Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 17th January 2023

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

Lilydale

Mail

Confirmation millions cut from sealing roads program

Stroke survivor welcomes miracle baby

Plans underway for Mt Evelyn Street Party’s return

Kilsyth’s new coffee cart initiative

PAGE 5

PAGE 10

PAGE 12

PAGE 14

A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

12496493-NG22-21

Mural brings brightness A new mural at Maroondah Hospital has brightened up a staff courtyard in a total revamp of the space.

Lilydale artist Brad Colling was the man behind the mural, saying he wanted to be a part of the project to offer his thanks to staff after all their hard work during the pandemic.

With the only criteria being ‘colour’ Brad used Australian native birds and flowers to bring some cheer and happiness to the newly renovated area.

While not accessible to the public, the mural looks just as good in photos.

To read the full story, turn to page 8.

Maroondah Hospital staff Heidi Gregory, Nancy Li, Caitlin Osborne, Michael Chapman and Sukumar Navanathan are able to enjoy a new and bright mural Picture: ROB CAREW in the hospital courtyard. 315179

Prices plummet

By Mikayla van Loon With house prices seeing a record decline around the country, Mooroolbark real estate agents are seeing similar trends occur on their doorstep as interest rates push prices down.

The value of house prices has seen its largest decline on record in just nine months since peaking in May last year according to data re-

leased by CoreLogic on Monday 9 January.

The Australia-wide figure indicated an -8.4 per cent drop between 7 May 2022 and 7 January 2023, with Victoria showing the third highest downturn of -8.6 per cent.

This broke the previous record when home values fell -8.38 per cent between October 2017 and June 2019 countrywide.

Methven Professionals managing director Geoff Earney said within their group, figures show a five to seven per cent drop in house prices and a 10 to 12 per cent drop in unit prices with the most active prices leaning into the $600,000 to $800,000 range.

While price drops are bringing buyers in, the interest rates are curbing sales, with Mr

Earney saying Professionals Real Estate sales have decreased by at least a third compared to the same time last year.

That’s despite seeing between 250 and 390 prospective buyers on average at inspections each week from August to early December in 2022.

Continued page 3

William Matthews Funerals We฀buy฀copper,฀฀brass,฀aluminium,฀etc . . .

We฀Buy฀Steel Tel:฀9736฀2853฀•฀Clancy฀Road,฀Mt฀Evelyn฀3796

www.evelynrecycling.com.au

12450347-LB23-20

24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567379-MS37-22

Know the COLOURS

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed.

Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive.

12581864-RC03-23

TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

2 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Car flips on its side

By Mikayla van Loon Police are investigating after a three vehicle collision saw a car flip on its side in Croydon on Thursday afternoon.

The three cars collided just after 5pm on Mount Dandenong Road outside Croydon Police Station.

Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol officers understand a silver Toyota sedan was travelling along Mount Dandenong Road when it collided into the rear of a grey Hyundai.

“It is believed the collision caused the Toyota to flip onto its side and the Hyundai collided with another vehicle,” a police spokesperson said.

Ambulance Victoria paramedics were on scene to assess the drivers.

“A woman in her 30s suffered minor injuries and was transported to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition,” an AV spokesperson said.

“And a man in his 20s was treated for upper body injuries and was also transported in a stable condition to the Maroondah Hospital.”

A small hatch back Hyundai was seen being towed away with significant damage.

Fire Rescue Victoria was also in attendance, blocking the road for some time as the accident was cleared.

Traffic was banked up to Wicklow Avenue for around 45 minutes.

A passerby captured a photo of emergency services on scene where a car had been flipped on its side after a three vehicle collision.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

Buyers out there but ‘wings are clipped’

where it’s needed most

12586439-DL03-23

mailcommunity.com.au

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

Two men were arrested in a stolen vehicle after driving erratically in Croydon on Thursday 12 January.

The stolen Ford Ranger was located at a shopping centre car park by police before the driver rammed the police vehicle and took off onto Burwood Highway around 11.20am Stop sticks were successfully deployed on a nearby street, deflating both passenger side tyres.

The Ford continued to drive erratically on its rims along Kent Avenue, losing its toolboxes from the rear as it drove on the wrong side of Maroondah Hwy. Residents noted on social media seeing a number of police vehicles and helicopters in the area.

Police arrested the driver on Binbrook Drive, Croydon at about 12.20pm and his passenger shortly after near the corner of Foundation Drive, Plymouth Road.

A 20-year-old Dandenong man and a 27-year-old Belmont man are currently assisting police with their enquiries. Police believe the vehicle was linked to an aggravated burglary in Belmont on 12 January between midnight and 6am.

Anyone who sighted the car or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Swimmer found dead A search for a missing swimmer around the Yarra River at Warrandyte has ended in tragedy, with the 39 year old man found dead on Monday 16 January.

The man was with friends at Taroona Reserve on Saturday 14 January when he walked down a path toward the river by himself about 3pm. His friends noticed he was missing and tried to locate him before contacting police to report him missing.

Air Wing as well as Search and Rescue divers searched the water and surrounding area on both Saturday and Sunday.

Replacement buses coming With level crossing removal works continuing across the Lilydale line, travellers can expect to see replacement buses from mid February.

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines between Camberwell and Box Hill from 8.30pm on Friday 17 February until late-May. Rail replacement buses will also run at times between Box Hill and Ringwood from late-February until mid-May. ADVERTISEMENT

HARRIET SHING MP WORKING HARD FOR

45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS Large Chapel Pre Paid Funerals Available

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

1 3 S A LV O S S A LV O S . O R G . A U

Croydon arrests

William Matthews Funerals

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

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

prepared to lend them.”

While 12 months ago affordability of house prices was pushing people to the brink, Mr Earney said it is still the same just flipped.

“It was really only affordability that was stopping some people…beforehand, the prices were increasing more than what they could afford to pay and now it’s exactly the same. Instead of the prices increasing, interest rates are increasing, which is holding them back.”

Over his 50 years in real estate in the Mooroolbark and surrounding areas, Mr Earney said this is most likely the tenth or eleventh “boom and a bust or change in the market” he has experienced.

“What goes up, comes down but it will come back again. In the last 100 years, the average price of real estate has increased by eight per cent per annum and that’s gone for good times and bad times.

“It’s a general rule of thumb that the general prices of real estate have increased by 10 per cent every 10 years.”

The RBA returns on Tuesday 7 February.

A Lilydale man’s property has been searched after a theft investigation led to police identifying the man as a possible suspect.

Altona Police officers, tasked to Operation Summer Safe in the Hobsons Bay area, investigated a theft which occurred at Altona Beach on the 8 January.

The police members were able to identify the suspect, a 46-year-old man who resides in the Lilydale area.

With the assistance from Yarra Ranges CIU, a search warrant was conducted at the male’s address on the 12 January. The victim’s property, including their mobile phone, was recovered.

The offender has been charged with theft and handle stolen goods and bailed to attend the Ringwood Magistrates Court on the 26 June.

Before you decide please call one of our friendly staff 9739 6868 www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au

YOUR COMMUNITY

12586086-MS03-23

Please donate now

rises’. If they increase again, I think that will just make people be ultra careful.”

Mr Earney said many people are re-evaluating what is important given the cost of living standards in place at the moment.

“The reality of the interest rates increasing, the cost of living increasing, the cost of gas and electricity increasing, is really starting to take some toll on people.

“They’re now starting to reassess what is a necessity in their life, rather than what would be nice to be able to have and getting back to the basics.”

Alongside interest rate rises, Mr Earney said overall there is rather a limited stock of houses and units being put on the market in the local area and first home buyers are being hit the hardest yet again.

“It still comes down to supply and demand and there is not a lot of supply. People will only be selling if they have a need to sell.

In other words, they’re wanting to upgrade or downgrade,” he said.

“First time buyers are probably the ones struggling out there just with the changes of interest rates and what the banks are now

12567432-JC37-20

In times of crisis, you can give

House prices across the country have declined by record amounts as interests rates rise.

Picture: ON FILE

12521584-BL46-21

From page 1 “The buyers are out there. They’re just having their wings clipped by the amount of money they can afford to borrow from the bank,” Mr Earney said.

“Interest rates are just below five per cent at the moment and the banks are doing their homework on eight, maybe depending on which bank it is, eight and a half per cent to make sure that future interest rate rises are not going to put the buyers in trouble.”

Given the downward trend of house prices is being attributed to the 300 basis point increase of the cash rate made by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) over eight months, Mr Earney said it will depend on them whether prices fall further or plateau.

“It’ll take a little bit of time for this to settle. It depends on what the Reserve Bank does with the interest rates when they come back in February,” he said.

“The data that’s going to come out will be able to show whether the overall cost of living in the market is slowing and whether they’re trying to get this inflation under control… inflation is being fuelled by things which are beyond all of our control and house prices seem to be one of those ones that are caught up in it.”

Although not sure whether this will be the new normal for house prices, Mr Earney said he does expect interest rates between five and seven per cent to be the new standard more so than the really low rate of three per cent.

“Interest rates were at the lowest they’ve been for years and years and years so people were expecting them to go up but I don’t think we’ve seen such a low base to come up from and then to have such a quick and probably very high amount of interest rate increases over a short period of time.

“If [the RBA] leave interest rates alone in February, it might give people a little bit of stability, to think ‘well, we must be getting near the end of the cycle of the interest rate

Lilydale man linked to theft

216 Commercial Road, Morwell VIC 3840 P: 5134 8000 E: harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au harrietshingmp @ShingvWorld Authorised by H Shing, 216 Commercial Rd, Morwell.

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 3

NEWS

Rental demand ongoing

By Tyler Wright Real estate professionals are seeing an increase in demand for rental properties throughout the Yarra Ranges with a vast amount of rentals now being snapped up off market.

Based in Belgrave, Ranges First National Real Estate has seen an increase in demand for rentals throughout the region, with around 30 rentals leased without advertising since March 2022.

“Tenants have been contacting us a lot more to try and get in before they think anyone else is,” Ranges First National Director Mick Dolphin said.

“Every time something came up, the rent was astronomical because we had eight people applying for it...so those rents went up during Covid and they’ve stayed up as we’ve gone back to normal,” Mr Dolphin said.

According to Business Development Manager Amy Carson, demand has not been able to meet supply.

“Too many people looking for houses and [there are] not enough houses, rental wise,” Ms Carson said.

“We’re still getting people coming out from the city, they’re looking for the lifestyle.

“We’re also finding existing renters in the area as well; wanting to stay in the area.”

According to CoreLogic’s most recent report on rentals in the country, published on Tuesday 10 January, the pace of rental value growth has slowed for the second consecutive month, sitting at 2.0 per cent in the December quarter compared to 2.3 per cent in the September quarter.

This is one per cent lower than the peak quarterly growth rate of 3.0 per cent in the three months to May. “The decline in quarterly rental growth rates observed in the December quarter was led by the capital cities where rents continued

Real estate agents in the Dandenong Ranges are seeing an increased demand for rental properties despite a slight increase in vacancy rates in the December quarter. Picture: SUPPLIED to increase but at a slightly slower rate than they have done in September and June quarters,” CoreLogic Head of Research and report author Eliza Owen said.

But despite the drop in rent value growth and a slight jump in rental vacancy rates (1.05

per cent in November to 1.17 per cent) in December, Ms Owen said “it’s not great news for tenants just yet”.

“Rents are still rising in most capital cities and regional areas with vacancy rates low,” Ms Owen said.

Mr Dolphin said the increased cost of rental properties is the “new normal”.

“20 per cent of our rent roll’s been sold, so there’s actually less houses available to rent because a lot of landlords cash in or just can’t be bothered doing other compliance checks and keeping things up to standard, because it can be a very expensive thing to do on some houses,” he said.

The median price for a rental property in Lilydale is $460 per week, with the median cost in Mount Evelyn slightly lower at $450 per week, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

And the hunt for rentals isn’t expected to slow down in 2023.

“We don’t expect it to slow down, it’s probably gotten busier over the last fortnight...we’re picking up and taking a lot more owners coming into the market,” Ms Carson said.

According to the CoreLogic report, Melbourne is the cheapest capital city to rent in Australia with a median value of $507 per week, followed by Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Brisbane at $518 per week, $552 per week, $553 per week and $588 per week respectively.

ABS population data has showed a weakening internal migration trend across Canberra and a strong return in net overseas migration for Sydney and Melbourne, the report said.

“Unlike Canberra, high levels of net overseas migration to NSW and Victoria has vastly offset negative net internal migration flows in the year to June 2022,” Ms Owen said.

“Prior to the pandemic, Sydney and Melbourne alone accounted for around two thirds of net overseas arrivals, with high density city centres being among the most popular destinations. This has likely contributed to unprecedented annual growth in unit rents over 2022, which was 15.5 per cent across Sydney and 14.2 per cent in Melbourne.”

12586017-JC03-22

4 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Millions for sealing cut

By Tyler Wright The hopes of residents across the Yarra Ranges have been “dashed” by the federal government’s decision to cut funding in the October budget for long-awaited road projects for locals.

Yarra Ranges Council confirmed it received verbal confirmation that more than $100 million would be cut from the local Roads for the Community program, with $150 million announced in 2019 by the Liberal government to seal 187 kilometres of unsealed roads in the Yarra Ranges by 2029.

The council will receive $47.7 million of the original $150 million promised.

Cardinia Shire was expected to have 100 kilometres of unsealed roads in the municipality sealed through the Sealing the Hills program with $150 million from the Federal Government, but will only receive $41 million.

One road expected to be sealed in the 2022 to 2023 financial year was Gleghorn Road in Kallista.

A resident for 30 years, who chose not to be named, was “surprised” and “pleased” when the Federal Liberal government around four years ago committed funding to seal roads throughout the Yarra Ranges.

“Three years ago, [my husband] and I were talking... and we discussed this and with it, if we were to move, it would be because of the road, because it’s a dangerous road from ingesting the road base as well as the condition on the road,” the resident said.

Now, after years of road incidents and dust, their hopes have been put into doubt.

“It’s such a shame we’re being denied a normal life that other people take for granted.

“It’s not just ‘oh we get dusty cars,’ it is part of our way of life that has become difficult to live with, and when it’s going to be further extended over who knows how many years, it is going to impact on so many people’s lives in all the Hills.”

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Councillor Jim Child said the council is “very disappointed” the federal government will be dramatically cutting the funding from initiative.

“Sealing public roads, previously, came at significant cost to community members, due to the lack of government support,” Mr Child said.

A resident on Gleghorn Road in Kallista said the decision to cut funding for the Roads for the Community program will impact people thought “all the Hills”.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT “Roads for the Community heavily subsidised landowner contributions, and would have allowed us to complete almost 100 years’ worth of road sealing projects before 2030. It also provided the opportunity for power companies to consider undergrounding infrastructure while roads were under construction.”

