Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 28th March 2023

Mountain Views

Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

Mail

Fault line found as cause of 2021 earthquake

Rural Rainbows receive grant boost

VNPA push to protect Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly

Cire students learn how to care for animals at FFA

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A Star News Group Publication

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Tree’s fate splits public News that the historic old Mountain Grey Gum that has stood in Ottrey’s Car Park at the Warburton Recreation Reserve was set for removal sparked mixed responses from the community.

Yarra Ranges Council made the tough decision to remove the tree by Friday 24 March due to significant decay and the dangers posed by its high risk of falling with the response from residents mixed to the news. Some were saddened but took an opportunity to farewell the tree, while others protested and did everything in their power to prevent it being chopped down.

Story Page 5

The tree was barricaded off due to protests.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Burglaries blitz

By Tanya Steele and Callum Ludwig Police are investigating after multiple burglaries overnight last Thursday and Friday in Healesville.

Healesville Jewellers, the Sloppy Seconds clothing shop and Payten and Jones Winery

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were targeted, leaving owners devastated and keen for justice.

Sergeant Officer-in-charge at Healesville Police Kirsty Swankie said the burglaries are being investigated by Healesville Police and the Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU).

“We have CCTV and are trying to ID some offenders, the investigation is of high priority,” she said.

Sally Piper has owned Healesville Jewellers for 32 years and went to enter her store from the back on Friday 24 March when she noticed the front window was smashed in two places.

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Ms Piper said she didn’t see it until she had already started setting up for the day.

“I just started and I looked up and thought it’s really weird there was a silvery snaky effect on the glass and at first I thought someone had fallen against the shutters.”

Continued Page 3

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IN BRIEF

Tragic revenge tale After being sacked for stealing from a council job he loved, Glenn Usher-Clarke spent years seething and brewing his hatred for an old friend who dobbed him in.

He moved interstate to help support his ailing mother and formed a plan to murder Marty Sheahan, then kill himself, the Coroners Court in Melbourne was told on Friday.

Usher-Clarke obtained a gun permit in NSW, despite worsening mental health and suffering three strokes that had altered his personality.

On Australia Day 2022, the 57-year-old was staying with his daughter in Warburton. He left two suicide notes and went to Mr Sheahan’s home where he shot him dead in front of his wife.

After the murder, Usher-Clarke went to a toilet block and took his own life. Before his death, he called and texted loved ones, including a friend whom he told: “I’ve just killed Marty, I’m ringing to say goodbye”.

Coroner Sarah Gebert, who is investigating the deaths of both men, indicated she would make a recommendation about the use of interstate gun permits in Victoria.

“I am acutely aware the circumstances of this case would have originally involved a criminal trial,” she told the court. “Unfor-

tunately some questions may remain unanswered.”

Mr Sheahan’s family, including his two children and three stepchildren, attended the hearing.

His partner of 30 years, who called police after the shooting, wailed as details of his death were aired.

“The thought of not being with him was never a consideration, it was just Marty and me forever,” she said, in a statement read to court.

Usher-Clarke had known Mr Sheahan since they met as teenagers through junior football.

In the years before the shooting, he suffered three strokes and his family noticed significant changes to his personality, including heightened emotions and child-like behaviours.

Mr Sheahan, who worked in infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council, recommended UsherClarke for a casual position at the council in 2015.

After a back injury, divorcing from his wife and suffering aneurysms, Usher-Clarke believed the council position was a “pinnacle” in his life, coronial investigator Alicia Thorp said.

“He saw it as an opportunity to break the cycle of unstable employment,” she said.

But he was sacked that same year after stealing a chainsaw. Mr Sheahan heard about

the theft and reluctantly told his supervisor, who later fired Usher-Clarke.

Detective Thorp said his hatred for Mr Sheahan had “festered” after the 2015 sacking.

He became depressed, withdrew from his friends and relocated to Narooma in NSW to be near his elderly mother, telling people he hated Mr Sheahan and he was “meant to be his f***ing mate”.

After his mother moved into assisted living and he fell out with one of his brothers, she said Usher-Clarke began plotting the murder.

He legally obtained a NSW gun permit and began a goodbye tour to visit friends he hadn’t seen for years as he moved back to the Yarra Valley, Det Thorp said.

NSW required Usher-Clarke to answer one medical question to get a gun licence, whereas in Victoria there were four, including mental health, alcohol or drug issues and conditions such as a stroke or brain injury, she said.

Det Thorp said Victoria’s process was “most certainly” more rigorous. However, she noted the state allowed interstate permit holders a three-month grace period to obtain a Victorian licence.

The coroner will deliver her findings at a later date.

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Burglary blitz in Healesville stuns victims From page 1 “I saw the hole from the inside and I came out. I called the police straight away before learning they were already in the area. They didn’t get into the back of the shop, so that’s a blessing.”

The store was mostly secure due to the alarm system and security shutters but a few items were stolen through the storefront window and Ms Piper was quite shaken up by the incident. Friends and passersby stopped throughout to comfort her with coffee and flowers while she waited for the crime squad to investigate further.

Eyewitness Ian Callen lives across the road from the Healesville Jewelers and was awoken by banging on the shop windows and saw two people using a phone light to look at the windows.

“At about 12.20am we heard them kicking panels and they were using their phones to shine onto the locks. Susan was on the phone to the police at this stage,” he said.

The pair returned around 1.30am and smashed the security doors and windows Mr Callen opened his window facing the street and yelled out, at which point the pair ran down the street.

Around 1.43am the same pair broke into Sloppy Seconds and owner Mitch Smith said they stole about $300 worth of very identifiable men’s designer clothing.

The boarded up window at Payten and Jones Winery.

“It was the sports t-shirts, the band tees, the Ralph Lauren, and this is the second time we’ve been targeted. We are pretty annoyed, we do a lot on the street, we’ve fixed the property up next door and property up down the end,” Mitch said.

“In the last six to eight months, I haven’t opened very often because the amount of theft in store has been ridiculous. I’m going to close, that’s it, I’m done. We had a lot of fun post-Covid but this isn’t fun at all.”

There were signs at Payten and Jones Winery that someone tried to enter through the rear of the building, before smashing through a glass door on the side of the building, entering and then setting off the alarm. This was also the second time they had been targeted recently, with a washroom window still boarded up after a previous break-in attempt.

Police ramp up efforts to find Rodney Officers have been told 72-year-old Rodney was last seen in Kinglake at about 1.30pm on 5 March.

He has not been seen since or had contact with his family.

Police and Rodney’s family have concerns for his welfare due to his age and medical conditions.

Police Air Wing, Search and Rescue Squad members along with local officers will be conducting patrols in Kinglake and surrounding suburbs An image of Rodney has been released in the hope someone will come forward with information about his current whereabouts.

Rodney is described as having grey hair, 164cm tall, fair skin and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing dark-coloured pants and a dark-coloured long sleeve shirt.

Anyone who sees Rodney or has information on his whereabouts is urged to call Eltham Police Station on (03) 9430 4500.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

Ausnet aerial inspections Residents of Don Valley, East Warburton, Glenburn, Gruyere, Healesville, Launching Place, Millgrove, Toolangi, Wandin East, Woori Yallock and Yarra Glen are not to be alarmed by helicopters overhead this week.

Ausnet will be doing aerial inspections of the powerlines in these areas from Monday 27th to Thursday 30th March.

The alarm went off at Payten and Jones Winery when the burglars attempted to break in.

Anyone with information is urged to please contact Yarra Ranges CIU at 03 9739 2401, Healesville Police at (03) 5962 4422 or submit a report via Crime Stoppers.

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where it’s needed most

Local SES and CFA crews assisted Ambulance Victoria at the scene of a motorbike accident in Yarra Glen on Sunday 26 march, The motorcyclist had gone over a railing and down an embankment, requiring assistance to be safely brought back to the road to be attended to by paramedics and transported to hospital.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics were called to the scene at about 4.10pm.

“One woman believed to be in her 50s was taken to the Alfred Hospital with a lower-body injury in a stable condition.,” they said.

The incident occurred on a bend on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, not far out of the Yarra Glen township.

Lilydale and Healesville’s SES units attended alongside Coldstream and Yarra Glen CFA and Lilydale SES Unit Controller Shaun Caulfield said their crews arrived within 10 minutes after being notified at about 4.20pm.

