase health and wellbeing whilst reducing bikes going to landfill.

This space has been generously funded by Sustainability Victoria and is a very well resourced workshop.

The community’s encouraged to come and enjoy the Rhythms of the World, A Taste of Culture kids events and the grand opening of UpCycles on Friday 16 September at 711 Old Warburton Rd Wesburn.

Yarra Valley ECOSS honours the traditional custodians of this land, the elders, community and emerging elders.

Grand Opening 12567431-DL37-22

16th September 5pm

Thanks to Sustainability Victoria for funding the fit out of this wonderful community asset.

Learn to fix bikes, donate a bike for UpCycling, save landfill, become a member.

Open every Saturday,10am-4pm with fortnightly workshops.

Introduction to Bike Maintenance subsidised through Box Hill Institute. Thursdays 10am – 2.30pm from 13 October.

Friday 16th September ~ 3.30pm til late

Drop in and meet Damian the facilitator.

$25 family, $15 Adult, $10 Conc. $5 Child Yarra Valley ECOSS - 711 Old Warburton Rd Wesburn Tix: https://events.humanitix.com/rhythms-of-the-world

upcycles@ecoss.org.au

https://ecoss.org.au/portfolio-items/upcycles/ 711 Old Warburton rd, Wesburn

Supported by

12567441-ET37-22

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MAIL 15

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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 promote 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.”

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

Picture: SUPPLIED

ARIA-award winning artist Josh Pyke to visit Healesville Australian artist Josh Pyke 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 selfdiscovery 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

Josh Pyke is coming to Belgrave and Healesville. 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

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

Picture: JEFFERTON JAMES connecting with the audience.

“I’ll also have the incredible Hayley Mary from the Jezebels playing support so there’s a

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

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 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/f4d5116c41e7-4ec6-9847-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

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

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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NEWS

Tough winter for rescues

By Tyler Wright This winter has brought an increased number of dead and injured wildlife throughout the Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council local government areas (LGAs).

Between 1 June to 31 August 2021, 460 reports of injured or dead animals within the Yarra Ranges LGA were made to Wildlife Victoria, a number which rose to 536 in the same time period in 2022.

The Cardinia Shire LGA has also seen an increase in dead and injured wildlife over the winter period; increasing from 196 reports in 2021 to 266 in 2022.

Carol Seeger runs the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter based in Kallista, and said this winter season has brought a “terrible increase” in wombats being hit by cars in the Yarra Ranges.

Along with her carers, Carol is currently housing about 30 wombats and joeys found injured.

“Around [Kallista] and Emerald, Menzies Creek I had to put some down [and] they were still alive,” Carol said.

“I had to go out to one near Choo Choos [restaurant] in Emerald, and it died just as I got there.

The lady had pulled it off the road, but she didn’t hit it; the person that hit it just left it.”

Hotspots for injured wildlife callouts include Monbulk, Emerald, Menzies Creek, Macclesfield Road and Wellington Road specifically.

According to data from Wildlife Victoria, the Eastern Grey Kangaroo has suffered the most in the Yarra Ranges municipality with 520 reported in the past year, closely followed by 367 ringtail possum reports and 233 wombats.

“People are coming home [at] 5pm or 5:30pm [when] it’s still dark, just on dusk,” Carol said.

Rescues like the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter aim to nurse orphaned and injured wildlife back to health.

Carol with a joey that has an injured leg. 297731 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“Another girl who works as volunteer, she goes down Wellington Road and in a couple of weeks she counted 16 dead kangaroos down there.

We’ve had a bit of a reprieve with Covid, not as many people were on the road, so as soon as Covid [restrictions] stopped you started getting more [reports] because animals got used to, very quickly, not as many cars being on the road.”

Wildlife rescuer for Wildlife Victoria and volunteer for the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, Leanne Sultana, has attended 10 reports of injured wombats in the past two months, a “drop in the ocean” of the total amount of injured or dead wildlife in the Yarra Ranges.

Leanne said wildlife rescue service Help for

Wildlife advised her it received 28 reports of dead wombats hit by vehicles throughout the Yarra Ranges this winter.

Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said there has been a 15 to 20 per cent increase in case volumes each year for suck, injured and orphaned wildlife around the state.

“Our wildlife face increasing threats due to habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation and climate change,” Lisa said.

As these injuries increase, volunteers at local wildlife rescues like Carol’s will continue their effort to nurse the wildlife back to health, with a word of advice for motorists heading into spring.

“Pull [wildlife] off the road at least, and don’t lay them on their stomach because they

Carol Seeger runs the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, and alongside her carers is currently housing around 30 wombats. 297731 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS smother the baby, too,” Carol said.

“Either lay them on their side or upside down...always pull them off the road, or ring somebody straight away.”

To report a wildlife emergency, contact Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300 or submit an online form via the Wildlife Victoria website: https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/wildlife-information/report-a-wildlife-emergency.

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

Pick up a printed copy of Yarra Ranges Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere.

12567208-SN37-22

Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!

Read it now Scan the QR CODE

OR VISIT: yarrarangeskidstoday.com.au/digital-editions mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 17

NEWS

Echidnas board love train The echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary are forming a love train in the hope of finding a potential mate.

Waddling closely behind one another with snout-to-rump, the stumpy, spiny anteaters are courting their love interests for periods lasting several hours. It’s a quirky behaviour that keepers describe as the first step to possible echidna puggles.

Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Craig McQueen said keepers are pairing different echidnas together and taking notes on which pairs are interested in each other.

“We have seen good behaviours from the couples. Two of the echidnas, named Lincoln and Snoopy, seemed pretty interested straight away,” Mr McQueen said.

“If breeding is successful, the female will retreat to a nesting burrow, where she will lay an egg and incubate, and a puggle will hatch from that egg approximately 10 days later. She will then keep the puggle in a pouch for the next few months.

“We have never bred echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary, but fingers crossed it may happen in the future.”

Echidna trains can last up to 10 hours a day for up to 6 weeks before mating eventually occurs. They are a mostly solitary species, so it is uncommon to see the train-like behaviour. In the wild, echidna trains can contain multiple animals.

Echidnas are monotremes and can be found right across Australia. Typical breeding occurs from late June to early September. The gestation period can be between 21 – 28 days.

Eight Short-beaked echidnas call Healesville Sanctuary home.

Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.

Echidnas at the Healesville Sanctuary are starting their love train. 298039

Eight Short-beaked echidnas call Healesville Sanctuary home. 298039

All aboard the love train for Echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary as part of finding their love match.

298039 Pictures: ZOOS VICTORIA

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12544966-DL15-22

18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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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

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 19

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 all-seasons 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 Gorgeous cottage & Yarra River view

$650,000 - $695,000

716 Lusatia Park Rd, Hoddles Creek 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 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

$900,000 - $990,000

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

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.

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

Richard Linton 0448488147

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

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

$550,000-$600,000

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).

gift card to prepare your property for Spring Selling*.

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

FREE $500

maxbrown.com.au Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 21

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 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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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

Jack murray 0493 136 937

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.

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.

Jane Mortimer | 0457620 542

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

SHErBrOOKE 33 SHERBROOkE LODGE ROAD THE SHErBrOOKE LIFESTYLE

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

“We Put You First”

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

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MAIL 23

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 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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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

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

22 Kitchener Road, TECOMA

3A 2B

SPECTACULAR CIRCA 1920S HOME STEPS FROM TOWN

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

5 Leonard Street, UPWEY

$770,000 - $830,000 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

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 25

PUZZLES

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16-09-22

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 27

COMMUNITY DIARY tribute to conserving the natural world. No matter what your age, you too can be an environmental volunteer.

To find out more and to register, visit: https:// www.helmetedhoneyeater.org.au/get-involved/come-to-an-event-2/

COMMUNITY DIARY

HEWI Children’s School Holidays Waterbugs Workshop

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Thursday 29 September, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Suitable for ages 6-16 Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre, 12-14 Anzac Ave, Yarra Glen Come along and learn how to find and identify waterbugs from the Yarra River. Some are platypus food, and what we see will tell us the quality of the water.