Mr Child said most of the road projects planned for the community, “including all not currently tendered and contracted - will likely have to be abandoned”.

“Roads for the Community has already delivered significant local employment opportunities, and we believe the initiative would have a tremendous economic and social benefit for the entire municipality. It would have also improved community safety, access for emergency vehicles, and reduce road maintenance needs like dust suppressant, grading and pothole filling,” he said.

“We’ve already engaged with hundreds of community members, who have been overwhelmingly supportive of these projects, par-

ticularly the subsidy that the Federal funding provided to landowners - which had more than halved the cost to residents for constructing roads.

“We urge the Federal Government to reconsider this decision, and we are extremely disappointed on behalf of our impacted communities.”

A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson told the Star Mail the council is continuing to seek “urgent clarification” about the status of funding the Sealing the Hills program.

“Council is awaiting written confirmation regarding the status of the funding, and is working to clarify the potential impacts that this funding cut will have on projects that have been committed to and those already underway,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to keep project stakeholders and our community informed.”

A spokesperson for federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the Australian Government has provided $66.8 million to date to

deliver a large number of projects to seal and upgrade roads across the Dandenong Ranges region.

“Following discussions between the Minister’s office and both councils’ mayors, the Australian Government will provide $47.7 million to the Yarra Ranges Council and $41 million to the Cardinia Shire Council to ensure these works can be delivered,” the spokesperson said.

“There are over 500 local government areas nationwide and this was a special carve out by the Coalition for just two councils in marginal electorates.

“The Australian Government was clear that all infrastructure projects would be reviewed line by line to ensure value for taxpayers money.”

CRAG21 is expected to present a petition to federal parliament in coming weeks to appeal for the Federal government to reinstate the original $150 million allocated to the Sealing the Hills program in the May 2023 budget.

Yarra Ranges LGA sees increase in family incidents

By Parker McKenzie The Yarra Ranges Local Government Area saw an increase in family incidents in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the previous year, despite a decrease in overall criminal incidents being reported.

According to data released by Crime Statistics Agency Victoria on 15 December, there were 2,048 family incidents in the Yarra Ranges from January to September 2022, an 18.8 per cent increase compared to the first nine months of 2021.

A family incident is an “incident attended

by Victoria Police where a Victoria Police Risk Assessment and Risk Management Report was completed.” Of those 2,048 incidents, 1,440 of the affected family members were women and 600 were men.

Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities Jane Price said violence against women continues to be one of the most serious issues in the community.

“Local government has an important role to play in influencing change through the delivery of our programs and services, setting behavioural and cultural standards, and working to change systems and structures that contribute to inequality,” she said.

“Yarra Ranges Council is creating a workplace where women, men, and gender diverse people from all backgrounds have equitable access to resources, power, and opportunities.”

She said preventing violence against women is one of the seven goals of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 and the council works in partnership and provides funding for vital organisations like mailcommunity.com.au

The Yarra Ranges Local Government Area saw an increase in family incidents in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the previous year.

Picture: ON FILE Orange Door, Eastern Legal Community Care and EDVOS. “In our prevention role, we work with key settings such as schools, early childhood centres and sporting clubs to promote gender equity,” she said.

“We collaborate with community health, State Government, community and local domestic violence services, leading and partnering on programs to promote gender equity.”

Orange Door, a free service for adults, children and young people experiencing or have experienced family violence and for families needing support for children, is listed as the specialist family violence service in

Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan Region on Yarra Ranges Council’s website.

A Family Safety Victoria Spokesperson said Orange Door in Outer Eastern Melbourne provides much-needed family violence and well-being support for families when they need it close to home.

“Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence: more than every other state and territory combined,” the spokesperson said.

“Local residents can access support by phone and email, or face-to-face in Croydon.

We’re ensuring that help and support are

available across the region no matter where you live.”

The rate of family incidents in the Yarra Ranges was 1,306.2 per 100,000 people, which was below the Victorian average of 1,387.9.

Statewide, the statistics showed a decrease in overall family incidents around Victoria, despite the increase in the Yarra Ranges LGA. Ms Price said some of the previous council projects include e-safety social media defence seminars for women and girls in Yarra Ranges, the Men as Caregivers poster series, Creating a Place for Women in Sport tool, Rest and Rejuvenate spaces for women and the Taking it Step by Step Mentoring Women project.

“Everyone in the community has a role to play in preventing violence against women: by examining our attitudes and behaviours, by treating others with respect and, importantly, by challenging unacceptable behaviour when we see or hear it - online, from friends and family members and from strangers.”

The Orange Door Outer Eastern Melbourne is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For more information, visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

If you or someone you know is at risk of family violence, the following services can be contacted: EDVOS - 9259 4200.

Orange Door - 1800 271 150.

Eastern Community Legal Centre - 1300 325 200 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 1800 015 188 (24hrs)

· · · ·

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 5

NEWS

Back to school budgets

By Callum Ludwig New data has indicated the financial pressure on families could be heightened this month, with new school supplies likely to burn a hole in budgets before school returns.

Comparison site Finder has found that school supplies alone are expected to cost up to $2.6 billion, and when other costs are considered – like tuition fees, uniforms, technology, camps, excursions, sporting and musical equipment and transport costs – Australians families will have forked out $11.4 billion.

Wandin North Primary School parent council member and OC Partners accountant Ben Caines said everyone is still trying to work out the new normal, including prices.

“We’ve been through so much with lockdowns, and people have wanted to go out or spend a bit of time away from home on holidays and now the reality has started to set in, with the increase in prices for fuel, food and even school supplies,” he said.

“Especially when it comes to the jump from primary school to high school, there’s a lot of new costs such as new uniforms, but I think with a strong budget and careful planning, families will be okay.”

Families are expected to spend $2,325 for each primary school child and $4,212 for secondary students on average in 2023.

Mr Caines said there is also significant pressure on people due to rising interest rates and falling property prices.

“Over the last few years, people had a lot of growth in their properties and that growth has helped them pay for everyday expenses, but that has started to turn around, which will be challenging,” he said.

“When I was growing up, there were people working two or three jobs just to put kids through school or to survive, but now every-

Spending on school supplies can burn a big hole in the family budget. one’s sort of been accustomed to working one job and it will be the first time they are going through this. There will be support from schools and school councils though because it’s their responsibility to keep those costs low where they can and ensure kids have an education, which is the most important thing.”

Of the 1032 parents of children under 12

Picture: ON FILE

surveyed in Finder’s Parenting Report 2022, 17 per cent are contemplating moving their child from a private school to a public school to reduce their expenses.

School fees can average anywhere between $204 for a public primary school to $10,662 for an independent secondary school, totalling $3.4 billion alone.

Finder provides the following tips to save on school spending: Write a list and set a budget, shop online to avoid making impulse buys using the list drafted earlier, re-use what you can with items like lunchboxes, pencil cases and school bags likely to still be in good condition and label everything to help find any items that get lost in the hustle and bustle of the year.

ALL - NEW

OUTLANDER We’re removing level crossings on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 67 already gone.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Belgrave and Lilydale lines

From 8.30pm 17 Feb to late May

On sections of the lines

TEST DRIVE NOW

Road disruptions: Closed roads Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert

Until 5am 23 Jan

At the level crossing

Union Road, Surrey Hills

From 9pm 17 Feb to early May At the level crossing

LILYDALE MITSUBISHI

From 9pm 17 Feb to early May

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

6 MAIL

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

T 9735 5800 www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au

12525325-JW49-21

12581046-JC03-23

MTIA8825

56-70 Main Street Lilydale

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Changes to PCR testing

By Callum Ludwig Despite a national average of 8,950 daily cases in Australia over the first three days of 2023, the threat of Covid-19 seems to be less of a worry in 2023.

From the start of the year, the Federal Government decided to transition to the general population relying on RAT tests, with PCR testing available if necessary through GP-led Respiratory Clinics or where their GP or nurse practitioner requests a test, free of charge.

Free PCR tests without medical referrals will still be available from a number of staterun testing clinics, but the change in approach is aiming to prioritise high-risk people who may benefit from antiviral treatment if they tested positive.

“The National Plan provides clear guidance to the community and health care providers on how the Australian Government will play its part in managing Covid-19 into the future,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.

“We will continue to protect those most at risk, while ensuring we have the capacity to respond to future waves and variants.”

The changes are part of the National Covid-19 Health Management Plan for 2023 that was agreed upon by the National Cabinet on 30 September 2022.

EACH currently operates the only GP respiratory clinic in the Yarra Ranges in Lilydale and CEO Natalie Sullivan said they do not expect any significant impacts from the decision as rapid antigen tests are widely available in the community.

“Anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should take a rapid antigen test and isolate for at least 5 days and until they don’t have symptoms. They can also see their GP if they are unwell,” she said.

“A GP can assess them and decide if they need a PCR test to check for Covid and other respiratory illnesses. Free RATs are available, and locations where they can be collected can be found at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.”

EACH staff Mandi, Alice and Ann-Maree at the GP Respiratory Clinic in Lilydale.

The National Covid-19 Health Management Plan is aiming to: provide vaccine certainty, empower the community to make informed choices to protect themselves and their loved ones; take pressure off hospitals; to provide additional help for aged care, First Nations, disability and multicultural communities; support effective Covid-19 testing; and strengthen the National Medical Stockpile safety net and pandemic preparedness capability.

Funding was also extended for GP respiratory clinics likee those run by EACH and Ms Sullivan said they will remain an essential service as we experience further waves of Co-

Time to think about clearing the way for CFA

By Callum Ludwig With the threat of fire looming at any time throughout summer, local fire brigades are urging residents to help keep their properties as accessible as possible for brigades.

The time it takes or the restrictions created by obstructions for fire brigades can make a critical impact on the destruction a fire can cause.

Yarra Junction CFA Lieutenant Steve Harry said vegetation and overhanging branches are normally the main causes of obstruction.

“Something that is also pertinent considering the current building of smaller estates in Yarra Junction is the narrowness of the roads and people parking in the street.

It can block a large vehicle like a fire truck from coming in if two people opposite both do the same thing, which causes a problem,” he said.

“In the end, it is respect and courtesy for your fellow neighbours in the event that something happens, that they would also themselves want someone there as quickly as possible and if it’s something holding it up, then it’s not a good experience and could delay the response that we have either for property, life or assets.”

Particularly for larger properties, it is important that a truck has access in order to reach the fire, which may not be possible from the street.

Mr Harry said the simple way to check if your driveway is ready is to imagine if a three by three metre box could fit.

“Just have a look and wonder if that would actually fit. In larger properties, also think about the 30m turning capacity, if it’s a call that’s not something that we need to stay there for or may not be urgent, can we mailcommunity.com.au

Make sure there is plenty of room for fire trucks this fire season.

Picture: ON FILE turn around quickly if we do get another response to get back out again,” he said.

“If you are in a small enclave or estate of houses, make sure you have got good communication, maybe even a social media group chat, to just say to be mindful if you do have a fire that a large truck or ambulance can get in.”

A fire truck is also about 7.1 metres or 23 feet long, which is another thing to consider in turns of preparing for a fire.

Mr Harry urged residents to be more vigilant of fire danger at this time of year.

“That includes understanding the new Fire Danger Rating System which you are able to access off the CFA website, there are four segments now so it’s nice and easy,” he said.

“It’s important for the residents themselves, understanding what that means, what each colour code means as it escalates and then put appropriate actions in place and in those high-risk days.”

vid-19 through the coming months and into winter.

“The service helps to relieve pressure on our emergency departments and other primary health settings. GP Respiratory Clinics continue to provide free face-to-face assessment and support for people who are unwell with respiratory illnesses and cannot book in to see their regular GP,” she said.

“Anyone at high risk of severe illness and has Covid or Flu-like symptoms should speak to a GP about a PCR test even if they tested negative on a RAT. This ensures they can get any help they need, including Covid antiviral medicine, as quickly as possible.”

Picture: ON FILE As well as GP Respiratory Clinics, hospitals and state and territory testing clinics will remain the only places low-risk individuals can access PCR testing without a referral.

Ms Sullivan said Covid-19 remains a global health risk, and cases are still present throughout the community.

“If it’s been more than 3 months since your last vaccination or since you had Covid, get a booster dose. People who receive a vaccination have a much lower chance of getting severely unwell,” she said.

“We also highly encourage wearing a mask indoors and practising physical distancing, and good hand hygiene as much as possible.”

Air tankers take to Mount Beenak for training drills

By Callum Ludwig Mount Beenak played an important role in helping fine-tune our bushfire response this week.

On Wednesday 11 January, a fleet including two LATs (Large Air Tankers) completed a training exercise to help ensure pilots are prepared and assured in the event of a major bushfire.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) is managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and regularly undertakes training exercises throughout summer, “The LATs are a vital part of Victoria’s firefighting fleet as they assist in direct attack for fires and the creation of control lines,” said Tamara Beckett Director of Forest and Fire Operations at DEECA. “All aircraft need to be maintained to a high standard and regular training must be maintained to ensure crew readiness.”

Despite the seasonal outlook having shown a reduced bushfire risk across much of the state due to continued rainfall and cooler con-

ditions, the training is important to help different fire-fighting agencies to respond to incidents and emergencies cohesively.

The first plane to fly out in the event of a fire is the Bird Dog, a twin-engine small plane that takes off as soon as the call comes through from the State Air Desk. It scouts out the fire ahead of the LATs and drops a smokescreen to indicate where the air tankers should target.

Aircraft has already played a key role in Victoria over the past months during the flood response, and are here ready to respond to other emergencies, including fires.

The training on Wednesday 11 January was specifically for Large Air Tankers (LATs) which are a state resource, meaning that they can and are regularly deployed across the state.

Over the rest of the bushfire season, a total of 50 firebombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft will be ready to combat fires across Victoria.

Mount Beenak was chosen for the training exercise due to its relative proximity to the Avalon Airport. It took the fleet of aircraft less than 20 minutes to arrive after taking off.

One of the LATs performs a drop on the southern side of Mount Beenak.

Picture: JOHN CARTER

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 7

NEWS

Mural thanks health staff

By Mikayla van Loon Lilydale artist Brad Colling has just finished painting a week-long mural at Maroondah Hospital as a way to say thank you to staff for their tireless efforts during the pandemic.

The commissioned artwork was organised by the hospital’s administration staff as part of an outdoor courtyard refurbishment.

Brad said the hospital contacted him after seeing his large mural display in Wandin and the only criteria was lots of colour.

“They did up the whole staff, outdoor dining area. They got colourful tables and chairs.

So they wanted something pretty colourful and I did a couple of designs but the first one wasn’t colourful enough, so I changed it and made it more colourful,” he said.

