Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 7th February 2023

Ranges Trader

Police investigate smashed windows

Lake Knox development rejection off to VCAT

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Mail Scams flood community groups

Hills Men’s Shed lends helping hand to SES unit

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Meeting mayhem

By Parker McKenzie Yarra Ranges Council’s meeting on Tuesday 31 January lasted only 12 minutes after it was disrupted by a group of over 140 people, resulting in the police being called to the Civic Centre in Lilydale.

Those in attendance gave several reasons for being there, however, most agreed that the council hadn’t answered questions regarding the 20-minute neighbourhoods and their fears the planning concept would be used to lock them into their homes and increase surveillance in the local area.

Belinda Bernardini asked a question during question time about drones flying throughout the Yarra Ranges, which was answered by a director at the council. Immediately following the answer, multiple interjections by members of the gallery led to Mayor Jim Child making the decision to close the meeting to members of the public.

“I want to inform the gallery that anyone wishing to participate at a council meeting must extend the courtesy and respect to the council and the processes under which it operates,” he said.

“As a result of the disorder and disruption from the gallery, I now call this meeting to be adjourned in accordance with governance rule 277.”

Following the decision to adjourn the meeting, members of the gallery began to chant “sack them all.”

“The whole idea of procedures is to keep people from asking questions on the spot,” one woman told the Star Mail.

“They don’t want to be put on the spot with

Ian Bergwerf speaking to the gathered gallery. questions that come out of nowhere. Everything is organised so that they feel comfortable and not have constituents ask questions they aren’t ready for.”

Following the Mayor’s decision to adjourn the meeting, those in attendance refused to

leave the Civic Centre after councillors left the chamber and the police were called.

Lilydale Police Station Commander Senior Sergeant Melanie Woods said the police were called in relation to 140-plus people at the council meeting and engaged with both the

council and those in attendance.

“We were able to facilitate a smaller group meeting between the parties. I will be meeting with the organisers in the coming days and both parties left amicably,” she said.

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NEWS

Grants to help local event

By Callum Ludwig

Knox City Council has entered an agreement to install more fast charging stations across the municipality, with the first to be located at Station Street, Ferntree Gully.

Picture: ON FILE

EV stations Knox City Council has entered an agreement to install more fast charging stations across the municipality, with the first to be located at Station Street, Ferntree Gully.

Planned to be rolled out in early 2023, the JOLT EV charging stations, the company’s first entry into the Victorian EV market, are being installed at no cost to the council and will also be the first seven kilowatt hours — around 15 to 20 minutes charging time — each day to be free. Beyond this, it will cost around 46c per kilowatt hour.

Knox Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch said the agreement will provide up to seven public faster chargers at shopping centres in Knox.

“We hope that more fast charging stations in Knox will attract new visitors to our local shopping centres and help people make the transition to electric cars,” she said.

“On-road transport accounts for 13% of emissions in Knox. More charging stations will support and encourage people to choose zero-emissions transport and help

our community achieve net zero emissions by 2040 as set out in our Climate Response Plan.”

Jolt Commercial Partnerships Manager Steve McLennan said research shows customers prefer to charge cars while visiting shops or other services.

“EV chargers attract new, regular visitors to the area, which is great for local businesses.

We’ve had customers tell us they’ve changed their shopping habits based purely on the presence of an EV charger,” he said.

“Some of the key inhibitors of people transitioning to an electric car include ‘range anxiety’ and not knowing where they’re going to be able to charge, along with the costs.

By delivering free charging we aim to reduce the concern that people have of not knowing where they’ll be able to charge and support them with the transition to a zeroemissions vehicle.”

More information on the location of the other charging stations will be announced soon, according to the council.

Townships across the Yarra Ranges have a fantastic opportunity to host the community events they want to see with applications opening for the Victorian Government’s Small and Medium Events Program.

The program is focused on suburbs in outer metropolitan Melbourne like the Yarra Ranges and provides grants to help organisers to cover the costs of their events – including venue hire, performer fees, staffing and marketing. Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said it is an opportunity for our local event organisers to make an application for grants to assist with the costs associated with running events.

“Yarra Ranges is proudly home to a vibrant calendar of events that help enrich our community, support our local businesses, and offer exciting and unique experiences for our visitors,” he said. “We encourage our events operators to take advantage of the grants and get in contact with Council for any guidance with necessary permits.” Grants are available from $5,000 to $25,000 for small events (1,000 – 4,999 attendees) and from $25,000 to $50,000 for medium events (5,000 – 10,000 attendees). “The Economic Development and Investment team regularly shares grants

and programs available to our businesses from the State and Federal governments,” said Cr Child.

“We hope that our businesses’ e-bulletin, business specific Facebook page and other regular correspondence with our community support our businesses to be aware of opportunities available to them.”

To be eligible, the event must be held in a Local Government Area in Greater Melbourne and be held between 1 June 2023 and 31 December 2023. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said they’re backing smaller events across the city and suburbs, because more options diversifies the offering for locals and visitors alike. “We know events deliver massive benefits to the Victorian economy and with this new program, we’re supporting more jobs and backing communities,” he said.

To find out more about the Program and to apply, visit business.vic.gov.au/smalland-medium-events-program.

Applications close on 28 February 2023.

To sign up for the Yarra Ranges Business newsletter in order not to miss grant program opportunities available in the Yarra Ranges, you can sign up here: https://vic. us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e512150 8315e3111fb61dcf89&id=a1a40cdcde

Small and Medium events, such as the Wandin Rotary Custom Car and Bike Show, might have a chance for a grant this year to support them.

Picture: ON FILE

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ON ACTI E K A T

Take action now to protect your life and property.

On Extreme rated days, fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.

Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.

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Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Smashed windows

By Tyler Wright The front window of a business in Belgrave was smashed in what is believed to be the early hours of Saturday 28 January, leaving shards of glass and damaged goods inside the store.

Co-owner of Burwood Highway’s ethical indoor market Eco Soul Collective, Courtney Hutchinson, said her business partner’s husband found police on site when he arrived for the morning shift. “[There was] a big hole through the window, but they also found blood spattered inside and on the pavement,” Ms Hutchinson said.

While nothing was stolen, the cost of repairs and damage to goods including baby products caused by shards of glass has still made an impact.

“This is really heartbreaking, having to spend money on something that you shouldn’t need to spend money on just because someone damaged the property,” Ms Hutchinson said.

“Because we run workshops in our shop as

well, having them run until 9pm to 9.30pm, and I haven’t really thought about too much until now, it’s like, ‘oh, I wonder if it’s a bit more dangerous now.’”

Both the insurance company and glass company used by the business have acted quickly, Ms Hutchinson said, with the window expected to be replaced some time during the week.

“I’ve been really lucky in that regard with all of the steps to getting it fixed. It’s just been a stressful week,” she said.

“Myself and my business partner have run small business in the past, but this is the first time we’ve had a bricks and mortar store, it’s the first time anything has happened to us in this way.”

Eco Soul Collective only opened around nine months ago, but Ms Hutchinson said the Hills community has been “brilliant”.

“People have been stopping in, all the business owners around there have been asking if we’re okay.”

“We’re very lucky to be where we are.”

Police are investigating the incident.

Police are looking for the owner of a blue and white boat and trailer which was found being towed by a vehicle of interest on Thursday 12 January.

Picture: FACEBOOK, EYEWATCH MAROONDAH POLICE SERVICE AREA

Measles warning

Jess, from Eco Soul Collective in Belgrave, next to the store’s smashed front window. 317767 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Disrupted gallery adjourns meeting From page 1 “After our attendance and negotiations, the situation was successfully defused.”

After the discussions with council staff and police, Ian Bergwerf, a representative for those airing their grievances, said the council agreed to meet with himself and Ms Bernadini within the next 10 days.

“We will then relay all your concerns and have that physical meeting face to face so that at the next council meeting they are aware and we will have the opportunity to discuss our concerns,” he said.

“If we tick this one off as a win, we’ve made some progress and if we need to do it again we can always come back.”

The 20-minute neighbourhoods is a planning concept that means townships are “designed to make sure everything you need day-to-day is close to home and a walkable distance away,” according to Yarra Ranges Council. A smaller group of protesters attended another meeting in late 2022 to raise their concerns over the Monbulk Structure Plan.

Another woman, who attended the meeting to protest the 20-minute neighbourhood plans, said it has already caused people overseas to be locked in their homes.

“You won’t own a house, you won’t own a car. You’re just a carbon footprint and a digital ID, you’re only allowed to do what they tell you to,” she said.

“You’ll only be allowed within 20 minutes of your home. First, they’ll get you outside of your zones for 100 trips before eventually introducing lockdowns and tightening restrictions until it suits them. It’s not a conspiracy,

A new case of measles has been identified in a return flight from an overseas traveller on Saturday January 28.

The return flight passenger from Abu Dhabi was on an Emirates flight to Melbourne at the Tullamarine airport on Saturday 28 January.

Anyone who was on Emirates flight ETD462/EY462 leaving Abu Dhabi at 10.15am on Friday 27 January and arriving at Tullarmarine Airport on Saturday 28 January at 6am, or was in the international arrivals area between 6am and 8.20am have been advised by the Victoria Department of Health to monitor for symptoms of measles seven to 18 days afterwards.

Symptoms of measles include fever, a severe cough, conjunctivitis and stuffy or runny nose, followed by rash usually starting on the face.

Please be advised that symptoms of measles can be similar to those of Covid-19 and influenza. They can appear from seven to 18 days after exposure.

Infants up to six months old and any person born during or since 1966 who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine and has been at the listed sites are at risk.

If you have been at the above site or flight at the listed times, please monitor for symptoms.

If any develop, please seek medical care.

Replacement buses Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines from 8.30pm Friday 17 February until late-May. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app. The latest public transport information and network status are available at ptv. vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

Police discussing a resolution with council staff. it’s a real thing.”

After the meeting, Mayor Child said in a statement he felt he had no other course of action but to close the meeting to the public in the interest of the safety of councillors and staff.

“Police were called to assist with the crowd of 100 plus agitators, who didn’t follow the rules we set down for Council meetings. Sadly, this had an unfair impact on those who did. I’d like to thank the police who assisted with the crowd and ensured that people left the Council meeting safely,” he said.

Boat owner wanted “Whilst we welcome the views of our community and are keen for them to take part in Council meetings, we need to make sure that this is done in a safe and respectful environment for staff, Councillors and other members of the gallery.”

“Making a public outburst towards staff at a council meeting doesn’t help anyone, disrupts the important items on the agenda and can risk the safety of our staff and other community members present. We’re very disappointed in the conduct we saw last night, and we will not tolerate it at further meetings.”

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Police are seeking the owner of a blue and white boat and trailer (pictured) which was found being towed by a vehicle of interest through The Basin area on Thursday 12 January.

Police have since recovered the boat from the Swan Hill area.

The boat does not appear to be registered.

If you have any knowledge of this boat or its owner, please contact First Constable Brandon DALE or Detective Sergeant Ryan DAVIS from the Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit on 98713000.

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NEWS

Rejection appeal lodged

By Parker McKenzie Development Victoria will lodge an appeal against Knox City Council’s refusal to grant two planning permits at the site known locally as Lake Knox.

Knox City Council announced on Thursday 2 February that the development arm of the Victorian Government is lodging the appeal after the council rejected the permit applications at the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road.

“Council’s grounds for refusal included the impact of the proposals on a site of biological significance, including impacts on the Bluebilled Duck (a vulnerable species) and potential impact on the Dwarf Galaxais fish (an endangered species),” Knox City Council said.

“Other grounds included the proposed extensive removal of native vegetation, failing to provide an appropriate or active interface to Scoresby Road and the extent of the residential subdivision encroaching into the designated Mixed Use area of the Comprehensive Development Plan.”

The council said objectors, of which there were more than 1170 across both planning permits, will be notified by Development Victoria to outline what they need to do to become a party to the VCAT appeals.

Development Victoria’s Group Head Property Development Penny Forrest said an application with VCAT had been lodged, regarding planning permit applications recently refused

by Knox City Council for stages one and two of the planned residential subdivision and the proposed wetland as part of the Knoxfield development.

“While we note the decision of Knox City Council, we remain committed to the development and the delivery of much-needed homes, affordable housing, an improved wetland habitat and water quality, green open spaces and other positive outcomes for the community and the environment.” she said.

Knox City Council rejected the two planning permits at a council meeting on Monday 12 December, after the council officers recommended against approving them.

Blue-billed ducks at the Knoxfield development site.

They gave seven grounds for recommending the rejection, including that it was inconsistent with “environmental objectives and the relevant decision guidelines of the environmental significance overlay,” because the proposal has the “potential to detrimentally impact habitat of species which are protected”, particularly the blue-billed duck and dwarf galaxies.

The project includes subdividing the land 105 times to build townhouses up to three storeys in height, four large parks, a shared path network and wetlands. The development has proven controversial because of several hatchings of vulnerable blue-billed ducks being found at the dam and concerns about whether ecological outcomes could be recreated

Picture: ON FILE through building artificial wetlands.