BYO snack and a drink. Cost $10 per child (one adult per family is free and must stay for the session). Gold coin donation to the centre from adults for tea/coffee.

Bookings and payment by Tuesday 27 September to Karen admin@hewi.org.au or 0418 999 936

Healesville Library school holiday program Monday 19 September and Monday 26 September 10:30am - 12pm Lego Fun - Engineering Put your Lego building skills to the test in our Lego engineering challenge. (Ages 6-12) Free Bookings Essential Tuesday 20 September 10am – 11:30am Making People Make fun paper people, with moving arms and legs, then dress them up!

All materials provided. (Ages 5 – 15) Free Bookings Essential Tuesday 27 September 2:00pm – 5:00pm Science Afternoon - Volcanoes Drop in any time for an afternoon of volcanos! Learn about how they work, watch one erupt, and make your own mini volcano. (Ages 5 – 10) Free Bookings Essential Thursday 29 September 3:00pm – 4:00pm Zinezibar Zine Workshops Special School holiday zine workshop! Come to Healesville Library and learn how to make zines. (All ages.)

Free Bookings Essential Every Day Of The School Holidays Never-Ending Story Add yours words to our

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Hidden Stillness.

Healesville Library story using our retro typewriter. (Ages 3+) Every Day Of The School Holidays Indigenous Languages Map Matching Activity Match books containing language to the lands from which they come (ages 7+)

·

Healesville Living and Learning Centre LGBTQIA+ dinner After such a great response to our first LGBTQIA+ dinner, we are pleased to announce we have set the date for our next dinner on 22nd September, at 6.30pm.

Please share the flyer attached, or information in your newsletter/community diary. Bookings essential as we filled up quickly last time.

Please check with the Centre, following the announcement of public holiday.

Yarra Valley VIEW Club for Women lunch Have fun whilst helping disadvantaged children.

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Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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sion. Buffey’s dedication to nature and connection to the Yarra Ranges move her to create works of stunning colour and vivid detail.

Buffey works in Melbourne as a Mental Health Social Worker and retreats to the Yarra Valley for inspiration for her art and photography.

Buffey has used some ‘grisaille painting’ style to create photorealistic works that emphasises this unique part of the world. Inspired by photography practice. Buffey seeks to ‘capture the moment’ in her paintings, allowing the viewer to deeply engage with the subject matter.

Exhibit runs until Sunday, 02 October 2022 | 04:00 PM Address: Warburton Art Centre, Warburton Hwy, Warburton

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12492429-HC18-21

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The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater invite families with pre-teen (0-12 year old) children to our next Kids & Conservation morning on Monday 26 September from 10am-12noon at Yellingbo.

We provide an opportunity for families of young children to build strong connections with like-minded people and the natural world. Come and enjoy an adventure in the natural environment through nature play, conservation activities and sharing stories together.

Events will actively include parents, grandparents, carers and older siblings. We pay attention to the changes each season brings, have some fun, share in what we discover and con-

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· When: Tuesday 27 September 2022 11.30am for a 12 noon start. Booking · Time: essential · · Where: Chirnside Park Country Club Enquiries: Val 0419 007 728 · Speaker: Lesley Porter from The Good · Guest Life Farm Hidden Stillness Hidden Stillness is informed by the splendour Kids & Conservation of the Yarra Valley Landscape, which Buffey captures in a series of engaging paintings. morning in Yellingbo Having recently rediscovered her artistic pas-

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SPORT

Woori take down Wandin

By Tyler Lewis Woori Yallock has held off a fast-finishing Wandin to secure the final place in the Outer East Premier Division grand final.

The Tigers had control of the arm-wrestle for three quarters; leading by nine points, 12 points and 26 points at the respective breaks before the Dogs bit back.

Wandin - with just three goals to threequarter time - booted an additional three to the 12-minute mark of the final stanza, breathing life back into what had been a rather anticlimactic affair.

