Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 29th November 2022

A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

Mail A Star News Group Publication

RANGES TRADER FERNTREE GULLY BELGRAVE

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Christmas in the

Dandenong Ranges

It’s beginning to feel and look a lot like Christmas as we start to dust off the decorations and hunt for presents to wrap. But why not do something a little different this year and give the gift of giving through a charity donation. There are many animals like Harvey at Coldstream’s Animal Aid who are receiving care while waiting for adoption. When you donate to Animal Aid this Christmas, your gift will help them deliver life-changing medical and behavioural care the surrendered animals desperately need and deserve. Why not visit the shelter or their website to donate and show your support this festive season.

CHRISTMAS IN THE DANDENONG RANGES

Giving trees Have a Merry Christmas in the Yarra Ranges.

A Yarra Ranges Christmas From your Christmas tree to your Christmas dinner table, you can find everything you need this season in Yarra Ranges. But it’s more than gifts and goodies – although from magical toy stores to quirky gift shops, or handcrafted home goods our local businesses certainly provide unique and thoughtful gift ideas. It’s finding your reason to have a Yarra Ranges Christmas. Maybe it’s picking the perfect tree from the same farm every year – knowing your supporting a third generation Christmas tree farming family, your children running through the pines with the farmer’s kids. Picking your own cherries, straight from the tree, and finishing the day with that once-a-year cherry ice-cream. Then stopping at the faregates on your way home, for honey, fresh eggs or flowers. Or it’s buying your traditional Christmas pudding from that one place where you know the bakers’ mother hand ties every ribbon, on every pudding. It’s the stories you find behind local businesses that make these seasonal expe-

riences become a yearly tradition, making memories for a lifetime. We’re celebrating everything our abundant region has to offer our locals and our visitors this year, supporting our local businesses and encouraging you to find your reason to celebrate in Yarra Ranges. Local businesses, trader groups and community groups are hosting a festive array of events from carols to Christmas markets – check out the Enjoy Local Calendar to discover what’s on near you – or make a day of it and explore a different slice of Yarra Ranges with a side of festive cheer. Look out for Council’s Christmas window competition, nominate your favourite businesses’ display vote for their entry and go into the draw for a hamper of local goodies. The Civic Centre and Community Links are hosting Wishing Trees this year, supporting local charities. Pop in and leave a donation under the tree. However you celebrate the festive season, you’ll find your reason to support local this season in the Yarra Ranges.

The holidays are often full of joy, but for many in the community, it can be a difficult time. Healesville Inter-Church Community Care Inc, the Philanthropic Collective and Holy Fools are teaming up to help struggling families this Christmas, with donation points around the Yarra Ranges where people can drop off food and goods for those in need. One drop-off point is below the giving tree at Casey MP Aaron Violi’s office, located at Suite 11, 1 East Ridge Drive Chirnside Park. Mr Violi said he was inspired to help out by Neil Taylor and Holy Fools, who he met through the Lilydale Township Group. “Once I became the MP, it just felt like a really good opportunity to use the office and to use my profile to assist Neil and also other organizations to bring more food and more hampers to help those in need,” he said. “We’re obviously going through a really significant cost of living crisis, which is what it is for a lot of people and so there are more people than ever that need assistance.” The Life Ministry Church in Chirnside Park recently dropped off 10 hampers for the donation drive and Mr Violi said it is quite easy for others seeking to contribute to take part. “We’re open at the office here from 9am to 5pm, so just come in and talk to the team here, let them know and leave food under the tree,” he said. “If they can’t make it to Chirnside I would urge people to look on the Holy Fools website, have a look at HICCCI and the Philanthropic Collective’s website as well, and donate to one of their collection points.” The best donations are non-perishable items like canned foods but also Christmas foods like chocolate and biscuits for a special treat.

Casey MP Aaron Violi with the Giving Tree. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE Mr Violi said Christmas was a great time to take a moment to check on those in your local community. “While it’s such a joyful time for us all, not everyone is having a great time and just checking in making a phone call and saying Merry Christmas I’m thinking of you can really make a difference,” he said. “We’ve had a big three years as a community and I urge everyone to check in on your friends, neighbours and family.”

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

AARON VIOLI FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CASEY Suite 11, 1 East Ridge Drive, Chirnside Park VIC 3116 aaron.violi.mp@aph.gov.au 12579608-FC48-22

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9727 0799 AaronVioliCasey

Authorised by Aaron Violi MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Suite 11, 1 East Ridge Drive, Chirnside Park VIC 3116.

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Yarra Ranges Council

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CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

Wrapping up a big year With Christmas a few short weeks away, we are all feeling positive and hopeful of an enjoyable 2023. This year has seen Community Bank Monbulk & District celebrate 10 years in Monbulk. We celebrated our 10th Birthday with a Family Fun Day and a Community night. Both were wonderful ways to celebrate the birthday with shareholders, customers and community. The team are proud to have supported many community lead initiatives to help the town thrive. From supporting the Monbulk RSL with the purchase of a generator which was instrumental to the town during the power outages triggered by the storms in June 2021, to providing Open Door Pantry with funds towards the renovation of the pantry building located on the corner of David Hill Road and Moxhams Road, in conjunction with Carter Bros Fruit and Veg in Silvan we also donate fresh green grocery food to the Open Door Pantry on a weekly basis. There has also been support for local school mentoring programs, mental health programs, run community movie nights for local families and many other grassroot initiatives. As an essential service Community Bank Monbulk & District have remained committed to the community. ‘We’re open and we’re here for you’ is their motto and staff have been fantastic, looking after customers and community groups to ensure we can help through this continuing financially challenging time. The team have remained focused on helping locals achieve their financial goals with our good old fashioned face to face service. The Board of Directors gets to make the decision on how our funds are spent and really make a difference in Monbulk. The board of eight directors are locals and a great represen-

The Community Bank Monbulk & District branch staff and board, wish the community a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Picture: SUPPLIED tation of the people in our community. Many are parents or grandparents and have many years of business and professional experience. This year Community Bank Monbulk & District has remained focused on supporting our

local clubs, groups and schools with our sponsorship and grants program. We are thrilled to have reached over $660,000 in community contributions since we opened in 2012. Chairman Leo Koelewyn said, “Reaching

the $660,000 mark is such a fantastic achievement for a community enterprise that many perceived as a far-off dream ten years ago.” “We have taken this dream for a locally owned and operated bank and turned it into a reality, financially supporting hundreds of community initiatives in the process. “Thanks to the support of our shareholders, branch staff, company board and customers we have been able to grow to be one of the biggest sources of community funding in Monbulk.” Every year Community Bank Monbulk & District partners with the Monbulk Care Network and their annual Wishing Tree Christmas Present appeal. The wishing tree is now in the branch and people can select a tag and help a local child in need this Christmas. We thank you in advance as every year we are humbled by the generosity of the Monbulk & District Community. We will also continue to take donations of non perishable goods for the Open Door Community Pantry which is doing fantastic work in our community assisting families and people with food. Community Bank Monbulk & District are also proud supporters of this year’s Merry Monbulk Street Party. This fantastic community event is back after a few years away due to Covid restrictions. Run this year by the newly formed Monbulk Traders Association the event promises to be a fun filled family event coupled with late night trading. Book the date into your diaries and we look forward to seeing you there! On behalf of the Community Bank Monbulk & District branch staff and board, we wish our community a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

Santa to join the CFA By Parker McKenzie Monbulk CFA’s annual Santa Run, a “decades” old tradition, is returning in 2022 on Christmas Eve. On Saturday 24 December, the station’s tanker — decorated for the holiday season — will hit the streets of Monbulk and hand out sweets. 2nd Lieutenant Glenn Higginbotham said the brigade would be heading out from the CFA station at 2pm and driving the streets. “Everyone can keep track of the location of the truck through our Facebook page,” he said. “It’s always great to see the smiling faces and kids running out to the truck wanting to see Santa and get lollies of course.” Monbulk CFA and other brigades have been

hosting their Santa Run for decades, with last year the brigade spending four and half hours touring Santa around the streets. Mr Higginbotham said other brigades will often do their Santa Runs on different dates and the best way to find out is to look at their local fire brigade’s Facebook pages. “Not all of them will have the app or the tracking of where we are up to, we’ve had the vehicle tracking for two or three years now and it works well,” he said. “People know where we will be and where we are headed, but also listen out for the sirens.” For more information closer to the date of the Santa Run, visit the Monbulk Fire & Rescue Facebook page.

Every year, the brigade hits the streets for some Christmas cheer.

Picture: FACEBOOK

Monbulk CFA will hold its annual Santa Run on Christmas Eve.

Picture: ON FILE

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CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

Get into the green spirit The festive season is a time for joy, but peak consumerism can have a harsh impact on our planet. Look outside the concrete box this Christmas and opt for sustainable choices that will be easier on your hip pocket, better for the planet and will still elicit gasps of joy on Christmas morning. DECORATIONS With a bit of creative nous, almost anything around the house can be turned into a decoration. Used coffee pods, for example, make a creative adornment for presents or even the Christmas tree. Simply clean them, cut a hole in the top and thread through some ribbon or twine, and you’ve got yourself some crafty little Christmas bells, ready for hanging on a tree or decorating a gift. Cut-up soft drink bottles can be arranged into a boot shape and covered with Christmas-themed fabric to create standup stockings, ready for filling with presents. Create one-of-a-kind wreaths using the leaves and flowers you pick up at your local park or in the garden - the kids are sure to love getting involved in putting it together, and the majority of the materials used will breakdown naturally in the garden or compost after the season is over. WRAPPING There’s no need to cut corners on your gift wrapping for the sake of the planet, because there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to wrap up a gift in a way that shows your love for both the planet and the recipient. Thinking about the context of the gift can help. Gifts for the kitchen can be wrapped in a Christmas-themed tea-towel; the wrapping then becomes part of the present and can be used over and over again, rather than being thrown into landfill on Christmas night. Or, try wrapping presents in cloths, like scarves

Make your own wreath using plants from the garden or local park. or bandannas. Again, it’s a beautiful way to incorporate the gift into the wrapping. Add some leaves or flowers from the garden under the ribbon for a simple, cheap decoration. Old shoeboxes make terrific gift boxes and are a good way to reuse something you would

normally just throw out. Wrap it in newspaper to increase your recycling credentials, or ask the kids to draw their best festive pictures on the box for that personal touch. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can pick up fabric scraps or old clothes from the op shop and

turn them into Santa sacks, ready to fill with presents to gift to the ones you love. GIFTS When purchasing gifts, look for those with minimal packaging to immediately cut the environmental impact. Hit up local op shops or see if there is anything around the house that you can re-gift to a better home. Steer clear of cheap products that are likely to break before Boxing Day and opt for something sturdier, like gifts made of wood or metal. Farmers and craft markets are great places to pick up unique presents with less packaging and plastic - and best of all, they’re handmade, locally sourced and support small businesses. You could also try your hand at making your own gifts for loved ones. Everyone loves homecooked treats like jams, brownies, gingerbread or Christmas-themed slices. Decorate jars with a scrap of vintage fabric and twine for that old-fashioned feel. If you know there is a cause dear to your recipient’s heart, there are plenty of websites that allow you to make donations to causes around the world. From education for girls to goats for villages or tickets to charity lotteries, the options are endless - and it means you’re giving a present to not just one, but two people or potentially a whole village. Or why not opt for the gift of an experience they’ll never forget? A gift voucher for a delicious dinner out, a hot air balloon ride or a glamping trip is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. If you are keen to buy something new, try websites or local shops offering sustainable options. Some, like the Melbourne Zoo gift shop, donate some of their profits towards charitable causes like conservation or assistance for farmers - so your gift goes even further.

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CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

Carols and present ideas Open Door Community Church is holding a community event on Friday 16 December from 5:30 in its car park. There will be a free sausage sizzle followed at 7pm by Carol singing supported by The Steve Pinzone Trio. It is an alcohol free event to be enjoyed by all ages. The church is located on the corner of David Hill and Moxhams Road. Open Door Pantry is looking forward to sharing Christmas cheer with special hampers for those living in the local area and registered by Sunday 4 December. Forms are available at the Monbulk Care Shop and in the Pantry. The Pantry will be closed on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 December and Sunday 1 January. It will then open as usual 9:30am to 5:30pm daily for those struggling to meet living costs. The Op Shop will be closed for three weeks from Christmas Eve and reopen on the Monday 16 January 2023. If you are in need of assistance with issues such as financial or family violence, please speak to someone at the Pantry or the Op Shop. We are there to help. The Monbulk Care Shop should be your first stop for Christmas gifts. There is a wide range of pre-loved goods as well as wonderful home made jams, relishes and sauces perfect for gift giving. Visit on Friday 2 December for late night shopping at Merry Monbulk Christmas. There is a wide range of home made food products and the staff are happy to help you put together a special hamper for that ‘someone who has everything’. Christmas Day Service is at 9:30am at Open Door – all are welcome. Lucy and Alison can show you a wide range of pre-loved goods and home made goods at the Monbulk Care Shop. 309434

Christmas Carols in Monbulk All Welcome at

Open Door Community Church Car Park Cnr David Hill & Moxhams Roads

Free Community Event Friday 16th December Bring your Chairs & Blankets and enjoy

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Sausage Sizzle from 5:30pm Carol Singing from 7pm Featuring The Steve Pinzone Trio mailcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS IN COCKATOO

Sing-a-long at the carols By Parker McKenzie With Christmas fast approaching, Cockatoo will be getting a collective songful of Christmas cheer with the return of carols to kick off the holiday season. A Cockatoo Community Christmas Carols will be held on Sunday 4 December from 5pm to 7.30pm at St Luke’s Church in Cockatoo. Naomi Dewar from St Luke’s said the event will be held at the church instead of Alma Treloar Reserve as originally planned because of the current state of the grounds. “There are family-friendly activities from five until six, that include glitter tattoos, face painting, free fairy floss and popcorn, and also obstacle courses and sumo suits for the kids,” she said. “It’s really a chance for families to come and enjoy some company together, there’ll be a toddlers area and people can come together as a community.” The carols will begin at 6pm, where the community can join in singing for some Christmas cheer. There will also be a sausage sizzle, coffee, tea and hot jam doughnuts available at a small

St Luke’s Cockatoo will host the carols.

cost.Ms Dewar said the carols will also feature games and a nativity story partway through. “It’s not just a church event, it’s for everybody and after the last three years have not been able to meet and just spend time together,” she said. “Since August, we’ve had people asking whether we were going to be running carols this year.” The event is being supported by St Luke’s Anglican Church Cockatoo, The Hills Community Strengthening Initiative, Cardinia Shire Council and Cockatoo Bendigo Community Bank. It is alcohol and drug-free. Ms Dewar said the church exists to serve and support the local community. “This is just a small way we can show that on top of all the other things we do like the food store and after-school programs,” she said. “It’s just such a blessing to be able to be able to do it again, even with the current obstacles of rain coming up.” Another carols event will be held in Gembrook on Saturday 3 December. The event will be held outside unless there is poor weather, in which case it will be moved indoors.

Picture: FACEBOOK

A Cockatoo Community Christmas Carols will be held on Sunday 4 December from 5pm Picture: ON FILE

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From the Ranges First National Team

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CHRISTMAS IN COCKATOO

Festive twilight Market

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Cockatoo Country Market has been running for an amazing eight years, providing a family friendly, low-cost local event that brings people together on the first Saturday of every month. Awarded Community Event of the Year at the Cardinia Shire 2022 Australia Day Awards, the market offers a low cost and low risk platform for micro, home-based and artisan traders, with free advertising and profile building for stallholders. Remarkably, the market is wholly volunteer run with 60+ volunteer hours devoted to each monthly market, covering advertising, bookings, administration of the grants program, monthly committee meetings and market-day operations. Now accredited in traffic management to comply with safety requirements, market days are even busier for the volunteers. As well as supporting local business, the market provides opportunities for local community groups to fundraise and attract new volunteers and participants for their programs. A community BBQ is provided for community groups each month, adding to the fundraising and networking opportunities. The market also contributes to the ongoing support and development of local community groups by offering Community Support Grants. Over the past eight years, the market has awarded over $28,000 to local groups for a variety of projects. Groups that have successfully received a grant include youth, sporting, conservation/environment, history and heritage groups, kindergartens and schools. Anticipation is building in the lead up to the main event of the year - the Christmas Twilight Market on Saturday 3 December,

Volunteers Louise Harris, Carolyn Askew, Kristy Glasson, Karen Benson, Rachelle Mechielsen and Carol Barton.

Carol Thompson and Louise Harris. with over 60 stalls offering a huge range of local products perfect for Christmas shopping, food trucks to delight your taste buds, family friendly entertainment, amusements, plus free live music – the Christmas Twilight

Pictures: SUPPLIED Market has something for everyone! Kickstart the festive season with a trip to Cockatoo and visit the wonderful Christmas Twilight Market on Saturday 3 December from 3pm to 8pm at Alma Treloar Reserve,

Kickstart the festive season with a trip to Cockatoo and visit the wonderful Christmas Twilight Market. 73 Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Cockatoo. Right next to the children’s playground. For the latest market news connect with Cockatoo Country Market on Facebook and Instagram.