Located at the corner of 621 Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road in Knoxfield, the site was formerly the Scoresby Horticultural Research Station, which was opened in 1956. The dam, which is what is known by locals at Lake Knox, is believed to have been used to irrigate research crops.

Koolunga Native Reserve future questioned at meeting

By Parker McKenzie Knox City Council was questioned by the local community over future plans for Koolunga Native Reserve during its council meeting on Monday 30 January, after previous opposition to plans to turn the reserve into wetlands.

During public question time, the council fielded questions from the community about its values plan for the reserve, which was recently finished as a part of a wider Future Direction Plan.

A community member asked the council about the recently released Values Plan’s focus on water treatment and whether this was another attempt to develop the reserve into wetlands.

“Knox City Council has suffered a massive loss of trust of many residents over its failed community engagement regarding proposals for the Koolunga Native Reserve,” his question said.

“I applaud that the council has since made strong those slow efforts to improve this process, but questions arise from the latest values plan dated November 2022.

“Why does the council insist on pushing its stormwater quality agenda against the clear wishes of the community, as captured by your own engagement?”

Proposed wetland construction at Koolunga Native Reserve in early 2021, funded through a grant from Melbourne Water, saw community opposition resulting in the plans being put on the back burner and more consultation being undertaken. The plans would have seen wetlands built to filter stormwater runoff from surrounding urban areas in the latest area of open law and a strong negative reaction from those using the space for recreation was received by the council.

Knox City Director of Infrastructure Grant 4 MAIL

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Knox City Council was questioned by the local community over future plans for Koolunga Native Reserve.

Picture: FRIENDS OF KOOLUNGA RESERVE Thorne said he thanked the questioner for acknowledging the strong efforts that the council has made to improve engagement on future plans for the reserve.

“The community engagement undertaken as shown in the November 2022 report clearly shows as a strong response from the community to address litter within the

stream, rehabilitation of the creek, inclusion of gross pollutant traps and enlargement of the pond east of the boardwalk and many other actions to improve the natural environment, flora and fauna which are all linked to stormwater quality,” he said.

“Given these results contrary to the question, there is strong support from the com-

munity. For improvements to water, stormwater quality within the reserve, in response to the question to the justification for improving water quality as is, as I’ve just outlined, is clearly in the responses from the community as part of the engagement process.”

He also noted that addressing stormwater quality does include more than a wetland, so assumptions that a stormwater quality plan is a wetland plan is “not a corrector assumption.”

Another question was asked by a community member regarding the wording of the stated focus on the council’s website.

“The Council on the have your say page recently released, just focuses on the two points relating to improving the water quality and retention of bushland and open spaces,” the question said.

“To try and alleviate some of the distrust from the community, would the council prose to consider allowing the stated focus on that webpage and where it will go in the future to also note and show the specific points listed within the values plan?”

Mr Thorne said the ultimate outcome is a future directions plan made up of three documents: a values plan, a bushland management plan and a stormwater quality study.

“As has been communicated to you and others within your group via emails, we are taking on board all that feedback and progressing to get to a future directions plan,” he said.

“The bushland management plan and the stormwater polling plan will be made available to create acquired comment on in around April. So you’ll get to see the stormwater holding plant at that time.”

Mr Thorne encouraged people to “trust the process” and comment on the documents when they are released in April. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Scams flood local pages

By Parker McKenzie If you are a resident of Ferntree Gully, Belgrave or the hills and a member of local Facebook groups, you’ve probably seen an influx of scams over the past few weeks.

They vary in different ways; some spin tales of a lost grandfather and son on a tractor, pictures of people cutting wires to “make them famous”, or injured animals to pull on the heartstring. Maybe, your phone is blowing up with fake messages from the ATO, MyGov or the police.

Adjunct Professor of Cyber Security Research and Innovation Centre Damien Manuel said scams come in different forms.

“There are the ones where there is a threat and a demand where they are using that psychological uncertainty of power or authority like you are going to be arrested or have a large tax bill if you don’t do XYZ,” he said.

“Then you’ve got the opposite, which is more about using compassion and friendliness and luring people in from a trusted perspective.”

Mr Manuel said while some scams can be easy to spot, others can be difficult, especially when they involve online purchases.

“If you look during the pandemic, we had the alpaca scam where people were effectively scammed into thinking they were buying an alpaca,” he said.

“Now we’re seeing it extend to machinery and vehicles as well, so a lot of the time you can’t actually see something, touch it or inspect it. I’d be very careful transferring any money, particularly because you don’t who is on the other end.

Another prominent scam currently running on pages in the hills will be an emotional post – a lost dog, a beautifully crocheted blanket or a happy marriage – asking people to share it.

Once it has been circulated, the post will be edited to include a nefarious link.

An example of a scam appearing in a local Facebook group.

Scams will often appeal to emotion.

Mr Manuel said this type of scam preys on someone’s emotion and uses it as a mechanism to leverage action.

“That action could either be to try and get other people to help support the cause because if I’m scamming you, and they convinced you that I’m trustworthy, you’re more likely to trust me too,” he said.

“Groups or friends in your network will unintentionally involve others in the scam,

Pictures: FACEBOOK where they might be the ones that end up losing money.”

Despite clearly being a scam post, when one example was reported on a local school’s noticeboard Facebook didn’t take any action, citing that no breach of community standards was present.

Mr Manuel said social media platforms should do more to take ownership of the issue.

“They take the view that they provide a plat-

Often, after being shared by people, the scammer will edit the post to include a nefarious link. form and they don’t have the right or authority or even the willingness to police their platform for particular things,” he said.

“A lot of the times these scams go under the radar so there isn’t really any legislation to cover it. The challenge there is you don’t have these platforms acting quickly enough to remove these accounts.”

More information on common scams can be found at scamwatch.gov.au

Alan Tudge appears at Robodebt investigation

By Parker McKenzie

mailcommunity.com.au

Alan Tudge appearing at the Royal Commission.

Picture: ROYAL COMMISSION LIVE STREAM the ATO and averaged it to determine the amount of debt owed by the person.

On May 29 2020, the Coalition Government — which Mr Tudge was a part of — announced it would refund 470,000 debts, to the cost of $721 million. This figure later grew to $1.2 billion, after the government settled a class-action lawsuit.

A $1.8 billion settlement including repayment of debts paid, wiping of outstanding debts and legal costs was approved in federal court in June 2021 in a ruling against the government.

Mr Tudge said he was aware that the Robdebt scheme could produce inaccurate debts, but was unaware it was unlawful.

“I didn’t know the full context in relation to the legalities. It just had not crossed my mind until I read about it in the newspaper, I think, following the Federal Court case,” he said.

As the member for Aston, Mr Tudge represents people in Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield, The Basin and parts of Sassasfras and Upper Ferntree Gully in federal parliament.

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Aston MP Alan Tudge appeared before the Royal Commission into Robodebt, with the former Minister for Social Services’ knowledge of the lawfulness of the scheme under scrutiny.

Mr Tudge, who was Minister for Human Services from February 2016 until December 2017, appeared at the Robodebt Royal Commission on Wednesday 1 February and Thursday 2 February.

During his first day appearing at the Royal Commission, Mr Tudge said he never saw advice that the scheme was unlawful and didn’t ask for it when questioned by Justin Greggery KC. “The Department’s lawyers, the Social Services lawyers would have had to form a view that it was lawful and on top of that, the Attorney-General’s Department has to form a view in relation to the legalities of this initiative,” he said.

“I don’t accept the proposition that I was responsible for an individual not making a choice to not raise a matter with her counterpart in a different Department.”

Mr Tudge went on to say he accepted he was responsible for the lawful implementation of the scheme.

In 2016, Centrelink introduced an automated system to detect overpayments to past and current social security recipients, using information from the Australian Taxation Office and other government agencies compared to the income the person reported.

Centrelink recipients received letters advising people of potential debt if the system found an estimated difference between the two, asking for the person to submit payslips and further information.

If the person didn’t respond to the letter, Centrelink used income information from

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NEWS

Time to sit, rest for SES

By Tyler Wright The Hills Men’s Shed has used its resources to lend a helping hand to the SES’s Emerald Unit, recently donating a large picnic table for crews to use after attending call outs within the community.

Men’s shed member Tony Hodgson designed and helped build the table hand-crafted from sienna pine, which was donated on Saturday 28 January. The process took around seven hours, using glue and bugle screws.

“Being a member of the men’s shed, you get things back into the public,” Mr Hodgson said.

“Donating to these guys, it’s such a good thing and it gives me a good feeling we can do that.

“These guys do a great service, and the CFA always do a great service. I think we should do more for them in general.”

Unit Controller Ben Owen said he was not expecting the donation.

“We reached out to them with the possibility of purchasing one, and then we were looking at getting some timber to help with the purchase, and then they came back and said ‘we’re going to build you one, what size do you want?’ Mr Owen said.

“That connection with community groups is amazing... It’s their way of appreciating what we do, and we get to appreciate [what] they can manufacture, which is great.”

“We’ve got a barbecue area at our facility, so when we’re busy, we can come back and have lunch or dinner and sit down at the table... or we can even use it as a training space.”

The Hills Men’s Shed, which is based in Cockatoo, has built a display unit used as a community noticeboard outside the Gembrook Post Office and built a shed for the local school after forming in the early 2000s.

Founding member Gavin Harrison said the shed is a place where men can learn how to

Emerald SES members Maree Dunn (front left), Maz Thomson (second from left in second row) David Wilson and Peter Copp (back row) will be able to enjoy a new donated picnic table thanks to the Hills Men’s Shed.

Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT weld, use the woodworking machine or even drink coffee and socialise without the pressure of it being an actual job.

“It’s important for men’s health, because men finish work and they’ve had association with men all their working life, and all of a sudden, they’re by themselves or they’re at home annoying their wife,” Mr Harrison said.

“Because they’re not used to being together all day, every day, and being able to come here, talk to men, and talk about men’s problems, or talk about their own problems.

“It doesn’t go outside the shed, it stays within the shed, and between us. Mr Harrison said members can offer help to each other or even assist in finding help elsewhere.

“It is of great value,” he said.

The group is looking for more members to and are welcoming men and women of all ages from any area, with existing members from areas including Gembrook, Clematis, Emerald and Upper Beaconsfield.

For more information on the Hills Men’s Shed, contact 5968 9473.

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 From 8.30pm 17 Feb to late May

On sections of the lines

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

Road disruptions: Closed roads Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert

From 8.30pm 17 Feb to early May

At the level crossing

Union Road, Surrey Hills

From 8.30pm 17 Feb to early May

At the level crossing

MTIA8825

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

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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NEWS

Trio of preps join school

By Parker McKenzie Students returned to school at Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School on Tuesday 31 January, with the newest cohort of preps featuring just three students.

Tabitha O’Brien has been the Principal of Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School for the past eight years. In that time, the student body dropped from around 140 to 69 in 2023.

Ms O’Brien said while it was an exciting day, there are challenges presented by having small class sizes.

“For the parents, as we are a suburban school, having siblings in the same class can be a challenge,” she said.

“There’s also the uncertainty surrounding what is going to happen from year to year.”

Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School previously had a nearby local preschool run by Knox City Council, which is currently no longer running.

Knox City Council said “Upper Ferntree Gully Pre-School is not operating this year as there were not enough children registered. We will assess registrations again this year to plan for 2024.”

Despite this, Ms O’Brien said the benefits of small class sizes shouldn’t be overlooked.

“We’ve got an awesome community that keeps the school going. The families we do have here are very supportive,” she said.

“Every teacher knows every child; all the children play together and support each other. All our events are whole school excursions because we can facilitate that with the small numbers.”

Ms O’Brien has applied for government funding to establish a preschool within the Primary School’s grounds to help assist with student numbers.

She said there is an education department

Principal Tabitha O’Brien and Teacher Lisa Maxwell with the trio of new preps at Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School. grant that the school has applied for, however, you are required to prove adequate numbers to receive it.

“We will look for ways to try to find out how many families would use a service like that,” she said.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

“We are aiming for the end of 2024, which would give us time to organize everything and ensure it is sorted out.”

Kallista Community House ceases operations Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the contribution of the Committee of Management and Coordinator of the Kallista Community House following a decision to cease operations at the end of 2022.

Kallista Community House (The House) has been part of the fabric of the Kallista community for decades, providing a place for community members of all ages to meet, learn and recreate.

“We want to recognise and thank the Committee, the Chair, Coordinator, other staff and volunteers for their service to the local community,” Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Communities Jane Price said.

“The work of governing the House has been vital to the wellbeing of this community. Unfortunately, COVID and challenges with the fabric of the building needing remediation works, have resulted in the House not

being able to operate for some time. Council expresses sincere gratitude for the volunteer effort of so many community members who volunteered at the House since its inception in the 1970s.”

The House also led a much-loved community artisan handmade and homegrown local market which has been operating alongside the House but closed during the pandemic. It is hoped the market can return in the coming year.