When Wandin’s Tom Merlino soccered through the Dogs fourth of the final term, the margin was yanked back to a solitary point, and memories of the sizzling Wandin finish just two week’s ago filtered around Healesville Reserve.

And though the momentum of the contest was well and truly in the favour of Wandin, the footy gods granted Jack Cole’s men one last wish at the 24-minute mark of the last.

Woori Yallock - which had yet to score in the final term - were delivered a holding the ball free kick, after Bulldog star Patty Bruzzese dragged the ball in deep in his defensive pocket.

Some unappreciated umpire feedback guided Mitch Arnold from the pocket to the top of the goal square and ultimately, to a date with Narre Warren next Sunday.

In the wake of the 8.9 (57) to 7.8 (50) victory, Woori Yallock coach Jack Cole revealed how a grand final berth is a rightful reward for eight months of hard work.

“We probably deserve it, we finished second,” he explained.

“They were terrific in the final series, Wandin, but I thought all year we were aiming to play in a grand final once it all settled down.

“To get there is good for the boys, they’ve worked really hard… they are very resilient, they never give up.

“There’s some old stooges in there that have been there and done it, and then there’s some young blokes that are learning from them.

It didn’t come without trepidation however, as the Tigers’ forgettable final quarter a fortnight ago remained front of mind for Cole.

“I suppose when they got within seven points it got pretty worrying… then they got another one and it got really worrying,” he said with relief.

“I was just trying to get us to keep our calm, but we couldn’t go too defensive, we had to try and score.

“If we were going to wait it out they (Wandin) were just going to run over the top of us.”

While it wasn’t a good day for the forwards

Picture: ROB CAREW

Mitchell Arnold sealed victory for the Tigers. 297198 at either end, Cole praised his back six - led by Joel Smith and Jacob Aitchison in particular.

“The backline was good all day,” he said.

“At the end with their extra run, we had a few blokes injured, they were able to get few us, but other than that, the backline was terrific.

“Thompson and (Liam) Odea were out, they are our two running midfielders.

“Thompson definitely won’t be playing and we’re just hoping for Odea.”

As for the message the grand final bound coach sent to his players post game: “You’re in it, now you can win it, if you’re not it in it, you can’t win it… that’s what I say,” Cole said.

The Tigers - who are the only side to defeat Narre Warren this season - will now face the Pies for the ultimate prize.

Wandin coach Nick Adam said it was a disappointing way to finish their season.

“Woori [Yallock] were able to defend the ground really well and for three quarters we weren’t able to get any connection to centre forward,” he said.

“I’m proud of the way our players responded at three-quarter time and once fatigue became a factor and the ground opened up we were almost able to pinch it but they were

too good on the day and deserve to be going through to the decider. I wish Jack and the boys well next week.”

WANDIN v WOORI YALLOCK GOAL BY GOAL TIMELINE TIME PLAYER (CLUB) MARGIN FIRST QUARTER 06.44 M Cerquarelli (Wandin) Dogs by 6 14.25 J Ryan (Woori Yallock) Dogs by 1 16.10 J Ryan (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 5 End of quarter: Wandin 1.3 (9) to Woori Yallock 2.5 (17) SECOND QUARTER 07.52 M Mutsaers (Wandin) Scores level 21.45 Z Monkhorst (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 7 23.10 A Marsh (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 13 End of quarter: Wandin 2.5 (17) to Woori Yallock 3.6 (30) THIRD QUARTER 09.09 C Johnson (Wandin) Tigers by 8 14.55 J Neal (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 14 23.10 J Hay (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 20 26.30 K Busoli (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 26 End of quarter: Wandin 3.7 (25) to Woori Yallock 7.8 (51) FOURTH QUARTER

· · · · · ·

· · · ·

Tigers by 20 · 07.42 J Garner (Wandin) 10.32 C Smith (Wandin) Tigers by 14 · · 12.33 M Cerquarelli (Wandin) Tigers by 8 · 22.12 T Merlino (Wandin) Tigers by 1 · 24.37 M Arnold (Woori Yallock) Tigers by 7 End of game: Wandin 7.8 (50) def by Woori Yallock 8.9 (57) SCOREBOARD WANDIN 1.3 2.5 3.7 7.8 (50) WOORI YALLOCK 2.5 4.6 7.9 8.9 (57) Wandin Goals: M Cerquarelli 2, C Johnson, J Garner, C Smith, T Merlino. Best: C Smith, H van Duuren, C Hirst, T HInds, B Chapman, T Garner.