“It was just a dull brick wall. So it just really brightens it up and it brings that colour to hopefully take their minds off all the day to day stuff while they’re sitting there having their lunch or dinner.”

Depicting a rainbow lorikeet surrounded by native flowers, Brad said he has received amazing feedback from staff and the community about the design.

“I’m very happy with how it’s come out and I’ve had heaps of really positive feedback from it. So it’s been good.”

Having worked on both small and large projects across the Yarra Ranges, Brad said he was grateful to have been invited and involved in this mural.

“The whole thing was it was a bit of a tribute and a bit of a reward for the staff having gone through a few years of crap times working in hospitals,” he said.

“I tried to put in a quote that was half of what I normally would charge but that’s not the point. Obviously they’ve done it hard and it’s good to definitely be part of that.”

As a site supervisor in construction by day

Spray paint artist Brad Colling completed this mural at Maroondah Hospital over the Christmas and new year period as a thank you to hospital staff.

Picture: SUPPLIED and an artist whenever he can fit it in, Brad undertook this commission during his own Christmas/new year holidays, completing it within a week which he said “for me that’s actually pretty good. I’m usually a bit slower than that”.

Having always been artistic, Brad only began using spray paint in his role as a youth worker in Mount Evelyn when as a collective Yarra Ranges Council asked them to paint the skate park.

From there Brad went on to teach young people the skill of spray paint artistry and mural work to help divert them from tagging.

“We were doing a murals in schools program and it was an anti tagging campaign. We would paint a mural and talk about respecting people’s property and asking permission and all that stuff rather than just leaving rubbish everywhere by tagging everything.”

In his many years as an artist, he has painted everything from a Michael Jordan mural for

a games room to local historic moments and RSL tributes.

Making the transition from full time artist, Brad said unfortunately it wasn’t sustainable to keep going but he is always working on a project whether it be a private commission or something like the Wandin station platform works.

The Maroondah Hospital commission cannot be accessed by the public. Find more of Brad’s work via Buzzart on social media.

12581861-HC03-23

Book tickets at zoo.org.au

*Children under 16 years of age receive free admission to Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays.

8 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

WALMSLEY DEMENTIA LAUNCH

Walmsley Aged Care now opens it new household supporting those living with dementia.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

An extensive activities program provides dementia residents with safe and enjoyable ways to spend their time and enhance good health.

Specialised care centre Following the launch of its bespoke aged care residence last November in Kilsyth, Walmsley Aged Care now opens it new household supporting those living with dementia.

The Walmsley Memory Support Care has been designed to help those who have been diagnosed with dementia and to provide personalised service and support.

With tailored programs and activities for memory support, and customised living spaces to maximise residents’ safety and wellbeing, the Memory Support Care provides specialised care for residents living with dementia.

Walmsley Aged Care home was rebuilt to Australian Unity’s Better Together® specifications offering residents across the retirement village and older Australians from the local Kilsyth community access to quality care and support within Australian Unity’s signature small-household model of care.

Tours are available through bookings.

The new household offers plenty of relaxing areas for residents to enjoy.

Australian Unity National General Manager Operations, Residential Communities Brett Lafranchi said the Better Together® model was a philosophy that had been developed from over 10 years of experience and research.

“Our model of care creates and fosters important social connections as part of enabling

older Australians to age well. Better Together® encourages a sense of connection and community for its customers, employees, and visitors,” Mr Lafranchi said.

“Our newly opened Memory Support Care builds on Walmsley’s existing premium aged care services and accommodation options,

with specially-designed suites that provide the comforts of home while maximising space and mobility.”

The household’s architecture includes a north-facing sunroom, landscaped gardens with a continuous walking trail, and an internal pergola and outdoor terrace for residents and visitors to enjoy. Memory support attributes including colour contrasting, clear wayfinding, short corridors with no dead ends, discreet main household entry door, safety features in the kitchen, and security are also key design elements of the Centre.

An extensive activities program is delivered at the household providing dementia residents with safe and enjoyable ways to spend their time and enhance good health and wellbeing.

To find out more or to book a tour, please contact Australian Unity on 1300 896 015 or visit walmsleyvillage.com.au.

12582826-SN03-23

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 9

NEWS After Mount Evelyn resident NICOLE GALLACHER experienced a stroke during her pregnancy resulting in the death of the baby in 2019, the thought of welcoming a child into the world seemed a long way off. Star Mail caught up with Nicole to talk motherhood, what’s next and how there’s hope for life after stroke.

Survivor’s miracle baby

By Mikayla van Loon In early December Nicole and her husband Dave, celebrated the birth of their son Angus, a miracle baby after what has been a challenging few years for the two of them.

“Motherhood is just wonderful. He’s a really good baby, so I guess that makes it easier.

He is having three hourly feeds, so I am a little bit tired but other than that, he’s just been a dream,” Nicole said.

“If you told me back then that in two years time, you’ll be on a family holiday with your baby I would not have believed you at all. It’s amazing how things can change, how different things can be and the difference time makes.”

Having been rushed to the Austin Hospital after the quick thinking of her dad, Nicole spent two weeks in a coma on a life support machine, with doctors not expecting the recovery she made.

As a tribute to the paramedics and doctors who helped save her life, little Gus is named after the men who made split second decisions and were there throughout her time in ICU. Gus’ first name is taken from Augustus, Nicole’s brain surgeon who performed the initial surgery when she arrived in hospital.

His second names, Michael and Andrew, were chosen because of the paramedic Michael who was able to assess Nicole in the ambulance and decided instantly she needed a neurosurgeon, while Andrew monitored the ECMO machine, watching on as Nicole improved little by little.

Sadly, Andrew died early last year before being able to learn of the tribute given by the Gallacher’s but Gus will grow up knowing the impact he had on his family’s life.

Waking from her coma, Nicole said after about a month, doctors confirmed having children wasn’t out of the question, a big relief to her and her husband.

“They told me very early on that it was [possible] and if I’m honest, that’s probably something that kept me and my husband going. It gave us hope,” she said.

While precautions had to be taken because she was classed as a high risk pregnancy, in terms of Nicole’s recovery, it hasn’t sent her backwards at all, nor is Gus at high risk of experiencing a stroke himself after DNA testing.

At the moment, Nicole is able to do all the normal motherhood things one would expect, just with a few alterations until she can get back on track with her physiotherapy.

“We worked on ways that I can change him safely and get him up on the bassinet safely. I change him when I’m kneeling so that I’m not going to fall over and he’s safe.

“I definitely still have balance issues and coordination issues and now it’s just looking at how we can be 100 per cent sure he is safe but I can be as active in his life as possible.”

After being on a family holiday, Nicole said she has plans to return to physiotherapy once a week, exercise physiology once a fortnight and by February return to her driving lessons.

“My ultimate goal and it’s a long way away but I’d love to be able to go to school pick ups and my physio thinks that’s definitely possible.

“I want to smash out as much as I can so that later on I’m able to do that because I was already pretty motivated before Angus but now I’m very, very motivated.

“Particularly, even when he’s a year old, he’s going to start walking and I want to be able to move with him and do things with him. I don’t want him to be disadvantaged based on what’s happened to me.”

The Stroke Foundation’s Executive Director of Stroke Services and Research Dr Lisa Murphy said while every stroke and recovery is different, that’s not to say near perfect recovery is not possible.

“Everybody’s journey is different. Strokes affect different parts of the brain. Some people absolutely do recover 100 per cent, or very close but there might be hidden things like fatigue, which people don’t see on the outside,” she said.

“The sooner you get your treatment after 10 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

While her recovery plateaued during her pregnancy, Nicole has had some major milestones, like walking the pram without assistance.

Dave and Nicole Gallacher celebrated the safe arrival of their son Angus on 6 December 2022.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Neurosurgeon Augustus Gonzalvo met little Gus just days before Christmas.

Gus was the miracle child Nicole and Dave didn’t know was possible.

Austin Hospital ICU director Steven Warrillow was also grateful to meet Gus on a visit to the hospital.

the stroke, the better the outcome because if you think that every minute you have a stroke, you kill off billions of brain cells, so the quicker you can get that treatment, the more brain cells survive.”

Dr Murphy said that too goes for rehabilitation treatment, the quicker treatments like physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy can be started, the better the likelihood of a return to normal or near normal.

That’s why the F.A.S.T methodology really is the difference between outcomes for someone who experiences stroke.

“Time is of the utmost urgency for stroke.

It’s always a medical emergency. The faster you can get definitive treatment for your stroke, absolutely, the better your outcome,” Dr Murphy said.

At every step of Nicole’s stroke, time was definitely a saving factor, from the moment her dad called the ambulance to the decision to go to the Austin Hospital to her rehabilitation treatment.

While the most common symptoms of stroke include a drooping face, an inability to lift both

arms above the head and slurred speech, Dr Murphy said they don’t all have to happen together, nor is it what everyone experiences.

“The face, arms and speech are the most common but you can have a blinding headache, or you can have visual disturbances, there are other signs and symptoms of stroke.”

And although stroke is most common in the older population, it is starting to occur more and more in what the Stroke Foundation identifies as the working population aged 18 to 64.

“In that working age group…the number of strokes is increasing. So in 2022, there were around nearly 11,000 first ever strokes in that age group, which is about equivalent to 29 strokes a day.

“In people 54 and under, 24 per cent of all strokes were in that age group and that’s increased from 14 per cent in 2012. So that’s really quite significant and quite a worry, considering you’re in your prime of life at that age.”

Even though she was young when she had her stroke, Nicole has been able to move forward, something Dr Murphy said gives hope to others.

“Life is not what she intended it to be but there’s positive stories that come out of having a stroke and it’s not the end.

“I would never take away somebody’s thoughts and feelings after stroke but I suppose [Nicole’s] story does give that message of hope, that there is potentially light at the end of the tunnel…and there is so much people can do to live the best possible life they can after stroke.”

Nicole shares the same sentiment and said for someone who has experienced stroke, stories of hope can only help.

“Now we have the baby, we’re on a family holiday, I’m OK, I’m going to survive, we still have our challenges, no doubt but if we had known that this would be where we would end up not that long down the road, that would have been amazing to hear.

“My only message is of hope. Life goes on after stroke and it does get better. It’s very hard at the time but it does get better but you also have to work really hard for it to get better.” mailcommunity.com.au

MULTI MILLION

DOLLAR !

W O N ON CLEARANCE

SALE

$3 MILLION WORTH OF HOMEWARES TO CLEAR $1.8 MILLION WORTH OF MANCHESTER TO CLEAR

CLOTHING AVAILABLE TO SHOP AT HARRIS SCARFE EASTLAND

2 HOUR

Shop online now!

``

CHIRNSIDE PARK HOME STORE

NOW OPEN! CHIRNSIDE LIFESTYLE CENTRE

your order within 2 hours

mailcommunity.com.au

266-268 Maroondah Hwy, Chirnside Park VIC 3136

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

12583376-SN03-23

$4.4 MILLION WORTH OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR & BRAS TO CLEAR

MAIL 11

NEWS

Gear up for Mt Ev party

By Mikayla van Loon The Mount Evelyn Street Party is set to make its return in 2023 no matter how big or small.

After such a successful year in 2019, Mount Evelyn Township Group secretary Paula Herlihy said whether it’s a scaled back event or one that is as big as previous years will all depend on how many people are willing to get involved in the committee.

With the first planning meeting scheduled for the first Thursday in February, Ms Herlihy said anyone can attend to share their ideas and join in the early preparations.

“Everyone’s welcome, because we had people who were really keen, we had people who were willing to be volunteer coordinators, people who were willing to do stall coordination,” she said.

“But we just couldn’t run it because of Covid. So all of those people will have found other things to do with their time.”

Not aiming to compete with other years due to the long break in between festivals, Ms Herlihy said the committee might set the bar a little lower to get back in the swing of things.

“I don’t think we have huge expectations, but it’s been getting bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger,” she said.

“The only expectation I’ve been saying to people is maybe set our sights so that we do have a slightly smaller festival because we’ve had between 10 and 15,000 people [attend].

“We’ll be happy if we make anywhere near eight or 10,000, not because we want to think small, but after the Covid shutdown we’re all a little bit uncertain.”

The biennial festival has traditionally been celebrated on the last weekend of October and has been running for over 20 years now.

Each time a different theme has been set, with the most recent festivals exploring the theme ‘memories are made of this’, rock n’ roll and 50s nostalgia.

“The people who come to the meeting are the people who decide what the theme is, what the date is, and so on, but recently it’s been the last Sunday in October,” Ms Herlihy said.

The committee then meets monthly in the early stages, before meeting fortnightly and then weekly in the lead up to the event to ensure plans are finalised.

Rock ‘n’ roll was the attraction in 2017. 174482 While years have been missed here and there, the Covid period will be the longest the township has gone without hosting the street party.

“From 2019 to 2023 that’s the longest break we’ve had but it was purely Covid. We had the money, we had the committee, they all wanted to do it, we were just so unsure about what would happen.”

Beginning in 2001 as a Federation festival, the then Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee, with leadership from now Councillor Tim Heenan, planned a two day festival, with the main event to be a big sack race in an attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records.

Since then, Ms Herlihy said activities have changed often, from a scarecrow competition to dance competitions but whatever the event brings, it is always a celebration of the town for the town.

Picture: SUPPLIED “We’re not interested in running a festival for Australia. We don’t mind if people from the Yarra Ranges come but it’s not even for the Yarra Ranges, it is totally a great Mount Evelyn Street Party where we all just get out and meet each other and enjoy.”

Although plans are still to be decided, Ms Herlihy said the committee always aims to have a number of free activities, like a trackless train and face painting, to make it a fun day out for families.

Having received a $10,000 grant from the Yarra Ranges Council Grants for Community program, Ms Herlihy said the money will help ensure the festival has lots to offer the community.

The first planning meeting will be held on Thursday 2 February at the Mt Evelyn Community House Community Room starting at 7.30pm.

Pin-Up Competition judges Miss Pinup Australia’s Miss Va Va Voom Pinup 2015 Lorelei Jean and Miss Pinup Australia’s Miss Prestige 2015 Miss Stormy de Wilde 146059 Pictures: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

Mount Evelyn was packed in 2015 for the Biennial Street Party. 146059

Showing children how to create their own bee habitat

By Tyler Wright A group of young children children aged three to late primary school age were able to create their own insect habitat for bees and insects alike to thrive in their gardens, in a workshop by a local beekeeper at Kalorama’s Karwarra Gardens.

Director of Holly’s Backyard Bees and Mount Evelyn resident, Holly Hale, hosted the session on Thursday 12 January to teach children aged three and above about sustainability and native bee species which find their home in Victoria.