“The key is bringing multiple extra sets of hands and a coordinated approach for these situations, it’s one of the things that we train extensively for. In this particular setting, we didn’t need to use any of our mule or roping systems,” he said.”

“We regularly work with Ambulance Victoria on patient and casualty handling so that we can make sure that when we do have to move patients around, it’s done in a safe manner.

We do somewhere between 20 and 30 jobs a year where we assist AV with managing and extricating patients in difficult and tricky locations.”

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‘Blind’ fault line identified

By Callum Ludwig Yarra Ranges residents were left shaken across the region after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake originating from Woods Point hit in September 2021, with the incident now known to have been caused by a ‘blind’ fault line in the area according to new research led by experts at The Australian National University (ANU).

The earthquake was Victoria’s largest recorded earthquake since record keeping began around two centuries ago.

Lead researcher and a seismologist at the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences Dr Sima Mousavi said blind faults can pose a significant threat as they can generate large earthquakes but they are hidden from us.

“This can make it difficult to identify areas that are at risk from earthquakes, which can be dangerous for communities living nearby,” she said in a statement “While blind faults may be more difficult to identify and study than faults with surface exposure, it is important to understand their location and behaviour and potential hazards in order to properly assess earthquake risk and take appropriate measures to protect communities and infrastructure.”

15 minutes after the initial event, a 4.0 (Mw) aftershock was also recorded.

Chief Scientist at the Seismology Research Centre Adam Pascale said despite being the epicentre, Woods Point suffered less from the quakes than even places like the Melbourne CBD. “The effect of earthquakes really depends on what our structures are built on, if it’s on nice solid bedrock, it’s probably not going to shake as much or for as long as if you’re on soft soil or sediments. People in Woods Point said it didn’t even knock the cans off the shelf at the pub,” he said.

“An area like Melbourne is built has a lot of

A Geoscience Australia map showing the epicentre and details of the September 2021 earthquake.

Picture: ON FILE

earthquakes are ‘blind’ because the compression our tectonic plate is under which often prevents them from rupturing the surface.

“In this case, this fault was aligned with the direction of compression. So it was one part sliding past another, so you don’t get plates coming over the top of each other like you see in animations about San Andreas, you don’t get the vertical offset at the surface which makes it easier to find,” he said.

“For this case, they even used satellite data and it was very hard to see anything, so this

is one of those earthquakes that has mostly happened under the surface.”

Since the Woods Point earthquake, well over 1000 aftershocks have been recorded and continue to be every week, albeit very small ones.

The Seismology Research Centre posts a weekly earthquake map of Australia on their social media accounts of the same name for anyone interested or seeking information about earthquakes.

sedimentary rock and river silts which tends to shake and amplify the signal. If you’re living in an area like a mountainous area like Warburton there are likely to be earthquakes in the area, but how you feel it depends on where you are and what you’ve built there” The Seismology Research Centre has seismic stations situated around Victoria, including one which was within 35km of the epicentre of the Woods Point earthquake and 20-30 stations within 100km of it.

Mr Pascale said a lot of Southeast Australia’s

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Frustration over bus route

By Tanya Steele Activists fighting to retain a key bus route to Melbourne are frustrated.

The Save the Bus Action Group of the Buxton Action Association is still waiting for communication from the Department of Transport and Planning (DotP) on updates about the 684 bus route from Eildon to Melbourne.

Proposed changes to the route will mean the bus will no longer go straight to the city, instead the route will finish at Chirnside Park, where commuters will have to catch a transfer bus to Lilydale station to get to the CBD. Carmel Denham, a convenor from the group, has been met with frustration when trying to communicate with the Department of Transport and Planning.

“I sent at least five emails last year when this was first mooted and I’ve never been able to get a response,” she said.

Since last year Ms Denham along with around 100 people in the Save the Bus action group have been calling for action regarding

the changes to their bus service. The group has called and emailed the DoTP regularly regarding the issue and have not heard back.

The bus currently does its route in and out once a day and takes nearly three hours to get from Buxton all the way into the Melbourne CBD. Residents that choose to commute or are unable to drive often use the service for medical appointments closer to the city.

Ms Denham is concerned residents coming home from the city will be stranded at Lilydale station if they miss the connection to the bus.

If a train is delayed commuters will then miss the only bus and may not have other means of getting home.

Ms Denham said that often the 684 service is also used when commuters head into the city for bigger events such as the Garden show.

“There’s just so many times when there’s stuff happening in Melbourne that people will really fill the bus,” she said.

Last March, Carmal said the DoTP held a consultation in Healesville, but it was not well

advertised at the time.

“A few of us showed up and we asked to have some further information sessions north of Healesville through the Spur and it was only because we insisted that they had one other information session outside of the IGA FoodWorks Alexandra and that was it,” she said.

“The very people who use the service weren’t given proper opportunities to contribute, many of those who have joined the group feel they have not been heard”.

The key issue for the Save the Bus group is the proposed removal of the service between Lilydale and Southern Cross.

The Public Transport Victoria website had updates on the 684 route on 15 and 16 March stating there would be changes to the 684 route that would be implemented by mid 2023.

The updates specified that the Yarra Valley Bus network would be streamlining four of its services into two and that changes would result in an “improved reliability for Route 684 users due to a shortened route, with every trip also serving Coldstream and running to Chirn-

side Park Shopping Centre.”

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish raised the matter in Parliament on Thursday 23 March calling on the DoPT to act on the community consultation feedback.

“The government has been sitting on their hands for close to a year after community consultation took place about the proposed changes to the 684 bus route,” she said.

“It is important for the community to know their feedback was heard and has been taken onboard.”

Brad Sanders, manager at McKenzies bus service, has said the company is “working with the DoTP” on the matter.

A DoTP Spokesperson said future services on the Yarra Valley bus network are still being finalised following community consultation last year.

“We will continue to keep the community informed on any proposed changes to Yarra Valley bus routes,” the spokesperson said.

The department is currently preparing a response for the Buxton Progress Association.

Historic Warburton tree set for axe despite protests

By Callum Ludwig A historic old Mountain Grey Gum has stood in the Ottrey car park at the Warburton Recreation Reserve for many years but sadly it will soon be gone.

Yarra Ranges Council made the tough decision to remove the tree by Friday 24 March due to significant decay and the dangers posed by its high risk of falling with the response from residents mixed to the news.

Some were saddened but took an opportunity to farewell the tree, while others protested and did everything in their power to prevent it being chopped down.

Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure Hjalmar Philipp there had been a significant deterioration in the tree’s condition since the last report in 2016, with little structural wood remaining in the tree.

“A recent report compiled on the health and structure of the tree determined that about 80 per cent of the tree – a eucalyptus, composed of two trunks – is decayed wood caused by a wood-rotting fungus,” he said.

“Currently, two cables tied in the tree’s upper canopy are providing the main structural support for the tree.”

A number of Warburton residents gathered at the tree at about 3.30pm on Monday 20 March, donning the tree with a sash of golden fabric and pinning messages of thanks and memories to it.

Mr Phillip said though the foliage (leaves) of the tree is in good condition, it is the condition of the trunk that has extensive decay and a split.

“Our arborists considered other methods

Will the tree remain? to reduce the risk, but due to the trunk decay and the potential risk, the tree has been recommended for removal,” he said.

“We understand that the tree has been at the Recreation Reserve carpark for a significant period of time, but it now poses an unacceptable risk to visitors.”

Council are looking to do replanting in the vicinity of the area after the removal, with the former tree potentially to be acquired by Treasuring Our Trees to be given a second life.

Warburton resident Maya Ward organised the gathering and said the tree had been a very beautiful and prominent part of the vil-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Residents gathered to farewell the tree.

Picture: SUPPLIED

lage in her experience.

“I really wanted to give people a chance to express their love and appreciation and also just to see what the possibility was to keep it, understanding primarily that the council have an enormous responsibility to do the right thing and keep people safe,” she said.

“I think it would be really wonderful when they are doing the urban design redevelopment of the site that that tree and its age and significance is memorialized somehow.”