Wandin Best: C Smith, H van Duuren, C Hirst, T Hinds, B Chapman, T Garner Woori Yallock Goals: J Ryan 2, M Arnold, K Busoli, J Hay, A Marsh, Z Monkhorst. Best: B Spencer, J Lindgren, R Allen, N Mende, L Boontjes, J Smith.

Woori Yallock Best: B Spencer, J Lindgren, R Allen, N Mende, L Boontjes, J Smith FIXTURE Sunday 18 September Narre Warren v Woori Yallock at Gembrook Recreation Reserve, 2.10pm

·

Yarra Glen B Grade lose in semi, while A team go on

By David Ball Netball Yarra Glen was proudly represented in the Division 1 Semi-Finals on Saturday at Yarra Junction with A and B Grade teams competing.

In A grade, Yarra Glen played Emerald and jumped out of the blocks to be leading 15-6 at quarter time. Katelyn Vanderkolk and Peta Fay were superb in defence.

Emerald lifted in the second but the Yarra Glen team absorbed the extra pressure and extended their lead to be 26-14 ahead at halftime.

The third quarter was similar, both sides moved the ball well but Yarra Glen was more composed and with Steph Gibbs converting well in goal, Yarra Glen held a commanding 15-goal lead at 3 quarter time. With the game well in hand, Yarra Glen eased up in the last quarter as Emerald kept trying hard. The final score of Yarra Glen 42 to Emerald 31.

Best for Yarra Glen were Jacqui Hibberd, mailcommunity.com.au

Chelsea Birchall and Peta Fay, with Steph Gibbs finishing off the good work with 28 goals.

Next Saturday Yarra Glen plays Seville in the Preliminary final at Woori Yallock.

In B Grade Yarra Glen played Belgrave in the cutthroat first Semi-Final. Yarra Glen started slowly but worked hard and improved their ball handling to get back into the game. It was a thrilling encounter with the final quarter a goal-for-goal battle. Yarra Glen levelled the scores in the dying seconds to see the game finish at 41 – 41 when the siren sounded. This meant that extra time was needed to break the deadlock and decide who was to progress to the Preliminary final.

Belgrave was able to control things just a little better than Yarra Glen and basically, just the one turnover made the difference as Belgrave ended up winners, 48 to Yarra Glen 46.

Best for Yarra Glen were Kim Williams, Bree Pascoe Fraser and Gemma Ryan.

It was a great effort, especially as the club moved up a Division from last year.

Yarra Glen’s Chelsea Birchall was one of the best players in their A Grade semi-final win.

Picture: ON FILE Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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MAIL 29

SPORT

Seville off to grand final All roads lead to the Mac Sparkes Oval in Warburton to watch the Blue Boys of Seville go up against the Lime Greens of Gembrook in the second Semi-Final with a Grand Final spot at stake.

A large crowd was in attendance hoping the weather would hold off, a few raindrops arrived but it didn’t stop their enthusiasm.

Seville was kicking to the left of screen and had a goal on the board in the first few minutes thanks to a snap by The Tip Rat Dylan Broadway.

The Lime Greens seemed to have more of the play but with both teams having 15 inside 50s each and Gembrook’s inaccurate kicking by registering 1-6 for the term saw the Blue Boys head into quarter time with a 7-point lead.

Seville 3-1-19 Gembrook 1-6-12.

Gembrook had their first goal of the second quarter when Michael Spud Firrito goaled, which was then followed by another by Miles Wereham saw the Lime Greens start to flex their muscles.

Seville was breaking even in general play but just couldn’t hit the scoreboard.