“The Committee members and Coordinator have now ended their time leading the House and we wish them well with future endeavours, sincerely acknowledging the contribution they have made.” Ms Price said.

Yarra Ranges Council will start conversations with the community in the coming months, on options for the future use of this community facility.

Kallista Community House ceased operations at the end of 2022. 302034 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS mailcommunity.com.au

Help shape the 2023/24 Yarra Ranges Council Budget.

Picture: ON FILE

Help shape the 2023/24 Yarra Ranges budget Yarra Ranges residents are invited to help shape the Council budget for 2023/24.

Engagement opened on Monday 30 January and the public has until Sunday 12 March to submit their ideas and feedback.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said that the annual budget engagement was evolving, with community insights fed into budget planning earlier in the process.

“In previous years, we’ve released our Draft Budget to the community for comment around April and May with the submissions we receive helping to shape the final draft,” he said.

“But the Budget itself is several hundred pages, and not always accessible to everyone in our community, so we want to hear from our communities earlier in the piece before we put pen to paper.”

Residents have a number of different methods of providing a response, with options to share a quick 140-character comment or thought, spend five to 10 to share

how they would invest $100, share a more detailed response by submitting a form or find a time to chat with the Council team at a local pop-up event.

Cr Child said by getting the community involved earlier, they hope to learn more about what is important to you and what you want us to focus on and invest in so that when they develop the draft budget, they will know it matches the needs of the community.

“There are plenty of ways for the community to feed into this process, from sharing your ideas on our website using a tool to show how you would prioritise investment, to writing down your thoughts, or contacting our teams directly to talk big ideas,” he said “Making the Yarra Ranges the best place to live, work and play is what matters most to us at Yarra Ranges, so we want to make sure you get a chance to tell us if we’re hitting the mark.”

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 7

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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NEWS

Five year cultural policy

By Tyler Wright The Federal Government has released the first new National Cultural Policy for the country’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector in 10 years.

Revive, announced on Monday 30 January

by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Arts Minister Tony Burke, is a five year plan implemented in an attempt to boost arts organisations and talented artists with a backing of $286 million in funding over four years.

Under the plan, Creative Australia will be the government’s new principal arts investment and advisory body, with the governing body still known as the Australia Council for the Arts.

Four new bodies will be established within Creative Australia, including a new First Nations-led body, Music Australia, Writers Australia and a new Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces which is expected to ensure creative workers are paid fairly and have safe workplaces free from harassment and discrimination.

The policy is built on five pillars; First Nations First, A Place for Every Story Centrality of the Artist Strong Cultural Infrastructure and Engaging the Audience.

The framework will commit the government to introducing legislation to protect First Nations knowledge and cultural expressions, including the harm caused by fake art and develop a First Nations creative workforce strategy.

CEO and Creative Director at Burrinja Cultural Centre in Upwey, Gareth Hart said the Revive policy is a “really momentous” occasion for the arts across the nation.

“It sets forward an agenda at a policy level, but also hopefully filtering down to effect some real change at regional and very local levels,” Hart said.

“Hopefully it’s integrated across all levels of where culture is found.”

Burrinja Cultural Centre provided a submission in the National Cultural Policy consultation process, including a call for greater funding for arts organisations, particularly those in the outer metropolitan fringe of Melbourne and regional communities.

“We’re really glad to see a number of those things have landed in the plan, particularly a very, very heavy focus, rightfully so, around First Nations practise and supporting our Indigenous Australians with some significant gestures or commitment to support, also some very clear focus on youth practise and community arts,” Hart said.

“We talked a lot about having the artist as central to any cultural policy and particularly recognising the value that artists play in bringing meaningful connection at a community

The Federal Government’s Revive policy is hoped to assist local arts organisations, including Upwey’s Burrinja Cultural Centre.

Picture: TAHLIA HEITMANN level and bringing about social change...

“We spoke about how artists can play a role in supporting that or facilitating that which artists in this region really do, particularly on the back of really intense events like the storm events or Covid lockdowns.”

Through Revive, Burrinja may be able to act as a conduit between the local community and federal initiatives.

“If the community have ideas or they’ve got major projects and they would like to talk about those and think about partnerships with Burrinja or how Burrinja might support them to access funding that’s coming out of Revive and the new initiative federally, then we’re very happy... to connect with locals and creatives,” Hart said.

“Hopefully there’s more opportunities for us to partner with the community on really special projects.”

The policy will fund the establishment of a National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs and an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Perth and

provide $11 million to establish a First Nations Languages Policy Partnership between First Nations representatives and Australian governments.

Australian content on streaming platforms will also need to be regulated under Revive, improving lending rights and incomes for Australian writers and increased funding for regional art.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Revive will “provide the support Australian artists need to thrive and grow”.

“I am excited by the potential it will unleash, and to see our extraordinary and diverse Australian stories continue to be told with originality, wit, creativity and flair,” Mr Albanese said.

“It builds on the proud legacies of earlier Labor governments that recognised the importance of art and culture to Australia’s identity, social unity and economic prosperity.”

Arts Minister Tony Burke said the policy is a “comprehensive roadmap” for the country’s

arts and culture which touches all areas of government, “from cultural diplomacy in foreign affairs to health and education”.

“Our artists are creators and workers. This sector is essential for our culture and for our economy. As the sector recovers from years of neglect followed by the tough pandemic period, Revive will set the arts sector on a new trajectory with fresh momentum,” Mr Burke said.

Hart said Burrinja Cultural Centre has advocated for an arts policy to be legislated at a Federal level.

“At the state level at the moment, it is legislated that every government, no matter who’s in power, must have an art policy,” they said.

“We advocated that that should be adopted at a federal level so that we don’t have another 10 years without a policy.”

Funding decisions will be made on the basis of artistic merit and at arm’s length from government.

Funding for creative work research and development

By Parker McKenzie Creative professionals throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges can apply for the latest round of the Creators Fund, the Victorian Government’s creative research and development program.

The fund supports professionals in undertaking intensive research, development or experimentation for creative works with grants of between $20,000 and $50,000.

Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said in a statement she was encouraging artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers, writers and other creatives in the hills to apply.

“In any industry, innovation requires dedicated time for research, experimentation and development. Devoting time to this unpaid but vital work can be a challenge for many independent creatives in the Dandenong Ranges,” she said.

“The Creators Fund is an important pillar of the Victorian Government’s investment in the creative industries, backing our creative innovators to break new ground and level up their careers.”

The fund was launched in 2018 and supports activities for up to six months. It has supported almost 160 Victorians statewide, mailcommunity.com.au

Creative professionals throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges can apply for the latest round of the Creators Fund.

Picture: AMY TRAN UNSPLASH working in a variety of fields.

The Hills Arts Alliance’s Noelene Blair said funding through grants programs is essential for artists throughout the Dandenong Ranges.

“Most of the creative I know are not working in the industry, they are working in hospitality, retail, cleaning jobs and all sorts of things,” she said.

“There are very few that can make a living

out of their creative pursuits and grants like this allow them the space to work on their practice.”

Previous projects funded through the program include the design of a new bed for palliative care use, funding for a screenwriter to develop a method of narrative design in video games and the development of a children’s poetry collection.

Ms Blair said it is positive that the Victorian government is making the grants available.

“Hopefully there are artists out there with an idea ready to go that they can just plug into this grant application because to think up a new idea and get the support you need to apply in a month isn’t really long enough,” she said.

“I’d love to see the local government putting more money into the arts because the Dandenong Ranges is such a creative area.”

Applications for the 2023 round of the Creators Fund close at 3pm Wednesday 22 February or 3pm Wednesday 1 March for the Deaf and Disabled Stream.

More information on the program can be found at creative.vic.gov.au/fundingopportunities/find-a-funding-opportunity/ creators-fund Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 9

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Time to fix that heel pain Ignore that twinge of pain in your heel in the morning and there’s a good chance that it will escalate, according to PridePlus Health podiatrist, Sikhie Samarasekera.

“Treating your sore heel early is the key to good health,” Sikhie said.

“We’ve all heard the old adage, ‘from little things big things grow’ - it’s true, pain, even low-level pain, is an indicator that something is not right. Untreated it will only get worse.”

Sikhie is one of the team at PridePlus Health. Consistently ranked the best podiatry team in Melbourne, PridePlus Health has clinics in Emerald, Melbourne CBD and Pascoe Vale.

Sikhie sees patients at the Emerald clinic, alongside the ‘hills team’ of Tanya Contis and Laura Ward.

“There can be all sorts of reasons why someone experiences pain in their heels in the morning,” Sikhie said.

“At this time of year, people may have sudden bursts of energy and plans to get fit and then have overuse injuries from going too hard, too fast. Or it can be as simple as a game of beach cricket after an afternoon stretched out in the sun.’’

While the PridePlus Health team are able to provide expert advice, treatment and cutting edge interrogative evaluation, the team also encourages people to consider what they can do before the twinge or ache becomes more of an issue.

“There are simple exercises that you can do at home which can build strength and aid recovery from heel pain,’’ he said.

He describes calf raises as ‘the best exercise in the world’ for their ability to increase muscle strength through all of the muscles that wrap around the inside, outside and back of the lower leg and into the heel. This increased strength

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PridePlus Podiatrists can help treat that twinge of pain in your heel. 226408

PridePlus Health podiatrist Sikhie Samarasekera.

Picture: SUPPLIED

then leads to increased capacity of the fascia and tendons around your heel to do work.

“It’s an easy exercise but it needs to be done slowly and carefully to get the most benefit.’’

Sikhie advises that the PridePlus Health website has instructions on calf raises and

make wise choices. That’s why we love to teach our clients and share our knowledge.”

You can learn more about looking after your feet at prideplus.com.au or book in your appointment with Sikhie and the team in Emerald via the website or phone 03 9068 0966.

other beneficial activities.

“People with sore feet can also sign up for the monthly PridePack newsletter for great advice on shoes, orthotics, and different exercises.

“We not only want to fix your feet problems but we also want to empower you to be able to

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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NEWS

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Breath in and open ears

By Tyler Wright As you walk through the gravel path to Sherbrooke’s Alfred Nicholas Gardens this February, you may hear the sound of deep breaths inhaling and exhaling from nearby trees.

The sounds are not coming from koalas or local wildlife, but rather recordings of artist Peter Mcilwain’s own breath as part of his installation ‘Lung Trees.’

As part of Burrinja’s Climate Change Biennale’s Live Actions program showcasing performances in the ngurrak barring (Ridgewalk) area and beyond, Mcilwain has used sound to signify the carbon cycle, and hopes the installation can help others engage themselves in the issue of climate change.

“We need to mobilise as much resources as we can to address it, but you just can’t be at that alert level all the time,” Mcilwain said.

“I know myself, and I imagine everybody else, switches off emotionally from it, so you get a bit disconnected.

“Your breath is the most fundamental thing to you. That’s how you live. You can go without water, you can go without food, but not long without breath.”

Speakers positioned near various trees in the space are controlled by a panel, with sensors initiating the sounds for passersby.

“This kind of thing has got a very long [presence] post World War II… thinking about sound and placing sound in the space and installing it in the space,” Mcilwain said.

“But it’s hard to do and it’s not common for that reason. That’s why it’s probably not done as much.

“You’ve got to work with electronics and dirt...they don’t mix.”

Mcilwain also exhibited his ‘Bird Child Spirit’ sound installation in Selby from 6 March to 19 April 2022, where visitors could hear recordings of children imitating birds while walking through a short trail.

“Sound is a thing you’re in rather than a thing that you can look at or separate yourself from. You’re in it, and so it’s more subtle in many ways...you’ve got to pay more attention, so it’s a harder medium to work with than visuals,” he said.

“But It’s unique in that sense. You’re creating a world. You’re creating an environment rather than an object.”

‘Lung Trees’ opened to the public on Wednesday 1 February and will finish on Sunday 26 February, coinciding with four other experiences in the Live Actions Program.

The Environmental Performance Authority (EPA) has created a walking performance called ‘Climate Distraction’ which will take place at Osprey Track in Mount Dandenong on Saturday 18 February at 12pm and 3pm.

On Sunday 26 February, artist Niki Shi and collaborators will be conducting a performance about soil called ‘BIOME’ at 4pm and 6pm at the forecourt of the Inspiro Community Health Hub and community garden in Belgrave.

The Burrinja Climate Change Biennale is delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, ngurrak barring/RidgeWalk, Yarra Ranges Council and Your Library.

Artist Peter Mcilwain’s sound installation ‘Lung Trees’ will be open to the public until Sunday 26 February.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

A triumphant outcome for fallen trees at school

By Callum Ludwig Throughout recent years, Yarra Ranges residents have braved their fair share of natural disasters, still feeling the effects of weather events like the June 2021 storm and the 2022 floods.

Arborist and Wandin North resident David Ferrier started the ‘Treasuring Our Trees’ project in the aftermath of the June 2021 storm, seeking to salvage fallen timber and one of the first projects is almost finished at Wandin North Primary School (WNPS).