Macclesfield Primary School holds special event Macclesfield Primary School will be holding a Christmas market on Tuesday 6 December, where Grade 5 students will raise funds to beautifying different spaces around the school. The market will run from 3pm to 6pm, on the school oval if weather permits, or in the school hall, with an art sale, bake sale, pet baked goods and jewellery available for purchase. The re-imagining of various spaces around Macclesfield Primary School has been initiated by student action through a PYP unit called ‘How We Express Ourselves’. The Christmas market will be held at 405 Macclesfield Road in Macclesfield. Cash only sales.

Fill up your shopping bags at the markets.

A quiet space that Grade 5 Macclesfield Primary School student Damon and dad have created. 8W MAIL

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CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD

Deliver joy to charities By Tyler Wright Emerald Library will be taking part in their the Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) Deliver Joy Christmas Drive once again this year, hoping to surpass last year’s total of $20 thousand worth of goods donated to local charities across the region in 2021. Locals can drop into the library and donate non-perishable items including canned food, packets of spaghetti, toiletries and unwrapped toys, with staff thanking people for their charitable donation by clearing any damaged or lost books off their list. This year, Emerald Library will be working with the Emerald Lions Club, who will then donate the items to locals in need. “We all know that times are tough right now, especially during Christmas when there are some additional pressures,” Emerald Library’s Team Leader Jessica Nichols said. “So to be able to help people during this time feels really great... we don’t see the families who receive the hampers because that’s not part of what we do, but we think encouraging a culture of giving is just as valuable.” Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place Library and the Pakenham Library and Cardinia Mobile Library will all be taking part in this year’s Deliver Joy program, which will wrap up on Tuesday 20 December. Ms Nichols said people are really generous and love giving at this time of year.

“Our visitors are primarily from Emerald, Cockatoo, Macclesfield, Avonsleigh, Selby and Menzies Creek...I have had a family come in once who didn’t know about Deliver Joy, when they saw the posters, they left the library, went to the supermarket and came back in with a bag full of goods,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see, and people doing it with their children as well; demonstrating to their children the importance of giving.” Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Beth Luppino said the library is a central hub for community, so it “makes sense for the library to be the place for people to donate goods in time for Christmas”. “This is a win-win for everyone - donors have the chance to make a difference for others doing it tough, and also to clear any library charges they may have for lost items which provides a clean slate for the new year!,” Ms Luppino said. Emerald Library is located 400A BelgraveGembrook Road in Emerald.

Emerald Library Team Leader Jessica Nichols will be working to collect non-perishable items for families and individuals in need this Christmas. Picture: SUPPLIED

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CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD

Carols return by the lake By Mikayla van Loon Emerald Carols are making a return to the Lake, with a spectacular evening of picnicking and carolling awaiting local residents. In its fifth year, Emerald Carols coordinator Gill Birkett said it will be lovely to be back in person at the “iconic Emerald Lake” for what has become a tradition for residents in surrounding suburbs. “We’re delighted to be back at the Lake with a live event again this year. We’ll be expecting, depending on the weather, around about 1000 people and we’re hoping they’ll really get excited about being there,” she said. Despite rain for both the first and second years events, it was still able to draw crowds of 600 and then 1200 consecutively, with the pandemic taking the carols online for the last two years. Gill said the partnership between Cardinia Shire Council, St Mark’s Anglican Church and Barry Plant, tries to ensure everything remains local to help support everyone in the community. “We created an event that would be a true reflection of the community that’s really strong in our area. We didn’t want it to be particularly regional. We wanted it to be something that was really relatable and tied very closely to the unique community that we live in,” she said. With the 60 piece Cardinia Civic Concert Band leading the music element, Selby locals OBG Productions are putting together the sound production and primary school students from a number of local schools will be performing prior to the formal carols. Plus, there’ll be a visit from the man in the big red suit. In the spirit of giving, Gill said donations on the day will also be collected for the volunteer

Emerald Carols by the Lake are returning this year, with primary schools performing from 6pm and carols from 8pm. services of the Emerald CFA and SES. “One of the things we really like to do is to be able to make the event not just a celebration of what we get out of it but something that we can give as well. “We’re really proud to have such a strong presence in our community with those volunteer organisations. So we’d like to, as part of our Carol’s event, include an opportunity for people to contribute to a cause beyond themselves as well.” So, prepare a picnic and get ready to reserve a spot on the hill for the best view of the community carols at Emerald Lake on 16 December. Community picnic from 6pm to 7.30pm and the carols from 8pm to 9.30pm.

Pictures: EMERALD CAROLS

Up to 1000 people are expected to fill the Emerald Lake hill to sing along to some carol favourites.

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CHRISTMAS IN UPWEY/TECOMA

Amy Carson, Mark Sulley, Holly Rasmussen, Krystelle Rush and Alena Dooley from Ranges First National, sponsors of the Food is Free program. 308994 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Food donations welcomed By Tyler Wright Tecoma Uniting Church will continue their Food is Free program this Christmas as well as its reverse advent calendar initiative after seeing an increase in demand for help due to the cost of living and the Covid-19 pandemic. An international program sponsored locally by Ranges First National Real Estate, Food is Free is about sharing what you have with others, Tecoma Uniting Church Hospitality Coordinator Sue Brown said. “People bring their fresh produce, and then can either exchange and take something else, or people donate and then people take who need it; It’s as simple as that,” Ms Brown said. “In our case it’s grown from just fresh pro-

duce to anything from long life milk, sanitary products and lots of fresh fruit and veggies... frozen meals...we have local businesses who donate food.” Volunteers and local charities also donate food, with items not fit for human consumption used in the church’s compost system. “It’s really about making sure that the food that is in the community is being utilised so we’re minimising waste,” Ms Brown said. Food is Free runs 365 days a year, 24 hours a day from the church verandah, with two fridge-freezers and a two cupboards for nonperishables and fruit as well as a Coolgardie safe. This year, locals can also get involved in a reverse advent calendar and put different

items in a box each day of December; including tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables and Christmas treats. “The goods that are donated will be able to be dropped in the foyer of the church; particularly Tuesdays, Fridays or Sunday mornings are the best times, but if the church is open at any point in time, people are welcome to donate and pop it under the Giving Tree,” Ms Brown said. “That food can be used for families for Christmas, but also will help us for those first few weeks of January where we have a mammoth demand because everyone else in the area is shut.” Ms Brown said the church regularly does pickups from Bakers Delight in Upper Ferntree

Gully, and there was only one loaf of bread left in her most recent trip on Tuesday 22 November. “We definitely do see people regularly coming and donating things, but with the increased cost of living and everything that’s been happening in the last year or so, It would be wonderful to have more people knowing about it and donate... people can donate something that they may have in their pantry or some excess produce from their garden,” she said. Toys and gifts for families and individuals are also accepted, and will be donated to Foothills Community Care. Tecoma Uniting Church is located at 1566 Burwood Highway in Tecoma.

WE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO A PROSPEROUS AND EXCITING 2023. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM REBEKAH & THE TEAM.

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CHRISTMAS IN UPWEY/TECOMA

Upwey traders will be getting involved in Light Up Upwey this Christmas. 309537

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Upwey traders Danni Rech and Mat Richardson. 309537

Merry with bright lights By Tyler Wright Upwey will not only be lit up once again this Christmas with local traders sporting festive light displays, but shoppers will be treated to a late-night shopping experience through the town. On Wednesday 14 December, as the Upwey Community Group runs Christmas festivities

including dress ups, crafts and carols between 5pm and 8pm, most shops are also expected to be open for late night trading in 2022 in an initiative by the Upwey Traders Association. “It’s the first time we’re doing this, so it’s going to be an evolving thing where if it goes well, we’ll make it bigger and better next year, and we’ll be building that again,” Upwey Traders Assocation member and owner of Upwey

Myotherapy Mathew Richardson said. “We’re really lucky here in here Upwey, because the town is off the main highway and the group of shops here, we’re very close community, so we can run these events and people can feel safe around the streets, they can laugh, they can have fun,” Mr Richardson said. While there is a competition on which shop boasts the best Christmas light display,

voted by the public, Mr Richardson, who will be dressing up as an elf at the Light Up Upwey event, said it’s not about winning for businesses, but rather building up the town of Upwey. “We’re in that window where everyone’s holding off on their decorations, and then the next week you watch it, it’s going to go boom,” he said. “We’re looking at making them sparkle.”

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Tips for the best Xmas grocery shopping Are you hosting Christmas this year? Or have you been asked to bring a plate or two? Trying to avoid going to the shops as much as possible? You’re definitely not alone there, with Yarra Valley residents preparing for Christmas day. Follow these tips to help make the experience as smooth as possible. 1. Plan ahead Sit down and write out the dishes you’ll be making. Under each dish write down every ingredient you need, whether you have it or not. Then, using highlighters or coloured pens, colour the items you already have and in a different colour, any crossover items. Then, write your shopping list in categories of where they are in the shop. 2. Order ahead For items like turkeys and prawns, it’s a good idea to pre-order from your local butcher or

seafood shop to pick up on Christmas Eve. 3. Get items early that won’t spoil Figure out a night this week you can get to the shops to get everything you will need that won’t spoil or that you can easily freeze. Foods like canned goods, spices, dairy, confectionery, drinks, frozen berries etc. 4. Brave the shops on Christmas Eve It might be hectic, but it’ll be worth it to serve the freshest dishes. You’ll only need to pick up fruit, vegetables and meat (if you didn’t already). And you have your very organised list to help you get out as quickly as you got in. Then you can sit back and relax before the mayhem of Christmas day! Alternatively, if you want to save the hassle, decide to have something different than a traditional Christmas meal! The possibilities are endless.

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CHRISTMAS IN BELGRAVE

Scan the QR to find out more!

Get in the festive spirit by entering or voting for your favourite Christmas window. Picture: ON FILE

Window competition

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close on 15 December and businesses can upload pictures of their Christmas Window Displays at any time during this period under the categories. Winning businesses will be contacted by 16 December and winning voters by 22 December. Submissions can be made at www.shaping. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/christmas-windowcompetition?fbclid=IwAR0fzXv-vlWZ6y68MtjwWrNk9ftWLsBku5pu7jmhpOJAGy9iSYooDwJEta4.

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Businesses across the Yarra Ranges can get into the festive spirit early and enter into Yarra Ranges Council’s Yarra Ranges Christmas Window competition. T Locals are encouraged to vote for their favourite window with the chance for them to win one of four local prizes up for grabs from the Urban, Hills, Valley and Upper categories. The businesses with the most votes from each category will also receive a hamper of locally sourced goodies. Voting opened on 14 November and will

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ESTATE

Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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CHRISTMAS IN BELGRAVE

Give support to local hub By Parker McKenzie By placing a present under the Christmas tree at Belgrave Library or dropping it off at the lower level of the Belgrave Community hub before Tuesday 13 December, you can help make sure those struggling have something to smile about this Christmas. Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service’s annual Christmas appeal has started, with the not-for-profit seeking new, unwrapped gifts for children and holiday foodstuffs for those in need. DRERS manager Tania Bevan said the aim is to have enough presents and Christmas hampers so that every family who needs one can have a wonderful Christmas. “Suitable gifts for children from babies up to 17 years old are anything people think would be suitable, like sporting goods such as basketballs, cricket bats, footballs and toys,” she said. “For the hampers, it is things like Christmas cakes, Christmas pudding, custard, sweet and savoury biscuits and jars of coffee that are always wonderful.” Foodstuffs for the Christmas hampers must be dropped off at the Belgrave Community Hub while presents left under the giving tree don’t need to be wrapped as they will be displayed on tables for people to choose from. Ms Bevan said every year the generosity shown by people donating items reinforces her feelings of what “a

wonderful community we have.” “People readily donate to make sure that the people who can’t afford these things don’t go without; it’s a wonderful sense of the Christmas spirit in our community,” she said. “They’ll have something special under the tree for their children. They will have some special Christmas festive food. That’s a sense of relief and a sense of being looked after.” DRERS at the Belgrave Community Hub is open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and the Belgrave Library is open 9am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 8pm on Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Ms Bevan said she would like to thank everyone who has supported the Christmas program in the past and anyone who’s going to support it again in the future. “It is a need and we can’t fill that need without the support from the community, organisations and businesses that help us and I would just like to impress on them that it really does make a difference to people,” she said. “We’ve seen people cry with relief when they’ve received these things and it really is humbling to see and be a part of.” For more information about DRERS, visit drers.org.au A previous year’s Christmas appeal. Picture: ON FILE

MERRY

Christmas AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

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From the Ranges First National Team

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CHRISTMAS IN OLINDA

Mt Dandenong shopping strip.

Picture: ON FILE

Late night trading Villages throughout the Dandenong Ranges will host a twilight shopping night on Friday 16 December from 5pm to 8pm, for a one-nightonly Christmas trading event. With shops in Sassafras, Olinda, Mt Dandenong and Kallista taking part in the shopping event organized by The Villages of Mount Dandenong, the event will also see door raffles, children’s activities and more on the night. Organiser Ann-Maree Baker said previous years of the twilight trading have been a success. “It’s been really positive. Everyone’s excited to get on board,” she said. “I’ve had a business in Sassafras for eight years and we’ve done it every eight years so far.”

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The door prize includes three $500 gift cards, while children can enjoy a treasure hunt and face painting as shoppers explore the townships throughout the Dandenong Ranges. Ms Baker said for every $10 that customers spend in-store, they get an entry ticket into the raffle,” she said. “The raffle would be drawn in the coming days afterwards.” Participating shops and areas will be advertised on the Villages of Mount Dandenong Ranges website and social media. “Get the Christmas shopping done without the crazy crowded shopping centres,” Ms Baker said. “Shop local and it’ll be a great evening.”

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SEASON’S GREETINGS

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The team at Fletchers Yarra Ranges Real Estate are wishing you and your family all the best for the holiday season and the new year.

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Ranges Trader

An Aussie first program helping new mums

Feedback opens for Kalorama ‘Five Ways’

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

Mail

A Star News Group Publication

Driving program to save young lives

Conservationists meet to support national park proposal

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PAGE 13 Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Land limbo By Tyler Wright

Natalie Guest (centre) has been told is is unlikely Yarra Range Council will accept a planning application for her family to rebuild on her Kalorama property. Ms Guest is urging the council to re-assess its planning scheme. Peter (right) and Kerry (left) are supporting Ms Guest. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The first steps of amending Yarra Ranges Council’s Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) Planning Scheme Amendment are underway, predicted to be approved by the state government in around October 2024, with the exact date unknown. The proposed amendment could allow families to build their homes on properties deemed a moderate risk, such as the situation faced by Kalorama resident Natalie Guest and her husband Lee, who have been trying to rebuild their home since it was damaged in the June 2021 storm event.

Red hills victory By Parker McKenzie The Labor Party stormed to victory after polls closed at 6pm on Saturday 26 November, forming a majority government and winning both Monbulk and Bayswater in the process. In what was a quieter election day than usual with almost half the state having voted by mail or at pre-polling, Premier Daniel An-

K

drews was returned by voters for his third term as Labor swept to victory with at least 52 seats at time of print. Labor candidates Daniela De Martino and Jackson Taylor won the seats of Monbulk and Bayswater respectively for the state government. Ms De Martino will replace the former Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino, who announced his retirement ear-

lier in the year, as Monbulk MP and told the Star Mail she will aim to continue his 20-year legacy. Mr Taylor held his seat of Bayswater with an expanded margin, seeing off a challenge by former Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling after the Liberal candidate’s old seat was abolished. “I put forward a strong campaign, I’m very grateful to my campaign team and my sup-

porters who’ve done an amazing job,” Mr Taylor said. Despite the Labor Party suffering a swing against it around the state, Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy suffered his second election defeat in four years and has announced he won’t recontest any party leadership vote. Turn to pages 4-5 for more

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NEWS

Amazingly, no one was injured.

Half a dozen cars were damaged by the tree.

A police officer at the scene of the incident.

Commuter cars destroyed By Parker McKenzie A fallen tree at Upper Ferntree Gully Station has damaged half a dozen cars, with one completely crushed beneath its giant trunk. Gareth Otley had just gotten off the train at around 4pm on Tuesday 22 November when he discovered what had happened from an unlikely source. “I got a message sent through from my partner Laura about 30 minutes ago, saying is this our car?” Mr Otley said. “I zoomed in and it looked like our car... and it was.” A police officer at the scene said six or seven vehicles had received damage after the tree became unrooted. Mr Otley said fortunately his car wasn’t as damaged as a white Toyota Hilux which was completely crushed by the falling tree. “There are multiple dents all over the car on the roof, from the bottom side to everywhere but they’re quite small,” he said. “That’s still going to amount to quite a bit of money and it’s a fair bit of damage. It’s drivable, that’s the main thing.” A contractor at the scene said he received a call around 3pm to head to the station and remove the tree, and a crane would be required. “We’ll get the crane down in an hour and a half, depending on traffic, and it’ll take around three hours if everything goes well,” he said. The owner of the white Hilux hadn’t yet arrived at the station. Mr Otley said he didn’t know when he would be able to get his car out from beneath the tree. “There still chasing it up. It’s a bit unorganised as you can imagine these sorts of events,” he said.