“Most of our native bees of our solitary in nature; they raise their own young in hollows in bamboo and borer holes in wood and they don’t live in colonies like honeybees do, so teaching the kids about some of the different kinds of native bees that we have in Victoria as well, showing them some posters and pictures of what they might have seen in their garden and not realised might have been a native bee,” Holly said.

“And then we talked about their habitat, what kind of habitat they like and how we can actually create spaces in our gardens to accommodate native bees as well.”

Holly said bees found in the Yarra Ranges include the common honey bee, the “beautiful” blue-banded bee and the resin bee, among others.

“I’ve recently been seeing resin bees buzzing around in the wild [on] noxious weed blackberries,” she said.

“Leaf-faced bees [have] been nesting at my place in some bamboo, but also I’ve got some bees that are nesting, building their little nests in between the bricks of my house.

12 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

Holly Hale, Director of Holly’s Backyard Bees, hosting a session at Karwarra Gardens teaching young children how to create their own insect habitat. Picture: JESSE GRAHAM “I’ve got leaf cutter bees which are really beautiful as well; I’ve not actually seen them in my garden but I know know that they’re local in Victoria and they’ve got this beautiful

neon blue spots on their bodies.”

Holly has been educating children as young as kindergarten for eight years; a profession which began after making a trip to her own childrens’ kindergarten as a parent volunteer, and showing children an observation hive.

“I was so encouraged by the response of the teachers at the time that I started to branch out and do it a little bit as a hobby, because I run adult workshops as well,” Holly said.

Holly now hosts sessions at her own home in Mount Evelyn, teaching visitors goat husbandry, cheese making and even cooking pastries for lunch.

“Often it’s harder to teach adults because we’ve all got our own preconceived ideas about things...whereas with kids, if we can point them in the right direction about caring for nature and being observant and respectful of nature from a young age, I think ‘what a privilege to be able to teach them,’” she said.

“If I can help foster a love of nature, in insects and pollinators when they’re little and help them to move beyond feeling fearful of them...that’s a really great privilege.”

In her work in early childhood education, Holly hears varied questions about bees from young learners.

“When I go into kindergartens, often it’s usually the little girls in the group that might say ‘how come the queen bee doesn’t wear a crown? when we’re learning about honeybees,” she said.

“Because often the boys in the bee hive... don’t really do much of the jobs; their role is more really to provide genetics, sometimes

[children] grapple with that.

“I help encourage them...every bee has a role to play, and every bee is important, and it’s the same in our society. Every one of us is different. Every one of us plays a different role, but if we didn’t do our role, the whole colony suffers.”

When visiting primary schools, teaching can turn toward the consequences of humans not having pollinators.

“I love helping kids make a connection between the food that we eat and how we care for the earth.” Holly said.

“Pollinators play such a significant role in that, and so if they can connect insects with food, I think that that’s really great too.”

Holly said Yarra Ranges locals can help the surrounding bee population thrive by avoiding sprays and pesticides in their gardens and allowing their grass to grow.

“A lot of gardens are planted more for foliage and drought tolerance, and they don’t have many flowers. So if you can plant some flowers in your garden, that’s good creating habitat for them,” she said.

“Whether it is making an insect hotel and you can make it out of anything..I showed the kids one [on Thursday] that I made in an old drawer that was on a hard rubbish pile, you can drill some deep holes in [wood logs] with a big drill bit and dot them around your garden in amongst the trees or bamboo, whatever you can get your hands on.

“Water sources are good, and not to spray things in your garden... any of those things will encourage native bees to visit.”

You can find more information on Holly’s work and see what products she has on offer at http://www.hollysbackyardbees.com.au/ mailcommunity.com.au

YARRA VALLEY PRO RODEO

YV Rodeo is raising awareness for Rett Syndrome.

Yarra Valley Rodeo will be jam packed with plenty of entertainment.

Pictures: BR ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

There will be entertainment for the kids and food and beverages on offer.

Sure to be entertained Get ready for a fun filled night of thrills and spills of rodeo action among neighbouring world class wineries in the Yarra Valley on Saturday 21 January.

Held at Yarra Valley Racing in Yarra Glen, Yarra Valley Rodeo is sure to entertain with the night jam packed full of entertainment.

YV Rodeo has one of the most legendary rough stock agents in Gary McPhee, along with carnival fun for the kids, free face painting, free Australian animal zoo experiences, mechanical bucking bull, and food and beverages.

There will also be live music by the famous Iian Archibald band.

YV Rodeo is once again raising awareness for Rett Syndrome, which is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that effects the way the brain develops.

This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language and primarily effects females.

So put on your hats, boots and buckles for an action packed night of fast paced barrel racing, team roping, rope and tie, breakaway roping steer wrestling and all time favourite bull riding.

Go to website for tickets Yarravalleyrodeo. com.au

12586196-ET03-23

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 13

NEWS

Kilsyth South Baptist Church will begin putting the newly purchased coffee cart to use in the community at the end of the month.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Bendigo Bank Boronia Manager Steve Lakey (right) handed over the cheque to Pastor Peter Nielsen (middle) last year.

Top up cup at local cart

By Mikayla van Loon Part of the philosophy of Kilsyth South Baptist Church (KSBC) is to go out into the community to provide services where needed and that’s the basis of its new coffee cart initiative.

Planning to have the project ready to begin at the end of the month, one of the organisers Keith Richardson said the intention is to provide both free coffees and a smile to people in different parts of the local community.

Initially hoping to help service the growing population of homeless people in KSBC’s local government areas, Mr Richardson said it has spread to providing for an array of people who may require a little bit of extra support right now.

“We [first] looked at a food cart and then we looked at all the problems that would be associated with that and whether we were fully equipped to handle that,” he said.

“We’ve always felt that we had to go to where the people are and help them and the food cart became a bit of a problem and then out of the blue, we heard about a coffee cart.”

From there the idea has grown into a fully fledged and viable community project having received both a $20,000 grant from the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) and a $16,000 grant from Bendigo Community Bank Boronia to purchase a coffee cart and generator.

Grateful for the support of the Bendigo Bank and BUV, Mr Richardson said the Two Sparrows Coffee Cart would not have been

Keith Richardson and Pastor Peter Nielsen were extremely grateful to have received $16,000 from Bendigo Bank to fill the financial shortfall. possible without either of these entities coming onboard.

Since the purchase, volunteers have been able to practise the art of coffee making and will get the chance to learn from professionals with help from a local restaurant.

“One of the benefits of all of this is we have

a fair number of young people and a local restaurant is happy to train these people to be a coffee maker, so it also gives them an opportunity to work while they’re studying at a local cafe.”

Having already trialled the cart at the Church on a Sunday and at Gladesville Prima-

ry School’s Friday breakfast club, it has been well received by many.

“We bought the coffee cart [to Gladesville] and normally parents just drop the kids off and keep going but they stopped and had a cup of coffee and the principal said to me, it was encouraging to see parents talking to staff,” Mr Richardson said.

Using established connections from chaplaincy work, KSBC also plans on visiting The Basin Primary School once a week to bring a free coffee to parents.

Volunteers also intend on visiting Boronia and Bayswater train stations to “greet people with a cup of coffee on the way home from work”, as well as locating areas of need to provide coffee and conversations to people experiencing homelessness.

“One of the biggest problems we believe facing Maroondah City Council is homeless people and so we are looking at areas that we might go at the end of the day, not just with coffee, but because we have a generator we can plug in a sandwich maker so we could make toasted sandwiches.”

While ideas and possibilities are endless, the coffee cart outreach program aims to support those in the community who may be facing tough times or disadvantages and Mr Richardson said it is his hope KSBC can collaborate with other organisations because “when you’re not competing with each other, you can complement each other.”

NGV Kids on Tour program begins, heads to the valley The NGV annual Kids on Tour program has begun, bringing free art and creative activities to more than 130 venues across the state including a number of Yarra Ranges locations.

With over 100 venues involved, it makes the 2023 tour the largest ever and children will get to experience events at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, The Memo in Healesville and Arts Centre Warburton.

Backing the program, Creative Industries minister Steve Dimopoulos joined budding artists at the NGV on Wednesday 11 January to test drive the sculpture, drawing, collage and creative writing activities that are on offer through the program which kicks off today and runs throughout January.

“This school holidays we’re delivering more free activities to families across the state, with the largest ever Kids on Tour program offering 14 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

parents and kids memorable moments led by the world-class team at the NGV,” he said.

“Victoria is the creative state and the free NGV Kids on Tour program is one of the ways we are ensuring that all Victorians have the chance to unleash their inner artist and enjoy the best creative experiences close to home.”

The 2023 Kids on Tour program is taking place in galleries, libraries, paediatric hospitals, neighbourhood houses, migrant resource centres and community organisations in regional, suburban and metropolitan areas across the state.

Delivering fun and free activities in community spaces across Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs, the program will provide families with easy access to school holiday entertainment at more than 35 locations across the city.

This year’s tour celebrates the theme ‘Let’s Make Art’, offering captivating and creative activities for kids and their families. The program also offers dedicated workshops for teens to help them hone their skills and build their portfolios, with leading artists sharing their expertise and experience with Victoria’s budding creatives.

“Since its inaugural year in 2014, the Kids on Tour Program has demonstrated the NGV’s commitment to providing Victorians of all ages with the opportunity to engage with art and design from around the world,” NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM said.

NGV Kids on Tour is one of the ways the gallery is bringing the best art and creative experiences to Victorians of all ages, no matter where they live.

NGV’s year-round outreach programs range from talks at regional galleries and loans of iconic items from the NGV Collection to online social activities for senior citizens and activities for people living in aged care.

NGV Kids on Tour is part of a massive summer of programming for kids and families at the NGV, which will see the NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia come alive with free family activities for the Kids Summer Festival 2023 from 14 to 22 January.

Families can visit the NGV website at ngv. melbourne for a list of NGV Kids on Tour locations and other summer programs for kids.

For local information, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/NGV-Kidson-Tour-2023 mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Puggle found in mulch A tiny echidna puggle is on the road to recovery, receiving lifesaving care at Healesville Sanctuary after being found on its own in a mulch pile.

The lone wild puggle was discovered in mulch in a Yarra Junction backyard while the homeowner was gardening at the end of November, so the veterinary team from the Sanctuary’s Australia Wildlife Health Centre stepped in to help.

Healesville Sanctuary Senior Veterinary Nurse Sarah Kaiser said feeding the puggle had proved the biggest challenge.

At approximately 16 weeks old the youngster should still be drinking milk excreted from its mother’s mammary glands, instead the Sanctuary team is feeding it a specially formulated milk via a syringe and dripping small amounts into a silicon bowl. The milk is high fat, low lactose, replicating its mother’s milk.

“Feeding was difficult at first, however after a week we had success, and now the puggle regularly eats up to 25 per cent of its body weight in one sitting,” Mrs Kaiser said. “Feeding usually takes place every five days or so to replicate what would occur in the wild.

“The little one is doing really well and putting on the right amount of weight to grow up strong and healthy.”

The puggle weighed less than 500 grams when it arrived and is now tipping the scales at 788 grams at its last weight check on Friday 6 January.

It will soon be moving from the hospital ward environment to a different environment filled with natural substrate such as mulch.

The team at Healesville Sanctuary will be offering broken-down logs to the echidna puggle as a source of enrichment and within the next month the weaning process will begin with solid foods offered to the mono-

The puggle is continuing to improve under the supervision of wildlife carers.

The echidna puggle was found in a Yarra Junction garden on a mulch pile. Pictures: ZOOS VICTORIA treme. The quills on the back of the echidna are also starting to become more prominent and sharp.

As the animal continues to improve, a decision will soon be made whether the animal

can be released back into the wild.

It is rare to see an echidna puggle at such an early age at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, however it is common for the vets to see a variety of species.

This spring has been busy with 558 wildlife patients coming through the doors of the hospital.

In November alone, 199 wildlife cases required treatment. Road trauma-related incidents are a common reason.

Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre treats more than 2,000 wildlife patients each year. Sanctuary visitors can view the amazing work of the dedicated vets via the internal glass walls of the hospital.

For more information about what to do if you find an injured animal visit zoo.org.au/ emergency-wildlife-help or call the Australian Wildlife Health Centre on (03) 5957 2829.

Short-beaked echidnas can be found across most of Australia. Echidnas are an egg-laying mammal known as a monotreme.

Echidna puggles are usually born between September and November and, at about four to five months old quills appear on their back.

Need local staff?

Then give us the job...

Star Mail

Need local staff?

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

12544966-DL15-22

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 15

NEWS

150 days of marathons

By Callum Ludwig

Erchana Bartlett-Murray strides through the scenery.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Subscribe to any of the

Star Mail Digital Editions for

FREE Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

Mail New Aussies welcomed

Sanders relives rally

Brown’s AFLW debut

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

Mail New Aussies welcomed

Sanders relives rally

Brown’s AFLW debut

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

SPORT

A Star News Group Publication

PAGE 8

PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Back to school!

12477081-JW03-21

A Star News Group Publication

SPORT

12477081-JW03-21

PAGE 3

Mail

Growing up in Seville, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail has been a great asset for marathon runner Erchana Murray-Bartlett.

It came in handy for exactly 150 days of marathons in her incredible Tip to Toe campaign, running a marathon every day from Cape York until she reaches Port Melbourne.

On Saturday 14 January, she completed Day 148 running from Warburton to Lilydale before completing the amazing feat on Monday 16 January.

Ms Murray-Bartlett said the whole experience has been life-changing.

“I’ve had such an incredible time. it definitely hasn’t been without its lows, when you’re running a marathon every single day there’s a component of it that hurts a lot but it’s funny that my body has adapted at a distance but I think I’m running on fumes now,” she said.

“But I can see the finish line now, and I’m feeling very happy being only six marathons away now.”

The entire effort is a journey of 6200 kilometres, with Ms Murray-Bartlett taking on a variety of stunning terrain from mountains and valleys to forests and trails to townships that join in to support her along the way.

The whole trip aimed to raise funds for the Wilderness Society, with a focus on helping save the over 500 Australian animals on the endangered list. The initial goal of $10 for every kilometre ran, for a total of $62,000, has already been smashed out of the park, currently at over $101,000. On Friday 13 January, she even received an Honorary Life Membership from the Wilderness Society for her efforts.

Ms Murray-Bartlett said now that she has hit the fundraising target, she no longer has a new goal for money raised.

“If you hit your target, I believe your next goals should always be to aim as high as you can. I don’t have a numbers goal now, but I do hope it will go a lot higher, and I’ve got some high hopes it will,” she said.

“I’m in the final push now, and so I’m going to do everything I can to grow it. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see, but I’m feeling optimistic.”