A protester got in the way of Yarra Ranges Council’s tree crew on Thursday 23 March, with Victoria Police assistance now required to keep the site safe and ensure people re-

main clear of the fenced-off area.

Yarra Ranges Council also apologised for any confusion regarding the arborist report that declared the tree unsafe, which was dated to have been conducted in 2022 at the top of the report in error.

Since the first discovery of decay in the tree in 2016, Council has implemented a number of measures to prolong its life such as conducting regular arborist reports, putting in dynamic cabling, bracing and pruning. A Sonic Tomograph - an instrument used for measuring decay and the structural integrity of trees - has been used to monitor the tree, showing that it’s degradation has consistently worsened since 2016

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Rural Rainbows funds joy

By Callum Ludwig The Yarra Ranges branch of the Rural Rainbows group is set to receive a boost with a grant from the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) and the Victorian Government.

Started in early 2022, Rural Rainbows has provided a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth in the Yarra Ranges over the last year and will receive a share in $102,000 along with ten other organisations from the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) Grants program.

A spokesperson from Rural Rainbows said they are so thrilled to have received the grant and really excited to be able to use it to continue to support the LGBTQIA+ young people of the Yarra Ranges.

“It really is a reflection of the wonderful hard work and passion of our young volunteers, who created the group from the ground up in order to provide a safe and fantastic space for their peers,” they said.

“Having these local safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people is incredibly important, it gives them a chance to share their experiences with their peers, find information on other services they might need, and build a community and support network together all while having fun and laughs.”

The grant is set to support the group to continue to run the existing Lilydale peer group, create a brand new Upper Yarra Group in Yarra Junction, and look at trialling a Healesville group as well as provide activities, events and resources.

A Rural Rainbows spokesperson said they are so grateful to the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria for acknowledging the importance of providing these local groups.

“As well as improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people, the increased visibility of the group and the advocacy done by our young participants and volunteers also

The Yarra Ranges branch of Rural Rainbows has received a grant to help continue its work with local LGBTQIA+ youth. contribute to reducing stigma and discrimination in the general community,” they said.

“Our groups are run by and for local young LGBTQIA+ people, and we know what it’s like to need a space for us to be exactly who we are, it’s a super creative, safe and fun group and totally accepting of all diversity and uniqueness.”

The Rurail Rainbows group participate in everything from relaxing art and craft sessions and group discussions to celebrating queer

events such as IDAHOBIT and Pride Month and even attending the Minus 18 Queer Formal together, as they did in 2022.

YACVic Rural Manager Derm Ryan said the HEY Grants make a real difference to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ young people across Victoria.

“YACVic is proud to work alongside the Victorian Government in delivering this Australian first-of-its-kind program, which empowers and celebrates all aspects of LGBTIQA+

Picture: ON FILE

identities,” he said.

Any LGBTQIA+ young people aged between 12 and 25 and welcome to get involved with the rural Rainbows group, either the existing one in Lilydale which meet fortnightly on a Wednesday evening, or with the new Yarra Junction group starting on April 19.

Anyone who would like more information or who has any questions are welcome to get in touch with the group via their email address ruralrainbows@each.com.au.

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The Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly.

Pictures: EDWARD TSYRLIN - TWITTER

The Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly is only found within 2 to 4km of the summit of the mountain.

Habitat push has wings

By Callum Ludwig The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) has reignited the fight to protect the Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly following the decision regarding the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination (WMBD) in November 2022.

The VNPA has made the first formal nomination for a Critical Habitat Determination (CHD) to protect the habitat of the critically endangered insect, whose habitat extends only 2 to 4km from the summit of Mt Donna Buang, under provisions to environmental laws passed in 2019.

VNPA spokesperson Matt Ruchel said it’s extraordinary this part of our state environmental laws has never been used to protect critically endangered species given we’re in the grips of an extinction crisis.

“We’re lodging the first-ever application for a critical habitat determination to give this rare alpine insect protection from proposed

mountain bike tracks and future development applications and the need for enhanced management of this special creature,” he said.

“But we are hopeful the department and scientific advisory committee will exercise their power to save the precious stonefly. The capacity to undertake a critical habitat determination has been in place since 2019, and we are sick of waiting for government guidelines.”

Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action Secretary (DEECA) John Bradley and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) were expected to review the submission on Monday 20 March.

Mr Ruchel said they simply can’t wait any longer to ensure every measure is taken to protect this incredible stonefly which exists nowhere else in the world.

“If we can secure a critical habitat determination for stoneflies, that would set a strong precedent for other creatures on the long list

of almost 2000 threatened species,” he said.

“The Victorian Government modernised our state threatened species laws in 2019 including strengthening the capacity for critical habitat determinations. Three years on we need to start using these tools, not leave them again sitting on the shelf, while our threatened species lists grow.”

The Mt Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly has a relatively long life span of three years, surviving the streams drying out over summer by burrowing into the substrate on the mountainside where the moisture is retained. It is also one of only two wingless stonefly species in Australia.

DEECA was contacted for comment.

The Mt Donna Buang trail of the WMBD (Drop A K) was removed from Yarra Ranges Council’s initial proposal for the WMBD due to not receiving the Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn’s approval.

Director of Built Environment and Infra-

structure at Yarra Ranges Council Hjalmar Philipp said Council has always been committed to ensuring the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination is planned, delivered and operated to the highest standards to ensure the special environment and values of the Yarra Valley are appropriately protected.

“The project has undertaken an Environment Effects Statement (EES), the most comprehensive environmental assessment available in Victoria, that ensures ecological, cultural, heritage and social effects are avoided or minimised to an acceptable level,” he said.

“The Victorian Minister for Planning provided their assessment of the EES in October last year. The Minister’s Assessment recommended project modifications to protect the Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly, including the removal of trails in the vicinity of stonefly habitat, which have been actioned by Council.”

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MAIL 7

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Inspiro food system boost

By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges school children will soon have the opportunity to learn more about where their food comes from in a newly funded Inspiro program.

The Lilydale based community health service received just under $10,000 from VicHealth’s JumpStart grant program to get its Paddock to Plate and Waste learning materials into local schools.

Health promotion officer Tracey Higgins said Inspiro saw an opportunity in the grant program to focus on childrens’ understanding of the food system.

“The grants are aimed at getting young people to have a healthy future basically and one of the categories is to learn about their local food system and encouraging connection through food,” she said.

Knowing that less and less, young people in particular, are unaware of where their food is being grown, produced and being transported from, it seemed like an important topic to introduce to Prep to Year students.

Wanting to provide students with a basic knowledge of the food system and where it comes from, whether it be a farmer, supermarket or factory, Ms Higgins said it is about connection.

“We know food has such a big connection to family, friends, sustainability, mental health, physical health, all of those different things. It’s trying to capture all of that, that whole connection and that understanding.

“We see more and more that understanding our local food system or improving our local food system, means we are more sustainable in the long run and it’s more affordable for people.”

Having developed a 10 minute video about food security a couple of years ago, Ms Higgins said the team were looking to include the

Inspiro community health service is asking schools to take on its new program about food systems. video in a school program.

“This was a really good opportunity to then expand that and just share that video to a wider audience.

“We established some lesson plans around understanding the food system based on the video and the lesson plans then culminate in the students designing a poster about their local food systems.”

Ms Higgins said by ending the students’ learning in a poster exhibition, it allows them to apply their knowledge, answer questions about where their food comes from and have discussions around healthy food habits.

Hopeful schools get involved in the program, Ms Higgins said during the September school holidays, Inspiro would like to host two or three poster exhibitions to display student work, with the tentative locations being Mooroolbark, Belgrave and Healesville.

Up to 30 classes in the Yarra Ranges will also have the chance to receive $60 in poster making materials, to help ease cost pressures of participating.

Asking schools not only in the local region but across Victoria to take up the free learning material, Ms Higgins said she would like to see the Paddock to Plate and Waste initiative go far and wide.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON “We’re looking for as many [schools] as we can, anybody all around Victoria is an option because we’re just asking them to use the lesson plans,” she said.

Partnering with Yarra Ranges Council, Eastern Health and Yarra Ranges Food Connections, as well as other organisations like ECOSS and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, up to $3700 worth of prizes are available to students and schools.

To get in quick and register a school or class’s interest, go to www.surveymonkey. com/r/PaddockPlateWaste.