A sustainable bush tucker garden, a yarning circle, a wooden shopfront and ‘fairy houses’ are all soon to open up a new array of learning opportunities for students.

Mr Ferrier said it’s incredibly exciting and the crews working on the project are pinching themselves all the time.

“We’ve been building this for 15 or 16 months, and now we are really at the starting line, though it feels like we’ve run a marathon at this point,” he said “This is our first of five planned school projects, and we’ve got partnerships now with 18 primary schools, two kindergartens and one, maybe two secondary schools.

We’re looking to build a minimum of 20 community projects.”

Treasuring Our Trees crews have worked tirelessly over the last month, working 10hour days seven days a week to get the new area ready to open up to students.

Work started by laying down 42 tonnes of crushed rock donated by Boral in Coldstream and now, the yarning circle and first of 15 veggie boxes have been installed - one for each class in the school.

Mr Ferrier said the project will continue to help with students’ education around sustainability and its links to the environment as well as climate change and its impact on weather events like storms and floods.

“These events aren’t going away, they are becoming more regular. We understood the power of this program, enriching the school community and greater community through education but also providing this space for the children to learn about growing their own food and being more sustainable,” he said.

“I’ve personally been impacted by the flood event last year living in Wandin North and I’ve seen the damage from the floods on impacted properties throughout this area 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

L-R: Wandin North Primary School Principal Paul Bailey, Captains Chloe, Millie, Reed, Brady, Patrick and Treasuring Our Trees Founder David Ferrier in the yarning circle.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG and up in the hills as well and the children and families are watching what’s happening up in New South Wales and Northern Victoria.”

In December 2022, the Treasuring Our Trees program opened a showroom in Lilydale to act as an educational hub, as well as a processing site in Pakenham Upper which stores thousands of trees and enables the charity to continue its operations.

The relationship between David Ferrier and Wandin North Primary School came about in the immediate aftermath of the June 2021 storm, with the school forced into closure as large trees had fallen across the car parking area. Mr Ferrier offered his assistance to clear the fallen trees.

Wandin North Primary School Principal

Paul Bailey said it was amazing that out of his own time, Mr Ferrier came to help clean up the area and made sure it was safe.

“From then it was a relationship that continued to grow, once Dave and his team had the idea of Treasuring Our Trees, the partnership naturally developed. The timber has a story to tell and we want to empower our children to know that story,” he said.

“We’re a school that in the last couple of years has been beginning to teach sustainability and environmental sciences, but now this year, it’s really going full steam ahead with one of our teachers taking that on board. Schools have the best opportunity to plant the seeds with the children to then continue the conversation at home.”

As well as schools across the Yarra Ranges,

Treasuring Our Trees has worked with Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Council, Emergency Recovery Victoria, Melbourne Water, Rotary and the Victorian Government to help recover trees and now give them a second life.

Mr Ferrier said he is very privileged to be in a position supported by an amazing board and greater community.

“We have probably up to 50 people who support the work, with the construction and everything that leads up to it, but to be honest, we’re really trying to build an innovative pilot program,” he said.

“There’s no reason why this couldn’t be replicated in communities right around Australia after natural disasters. That’s one of the biggest strongest messages we are trying to share.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

This year, the Bentley Drivers Club of Australia will showcase over a dozen pre-war Bentleys, alongside the other classic cars on display.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

A car featured in a previous Kalorama Rally.

Get revved up for rally

By Parker McKenzie A horde of vintage, classic and veteran cars and bikes will descend on Kalorama Memorial Reserve from all over Victoria on Sunday 5 March for the 65th annual Kalorama Rally, to raise funds for local firefighters.

One of Melbourne’s oldest motoring events, with the first event being held in 1956, The Kalorama Rally also raises funds for Kalorama CFA. Organiser Paul Edgar said because of the milestone, vehicles of a particular era will be celebrated during the rally.

“We are trying to celebrate the very vehicles that attended in 1956,” he said.

“They were veteran cars, which were cars manufactured up until 1918 and vintage cars manufactured between 1919 and 1929. We are featuring those cars and they will be upfront and centre on the oval.”

Alongside the cars and motorbikes, there will also be a display of vintage fire pumps and agricultural machinery, a CFA kiosk and a variety of food and drinks.

This year, the Bentley Drivers Club of Australia will showcase over a dozen pre-war Bentleys, alongside the other classic cars on display.

Mr Edgar said he believes the Rally is the oldest running motor event in Victoria.

“It was originally the Kalorama Floral So-

ciety festival and the organisers decided they wanted to broaden the parameters, so they invited the Vintage Sports Car Club to attend,” he said.

“That’s where it started and it became the Kalorama Rally.”

The 2022 Rally featured around 230 cars, with the majority manufactured before World War II. It has raised over $35,000 for the Kalorama CFA in the past decade.

Mr Edgar said last year was well-attended by the motoring and local communities, but “not the best response” compared to other years.

“We had a very good response nonetheless,” he said.

“Believe the event is unique in the sense that it features vintage and veteran cars, not modern classics.

“The Halcyon days of vintage sports cars and motoring from the post-war era, that’s our unique selling point.”

The Kalorama Rally starts at 10am, with an entry cost of $10. Drivers under 25 in an eligible car and children under 16 are admitted free. The event is open for everyone, regardless if you bring a car or just want to see those on display.

Kalorama Memorial Reserve is located on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. For more information on the Rally, visit facebook.com/ KaloramaRally

Free live music event at RSL Have say on strategic plan

By Tyler Wright

Hills residents will be able to enjoy a free music event at the Dandenong Ranges RSL in February in an attempt by the organisation to forge social connections after the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

RSL president Bob Richards said the ‘All Rhythm, No Blues’ event is a first for the association, with local band Flying Home providing entertainment on Sunday 19 February.

“I know that many of my members did get affected by the social isolation of the last couple of years, and coming out of that they were so keen to get together and have functions at the RSL,” Mr Richards said.

Members, veterans, ex-service personnel and locals are welcome at the event, which will run from 1pm to 4pm in the backyard of the RSL. “It’s a small venue so we can’t have any more than 100 at a time in the backyard and that’s what our licence allows us, but we expect people to come through and rotate through the place during the day,” Mr Richards said.

“They’ll come in, maybe listen to few sets and have a drink and then go on to other events in Sassafras.

“The cafes will be open and all the businesses in Sassafras will be open, so hopefully people will make it a day.”

Mr Richards is hoping to cover the cost of the band and some administrative overheads through applying for Yarra Ranges Council’s small grants program, which offers up to $1,000 for community organisations which are supporting people impacted by emergencies such as Covid-19 and the June 2021 storm event.

The Dandenong Ranges RSL is located at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras. mailcommunity.com.au

By Parker McKenzie

The Dandenong Ranges RSL will be holding a free music event on Sunday 19 February for locals and RSL members. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The event will be held in the venue’s backyard, which was also home to an Anzac Day barbecue in 2022.

The Upwey Community Group will hold a public meeting on Sunday 19 February to find out what is important to the local community to help update its community plan.

First started in 2014, the Upwey Community Group will host the meeting from 2pm to 4pm at the Sherbrooke Children’s Centre.

President of the Upwey Community Group Andrew Peterson said the meeting would allow people to have their input heard on the future of the town.

“It’s an exciting future with so many young people from different areas involved,” he said.

The group is looking to set a strategic plan in place for the next three to five years, given many changes in the demographics of Upwey since the inaugural community plan was developed in 2015.

The previous two public meetings in 2014 and 2019 involved 154 and 81 participants respectively.

Mr Peterson said some of the goals set out in the 2015 community plan have been achieved, while others are long-term objectives.

“On the day, we will split into 20 tables of ten people each and have a convener or two on each table to ask a series of questions,” he said.

“What do you like about Upwey? What would you change about Upwey? What other comments would you like to make about the township or its future?”

The event will be attended by Yarra

The Upwey Community Group is asking locals for their input towards the future of the town.

Picture: ON FILE Ranges Councillors Johanna Skelton and Andrew Fullagar, State MP for Monbulk Daniela De Martino and Federal MP for Casey Aaron Violi.

Mr Peterson said people would be able to ask questions of their representatives from the three levels of government.

“This opportunity doesn’t arise regularly, it’s one commitment for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon and a great opportunity for everyone who wants to have an input to have one,” he said.

“It isn’t easy to get a collective voice and that’s what we aim to do.”

Flyers will be letterboxed to the 2,700 households in Upwey before the event, with a social media campaign also starting on Monday 6 February.

The Sherbrooke Children’s Centre is located at 1443 Burwood Highway, Upwey.

For more information about the Upwey Community Group, visit upweycommunitygroup.org.au/home.

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 13

NEWS

Lucky dog gets wheels

By Tyler Wright A poodle born with a congenital defect has been given a new lease of life after a generous donation from the Emerald Men’s Shed.

Rhapsody, four, was born with cerebellar hypoplasia, leaving her with the inability to walk or stand without assistance.

“As soon as she tried to stand up, she’d struggle to take a step or two and then she’d fall over,” owner Jane Gamble said.

Jane said her family tried many wa ys of helping their dog, with someone giving them the idea of buying a wheelchair from America.

“We made contact with the company...they said ‘it comes in a thousand pieces, and you have to put it together yourself, and we can’t guarantee it’ll be the right size’,” Jane said.

After putting the idea of buying a wheelchair on the backburner until Rhapsody’s family believed she was fully grown, Jane then approached the Emerald Men’s Shed for assistance.

“We went into the men’s shed and presented them with our problem. We showed them a picture of the wheelchair that the American company sent us, and they said, ‘oh, we can do something along those lines,’ she said.

“They pulled all their resources together and talked to each other and made a few prototypes, fitted Rhapsody out a few times and changed it until they got something that would work for her.”

The first wheelchair was made with two fixed legs in the back and front wheels that could swivel, but as Rhapsody grew stronger she would break the front wheels off the device.

Men’s shed members would then get back to work with square steel to create a sturdier wheelchair, made with back wheels

Rhapsody is now able to explore beaches, after being born with cerebellar hypoplasia and not being able to stand or walk by herself. from a child’s bike and front wheels from a human wheelchair.

“We originally painted it silver and it looked terrible, so then we repainted it black which looks a lot nicer,” Emerald Men’s Shed president Alan Bennett said.

“Bridget and her mum [Jane] take the dog for walks most mornings, and are of course very appreciative for what we do.”

With the stability of a wheelchair, Rhapsody has been able to enjoy walking around Emerald Lake, the local dog park and even the beach for around 18 months.

“We had to wait until the tide was right so the sand was as hard as it could be,” Jane said.

“It’s been really fantastic because not only has it made her stronger because it’s allowed her to develop the muscles in her legs, but it’s made her much more sociable.

“They expect to see a dog with advanced muscle wastage, but this dog is as strong as strong now. The wheelchair has really improved her general health.”

Rhapsody, now four, has been able to enjoy walking through parks with owner Bridget since being gifted her own wheelchair from the Emerald Men’s Shed around 18 months ago.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Need local staff?

Then give us the job...

Star Mail

Need local staff?

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

12544966-DL15-22

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mailcommunity.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Selby local’s Idol audition

By Tyler Wright A Selby local is set to hit television screens across the country as a contestant on this season of Australian Idol.

Anya Hynninen, 19, grew up playing gigs in the Dandenong Ranges including open mic nights at Sooki Lounge in Belgrave, and has now taken her talent to the international stage with a performance of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire.

Accompanied by step-dad Bernard on guitar, Hynninen said it was “daunting” stepping in front of the panel of judges.

“I didn’t have my glasses on, so I couldn’t see them very well thankfully, but I thought they all looked a little bit like wax figures,” she said.

“I wanted to touch them and see if they melt[ed]... it was definitely crazy.”

From a young age, Hynninen was taught to harmonise by her mother, but it wasn’t until her step-dad, musician Bernard, came into her life at age six that a professional music career would begin.

“He started off doing funk and that’s all he would play...it definitely influenced my sound, and he plays a certain way, he’s very intuitive so we mesh whenever we play together,” she said.

“It’s cool because now it’s at the point where I can sing any note and I know exactly what he’s going to play next because there’s so much chemistry and we’ve done it for so long...he’s definitely been there the whole time.”

Hynninen released her debut single ‘Home’ in 2019 featuring fellow Melbourne artist, Pez as a collaboration with World Vision, which gained over 73,000 streams.

Following that success, Hynninen submit-

ted her unreleased single ‘How Do You Sleep At Night’ into the International Songwriting Competition in 2021, ending up as a semi finalist out thousands of teens globally.

Still in high school, Hynninen decided to apply for Australian Idol after seeing a friend’s social media post about the auditions.

“I didn’t really want to apply to any of the others because I didn’t like the structure of it… especially when it makes you battle people,” she said.

“I never applied for anything else, and I didn’t really think I ever would, and then I saw a friend post about applying for it as a joke, and I was like, ‘you know what? I’ve got nothing to lose. I might as well do and see what happens.”