As part of her superhuman effort, Ms Murray-Bartlett is now officially a Guinness World Record Holder, now holding the record for the most consecutive marathons run by a woman, which she managed on Saturday 3 December 2022, reaching 107, which she has of course now extended.

Ms Murray-Bartlett said it was a good feeling hitting the record and is unsure of if there are any records she would like to pursue next.

“I had that number in my head since the start and thought that if I could hit it, I’d be stoked. Since I did, it has actually been quite

difficult to get myself up again to keep going, I’ve had to really rely on the cause and the fundraiser to really get through the last 40,” she said.

“There’s a small part of me that thought I would finish this off with the world record for most consecutive ultras, [ultra marathons: any marathon beyond 42.2km]. I was at about 26 when I started this but there is an American lady who has done about 70 so I am stoked I didn’t try and do that!”

Ms Murray-Bartlett started her local leg of the journey from the COG Bike Cafe at 42 Station Road, Warburton, setting off at 7am to avoid the scorching heat. With stops and taking it slowly factored in, she arrived at her finish near the Lilydale train station at about 11.30am, with a number of locals joining in on foot or on bikes.

Ms Murray-Bartlett said this was the run she’d been most looking forward to.

“I grew up in Seville, went to Seville Primary School and Lilydale High School, it’s my home.

I ran on that trail all of my life and even leading up to this to train, it’s gonna feel almost like a finish line of its own because it is just going to be running past my childhood homes and friends houses,” she said.

“I think I’ll have a good crowd of people around me as well, and these are the people I ran with all my life or I competed against growing up. It’s a different feeling when it’s your own hometown, it just hits home differently.”

The money raised will go towards the Wilderness Society’s efforts in educating communities on acting on the extinction, supporting work to see Australia’s nature protected and advocating towards protecting Australia’s natural ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home.

Ms Murray-Bartlett said she has always loved Australian wildlife, particularly growing up in the Yarra Valley surrounded by wilderness, green places and all the animals that live there.

“As I got older and realised Australia was in the midst of an extinction crisis, I thought it would be worthy to counteract a bad world record, which is Australia being a world leader of biodiversity loss with a good world record.”

“Of the places I’ve run so far, Cape York was interesting, so different to what we have in the Yarra Valley. The mountains in the Blue Ranges were incredible, such vast wilderness and I’m always excited to run through there, even the high plains of Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Feathertop were beautiful as well. I really liked the Great Sandy National Park as well, it was an almost infinite forest. I’ve been to some very special places.”

Anyone interested in donating can do so here: www.gofund.me/3e63795b

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

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

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

By Jed Lanyon

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

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

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

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

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

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

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

Continued page 2 12477022-SN06-21

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

12481673-SN07-21

A worthy brand

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit mailcommunity.com.au/subscribe 16 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

Erchana Murray-Bartlett and crew round a corner before the Lilydale finish.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG mailcommunity.com.au

SUBLIME SETTING, STUNNING VIEWS AT the end of a no through road this unique 3 bedroom plus study (nursery) home is light, bright, open plan and positioned to capture the magical views from every window, on a generous block.

The lower level incorporates a spacious kitchen with excellent bench and storage space, stainless steel appliances, this adjoins the breakfast nook, ideal for busy mornings or even the perfect place for homework/hobbyist. Step down and entertain in style in the impressive ‘great room’ with cathedral ceilings and walls of glass doors and flyscreens that concertina for the inside/outside lifestyle we all appreciate. This area is warmed by the very latest efficient wood fire. There is also a good-sized laundry, powder room and under stair storage.

Upstairs has a luxurious main suite with double rainwater shower, handmade messmate vanity, a walk-in robe and ‘Juliette’ balcony. Off the second living space landing is also a study come nursery, two remaining double bedrooms with BIR’s and with access to the second balcony, wait till you see the view from here. These are serviced by a bathroom featuring a bath and separate shower.

Outdoors is fabulous the ¾ of an acre is fully fenced, easily accessible, a circular driveway, double carport, plenty of parking for the boat/caravan, a wood store and garden shed. The gardens are beautiful and

well established. The lush green lawns are fantastic for children’s play, a great bonus is the cubby house and trampoline that are staying. You also have several veggie gardens, barbecue area and away from the home a ‘forest’ section, lots of visiting birds and plenty of space for the dog to run around and chase a ball.

This property is the idyllic ‘hills’ retreat, quiet and peaceful. You are merely minutes to Cockatoo Township, shops, school, sporting clubs, cafes and much more. You will love living here. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 12 Carcoola Street, COCKATOO Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $960,000 - $1,050,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Jane Mortimer 0457 620 542, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111

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

com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

17

HOME FOCUS

YOUR OWN PRIVATE FAMILY RETREAT PERFECTLY positioned with the Selby Conservation Reserve on your doorstep and within only a 5 minute drive to Belgrave’s main street, you will fall in love with the character and charm of this mudbrick family home.

With natural sunlight streaming through every room, this split level design offers space and serenity for everyone and with three large bedrooms, two resort style bathrooms and two spacious living areas, there is certainly room for everyone.

Only recently renovated, the kitchen is striking with its classic white finish, stone benchtops and 900ml Westinghouse oven and cooktop. Stunning carpets line the floors and give a timeless appeal while a combination of gas ducted heating, multiple split systems and a cosy wood fire give convenient temperature control all months of the year.

French doors lead to the wrapaound decking where you can enjoy entertaining family and friends on the private decking, overlooking the green treetops and your very own acre of land. There is even a gorgeous sun room where you can watch your indoor plants grow in an ideal environment year round.

Perfect for your animals to enjoy, the block is usable and contains a chook pen for your feathered friends to enjoy. A sealed, circular driveway leads to a 5.8 x 7.8m barn style shed plus separate single carport.

With all local amenities such as shops, transport and wonderful local schools within an easy drive, this property offers a wonderful combination of peaceful lifestyle within the city’s reach. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 6 Currajong Avenue, SELBY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $895,000 - $985,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 18

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

BIG FAMILY LIVING WITH SPACE APLENTY THIS unique property offers something a little different and with plenty of space for the growing family.

Offering three good size bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, spacious lounge/living area with a separate meals/dining area and a large open-plan kitchen with plenty of bench and cupboard space.

Outside offers covered verandahs front

and rear with an extra large carport and established gardens with a large array of flowering trees and shrubs.

The separate bungalow offers the ideal space for the extended family or teenagers, a great family home, very well presented with loads of room for everyone and conveniently located just a short stroll to local schools and public transport. l

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 32 Dean Crescent, Launching Place, VIC 3139 Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $650,000 - $695,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277

P 5966 2530

3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton

1 Waters Place Buxton

$790,000 - $860,000

P 5967 1277

2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

3459a Warburton Hwy, Warburton

$580,000 - $635,000

Modern Living with Peaceful Country Charm

Rare opportunity in the Main Street of Warburton

A stunning location and presented to perfection inside and out, situated on the tranquil Little Steavenson river and set on a park like setting on 1 glorious acre (approx). The home is modern, spacious and offers plenty of space for the growing family with 3 bedrooms all with built in robes including a walk in robe and ensuite in the large main bedroom. Multiple living zones with a lounge/ living and family/meals dining area offer plenty of space for everyone, entertain outside all year round with a family size covered entertaining area overlooking the picturesque and colorful back yard. Beautiful established gardens and an array of flowering trees, plants, shrubs and a king size veggie patch, a double carport/garage plus a huge separate lock up garage with loads of space perfect for the cars, boats and the caravan. Offering the ideal relaxed country lifestyle.

If you’ve been waiting for a unique chance to purchase a property with future potential then this may be the one! Prominent Warburton main street location close to the proposed new Supermarket development and surrounded by other established investment properties. The building consists of a shop front with two bedroom residence including a bathroom, kitchen and living area. The shop and residence is currently vacant allowing various options for the astute Purchaser and the rear portion of land is Leased until 2027. Wide frontage offers two large display windows and excellent visibility.

Add the bonus of the Warburton Mountain Bike track destination coming, the local sporting ground and facilities nearby plus a short walk to the beautiful Yarra River to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle.

David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection:

By Appointment

3

A

2

B

4

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 2.30-3.00pm

C

2

A

1

B

C

bellrealestate.com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

19

HOME FOCUS

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME WITH STYLE POSITIONED beautifully on 1/2 an acre within walking distance to the Emerald township, this stunning, modern home is bursting with features and oozing with style.

Take in the spectacular view through the huge windows that frame your luxurious master suite which offers both a walk through robe and a sumptuous double showered ensuite, as well as a separate home office space. A further three large bedrooms, all containing built-in robes, are serviced by a modern and spacious family bathroom with free-standing bath and glass panel shower.

The home flows beautifully from your entry into the light filled family room and open plan kitchen featuring stone bench tops, stainless steel appliances, electric oven, gas stove and instant hot water.

Entertain guests or simply soak up the sunshine in the picturesque and tranquil

surroundings when you step through the French doors onto the expansive deck.

Continue up the extra wide staircase and you are greeted with a second living space with doors opening out to the backyard.

Cleverly zoned to one side of this living space with built in TV and gas decorative fire is the master bedroom, while the other three bedrooms sit to the other side. The home also features reverse cycle air-conditioning and heating, as well as ducted gas heating and a further heat panel in the kitchen/ meals area.

Wander back towards the front of the home to the sealed asphalt driveway and expansive double lock up garage with generous workshop and workbench, ample storage space, additional pedestrian access door, water tank, power and concrete floor.

This is the one - time to move in, relax & enjoy. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 28 Poplar Crescent, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,150,000-$1,250,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 20

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

3 Luke Place, Guys Hill, Beaconsfield

$745,000 - $785,000

28 Poplar Crescent, Emerald

$1,150,000 - $1,250,000

Private & well positioned with a lovely view! 5 Mins to Berwick!

Immaculate & Contemporary Family Home with Gorgeous Views!

Beautifully and lovingly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 Bathroom home. Nestled opposite the golf course, with a gorgeous park like view, you will notice the welcoming entertaining deck and landscaped front garden. With slate floors and character filled exposed beams, a wood heater, two split system air conditioners, and bi-fold front window that opens up onto the front entertaining deck. There is a modern and stylish kitchen, and also barn-door features leading to each of the two generous bedrooms. This home contains a European laundry, is rendered, and has a landscaped and low maintenance secure rear yard. With a great flat area for children or pets to enjoy, there is also a handy garden shed, as well as having a separate rear access to the property.

On 1/2 an acre, this modern home has spectacular views, a master suite with walk through robe & a double showered ensuite, & a home office space. With a further 3 large bedrooms, all with BIRs, & a family bathroom with free-standing bath & shower. The open plan kitchen features stone bench tops, stainless steel appliances, electric oven, gas stove & instant hot water. The lounge room opens with French doors onto the expansive deck. Upstairs is a second living space with backyard access.

The home features reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating, ducted gas heating & a heat panel in the kitchen/meals area. The garden has gravel paths, a coffee nook, raised organic vegetable gardens, gardening shed, cubby house & sand pit area. There is a sealed asphalt driveway & DLUG with workshop & workbench & additional pedestrian access door, water tank, power & concrete floor.

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032

2

5 Marks Lane, Emerald

A

1

B

2

C

4

$1,180,000 - $1,280,000

19 Gembrook-Launching Pl Rd, Gembrook

A

2

B

2

C

$780,000 - $850,000

Outstanding private family home with views and parklike surrounds!

Move in & relax with this gorgeous 4 bedroom family home!

3 bedroom plus study, 2 bathroom family home on 5 acres is bursting with features and stunning views and is located close to Emerald township. The home features front & rear deck/porch, light filled open plan lounge & dining room, built in fire-place, split system air conditioning, & doubleglazed windows. The kitchen has wooden bench tops, gas stovetop, electric oven, ceiling fan, a toaster nook & built-in pantry. The master bedroom has direct access to the rear deck, & has an ensuite & WIR. The other 2 bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom with bath, shower & toilet.

Outside, there is a paddock, and childrens play area. There is a DLUG with concrete floor & power, a double carport, & an open sided roofed shed at the rear of the garage. This property features off grip water supply, bottle gas, 13.2kW 2 phase solar set up, generator inlet & change over switch.

This immaculately presented brick home with 4 bedrooms, & 2 bathrooms, offers a large lounge room with split system air conditioner & wood fire heater, that leads to the modern kitchen, with gas stove top, electric oven, & dishwasher. There is a light filled dining room with private views out onto the rear decking. The master bedroom is luxurious with plush carpet, a split system air conditioner, ensuite & WIR. The further three bedrooms all enjoy BIRs. Comfort is maintained throughout the home with evaporative ducted cooling, & gas ducted heating. The sunny entertaining rear deck offers a fantastic place to enjoy the tranquility & views across the private, fully fenced backyard. With two stair cases to the flat lawned area or to access the extensive under house storage which has lighting & power. This home has a septic treatment plant & mains electricity, water & gas.

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

3

A

2

B

4

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

C

4

A

2

B

C

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

21

HOME FOCUS

GREAT USABLE BLOCK OF HALF AN ACRE YOU will really enjoy the north facing aspect of this property, lovely outlook and great natural light throughout the year.

Featuring: 3 bedrooms all with BIRs Updated bathroom with bath and a separate shower Separate WC and laundry Spacious kitchen S/S appliances, dishwasher, under bench oven and hotplates Open plan lounge and dining Rear deck showing off the great views Outdoors you can drive right in and park under the double carport and bring the shopping straight in the front door. The garage is currently set up as a games room, it has a wood fire for the cooler months and offers potential for many uses. The fenced rear yard is terraced for ease of living with plenty of room for a playground. There is a cubby and chicken coop ready and waiting, lots of other shedding and grassed area to run and play even for the fur babies.

The location is excellent, you get the real ‘country living’ vibe, yet you are minutes to Cockatoo Township, walk/ride to Wrights Forest, then onto Emerald Lake Park for a fun fitness outing. ●

· · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 41 Second Avenue, COCKATOO Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $700,000 - $770,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jane Mortimer 0457 620 542 and Mick Dolphin 0429 684 52, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 22

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges

We put you first

TWO HOMES ON A fLAT 1/3 ACRE bLOCK

6 ACRE PRIVATE COUNTRY ESCAPE

COCkATOO 147 WOORI YALLOCK ROAd SECOND DWELLING WITH TENANT IN PLACE!

GEmbrOOk 28 MORbEY ROAd STUDIO (unfinished) WITH VIEWS

$895,000-$980,000 5A 3B 3C

Set on one title, this property offers a range of options. The main home is character filled with recycled timber doors, stain-glass windows, high ceilings, a claw foot bath in main bathroom & two living areas. Outside features a cosy deck, a red brick paved courtyard under the oak tree, studio, workshop, double carport with storage & room for the caravan too! The second double-storey independent 2 bedroom dwelling features an undercover verandah with views of the rural scenery over the road, a single carport & tool shed.

mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

COCkATOO 39 VIEW HILL ROAd SHANGrILA - ‘A-FrAmE’ IN THE HILLS

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

mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

Janet Hawkins 0409 117 432

SURPRISING ANd SPECTACULAR!