Deng Nai dominated the ruck whilst Weightman, Strachan and Buster Shore were getting plenty of the pill around the ground.

With the Lime Greens snagging 5 for the quarter the Blues could only manage 1, Gem-

· ·

Warburton Golf Club results

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 7 September, Stroke and M.McGrann “Bag-day”: With the “big wet” not receding, heavy conditions continued to confront the field,( although carts, at least, were back on the course!) This change of conditions resulted in a bigger field of 34 tackling the course! With all of this taken into account, any Nett scores under Par were definitely worth praise. Clint Toohey and Robert Ferguson both recorded Nett 68’s. Unfortunately for Robert, Clinton’s back 9 was the superior score, thus gifting Clint the main prize.

But well done to both boys as the next best Nett score was a 72! Balls extended to Nett 76!

NTPs were presented to Max Carvill (3rd), John Hall (9th---welcome back, Ex-Presidente), David Murch (12th) and to Geoffrey Fall (15th).

Saturday 10 September, Stableford: With the rain hanging around before and during this competition, course conditions were certainly no less demanding! The golfer in the field who handled those demands best was David Hatt, who posted a very healthy 36 points. Although Hatty won “outright” on the day, he only got there via a tight countback. A regular guest, Graeme Snell, visiting from the SGA group also recorded a 36-point game and went home with the runner-up voucher. I believe the ball rundown got to 32. Not surprisingly, there were only two NTP winners, they being Hatty on the 3rd, whilst Aaron Henderson claimed one on the 9th!

It should be mentioned that carts, which were off again on Saturday, may be allowed back for mid-week comp on Wednesday. We can only hope!

Warburton Golf Club results.

30 MAIL

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Picture: ON FILE

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

brook headed into the long break with a 16-point lead.

Seville 4-2-26 Gembrook 6-6-42 The third quarter was a classic having the crowd in attendance on the edge of their seats.

The Tip Rat Dylan Broadway had one on the board in the first 30 seconds, this followed by a quick reply from Gembrook to steady the ship.

Then Seville hit the scoreboard with goals from Mick Condello, Jackson Lowe, Roberto Petracca and Dylishous Broadway with his second for the term.

Seville’s back 6 were well on top at this stage.

The Sciortino brothers doing their business, Jack “Panda” Nolan dominant in the air while the “Big Ryno” Ryan Farrow was playing his role to a tee.

The Lime Greens had plenty of free ball themselves earning 13 free kicks for the quarter.

A 6-goal to 4 quarter by Seville saw them head into the orange break 5 points in arrears.

Seville 10-3-63 Gembrook 10-8-68 Seville had their work cut out having to work hard and push into the wind to remain in the contest.

A period of 6 or 7 minutes of solid finals footy saw Seville turn the game on its head.

Playing some of their best footy of the

· ·

· ·

year, goals to Chris “Critta” Niclasen followed by majors to Petracca and Strachany saw the Blues take the game by the scruff of the neck.

In a quarter that seemed to go for an hour ( Philthy Phil Muscara’s stopwatch on a go slow) Seville had busted the game open kicking 3-9 for the quarter and keeping the Lime Greens to 1 solitary point.

Seville through to the Grand Final on Friday 23 September at the Yarra Glen Showgrounds.

Goalkickers Broadway 4, Petracca 3, Strachan 2, Lowe 1 , Mick Condello 1, Critter 1 and Libba Cecere 1.

Seville will play the winner of next weekend’s clash between Berwick Springs and Gembrook.

Seville’s C Grade Netballers also won their way into the Grand Final beating Gembrook 32 to 26.

Seville Reserves lost to Berwick Springs 10.12, 72 to 4.3, 27.

Seville A Grade netball lost to Berwick 31 to 42.

Seville B Grade netball lost to Berwick 39 to 47.

Seville D Grade netball lost to Berwick 27 to 24.

Seville’s Reserves Football and A, B and D Grade Netball play in next week’s Preliminary Finals to hopefully secure a Grand Final berth after their losses.