With the first video audition tape filmed in her university classroom, the application process involved several auditions.

“I thought it was crazy... it just kept going and I was like ‘we’ll just see how it goes’; and then as it got kind of closer and closer, I’m like, ‘shit, this is actually real.’”

“Especially being there on the day, it was like a battlefield.

“People were crying and passing out because they had nothing but tim tams and green tea, and I was passing through the bodies...It was definitely a really full on experience” Now, with around 400 songs in her backlog, the musician hopes to tour an EP once she gathers a team.

“I remember going to Adele’s concert... when I saw her I burst into tears,” she said.

“I was like ‘Imagine being in that position and having someone love you so much that they uncontrollably cry the moment they see you. One day, I’ll be there, and people will be crying.’”

Hynninen and step-dad, Bernard.

Anya Hynninen, 19, is set to appear on Australian Idol this season.

Pictures: CHANNEL 7

Excitement for inaugural The Basin Talent Showcase

By Parker McKenzie Local musicians, poets, comedians and performers will be lighting up the stage at The Basin Theatre on Sunday 12 March, in a talent show MC’ed by ABC radio personality Jacinta Parsons.

Organiser of The Basin Talent Showcase Lyn Hayhurst said the idea started after she organized community events following the Covid-19 lockdowns, as a way to connect with her neighbours.

“I’d had experience doing talent shows at my church, but not only in Australia and Melbourne, but I also did it in South Africa two years in a row,” she said.

“It was just a wonderful experience and I thought why can’t I do it in the community, in The Basin?”

Tickets to the event — which starts at 2pm — are free, however, there are limited spots due to seating.

Ms Hayhurst said she was thankful to The Basin Theatre Group for offering their venue for the show. mailcommunity.com.au

“I wanted to have a wide variety of performers, not just singers so we have poets, bands, comedians and other performers too,” she said.

“We’ve aiming for 15. That would take about an hour and half and we only have a few spots left.

The Basin Theatre is located at corner of Doongalla Road and Simpsons Road, The Basin and seats 120 people.

Ms Hayhurst said she hopes everyone in attendance has a great time and gets a great laugh out of it.

“I just want everyone to laugh, and maybe cry as well because of the acts are more emotional and beautiful,” she said.

“This celebrates people willing to give.

That is the heart of our country, people giving in fires and floods. This is an afternoon for the community to enjoy.”

Mr Hayhurst said if the vent is successful, she hopes to hold it yearly and potentially see it expand to other suburbs.

Tickets for the event are available from thebasintheatre.org.au

Local musicians, poets, comedians and performers will be lighting up the stage at The Basin Theatre on Sunday 12 March.

Picture: ALLIE REEFER UNSPLASH Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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NEWS

Year ahead for HCA The Hills Creative Alliance HCA, a community organisation set up after the storms of 2021, recently received funding from the Hills Community Recovery Committee and Yarra Ranges Council to make a start on a program of volunteering and activities. By teaming up with local organisations and services that support communities, HCA has plans to develop a range of activities to engage and support local people in the areas affected by the storms and the impact of Covid.

The Heart Foundation is supporting the recruitment of volunteer ‘Walk Leaders’ with training provided. Monbulk Aquatic Centre are developing ‘Friends of MAC’ to work with local health practices as we come through the aftermath of Covid and other challenges, with additional opportunities for ‘Walks and Talks’.

HCA is now an associate member of Volunteering Victoria who provide training and guidance for volunteers. Offers are already coming forward to get involved to support the activities planned.

St Michael’s Church in Kalorama will be hosting a series of workshops to help people who want to create family story books, supported by Sonya at the Mount Dandenong based Adala Group, and Adala are also advising on the publication of a termly ‘Hills Community Focus’ newsletters for all homes and an information website, with volunteer support.

Belgrave Library and 360 IT Tech Solutions are advising on setting up one to one IT support at Monbulk Living and Learning Centre,

Rob Taylor remembered Emerald stalwart and community man Robert Taylor has passed away.

Rob regularly walked around the village from Ferres Road, often with two dogs, a pug named Max and a golden retriever, Angus.

When the dogs passed on, Rob kept up his walking tradition- always with a smile and people were cheered by his interest in them and his friendly greeting to everyone he met.

In 1972, Rob had bought a 5-acre block of land in Ferres Road, built a house on it and with his first wife, Mary and raised three children, all of whom subsequently became involved with Little Athletics, football and netball clubs.

Later in 1992, as a single parent Rob met Anne Brown at an Emerald Spring Flower Show held in the old Emerald Hall, and finding they had a lot in common, they teamed up to marry in 1996.

When Anne sold her house in Woodlands Avenue Emerald, they extended Rob’s house to better accommodate his three children, their friends and themselves.

Rob was a brilliant researcher at CSIRO in the pyrotechnical metallurgy department and retired from this career after 41 and a half years.

He was extremely clever with his hands and could mend or make anything - even creating tools using his metal lathe for any unusual problem.

He was always the “go-to” man for people in trouble and was often rescuing people or clearing a road of fallen trees.

One day a police car backed into a drain at the end of their road and the occupants had to sheepishly ask for help.

with Hills Creative Alliance volunteers and advice from Rozult Computer Repairs and Service A team of community research volunteers is being recruited to work with support from the Mount Dandenong Historical Society to explore the best way to collect the stories of the storm in June 2021 and the amazing support given through the recovery effort. The team at Lilydale Archives and the State Archives have agreed to give advice and guidance to the community research volunteer team.

The Rotary Club of Lilydale has stepped up to support the set-up of a Satellite Rotary Club based at the Mount Dandenong Hotel meeting on Wednesday evenings, piloting the idea of focussing on community need after disaster and exploring the environmental challenges. People interested in finding our more will be welcome to join Lilydale Rotarians on Wednesday 8 February at 7pm for a meal and informal discussions.

The Eastern Foothills Group of the Country Women’s Association is working with us to support the set-up of a CWA that will meet at Karwarra Garden once a month.

The Hills Creative Alliance will be hosting the start-up CWA meeting on Thursday 9 February at 2pm at Karwarra Garden by the oval in Kalorama.

Please contact Liz Millman for more information about any of these plans on 0412 970 050 or email: lizmillman@yahoo.co.uk or check out the Hills Creative Alliance site: www. hillscreativealliance.com

Rob Taylor was always smiling.

Picture: SUPPLIED Rob came to the rescue with his trusty old Ferguson tractor to pull them out.

He was the secretary of the Men’s Probus Club of Emerald for many years, until it had to fold due to dwindling numbers.

He later joined the Olinda Probus Club.

Rob was the communication organiser of lunches for CSIRO colleagues and the men’s Probus Club even after they had been wound up.

He was always the keypin to maintaining friendships.

Rob passed away on 15 January at Salisbury House in Upper Beaconsfield.

A large funeral was held at the Springvale Crematorium on 25 January, when many people said farewell to the popular Emerald identity.

He leaves his wife Anne, his three children - Elissa, Craig and Brett and their families and two stepsons- Roger and his family and Philip who is in full-time care.

Rob and his smile will be missed by many.

SNIPPETS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HILLS

Gembrook Craft Group Inc workshops Macrame workshop – Saturday 18 February, with sessions available from 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm.

The Gembrook Craft Group will be making a plant hanger. Come along and learn some basic knotting (we promise you won’t get tied in knots!). Help is on hand should you need it. Same hanger will be made at

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Ferny Creek Tennis Club Free Family Fun Day Ferny Creek Tennis Club has its annual Free

Family Fun day on Sunday 19 February from 11am to 2pm at Ferny Creek Reserve.

This event is an opportunity for everyone to give tennis a try, with free coaching sessions, sausage sizzle and prizes to be won. Special membership deals on the day.

Ferny Creek Reserve is located on the corner of Clarkmont and Hilton roads in Ferny Creek.

Blood donations Australian Red Cross will hold a pop-up blood donor centre in Upwey from Monday 20 February to Saturday 25 February at 1443 Burwood Highway.

“One in three people in Upwey will need blood during their lives,” Red Cross said.

“Without amazing locals like you spreading the word, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment.”

The centre will be open from on the following days and times: Monday 20 February 12.30pm - 8pm Tuesday 21 February 12pm - 8pm Wednesday 22 February 12pm - 8pm

· · ·

· Thursday 23 February 12pm - 8pm · Friday 24 February 8am – 3.30pm · Saturday 25 February 8am – 3pm The nearest local landmark is the Upwey Community Hall.

Free workshops Knox City Council is offering free workshops throughout the year for community groups, clubs, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who provide services, programs and activities throughout the local area.

“Th first program of workshops will run until June, with the second half to be released later in the year.

The two workshops in February are a Community Grant Writing workshop on Wednesday 15 February and a How to Acquit for Your Grant on Wendesday 22 February.

All workshops are held either online or at the Knox Civic Centre.

For more information, visit knox.vic.gov. au/whats-happening/events-activities-andfestivals/events-calendar

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

Mail

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

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

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

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

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

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

BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1660 Burwood Highway Belgrave BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get our Digital Editions, Free News Updates, Breaking News and Competitions delivered to your email inbox.

16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL SNIPPETS

each workshop session.

Crochet workshop – Friday 10 February from 10am to 12pm.

Dawn and Chris are confident you will be able to learn some basic techniques in the time.

A spinning course will start on Monday 6 February from 10am to 12pm or on Friday 17 February from 10am to 12pm. This course runs for four weeks, with start dates flexible.

This a therapeutic and beneficial craft to learn. Bring your own spinning wheel and fleece if you have some or use one of our spinning wheels and fleece.

All workshops are to be held at Gembrook Craft Cottage at 3 Redwood Road in Gembrook.

Email the Gembrook Craft Group Secretary at gembrookcraftgroup@gmail.com for further information and cost.

mailcommunity.com.au

OPINION

Good and bad oils for a healthy diet I’d love to share some sound nutritional medicine on the importance of dietary fat or lipids. I will help you understand the difference between good and bad fats and the role high quality lipids play to benefit your health and improve disease prognosis.

Your body needs high quality fat for a variety of reasons. For cellular health. The outer membrane of all cells in our bodies is composed of a fatty bi-layer that holds the contents of the cell inside and allows the transport of key signalling messengers to move from inside and out of all cells. Healthy cellular communication is key to tissue development, organ function and systemic health.

Good fats allow us to metabolise fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins E,A,D and K. Lipids keep our skin and hair healthy, promote better brain function, support cardiovascular health and keep inflammatory processes in check.

They can help with mood disorders such as depression and improve cognitive and learning outcomes. There is strong evidence to support the use of marine triglycerides (oils) to

Healthy

living Tim Howden

Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville help facilitate weight loss and improve metabolic profile.

So what oils are good and what should you avoid?

Without getting too techy lets agree that an ideal ratio of Omega 3 (anti-inflammatory) to omega 6 (pro-inflammatory) should be 1:1. Unfortunately the modern Western diet of refined, processed and factory food is more skewed toward a ratio of 1:20. This is bad news for your health and partially helps explain the increase in metabolic and chronic health prevalence.

Poor quality veggie oils and rice bran oil apart are high in Omega 6 and are prone to going rancid. When you ingest rancid oil it causes oxidative stress in your body and will lead to cellular damage and inflammation. Be mindful that most processed food will have oils that do not contribute to health and wellness. However, one can be discerning when shopping and find healthy alternatives in most cases.

Healthy oils include cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, which is a better choice for cooking. It’s much more stable and tastes better too. Keep the heat low if frying and use a desert spoon of water to help reduce smoking. Other healthy oils are fatty fish, anchovy, cod liver oil, avocado, almonds, pumpkin seed, flax seed oil and evening primrose oil. These are rich in Omega 3.

Lastly if you are considering supplementing discuss options with your qualified health practitioner or pharmacist. This will ensure your choices are appropriate and safe to meet your needs.

What messages are we sending our kids Focal Point

What sort of people of this nation, are we becoming?

Needing to leave domestic violence and gambling to future articles – not that they don’t need urgently addressing, I want to address the need for a moral compass.

A world wide problem I know, yet it applies to the villages that receive this paper - from Mooroolbark to Marysville and from Healesville to Ferntree Gully and Belgrave.

Who is leading the way by holding up a moral compass?

Kids at a very young age are seeing models of living that send bad social messages.

Some may come from within their own homes from bad parental choices and relationships.

Another area of confusing mixed messages is seen in sports where kids see double standards of alcohol and gambling.

What about our young teens with so much inappropriate content on social media influencing their decisions and body image.

Someone who is flying a flag to lead the way out for girls and women is the Australian of the year 2023, Taryn Brumfitt, campaigning against the ills and negatives of body profiling for girls and women per-se.

Berne, the psychologist was just one of

Graeme Dawson

many who believed that children as young as four have picked up enough of what they believe to be the way life works and to run with it for years.

I previously worked with many of these former children who were still running on their 4 year old ‘script’ at 30, 40, 50 and 60 years of age.

We might well wonder where the answers will come from.

What do we do?