$670,000 - $720,000 4A 2B C

Unique Hills living perched high in the treetops, surrounded by quiet & private gardens.

Add your own touches & complete renovations to make this property shine! features a large living space, wood fire, built-in lounge/sofa & bar & a quaint study/desk area. There is also a small fully self-contained unit/studio space attached to the home. Outside offers under-unit storage space, garden shed, multiple options for parking at the top of the driveway, fenced back yard, established gardens and a small animal paddock.

Jane mortimer 0457 620 542

Superbly positioned for privacy & a peaceful existence, this property has a mix of oldgrowth trees, grassed sections, tiers & filtered distant mountain views. The picturesque setting is perfect for your dream home, or the perfect place to park your tiny home STCA. On the property is a permitted agricultural building with a large viewing deck & includes 10,000litre water storage, a rock driveway to the rear of the property and electricity is available at top of the property. The location is idyllic with Gembrook Township nearby.

Jane mortimer 0457 620 542

HOME ANd UNIT IN PRIVATE SETTING

$650,000-$700,000

UPWEy 33 HIGHCLIff ROAd SPACIOUS, VIEWS, GrEAT LOCATION!

$990,000-$1,089,000 5A 2B 3C 1E

Understated cottage frontage that is larger than seems and offers a welcoming waterfall & pond centered garden, stunning northerly views of the gardens & mountains at rear, a spacious study/6th bedroom, combustion fire, Jarrah flooring & cabinetry, hydronic heating, 6kW Solar Power system, under house workshop & storage, rainwater tanks, large decking, large parental retreat with a private deck & outdoor spa, downstairs features a massive living & rumpus, a bar & 4 bedrooms - ideal teenage or multi-generational living.

mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

“We Put You First” com.au

Jane mortimer 0457 620 542

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

23

HOME FOCUS

STYLISH SINGLE-LEVEL HOME IN QUIET COURT IN this quiet court position a wonderful way of life awaits, one of style and simplicity set over a single level of complete comfort.

Positioned in the coveted Mountain Gate Primary School zone near Cutler Close Playground, Westfield Knox, and Ferntree Gully Station, this property is the perfect investment in livability and location.

This move-in ready home is framed by meticulously presented, easy-care gardens and a double garage for convenience. Upon entry, the indoor-outdoor connection this home affords is immediately apparent in the generous, carpeted lounge with views through to the alfresco. The hub of this home is the gourmet kitchen, boasting Ariston stainless steel gas range, crisp white cabinetry, and black tapware, that branches to the family room and outdoor entertaining area. With a covered alfresco adorned a high gable roofline, a garden filled with fruiting ballerina apples, and the bonus of a sound insulated studio, this impressive property is home to many more high-end features than most.

Furthermore, there are also 3 spacious bedrooms provided, including the main bedroom with walk-in robe and modern ensuite. The family bathroom with separate WC is enhanced with a soaker tub and luxurious rain shower.

Additional highlights include evaporative cooling and ducted heating, ample laundry, and cost-saving solar power.

Prepared to impress, this move-in ready home offers an outstanding lifestyle. Plan your viewing today. · Landscaped 628sqm (approx.) allotment with bonus sound insulated studio, fruiting gardens, shed, raised veggie beds, and exceptional covered alfresco · Beautiful single-level residence with double garage and cost-saving solar power · Lounge with floor to ceiling windows and quality carpet · Stylish kitchen with Ariston gas range and modern black tapware · Comfortable bedrooms, modern bathroom, and enviable ensuite main bedroom with walk-in robe. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2 Rulla Court, FERNTREE GULLY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $900,000 - $990,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 and Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 24

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

com.au

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

35 Gleghorn Road, KALLISTA

$1,080,000 - $1,180,000

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

4A2B4C

With an extensive list of lifestyle features, this fabulous property offers something special for every member of the family. With bonus elements including a stylish 1-bedroom studio, sealed drive with triple carport and double garage, fruit orchard, and paddock with picturesque Warburton Ranges views, this is an exceptional opportunity not to be missed, plan your viewing today.

FOR SALE

$550,000 - $600,000

31 Jeeves Avenue, KALORAMA PROMISING HOME WITH PICTURESQUE OUTLOOKS

3A1B

This peaceful property situated between Kalorama Park and Kalorama Oval is the ideal investment for renovators or first homebuyers seeking a slice of the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle. With beautiful hillside views and a no through road location near bus transport, Central to many local walking tracks, parks and playgrounds this is an opportunity to live someplace special.

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

Suzie Brannelly

Brad Conder

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

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

FOR SALE

352 Glenfern Road, UPWEY FAMILY RESIDENCE ON HALF AN ACRE

$1,260,000 - $1,380,000 5A3B6C

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.

FOR SALE

$685,000 - $750,000

30 Upper Coonara Road, OLINDA

3A 2B 2C

FAMILY STARTER WITH FILTERED VALLEY VIEWS

Staring out over filtered views that take in the nearby Monbulk valley, this three bedroom home is spacious and positioned privately away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Set on a generous 1851m2, elevated block with a stunning array of mature trees, the home boasts an open plan design with an updated kitchen that includes a 900ml stainless steel upright oven plus excellent storage and bench space.

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

Daniel Steen

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

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

com.au

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

25

PUZZLES

DOWN Fellow employee (2-6) US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7)

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

P K 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

A

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good 19 words: Very good

6 1 9 3 5 7 4 2 8

8 3 9 5 6 2 1 4 7

6 2 4 1 9 7 3 5 8

7 5 1 8 3 4 9 6 2

26 words: Excellent

A

M

N

N

S G

E

E

4 LETTERS BENT BETS GETS IRIS LADE LASS OVAL RELY RIDE SAME SAYS SEAS SODS SPED

1 4 8 6 2 5 7 9 3

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

5 LETTERS ADAGE

4 1 6 7 5 8 2 3 9

9 8 3 2 1 6 4 7 5

2 7 5 9 4 3 8 1 6

2 7 4 1 8 9 5 3 6

3 8 5 6 4 2 7 1 9

9 5 3 7 2 6 1 8 4

7 2 1 4 9 8 6 5 3

4 6 8 5 3 1 9 7 2

8 4 2 9 1 5 3 6 7

5 9 6 8 7 3 2 4 1

1 3 7 2 6 4 8 9 5

6 1 4 8 9 7 2 3 5

2 3 9 6 5 1 4 7 8

9 7 8 3 4 6 5 1 2

1 2 6 7 8 5 3 4 9

4 5 3 2 1 9 6 8 7

3 6 1 5 7 2 8 9 4

8 9 2 1 6 4 7 5 3

7 4 5 9 3 8 1 2 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

ages, ease, gasman, gasmen, manages, MANGANESE, mans, manse, means, mesa, mesne, nags, names, saga, sage, same, sane, sang, seam, seaman, seamen, seem, seen, semen, senna, snag

3 6 2 4 7 9 5 8 1

hard

4

medium

3

easy

2

9 7

1

2 3 6

AGILE ALLEY ANGER AREN’T BAGEL BRUTE DELTA EAGLE EASED EDGES EGGED ELEGY ERASE GARBO GONNA GOODS HAILS INANE IRATE LEARN LEGAL

LISTS LIVID LOBES MASON NYLON OUNCE PEDAL PIANO QUITE REALM REEDS SHAMS SITED SKILL SLEPT SNAKE SOLAR SQUAD STAVE STONE SUEDE

TENET TOKEN TONED TRADE TWANG UNSET USAGE

7 LETTERS ALIGNED BELLIED CENTRED ENLARGE GIMMICK VILLAGE

6 LETTERS CRESTS CRYPTS DESIRE RETIRE

8 LETTERS DOGGEREL DRAINAGE ENTITLED RELOADED

( ' * ( 6

6

7 ( 1 ( 7

5

8 6 $ * (

4

/ , 6 7 6

3

2 8 1 & (

2

M E Q S I R O T J H GWU

3 9

1

14

6 5 1 6 4 5 1

5 9

% $ * ( /

6 4 8 $ '

5 3 1 2 5 7 2

5 ( ( ' 6

9 1

CND F Z L X B Y A V P K

5 6 8

3 LETTERS ACT ANY ATE BED DEW EEL ELK GEE GOP HER ICE ICY IDS IOU ITS NOT ORE RAW RYE SEA SKY TAG TEN WHO

No. 116

( * * ( '

hard

WORDFIT

* $ 5 % 2

No. 116

' ( / 7 $

DECODER

$ 5 ( 1 7

1 2

/ 2 % ( 6

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

26 27 28 29

18 20 21 23 24

6 8 ( ' (

medium

22 25

7 2 . ( 1

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

3 , $ 1 2

7

% 5 ( $ 7 : ' 6 ( * :+ 2 $ 1 $ , 1 1 / $ < 6 6 , & . & 5 < < ( 6 1 7 2 6 7

1 4

15 16

5 1 ( < / / 2 2 $ 1 ' ( ' 5 ( 6 $ $ / 00 ( 5 7 ( $ / * <

6 4

/ ( $ $ / / 6 . , 7 6 * ( , 1 1 7 5 ( 5 , ' ( $ 6 ( ' / ( ' 2 9 6 * , ( $ * / $ * ( / , 5 $ / ( * ( / (

6 2 3 9 8 3 1 8 2 9 2 4 1 8

Chocolate powder (5) Star symbols used in text (9) Authors (7) Sack (7) Harvesting (7) Notwithstanding (7) Pathological self-admirer (9) Counterfeit (4) Enthusiasts (4) Republic in Central America (9) Sprinting (7) Control the functioning of a machine, process, etc (7) Dutch tech company (7) Japanese paper folding (7) Mental disorder (9) US actress, – Holmes (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19

Citizens of US (9) Designating (9) Warmish (5) Acting parts (5) Ill from ocean movement (7) Spectacles (6) Making loud and confused noise (10) Male name (9) Austrian children’s character who lives in a French orphanage (8) Reprieve (7) Rigid (7) Support (4,2) From Dublin or Galway (5) Strong wind blasts (5)

$ 5 7 ( ( 7 , , 5 & ( ( 6 / , , 7 9 ( , ' ' % * ( 2 1 3 7

easy

3 4 5 6 7 8 14

ACROSS

No. 116

( 5 $ 6 (

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

3 ( ' $ /

No. 116

6 + $ 0 6

SUDOKU

20-01-23

William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

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

26 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

RSPCA Victoria is holding an Equine Excellence course onsite at RSPCA Burwood on Saturday 18 February.

Responsible ownership RSPCA Victoria is inviting new and future horse owners to attend a new course in February to promote excellent horse care and responsible ownership.

Many Victorians left the city and their suburban lifestyles behind during the pandemic and took up hobby farming as part of their new lives. The new course will teach the essential skills every horse owner needs to provide appropriate care for horses.

“We are delighted so many Victorians are interested in taking care of larger animals and, in this case, being responsible horse owners,” Education & Training Manager at RSPCA Victoria Belinda Marchbank said.

“They can bring such a unique joy into our lives, but new horse owners may not realise exactly what their equine companion needs to live a healthy and happy life.”

Similar to RSPCA Victoria’s We Bought a Farmlet short course on farm animal care, Equine Excellence is designed for current and prospective horse owners alike.

Equine Excellence is filled with practical skills and knowledge for every horse owner and aims to promote best-practice responsible horse care in Victoria. Participants will receive comprehensive information regarding horse and pony ownership to optimise their animal’s health and welfare from the moment of purchase.

RSPCA Victoria is providing a panel of three experienced experts who will outline practical ways of providing for a horse and pony’s needs

and how to keep happy and healthy animals.

Attendees will discuss the specific needs of horses and ponies while engaging in hands-on activities designed to illustrate and teach appropriate equine animal care. Classes are kept small to encourage questions and enhance participants’ learning experience during the course.

Attendees will learn: How to promote important natural behaviours in the horses.

How to work safely around horses.

How to use the equipment needed to care for horses properly.

Preventative health and management measures Factors to consider when purchasing or adopting a horse or pony.

How to identify signs of good health and welfare What to do if your horse’s ‘normal’ begins to change What to include in a basic first aid kit for horses and how to use these items in an emergency.

Equine Excellence takes place onsite at RSPCA Burwood on Saturday 18 February.

Participants must be 14 years or older and will receive a certificate upon their completion of the course.

Places for the course can be booked by calling 03 9224 2286 or online at https://rspcavictoria.weteachme.com/classes/1042105equine-excellence

· · · · · · · ·

COMMUNITY DIARY 23 January along with a paper lantern craft.

Each of these events are free.

COMMUNITY DIARY WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Things to do this January Library themed storytimes Throughout January, Mooroolbark Library is bringing a number of themed storytime events for children to enjoy.

The first unique storytime is in celebration of Penguin Awareness Day on 20 January.

Children can sing along to songs and rhymes based on all things penguins.

It is recommended for children aged three to six years old and will get underway at 10am.

The Library will also help celebrate Chinese New Year with a special Storytime on Monday mailcommunity.com.au

Raising a voice Young people aged nine and above are invited to Yarra Ranges Regional Museum on Wednesday 25 January for a hands-on printing workshop.

The theme of the day aims to give young people a voice on the climate crisis, where they can make posters, tote bags and t-shirts with a phrase and image of their choice.

Tickets are $15 each, with the session running from 1pm to 3pm.

Find Yarra Ranges Regional Museum at 3537 Castella Street, Lilydale.

Australia Day fun Join the Rotary Club of Lilydale for some conversation, food and fun at Lillydale Lake on Australia Day. The annual barbecue event is returning on Thursday 26 January from 10am to 1pm.

With free food and drinks, as well as face painting, its the perfect way to spend what should be a summer fun day.

The Rotary club will be located near the Lillydale Lake Community Room.

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

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

12539754-AV11-22

NEWS

MAIL 27

OPINION

Community spirit Wonderful community spirit has been shown again in the Yarra Ranges with neighbours and community members helping each other with flood prevention and clean up after last year’s floods.

The floods that swept through the Yarra Ranges in October and November had a huge impact on parts of our community, one that has been felt for months afterwards. Homes, businesses, roads and paddocks were impacted, with clean ups and road repairs continuing into December and the New Year.

Despite the hardships the flood waters caused, our community spirit has been strong during this time. Similar to the winter storms in 2022, community members were helping each other, their neighbours and local businesses any way they could. This included sandbagging, moving livestock, repairing fences, pumping water and providing pumps to those who needed them. The community’s response was a real demonstration of the strong community bond across the Yarra Ranges when times get tough.