A white Toyota Hilux was completely crushed beneath the trunk of the tree. “I’m just I’m not driving the Hilux there and I’m glad no one was hurt. That’s the main thing.” On Thursday 24 November, a Metro spokes-

person said crews had responded to the incident. “Our maintenance and renewals crews work 24/7 - our teams are on standby to respond

Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE to issues on the network when wet or windy weather is forecast.” the spokesperson said. Metro said it will work with individual passengers impacted by the incident.

Free structural assessments for flood affected residents By Tyler Wright Yarra Ranges Council is welcoming the state government’s decision to offer a free structural assessment where eligible properties have had structures damaged or destroyed by flooding throughout the past few weeks, with vans currently operating out of Upwey and Lilydale. The information vans manned by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) staff and contractors will be located at Eyrefield Park Lilydale and 4-6 Mahony Street Upwey from Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm and Saturday 8am to 12.30pm, according to Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Planning Design & Development Kath McClusky. Staff will be able to answer questions, offer advice and organise structural assessments. ERV contractors will then undertake an initial assessment of properties to identify hazards, understand the scope and type of work required (if any), confirm the cause of the damage and assign a priority category. “All hazards posed by materials, power sources and hazardous trees must first be managed appropriately and safely. Once those have been addressed, clean-up work can begin as soon as possible,” a statement from ERV said. Once an assessment has been conducted, a report will be provided to the property owner or small business owner and local council. 2 MAIL

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“Where the assessment determines that demolition is recommended, this may be coordinated with ERV regardless of whether the structure is insured,” the statement read. “Flood-affected structures that are uninsured and deemed repairable through the structural assessment are eligible for the Structural Make-Safe Program.” ERV confirmed on-site help for floodimpacted residents and business will be provided as long as this service is needed, and it

will work with Yarra Ranges Council to track community need. “This program is designed to eliminate risks flood-damaged structures may present to the health and safety of homeowners and residents, emergency services agencies, volunteer groups and clean-up providers.” Ms McClusky said Yarra Ranges Council welcomes the presence of the state government’s information caravans, and the structural impact on businesses after recent flash

flooding is “unknown” at this stage. “The economic development team at Council is here to assist our local businesses navigate the various flood assistance packages currently open for affected businesses,” Ms McClusky said. “The recent flooding was devastating for many of our businesses, and the impacts continue for businesses across the region. The economic development team at Council has been out on site to a number of the businesses across the impacted towns, providing information on support and offering assistance.” A structural assessment can be booked directly with ERV via the Flood Recovery hotline on1800 560 760, online at www.vic.gov. au/2022-flood-recovery or in person at a clean-up hub. The hotline can assist individuals, households and businesses impacted by the recent floods to access financial and other supports; clean-up registration; temporary accommodation; mental health and wellbeing support. The Flood Recovery Hotline is open from 7.30am-7.30pm every day, with callers able to Press “9” for a translator. Local businesses are also encouraged to stay in touch with Yarra Ranges Council’s Economic Development Team as recovery efforts proceed via business@yarraranges. vic.gov.au or 1300 368 333. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Road safety alert

Australia Day awards

Victoria Police is on high alert as the state enters a high risk road safety period. Picture: ON FILE riods on Victorian roads for collisions. “Police will be doing everything they can to reduce road trauma during this high-risk period, but we need everyone to do their bit,” acting A/C Goldsmith said. Victoria Police will increase its enforcement efforts and remain highly visible on roads throughout December, with a statewide road policing operation to come into effect

prior to Christmas. Police will increase its focus on alcohol and drug testing and are warning all motorists to plan ahead when attending social events during the festive period. For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Fatal collision Police are investigating a collision in Narre Warren East which claimed the life of a driver this afternoon. It is understood three vehicles collided at the intersection of Wellington Road and Dorning Road about 1.20pm on Wednesday, 23 November. The male driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene. A man and woman from the second vehicle were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.The male driver of the third vehicle was not injured. Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A man has lost his life following a collision in Narre Warren East. 253041

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Nominations for the Knox Australia Day Awards close Friday 2 December. “Our Awards is a great opportunity to recognise those who reach out to help others, volunteer in the community, or work to preserve the environment.” Knox City Council said. There are six categories that nominations are now open for: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Local Hero, Sustainability Leadership, and Volunteer of the Year. Nominations can be made by completing an online form at knoxcouncil.wufoo.com/forms/q1obilkz1iqofx5/ For more information about the Australia Day Awards, visit knox.vic.gov.au/our-council/ citizenship-and-awards/knox-australia-dayawards

‘Microsoft’ scam Police have been made aware of an incident where victims have been using their computer at home when a message box pops up from ‘Microsoft’. This message states that their computer has been frozen and they need to call the phone number in the ‘Microsoft’ message to unfreeze it. Calling this number obviously calls the ‘hacker’, who will ask for your details. In one case, after the victim has called the phone number, they have then provided the call taker with his driver’s licence number, name, address, phone number, and bank account details, as well as his credit card number and the 3-digit pin on the rear of his card. The hacker has then asked the victim to download an app called “Anycase”, which the hacker has then been able to control the victim’s mobile phone and computer. The victim has also downloaded an app at the request of the hacker and scanned their fingerprints to the hacker. Please read and be aware of the above information and at no time - give out any personal details at all.

Popular seltzer recall

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Police have appealed to the public for any dashcam footage which may assist them with an investigation after a motorcyclist was knocked his bike by a vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. On Friday 4 November near Cantebury Road and Greenhill Road Bayswater North, a woman driving a silver hatchback left the scene of the incident with heavy damage to the front of her vehicle. The motorcyclist was heading east on Cantebury Road towards the Bayswater and Cantebury Road intersection and the silver hatchback was turning into Greenhill Road from Canterbury Road. Anybody with information should contact Rowville Police on 9764 0996.

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THE ONLY ANSWER TO OUR WORLD’S PROBLEMS Christ’s promised return to set up God’s Kingdom on earth. He will reign as Supreme Ruler bringing peace and justice to all people. Learn how you can take part Send for free booklet “Christ is Coming” Yarra Valley Christadelphians PO Box 516 YARRA GLEN 3775 Email yvc.vic@gmail.com Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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Victoria Police has issued a critical road safety alert as the state enters an especially high-risk period for death and serious injury. Eleven lives were lost in 11 days at the same time last year and police are concerned about a repeat, especially as traffic volumes increase towards the end of the year and wild spring weather continues to cause hazardous driving conditions. The alert comes as the state recorded ten lives lost on Victorian roads this month, bringing the total lives lost to 222 – 24 higher than the same time last year, and significantly up on the five-year average. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Justin Goldsmith said given the deaths on Victorian roads last year, now is not the time to be complacent when driving. “Unfortunately, it was distraction and basic road user errors during this period last year that resulted in the most fatalities, which just shows that a simple lapse in concentration can have catastrophic consequences,” he said. “Slowing down, remaining alert and being extra cautious during periods of wild weather are simple, but ultimately life-saving measures that all motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users.” Poor compliance with common road rules, such as failing to give way and failing to keep left were contributing factors to fatal collisions during the 22 November to 2 December period. More than half of the collisions occurred on regional roads, and older drivers were overrepresented, with one third of collisions involving a driver aged over 65. Police are determined to avoid a repeat of these concerning road trauma trends and are urging motorists to take extra care, with December considered one of the highest-risk pe-

Appeal for dashcam footage

MAIL 3

ELECTION RESULTS

Labor enters third term By Parker McKenzie Daniel Andrews will be Premier of Victoria for a historic third term, easily defeating the Liberal opposition despite a statewide swing against the Labor Party and predictions of a tight contest. At the time of print, the Labor Party has won at least 52 seats, seven more than they needed to form a majority government. In his election night victory speech, Premier Andrews said the last few years have been “incredibly challenging” and he would ”govern for all Victorians.” “We’ve had to make some very difficult decisions, some very tough decisions, and Victorian families right across our state have had a very difficult time,” he said. “This was a one in 100-year event and because of the tough decisions we made, and as important in some respects even more important, the fact Victorians stuck together and Victorians through kindness, compassion and connection and care, looked after each other.” At the time of print, the Labor Party saw a 5.8 per cent swing against it statewide, how-

Daniel Andrews celebrates his historic third term as Premier of Victoria. Picture: ABC NEWS LIVE STREAM ever, the Liberal opposition failed to capitalise and saw a small swing against the party. The Liberal campaign focused on the premier’s perceived unpopularity which failed to connect with the voting public.

Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy, who has now steered the party to two consecutive defeats in state elections, said in a statement he will not remain as party leader after the result.

“As soon as it is clearer which Liberal Party candidates will form the next parliamentary party room, I will call them together to elect their new leadership team,” he said. “I will not be a candidate for the position of leader.” Early during the counting on election night, it looked as if the Greens and independents would see favourable results, with Greens leader Samantha Ratnam declaring the results a “greenslide.” As postal and pre-polling votes were tallied, however, the result started leaning towards the Liberal and Labor Parties in inner-city seats, with the Greens only achieving a 0.2 per cent swing towards them and one extra seat at the time of print. Independents and parties outside of the Labor and Liberal dichotomy captured 33.3 per cent of the vote at the time of print, a considerable increase compared to the 2018 state election, where they won 26.71 per cent of the first preference votes. The Labor Party and Premier Andrews will serve a third consecutive term, the longest tenure since John Cain Jr. won three terms with the Labor Party in the 1980s.

Increased Labor vote powers Taylor to Bayswater win By Parker McKenzie Incumbent Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor defied a statewide swing against Labor and predictions of a close race to defeat former Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling, increasing his party’s primary vote in an electorate that was notionally in favour of the Liberal Party. The 30-year-old former police officer and Knox City councillor — who has embraced ‘Action Jackson’ as a moniker and is wellknown for posing with his thumbs up in photos, even asking senior government ministers to join in — has won 42.2 per cent of the first preference vote at the time of print, an increase of 1.4 per cent compared to 2018. The Liberal vote collapsed in Bayswater with a double-digit swing against the party, sealing Mr Wakeling’s fate after his former seat was abolished ahead of the November 26 election. Mr Taylor said it has been a privilege and an honour to represent the Bayswater district and he is extremely grateful to be returning to parliament. “I put forward a strong campaign, I’m very grateful to my campaign team and my supporters who’ve done an amazing job. It’s not just about me,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the former Liberal MP Nick Wakeling. He served in parliament for 16 years and ran a very decent campaign and I’m grateful to him for that, I want to make sure that his work for the community is acknowledged.” Mr Talyor has defeated two sitting members of parliament with a combined experience of 28 years in two election campaigns, after entering state politics in 2018 at the expense of long-term Bayswater MP Heidi Victoria. Mr Wakeling told the Star Mail he congratulates Mr Taylor on his victory. “I thank those residents who supported me in the election and thank the countless residents and community groups I have had the honour of working with over the past 20 years as both a Councillor and Member of Parliament,” he said. Mr Wakeling’s campaign, like the wider Liberal campaign during the election, focused on the perceived unpopularity of Premier Andrews, while he also attempted to win over environmentally-minded voters who traditionally wouldn’t have embraced the Liberal Party by signalling support for saving Lake Knox. Late in the campaign, he also attempted to attack the Labor Party for the federal government’s decision to cut infrastructure projects in the Knox area. Mr Taylor’s campaign instead focused on what he had delivered for 4 MAIL

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Volunteers at the Church of Christ in Boronia were busy on the barbeque during election day, as the Labor Party stormed to a third term in government.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor on election day. Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE the Bayswater electorate during his first three years in parliament, including investment in local schools and infrastructure. Mr Taylor said he is proud to be a part of a third term Andrews Labor government. “We’re going to bring back the SEC, bringing back government-owned energy to drive down power bills,” he said. “We’re also going to keep building and delivering the North East Link, delivering the Suburban Rail Loop and backing in our healthcare heroes every step of the way by recruiting and supporting 24,000 more healthcare workers.” Bayswater has been held by the Liberal Party for 22 out of thirty years since it was created in 1992 and political commentators

Defeated Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling with his family and volunteers on election day.

predicted a close race that could come down to a few hundred votes. Despite this, the result was called early on election night as Mr Taylor stormed to an unassailable lead. Mr Taylor said he is proud to have run on a strong local agenda and “now the real work starts.” “We will start construction on McMahons Road in Ferntree Gully next year, we are going to provide a massive $60 million upgrade to Boronia Station, creating the new heart of Boronia decking over the southern railway trench,” he said. “We’re going to rebuild Maroondah Hospital from the ground up, we are going to expand the Angliss, we are going to upgrade local schools like Kent Park Primary, Bayswa-

ter South Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School in Boronia and deliver needed upgrades to more sports pavilions.” Minor parties and independents won 21.6 per cent of the vote in the electorate, with the Greens seeing an almost 2 per cent decline in first preferences compared to the 2018 election with 7 per cent of the vote, Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s Ashley Heap receiving 3.5 per cent, Family First Victoria’s Gary Coombes on 3.1 per cent, Freedom Party Victoria candidate Chris Field on 2.1 per cent, independent Chloe Mackallah on 21.1 per cent, Labour DLP’s Thomas Dolan on 2 per cent and Alyssa Wormald from the Animal Justice Party on 1.8 per cent at the time of print. mailcommunity.com.au

ELECTION RESULTS

Monbulk seat stays red By Parker McKenzie Monbulk has a new member of parliament for the first time since 2002, with the Labor Party’s Daniela De Martino replacing retiring Monbulk MP James Merlino to represent the hills. Ms De Martino — a former teacher, industrial officer and small business owner — saw a swing against her of 5.7 per cent in first preference votes, however, after preferences were allocated she defeated Liberal candidate Gareth Ward by 58.4 per cent to 41.6 per cent two-party preferred at time of print. Ms De Martino said she was both proud and happy about the campaign the Labor Party ran on a state and local level. “We’ll be espousing and endorsing hope and positivity through the vision Labor has for the state of Victoria,” she said. “We’ve got a proud record of achievement in the past eight years and the Victorian people have trusted us to continue with that.” She replaces Mr Merlino after the long-term Monbulk MP, former deputy premier and education minister announced his retirement earlier in the year. Ms De Martino said she was committed to continuing Mr Merlino’s 20-year legacy as Monbulk’s representative. “Just making sure that I’m always listening to what the people need and what they want to see for their electorate,” she said. “Continuing to do what matters, making sure we are continuing the legacy and strong record of achievement in education, continued investment in health and doing what the people have elected us to do.” In an online statement, Mr Ward congratulated Ms De Martino and said unfortunately the result didn’t go the way he hoped it would. “Jumping from a trade into politics has

been a real challenge and very eye-opening seeing the inner workings,” he said. “I gave it my best despite challenges with time, experience and budgets.” Ms De Martino won 36.3 per cent of the first preference vote, with Mr Ward seeing an 8.8 per cent swing against him compared to his predecessor in 2018 with 28.8 per cent of the vote at the time of print. The two-party preference results at the time of print is a similar result to Mr Merlino’s electoral victory in 2018, where he won 58.6 per cent of the two-party preferred vote. During the campaign, a crowded field of candidates and volunteers spent long hours at the electorates’ sole pre-polling location on Main Road, Monbulk and it wasn’t without conflict. Ms De Martino told the Star Mail she wouldn’t comment on reports of a confrontation between herself and another candidate on the final day of early voting and that it was “a matter for the VEC.” She said she would continue to prepare herself for the job that lies ahead. “Once we’re set up and ready to go, I’m just going to do my best to represent the people of Monbulk,” Ms De Martino said. At the time of print, Greens candidate Michael Ormsby — a late nomination who wasn’t the party’s first choice — achieved 15 per cent of the vote at the time of print, a 1.3 per cent swing against the progressive party when compared to the 2018 result. Independent candidates Johanna Skelton, who is a Yarra Ranges councillor, and Craig Cole won 5.9 and 5.6 per cent of the first preference votes respectively. Leah Folloni from the Animal Justice Party won 4.1 per cent, Family First Victoria’s David Higgins received 2.5 per cent and Freedom Party Victoria’s Veronica Barnes won 1.9 per cent of the vote.

New Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino with former MP James Merlino on the the campaign trail. Picture: FACEBOOK

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 5

COUNCIL NEWS

Domestic animal plan approved By Mikayla van Loon The approval of a new four year domestic animal management plan has been passed by Yarra Ranges Council. The council has unanimously voted to approve the renewed four year plan which required action under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. In 2021 there were 25,185 dogs and 8,483 cats on the council’s registration database, a total of 33,668 animals. Items included in the domestic animal management plan (DAMP) relate to the responsibilities of pet owners, particularly of cats and dogs to ensure harmonious living between humans, domestic pets and native wildlife. Some of the laws under the DAMP include: Dogs must be kept on a leash in all public places, other than in areas that are specifically designated as areas where dogs are permitted off the leash Owners must ensure their dogs do not worry, threaten, rush, or attack another person or animal Dogs are prohibited on ovals and sports fields except for dog training activities approved by Council and relevant Committees of Management and within 20 metres of fixed playground equipment, fixed fitness equipment, permanent BBQ or picnic area Cats are required to be confined to their owner’s property 24 hours a day (cat curfew) Councillor Tim Heenan said he was pleased to see the definition breakdown outlining what constitutes a dangerous dog, menacing dog or a dog rush “We’ve had a lot of concern over the years and Yarra Ranges had to deal in a very big way with dangerous dogs and certainly that’s been a big focus in the last couple of years and an enormous concern with people’s inability to understand their responsibilities,” he said. “The DAMP understands that and the responsibility of pet owners.” Cr Heenan said the main priorities outlined by the community related to animal nuisances, abandonment, euthanasia and responsible pet ownership. As a well as these concerns, Cr Heenan said the report showed 37 per cent of people who responded in the consultation process were concerned about wandering cats outside their property. “We’ve gone one step further with cats. There’s been a lot of talk of the decimation of our native wildlife and birds over the years and I’ve seen it in my own environment in Mount Evelyn over the last 36 years,” he said. “Cats have a large part to play in the changing environment with the lack of small native mammals.” In 2013 council made it clear that cats could be outside but would have to remain on the owners property. Cr Len Cox moved the motion to approve the recommendation to support the acceptance of the updated DAMP. “Domestic animals are a very important part of the council and a very important part of many people’s lives,” he said. “If you go back 30 or 40 years…you can remember when dogs used to be wandering around the streets and the postie would ride his bike around delivering letters and would finish up getting the bottom of his strides torn by a niggly dog. “That doesn’t happen anymore because of exactly what we’ve got in front of us…and hopefully it will keep the animals happy too and the people.”