It’s not easy, as the answer lies in a multifaceted approach. Firstly, my belief is that we need to have good role models, which means to be modelling manhood and womanhood well.

We need strong principled parenting that has the ability to command respect and insist on workable and appropriate boundaries with real expectations and real consequences

for disobedience, non-compliance and deception. We need to vote in morally sound politicians who really have the community’s good at heart.

We need to clean up the inconsistencies in the messages we send to young people, especially what they see on TV, and in the main, have a strong agreed moral/value compass.

Without this we are lost.

Without a good model our kids may well follow bad models – second third and fourth generations often keep it going.

Without the built in moral compass, like a torch that lights the way, they may well flounder in life.

For me, I am working on the moral compass found in the Bible’s pages.

Now just before you turn the page with a cuss, tell me what better way you might approach a basis for solid ground.

The wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, wrote whole books in the bible on instruction for wise living.

It might also help to know that our legal systems, in law and government are based on the Judeo/Christian model as well.

Many Blessings as you try to be moral builder in your small corner of the world.

Graeme Dawson, Chaplain to Community

Unsettling, new and innovative horrors A review of New Fears: New Horror Stories by Masters of the Genre The beauty of reading is that however old a book seems to be, it is always brand new the first time we get to read it. Which is why books never go out of fashion.

Take New Fears – the 19 “brand new horror stories” in this 2017 collection are far from being new in terms of publishing date. Even the 21 stories in the follow-up New Fears 2 are already four years old by now.

But this anthology is still an eye-opening read. For starters, in his introduction to the book, editor Mark Morris highlights the unique quality of short horror stories. “If told well, [short stories] can retain a real sense of dread throughout their twenty- or thirty-page length, and pack a real punch.” More importantly: “All too often horror novels – perhaps because their authors feel a need to reward readers for the time they’ve invested in their work – end on a note of hope or redemption: the evil vanquished, the status quo restored. In short stories, however, there are no such restrictions, which is why short horror fiction tends to be darker and less reassuring, not to mention generally more ambiguous and experimental, mailcommunity.com.au

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN than lengthier, more conventional works.”

Indeed, via New Fears, Morris wants to demonstrate how wide – how almost limitless – the parameters of the horror genre can be, with the stories gathered here showcasing an eclectic mix of styles and approaches. To this English author, known for his novels based on the BBC TV series Doctor Who, the “fearful anticipation of reading an anthology and not knowing what is coming up next” can be a thrill itself.

The horror stories selected for this anthology are unsettling in new and innovative ways It is surprising how subtle they are, even when

traditional elements such as monsters, ghosts, ancient folklore and living myths are enlisted to cause distress and dread. Unexpectedly, what haunts readers long after the reading is done is not fear but other complex emotions conveyed through the pages – sadness, regret, grief, loss, missed opportunities, and diminished hope. Some of the more attractive stories in New Fears include “The Boggle Hole”, “Departures”, “The Abduction Door” and “The Swan Dive”, which, in their own unique ways, explore the choices (un)intentionally made and their unexpected consequences. Another outstanding story is “Dollies”, which is incredibly sad.

But this reviewer’s absolutely favourite is “The House of the Head”, an original and refreshing story featuring a family of dolls living in a dollhouse. “They were being haunted... A dead doll was haunting a family of living ones.

A broken figurine had come back, somehow, got into the house, and wouldn’t leave.”

As for who observes the haunting, who may or may not have done something about it and is now facing the consequences... well, you will just have to read the book to find out.

What’s coming up in theatres Kemp’s curtain call Burrinja Theatre Live on the Lawn 2023: Hot Summer Days meet Cool Summer Sounds Groove the afternoon away in the park at Burrinja this February. This minimusic festival features Alcides Net, Babagnaoush, Yusupha Ngum, and the Affia Band, and soul-funk royalty Kylie Auldist Season: Saturday February 25 at 12.p Venue The Park at Burrinja Ross Wilson celebrates 50 Years of Eagle Rock: From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected, and well-known artists. From the legendary Daddy Cool whose 19071 number one anthem Eagle Rock smashed all previous sales records in Australia.

As a solo performer, producer and songwriter, Wilson has never been out of the spotlight. Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson has written hits for Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham and Joe Cocker, and produced smash hit albums for Skyhook, Jo Jo Zee & the Falcons and Screaming Jets.

Season: Friday March 3 at 8pm.

Bookings: (03) 9754 8723 CPP Community Theatre CPP Community Theatre advises that the CPP A Capella Choir rehearsals have commenced.

If you would like to be involved or have any questions please email choir@ cppcommunitytheatre.com.au.

CPP Community Theatre are looking for volunteers to help out any way they can.

Whether it’s for costume or set construction, front of house, car parking, or even backstage, the Company would love to hear from you, please email chair@cppcommintytheatre.com.au Eltham Little Theatre Theatre Games: Join ELT or a Season of Theatre Games in February and March.

Theatre sports improv competition February 11.

A Play in a Day (or two) February 24 and 25.

Theatre Trivia: March 10.

Wanted Directors: Volunteer Positions: Experienced and emerging directors for 2024 or 2025 seasons.

Email for an expression of Interest form Playsekection@ekthamkittletheatre. org.au If you are interested in being considered as a director for 2024 or 2025.

You are invited to nominate one, two or three plays for consideration, and to provide some basic information about your proposal and about your expected availability. This invitation includes our Youth Production submissions.

ELT will be announcing their new Play Selection Committee Convenor in the New Year. However ELT aims to develop its 2024 playbill and to do at least preliminary planning for 2025 by mid2024.

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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PUZZLES

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William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

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

18 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING FAMILY HOME

THIS home is fantastic.

Be greeted by manicured front gardens, and very neatly presented road frontage in the wide leafy street.

Enter the home to the wide central hallway and high ceilings throughout and experience year round comfort with the ducted gas heating and a split system air conditioner.

With an expansive master bedroom complete with walk through robe and large ensuite complete with corner spa bath, shower and toilet.

There is a large formal lounge room/ media room at the front of the home.

The hallway then flows through to a formal dining room with French doors to a decked area, before cleverly opening up to an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room area.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop, oven, rangehood and dishwasher.

Enjoy entertaining utilising the large island bench as your guests soak in the light

filled surrounds and privately hedged rear yard before stepping out onto the vast rear entertaining deck.

There are 3 bedrooms towards the rear of the home, all of generous proportions with built-in-robes and utilising the family bathroom which has a bath and shower and then an independent toilet.

The laundry has built in cupboards and separate entry to the rear yard.

There is also a double lock-up garage attached to the home which allows access through to the rear fully fenced yard.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection today.

Call Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing.

Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3 Banks Road, PAKENHAM Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $795,000 - $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 and Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD

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

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

A SERENE SANCTUARY OF OVER ONE ACRE OFFERING the best in rural living combined with all of the conveniences of modern living, this spacious brick home is nestled on 4063m2 and will allow you to make the most of a private and picturesque setting.

Built for the current owners and offered for sale for the first time, there are multiple living areas to cater to every occasion including an L-shaped lounge and dining room with large windows that allow views over the property, meals/family room with doors that lead out to the covered and paved outdoor entertaining area and an enormous rumpus room with a built in bar that is ideal for entertaining.

The hub of the home is the kitchen which is fitted with Miele wall oven, gas hotplates and dishwasher, plenty of cupboards including appliance cupboard and a view over the enclosed rear yard.

There is also a large studio that would suit an artist, hobbyist or work from home situation. this area also has a powder room for your convenience.

Four bedrooms upstairs cater to the needs of a growing family, the master has a modern ensuite and the family bathroom also boasts a stylish upgrade.

An additional powder room services the two downstairs areas. Ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling and bamboo flooring are just some of the added bonuses.

A full length verandah offers another vantage point to enjoy the surrounds while you make the most of Sunday brunch.

Featuring your own lake that is surrounded by colourful flowering annuals, the scene is set for you to spend time relaxing with family and friends as you watch the variety of native birds that visit or perhaps read a book in the tranquil setting.

Situated within easy reach of everything that the friendly township of Monbulk has to offer including Monbulk Secondary, public transport, major supermarkets and cafes.

This is sure to be a family favourite. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 35-37 Rankins Road, MONBULK Price: $900,000 - $990,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

LOCATION, LOCATION THIS stunning property is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It offers an abundance of space, privacy, and tranquillity. Located in a highly soughtafter pocket of Mount Evelyn, it is close to the Warburton Trail and Lilydale Lake.

The home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms and a powder room.

The formal lounge is spacious and there is a family room, rumpus room and formal dining.

The kitchen is large and well-appointed with stone bench tops and meals area and there is an additional kitchenette.

Outside, the property boasts two 12 x 6 metre sheds, and a double carport.

There is plenty of room for a pony or two and the 4.5 acres of land offers an ideal spot to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your own private oasis. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 74 David Road, MOUNT EVELYN Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $1,750,000 - $1,795,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Bill Verhagen phone: 0417 371 987, email: bill@integrityrealestate.com.au, INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE

12588592-ET06-23

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

IDYLLIC ACREAGE WITH IMPRESSIVE HOME WITH over 1 acre of wildlife-welcoming landscaped gardens highlighted by meandering pathways and bridges over beautiful ponds, this property is truly something special. Fully fenced and featuring a sealed drive, triple garage, workshop, wood shed, veggie beds, and more, inspection promises to impress at this exceptional Hills home.

This beautiful brick dwelling with extensive under-house storage offers comfortable family living for one fortunate family. The foyer branches to the formal lounge and dining area with large fire, vaulted ceilings, a stylish bar, and quality carpet underfoot. The kitchen with Bosch and Westinghouse appliances and custom glass splashback overlooks a versatile meals area/family room that leads out to the expansive covered deck. With easy access to the lower level firepit area with bespoke curved accent wall, this property is primed and ready for plenty of entertaining.

The focus on family comfort is also apparent in the smartly situated bedrooms.

The main bedroom is a highlight with a stylish shower ensuite, walk-in robe, and

adaptable reading room/study or idyllic nursery. The carpeted family bedrooms with built-in robes share a luxurious bathroom with dual sink vanity and relaxing freestanding tub. Add to this a second study and this home also opens options for extended family living or a superb work-fromhome space.

With additional highlights including solar power, cubby house, and a lifestyle location near local townships and picturesque Birdsland Reserve walking trails, this property is a rare find in this tightly held pocket of premier homes. Plan your viewing today.

Landscaped 4,323sqm (approx.) fenced property with triple garage and workshop Immaculate family home with open plan living and dining with deck access Kitchen with quality appliances overlooking a versatile dining area/family room Beautiful bedrooms including main with ensuite, walk-in robe, and reading/room study or ideal nursery Lifestyle location near bus and train transport, Birdsland Reserve, and Belgrave Heights Christian College. ●

· · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 227 Mt Morton Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,200,000 - $1,320,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

48 Belgrave-Gembrook Road BELGRAVE STYLISH UPDATES AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS

$780,000 - $850,000 3A1B3C

This stylishly updated residence set on a sprawling 1,831sqm (approx.) block with wonderful valley views, veggie beds, cubby house, and terraced lawn area, offers move-in readiness in a magnificent location. This renovated home’s interior will impress with a modern rustic aesthetic.

FOR SALE

227 Mt Morton Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$1,200,000 - $1,320,000 4A2B2C

IDYLLIC ACREAGE WITH IMPRESSIVE FAMILY HOME

With over 1 acre of wildlife-welcoming landscaped gardens highlighted by meandering pathways and bridges over beautiful ponds, this property is truly something special. Fully fenced and featuring a sealed drive, triple garage, workshop, wood shed, veggie beds, and more, inspection promises to impress at this exceptional Hills home.

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

Sam Adamson

Brad Conder

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

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

FOR SALE

4/6 Pleasant Road, FERNTREE GULLY PRIME POSITION WITH SWEEPING CITY VIEWS

$490,000 - $520,000 2A1B1C

FOR SALE

1 Leslie Street, BELGRAVE

$680,000 to $740,000 3A1B1C

MOVE-IN READY HOME

With options to start out, scale down, or supplement your property portfolio, this neatly presented unit promises to make any new homeowners proud. With sweeping views straight through to the sparkling city lights, this unit is truly something special.

This move-in ready residence merely moments from Belgrave village offers the best of Hills living near the heart of town. Set to a backdrop of serene leafy views on a sizeable 1,211sqm (approx.) natural landscape with single carport and fenced yard, this property is the perfect entryway into this picturesque location.

Sam Adamson

Suzie Brannelly

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

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

Daniel Steen

Brad Conder

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

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

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

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 23

HOME FOCUS

SECLUDED AND PRIVATE LOCATION LARGE, spacious and filled with an abundance of sunlight, this quality, craftsmanship built, 1980’s family home captures all that was great from such a wonderful era.

Spanning over 2 levels of living space, the versatile floorplan has been extremely well designed and offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 separate living areas.

There’s certainly enough space for everybody.

Whether you use any of the bedrooms as home office set ups, or potential Air B&B income from the lower level space, this home has the ability to adapt and grow to your every need.