Enquiries about the program can be sent to health.promotion@inspiro.org.au

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Warburton Primary School students enjoyed their ride.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Gladysdale Primary School students prepare to set off.

Kids join the chain gang

By Callum Ludwig Local students in the Upper Yarra swapped the back seat for a bike on their way to school on Friday 24 march for National Ride2School Day. Warburton and Gladysdale Primary School students donned their helmets and check the gears before setting off for school.

Warburton Primary School teacher Kelly Frost said they had a fantastic turnout with 14 students getting involved.

“It was great to see so many children arriv-

ing at school with a huge smiles on their faces, some tackling the ride to school for the very first time. Prep student Harry and his mum rode from home, approximately 4km. Many parents commented that it’s something they hope to be able to continue to do in the future,” she said.

“These days give our students a supported environment to participate in something new and discover the joys in meeting up with friends for a chat on the way to school all while riding.”

In the 2022 edition, 370,777 students from

911 schools participated in the event.

Ms Frost said it also provides opportunities for students to share their passion for bikes and cycling and encourage them to inspire others.

“Not only does riding or skating to school improve our physical health and wellbeing, stamina and mental health but students arrive at school alert, energised and ready for learning,” she said.

“When we live and learn in such a beautiful environment it seems a waste to pass up an opportunity to jump on the bike and get those legs

and minds into gear.”

Warburton Primary School students offered some of their thoughts on their ride.

Preps Wren loved going down the big hill while Harry said his legs got tired but it was a nice ride.

Grade 3 Jasper thought the uphill parts were frustrating but loved the downhill, Grade 6 Riley just enjoyed riding with their friends while Grade 5 Levi found it a peaceful and calming way to get to school.

School enjoys harmony

By Tanya Steele St Brigid’s Primary school celebrated Harmony Day on 21 March along with the official launch of the school’s positive behaviour for learning (PBL) initiatives.

Students, teachers and parents held an assembly to celebrate and followed it up with craft activities and a sausage sizzle afterwards.

Harmony Day is held on 21 March annually and is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Deputy Principal Julie Cook has enjoyed the changes the school has seen while introducing the system.

“If children get rewarded for good behaviour, then they’re more likely to do it again and that’s the approach we’re taking,” she said.

The school decided to officially launch the PBL initiatives with Harmony Day because they fit so well with the themes surrounding the event.

The prep class sang a song at the end of the ceremony and held up a sign “Be Kind” to their audience.

Students then went back to their classes

to participate in creative activities with their parents, which were all themed around Harmony Day and the school’s PBL. Messages on some crafts written by the students included phrases such as “Be Kind” and “Harmony means friendship and peace”.

The PBL system is designed to simplify and structure learning for the students, giving them four tiers of behaviour to strive towards.

Be kind, be respectful, be safe and be responsible are the four PBL that St Brigid’s has introduced to its students.

Using the values throughout the students’ education gives them touchstones to structure their daily routine around.

The values were chosen by the school community and will remain in place for years to come.

Ms Cook can see how the school using this system will stand the students in good stead.

“If you can be safe, responsible and respectful you can live in harmony with others,” she said.

The launch day was a success and enjoyed by the whole school community and families that attended the event.

Asha, Arlo, Jim, Sylvia, Tyson and Ellen, prep students at the assembly.

Picture: TANYA STEELE 12596421-KG13-23

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Firies give safety lessons

By Callum Ludwig Quick and clear thinking is easier said than done in a fire, which is why it is so crucial to be well-informed and prepared should a fire break out.

Wandin Fire Brigade did their bit in helping ensure some of our youngest residents are ready to react, visiting Wandin North Primary School with representatives from CFA’s District 13 to educate students.

Third Lieutenant at Wandin Fire Brigade Matt Sayers said the session focused on teaching students from Prep to Grade 2.

“District 13 was teaching them what a firefighter is, what to do if you see a fire and to make sure to alert your parents, and for Grade 2 it was more advanced, teaching them a bit more about fire and escape routes in the house, as well as ‘Get down low and go go go,’” he said.

“We showed the kids what a firefighter might look like if there was a fire, donning our full breathing apparatus and our full gear to show them we can’t see who they are or talk to them if they call out to us, which can be a bit scary for them.”

After the important information was shared, kids got to have a bit of fun testing the fire hose, checking out the fire truck and seeing other firefighting equipment.

Mr Sayers said it’s extremely important to expose kids to firefighting.

“It’s not just the kids who benefit, because we give the information to the children to take back to their parents as well, and hopefully teaching the kids about things like smoke alarms prompts them to ask Mum or Dad to check the smoke alarm,” he said.

“It’s also really important to kids to under-

Third Lieutenant Matt Sayers shows a student how to use the fire hose.

Wandin North Primary School students learnt a lot from the Wandin Fire Brigade’s visit.

Pictures: SUPPLIED stand what to do in an emergency, what Triple Zero is there for and also that it’s not something to hoax or pretend or to put in fake Triple Zero calls into.”

CFA’s Fire Safe Kids program outlines that their presentations for Preps to Grade 2s include the ‘Get down low and go, go, go’ and

‘Stop, drop, roll’ practices as well as simple rules for home fire safety.

‘Get down low and go, go, go’ is all about getting down below smoke and crawling to the nearest exit and making sure to feel a door with the back of your hand before opening it to test if it’s hot and likely to have a fire on the

Students saw what a firefighter looks like fully kitted out in gear. other side.

‘Stop, drop, roll’ is about when clothes catch on fire, you should immediately stop where you are, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands and start rolling front to back until the flames are out.

Seville CFA family know importance of Easter appeal The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal has always been important for CFA family, Liz and Anthony Hudson.

Seeing first-hand the importance of the Hospital’s services for their daughter Lauren, the Seville Fire Brigade firefighters are passionate about the cause.

Lauren was three years old when a specialist picked up on hip dysplasia that had been missed at an earlier stage. After being assessed as a priority admission by a leading orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Lauren would end up requiring 20 surgeries during her childhood.

“Our daughter Lauren was slow to walk, and when she was about 18 months we went and had her fitted for shoes, and were told she was pronating a bit on her left leg,” Liz said.

“We were sent to a paediatrician, and he said she’d grow out of it. When she was about three years old, she had a bit of a limp. We were sent back to that same specialist, and he took x-rays and realised she had Congenital

Seville CFA members Liz and Anthony Hudson (left and right) know all too well the importance of the Royal Children’s Hospital for daughter Lauren.

Picture: CFA Hip Dysplasia.

“By this stage, her bones had grown all wrong. Her femur had grown outside the hip socket and was straight, and her hip socket had grown flat.

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

“We were sent straight to The Royal Children’s Hospital for an appointment. This was in late December, and Lauren had her first surgery in early January to reshape her hip socket and put her femur back into place.”

Following her initial surgery, Lauren was in a cast from the waist to her feet for four months. Every six weeks, she required general anaesthetic to replace the cast.

Now 24 years old, Lauren has required 20 surgeries in total. Inspired by the work of the nurses and doctors who have treated her for her entire life, Lauren now works as a nurse in an Intensive Care Unit.

“We were very lucky. If it had been picked up any later, it might have been too late to do anything,” said Liz. “But seeing Lauren now, you’d never know what she’s gone through.”

Seville Fire Brigade will continue a longstanding tradition by fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal once again, rattling tins outside the local supermarket to gather donations.

Liz and Anthony were more than keen to help with the campaign.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital is so amazing in all they do, with the amount of people that go through there,” she said.

“When we were there, we thought our situation was awful, but when you go there and see other families you just realise how lucky you are and how lucky we are to have the treatment and facilities available to us.

Patients come from all over the world to have treatment with our doctors, so any way we can help them is just great.”

“The care we had was wonderful. The specialists were great and you could tell that they really were so passionate about their work.

“The Good Friday Appeal is so important to enable the hospital to stay at the worldclass standard that it is, so I really encourage everyone to dig deep and get involved.

“We are indebted to Lauren’s specialist, his team and all the staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital for their exceptional care over Lauren’s childhood.”