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Yarra Ranges Councillors have voted unanimously to support the construction of a stormwater harvesting system at Monbulk Recreation Reserve. Picture: ON FILE

Stormwater project to water grounds By Tyler Wright Yarra Ranges Councillors voted unanimously to support the construction of stormwater harvesting system at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve in a council meeting on Tuesday 22 November. Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham moved the recommendation, and said the benefits of the system will “extend much further than the precinct”. “The construction of this system will supply about four million litres per year of treated storm water to irrigate the sports oval, so its a really good opportunity to apply integrated

water management within a priority catchment,” Cr Eastham said. “Not only does it provide that irrigation, but it reduces the amount of pollution that’s going into the Emerald Creek...which is going to significant improve the water quality for the local fauna there, particularly the local platypus population.” Cr Eastham said the project is a collaboration between the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Melbourne Water and Melbourne University. “Whilst council is heavily involved in this and will be putting a bit of money towards it,

we have received a significant amount through the integrated water management grant program and Melbourne Water’s liveable communities, liveable waterways program,” he said. “I really wanted to take this opportunity to thank them as well, for partnering with us on this, and [I] wholeheartedly support the recommendation before us tonight.” Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion beofre councillors voted unanimously to carry the motion. There were no registered speakers for the matter and nobody in the gallery chose to speak to the item.

Regenerative economic plan adopted By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Council has endorsed its recently reviewed economic development strategy after two rounds of community consultations. The 10 year plan will inform the growth and direction of the shire until 2032, with the aim of supporting business, the environment and communities. Some of the key financial targets of the council’s over the next decade include a 15.5 per cent increase in economic growth from $7.9 billion to $9.1 billion; creating an additional 1,430 jobs to raise local jobs to a total of 57,323; and a 70 per cent satisfaction rate in the council’s leadership. Councillor Andrew Fullagar moved the motion to approve the refreshed and community informed plan at the Tuesday 22 November council meeting. “It’s an essential strategy and an important one. This time there has been a major shift in our focus and that is towards a regenerative economy and purpose driven, sustainable growth rather than growth for growth’s sake,” he said. “The aim is to improve the quality of life in the Shire in a productive and efficient economy.” Two different consultation processes were conducted in the lead up to the report, with one held between October and December in 2021 and the other in August and September this year. This was done to engage a broader range of stakeholders and demographics in the overall

Yarra Ranges Council endorsed its economic development strategy at the 22 November meeting. Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL feedback, which resulted in some language changes and other inclusions in the report. Cr David Eastham said this was particularly important to ensure young voices were heard and included and thanked the young people who submitted their thoughts. “It was really important that we did go back out and target some of our younger people to hear what their thoughts were,” he said. “That highlights the willingness from the young people to get involved in important documents and decisions.” For Cr Eastham and Cr Fullagar the economic strategy reflects the community values,

its strengths and the ability to support community efforts, while allowing the environment to thrive. “To me the importance of this strategy is that it sets a really clear vision on how we will regenerate the Yarra Ranges, making the most of opportunities and helping businesses in particular,” Cr Eastham said. “We should aim for better collaboration between our business partners and council and I think these are all very important shifts and I strongly recommend that we support this strategy,” Cr Fullagar said. The motion was carried unanimously. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Both the temperature and the oceans have warmed since records were first kept in 1910.

Warming temperatures mean La Nina years are now warmer than El Nino years in the 1980s.

Events occurring rapidly By Parker McKenzie CSIRO has released the biennial State of the Climate report, revealing changes to weather and extreme weather events are occurring at an increased pace around the nation. The report, published every two years, analyses the year-to-year and long-term changes in Australia’s climate using climate research and observations. It reveals Australia has warmed, on average, by 1.47c since 1910, there has been an increase in extreme heat events and the country is projected to experience continued warming, a decrease in cool season rainfall, longer periods of drought and a longer fire season. CSIRO Climate Science Centre Director Dr Jaci Brown said concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are at the highest levels seen on earth in the last two million years. “The concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are continuing to rise, and this is causing Australia’s climate to warm,” Dr Brown said. “The warming of our oceans is contributing to longer and more frequent marine heatwaves, and this trend is expected to continue into the future.” The report also shows heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense and they are ex-

pected to become more frequent in the future. The Bureau of Meteorology’s manager of climate environmental predictions services Dr Karl Braganza said the report projected increased air temperatures, more heat extremes and fewer old extremes in the future. “Australia’s climate has warmed on average by 1.47 degrees since 1910. We’ve seen contrasting rainfall trends across the north and the south of the country,” Dr Braganza said. “There’s been an overall decline in rainfall between April and October across southern Australia in recent decades, but in northern Australia, rainfall has increased across the region since the 1970s.” Steve Meacher, who has previously written reports for Yarra Ranges Council about the state of the local environment, said the future isn’t good if climate change continues. “In order to survive, species will need to migrate south or higher up mountains and here in Australia, we don’t have very high mountains,” he said. “Basically what happens is species migrate out of existence. That’s one of the reasons why we’re keen to support a great Forest National Park in the central highlands of Victoria, Healesville is basically the gateway to that area.”

Rainfall from April to October was below or very below average across large stretches of Australia and Victoria. Pictures: BOM

Study looking for fire affected residents in Cardinia By Parker McKenzie A new study aiming to improve bushfire maps is asking for people who have had an experience with bushfires in the last year to complete a survey, particularly focusing on those present during the 2019-20 season. The research is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and involves partners at RMIT University, Country Fire Authority, Emergency Management Victoria, Queensland University of Technology, Deakin University and Swinburne University. CFA Senior Research Scientist Chloe Begg said the aim of the project is to have a clearer understanding of the role of fire predictions in agency communication with the public during an emergency. “There have been advances in technology, and these types of maps are generally used internally for decision-making. During an incident, they are used for fast intervention but they’re generally not released to the public,” she said. “There’s been quite a lot of interest from other jurisdictions and political pressure put on jurisdictions to consider using such products in the future to complement existing platforms.” RMIT Senior Research Fellow Dr Erica Kuligowski said the study is interested in understanding how people are using and making sense of maps during bushfire events. “We’re interested in talking to people with a range of experiences with bushfires as well as maps,” she said. “To understand when we show them out, what do they see, what are they telling them mailcommunity.com.au

The research is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and involves partners at RMIT University, Country Fire Authority, Emergency Management Victoria, Queensland University of Technology, Deakin University and Swinburne University. Picture: ON FILE and if it’s useful to them, and if it’s something that they would like to use in the future.” The survey is particularly aimed at people in Cardinia Shire because of local residents’ experiences during the 2019-20 bushfires. Dr Kuligowski said people can complete the survey with as much information as they are willing to supply, with a particular focus on what type of information they received during the fire, if they used maps during it and whether it influenced their decisionmaking. “Something that was new in the 2019 2020 fires was some of these predictive maps showing where the fire may spread and as ju-

risdictions are interested more and more in using those maps since they’re brand new, we’re interested in understanding what people see when they take a look at that map,” she said. “The whole goal of this project is to be able to start to standardise what these maps may look like. From one jurisdiction to the other, these maps may look more similar and be something that people can take a look at and understand right away.” People willing to complete the survey can find more information at bit.ly/3fnOChN Dr Kuligowski said she is grateful to anyone who I willing to take part in the study

because having feedback from users is particularly important. “Thank you to everyone who’s participating who’s interested in participating because your feedback matters.” Ms Begg said the researchers hope practical applications are able to be developed by the study. We’re really hoping that this isn’t in the filing cabinet somewhere that the agencies are able to use it to inform the decision-making,” she said. “We’re hoping that there’ll be an opportunity for national consistency with these products.” Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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NEWS

Australian first at Angliss By Parker McKenzie The most likely time for a woman to develop a mental health problem is during pregnancy and In the first year after the baby is born. That’s why Eastern Health has become one of the first organisations in Australia to use the iCOPE application, developed by the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) to help screen and identify mothers at risk of perinatal depression and anxiety, at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully and Yarra Valley Health in Healesville. Founder and Executive Director of COPE Dr Nicole Highet said the registered charity is the peak body for perinatal and postnatal mental health in Australia. “We’re the developer of the national guidelines and looking really our focus is on how we can use innovation and technology to make a more sustainable way to delivering best practice and make sure we’re identifying women early,” she said. “Part of that work for me was initially getting a very small grant from a donor to develop the iCOPE screening platform. From there, we got a larger grant to trial in a single Maternal and Child Health Clinic in Melbourne, and then we got money to roll it out across two different municipalities in maternal and child health. “From the results of that we then took it to the prime minister at the time, Scott Morrison, who committed to making this available across all public maternity hospitals, and maternal and child health clinics.” The digital mental health screening program works through a link sent to a mobile phone just prior to an appointment. The participant answers a series of questions in relation to how they are feeling and to identify behaviours or past experiences that may be an indicator of risk of mental health issues.

Eastern Health Midwifery Unit Manager Sarah Darlison discusses mental health screening with a pregnant patient. Dr Highet said the ability to answer the questions on a mobile device prior to an appointment was an innovation that was made during the Covid pandemic because people weren’t able to attend appointments. “We found that that they gave women more privacy and more confidence to answer questions on their own device,” she said. “We’re able to identify someone who is at risk and what supports can be put in place early through that screening process.”

If the person using the program is indicated to be at risk, they are referred for a mental health assessment with their GP or a hospital. Dr Highet said the screening itself is an education process. “It gets people to self-reflect when they’re answering those questions, not only about how they’re feeling now but also about reflecting on things in relation to their past or their family history or personal history and just being aware that those things might increase

Picture: SUPPLIED

their vulnerability,” she said. “From a screening, we also link people to what we have a new app that provides women with information and education for each week of their pregnancy and the first year after having a baby. And that’s downloadable from the App Store or Google Play.” For more information on the iCOPE digital screening program, visit www.cope.org.au/ health-professionals/icope-digital-screening/

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Land slip planning limbo By Tyler Wright Yarra Ranges Council is preparing to amend its Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) Planning Scheme Amendment, which is predicted to be approved by the state government in around October 2024, with the exact date unknown. The amendment may accept a permit to rebuild on a property with what the council deems as a moderate risk, with various factors included, or provide guidelines for homeowners to mitigate the risk category. The Planning Scheme needs to be regularly updated. “It’s done in a really considered response to what we’re observing across municipality; It’s not a single particular personal location. It’s actually some of those events where it changes the situation, so now we have to look at it and understand what that means,” Yarra Ranges Council’s Manager of Design and Place Nathan Islip said. Yarra Ranges Council’s Executive Officer of Strategic Planning Alison Fowler said once the council has undertaken updated mapping and changes to the words in the planning scheme, the amendments will go through a public exhibition process. “Anyone who’s affected or any landowner would be notified directly, and then they’ve got an opportunity to provide us with their feedback,” Ms Fowler said. It comes over a year since the 2021 storm events which saw homes destroyed by fallen trees, with residents working through the rebuild and repair process. Kalorama resident Natalie Guest and husband Lee are one family trying to rebuild after their property was damaged June 2021, with Yarra Ranges Council advising the pair it would be unlikely a planning application on their land would be accepted, given a Smolders Geotechnical Landslip Assessment Report issued on 30 March this year deemed their

Natalie Guest (centre) has been told is is unlikely Yarra Range Council will accept a planning application for her family to rebuild on her Kalorama property. Ms Guest is urging the council to re-assess its planning scheme. Peter (right) and Kerry (left) are supporting Ms Guest. site a moderate landslip risk, and labelled the consequences to the property in the case of a landslip ‘catastrophic’. The Guests’ property is within the council’s Erosion Management Overlay and a Bushfire Management Overlay, with the Yarra Ranges Council Planning Scheme establishing a ‘moderate’ risk to property, as determined in the landslip assessment report, or higher can not be accepted. The Guests are calling on Yarra Ranges

Council to amend the planning scheme so they are able to rebuild. The last significant landslip recorded on Woodhurst Grove in Kalorama was in 1905. “You feel like you’re on tenterhooks... even in re-imagining repairing your dream home... and inviting an architect and inviting this person and that person to talk about it and your gardens and how lovely they can be again... none of that means a bloody thing,” Ms Guest said.

It is believed there are a small number of residents across the Yarra Ranges who will not be able to rebuild on their properties after last year storm events, but the exact figure will not be known until all geo technical reports are completed. Yarra Ranges Council’s executive officer of statutory planning Katie Douglas said regardless if it’s a rebuild, there are many lots in the Yarra Ranges that over the years - given bushfire, landslip or flood risk - are not able to be built on. “We’ve had these conversations with lot owners before the storms...there are some lots that are environmentally in the risk factor, just too great to meet the planning standards to get approval,” Ms Douglas said. “I wouldn’t say these conversations are unique to following the storms, it’s probably [since] 2009 where policy has caught up, education has caught up around fire activity, erosion activity and risks.” Mr Islip, said that an overlay does not mean property owners are not able to do things on their property, but it can come to a point where it becomes “too difficult to do something to reduce the risk”. “We can have designed responses that help to improve the resilience of our buildings, but there comes a point where it doesn’t matter what you do with that building, you’re not going to be able to get it to withstand the level of risk that it’s exposed to,” Mr Islip said. “When we’re talking erosion management overlay, sometimes you can do really expensive engineering solutions, like screw pile down into dirt. but there comes a point where if you can’t actually get down deep enough to do that, we can’t recommend a way to resolve this, and we we can’t ignore that.” The amendments to Yarra Ranges Council’s Erosion Management Overlay are expected to be made public in around July or August 2023.

Community feedback open for Kalorama ‘five ways’ By Tyler Wright Kalorama’s ‘five ways’ roundabout is set to undergo a revamp in proposed design plans from Yarra Ranges Council now open for public feedback, but some locals are concerned for the future of the historical landmark. In a draft concept design made in consultation with agencies including PTV and VicRoads, the council has proposed key features for the area’s reconstruction; including a pedestrian refuge on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, a relocated bus stop moved from the roundabout 25 metres east, and the formalisation of the gravel car parking spaces north of the five ways roundabout. Right-turn movements from Old Coach Road have been banned in the proposal, which is open for community engagement until Sunday 4 December. Neil Johnson, Kalorama resident and descendant of one the first families to settle in the area, said the main issue for locals is people in the Kalorama Lookout carpark doing burnouts on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Ridge Road. But Mr Johnson said making it easier to cross Mount Dandenong Tourist Road with a proposed pedestrian refuge island and new pedestrian path is a “great idea”. “When you get to that roundabout area, it’s hard to know what you’re meant to do…. but mostly for tourists, I think that’s a great idea to have them do only left hand turns out of Old Coach Road,” Mr Johnson said. “If they do what they say they’re going to do, then it is a positive,” he said. The Kalorama and Mount Dandenong Fire Brigade has also submitted feedback to the council, with captain Bill Robinson calling for improved signage and physical protection of Kapi Art Space’s gallery and pedestrians after two recent incidents of vehicles crashing into the gallery’s barrier. “Normally, the car park [at the cafe] on the weekend is packed, so if you’re going to try and get extra cars up here for walkers, where are they going to park?” Mr Robinson said. mailcommunity.com.au

Neil, Kerry, Bailey and Andy at Kalorama’s ‘Five Ways’ intersection. 309533 The project is part of the Ridgewalk Masterplan, which “highlighted the ‘Five Ways’ roundabout as a high priority crossing requiring improvements to pedestrian and traffic safety,” Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Environment and Infrastructure Bill Millard said. “Council received funding from TAC to investigate these safety improvements at the site,” Mr Millard said. “Several contributions have been made to the intersection draft improvements plan and it is very clear the community values pedestrian safety, traffic flow and the local vegetation. “As part of the design, the existing island, which is 4.7m deep and 11.9m wide would increase to 19.2m deep and 19.5m wide, al-

lowing for a footpath in the central island.” A detailed design for the intersection is expected to be completed in the next financial year, Mr Millard said. “I encourage everyone who lives nearby to have a look at this draft and provide their feedback, to ensure that whatever projects are delivered in the future align with community wants and needs.” A Department of Transport spokesperson said they carefully select bus stop locations to provide safe and easy access to services for the community in key locations around town. “The new bus stop location in Kalorama, is close to the existing stop but much more accessible and safe – particularly for people