Offering not only the convenience of gas ducted heating throughout, there is also a charming wood heater in the relaxed living area as well as an open fire taking centre stage in the main family room.

Adjoining both living spaces is the stylish kitchen offering epic views.

Expansive benchtops, a walk in pantry and breakfast bar, complete the space, giving a relaxed and comfortable place to enjoy a coffee, a meal or just great conversation.

Exposed beams, timber panelling and floor to ceiling windows make this home truly inspiring for those who simply love this era of design or those appreciating the light and space it offers.

Enjoy the valley and treetop views from the covered deck, with direct access from both the kitchen and family room.

A large 2 car garage with internal downstairs access also has its own separate driveway entrance and connects to a large amount of under house storage.

An additional storage area is ideal for a wine cellar, but could also be perfect for those who need extra space.

Outside, the circular driveway leads to a separate carport and front entry foyer, with surrounding paved areas.

Cute pathways meander around the ½ acre property where you can also find a pottery or artists studio, beautiful gardens and extra parking.

On a quiet no-through road, within walking distance to the local primary school, bus stop and the Belgrave South shopping hub, this secluded family property offers enough room for everyone in a sought after, tightly held location. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 19 Cambridge Street, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,250,000 - $1,360,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

3 Luke Place, Guys Hill, Beaconsfield

$745,000 - $785,000

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

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.

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

A

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$880,000 - $940,000

What an opportunity! Expansive 6 bedroom family home, with huge shed on 1/2 an acre!

This is an amazing family home. With 6 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, offering the possibility of sharing a multi-generational home/dual occupancy. All bedrooms have BIRs & carpet. Master bedroom has an ensuite. The further two bathrooms contain both a toilet & shower. The larger bathroom offers a corner spa bath. The kitchen has a 900mm electric oven & gas stove, & overlooks the lounge area & rumpus room. This home features high ceilings, ducted heating, ducted vacuum, wood fire, air conditioners & a rear deck that is 9m*12 m & fully covered to facilitate all year around entertaining.

The garden has fruit trees, a dedicated dog area, chicken yard, & a paved area. There is under house storage and a brand new massive 9m * 11m, 4 car shed with concrete floor & 4m high walls.

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

2

8 Redwood Road, Gembrook

4 Lisheen Road, Cockatoo

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

C

$700,000 - $760,000

6

3 Banks Road, Pakenham

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$795,000-$850,000

Brilliantly located 3 bedroom home in the heart of Gembrook!

Absolutely stunning family home, luxurious and spacious!

This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom family home in a prime position on a leafy street, is close to the vibrant Gembrook main street, playground, shopping amenities, skate park & primary school. The kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances, gas stovetop, electric oven, rangehood and dishwasher.

The kitchen, dining and lounge room are open plan, with carpet in the lounge & neutral toned tiles in the kitchen & dining, with both a split system and gas ducted heating keeping the home cosy.

All three bedrooms are a generous size with built in robes, and utilise the family bathroom which contains both a bath, shower and toilet. There is an additional toilet located near the laundry, with the laundry offering direct access to the backyard. The backyard has a lovely covered entertaining deck and a single car garage/workshop. The backyard is private and fully fenced.

Enter the home to the wide central hallway & high ceilings throughout, featuring ducted gas heating & a split system air conditioner. The master bedroom has a walk through robe & large ensuite complete with corner spa bath, shower & toilet. There is a formal lounge room/media room at the front of the home. Then a formal dining room with French doors to a decked area. Then an open plan kitchen, dining & lounge room area at the rear. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop, oven, rangehood & dishwasher & island bench. There are 3 bedrooms towards the rear of the home, all with BIRs & utilising the family bathroom with a bath & shower & then an independent toilet. The privately hedged rear yard has a vast rear entertaining deck. There is also a DLUG attached to the home which allows access through to the rear fully fenced yard.

Aaron Day M 0407365994

Brennan Mileto M 0422996451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

3

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Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

4

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bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 25

HOME FOCUS

COMPLETE PRIVACY, WALK TO TOWN NESTLED amongst established gardens and located within walking distance to the thriving Gembrook township the home offers complete privacy whilst still enjoying the convenience of having everything at your fingertips.

Set on an impressive 4,556m2 (over 1 acre) mostly flat block, the home is ideal for the growing family and is calling for you to add your personal touch. The home boasts a spacious living room that is flooded with natural light and enjoys garden views and features a wood fire for those cooler evenings. The adjoining dining room and kitchen is complete with breakfast bar, great cupboard and bench space and stainlesssteel appliances including dishwasher.

There are four bedrooms in total, the master is complete with full ensuite whilst the remaining three bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom.

The great sized laundry completes the residence. Special features include ducted heating, timber floorboards and great storage throughout.

Entertain with ease in the massive paved and covered outdoor entertaining, with views across the garden, this space offers complete privacy for you and your friends and family.

The kids and furry family members can run and play on the expansive lawn areas whilst you kick back and relax in the outdoors.

For the toys and tools there is a double garage under roofline as well as excellent secure off-street parking for trailers/ caravans/boat etc.

This is one the whole family can love and enjoy, inspect with absolute confidence. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 55 Gembrook Road, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $900,000 - $990,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

3 Menlo Avenue, Tecoma

3 Bilocla Avenue, Cockatoo

3 Seaview Road, Cockatoo

CEDARWOOD CHARM

PICTURE PERFECT IN EVERY WAY ON 4,393m2!

PRIVATE & SPACIOUS FAMILY FAVOURITE

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $730,000-$799,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Denise McKay 0479 184 147 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $890,000 - $970,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $760,000 - $820,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

55 Gembrook Road, Gembrook

1280 Pakenham Road, Mount Burnett

20 Margaret Road, Avonsleigh

COMPLETE PRIVACY, WALKING DISTANCE TO TOWN!

HUGE POTENTIAL ON OVER 5 ACRES

‘HIDDENVIEW’ A COUNTRY ESCAPE ON 1 ACRE

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

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

GUIDE $900,000 - $990,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Sue Colic 0421 772 610 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

FOR SALE.

1 Dunstan Road, Avonsleigh

126 Stillwells Deviation, Avonsleigh

46 Westlands Road, Emerald

NEAT, SWEET, READY AND WAITING!

THE VERY BEST OF COUNTRY LIVING ON 5,074M2

PRESTIGE LOCATION AND A VIEW TO THRILL

2 T

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GUIDE $910,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781

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FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

FOR SALE.

GUIDE $680,000 - $740,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

GUIDE $990,000-$1,080,000 INSPECT By Appointment CONTACT Justin Barrot 0438683781 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

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

mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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MAIL 27

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades

V Driveways

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

DRIVEWAYS

Phone: 1300 666 808

- Regraveling & Concrete - Site Cuts - Retaining Walls - Footings/Holes Augered - Horse Arenas

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

CALL FRANK: 0419 894 596

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

J.L. Hutt Electrical

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

12493755-SN19-21

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Jason 1300 644 698

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EARTHWORKS ฀ ฀ ฀

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C1039154-JM27-12

REPLACE IT WITH ASPHALT! IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN!

Daniel Brown Mobile: 0409 395 635

12518757-DL44-21

Email: daniel@topcatdriveways.com.au Visit our website at: www.topcatdriveways.com.au

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

Excavators 3 to 20 ton * Bobcats & Tippers * Mini Digger * Augers * Compactors All types earthworks * Driveways *Site Cuts * Drainage & Retaining Walls Demolition & Rubbish Removal * Blocks Cleared & trees Felled * Firebreaks All types Rock & Concrete Drives, Slabs & Pathways Licensed Operators * Fully Insured * Free Quotes * All Areas www.klplant.com.au A/H 9754 8424 Call Ken

0412 593 503

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start?

Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

1003429-PJ6-12

Phone Steve Ph: 5968 2508 Mobile: 0417 723 745

V Fencing & Gates

PETER’S FENCING and GATES All types of fencing – rural, timber or colorbond Gates and Retaining Walls Expert Work at Mates Rates No job too small

Free Quotes

CARPENTER

0408 901 088

Call Joseph - 0420 422 263

V Guttering

GUTTER CLEANING 12562316-SN32-22

• We Take The Mess • All Downpipes Cleared • Before & After Photos • Fully Insured www.spoutsuckers.com.au

12589138-JC06-23

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL DRIVEWAY WASHED OUT?

melbourne.asphalt@bigpond.com

฀ ฀

1178985-CG14-15

EXCAVATIONS CONCRETE * LANDSCAPING * PLANT HIRE

V Asphalting

Small Job Specialist

V Carpenters C762441-KK7-10

V Bobcat/Earthmoving

section of Network Classifieds.

5968 8493

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CALL FOR A QUOTE

0434 666 040

Need your gutters cleaned?

Call today to

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

12550881-AI21-22

Phone Mike 0419 887 499 www.mjbathroomrenovations.com.au

Trades & Services

0418 327 737

฀ ฀ ฀

• Excavator 5 Tonne and 15 Tonne • Bobcat Hire • Tip Truck Hire • All Types of Excavation Work • Holes Augered • Site Cuts • Driveways • Blocks Levelled and Shaped • Retaining Walls • Trenching • Free Quotes • No Jobs Too Big or Too Small

12586335-JC03-23

12522612-JW47-21

COMPLETE OR PARTIAL BATHROOM RENOVATIONS 20 Years’ Experience in all facets of the building trade RELIABLE TRADESMAN

V Builders & Building Services 12415450-FA15-19

V Bathroom & Kitchens

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

• Driveways • Car Parks • Pathways, Tennis Courts, Draining, School Yards, Machine or Hand Laid Asphalt Repairs • Commercial & Domestic • Free Quotes • Timber & Brick Edging

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S&V RELIABLE EARTHWORKS 12560928-HC35-22

9870 7059

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CALL GREG 0438 683 141 OR REGAN 0439 208 693.

CALL AFTER HOURS 5968 3140

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

www.fairbairns.com.au

฀ ฀

12436017-SN51-19

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EST. 1987 All work guaranteed

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

12438941-CG04-20

V Electricians

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies.)

Deadline for all classifications is 4pm Friday.

12551917-SG22-22

Field-Shop PL Specialising In:

0400 877 774 1300 654 253 guttervac.com.au

12565557-MS35-22

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General Notices V Rubbish Removal

HANDYMAN SERVICES • Trade Qualified • For All Your Home Maintenance Repairs • No Job Too Small

Rubbish Removal & Demolition

Andrew 0408 242 015 | Chloe 0448 393 959

V Septic Tanks

• Domestic • Commercial • Installation & Maintenance • Sewerage Connections • Septic Tanks & Stormwater Drains • Drain Blockages • Burst Pipes • LPG to Natural Gas Conversions • Hot Water Service Repairs & Renewals • Spouting, Roofing Repairs & Installation

5 SHERIFF ROAD, EMERALD

• Septic Tanks • Treatment Plants • Grease Traps • EPA Licence • Portable Toilets

5962 4841

General Plumbing Gas Fitting Hot & Cold Water Roof & Spouting Pumps & Tanks Farm Water Boring & Trenching Sewerage Connections Septics & Sand Filters

1170652-HM05-15

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Lic No. 29938

CALL US ON 0458 735 250

TREE SERVICES

9754 6686 ฀

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Call Darren on 0404 040 686 FULLY INSURED

V Roofing

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Paul 0418 570 231 Lic. 25035

12402861-RA44-18

All types of Roofs

paulnobes@live.com.au

12382862-RA13-18

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Mountain Views Star Mail • All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

Ranges Trader Star Mail

• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

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SPORT

Health Snooks will represent Victoria at the National Cricket Inclusive Championships.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Heath Snooks and Victoria Vikings assistant coach Chris Lane.

Snooks off to the champs

By Parker McKenzie Heath Snooks’ path to being a Victorian Vikings cricket player and representing his state at the upcoming National Cricket Inclusion Championships wasn’t an easy one.

“The first two times I tried out, I fell a bit short and got put on the reserve list,” he said.

“I took it on the chin and stayed committed and dedicated because this is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

The Boronia local wants to be a part of history when the Victorian representative side attempts to win the championships for a record three times in a row.

“Getting that phone call was probably the best day I’ve ever had and I was lost for words at the end,” Snooks said.

“What made the difference was I changed my skill level up, kept my fitness up to scratch and took the feedback Chris and our head coach Billy gave me.”

Victoria Vikings manager Chris Lane has helped develop the All Abilities Cricket competition in Victoria, which now has three divisions catering to the needs of the players.

He said the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association gives players like Snooks the opportunity to play in a competition for intellectually disabled people and provides a pathway to play for Victoria and potentially Australia.

“Heath is one of those people that has been on the cusp for a while, but he is an example of what practice and willing to improve all the time can do,” Mr Lane said.

“He’s got the opportunity now up in Brisbane to put himself in front of the Australian selectors with the championships.”

The Australian Inclusive Cricket team plays an Ashes series against England and test matches against countries like South Africa and India, and at the NCIC Snooks will have the opportunity to be picked he performs strongly.