Warburton Shell Service Station 3458 Warburton Highway Lilydale 7-Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway 7 Cave Hill Road Warburton Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 3371 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Village News Agents Lilydale Village Warburton Bell Real Estate 3407 Warburton Highway Lilydale Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Wesburn Local Fuel 2835 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Village Lilydale Village Woori Yallock Foodworks Woori Yellock 1/1585 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Aged Care 475 Swansea Road Woori Yallock Newsagency & Tattslotto Shop 4/ 1585 Warburton Highway Lilydale BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Hillcrest Little Store Great Food 1745 Warburton Highway Lilydale Eastern Laundries 2/4 Williams Street East Woori Yallock Shell Service Station Foodies 1700 Warburton Highway Millgrove Newsagency Shop 5/ 3043 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Australia Post LPO Shop 11 / 1585 Warburton Highway, The Centre Millgrove Millgrove Licensed Grocers 3039 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Ritchies IGA Shop 1/38 Bell Street Millgrove Millgrove Village Bakery 4/3039 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Caltex Petrol Station 66 Bell Street Seville Woolworths Seville 568 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Newsagent 32 Bell Street Seville Woolworths Caltex Service Station 568 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen United Garage 6 Bell Street Seville Post Office 634-638 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Woolworths Supermarket 82-84 Warburton Highway Wandin North Fast Fuel Wandin 389-391 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bottle O 2440 Warburton Highway Wandin North IGA X-Press Wandin North Plus Liquor 388 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bell Real Estate 2457 Warburton Highway Wandin North Landmark Harcourts Wandin Real Estate 1/362 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Newsagency 2454 Warburton Highway Wandin North Wandin Newsagency Shop 18/2 Union Road Yarra Junction Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 2460 Warburton Highway Warburton IGA Supermarket 3465 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Yarra Junction Community Link 2442-2444 Warburton Highway Warburton K G Thomas Ply Ltd Insurance 1/3395 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Gladysdale Bakehouse 2568 Warburton Hwy Warburton The Valley Bakery Warburton 3415 Warburton Highway Yellingbo Central Store 1942 Healesville-Kooweerup Road

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Lucy and Syd are flying high

By Callum Ludwig

L-R: Amelia and Alice.

L-R: Amy, Zedekiah and Liv.

L-R: Angus and Liv.

Students give back

By Callum Ludwig Students from the Cire Community School in Yarra Junction had an opportunity to give back to the farm at Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) in Gladysdale, volunteering at the shelter on Wednesday 22 March.

Students had the opportunity to feed, water and clean the enclosure for the chickens and in the cattery, with future opportunities to return and help out to continue.

Melbourne Polytechnic animal trainer and volunteer at FFAR Naomi Jeganathan said it is critical for young people like the students to learn how to properly care for different animals.

“Most of the animals that we have here are because of a lack of knowledge from owners as to how to take care of it, then they find that the care is beyond their ability and so they surrender animals to welfare places because of that,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to show people the welfare side of animal care at FFAR, show them what happens to these animals who are in the welfare system and how difficult it is to find some of these animals a home where they’re well looked after.”

The Cire students were from the Work Related Skills - Active Volunteering class and reached out to FFAR after they made a desperate call for volunteers. They started helping out on a regular basis in 2022 and as a result, Ms Jeganathan who once worked at Cire Community School, returned to teach and organise a partnership where Melbourne Polytechnic would deliver the Cert II in Animal Care to Cire students as part of their VET in schools program.

Ms Jeganathan said this course is a pathway for students who are interested in a career with animals.

“From this, they can go on and study veterinary nursing or animal technology.

They can do the Cert III which then opens up for them to work in just about every animal place, from boarding kennels to pet shops to doggy daycare,” she said.

“We are also open to any foster carers or volunteers who are able to come out, we need the help at the moment. Even once a month makes a difference.”

The students will continue to help out with tasks such as cleaning the kennels and cattery,

L-R: Teaching assistant Amy, students Angus, Zedekiah and Ella, FFAR Founder Saskia and volunteer Naomi.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG dog runs and mucking out stables and animal pens for the wide variety of animals on site including chickens, dogs, cats, goats, sheep, horses and alpacas.

VET Careers and Pathways Leader at Cire Community School Karen Swankie said the students are absolutely stoked to visit FFAR each time.

“They end up connecting really closely with the animals, they follow their story and jour-

ney and are really excited to hear that an animal has been fostered out or adopted and are glad they’ve helped that animal have a happy life,” she said.

“If we can teach this handful of kids how to be responsible animal carers in the future, then they’re going to share that knowledge with other people, with their families, with their friends so hopefully we can get the message out there.”

The next pair in the long line of highachieving Wesburn Primary School students are putting their school smarts to the test and taking on the Victorian High-Ability Program.

Grade 6 students Lucy and Syd are working towards the 10-week Literacy and Numeracy masterclasses respectively, with Syd having done the Literacy one last year as well.

Wesburn Primary School Principal Anne Stenhouse said several of their students have participated in both the Literacy and Numeracy programs over the past few years.

“All of them have made 10-week commitments, including giving up some of their recess and lunchtimes, to participate,” she said., “We are extremely proud of their attitudes and achievements in learning and challenging themselves further.

The school will continue to encourage students to reach their full potential through this and other programs.”

The Victorian High-Ability Program is delivered virtually by Virtual School Victoria, before students come together with other local high-achieving students in the face-to-face masterclass.

Syd said he thinks it is great for students who might feel bored at school and would like to meet new people with similar interests and hobbies.

“I can learn faster in subjects that I am further ahead in than everyone else and get to go to a higher standard of learning that lets me learn a lot faster,” he said. “ I have done it twice now and would like to pursue soccer and relax in high school until university when I will start to get serious again.”

Teacher judgement data of where a student is at compared to their peers and high NAPLAN scores help decide the students who have the opportunity to participate in the program Lucy said in her class, they brainstorm stories and share their ideas (and have a laugh over humorous story ideas) so they can work together to think outside the box.

“It gives me the opportunity to grow quicker and do the things I love, like write, and share my ideas with other students my age and my level, it encourages students to keep trying and to aim for your goals,” she said.

“Being challenged by work that isn’t taught in class, learning at my level and sharing my abilities makes me more confident with my learning.”

Warburton Online aids fight against scams

By Callum Ludwig Scams plague the internet, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics finding that 552,000 people experienced a scam from 2021-22, and Facebook groups awash with fake profiles trying to con users.

With support from Yarra Ranges Council and Eastern Regional Libraries, Warburton Online has been hosting tech and Tea sessions to help keep local residents cyber-safe, particularly when buying and selling online.

President of Warburton Online Lisa Markby said knowing how to access the internet safely is extremely important, especially for older parts of the community.

“We’ve had two sessions so far, one about scams and the other about techniques about how to be safe when buying online, which were talks from the library tech staff,” she said.

“We have ten computers ready to go, and our next sessions will be hands-on at the commailcommunity.com.au

Warburton Online is hosting Tech and Tea to help protect and inform residents on internet safety.

Picture: ON FILE puters practising how to list something for sale online.”

Samers online are only getting harder to detect, with Facebook groups and Facebook Marketplace a common hunting ground. Accounts will join groups and post scam ads or services or tell sad tales of lost or injured animals and property among others.

Ms Markby said many people just need reassurance and to learn because they don’t know what they are doing.

“Being able to come together and discuss it gives people a lot more confidence in what’s happening, and at the first session a few shared stories of being scammed,” she said.

“The most common scams in Australia include dating and romance, fake penalties, unexpected money and lottery wins, phishing and online shopping, it’s quite an extensive list.”

Scammers often try tricks to connive people into buying into their scams, such as getting people to share posts before editing them to include links to scam sites or asking for card transactions when making an online sale or purchase so they can gain access to bank account information.

The next Warburton Online Tech and Tea session is on Wednesday 29 March from 11am, underneath the Mechanics Hall in Warburton.

L-R: School Captain Lucy and Vice Captain Syd are taking on the Victorian High Ability Program. Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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The pipe bands assemble to hear the results for the day.

Giant deerhounds delighted crowds.

Ceffyl Gwyn Welsh Dancers performing traditional dancing sets.

A wee gathering of clans

By Tanya Steele The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival got all the clans together for a day of competition and festivities on 26 March in Croydon, with tartan galore and the sounds of bagpipes on the breeze.