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS with accessibility needs,” they said. The current location is not viable or easily accessible in the middle of the roundabout and upgrades are needed to undertake intersection works. The upgrade will meet the Disability and Discrimination Act 1992 and improve access to public transport, to improve safety, accessibility and enhance passenger experiences. “We will continue to work with the Shire of Yarra Ranges through the design and delivery of this project, taking into consideration all feedback from the community.” To view the proposal to Kalorama’s ‘five ways’ roundabout, visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/five-ways-roundaboutpedestrian-and-traffic-safety-improvements Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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NEWS

Locals urged to register By Tyler Wright Dandenong Ranges residents are being urged to register their burn-offs this bushfire season to prevent unnecessary call outs for local fire brigades. Emerald Fire Brigade Captain Klaus Brodeck said when residents do not log their burns, neighbours may see the fire as uncontrolled and call the brigade. Mr Brodeck said most years the Emerald Fire Brigade receives in excess of 10 false alarms per summer season, and encouraged locals to log their burns through the Fire Permits Victoria website. “A lot of people try to take advantage before the fire danger period starts...this year, it’s going to be later than previous years; we’ve seen a bit of a rush just before that fire danger period starts,” Mr Brodeck said. “We get quite a number of calls from residents who may be concerned of a fire that’s too big at their neighbour’s property or uncontrollable, when in fact we get there and it is well under control, but the fire just hasn’t been logged with ESTA.” The Fire Permits Victoria website launched in 2020 as a one-stop-shop for Victorians to register burn-offs with authorities prior to the fire danger period (FDP) commencing, or apply for a permit once the FDP has started. While community members can still register their burns with Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511, using the Fire Permits Victoria website frees up ESTA call takers to focus on emergency calls. Last fire season between 25 October 2021 and 1 May 2022, 85,224 burn-offs were registered or approved, including 18,776 through the Fire Permits Victoria website. Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said that fire danger periods are de-

fully extinguish the burn once completed,” Mr Freeman said. People undertaking burn-offs prior to the fire danger period and those with permits during the fire danger period are reminded to follow the subsequent advice: Follow regulations or laws set by CFA and your local council. Register your burn-off via the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or call 1800 668 511. Notify neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke. Check and monitor weather conditions particularly wind - on the day and coming days. Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn. Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading; don’t leave it unattended Make sure you properly extinguish your fire before you leave it. If your burn-off gets out of control, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Mr Brodeck said people need to check the rules and regulations from their local council, particularly in the Emerald area with two municipalities; Cardinia Shire and the Yarra Ranges Shire. “You do need to check the council regulations first as in which day of the week, how much you want to burn, what type of materials you’re burning before you log that so you know you’re following the right rules,” he said. For more information contact: CFA: 1300 232 633 or cfamedia@cfa.vic.gov.au FRV: 1300 173 744 or media@frv.vic.gov.au FFMV: 03 8624 3400 or media@delwp.vic. gov.au ESTA: 1300 783 462 or corporate.affairs@ esta.vic.gov.au You can find the Fire Permits Victoria website at https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/

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Residents are being urged to register their burnoff. 154477 clared in more local council areas, registering burns or applying for permits is vitally important for community safety. “The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn-offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” Mr Heffernan said. Forest Fire Management Victoria Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner said the fire permit system provided fire agencies with important information to manage fire risk effectively.

Picture: ROB CAREW

“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place,” Ms Lardner said. “This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.” Fire Rescue Victoria’s Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said that despite the milder conditions this season, burnoffs can easily escape if not managed and monitored properly. “Keep your burn-off safe by ensuring you have sufficient water on hand at all times and

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Respect is choosing not to laugh at jokes that put women down. Respect women. Call it out.

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Founding farewell By Parker McKenzie

Defensive Driver Training Program participants with Peter Hall.

Hall and wife Liz lost two sons in 1995.

Young volunteers enhance road skills By Tyler Wright In early January 1995, two teenage boys were killed in a road accident in Cockatoo. Anthony, 15 and Travis, 13 were brothers, and both members of the Upwey Junior Fire Brigade with Anthony the Junior Captain at the time of the accident. The loss of the sons of the then Upwey Fire Brigade’s 1st Lieutenant Peter Hall and wife Liz was a shock to the community; with the pair having been successful in brigade competitions throughout many areas of the state. Decades later, Anthony and Travis’s memory still lives on through the Anthony & Travis Hall Memorial Driver Education Fund, which provides young adults in the volunteer fire service in the Dandenong Ranges and the local community the opportunity to participate in Defensive Driver Training P rogram conducted by Murcotts Driving Excellence. Operating for over 20 years, the fund has awarded around 100 courses to young community members, and is managed by prominent members of the fire service and the Dandenong Ranges community; Captain Cliff Pancutt (Upwey), Peter Hall, Graeme Legge, Bob Horner, Richard Cromb, Geoff Champion and Peter Marke and Jody Yandle as Convenor. This year, 10 participants aged between 18 and 25 throughout the CFA’s District 13 area, including Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges, joined each other in a group session at Sandown Raceway; applying learned theory to common errors made by drivers on the roads and how to learning how mitigate the errors.

Participants are from throughout CFA District 13 in the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and outer eastern suburbs. Pictures: SUPPLIED “Ideally, I think every young person should have the opportunity to do a defensive driving program, because we know they are overly represented in the road toll from inexperience and a lack of knowledge and appreciation of the driving environment,” Anthony & Travis Hall Memorial Driver Education Fund Convenor Jody Yandle said. “It’s valuing those young people in particular who are putting up their hands to participate in emergency response in their community...these young people have already shown they are community minded and giving up their own time to protect life and property in their area, and I’m really pleased to be able to give something back to them; to not only make them safer in general on the roads, but also to

make them better aware driving to and from the station,” Ms Yandle said. “And if they become drivers of our appliances, they have some basic understanding and recognition of all the things that can go wrong in a car, let alone a truck.” This year’s Defensive Driving Program was held on Sunday 27 November, with participants grouping together for the first time rather than selecting times for an individual session. “In the future, if this goes, we’ll probably do a group next year, get some feedback from those attendees, see how they feel and take it a year at a time,” Ms Yandle said. “We tend to try and do it towards the end of the year but before the fire season.”

The last living founding member of Ferntree Gully CFA has died, 80 years after the brigade was founded. Ferntree Gully CFA advised the public on Facebook of the passing of Raymond Stanley Parker BEM at age 97, the last living member of the brigade when it was first formed in 1942. Mr Parker was Captain of Ferntree Gully CFA from 1962 to 1971 and Knox Group Officer from 1964 to 1974. He retired from active fire service in 1982 and established a flying business in Queensland. Ferntree Gully Community Safety Manager Graham Crichton said he remembers Mr Parker from his time as the “proper officer” in the area. “It’s really disappointing he is gone. We were going to write a book that didn’t eventuate and people like Ray had all these memories, it’s a lot of history we’ve unfortunately lost,” he said. “The messages he was putting out during his time as proper officer in the Knox area are very similar to what we send out today.” Mr Parker served as a transport driver in the Royal Australia Air Force from 1943 to 1945 and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 1968 for his time as the Knox Group Officer for his leadership “during the protracted operations of the preceding summer.” He is remembered by his extended family, including his two daughters and sons-in-law, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held for Mr Parker in Queensland on 1 December. “We celebrate a life well lived,” Ferntree Gully CFA wrote on Facebook. “Our brigade’s sincere and deepest condolences are extended to the family and friends of Ray.”

Raymond Stanley Parker BEM was the last living founding member of Ferntree Gully CFA when he passed at age 97. Picture: FERNTREE GULLY CFA

Monbulk Fire Brigade on the hunt for new young recruits By Tyler Wright The Monbulk Fire Brigade has welcomed two new young firefighters into its ranks, and is encouraging more locals to get involved in its Juniors program. Alvan and Beau recently passed their final assessment to become fully operational firefighters after completing a four-month CFA General Firefighter course. The teenagers joined the Monbulk Fire Brigade’s Juniors program six years ago at 11 years of age, and were recently congratulated by the brigade for their efforts. “I think it’s amazing; they get a real sense of community and it builds them a really good strong network,” Monbulk CFA’s junior coordinator and general firefighter Sarah Kinder said. “We’ve got people from all walks of life within the brigade; ages, demographics.. it gives them support where they might have some in other areas...I think it gives them some really good tools for general life, not just firefighting...it’s been it’s been great watching Beau and Alvin come up and change,” Ms Kinder said. mailcommunity.com.au

Alvan and Beau recently passed their final assessment and are now operational firefighters. Picture: MONBULK FIRE BRIGADE FACEBOOK The junior program runs for 11 to 16 year olds, with participants getting involved in social activities as well as learning firefighting

competencies including fire behaviour and working water pumps. “We’re a little bit of a different brigade to

most local fire brigades...we have a rescue unit and a rope rescue unit as well as firefighting, so they get to experience a little bit of that (under supervision, of course),” Ms Kinder said. The group is run by senior brigade members on Tuesday nights from 7pm until 8.30pm, with only three young people currently involved in the program. “We were 12 strong; we had four go up to Seniors, two have going to the Ferntree Gully Brigade...two have come up to our brigade and we have lost a couple over Covid...ao we are looking to build that back up again, because it’s a great little program,” Ms Kinder said. “We focus on Monbulk mainly, but we have got a couple of kids from surrounding areas that don’t do Juniors...we’ve got one from Silvan and we have a couple that are in between Kallista and Monbulk.” Those interested in joining the Junior brigade program can visit the CFA website, and brigade members will also be attending the Merry Monbulk Christmas event on Friday 2 December. Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 11

YOUR COUNCIL UPDATE

Meet your new Mayor and Deputy Mayor -----Congratulations to our newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2022–23! Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford has been elected Mayor, and Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik has been elected Deputy Mayor.

Help shape Council’s draft budget

Councillor Radford said that she was thrilled to be Cardinia Shire’s elected Mayor for the year ahead. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Cardinia Shire for the next 12 months, and I would like to acknowledge the support of my fellow councillors and my family,” Cr Radford said.

You’re encouraged to have your say and help shape Council’s draft 2023/24 budget. Community feedback is being sought on key priorities for 2023/24, including:

“I will use my time as Mayor to be a positive role model, and will work hard to demonstrate a passion and commitment to this council and the Cardinia Shire community.” Councillor Jack Kowarzik said that he saw the role of Deputy Mayor as being an exciting challenge, and extended his thanks to his colleagues and family. “I am really looking forward to taking on this role, and look forward to being able to support our new Mayor and serve the Cardinia Shire community as Deputy Mayor.”

• Roads, drains, bridges and footpaths • Rubbish and recycling • Buildings and facilities • Sport, recreation, parks and reserves • Supporting local businesses • Children and family services

Pakenham Carols by Candlelight is back

Head down to Toomuc Reserve in Pakenham this Saturday 3 December for a festive season sing-a-long not to be missed!

Make a splash this summer

• Disability support

Pool season is here so get ready to make a splash in our outdoor pools across the shire.

• Aged services

• Koo Wee Rup Swimming Pool – OPEN • Garfield Swimming Pool – OPEN • Pakenham Outdoor Pool – OPEN • Emerald Lake Park Wading Pool – Opening Friday 2 December

• Libraries

The pools will be open on any day forecast to be 26 degrees or above throughout November, December, February, and March. Open every day in January regardless of temperature.

• Planning services

• Multicultural community support

• Arts and culture • Youth services • Compliance services

• Environment and climate change • Emergency management • Customer service • Community consultation and communications

Gates open at 4.30pm, and the official program begins at 6.30pm with the Cardinia Civic Concert Band, a range of local performers and choirs.

Have your say online, or by visiting one of the drop-in sessions across the shire.

Enjoy a fireworks display and a visit from Santa.

Feedback closes Friday 16 December 2022.

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/christmas

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/pools

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Connect magazine goes digital

What’s On?

Sign up to get the Connect e-newsletter. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/connectsubscribe

Check out what events are on in your local community. www.whatsoncardinia.com.au

Unwrap Cardinia

Follow us

Unwrap our virtual ‘advent-ure calendar’. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniabusiness

Keep up with our latest news via social media. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/follow

The information on this page was correct at the time of print, but for the most up-to-date information:

Cardinia Shire Council Phone: 1300 787 624

Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

For translating and interpreting services, visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/translate 12580175-AV48-22

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

National park proposal By Callum Ludwig A world-renowned mountaineer and conservationist joined a leading Australian forest ecologist and local environmentalists in the Yarra Ranges in support of the movement to end native forest logging and create the proposed Great Forest National Park (GFNP). Rick Ridgeway joined the group on the Myrtle Gully Walk in Toolangi as part of his two-week stay in Australia. Mr Ridgeway said we as human beings are facing two existential crises that are very interconnected and they’re both rooted in the fact that there are just too many people on the planet using too much of the planet’s limited resources. “We’ve got climate change on one hand and species extinction on the other, but one of the key ways of solving them both at the same time is through the conservation of natural areas of forests, like the one that would be encompassed in that proposed Great Forest National Park,” he said. “It creates an enormously important carbon sink for the partial solution of climate change and protects the biodiversity of our planet. For me, as an environmentalist who is privileged enough to travel around the world, when I come to places like this, I just feel their specialness and their magic, so it is a privilege to come here and meet everybody here who dedicates their lives to try and save and conserve a place like this.” Recent court cases brought by the Warburton Environment and Kinglake Friends of the Forest groups have delivered landmark decisions that will further protect native endangered species like the Tree Geebung, Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider. Mr Ridgeway said losing an environment like this would mean future generations are going to see a devastated area and really not know what they’ve lost. “It’s our responsibility to conserve this not just for ourselves, but all the human beings who are going to follow us as well as for the flora and fauna who live here,” he said.

L-R: Professor David Lindenmayer, Rick Ridgeway and Sarah Rees at the entrance to the Myrtle Gully Walk. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG “I just want to extend my hope to the Australian citizens who live around this proposed Great Forest National Park to really understand what a marvellous gemstone they have right in their own backyards. It’s the hope of us visitors who are so appreciative to come here and see things like the famous Tree Geebung, that you’ll all rally together to support the creation of this national park and save this wondrous place.” The Great Forest National Park proposal was born in the local community following the Black Saturday fires in 2009, as a way to save what forest remained and protect the biodiversity, including critically endangered species such as Victorian emblems like the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider. Founding member of the proposal and Toolangi resident Sarah Rees said after the Black Saturday bushfires, people were grieving. “There was a real sense in the community of a mixture of feeling betrayed by the forest

that they love, but also feeling incredibly passionate and committed to protecting it with a new vision,” she said. “We looked at the work of Professor David Lindenmayer and his team and saw that this land is fractured. There was some really important reporting coming out from burned area emergency response team at the time saying to protect it because this is one of the last green areas, but that we can package this all up as a national park because people will want to come to see it and enjoy it.” Members of the Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum, Wildlife of the Central Highlands, Environmental Justice Victoria and Friends of the Earth Melbourne groups attended the forest walk, along with Wurundjeri Elder Perry Wandin and Prof. Lindenmayer from the Australian National University in Canberra. Prof. Lindenmayer said he first started coming to work in the Central Highlands in 1983 and other than a short period though 1985 to 1986, he has worked here

constantly ever since. “I come down four or five times a year, and have someone who works in Healesville every single day so I am very connected to this place. When I first started coming here, Healesville, Marysville, Warburton and Alexandra were all timber towns but now most of those places have lost their mills, and the area is a tourist domain and we need the infrastructure to support that,” he said. “There’s enormous potential, but not the investment to support the infrastructure and manage it well, Victorians and Australians are screaming out for places to go, and tourism and recreation, but you’ve got to provide the infrastructure for them to do it. The New Zealanders do it really well, they exited native logging 20 years ago and invested in their tourism, infrastructure and plantations and they’ve taken off.” The current Victorian Government’s plan intends to end native logging by 2030. “There is an enormous opportunity to come and see absolutely majestic forests and have an amazing experience in the Yarra Ranges. Some of the tallest flowering plants on the planet and almost all of Melbourne’s water supply is from here, yet it is largely unknown,” Prof. Lindenmayer said. “We’ve seen in Western Australia and Tasmania that it can really revolutionise these regional economies, and people travel four or five hours from Hobart for it, while this is only an hour and a half from the MCG.” The Central Highlands region is located around Healesville, Kinglake, Toolangi, Warburton, Marysville and Woods Point. Recently 80 trail runners ran the inaugural Great Forest Trail Marathon, raising over $55,000 to fund the GFNP proposal and local environmental and First Nations groups’ efforts to protect the area. The two trees that primarily make up the Myrtle Gully Walk are the Myrtle Beech and the Sassafrass, along with old-growth eucalyptus trees on the outer, which all are key fire breaks and prevent spread in the event of bushfire.