The floods have also shown us that our roads and infrastructure are not well enough

The state of

affairs Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon equipped to handle such extreme weather conditions.

The Melba Highway between Yarra Glen and Yering was closed on and off for a prolonged period of time. The closure impacted businesses including retail, hospitality and accommodation in Yarra Glen and the surrounding area. The absence of regular tourism to the town and drivers passing through was strongly felt, especially in the lead up to Christmas and the summer holidays. The Melba Highway closure also caused considerable delays for driver’s travel time as they had to detour through Healesville. Many tourists opted not to make the detour journey. The detour was a

M3GAN a great thrill

major imposition for many drivers, locals and commuters, adding an extra half an hour minimum travel time to work and school.

The Melba Highway wasn’t the only major road to be affected by the flood water. The Warburton Highway is still closed to one lane and the Old Warburton Highway was closed completely for a time. The one lane closure, necessary for safety, has had a major impact on Warburton residents and businesses, deterring tourists much like in Yarra Glen and extending commute times for locals. We can expect major repairs to start on the Warburton Highway once the peak holiday season is finished.

The floods and road closures have caused many community members to question the local road system and whether building alternative road and bridge options is a possibility to prevent prolonged closures recurring.

I encourage this discussion and for community members to continue to contact my office with ideas on how we can make our region the best place to live. I also encourage everyone to continue the positive community spirit this new year and to look out for one another.

M3GAN Starring Allison Williams, Violet McGraw and Amie Donald Rated M 4/5 M3GAN is a tense, funny and surprisingly nuanced sci-fi horror film.

After losing her parents in a car accident, a young girl named Cady (Violet McGraw) bonds with M3gan, an AI doll created by her roboticist aunt Gemma (Allison Williams).

M3GAN has solid, moving performances and a steady, rising sense of unease, as the title robot grows more defiant and unpredictable. The plot draws tension from multiple fronts: M3gan taking her directive of protecting Cady to violent extremes; Cady growing too attached to M3gan and not adequately dealing with the loss of her parents; business interests pushing an untested (and unsafe) M3gan to market.

M3GAN cleverly engages with themes of grief, responsibility and children maturing beyond their guardians’ control, but never takes itself too seriously, with witty dialogue and moments of campy carnage. The schlocky action sequences may put off some viewers, but these add to the film’s darkly humorous tone. The climax may be a little too silly, but it’s still viscerally and emotionally satisfying.

M3GAN is reminiscent of the 2019 Child’s Play reboot, as both films feature machine learning running amok through a seemingly wholesome children’s toy. M3gan herself nicely sidesteps the uncanny valley: with her synthetic look and eerie stillness, she is clearly non-human, but her behaviour causes us to warm to and then fear her.

M3GAN is a smart, amusing and extremely well-paced sci-fi horror film, and has a limited Victorian cinema release.

-Seth Lukas Hynes

Action-packed journey of self-discovery A review of We Who Hunt the Hollow by Kate Murray This is the fifth in a series of six reviews featuring the 2022 Readings Young Adult Book Prize.

If you like Disney’s animated musical fantasy Encanto (“We don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no...”), then you will surely enjoy We Who Hunt the Hollow, debut YA novel by Melbourne-based New Zealand author Kate Murray. Like the Madrigals, Priscilla Daalman’s family members are gifted with special powers. As the 17-year-old protagonist explains, hers is a dystopian world suffering from eternal storms caused by climate change. Worse, evil monsters have arrived as invaders from another universe.

The entire Daalman Family are Hollow Warriors, legendary monster hunters as humanity’s last line of defence. Yet, like Mirabel, Priscilla sees herself as being inept and incompetent, her ability to sense the monsters hardly a match to those who can defeat and destroy them.

In a desperate attempt to live up to her family’s legacy. Priscilla performs a ritual to increase her power, with devastating results.

Not only can she now summon the monsters, but she tries to hide this dangerous power

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN and ends up putting her family in danger.

As can be expected, We Who Hunt the Hollow is a captivating story packed with thrilling actions, terrifying beasts, fierce warriors and highly intelligent animal familiars, and fascinating superpowers and cutting-edge gadgets. There is as much science fiction here as fantasy, with flying vehicles and magiclike teleporting and telekinetic powers side by side. Particularly awesome and authentic are depictions of Priscilla’s family life, which is chaotic yet comfortable, full of love, fun, and mutual understanding and support. In the author’s words: “I knew I wanted the story to be a feminist one, with a lot of female characters. I pulled inspiration from the Amazons of Themyscira and Wonder Woman, that concept of fierce warrior women, and I also

pulled inspiration from [Alice Huffman’s 1995 novel] Practical Magic for that cosy witchy family vibe.”

But, at least to this reviewer, there is also a fair bit of the X-Men and even American YA author Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe series in this book. Specifically, as Lord Acton famously said in 1887: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolutely power corrupts absolutely.

Great men are almost always bad men.”

Like Magneto and Scythe Goddard – and, evidently, like Lord Voldemort and Gellert Grindelwald before him – the Renegades in We Who Hunt the Hollow are convinced that those with superpowers should rule the world instead of serving it, and they will do everything to achieve this arrogant ambition.

The introduction of this “rebel” element makes the world of Hollow Warriors realistic and complex, adding a philosophical touch to an otherwise entertaining story. This subplot also has considerable impact on Priscilla’s journey of self-discovery, an example of how confidence and self-esteem needs to come from within. With that said, Priscilla is a highly relatable character who is honest and full of compassion. It is her devotion to family, not her superpower, that makes her a superhero in their eyes.

Starting the theatre season 1812 Theatre Rose St, Ferntree Gully Confusions Confusions consists of a series of five interconnected one act plays; Mother Figure, Drinking Companion, Between Mouthfuls, Gosforth’s Fete and A Talk in the Park.

First staged in 1976, the scenes are all loosely linked by characters or locations, but more subtly through the common underlying themes of obsession, isolation and human desire for companionship.

Ayckbourn shows his comedic genius with five stories that runs the gambit of comic technique from situation comedy to outright farce.

Season: February 9 – March 4. www.1812theatre.com.au ph. 9758 3964 Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre 38-41 Castella St, Lilydale Family Values A celebrated federal judge, his son, a born-again Christian. His daughter, a Border Force officer. Her partner, the captain of a Border force ship. His other daughter, a left-wing activist. His wife who has worked all her life to keep the family together. Saba, an asylum seeker on the run from Nauru.

On the eve of his birthday, is it too much to expect his wife and three children to celebrate with him?

Season: February 9 – 25. Bookings: www.lily-

· ·

· ·

28 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

Kemp’s curtain call daletheatre.com or 9735 1777.

The Gem Community Theatre 9 Kilvington Dve, Emerald Play Reading – Heir and Grace by Will Mithen An exciting new, funny, proactive, au courant, locally written script makes its debut at Gemco Theatre. Gemco seeks actors, 3-4 women and 3-4 men to take part in this project.

The Plot: The most progressive family that never existed finds their usually harmonious relationships are thrown into discord when their sister proposes one of her four brothers could donate sperm so her partner can conceive a genetically related child – but who’s DNA would confer the best qualities?

Season: Saturday 11 February 8pm – 10.30pm.

For more info and to join the team to get this project off the ground, call Mandy McGarrigle on 0432 787 519.

· ·

mailcommunity.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

General Classifieds

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au (include your name, address and phone number)

rangerpestcontrol.com.au Free termite quotes - Family owned business ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS/BANK TRANSFER

฀ Insured

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

V Adult Services

ESCORTS R US

฀

Ladies Welcome.

฀

Call for a free quote

Mention this ad for $10 discount New Ladies from 5pm

0488 097 005

V Roofing

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

www.escortsrus.com.au

9775 3210 12570815-AV40-22

swa224c

12493755-SN19-21

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

฀

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

Leak detection & repair Rebeding & Pointing High Pressure cleaning

Solar Skylights Skylight resealing Pensioner discount

12577486-AV46-22

FULLY INSURED

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

12499475-CG25-21

• TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

• Brivis Evaporative Cooling • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Pensioner discounts • Evap & Split Service Specials

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE 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

Find it in the

Celebrations

section of Network Classifieds.

V Positions Vacant

DIN TREE SERVICE WAN

Be cool this summer

PEST CONTROL

FULL-TIME TRAINEE TECHNICIAN Looking for a reliable applicant who wants a secure future.

Must be suitably fit and healthy.

Must have a full manual licence.

A police check is mandatory.

Successful applicant will work in a team environment and enjoy excellent earnings.

Immediate start. Lilydale area.

Resumes to: frontlinetermite@bigpond.com

0473 326 333 12522612-JW47-21

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

9870 7059 www.fairbairns.com.au

Announcements Find local work in the

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

10.09.1934 – 11.01.2023

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Ian devoted his life to his family, his garden, the community and the newspaper industry.

Jason 1300 644 698

฀

V Guttering

Call today to

* Safety Trained & Fully Insured organise a FREE * Wet/Dry VACUUM cleaning no-obligation * Professional & Friendly Service quote.

12550881-AI21-22

We all love and miss you already

Need your gutters cleaned?

0400 877 774 1300 654 253 guttervac.com.au

THE

HANDYMAN

• Fence Repairs • Deck Maintenance • Plaster Repairs • Painting • Furniture Assembly • Carpentry

For a free quote and fair price: Call Jack 0403 017 834

mailcommunity.com.au

12565524-ET35-22

V Handy Persons

JACK

Learn more For more information and contact information for this, visit vt.uniting.org.

Interested?

If this sounds like you, apply today via vt.uniting.org including: x Cover letter (1 page outlining your suitability for the position) x Current resume (no more than 3 pages).

Employment is subject to satisfactory criminal history and Victorian Working with Children Checks prior to commencement of employment. Uniting is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to keeping children and young people safe.

V Positions Vacant

We are seeking JOURNALIST

- CADET

An opportunity exists for a university graduate cadet journalist to join our independent newsmedia business serving the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. We are seeking a position for a cadet based in Healesville with an existing team of reporters.

Star News Group produces a number of news media titles across Melbourne and interstate with weekly printed newspapers and digital content.

Star News Group focuses on the local news and information that affects the lives of our community, and broader issues that directly impact our regions.

Place your

The Company is operated by experienced independent publishers and a local team of experienced media professionals.

Announcement Notice

We are seeking:

with us.

Phone: 1300 666 808 sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

A reporter with the ability to display initiative in news-gathering to produce compelling and timely content for our readers. Duties will include general news reporting, producing editorial content to support advertising features and special publications, photography, covering local events across the region, including some after hours, the ability to file stories to meet production deadlines and to assist with weekly print production and proofing of editorial content. A current driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle are essential.

Please send resume to garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

12585854-AV03-23

฀

12438941-CG04-20

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

Loved husband of Dorothy, incredible father to Kerrie, Helen and Paul and father-in-law to Greg and Sarah.

Adored and loved Pa of Tom, Ben, Kate, Hannah, Simon, Will and Ollie and partners Bree, Alice, Sammy, Callum, Sienna and Sophie.

12586378-DL03-23

THOMAS, Ian Herbert

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀

You will oversee the standard operations of the service ensuring the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care to children participating in the program.

12586251-JW03-23

V Electricians

฀

Yea Location Full-time, ongoing position Salary Packaging and competitive sector remuneration x Leading Community Services Organisation As the Centre Director, you are responsible to lead a team which provides high quality early childhood education and care to children. The service you are leading will have 3 rooms operating simultaneously. x x x

12586335-JC03-23

Qualified Carpenter / Builder • Carpentry & Maintenance • Tiling • Plastering Call Steve 0417 192 009

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Centre Director

Applications close Friday the 3rd of February 2023.

V Deaths

V Builders & Building Services

Small Job Specialist

V Positions Vacant

Employment

Call Chris 0412 099 142 24 years in roofing leaks

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

V Air Conditioning

V Pets & Services

12571038-AI40-22

Phone: 1300 666 808

TERMITE CONTROL SPECIALIST

1129931-RC16-14

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

V Massage Therapists

12423634-SN31-19

V Pest Control 12345326-PB14-17

V Deadline

Employment

Mail

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 29

SPORT

Hot weather cuts games

By Ronen Erulkar On Saturday Lilydale Cricket Club saw the return of the U16s team along with the remaining senior teams following the holiday break. With the weather forecast upwards of 36 degrees, unfortunately the 4s, 5s and 6s were heated off - resulting in only three senior teams and the U16s taking the field.

In the U16s, Lilydale won the toss against Wonga Park on a warm morning and decided to bat first. They posted a very strong score of 4/226 off 50 overs, with captain Braeden Anthony-Digby top scoring with 86 off 121 balls and Darcey Barker scoring 72 off 112 balls. The innings was finished off nicely by Angus Smith (21*) and Cameron Thomson (22*). Lilydale will be looking to bowl out Wonga Park next week to claim a victory to start the year.

In the seniors, the First XI won the toss against Wantirna South and elected to bat. After the loss of an early wicket, Ronen Erulkar (63 off 164 balls) and Shifran Muthalif (53 off 96 balls) formed a 103 run partnership for the second wicket, however the middle order struggled to capitalise on a good start, with the Falcons being bowled out for 194 with 8 overs remaining in the day. Overnight, Wantirna South are 2/19 - with the game to be conclud-

ed next week and Lilydale looking to take the 8 points to consolidate top spot on the ladder.

The Second XI lost the toss against South Warrandyte and were put into the field. They toiled hard all day, with South Warrandyte being bowled out in the last over for 238. Mickey Goodlet (5/71 off 23 overs) and Angus Adamson (3/48 off 20.4 overs) were the pick of the bowlers. Lilydale will be looking to bat all day next week and chase down the runs in an important game for the season.

The Third XI had a great win over a strong St Andrews team. The Falcons won the toss and decided to bowl first in a one day game.

The opposition made 8/161 off their 35 overs, with opener Kieran Hanley taking 3/22. In reply, they chased down their total with an over to spare, finishing 5/165 off 34 overs. Captain Matt Goss top scored with 36*, and was supported well by Justin Roberts (33), Trent Davison (19), Joel Coutts (18). Cameron Thompson (17) and Matt Browell (16).

Overall a decent day for the club and Lilydale looks forward to welcoming more teams back to play next week. This coming Tuesday the Falcons host a T20 quarter final at Lilydale Reserve against Mooroolbark CC from 5.30pm, as the team look to make it to finals day on the Australia Day public holiday.

Lilydale Cricket Club saw some incredible batting over the weekend.

Picture: LILYDALE CRICKET CLUB

Grants open

By Parker McKenzie A federal grants program offering financial assistance for coaches, officials and players aged 12 to 18 who are participating in state, national or international level competitions is now open.