Mr Lane said the reason Victoria performs so well in both the Inclusion Championships and representation in the Australian team is because of the level of competition available in the state.

“Victoria is so far ahead of the other states in providing that local competition,” he said.

“The majority or a good portion of the

squad of the Australian team comes from Victoria, and 12 of the 14 players in the squad competing next week play in the Melbourne All Abilities Competition.”

Snooks was picked as a Victorian Viking for his batting — “We have enough guys who throw pies,” Lane jokes, but Snooks describes it as “hit and miss” bowling — and he said he is always trying to continue to evolve his game.

“I try to incorporate an all-round shot section, but predominantly I’m more aggressive when the ball is in my zone,” he said.

“Chris himself has really been emphasizing and trying to encourage playing more shots off to the side, but these things take time. The more we practice at it, the more you’ll be able to achieve those shots down the track.”

Snooks and Lane have a storied past together, with Lane his first coach when he picked up a bat a decade ago.

“He’s been a massive part of my life in cricket. He’s taught me so much, even though sometimes I still don’t listen to him,” Snooks said.

“I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have if it wasn’t for the support he has given me

across this journey.”

Lane said the association simply gives the players an opportunity to do what they love out on the cricket field.

“All we do with the clubs is provide a vehicle for them to shine because we see it as a program, not just a competition,” he said.

“It’s growing every year; we are very measured in our growth because we are a volunteer organisation.”

There are others who have facilitated Snooks’ success too.

He said the support from Croydon North Cricket Club and President Ryan Sleeman has been a huge benefit to his cricketing career.

“The fact is just this the support that I’ve had around me in the course of the journey has been extraordinary,” he said.

“Honestly it’s a massive honour and I really hope we can bring back the threepeat.”

The NCIC will run from Sunday 5 February until Friday 10 February in Brisbane, and also features a blind and deaf competition running concurrently.

Upwey-Tecoma prepares to head into finals season Mother nature had the final say on the weekend’s action, with no Upwey-Tecoma sides able to take the field due to grounds being under water after heavy rain. With no scores to report, now would be a good time to analyse each teams’ finals prospects as we head to the business end of the season.

First XI - currently in third spot on the ladder in the Norm Reeves Shield Upwey-Tecoma are on a hot streak, winning their last seven matches, which sees them equal second on points with Ferntree Gully.

Based on form, the Tigers should account for Knox Gardens and FTG Footballers, both at home. The Round 13 encounter with fellow finals aspirant Knoxfield away looms as key to their hopes of finishing top two and securing the double chance.

Skipper Jackson Waters will hope to continue his sublime form with the bat, currently second in the competition for runs with 442 at 63.14. Club Coach Julian Whetstone has emerged as one of the premier all-rounders of the FTGDCA this year, with 372 runs and 13 wickets to his name.

The form of these two will be crucial in the quest for a Tiger flag.

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Women’s XI - third in the Women’s League A maiden finals appearance has been locked away, with the only question being how high can they finish? The Tigers play top (Knox Gardens) and second (South Belgrave) in the run home, meaning their destiny is in their own hands.

Skipper Jacqui Cooke has led from the front, amassing 140 runs opening the batting while only being dismissed once. With the ball, Kaitlytn Roleff has been the most potent with four wickets and a solid economy rate. The Tigers will be looking to these two to continue their good form and take them deep into the finals.

Second XI - second in Division three It’s a case of fitting five teams into four spots

in Division three, with Upwey-Tecoma currently second, half a game off top spot but only one game ahead of fifth. The equation is simple - keep winning and secure the double chance. Lose and risk missing out on the March action altogether.

Chris Jewell has been in superb touch all year, leading the runs with 384 and the wickets with 11. The ace up their sleeve is young spinner Darcy Whitten. He’s captured nine wickets and had proved a class above in recent matches. If his good form continues, he will prove a handful for the opposition come finals time.

Third XI - fifth in Division five Sitting just outside the top four, the Tigers will likely have to win their remaining three fixtures to taste action in March, however their strong percentage may come into play (currently second highest in the division).

Wily all-rounder Brett Chapman (107 runs and four wickets) will have a huge say in this side’s finals hopes, having shrugged off an early-season injury to hit top form in recent weeks.

Fourth XI - fifth in Division seven Upwey-Tecoma are sitting in fifth, with a

tricky draw to round out their season. Three out of three wins will keep them in the hunt but they will also be reliant on other results to go their way.

The father-son trio of Gary, Campbell and Harry Gilbert have been massive contributors with both bat and ball and if the three can continue their fine form, who knows how far this team can go?

Under 16s - second in U16 Saxons Shield The young Tigers are sitting equal top of the table, recovering from a sluggish start and having not dropped a game since Round two.

A clash with fellow ladder leader Eildon Park looms large, with the prize being outright top spot and a potential ticket to a home grand final.

A season-ending injury to young speedster Hayden Smith will provide Coach Hunter Greenall with a bit to ponder. There is the depth to cover the loss however, with Zach Seal in great nick with the new ball. Plenty of runs have been flowing, with skipper Oskar Taylor leading the way with 225 runs and showing no signs of slowing down.

A very even spread of contributors across the team augers very well for a premiership tilt. mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Another win under belt Saturday pennant. Round 13.

Monbulk 1 played away at Lilydale in a crucial first versus second-match.

Karen Rice’s team led throughout the front half and held a 5-shot margin by the tea break.

In the back half, conditions on the rink had changed and the home team adapted more readily. The Monbulk team could only win three more singles. Lilydale caught up by the thirteenth end, then won a few doubles to increase their lead. Monbulk managed to salvage the last two ends but couldn’t make up the difference. Monbulk lost the rink 13 shots to 19.

Brian Smith’s team started strongly and held a 7-shot lead after the seventh end. Then they dropped the next four ends to give up the lead and trail by 3 shots. Then Monbulk grabbed a big 6 shotter and regained the lead. Lilydale then levelled with a 3 shotter and the game at that time was up for grabs. In the run home Monbulk was able to claim the mat more times than Lilydale and hang on for a close win 25 shots to 22.

Jim Bras’ team also started strongly, only dropping four singles in the front half. They led 19 shots to 6 after the twelfth end. Then, after the break, Lilydale started winning the mat with some big scores. The Monbulk lead was eroded. Thankfully the finish line arrived while the scoreboard was still in favour of Monbulk, with a win 22 shots to 18.

Eric Markham’s team only dropped six ends for the day, but because their wins were mainly singles and their losses included three clangers, the scores were level several times during the match. Monbulk won the final four ends to take

the rink 20 shots to 15.

Overall Monbulk won 80 shots to 74 with three rinks up. They are still on top of the ladder going into the final round, only needing a win or even a draw on at least one rink next week to retain the top spot and go into the semi-final with a home-ground advantage. Next week Monbulk plays at home against Mooroolbark 2 who are well down on the ladder.

Monbulk 2 played at home against Dandenong RSL Rec 1.

Peter Lee’s team had a strong showing all day. They led by 4 shots at the halfway mark, then dropped only four ends in the back half, all for minor scores. Their wins included some good multiples. They won their rink 28 shots to 14.

Klaus Eisele’s team has been enjoying the home-ground competitions. They only lost the mat five times, all with small scores. They won the rink strongly 30 shots to 6.

Mike Harris’ team won ten of the twentyone ends, but they were mainly singles, with a couple of doubles. The clangers more than add up to the losing margin for Monbulk. They lost the rink 12 shots to 29.

Alan Hamilton’s team trailed for most of the front half, by a 9-shot margin at one stage. Then after the break, they put together a string of five winning ends to take the lead.

But, with the finish in sight, they dropped a 3 shotter and couldn’t quite make it up. They lost the rink 19 shots to 21.

Overall Monbulk won 89 shots to 70 with two rinks up. Next week Monbulk 2 plays

away against Vermont South 5, while the third-placed Willow Lodge plays away against the top side, Pakenham. There is only one ladder point separating third from fourth so there is a lot riding on next Saturday’s results.

Cockatoo/Monbulk played at Cockatoo against Lilydale 4.

Mark Blythman’s team had a close match in the number of ends won. Cockatoo/Monbulk managed to hang on by the slimmest of margins at the finish to win the rink 20 shots to 19.

Anthony Young’s team had a close front half, then raced out to a 14-shot lead with just four ends to play. In a thrilling finish, Lilydale grabbed some big scores to threaten, but Cockatoo/Monbulk saw it out 23 shots to 20.

Mark Coulter’s team had a very strong day out. They dropped only five ends for the day, for minor scores, and they picked up two 3s and a 5 among their winning ends. They won the rink 27 shots to 7.

Ken Earle’s team had a close front half. They led by just 2 shots at the halfway mark. In the back half, they were able to increase their lead and win the rink 17 shots to 11.

Overall Cockatoo/Monbulk won 87 shots to 57 with four rinks up. After a gradual climb through the season, they have finally cracked it to the top spot on the ladder. Next week in the final round of home and away matches, they play away against Yarra Glen who is sitting third. Even just a single rink win will give the Cockatoo/Monbulk side enough ladder points to secure the top spot and a home-ground final.

Pat Ray on the green for Monbulk.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Monbulk midweek bowlers see perfect conditions

By Jack Rollings Monbulk 1 played at home against the top side, Mooroolbark. The weather was near to perfect for bowling. Low twenties, no need for jackets, just a slight breeze.

The Monbulk clean green is settling down nicely. It was as fast and as wide as it had ever been, but, running consistently.

Jim Bras’ team picked up a 5 on the first end and that set the tone for the day. By the halfway mark Monbulk had 20 shots on the board and had dropped only two ends.

There was confident bowling by Monbulk, there was also a bit of luck. After lunch they continued, winning eight ends in a row and picking up some good multiples. Monbulk won the rink 39 shots to 6.

Brian Smith’s team picked up a 6 on the first end, and broke away for a good lead, but then dropped a 6 at the halfway mark.

By the thirteenth end, Mooroolbark had drawn level, then hit the front on the next end. Monbulk was then able to pick up four ends in a row to take back the lead by 7 shots.

And with just three ends left, Mooroolbark couldn’t bridge the gap. Monbulk won the rink 24 shots to 21.

Eric Markham’s team made the early jump and led for most of the front half.

Then they dropped a 4 shot clanger on the seventh end, gave up the lead and could never quite regain it.. Monbulk lost the rink 16 shots to 18.

Overall, Monbulk won 79 shots to 45 with two rinks up - a strong win against the top side who had only lost two rounds before today. Monbulk is still fourth on the ladder, with only a game’s win from Warburton in third spot.

With fifth spot currently more than 32 ladder points below Monbulk, and only two rounds to go, you could say that Monbulk is safely into the finals. But, will they have a home-ground final?

Next week Monbulk has another home match, this time against Monbulk 2 played away against Noble Park.

Peter Lee’s team won half the ends before lunch and was just 3 shots down at the halfway mark. After the break, they lost four ends in a row and the margin edged out to 10 shots. Then it was a close finish with both teams winning four ends out of the final mailcommunity.com.au

eight. Monbulk lost the rink 17 shots to 26.

Klaus Eisele’s team won more ends in the front half but they were all singles. After lunch, Noble Park kicked into gear and grabbed some big ones.

Monbulk won a good 3 shotter to level the scores again on the sixteenth end.

But, after that, for the final five ends, it was all Noble Park. Monbulk lost the rink 13 to 26.

Alan Hamilton’s team trailed for most of the front half, picking up only four ends.

After lunch, Noble Park grabbed 9 shots over three ends to take their lead out to 11 shots. Monbulk won six of the final seven ends, drawing closer and closer. Noble Park won a single with two ends to go. Then Monbulk won the final two ends to force a draw at 20 shots all.

Overall Monbulk lost 50 shots to 70, with one ladder point for the drawn rink. Monbulk is currently third on the ladder and, with both remaining matches to be played against lower sides, there is a better-thaneven chance of them playing finals.

Monbulk 3 played at home against Yarra Junction 1.

Mike Harris’ team trailed in the front half, picking up only four singles. After lunch, they flicked the switch and came good. They took the lead on the fourteenth end, then stormed home, winning most of the ends and also snatching an emphatic 5 shotter on the last end to win the rink 22 shots to 13.

Bruce Cockerill’s team came up against a very strong Yarra Junction combination, having just one loss for the season. Monbulk won five ends and managed to contain the clangers to just two. But they couldn’t take the mat away from Yarra Junction enough times to worry them. Monbulk lost the rink 7 shots to 28.

Ray Pike’s team had a strong front half, dropping only three ends and leading by 15 shots at the halfway mark.

In the back half, they did drop three clangers but they kept winning more ends and preserving their leading margin. Monbulk won the rink 30 shots to 14.

Overall Monbulk won the round by 59 shots to 55 with two rinks up.

In the final two rounds, Monbulk plays sides that are below third place, so, with some solid wins, there is a good chance of moving up the ladder and playing finals.

Greg Meyers bowls for Monbulk.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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