Victorian dams nearing capacity, others overflowing By Mikayla van Loon It’s been a wet spring and with summer expected to be the same, many local dam catchments are already at capacity so Star Mail took a look at the numbers. Across Melbourne Water’s 10 major reservoirs, water storage levels are at 98.1 per cent or 1,777,888 megalitres, with Maroondah, O’Shannassy, Yan Yean, Tarago and Thomson all at 100 per cent. This month alone, dam catchments are 10 per cent fuller than last year, close to 20 per cent higher than 2020 and 35 per cent higher than 2018 and 2019. These are similar figures across all months of the year since 2018. A Melbourne Water spokesperson said the La Niña prediction released on 12 September, which will make it the third time since 1900, coupled with heavy rainfall over winter has seen higher than usual reservoir levels. “Due to higher than usual rainfall over winter, coupled with La Niña weather conditions, Melbourne Water’s current storage levels across the majority of our storage reservoirs and dams are very high, with some reservoirs at capacity,” they said. “The total volume stored in Melbourne’s water storages is now the highest since 1996.” While normal for the O’Shannassy, Maroondah, Yan Yean and Tarago reservoirs to reach full capacity, the Thomson’s spillway was used for the first time in 25 years. Local spillways, like that at Maroondah, connect to surrounding waterways, including the Yarra River which will require monitoring throughout the La Niña summer given previous flooding events. “Our water supply system is interconnected between the reservoirs and rivers, and is designed for active movement of water around the system, when storage levels in one area are increasing,” the Melbourne mailcommunity.com.au

The Maroondah dam spillway has been in action with the reservoir now at 100 per cent capacity. Photo was on file. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Water spokesperson said. “Carefully managed and controlled releases will occur throughout Spring and possibly into Summer, depending on rainfall in the catchment, to maintain a safe operating range of our storages.” Melbourne Water expects the annual amount of water flowing into the four major harvesting reservoirs to be the highest since 1996.

The daily megalitre intake at Maroondah is 461ML, compared to the average of 243ML for November, while the Upper Yarra catchment is seeing a water flow of 1,514ML per day compared to the November daily average of 384ML. This will test the water supply system, however, summer is typically the time of year requiring a larger volume of water to meet population demands but Melbourne Water is confident it is on top of the risks.

“Our focus is to keep the community safe. Our expert team is working 24/7 to assess further rain events, and manage releases to reduce the risk of any impacts downstream. “Water releases are an important part of streamflow to waterways and positively contribute to environmental outcomes. “Greater Melbourne storages are in the best position they have been for a long time. In times of drought, storage levels can drop by 20 per cent in twelve months.” Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 13

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cult film from Boronia By Parker McKenzie In 2009, independent filmmaker Tim Burns released the cult suburban film Boronia Boys, a piece of Australian history perfectly capturing the suburb in the late 2000s. Filmed on a shoestring budget and running on passion, Mr Burns, who directed the film under the name Timothy Spanos, said he was “fairly young” when he first started writing his second feature film. “My job was teaching those driving courses where when you lose your license, you have to go to court,” he said. “Every Thursday, it was in a church in Boronia and because I lived there for a long time, I’m writing this series and meeting all these guys who are here because they were drink driving.” The film follows two men, one played by Mr Burns, from Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, who steal hard rubbish in an attempt to fund an overseas trip. “The house is actually the house I grew up in, which I believe got pulled down last year,” Mr Burns said. “I was just reflecting on a lot of my memories of Boronia and I thought to myself, okay no one has really done this sort of suburban love story before.” Along with friends he made while studying acting in Box Hill and a feature film under his belt, Mr Burns set about finding funding for what he originally envisaged as a TV series. “I showed it to Andrew Friedman, who was executive producer of comedy at ABC, and he absolutely loved it in about 2001 or 2002. He mentored me and said we really want to do

Tim Burns and Cameron Nugent in Boronia Boys (2009). this, but do you think this is actually a film?” Mr Burns said. “I was hoping to see it as a series, to be honest. We worked on it and he became the producer, we got a team of actors together and we production was getting going he got very sick and passed away.” With the crew assembled, which included Mr Friedman’s wife, the cast pulled together to capture the feature film in locations around Boronia. The film was a success, running for six weeks at the local Metro cinemas, which Mr Burns said was unheard of at the time for an independent Australian film.

Picture: BORONIA BOYS

“There’s something there for everybody and it’s got universal films, that’s what we tried to do,” he said. “This was just about everyday things. I used to go the op shops and listen to old people talk and that formed the basis of the conversations, like Maxine talking about curried sausages; this is what people actually talk about.” Mr Burns said the film’s success — even spawning a sequel where the character tour Europe — comes down to the character’s “tenderness.” “It’s about friendship and belonging, getting out of where you come from because you think the grass was greener on the other side. We all know it never is,” he said.

“When we went to Sweden and had the film premiere there for the backpackers one, the fan club over there had a special screening and Cameron and I got up on stage and all these people from Sweden were saying ‘oh we want to go to Boronia.” The film helped created friendships too. Mr Burns and actor Cameron Nugent — who met each other during acting school —still collaborate, with their film The HoneySuckle Sisters premiering on Thursday 1 December at the Nova Cinema as a part of Monster Fest. Mr Burns said the film has left him with a lot of great memories, including meeting thenPrime Minister Jula Gillard and seeing a DVD of the film at parliament house. “I remember going to Boronia once and hearing kids singing the theme song,” he said. “I absolutely adored the cast; they are some of my favourite people. I was lucky and fortunate to work with them and the fact they were interested in and believed in this project, that’s very dear to me. “I’ve made about nine productions over the last 20 years and I think this is one I really liked the most because it’s just so warm and actually quite funny.” Boronia Backpackers is celebrating its 10year anniversary this year, with the sequel being released three years after the original film. Mr Burns has re-released the film as a short online series with a new cut and soundtrack, with the original set to receive the same treatment in the coming months. To watch or find out more, visit the StarBaby Films Youtube channel or The Films of Timothy Spanos Facebook page.

NEWS

Yarra Ranges Council joins study into reusable items

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Publish

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from the community around how they were able to dispose of their sanitary items if we were to move to a fortnightly rubbish bin collection. We think that by partnering with Councils going through a similar transition with their waste services, we’ll be able to come to a positive outcome that will benefit all Councils and their residents, while also minimising waste.” Approximately 660 million disposable sanitary and incontinence products end up in landfill per year in Australia and it can take up to 800 years for the plastic products to break down. The feasibility study will engage with people who use sanitary products and incontinence aids to understand current barriers to using reusable products and will benchmark existing programs from other councils to reach target audiences, meet user needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs to reduce waste and change behaviour. The collaborative project between councils

hopes to understand and break down barriers to using reusable products in different age and health demographics, and allows for the sharing of costs and resources, increasing the likelihood of an ongoing reusable program. It will recommend a best practice model to achieve waste reduction and assist and support people who use sanitary products or incontinence aids, to increase the circular economy and to create the basis for behaviour change across Victoria. The study has been awarded $80,000 from Sustainability Victoria, through the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Councils Fund.

Yarra Ranges Council is joining a study into reusable period care and incontinence products. Picture: ON FILE

Where to pick up a FREE printed copy of your...

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AVONSLEIGH Avonsleigh News & General Store 445 Belgrave Gembrook Road BELGRAVE Belgrave Newsagency 1704 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE Woolworths Supermarket 1629 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Bell Real Estate 313 Main Street FERNTREE GULLY Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagents, 1202 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY Glenfern Road Milk Bar , 83 Glenfern Road

MONBULK Monbulk Newsagency & Officesmart 76 Main Street OLINDA Monbulk Bowling Club, 11 Moores Road OLINDA Olinda Cellars Shop 7/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE IGA 151 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE Chandler & Co Real Estate 1689 Burwood Hwy

FERNTREE GULLY Coles Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Woolworths Supermarket Mountain Gate SC

OLINDA Ranges at Olinda 5 Old Main Road OLINDA IGA Supermarket 1526 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1 Bayview Road BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road

Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Mountain Gate Newsagency & Lotto Mountain Gate SC 9b Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Ferntree Gully Authorized Newsagency Shp 2/69 Station Street

OLINDA Bell Real Estate 11 Main Road SASSAFRAS Sassafras General Store 391 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road SILVAN Shell Princi Motors, 275 - 277 Monbulk Road

COCKATOO Ranges First National Shop 2, 24 McBride Street COCKATOO IGA Cockatoo 34 McBride Street

TECOMA BP Service Station 1524 Burwood Highway TECOMA Bon Ton General Store 1537 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Kaye Charles RE 12a Kilvington Drive EMERALD Ritchies SUPA IGA 342 Belgrave-Gembrook Road EMERALD Emerald Village Newsagency 4 Kilvington Drive

FERNTREE GULLY Shell Service Station 1140 Burwood Highway FERNY CREEK Ferny Creek & Post Office 195 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road GEMBROOK Gembrook Post Office& Newsagent 72 Main Street GEMBROOK IGA Supermarket 83/85 Main Street

EMERALD Woolworths Supermarket Belgrave Gembrook Road EMERALD Auto Plus More Petrol Station 365 Main Street

KALORAMA Post Office 1209 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONBULK Best Repairs & Accessories Monbulk - 26 Main Road

TREMONT Caltex Service Station 100 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road UPWEY Newsagent 18 Main Street

EMERALD Shell Service Station 336 Main Street EMERALD Barry Plant Real Estate 1/ 321 Main Street

MONBULK Food Express 128 Main Road MONBULK Woolworths Supermarket Main Road & Moores Road

UPWEY IGA Supermarket 62-64 Main Street UPWEY Yarra Ranges Shire Council 40 Main Street

TECOMA O’Brien Real Estate 1567 Burwood Highway TECOMA McDonald’s Restaurant 1529 Burwood Highway THE PATCH The Patch Store and Post office 16 The Patch Road

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14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

12560832-ACM31-22

Yarra Ranges Council is joining six other councils in a study that could reduce between five and 15 per cent of the waste in our household bins. The study is set to research and understand how to implement a reusable period care and incontinence program to reduce waste in landfill. Disposable nappies, incontinence products and period care products going to landfill is becoming one of the most significant waste issues, behind only food waste on percentage of total waste. Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said that finding a solution to this issue was one of Council’s highest priorities when it came to waste management. “We’ve recently just gone through quite an extensive community consultation period for our Draft Waste Plan, which incorporates the change to a four-stream waste service,” he said. “As part of this, we had many questions

mailcommunity.com.au

EXQUISITE CIRCA 1920S “AVONLEA” LUXURIOUS “Avonlea” is a beautiful family haven steeped in local history and saturated in style. Affectionately called “The School House” due to its provenance as the headmaster/mistress residence of the original Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School, this circa 1920s property is a cornerstone of this lovely, leafy neighbourhood. The interior of this exquisite home is a showcase of how to blend period sophistication with modern creature comforts. At the front of the home, the circular drive with high privacy hedging provides this home with an established feel while the covered bullnose verandah entry extends an invitation to step inside. New owners will revel in a wealth of high-end features that are timeless in their appeal. The central corridor with sweeping 12-foot ceilings and wide plank timber floors anchors the family-focused floorplan. Fleur design pressed metal ceilings, original War Service skirting boards and lath and plaster walls feature, and there are ornate open

wood fires in the formal lounge/4th bedroom and dining areas. At the rear of this prestige residence, discover an open plan family room with plate rails and plantation shutters and a gourmet kitchen with American Oak timber flooring, Falcon cooker, farmhouse sink, engineered stone benchtops, and island seating. French doors extend the living space out to the landscaped garden with covered verandah, lush lawn area, and in-deck pool with slide. Completing this beautiful home’s interior are 3 bedrooms, including the main bedroom with handcrafted leadlight bay window, a designer bathroom with pedestal sink and claw foot tub, and a sizeable laundry with WC. With additional highlights including security alarm and cameras, original Bakelite switches, gas ducted heating, ducted refrigerated air conditioning, single carport, single garage, and recreational vehicle parking, this glorious property is a once-in-alifetime offering with all the trimmings. Plan your viewing today.

· Magnificent circa 1920s character residence with exquisite modern updates · Formal lounge/4th bedroom and dining areas with ornate open wood fires · Open plan family room and gourmet kitchen with Falcon cooker · 3 beautiful bedrooms and quality bathroom with claw foot tub · Covered verandahs, landscaped lawn areas,

in-deck swimming pool, single garage, single carport, and recreational vehicle parking ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Hilltop Road, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sam Adamson 0421 023 760 and Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE

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

Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 15

HOME FOCUS

AMAZING LOCATION, GORGEOUS HOME WHAT an absolutely brilliant family home. This inviting fully fenced property has a welcoming asphalted driveway surrounded by manicured gardens. There are two front porches that frame the home. The lead light front door opens into the entrance hall that leads to a formal lounge room with gas log fire on the right and the master bedroom to the left. The sumptuous master bedroom offers an ensuite with toilet and shower as well as a walk in robe. Your comfort is assured as you wander through the home with evaporative cooling and ducted heating. The kitchen opens up for the ultimate entertaining zone with large island, amazing gas stove, electric oven and also ceramic

stove top, very quiet rangehood extractor and lovely butlers pantry. Enjoy the views and outdoors by opening up the loungeroom onto the rear entertaining deck. Well positioned away from the master bedroom are a further 3 bedrooms, 2 with walk in robes, that utilise the well appointed family bathroom that has a shower and bath. Storage and parking are well catered for with a double lock up garage with electric roller doors, as well as a second two car garage with an attached fully lined craft room/office space. This property also offers approximately 1.5kW solar panels, a lovely grassed flat back yard, a fully covered vegetable garden, and a garden shed area. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 10 Belvedere Court, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $980,000 - $1,080,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 and Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD

PERFECT SKY GAZING PROPERTY, SIX ACRES THIS character filled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, plus a study family home offers something for everyone. With views and 6 acres to enjoy, there are two paddocks, a dam, and a comfortable home awaiting you. The front porch welcomes you into the formal lounge with an open fire place and adjoining study/sunroom. There is then a laundry with a separate entrance to the front decking and a toilet. The house flows through to the kitchen with an island bench to enjoy and a gas stove, dishwasher and open plan kitchen dining for all your entertaining. The master bedroom has built in robes with a shower, bath and toilet. The hardwood floors flow throughout the home, and the second, and third bedrooms have built in robes. The fourth bedroom has lovely views to the entertaining deck. There is a fantastic rear entertaining covered decking area to soak in the valley views! There is a shed externally, and the property is connected to mains power and telephone. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 408 Paternoster Road, MOUNT BURNETT Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $1,200,000 - $1,300,000 Inspect: Wednesday 30 November, 5.30pm - 6.00pm Contact: Richard Birtchnell 0407 365 994 and Aaron Day 0407 365 994, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD 16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

54 View Hill Road, Cockatoo

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

408 Paternoster Road, Mount Burnett

$1,200,000 - $1,300,000

Fantastic modern & spacious family home central to Emerald & Cockatoo!

Perfect sky gazing property, 6 acres next to the observatory!

Outstanding 4/5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home on an acre. With a 3 bay workshop, manicured gardens & multiple wooden decks with swaging handrails. The master bedroom has an ensuite with double vanities, double shower, & a large WIR. There is an office/storage room & an open plan kitchen, dining & lounge area with split system air conditioning & wood fire. The contemporary kitchen has a large stone island with inbuilt sink, gas stove & electric oven & dishwasher. Further features include high ceilings, tiled flooring, carpeted bedrooms, ducted heating, large floor to ceiling windows & covered entertaining deck. There is a large second lounge room, a family bathroom & a further 3 bedrooms, all with BIRs. Downstairs is a spacious rumpus room/teenagers retreat with it’s own private deck & ensuite.

Character filled 4 bedroom plus a study family home has views & 6 acres to enjoy. With two paddocks and a dam. The front porch welcomes you into the formal lounge with an open fire place and adjoining study/sunroom. There is then a laundry with a separate entrance to the front decking & a toilet. The house flows through to the kitchen with an island bench to enjoy & a gas stove, dishwasher & open plan kitchen dining for all your entertaining. The master bedroom has built in robes with a shower, bath & toilet. The hardwood floors flow throughout the home, and the second, and third bedrooms have built in robes. The fourth bedroom has lovely views to the entertaining deck. There is a fantastic rear entertaining covered decking area to soak in the valley views! There is a shed externally, & the property is connected to mains power & telephone.