The opening ceremony gave Fáilte (welcome) to all and encouraged people to enjoy the Scottish competitive dancing, Celtic dance displays, the heavy games and pipe band competitions scheduled for the day.

Gwendoline Bell is a long standing dancer and President of the Victorian Scottish Dance Members Association and won the Robin Gardini award this year.

Ms Bell thanked everyone for her nomination and she was very happy with the turnout on the day.

“It’s just wonderful, all these people here,” Ms Bell said.

The award is given to recognise dedication, support and contribution to the games.

Ms Bell began Scottish dancing as a six year old and also participated as a dancing judge at the games for over 50 years.

She hopes the games will continue on for many years to come.

Weather was overcast and cool, which pleased patrons and performers alike due to the high volume of heavy woollen garments worn for the festival.

The Scottish Clans were represented by their flags and tartan and each family name had a tent set up where people could trace their heritage.

Scottish dance competitors seemed undisturbed by the busy day as they competed in highland fling and sword dances.

The sword dance is one of the better known Highland dancing traditions and involves competitors leaping around, in and out of the four quarters of two swords laid across each other on the ground.

The pipe bands also each took their turn to compete and play throughout the day and finished in a giant assembly of one, a sea of tartan and bagpipes.

The Old Scotch Pipe and Drums Band were present, coming from Hawthorn for the festival with player and secretary Ian Bell there on the day.

Mr Bell played and judged in pipe bands

Mr Chitts also performed the “Address to the Haggis” at opening ceremony. Pictures: TANYA STEELE some years ago, but has recently gotten back into it and enjoys bringing the music to events like the games.

“I got out of bands for about 15 or so years and recently thought, well why don’t I get back into it,” he said.

Many of the bands traveled from all over the state to compete at the games this year, forming what is known as competition circles to play through sets of marching, reels and medleys.

Hawthorn Pipe Band won first in Grade two, the City of Melbourne won in Grade three, Haileybury College took out first in the 4A Grade and Scots School got first in the 4B Grade.

The caber toss and the weight over bar, plus many more were performed by participants of the Heavy Games.

Strength and stamina are required for the unique sport, which uses large stones, weights

and the long “caber”, a large tapered wooden pole.

The weight over bar event looked like limbo in reverse, with the bar the weight had to be thrown over rising with each round.

Competitors threw their weights higher and higher to the amazement of the crowds.

MC for the event Michael Crichton really enjoys the heavy games and finds them very interesting.

“There is a lot going into that sport and I am really impressed with it and it’s great that women now also compete in the event as well,” he said.

Mr Crichton has been announcing at the Highland games for a number of years and always has good fun on the day.

A folk music tent played traditional music and featured bands and choirs from Croydon and surrounds.

Gwendoline Bell won the Robin Gardini award on the day.

Celtic dancing was on display all day and featured Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Morris style dancing, with dancers ranging from three and upwards.

A highland cow champion “Murphy ‘’ was present and seemed quite happy getting pats and attention from the crowd.

The event was dog friendly and attendees were also able to meet and greet a number of Scottish deer hounds and terriers bought in by breeders and pet owners.

Clan Fraser were selected to be hosts and highlighted for their ongoing involvement in Highland games and activities in Victoria.

Don Chitts of the Mitcham Scottish Society represented Clan Fraser on the day.

Mr Chitts also performed the “Address to the Haggis” at the official opening ceremony, which celebrates with traditional Scottish fair and a Ceilidh (dance) gathering on the Friday night before the games.

Celtic-myth storytelling session at Healesville Library

By Tanya Steele A mysterious Celtic myth storytelling and creative writing session will be held on Saturday 25 March at the Healesville Library from 10.30am to 12pm.

Melanie Blacksmith will host the session which involves myth, storytelling and creative writing.

The storytelling session will run for one and half hours, with attendees invited to share space in a circle.

“It’s an invitation to remember ancient Celtic ways and we begin by sitting in a sharing circle,” she said.

Ms Blacksmiths is a self described “hill walker, wild woman and listener” has a big interest in traditional storytelling and is excited to host the event.

“It’s mysterious and a little bit fun, it also takes a lot of courage,” Ms Blacksmith said.

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Some traditional myths will be told live, with the chance for participants to identify how the tales translate to modern day listeners.

Storytelling has existed in many forms for a long time and Ms Blacksmith said it’s a traditional bardic practice that is really common in history.

“People sit around a fire and tell the story, there’s some of those stories that are recorded that are around 9000 years old,” she said.

“We then creatively write through the imagination of a character from that story in our writing session.”

Prior to the development of the sessions, Ms Blacksmith journeyed to Orkney in Scotland to the Fjord of Tongue (Tongue of Thor) by the township of Thurso (Thor) in 2019.

She said the journey was very important to her and hopes the material will resonate with attendees.

“I’m really facilitating an opportunity to hear a story then take it away to other people,” she said.

Ms Blacksmith has travelled widely, but has settled into Healesville in the last few years with her daughters.

She held a workshop last year and had around 25 attendees and said it was very powerful to see people connecting over the stories.

Another session will be held at the Ringwood Library on May 18.

Ms Blacksmith at the Standing Stones of Stenness in Orkney, Scotland.

Picture: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

HAPPY EASTER

Crafting fun Don’t put all the supplies out all at once If mess is your number one reason for finding Easter crafting a chore, this tip is for you!

When all the supplies are out from the beginning, this heightens the chance of crafty things flying everywhere! Think of the project in layers and do a staggered release of materials. This helps to keep the workspace tidier and organised.

Use one project, many ways There is nothing sweeter than when a minimaker hits creative flow.

Their hands are busy, they’re relaxed and engaged with whatever it is that they are making. It is a win when one project can lead to a variety projects, keeping children happy and enjoying the moment.

Make it easy for them by keeping it simple with one straightforward project they can use in many different ways.

This Easter, Shannon has created a free, quick and easy ‘Hoppy Easter’ project featuring a cute Easter Bunny that can be transformed into Easter cards, bunting, decorations for bonnets or baskets, and signs for Easter egg hunts.

“The Hoppy Easter project can be stopped and started over many creative sessions, it is low mess and features one simple craft template that can be used across many projects, making it perfect for mess-averse, time-poor parents and guaranteed to put a smile on the kids’ faces this Easter,” Shannon said.

Shannon Wong is a teacher, mum of three and avid crafter. An enthusiastic fan of pom poms, PVA and paint, she runs popular blog and online parenting resource dedicated to all things creative, https://ohcreativeday.com/ and has 39,400 followers on Instagram.

Oh Creative Day founder Shannon Wong-Nizic shares her tips for busy parents wanting to do some Easter craft.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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• Hot Cross Buns • Yummy All Day Breakfast • Amazing Lunch • Muffins & much more

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12596005-AA13-23

If the thought of getting the craft supplies out to make a beautiful creation for the upcoming Easter period has you running for the hills, then you’re not alone.

“Many parents feel overwhelmed by the mess and time spent cleaning up caused by paints, glue and glitter at Easter time,” craft expert, Shannon Wong-Nizic, from Oh Creative Day said.

Shannon said by taking a simpler approach, it’s possible to reduce the headache and still have some fun crafting with the kids this Easter: Low-prep projects Ever spent 30 minutes prepping a creative experience only for your child to declare, “I’m done!” after 30 seconds? Projects that take a lot of prep time can lead to grandiose expectations of what the project will produce.

Take the pressure off by looking for simple, open-ended projects with minimal supplies.

Rely on those staple items You do not need to own the entire craft aisle to be a crafty parent. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all that is on offer - for adults and children alike! Have a well-kept supply of the staples so that you can easily pull them out and pack them away.

We have a small tub filled with paint markers. Whenever we need to add a splash of colour to a project, we pull the tub out - easy peasy.

Reuse and recycle How can you use what you have around the house to get creative this Easter? Easter Bonnet Parade? Use an old cap or sunhat as the base for your bonnet. Need to make an Easter basket? Hit the pantry and decorate a cereal box.

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MAIL 13

HAPPY EASTER

Mad Easter at the Garden The Blue Lotus Water Garden have teamed up with Mad Hatter Theatrics from Warburton and the Easter Bunny to provide a magical experience for children this coming Easter.