· · · · · · ·

Seville’s Deng Nai contests the ruck with Mark Cecere and Josh Weightman waiting for the crumbs.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Wandin Park RCA’s showjumping comp

By Callum Ludwig Wandin Park Riding Club for Adults (RAC) recently hosted a showjumping competition, proudly sponsored by Seville’s The Saddlery Shop.

The horse-riding club has been a longstanding community feature, hosting rallies once a month for Dressage, Showjumping/ Poles or Cross Country.

President Anita Nathan said it was a really successful day.

“We thought numbers would be pretty low and they were probably double what we anticipated, which was great, and it ran pretty smoothly. There were no issues and no falls thank goodness, and people had a good day,” she said.

“Numbers are down a bit across the board at the moment, including ours, we are down from about 70 members to somewhere in the fifties, but we still have a lot of regular people coming back to the rallies each month.”

The rallies are held on the first Sunday each month at Wandin Park, 305 Victoria Rd Gruyere.

Ms Nathan said it’s very important for aspiring riders to have the opportunity to get involved.

“Any event takes a lot to organise, and a lot of people to help on the day but as a club, you definitely have to run stuff, if you don’t then no one gets to get out and about and do these things,” she said.

“We try to hold one event every year, and next year may be dressage or showjumping again, but you put in the hours and get the rewards in the participation of those people who want to be involved.”

Award winners at the showjumping event were as follows: Level 5 winner Christina Demers. Level 4, Deborah Frier and Mikayla Perceval; Level 3 Erica Foden and Ose Siewertsen; Level 2 Tara McDonald and Ethan Height and Level 1 Della Hughson and Danni McKeen.

The Saddlery Shop owner Kim Anning said she has been a member and sponsor of the club for many years.

“It’s a special one for me and I enjoy raising awareness of the shop out there in the equestrian community. It’s good to provide some incentive for the riders so they win a prize,” she said.

“Things have been incredibly difficult, obviously, with the lockdown situation, and all clubs rely on these events. It’s their only real way of raising funds and getting money in the bank to keep the club going. Every-

Rider Maddison Clark at the showjumping event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Christina Demers with her winner’s ribbon.

Deborah Frier with her prize.

one’s keen to get back in action after being off for so long.”

The Saddlery Shop has been sponsoring the Wandin Park RCA for nearly ten years.

More information on the Wandin Park RCA can be found on their website, including rally dates, competitions and costs: www. wandinparkrca.webs.com/ mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Yarra Junction on hunt for players

By Callum Ludwig Yarra Junction Cricket Club are searching for new Womens and Junior cricketers ahead of the new season.

The Women’s team are heading into their third season and looking to build upon their strong improvement.

Women’s Head Coach and Junior Coordinator Mike Ainsley said the Women’s side has managed to keep the core of the team they’ve had since day one.

“It is brilliant, and a lot of teams are set to enter the RDCA competition this year, so there will now be four grades. There’s a lot of competition to get new players in,” he said.

“The use of social media can be a brilliant thing so we thought we’d get our voice out there, it can’t hurt when trying to get some new players recruited.

The Eagles just missed out on finals last year, finishing fifth in Division B Blue Grade.

Mr Ainsley said the side’s progress is a testament to the girls’ efforts.

“We finished bottom in our first year but managed to get two wins that season, which is two more than we thought we’d get. They’ve been training hard since day one and we were not too far from a finals berth last year with four wins, which shows a ton of improvement,” he said.

“We’ve lost a couple of players, but brought a few in as well so the balance of the side will be similar. We’ll be playing a lot more one day

games this season, rather than T20’s which we had to due to Covid restrictions.”

Lisa Hill and Carly Miller are the team’s premier batters, while they also had two of the best bowlers in the competition in Ameilia Kuth and Alannah Bomford.

Mr Ainsley said the girls are looking forward to playing more one-day cricket.

“It is definitely our strong point, and where we get the most runs and wickets. It definitely feels stronger than our T20 stuff,” he said.

“We are hoping for a big season from Alannah Bomford, who took out the league bowling average last season and Ameilia Kuth who is probably one of the quickest bowlers in the league.”