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

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10 Belvedere Court, Gembrook

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$980,000 - $1,080,000

Amazing location, gorgeous family home and stunning private views! Charming fully fenced property with asphalted driveway & manicured gardens. The master bedroom offers an ensuite with toilet & shower & WIR. Featuring evaporative cooling & ducted heating throughout. The Kitchen opens up for the ultimate entertaining zone with large island, amazing gas stove, electric oven & also ceramic stove top, quiet rangehood extractor & lovely butlers pantry. Enjoy the views by opening the loungeroom onto the rear entertaining deck. There are a further 3 bedrooms, 2 with WIRs, that utilise the well appointed family bathroom with a shower & bath. Storage & parking are well catered for with a DLUG with electric roller doors, & a second two car garage with an attached fully lined craft room/office space. This property offers approximately 1.5kW Solar Panels, a lovely grassed flat back yard, a fully covered vegetable garden, & a garden shed area. Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

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13 Station Road, Gembrook

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$950,000 - $1,020,000

Gorgeous Victorian Cottage on 2899sqm Subdividable (STCA), Sunny, Flat Block! A nearly 100-year-old, 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 2 living areas & stunning gardens, on the largest block in the area & has been extensively & sympathetically renovated & is near completion. With a large master bedroom with ensuite & WIR, 2 further large bedrooms & character bathrooms & the home features 10ft ceilings, picture rails, ornate ceiling roses and cornicing, front wrap around porch, a spacious kitchen with gas cooker & woodfire stove from the original home. All mains services connected, a open fire in the formal lounge & mains gas ducted heating throughout. Enjoy the private, sunny, fully fenced backyard with a veggie patch, established flowering trees, a large shed/ workshop with concrete floor and power, a double carport, & a single lock up garage. Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

IMPECCABLE HOME WITH STUDIO THIS beautiful 11 year old home has been built to exquisite standards, offering an open design which flows from indoors to out, with green views from all windows. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle yet still within a short drive to amenities, this glorious 9023m2 of landscaped gardens in a park-like setting provides the kind of serenity that many can only dream of. Built of dark grey brick and incorporating wood features throughout, this modern home oozes quality and elegant character. Open plan yet zoned, the living and dining areas are light filled with high ceilings and earthy features including mixed Australian hardwood flooring, a double-sided Coonara which heats the dining and living space, and a large balcony overlooking the garden. The kitchen incorporates stainless steel benches and bamboo island bench plus double pantry. The master suite is zoned privately with its own expansive bathroom, huge walk in-robe, and its own balcony to enjoy the morning sunshine. The second and third bedrooms share a bathroom and separate toilet. All bedrooms are generous in size, with lush carpet for quiet comfort, and a study provides space to work from home. The laundry/mudroom is downstairs, directly accessible from the double garage, with the home gym next door. A studio for visitors or teens provides independence from the main home. The high clearance carport and large workshop, as well as the abundant shedding further down the driveway provide space for machinery, caravans, boats, horse floats, trailers – there is enough space for it all. The garden is a delight, with firepit area, expansive lawns, aquaponics system setup, cubby house, raspberries, plum and pear trees. Two water tanks totalling 6000 litres assist with keeping the garden green in summer. An access point from the back of the property off Terara Street, plus zoning allowing for subdivision (STCA) offer potential for future development ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Francis Street,COCKATOO Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $1,500,000 - $1,650,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Denise McKay 0479 184 147 and Justin Barrot 0438 683 781, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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54 Bellbird Crescent, Emerald

12-14 Hillside Road, Cockatoo

4 Russell Street, Emerald

SITTING PRETTY ON 1,489M2!

HILLSIDE HAVEN

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

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FOR SALE.

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FOR SALE.

GUIDE $690,000 - $740,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $720,000 - $770,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $650,000 - $690,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

35-37 Rankins Road, Monbulk

20 Margaret Road, Avonsleigh

9 Francis Street, Cockatoo

A SERENE SANCTUARY OF OVER ONE ACRE

‘HIDDENVIEW’ A COUNTRY ESCAPE ON 1 ACRE

IMPECCABLE HOME WITH STUDIO & SHEDDING

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GUIDE $960,000 - $1,035,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $850,000 - $910,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $1,500,000 - $1,650,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Denise McKay 0479 184 147 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

1280 Pakenham Road, Mount Burnett

14 Bayview Road, Emerald

1 Outlook Road, Emerald

HUGE POTENTIAL ON OVER 5 ACRES

BAY VIEWS IN CENTRAL EMERALD ON 1042m2

CENTRAL EMERALD STUNNER ON OVER 3000M2

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GUIDE $950,000 - $1,023,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Sue Colic 0421 772 610 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $780,000 - $840,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Brittany Barry 0412 861 094 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $900,000 - $990,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

A MASTERPIECE OF STYLE AND DESIGN A MASTERPIECE of style and architectural design, this impressive family home is a complete ‘one off’ and was built with a superior, quality finish and a 7 star energy efficiency rating. German engineered, the double glazed windows and doors are a show stopper and encompass every room to highlight the surrounding 2,4185m2 property and beyond. Sleek, stylish and designed for ease of use, the kitchen boasts gleaming granite benchtops, Bosch electric and convection ovens, induction 4 burner cooktop and dishwasher and flows easily into the light filled lounge. Brilliant bamboo flooring stretches throughout both levels of this craftsman built home and leads out onto dual, wrap around timber deckings that both protect the home from inclement weather and also provide peaceful outdoor entertaining at its finest. With five bedrooms (or four plus home office) there is certainly room for everyone. The office can be found on the main level along with the master suite that comes complete with a resort style luxury ensuite, whilst downstairs, its a teenagers dream – A spacious lounge / rumpus room with wet bar plus three large bedrooms that all contain walk in robes and outdoor access to the beautiful decking. Warm and cosy in the winter months, the spilt system heating/ cooling is quick and convenient while the Coonara style wood fire can run all day and give endless heat. Outside, the block gently slopes and goes beyond the fence line where you can discover your own hidden oasis along the Monbulk creek. A sealed driveway, parking for two cars, a 3 x 3m storage shed, two wood sheds and an enclosed veggie patch complete this Hills lifestyle package. Within walking distance to Belgrave Heights Christian School and in easy reach of Belgrave and Tecoma train stations plus many local schools and shops, this property is your dream come true ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 11 Glen Road, BELGRAVE Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,210,00 Inspect: By appointment Contact:Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 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

$1.3m-$1.43m

352 Glenfern Road, UPWEY

PREMIER FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH SPARKLING POOL ON HALF AN ACRE

5A3B6C

Offers Close Dec 20 Unless Sold Prior A flawless fusion of space, style, and superb outdoor entertaining areas, this centrally situated residence in a prime Glenfern Rd location is ready to impress. Focused on providing premier family comfort in a prized lifestyle location only moments from public transport, schools, shopping, and restaurants, this is a top lifestyle property with all the trimmings.

Sam Adamson

Daniel Steen

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

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

FOR SALE

32 Lomond Avenue, KILSYTH METICULOUS HOME ON COVETED CORNER BLOCK

$750,000 - $810,000 3A2B2C

This meticulously maintained home on a coveted corner allotment opens endless options for astute investors. Capturing prime position only 750m from Churinga Shopping Centre, this property is perfect for first homebuyers, discerning downsizers, or developers determined to capitalise on subdivision potential (Subject To Council Approval).

FOR SALE

8 Vista Road, OLINDA

$780,000 - $850,000 3A1B2C

BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED HOME

A rare combination of lush, level landscape and a lovingly cared for residence, this property is a stylish and serene family sanctuary. Boasting over ¼ acre of diverse gardens with high privacy hedging, this is a beautiful property to relax in at the end of each day. This spectacular property epitomises the very best of Dandenong Ranges living, so don’t delay, treat yourself to a tour today.

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

Sam Adamson

Suzie Brannelly

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

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

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

Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 21

PUZZLES

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P V T FMHUN Y A KGQ 1

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9-LETTER WORD

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medium

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9 1 5 6 3 8 4 7 2

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

M

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Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good 23 words: Excellent

1 7 9 3 2 6 8 5 4

5 4 2 7 8 1 9 6 3

6 2 1 8 5 3 7 4 9

4 5 7 2 1 9 3 8 6

8 9 3 4 6 7 1 2 5

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hard

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4 LETTERS CEDE CENT DOME EDDY ELKS ILLS LEND LENT LIEU MASS SACS SETS SPAR TOWS

1 6 5 9 2 7 4 8 3

5 LETTERS ACUTE

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6 2 8 1 5 3 7 4 9

5 3 9 7 4 6 2 1 8

2 4 7 5 6 8 9 3 1

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

ADORN AGILE AIRED ANGEL APRON ARISE ARMED ATTIC BLAST CALLS CARED CHORE COMIC CORGI DEIGN EARLY EATEN EATER EERIE GHOUL GRAND

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No. 109

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

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SUDOKU

02-12-22

William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22

22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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OPINION

Help furry friends We are on a mission to end animal homelessness and need your help. We put animals on the path to health, happiness, and the love they deserve this Christmas. Most of the animals we receive have had rocky beginnings, but here at Animal Aid, we get them on course to have incredible new lives. Their journey may not have been easy, but in our care, their future is secure. Comfort, Safety and Belonging. It’s a constant struggle managing capacity, finding animals their new homes, and then making way for even more animals from our community who need our help. When you donate to Animal Aid this Christmas, your gift will help us deliver the life-changing medical and behavioural care these animals desperately need and deserve. You can put them on the right track. We are finding more and more dogs who

Animal

aid Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO are presenting with anxieties and complex behavioural challenges. We work to help them be happy and healthy by reconditioning their triggers with positive reinforcement and science-based training. So far this year, we have been able to help more than 1,600 cats and kittens. That number is about to increase significantly with the arrival of kitten season. Every year we desex,

microchip, vaccinate and safely rehome thousands – yet every year, we receive more and more felines that need our care. A very special canine resident at Animal Aid is Chappo. He has been at our Coldstream shelter for more than 130 days, yet he still has not managed to find his perfect match. He was surrendered into our care as a young dog who needed to learn the ways of the world. But he deserves the comfort and stability that only a home of his own will bring. Our team of carers will continue guiding him during this stay and teaching him everything he needs to know. We will wait as long as it takes for Chappo to find a home that will suit his needs. We will give him all the time and space he requires, no matter how long it takes. With your help, we will continue to do what we do best.

Bibliotherapy in South West England Exeter, in Devon, South West England, was designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in November 2019. The prestigious status recognises the city’s outstanding contributions to culture and creativity, highlighting its 1,000 years of unbroken history around reading and the paper trade. Take the Exeter Book, housed in the famous Exeter Cathedral, which originates from the 10th century and is the largest known collection of poetry and riddles composed in Old English. In 2016, it was recognised by UNESCO as “the foundation volume of English literature, one of the world’s principal cultural artefacts”. Also little-known is the fact that the Devon and Exeter Institution, an independent library founded in 1813, hired Eliza Squance as a librarian in 1849. Having beaten 20 male applicants to the position, she is believed to be the first professional female librarian in England.. Particularly worth noting is that, as part of its efforts to promote storytelling and reading, Exeter City of Literature launched the “Bibliotherapy in the Community” program in June 2021. Simply put, bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to help us better understand and cope with the world around us. It is also known as book therapy or therapeutic storytelling/

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN The program encouraged families from a local school to participate in free sessions with esteemed bibliotherapist Susan Elderkin, before receiving a “book prescription” tailored to their individual reading levels, interests, and wellbeing needs. Local businesses were invited to sponsor the program to provide more books to those in need. In the words of Exeter City of Literature website: “Research has found that reading increases personal confidence, reduces social isolation, improves concentration, and increases self awareness... Bibliotherapy is a particular modality that uses reading to improve wellbeing on an individual basis.” While bibliotherapy uses an individual’s relationship to the content of books and other written words – especially poetry – there is no doubt that considerable skills and exper-

tise are required to provide recommendations based on perceived therapeutic value. Equally important is to incorporate other implemental activities and to evaluate and enhance the therapy’s effects. Which is why Exeter City of Literature teamed up with Exeter College to launch the “Introduction to Bibliotherapy” course in April 2022 – another first of its kind. The course offers unique skills to those working in community groups and organisations to support people who would benefit from personalised book prescriptions and conversations around reading to increase their overall wellbeing. Putting their bibliotherapy skills into practice, graduates from the course found that people truly value “being given the time to talk, and think about their relationship with books and reading”. Conversations lead to connections, which are precious and much needed in these fragile times. Indeed, having presented the “Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria” podcast series in August 2020 (https://www.slv.vic.gov. au/bibliotherapy), Melbourne’s own bibliotherapist Dr Susan McLaine is trying to set up a similar program to the course in Exeter. It would be wonderful to have more people equipped with bibliotherapy skills advocating the healing power of stories and poems

Theatre show and history released Kemp’s curtain call The Basin Theatre presents Art An award winning comedy about what constitutes “art”. Art is a comedy set in Paris which revolves around three friends and raises questions about art and friendship. Moving from disagreement on the questionable purchase of a completely white painting their arguments come less theoretical and more personal. They border on destroying their friendship. Serge has bought a modern work of art for a large sum of money. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe that a friend of his could possibly want such a work. Yvan attempts unsuccessfully, to placate both sides with hilarious consequences. The question is: are you who you think you are if you are who your friends think you are? Season: 1 - 11 December at 8pm. A history of The 1812 released The 1812 Theatre celebrated its years at the Rose Street Theatre with the release of their book Behind the Curtain. A fire destroyed the old home at Wellington Road, Lysterfield. Not only did the fire destroy the building but it nearly destroyed the spirit of the company, however, with the encouragement of the subscribers and audience members, the company led by Jon Lowe rebuilt the theatre at Rose Street Ferntree Gully. All the above is described in the book Behind the Curtain, by Ray Pearce which is now finished and available. The book takes the company back to 1938 when a group of people started a number of community theatres which then merged into the Hut Players who performed at the Ferntree gully Arts Society building in Underwood Road before they moved to Lysterfield. The name The 1812 Theatre came from the fact that the theatre in Lysterfield was on the corner of Wellington Road and Napoleon Road.

You’ll be wanting seconds The Menu Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult and Ralph Fiennes Rated MA15+ 4.5/5 The Menu is a gastronomically satisfying dark comedy horror film. A young couple, Margot (Anya TaylorJoy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), attend a lavish dinner at the exclusive Hawthorne island restaurant, but their culinary experience soon turns sinister. The Menu threads the needle as all great dark comedies must: it’s tense and disturbing yet raucously funny. It’s also rare to find a satire that sticks so thoroughly to its thesis and infuses its main characters with such nuance. The sumptuous cinematography revels in the beauty of food, while the witty dialogue and snarky title cards skewer the pretentiousness of posh tasting menus and elitist food culture. Ralph Fiennes is commanding and subtly menacing as Julian Slowik, the owner of the Hawthorne; Taylor-Joy conveys grace and resolve as Margot, and Hoult plays a hilarious straight-man, with Tyler as a fawning fanboy oblivious to the stress and violence around him. The other diners are simple but well-defined, and as the tension tightens and Julian’s sadism ramps up, you feel sympathy for the guests even as you

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laugh at their poetic torments. Margot stands out as the most downto-earth diner, unmoved by Julian’s showy dishes, and she and Julian form an unlikely connection as servers disillusioned with their art. I won’t give anything away, but the climax is a superb example of having your cake and eating it too, celebrating simple, satisfying food while bringing Julian’s mission of food as narrative and expression to an explosive conclusion. I wonder if The Menu was partially inspired by a 2021 article by Geraldine DeRuiter, which recounts a bizarre tasting menu experience in Italy that left DeRuiter and her friends bemused, unsettled and starving. The Menu is a fulfilling meal of clever, visually stunning dark comedy, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas. - Seth Lukas Hynes Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 23

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DAWSONS TREE SERVICES

Cardinia Shire Council Notice of intention to levy a special charge scheme to part fund the construction of Hillside Road, Haven Court, George Road, Edmunds Road, Dorchester Road, Laneway Access, Haylock Avenue and Salisbury Avenue, Cockatoo Notice is hereby given that Cardinia Shire Council (the Council) intends to consider a resolution at its Monday, 20 February 2023 meeting, (or subsequent Council meeting if necessary), to declare a special charge to partially fund the construction of Hillside Road, Haven Court, George Road, Edmunds Road, Dorchester Road, Laneway Access, Haylock Avenue and Salisbury Avenue, Cockatoo. The works will include a sealed road pavement, kerb and channel and associated drainage and incidental works.

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The total amount of the special charge proposed to be levied by Council is $318,500.00 The proposed declaration distributes the charges between property owners based on benefit units, with a fixed charge of $7,000 per benefit unit.

The estimated cost of the works is $3,582,000.

0473 326 333

Payment may be made by lump sum or by quarterly instalments over a period of 7 years. The notice requesting payment is intended to be forwarded within 12 months from the date of declaration and further notice seeking payment within one month after commencement of works.

The proposed declaration distributes the charges between property owners based on benefit units, with a fixed charge of $7,000 per benefit unit.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

The scheme will remain in force until all payments have been completed and the scheme finalised.

An application for Planning Permit has been made which may affect you. Notice issued: 24 November 2022 DETAILS ABOUT THE APPLICATION The land affected by the application is located at:

90 Altson Road (Ca 102A), Belgrave South

The application is for a permit to:

Buildings and works to construct a dwelling, a swimming pool, three outbuildings, boundary and front fence and earthworks exceeding 1 metre

The applicant for the permit is:

Architeria Architects

Letters and information regarding the Notice of Intention will be mailed to the owners of the affected properties. If you do not receive this letter within the next few days please contact Special Charge Scheme Officer, Nicole Alvares on 1300 787 624.

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10 December 2022

Objections can be made (and received) up until the decision date. For further information on the application, or to make an appointment, please contact the Planning Officer, Georgia Collier by email: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au 12580020-ET48-22

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ADVERTISERS in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

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A committee of the Council will be convened to hear submissions. Further advice will be provided on the date of the hearing for those property owners requesting to address this committee in person.

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Submissions and objections must be lodged in writing within 28 days of the publication of this notice and be addressed to the General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Cardinia Shire Council, PO Box 7, Pakenham 3810.

A committee of the Council will be convened to hear submissions. Further advice will be provided on the date of the hearing for those property owners requesting to address this committee in person.

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Pursuant to Section 163B of the Act, a person required to pay the special charge levied by the proposed declaration may also object in writing regarding Council making the proposed declaration.