Eggcellent Egg Hunts - The Easter Bunny and his storybook friends will be in the Fairy Garden to conduct eggcellent Easter hunts on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Children will be invited to search for artificial eggs to give the Easter Bunny who will swap the artificial eggs for 4 x hen sized chocolate eggs. The egg hunts run for 40 minutes followed by the storybook show. For more details and session times, please see below (note: all egg hunt tickets are limited and must be booked online).

Storybook Show – Following each egg hunt session, the children will be invited to take part in a wonderful roving pantomime featuring everyone’s favourite storybook characters including Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Queen of Hearts and others as they help celebrate Alice’s special surprise birthday. The interactive show is preformed among the audience. The shows run approximately 20 minutes.

Online Bookings Essential – Tickets for the egg hunts and storybook show sessions are limited and must be booked online. Egg hunt tickets are available to purchase for children aged 0-15 years only. All children must be accompanied by an adult with a paid admission ticket. Child Egg hunt tickets include garden admission and entry to one egg hunt session only.

EGG HUNT AND STORYBOOK SESSIONS Saturday 8 April AM Session: 10:30am – 11:30am PM Session: 1pm – 2pm Sunday 9 April AM Session: 10:30am – 11:30am

·

PM Session: 1pm – 2pm

· Monday 10 April

AM Session Only: 11am – 12pm EASTER TICKET PRICES Adult Ticket: $21.00 Senior/Pensioner Ticket: $18.50 Child Egg Hunt Ticket (Includes egg hunt, storybook show and garden admission): $9.00 Child Ticket - Admission Only (does NOT include Easter activities): Free CONDITIONS: A Child Ticket is only available to children aged 0-15 years and must be

accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.

Child Egg hunt tickets include garden admission and entry to ONE egg hunt session only.

Good Friday - The Blue Lotus Water Garden is open from 10am-5pm on Good Friday 7th April. Although there will be no special entertainment for children. All facilities will be open including the Flower Fairy Garden, Ice Cream Shop and our new tree house, we also offer kids our Garden Spotto activity which keeps them occupied during their visit.

The Gardens in April - The Blue Lotus Water Garden offers a fantastic destination for fami-

Picture: BLUE LOTUS WATER GARDEN lies over April with over 14 acres of stunning lakes, waterfalls and amazing plant exhibits to explore. Thousands of autumn flowers including, impatiens, petunias, begonias, salvias and many others provide colourful vistas as visitors wander the grounds. Highlights include the amazing Giant Amazon Waterlily with its huge lily pads. The gardens also contain fantastic facilities including dozens of picnic huts, BBQs, Lily Pond Cafe, Ice Cream Kiosk, Plant Nursery and Giftshops.

Bookings Essential: To book tickets please visit our website www.bluelotus.com.au

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The Blue Lotus Water Garden is hosting a spectacular Easter weekend of fun and games.

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HAPPY EASTER

Buns are a seasonal treat Easter in Australia is a time of chocolate eggs, cooler mornings and, of course, the smell of toasted hot cross buns.

Quick question before you bite into your fruity festive snack though: did you know it was once illegal to sell hot cross buns outside of Christmas and Good Friday?

These days hot cross buns seems to be available almost all year round. “ We believe it’s really special that we have certain foods at certain times of the year only, that can be celebrated for a short period of time,“ said Kylie Bray, the manager at Beech-

worth Bakery Healesville.

“When it comes to Hot cross buns, we are traditionalist, so they are absolutely only a seasonal thing for us.”

The first records of a spiced and crossed bun are from the 14th century in St Albans, England, where a monk distributed what he called a “St Albans bun“ to the poor on Good Friday.

The bun initially recognised Eostre, the Saxon goddess of spring, with each of the quadrants of the bun symbolising a different season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The process of making and baking hot cross buns is meticulously planned at Beechworth Bakery.

“We take time and care to make our hot cross buns, because we know the longer the process the better the result,” Ms Bray said.

Beechworth Bakery is proud of their traditional recipe, which has been in use there for more than 36 years, and their customers passionately agree.

But the bakery is not afraid to branch out if their customers demand it.

“We like the classics and we have a lot of re-

spect for them,” Ms Bray said.

“When we do something, we want to do the best that we can and that, of course, also includes any new additions to our range.“ Following feedback from their customers, this year Beechworth Bakery have introduced chocolate hot cross buns.

“Our customers really love them, especially the ones that don’t like fruit in their buns,” Ms Bray said.

“And you know what? Because it’s Eastertime, it’s also okay to have chocolate for breakfast!”

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Beechworth Bakery Healesville | 316 Maroondah Hwy

Open 7am - 5pm every day (even over Easter) mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 15

NEWS

What to enjoy over the cooler seasons

By Callum Ludwig As leaves fall from the trees and the temperature undergoes a chilly change, our quality time activities also shift with the seasons.

Pool days and beach visits become a happy memory, but it can be hard to figure out what to enjoy away from home during autumn and winter.

Joe Buckley and the Mountain Tucker van have been a regular sight at a number of visitor hotspots and he gives his indication of what visitors can expect to enjoy in the coming months.

“For most of the pre snow season, we’ll be out at the Maroondah Reservoir at Healesville as we are still waiting for the bridge works to be completed at the Redwood Forest,” he said.

“If the snow comes, even though it’s not looking like a fabulous snow season with La Nina receding, I’ll be at the summit of Mt Donna Buang.”

Mr Buckley’s Mountain Tucker van will always be around somewhere, with hot food and drinks available to help cut out the chill, especially on the snowy summit of Mt Donna Buang.

Mr Buckley said when it’s a good snow day like we had last year, it’s phenomenal.

“Even when there’s no snow it’s beautiful and quiet and you can feel really quite isolated there, and with the snow, it’s got the added attraction of being a great place to take a family and have a toboggan ride or just enjoy it,” he said.

“When there is no snow, the Redwood Forest is going to be the big draw card for the Shire when it finally has access again but the Maroondah Reservoir is always a very good spot for picnicking.”

Mr Buckley regularly posts notices when snow is expected on Mt Donna Buang on the Mountain Tucker Facebook page, followed up with reports on the snow’s quality and coverage to keep everyone informed.

Mr Buckley said the Yarra Ranges also benefit from being so close to Melbourne.

“It’s not much more than an hour away but once you get there, you feel like you are a million miles away, no matter where in the area you go, that’s one thing they all have in common,” he said.

“It might be a little slower getting to and from with the works on the Warburton Highway soon, so take care, allow plenty of extra time or maybe consider staying in Warburton at one of the many Bed and Breakfasts or the motels and hotels.”

If Mr Buckley isn’t manning the van this autumn or winter when you see it, it’ll likely be his son-in-law Ben who has taken up a bit of load in recent times, but they will always be offering up your favourite hot food and drinks.

MC Suni Red Shoes, Attendee Nancy and Librarian Sharni at the event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Diners shine

Smile in the splendid snow on Mt Donna Buang.

Pictures: ON FILE

In a celebration of the autumn equinox, Healesville garden lovers were showered in a lunch of freshly harvested produce on Thursday 23 March.

Despite grim and overcast weather, Healesville Library was able to go ahead with the Dine and Shine community lunch seeing quite a number of people attend.

With the entire community invited along for the luncheon followed by themed activities, 31 community members attended and enjoyed seasonal produce for lunch.

Attendee Rina has lived in Healesville for a number of years and thoroughly enjoyed the event, having been to them a couple of times before.

“There’s always a good time, I love it,” she said.

The library was transformed with attendees sitting along three large dining hall style tables, decorated with seasonal flowers.

The community lunch used ingredients from the Garden Gossip group’s harvest for the day and included lettuce and basil along with the homemade pumpkin ricotta rotolo.

One of Garden Gossip’s members Heather donated tomatoes from her own garden at home for the meal. MC Suni Red Shoes brought some entertainment, performing stand up comedy and music for the gathered group. She also helped run the events during the luncheon, including a word basket which was handed around to all the patrons.

“I’m glad everyone came because the weather was so grim this morning,” she said.

Dessert was a must and a nectarine, blueberry or raspberry fruit galette was served up with ice-cream and pastry made by volunteers for the feast. Nancy, another attendee, said the galette was delicious.

The word she pulled from the word basket was “Gratitude”.