The Local Champions program gives successful applications between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their championships, depending on how far they have to travel, as long as the competition is recognised by either Sports Australia or School Sports Australia. Casey MP Aaron Violi said if you’re good enough to play in a representative team, money shouldn’t stop you from participating.

“For us, as a government, to be able to provide grants to people that need and have the potential to play at an elite level, in a junior setting, it’s important that we help them do that,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful initiative and if you know someone you think is eligible, please share it with them.” The program offers a base grant of $500 and a potential $100 for applicants travelling between 800km and 1999km, $200 for applicants travelling internationally or over 200km and $50 for people residing in a rural electorate.

Mr Violi said being involved in sports helped him learn some great skills.

“Things like discipline, hard work, working with others and getting feedback from coaches have been important life lessons,” he said.

“I grew up with a single mum and as one of five, and we didn’t have a lot of money but I was still able to play sport because the club was really flexible on the fees.”

Round four of the grants are open until 31 March 2023. Eligible competitions include state and national championships endorsed by the relevant Sport Australia recognized organisation or school sport Australia, or an international competition as a member of a team recognised by either organisation.

For more information and to apply for the grant, visit sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions

The Local Champions program gives successful applications between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their championships, depending on how far they have to travel, as long as the competition is recognised by either Sports Australia or School Sports Australia.

Picture: ON FILE 30 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

Ashleigh Katoa (pictured front right) made history against Officer for Kilsyth Cricket Club’s women’s team hitting the first ever six.

Picture: KILSYTH CRICKET CLUB

Jess Adams scored her third century on the weekend for Mooroolbark.

Picture: MOOROOLBARK CRICKET CLUB

Rounding up a weekend of cricket After round 11 in the Ringwood and District senior cricket competition, Montrose 1st XI is sitting pretty taking a comfortable 7/258 against East Ringwood on Saturday 14 January.

Despite the heat and with East Ringwood yet to bat, Montrose is sitting in a good position after Kieran Perkins (49), Justin Perkins (50) and Matthew Whittaker (45) knocked half centuries, or close to, throughout the match.

J Perkins and Cooper Grigg were not out at the end of the day, with Grigg hitting 22 runs in the partnership.

Alfie Cooper also led the team to 38 runs before being caught and bowled.

Kilsyth 1st XI headed to Wonga Park, batting first after winning the toss. The team was all out for 258 after 69.5 overs, a great effort from the side in the heat.

Josh Turner and Jarrod McPhee were players of the day notching up 77 and 63 runs respectively.

Joshua Gregory also secured 40 runs before being caught and bowled.

Wonga Park started their run chase, ending the day 0/32.

For Kilsyth’s women’s 1st XI team, despite Officer taking the first innings win by 29 runs, Ashleigh Katoa was able to make club history hitting the first ever six for a Kilysth women’s player.

Although at home, Mooroolbark 1st XI had a rough start against Warrandyte going

all out for 89.

The run chase from Warrandyte began well, seeing them score 0/76.

Over in the women’s competition however, Mooroolbark’s B Grade team has seen another excellent performance from Jess Adams who retired not out after making her third century in just four games.

Partnered with Sharnni Di Mauro who scored 73 not out, the pair helped secure the 1/226 win over Chirnside Park who were set the challenge of catching Mooroolbark.

Chirnside Park was 8/150 by the day’s end.

With the Mount Evelyn 1st XI travelling to Chirnside Park, players Troy Hancock (67) and Brad Jones (51no) were excellent in getting the team to a 9/264 finish after in the first innings, with Chirnside Park still to bat.

Success continued for Montrose, with the 2nd XI finishing the day with a score of 7/344 against Kilsyth 2nd XI in the Steve Pascoe Shield.

Leading the charge was Josh McCallum, who had an unbelievable day scoring 166 runs.

Mount Evelyn 2nd XI faced Chirnside Park, scoring 207 runs. Chirnside Park began the run chase, finishing the day 0/12.

At home, Montrose’s 3rd XI took on Mooroolbark 2nd XI declaring after scoring 9/343 in 73 overs.

Mooroolbark will come out to bat next week.

Adams and batting partner Sharnni Di Mauro have proved to be somewhat unstoppable with the pair notching up some incredible stats. mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Summer cricket a winner

By Mikayla van Loon Every year for two weeks in early January some of the Ringwood and District Cricket Association’s (RDCA) best players represent the area competing against districts from across metropolitan Melbourne.

This year, the RDCA fielded 10 teams across all age groups in the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union Representative Carnival.

RDCA junior chairman Sean Flynn said overall, five teams were successful in making the semi finals on Thursday 12 January, while two went on to the grand finals.

The under 14 boys came out winners in the Russell Alan Shield against the South Eastern Cricket Association on Sunday with some great run partnerships seeing them finish 7/186.

In a dream left and right hand opening partnership between Yuvraj Sharma and captain Charlie Moore, the pair were able to hit 52 from 85 balls which included three boundaries and a six and 61 from only 54 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six, respectively.

Bowlers Taj Johnstone, Ezra Horneman and Xavier Noonan were unstoppable, bowling SECA out for 90 to win the day by 96 runs.

Moore walked away as player of the match, a great achievement for the captain having led the batting all throughout the tournament.

Unfortunately the under 17s girls weren’t able to hold on in the grand final on Friday with a five wicket loss after a slow start saw them 7 for 39 in the early stages.

“It’s been an excellent year for the RDCA in terms of getting five teams into the semifinals,” Flynn said.

“But it’s a bigger picture for us than that, it’s really about young boys and girls enjoying their cricket, making new friends and hopefully becoming lifelong cricketers ideally, but also just lifelong sports people.”

By bringing players together who would often compete against each other locally, Flynn said connections and friendships really start to develop outside of normal circles.

“Often each weekend they’re playing against one another but now in this scenario, they get to play with each other and especially in the girls’ space they do make a lot of really close friends,” he said.

“Our under 12 girls didn’t have a really successful Carnival in a win-loss perspective but the friendships some of those young girls made, they feel like they’ve made 10 new best

There were some great run partnerships seen across the tournament.

Charlie Moore was named player of the match in the grand final win against SECA after making 61 runs.

Picture: RINGWOOD AND DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION

RDCA faced the Eastern Cricket Association on 5 January in the U14 Julie Savage Shield.

Girls cricket was on show throughout the two weeks.

The under 14 boys first took on Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association on 4 January.

friends, which is a really nice touch.

“Especially in that age group as boys and girls start to head off to begin their secondary school, the friends they make through a cricket carnival can sometimes become lifelong friends down the track.”

For those aiming higher, Flynn said the cricket carnival is a great stepping stone for perhaps representing Victoria and then Australia.

“The friendship and the camaraderie is the focus but it’s certainly a high level tournament and there’s many players who have played in these tournaments and then pushed on,” he said.

“The first calling point is to try to make the Victorian under 17 teams or the under 16

teams for the girls so we’ve got a nice little mix of representation in those carnivals this year, and hopefully then that can push on towards under 19 selections and then of course, trying to represent Victoria in open age levels.”

While players like Lily Osborn, Cooper Sticht, Alex Sheedy, Charlie Moore and Riley Foley had impressive appearances across the carnival, Flynn said it truly is a team effort to win cricket.

“Over the course of five or six games that they play, there’s so many different players who contribute to the success of the team.

“That’s a funny thing with cricket, some days, you can be a hero and the next day you’re a bit of a zero but it’s the strength of the team that shines.”

Flynn said not only does a summer carnival give players an opportunity to expand their cricket confidence and skill but takes them across the region to places outside their normal zone.

“It’s the opportunity for the boys and girls to play against and match themselves against the other elite players around metropolitan Melbourne.

“We travelled from Mornington to Werribee, down to Beaumaris and out to the Diamond Valley, so it really is a tournament for all of metropolitan Melbourne.

“For many players, it’s their first opportunity to really test themselves against the best players in Melbourne and it’s that stepping stone for them to hopefully pursue bigger and better things as they get older.”

Little athletes keen to jump back into the season

By Jamie Strudley Morrison Reserve in Mt Evelyn was once again a buzz of energy and excitement on Saturday morning with the return of Little Athletics competition. After a three week break for Christmas the athletes returned eager to improve on their 2022 performances.

With a warm day forecast, athletes were keen to enjoy the sunshine and run, jump and throw with some outstanding performances.

Yarra Ranges Athletics’ relay teams continued to prepare for the State Relay Championships in three weeks, the same day the club will host many of Victoria’s promising athletes for round 9 of AVSL. Our senior team will head to Murrumbeena this weekend for round 8 of AVSL with the aim of holding our position at the top of the competition ladder.

Just prior to Christmas many of the club’s athletes competed at round 2 of Vic Milers with all athletes recording either a personal or season best. Results are: 800m: Women Kiara Flavel 2:10.97; Kristina Nackovski 2:29.54; Ciara Willey 2:32.64; 800m: Women Pete Nackovski 2:19.28; Mitchell Pointon 2:25.53; Craig Hewitson 2:28.90; 1500m: Women Olivia Twining 4:41.81; Zoe Clarke 4:55.02; Bonnie Morris 5:13.70; 1500m: Men Max Savill-Bentley 4:01.82; Angus Norman 4:14.45; Luke Hunter 4:17.05; Reminder that entries for Little Athletics

· · · ·

mailcommunity.com.au

Maisie running to the finish line.

Mitch making a stellar jump on Saturday.

Region Track and Field Championships close on 30 January. Athletics Victoria championship entries are also open now.

Training is available to all club members on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm and continues throughout the Christmas period.

Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and en-

courages all athletes of any age or ability. If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the Little Athletics fun registration is at www. lavic.com.au. 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!

Brookley makes a stunning shot put throw.

Pictures: SASKIA GRANGER Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

|

MAIL 31

Great RedGum Deals available at The RedShed!

Upto $500 off on Honda-Powered Log Splitters & Chippers!

RedGum Silver Edition Log Splitter

RRP $2499

RRP $3299

RRP $3789

NOW $2399 SAVE $100

NOW $2999 SAVE $300

NOW $3389 SAVE $400

RedGum GX200 Deluxe Log Splitter

· Powered by a genuine HONDA GP200 4 stroke engine · Splits wood in both a horizontal & vertical position · High performing 2 stage hydraulic pump

· · · ·

Powered by commercial Honda GX200 engine 3 year engine warranty & 2 year splitter warranty 3000psi Splitting Force Assembled in Australia by RedGum specialists

RedGum GX200 Deluxe Lifter-Splitter

RedGum 25000 SUPER V Vertical Log Splitter

· Fitted with a Hydraulic log lifting table – saves you from the back strain! · Powered by a commercial Honda GX200 engine · 3000psi Splitting Force

Savings and Bonus $45 Safety Visor* with every Chipper purchased!

Australia's Best Selling Honda-Powered Log Splitters!

RRP $4499

NOW $3999 SAVE $500

· Powered by a commercial Honda GP200 engine · Splits with over 25,000 kgs of force, equipped with German-Grade Steel Wedge · Extra large Splitting Table, FREE Jockey Wheel added Extension Plate with reinforced pins!

*Must mention ad at the time of Purchase

RedGum GX200 Chipper Shredder

RedGum GX390 Landowner Chipper

RedGum GTM Professional Chipper

· Powered by a Honda GX200 engine · Easy feed design with large hopper · Chipping Capacity of up to 75mm

· Powered by a Commercial Honda GX390 engine · Large Topper Opening for your convenience · Chipping Capacity is a generous 90mm!

· Powered by a commercial Honda GX390 Engine · 100 mm Chipping Capacity · Compact size and easy to manoeuvre

RedGum GTM Professional Combo Chipper · Powered by a Honda GX390 Engine · 100 mm Chipping Capacity · Foot mounted emergency stop switch

SPECIAL

NOW $1499* SAVE $100

*with FREE $45 RedGum Safety Visor With Ear Muffs

SPECIAL

*with FREE $45 RedGum Safety Visor With Ear Muffs

NOW $3375* SAVE $100

SPECIAL

SPECIAL

*with FREE $45 RedGum Safety Visor With Ear Muffs

NOW $4979* SAVE $200

NOW $5379* SAVE $300

*with FREE $45 RedGum Safety Visor With Ear Muffs

7 GREAT LOCATIONS AROUND MELBOURNE! DANDENONG • MITCHAM • BAYSWATER • NARRE WARREN CRANBOURNE • PAKENHAM • BUNYIP

XT1 LT42 IntelliPower

GREAT SAVINGS on Cub Cadet Ride ons with 60 MONTHS INTEREST-FREE* at...

CC30 E

1300 136 572 www.TheRedShed.au

RRP

$4999

SPECIAL

$

4599

SAVE

SAVE

$600!

$2000!

XT1 LT42E (Blue Streak Model) • 42” Cut- 56V • 60Ah Battery • 6 Year Warranty

RRP

$6499

SPECIAL

$

5899

with up to 60 Months Interest-Free*

UP TO MONTHS

INTEREST-FREE*

RZT S 46

60

FINANCE OPTIONS WITH

7999

with up to 60 Months Interest-Free*

• 20hp Kohler V-Twin • 46” Cutting Deck

SPECIAL $

SAVE

$1000!

6999

with up to 60 Months Interest-Free*

• 23hp Kawaski V-Twin • 46” Fab Deck

SPECIAL $

7899

SAVE

$600!

PRO-Z 154 S SPECIAL $ 16399 • 54” Fabricated Deck • 4-Wheel Steering • 27hp; Kohler V-TwinEFI

View the entire Cub Cadet range at

$9999 SPECIAL

RZT S 46

$400!

with FREE $429 Poly Trailer & up to 60 Months Interest Free*

(Blue Streak Model)

$

SAVE

• 547cc OHV Engine • Fully automatic • 42” Cutting Deck • 6 Year Warranty

• 30” Cut- 56V • 30Ah Li-ion Battery • 6 Year Warranty

RRP

TM

with up to 60 Months Interest-Free*

7 GREAT LOCATIONS! DANDENONG • MITCHAM BAYSWATER • NARRE WARREN CRANBOURNE • PAKENHAM BUNYIP

1300 136 572

www.TheRedShed.au

SAVE

$500!

with up to 60 Months Interest-Free*

*Term only available for purchases of $4000 or more. Available to approved applicants only. Minimum monthly repayments are required. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment amount will generally not repay the purchase within the interest free period. A monthly account fee of $7.95 will also apply & a one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Any balance outstanding at the expiry of the interest free period will be charged at the standard variable rate, 21.9% per annum as at 1 July 2022. Other charges may be payable, see T&Cs. Interest, fees & charges subject to change. T&Cs apply and are available on application. See your contract for further details. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number 441878).

12584195-JC03-22

32 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au