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You may view the digital application online at the below website. Simply search by the application number then click on “Documents”. http://yarraranges.vic.gov.au/track or The digital application can also be viewed at any one of the Community Link offices Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. An objection must include: • The application number and site address. • The name, address and email of the objector/submitter. • The reasons for the objection and how the objector would be affected. Objections can be submitted online at http://yarraranges.vic.gov. au/track. Simply search by the application number then click on “Make a Submission”. If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of the decision.

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.

A person may make a submission pursuant to Section 163A of the Act and it will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Act. A person may also request to be heard in support of their written submission by making that request in writing.

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

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Pursuant to Section 163B of the Act, a person required to pay the special charge levied by the proposed declaration may also object in writing regarding Council making the proposed declaration.

For further information contact Donna Bird on 1300 787 624

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The scheme will remain in force until all payments have been completed and the scheme finalised.

A person may make a submission pursuant to Section 163A of the Act and it will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Act. A person may also request to be heard in support of their written submission by making that request in writing.

Letters and information regarding the Notice of Intention will be mailed to the owners of the affected properties. If you do not receive this letter within the next few days please contact Special Charge Scheme Officer, Donna Bird on 1300 787 624.

section of Network Classifieds.

Payment may be made by lump sum or by quarterly instalments over a period of 7 years. The notice requesting payment is intended to be forwarded within 12 months from the date of declaration and further notice seeking payment within one month after commencement of works.

Submissions and objections must be lodged in writing within 28 days of the publication of this notice and be addressed to the General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Cardinia Shire Council, PO Box 7, Pakenham 3810.

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The total amount of the special charge proposed to be levied by Council is $619,500.

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The proposed special charge affects properties that are considered to receive a special benefit from the proposed works. Affected property owners are those fronting, abutting or adjacent to the works. In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act, 1989, a copy of the proposed declaration and details of the proposed scheme, (including plans and apportionments), may be inspected at Council’s Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer during office hours for at least 28 days from the date of this notice.

In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act, 1989, a copy of the proposed declaration and details of the proposed scheme, (including plans and apportionments), may be inspected at Council’s Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer during office hours for at least 28 days from the date of this notice. The estimated cost of the works is $1,546,200.00

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Cardinia Shire Council Notice of intention to levy a special charge scheme to part fund the construction of Lenne Street, Sutherland Road and Haupt Place Beaconsfield Upper

The proposed special charge affects properties that are considered to receive a special benefit from the proposed works. Affected property owners are those fronting, abutting or adjacent to the works.

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SPECIAL CHARGE SCHEME PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Cardinia Shire Council (the Council) intends to consider a resolution at its Monday, 20 February 2023 meeting, (or subsequent Council meeting if necessary), to declare a special charge to partially fund the construction of Lenne Street, Sutherland Road and Haupt Place Beaconsfield Upper. The works will include a sealed road pavement, kerb and channel and associated drainage and incidental works.

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MAIL 25

SPORT

Picture: FIELD OF VIEW SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Crucial victory claimed The Upwey-Tecoma 1st XI claimed a crucial win over fellow finals aspirant The Basin in a tense encounter at Upwey Recreation Reserve on Saturday. Batting first, The Basin were cruising at 1-120 with 15 overs to go in their innings, and would have been eying off a score of 220 plus. English import Julian Whetstone turned the momentum the Tigers way in a fiery spell of fast bowling, helping to restrict the Bears to 6-182 off their 40 overs The wickets were shared with Whetstone, Cam Wheeler and Stephen Gannell finishing with 2 wickets apiece. The Tigers run chase started poorly, losing a wicket in the first over, which brought captain

Jackson Waters to the crease. Waters stamped his authority on the contest with a brisk 64 to put the Tigers in strong position, with Wheeler pitching in with a better than a run-a-ball 40. A late Tiger batting wobble gave the Bears hope of a miracle victory but the Tigers scraped home in the last over, finishing on 7/183 and grabbing a crucial 6 points. The Upwey-Tecoma 2nd XI saluted away to The Basin. Brenton Hurst (64) and Jordan Tailby (61) combined for a 116 run stand for the second wicket to set up the innings, before a quickfire 37 not out from youngster Sam Wicks saw the Tigers finish on 5/183.

A batting collapse saw The Basin reduced to 6/45 in their chase, with the swing bowling of Steve Atherton wreaking havoc. The Bears fought hard but were dismissed 17 runs short of the target for 166. Cooper Colee was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 3/27 off his 8 overs, while Atherton claimed 3/26 off of 5. The Thirds were outplayed by the Silvan Slugs, all out for 58 in pursuit of 153. Young offspinner Florian Todd picked up 3 wickets in an otherwise forgettable day for the Tigers. The Fourths went down to Rowville in a close one. Chasing 189 for victory, the Tigers fell 15 runs short, finishing on 8/174. James Todd continued his fine form,

top-scoring with 37. The Fifth XI didn’t get a start due to the ground being unplayable, while the Women’s XI and Under 16s had the weekend off. NR Shield: Upwey-Tecoma 7/183 (Waters 64, Wheeler 40) def The Basin 6/182 (Gannell 2/30, Whetstone 2/32, Wheeler 2/36) Div 3: Upwey-Tecoma 5/183 (Hurst 64, Tailby 62, Wicks 37*) def The Basin 166 (Colee 3/27, Atherton 3/26) Div 5: Upwey-Tecoma 58 def by Silvan 153 (F. Todd 3/58) Div 7: Upwey-Tecoma 8/174 (J. Todd 37) def by Rowville 3/189

· · · ·

Monbulk teams enjoy their time on the pitch Some more nice weather over the weekend saw all Monbulk teams enjoy a game of cricket. Six wins from our 10 matches with plenty of close finishes particularly the juniors with the U14’s continuing their winning ways with a last-over win and the U12’s losing by 1 one run on the last ball. As always plenty of performances to celebrate including 80 to Matt Winzenried and a first senior 50 to Todd Mackay (53) to combine for a 106-run partnership in the 4ths, Sam Blenkiron’s 6 wickets for the day and Andy Firth’s 50th senior career wicket. Scores: 1st XI - Monbulk 9/159 (T.Watson 37, S.Cosstick 34, J.Creed 23) def by FTG 3/162 2nd XI – Monbulk 7/158 (S.Suranga 53, B.Trinnick 22, J.Santini 17*) def FTG 6/154 (C.Haworth-Hooker 2/21, J.Santini 2/35) 3rd XI – Monbulk 6/145 (T.Utting 78*, M.Bailey 30) def Lysterfield 10/143 (J.Downard-Pengilly 3/17, E.Blenkiron 2/14, D.Cleary 2/18)

· · ·

26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

XI – Monbulk 5/182 (M.Winzenried · 4th 80, T.Mackay 53) def Knox Gardens 10/89 (S.Blenkiron 4/29, A.Berry 2/2, L.Tilley 2/29)

XI - Monbulk 9/169 (B.Jamonts 48*.J, · 5th Mauchline 39, B.Brockwell 28) def by Lys-

· · · · ·

terfield 10/191 (J.Hevern 3/26, B.Brockwell 2/12) U16’s – Monbulk 4/122 (L.McIntosh 29*, S.Blenkiron 22, W.Meyer 17*) def by UFTG 8/135 (S.Blenkiron 2/5, G.Hourigan 1/10)) U14 Monbulk 8/77 (M.Peacock 26*, B.Trinnick 12*) def The Basin 8/71 (E.Dawson 2/13, A.Sutton 1/3, O.Toohey 1/5, B.Trinnick 1/3) U12 Monbulk 4/83 (H.Arnott 17*, Q.Kelly 16, C.Doyle 11*) def by Lysterfield White 8/84 (Q.Kelly 2/10, H. Arnott 2/10, Z.Czaja 2/24, C.Doyle 1/3, J.Varney 1/6) Fast 9’s Monbulk 6/76 (E.Toohey 20, F.Ratten 16) def UFTG 6/62 (N.Taylor 2/5, F.Ratten 1/4, S.Czaja 1/8) Super 7’s Monbulk 5/100 (O.White 8*, A.Dawson 8*, Q.Doyle 8*, H.Watson 5*) def Olinda 5/79 (H.Grigg 3/5, A.Dawson 1/7)

Monbulk Cricket Club’s junior blasters enjoying a rare day out in the sun.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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SPORT

Warm weather welcomed By Jack Rollings There was no midweek pennant this week due to the Bowls Vic Open being held up at Shepparton. Saturday pennant round 6. The weather was warm, no jackets needed, but very blowy – bowlers could have done with some earmuffs, and a GPS for the bowls. Monbulk 1 played at home against Lilydale 3. Prior to this round Monbulk was undefeated, on top of the ladder, they were playing at home and should have been a sure thing but Lilydale had their own plans. Karen Rice’s team hadn’t lost a game going into this round. In this game they won the first two ends and all seemed normal, then Lilydale found their range and took the next six ends. Monbulk collected a good four shotter, to bring them back into the game but, after that they could only collect three more ends. They dropped only one clanger but Lilydale had answers to most of the shots. Monbulk lost the rink 11 shots to 23. Eric Markham’s team had the most Monbulk success for the day. Lilydale won five more ends than Monbulk did, but Monbulk picked up a five and a six in the front half to give them an eight shot lead. Their back half wasn’t so good, with just three wins, and Lilydale kept eating into the lead but Monbulk hung on to win the rink by the smallest margin 20 shots to 19. Jim Bras’ team was level-pegging in the first third, then Lilydale won five ends in a row to lead by 10 shots. After that Monbulk could only collect three singles, while Lilydale put in a strong finish. Monbulk lost the rink eight shots to 20. Brian Smith’s team won nine ends, including a three and a four, but the losses included five threes and a big bad seven. The back half was Monbulk’s weakest, and, like all the Monbulk teams, Brian’s team only collected three wins heading to the finish. Monbulk lost the rink 18 shots to 30. Overall Monbulk 1 lost 57 shots to Lilydale 92, with only one rink up. They are still on top of the ladder, 12 ladder points above second, but the lead has shrunk. Next week they play away to Mooroolbark 2, who are fifth on the ladder with three wins and three losses. Monbulk 2 played away against Dandenong RSL Rec. Don Barnetson’s team started strongly, putting on 10 shots before the opposition scored. The back half wasn’t as good, and even though Monbulk won as many ends, the losses included a three, a four and a five. So, the opposition was back in contention and the final end was crucial. Monbulk just hung on to win the rink 23 shots to 21. Graeme Goller‘s team had the advantage of playing against a depleted team. They did drop a three and three fours, but they also won four threes and three fives. Monbulk won the rink comfortably 34 shots to 20.

Brian Smith on the greens. Alan Hamilton’s team also played against a depleted team of three. They led by five shots at the halfway mark then they had a tight tussle to the finish, dropping a 4-shot clanger didn’t help the cause. In the end Monbulk managed to scrape the win 18 shots to 14. Peter Lee’s team had a close match for most of the day, with scores level several times. Then, with just three ends to go, they picked up a massive seven shotter, then a one and finally, a two, to take the rink 26 shots to 15. Overall Monbulk 2 won 103 shots to 70, with all four rinks up. They are now third on the ladder, only two ladder points below second. Next week they play at home against Vermont South 5 who are sixth on the ladder. Cockatoo/Monbulk played away against Lilydale 4. Anthony Young’s team dropped nine ends for the day but mainly singles. The wins included four doubles, a three and a six. The back half was very close in ends won, but Cockatoo/ Monbulk maintained a good lead and won the rink 23 shots to 11. Alan Brooke’s team also dropped nine ends but they won the match in the front half, only

dropping two singles. Lilydale were much more competitive in the back half, winning seven of the eleven ends, but the Cockatoo/ Monbulk wins included two 4s. So, they held onto the lead and won 26 shots to 14. Martin Cattanach’s team had a close front half, with scores on eight shots all after the tenth end. Then they only dropped three more ends out of eleven, and the wins included a three and an even better six with one end to go. They won the rink 25 shots to 13. Mark Coulter’s team had a strong front half and was leading 19 shots to six at the halfway mark. After the break Lilydale came back strongly and Cockatoo/Monbulk could win only three more ends, while also giving away three threes and a four. They were 24 shots all heading into the final end and unfortunately Lilydale were too good, picking up a double. Cockatoo/Monbulk lost the rink 24 shots to 26. Overall, Cockatoo/Monbulk won 98 shots to 64, with three rinks up. They are now fifth on the ladder with two wins, three losses and a bye. Next week they play at Monbulk against Yarra Glen 3.

Brian Smith and his team won nine ends, including a three and a four.

The Basin junior player and AFL legend to return By Parker McKenzie Former Hawthorn star Liam Shiels’ retirement didn’t last long after AFL.com.au reported he is set to reunite with his former coach Alistair Clarkson at North Melbourne. Shiels, who played his junior career with The Basin Football Club, announced his retirement on 1 September after 250 games and three premierships with Hawthorn. Shortly after the decision, Shiels told the Star Mail he was excited for life after football and the “opportunities that may present themselves.” “I’ll take a couple of months to sit down, relax and assess the options,” he said. “I’ve loved spending time with young developing players this year, if there was a development coaching role that came up mailcommunity.com.au

somewhere it would definitely be something I’d consider.” The decision to continue his playing career, however, was something he flagged in an earlier interview with the Star Mail on 9 May after his milestone 250th game. “My body still feels good and I’m really enjoying it. My mind’s in a good place and hopefully, I’ve got another year or two left in me,” he said. “I’m 31 now, that’s old in terms of footy and you usually get one-year contracts after that. Fingers crossed I can stay at Hawthorn and be a one-club player.” While Shiels won’t remain a one-club player, he is set to continue at a new club for the first time in his professional career after 14 years at Hawthorn, where he is a life member.

Liam Shiels celebrating one of his three premiership trophies.

Picture: AFL PHOTOS

Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

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MAIL 27

SPORT

Tennis court upgrades By Tyler Wright Cockatoo Tennis Club will soon boast two new sporting-standard synthetic tennis courts as well as new LED competition-standard LUX lighting for night and low light level participation, new fencing, drainage and accessible concrete pathways and supporting infrastructure. The $575,300 project is funded through Cardinia Shire Council and $250,000 from the Victorian Government through the Local Sport Infrastructure Fund - Community Facilities, and is expected to be completed by July 2023, weather permitting. Demolition of the two existing southern courts begun on Friday 18 November, and Cockatoo Tennis Club Treasurer Andrew Welsh said it’s hoped enhanced accessibility to the facility will help build the club. “The main benefit will be that we’ll be able to play more night tennis, because right now we’ve only got two courts with lights..it means we can add extra teams into the night tennis competitions that we play,” Welsh said. “We’re doubling our accessibility for people to play tennis, whether that be for coaching, social events or court hire... the surface is old and very tired and worn... It’s going to be shiny and sparkly and it entices people to want to [play] club tennis. “The benefits to that for the local community [are] involvement, fitness, kids have places to go...they can hire the courts for a small fee per hour, come down and learn a sport or generally run around in a fairly safe environment.” The upgrade follows community engagement undertaken in December 2021 and October 2022, as well as ongoing close communication with Cockatoo Tennis Club and the local community. Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford expressed thanks to the local community who provided feedback on the design concepts and to all key stakeholders involved in the project, particularly those who contributed letters of support to Council’s grant funding application.

Previous Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP, Andrew Welsh from the Cockatoo Tennis Club, Cr Jeff Springfield and Collin Ross marking the completion of the installation of four new LED lights at Cockatoo Tennis Club in 2021. Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield said these upgrades would ensure the grounds are once again fit for purpose, following the re-installation of new lighting on the northern courts in 2019. “These upgrades will provide both the tennis club and local community with much-needed,

accessible and safe facilities that will ensure they can continue playing and using the courts for years to come,” Cr Springfield said. There will be some pedestrian access changes while the southern tennis courts are closed in order to carry out the works, with visitors to the reserve encouraged to plan their

visit and to view the map available on the Creating Cardinia project page at www.cardinia. vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. For more information and updates on this project, visit the major project webpage for Cockatoo southern tennis court redevelopment at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects.

Mustang team takes out club v club championship Team Mustangs were announced as the 2022 club v club champions after competition two weekends ago, with a dominant team performance against other Yarra Ranges Athletics teams from Comets, Redbacks and Jaguars. This week was the opportunity for athletes to show off their individual skills at the combined events championship. Athletes compete in pre-selected events where their performance accumulates points based on an event point stable. The athlete with the most points is the winner. Final results for each age group will be known next week, but are sure to be close based on the effort and enjoyment on display. Next week sees our little athletics team competing at the EMR region Relay Championships in Ringwood. Good luck to all the athletes competing. Our U6-U8 athletes will enjoy a fun evening of athletics fun on Friday night from 5.30pm Our senior team will welcome athletes from around Melbourne to round 6 of AVSL being held at our home track in Mt Evelyn. We look forward to a big turnout of athletes and helpers to make the day fun, enjoyable and successful. If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the Little Athletics fun registration is at www.lavic.com.au. Training is available to all club members on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 5.30pm and on Thursday afternoons from 4.00pm for our Under 12 athletes. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy! 28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 29 November, 2022

Mustangs take out club championship. 310272

Charlie takes a giant leap. 310272

Pictures: SASKIA GRANGER

Harper lining up her shot put. 310272

Hazel going through her hurdles. 310272 mailcommunity.com.au