Unfortunately, the situation for the juniors is looking dire, with a lack of players being seen around the league.

Mr Ainsley said a merger is on the cards.

“Juniors are the future of all clubs, and it’s pretty tough in the Valley at the moment trying to get kids back playing cricket after Covid. We are talking to a couple of clubs in Woori Yallock and Launching Place, which will hopefully be the plan this season,” he said.

“The last thing we want is to have three clubs, fielding five or six players so hopefully we get teams for each of the age groups and kids get the most enjoyment out by having a full team.”

Anyone interested in playing can contact Mike Ainsley at 0491 678 420 or juniors can also contact Carly Millar at 0410 592 426.

The M.A.L.T.T.A ladies are inviting everyone to come join in on some relaxed tennis.

Picture: ON FILE

Relaxed tennis play

Alannah Bomford receiving the Bowling Average award last season.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Mountain Area Ladies Tuesday Tennis Association is inviting anyone who’d like to play relaxed competition tennis on Tuesday mornings from 10am.

M.A.L.T.T.A. is comprised of 7 clubs around the Yarra Valley including Healesville.

All the above clubs would be happy to hear from anyone keen to join our friendly bunch of people of all ages and all abilities – even beginners and rusty veterans!

Open mornings are coming up, called Come ‘N Try tennis. They are hosted at the courts in Queens Park, Healesville on Tuesday 13 September 10am to 1pm M.A.L.T.T.A. celebrated its 40th birthday last year, and some ladies have been members since its foundation. Players of all ages are welcome, and gentlemen and ladies are welcome at this event.

For any inquiries, call Glenda 59 67 1008 or Kathy 59 62 36 39

Yarra Glen Cricket Club celebrates its season launch

By Renee Wood Yarra Glen Cricket Club celebrated its season launch on Saturday 10 September, seeing a great turn out of players across entry level, juniors and seniors.

Secretary Jordan Bain said it’s great to see strong community support after a tough couple of years as the committee rebuilds the club’s foundations.

“Some key people have done some exceptionally good work to get it to where it is today and there’s a really bright future ahead for the club,” Mr Bain said.

“So having the season launches it signifies that the club is in a really good position.”

Their hoping to have three senior teams, one up from previous years, and juniors competing from Cricket Blasters up to under 16s.

“You need to have a really healthy mix of juniors right from foundation level with the cricket blasters and under 10s. It’s so important to get kids exposed to cricket before you know the age of 12,” he said.

“If you don’t have junior cricketers coming through, then the outlook for your senior sides can be really significantly impacted.”

Female participation is another area the club is looking to focus on, with girls making up 40 per cent of the players joining the blasters foundation group.

One women has also joined the seniors in a mixed team and Mr Bain said the player will help to engage younger girls and women to join in other ways.

Following the launch, training will continue with seniors meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings and juniors Tuesdays and Wednesdays. New recruits are always welcome.

“We’re the only club essentially in the whole league that has an indoor training facility, so we can train rain, hail or shine with an indoor facility, whereas a lot of clubs rely on outdoor nets at their grounds, which is if it’s impacted by weather you can’t train.”

Under 16s are also joining some of the senior training sessions to bridge the gap for the young players as they look ahead to senior competitions.

The club’s target for the season ahead is to hold a healthy mix of numbers across all age ranges for the season and creating opportunimailcommunity.com.au

Ella won the lolly jar prize playing some of the many activities for kids at the launch.

Travis Gloury (senior player), Matt Coghlan (senior coach and team captain), Julian Holland (junior co-ordinator and senior player).

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Jordan Bain, secretary, speaking to the crowd at the event.

Kade won the Harry Potter prize playing the kids’ activities.

ties for players at various levels of experience.

“We really want to make sure that as part of that we want it to be fun… And we’re really fo-

of respect for everyone in the community, that just creates a really good atmosphere where people want to be around it.”

cused on making sure that family and mateship are really taken into account for the season.

“With those sorts of values and a high level

Tuesday, 13 September, 2022

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