Attendee Rina enjoyed the luncheon and had a great time.

The Redwood Forest.

The Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Homegrown food fair highlights the value of the garden

By Tanya Steele Healesville’s homegrown food fair is set to kick off for its second year and continues to bring home gardening to the community.

The fair began 2022 and was themed around food security and home gardening, which became a key issue during lockdown.

Healesville Community Garden President Esme Pfeifferr is excited to bring the fair back and wants to continue to bring the community together around gardening and local, homegrown food.

“This is our second year and when we put it on last year, we did it because of people’s experience during Covid,” she said.

“During those long lockdowns, things like food security became an issue for people, people started to think about where their food came from and they started to have this kind of awakening interest in home gardening.”

The free food fair event will be held on Sun16 MAIL

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The first Homegrown food fair last year. day 2 April from 9am to 11.30am at the Healesville Community Garden and Brungergalk (Coronation Park).

Ms Pfeifferr is hoping making the fair an annual one will create connections in the Healesville community and keep the message strong.

“One of the reasons why we think it’s good for us to have this now as an annual event, is to keep that in front of people,” she said.

“There’s so many fantastic benefits to gar-

Picture: SUPPLIED dening, one of which is the social aspect of coming together and gardening with other people.”

Many stalls from other community groups and organisations will be present at the fair and Ms Pfeifferr thinks this will appeal to anyone who comes.

“What’s special about this is that we’re really trying to build up something key.”

The community garden is keen to support

this interest in food production and managing food waste, as well as connecting local groups that have similar interests.

Honouring Wurundjeri culture has also been a strong feature of the garden over the past few years.

This year, Wurundjeri Man Thane GarveyGannaway will open the fair with a Welcome to Country.

Ms Pfeifferr will also acknowledge the cultural artworks that have been created for the garden by Aunty Kim Wandin and Lewis Bursill-Wandin who are related to William Barak.

The artworks include Bunjil’s Nest by Aunty Kim Wandin and Woiwurrung words inscribed on manna gum by Lewis Bursill-Wandin using traditional wood burning techniques.

Ms Pfeiffer is looking forward to sharing the day with the community.

“Being in nature, harvesting your own food and sharing these delights with others is so rewarding,” Ms Pfeiffer said. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Wesburn author on Jimeoin’s Craic! hits a publishing roll the Memo

By Callum Ludwig Wesburn horror author and comic creator David Schembri has been picked up again by a publisher, with a new novella set to come out later this year.

It is set to be his first published venture in a longer format, having previously published two collections of short stories and a collection of comics.

Mr Schembri said he’s been writing horror fiction since about 2002.

“That was when I started seriously submitting work to an array of publications internationally, and since then I’ve been published in many anthologies and magazines and a lot of online publications,” he said.

“2014 was when my first book came out, I’d put together a collection called Unearthly Fables, and that was picked up by a small publishing outfit called The Writing Show in California.”

After a few more years, where he picked up horror poetry as part of his repertoire, Mr Schembri gathered another collection of short stories called ‘Beneath the Ferny Tree’, which was picked up by a small press publisher in Melbourne called Close Up Books in 2019.

Mr Schembri said this was a bit more of an expanded book with greater meaning, longer stories and that was a bit more experimental.

“I got a nomination for an Australian Shadow Award for that book, held by the Australasian Horror Writers Association, our region’s community association for all writers of the genre in this part of the world,” he said.

“There’s a lot of visual descriptions in my work, I really like to throw the reader into the worlds that I’m writing about and play on the senses. My first editor Paula said I ‘paint with my words’ which I thought was a nice way to describe it.”

Odyssey Books are the publisher who has taken on Mr Schembri’s 25,000 word novella.

Mr Schembri cannot share the title of the book just yet but said readers can expect a prominent world-building and supernatural theme filled with sensory detail.

“With every story that I write that ends up going into the fantasy realm, or even in science fiction, I tend to really love really giving the imagery and getting the reader to step into those worlds, I put a lot of emphasis on the place where the characters to give the reader a sense of what’s happening,” he said.

“It tends to be quite effective and gives people an unsettling feeling when they’re reading that in a horror story.”

A graphic designer by trade, Mr Schembri has also put his illustration skills to the test with his collection of horror-comedy comics ‘Splitting Sides’ featuring two tales ‘Day of the

By Tanya Steele

Wesburn author David Schembri with all three of his books to date.

Vorcha’ and ‘The Date-Night Dead.’

Mr Schembri said his advice to any aspiring local writers is to keep working their writing muscles.

“You just keep getting better at it if keep drafting and editing and finding people you feel can give you an unbiased opinion of your work,” he said.

“Reading the genres that you like to work in is very important as well, pick up a variety of different books in the genre to get a feel and a flavour for how other authors are approaching their work.”

More information about Mr Schembri and his collection of books can be found by searching ‘David Schembri’ on Amazon.com.au. He will also be featured this year in the ‘The Black Beacon Book of Horror’, released by Black Beacon Books.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Jimeoin is currently on tour with his show “Jimeoin: The Craic!” and lands at the Memo on 30 and 31 March.

The long-time comedian and actor said the tour has been good so far, drawing crowds in with his simple and no gimmicky approach to comedy.

“The tour has been going really well.

I’ve just come back from a month in the UK and it’s nice to be in good weather again,” he said.

Hoping to continue the trend of a well received show, Jimeoin hopes everyone who attends enjoys a good night out, full of belly laughs.

“It’s nice being in a room full of people all laughing at the same thing,” he said.

Jimeoin’s approach to comedy is to take any and all opportunities, travelling far and wide to his audiences all over the world.

“I just do as many gigs as I can. In different size rooms wherever. Keeps you sharp,” he said.

Jimoein has been a working comedian since the 1990’s and can’t quite point to what has sustained his art.

“It’s beyond me to be honest. I still can’t believe I’m getting away with this, but I’m not complaining,” he said.

The English born Irish comedian and actor became well known in Australia in the early 1990’s when he appeared on his own television show.

He still travels quite extensively for his comedy gigs, attending the Edinburgh Fringe every year.

When asked about what in his comedy appeals to his audience his answer is quirky and quite humble for someone with such an established career.

“Someone said to me that I have a funny head and I just look funny, that might be a big part of it,” he said.

“I also don’t really have a lot to say for myself and I don’t really have a lot of strong opinions, I would like to think I was funny.”

Jimeoin asks his Healesville audience to relax and let him come to them.

“You lot sit where you are. I’m on my way,” he said.

Wesburn author David Schembri after the release of Beneath the Ferny Tree.

Picture: ON FILE

COMMUNITY DIARY Email diary entries to: editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au by 5pm Wednesdays

COMMUNITY DIARY WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

It will be held at 95 River Street, Healesville (look out for the colourful bunting) A number of choirs will be involved on the day including the Healesville community choirs, the Badger Creek women’s choir and Singing for your soul’s sake featuring Catherine Nolan.

Closer to the event more performers will be announced on the Facebook page.

The event is family friendly and dogs are allowed in the park.

Bring your own picnic rug and chairs for some live community singing.

Community Voices in the Park Hitchhiker’s Phase Two hits The Community Voices in the park event in Healesville is coming up on Sunday April 2, the Warburton arts Centre 2023 from 12pm to 3-pm.

This is a free event that celebrates local choirs, singers, songwriters and musicians. mailcommunity.com.au

The Warburton Arts Centre is set to host ‘The Hitchiker’s Guide to the GalaxyPhase Two’ on Friday 31 March, performed

by MISFIT Theatre.

It is a sub-branch of The Misfit Project, which is a youth organisation that aims to empower the next generation with the right skills to tackle life through creative programs and mentoring.

The story so far…the Earth has been destroyed to make way for a hyperspace Bypass, Meanwhile the bewildered Arthur is still trying to find the ultimate question to life, the universe and everything, to which the answer is 42, which is buried deep in his and Trillian’s minds, as the last two native earth people to have survived the demolition.

Unfortunately, they and their companions are being shot at behind a computer bank on the lost planet of Magrathea…

More info can be found at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy-Phase-Two.

Jimeoin will performing his show “Jimeoin: The Craic!” at the Memo, Healesville.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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ADULT • Up to 8mm long • Reddish-brown body • Distinctive yellow markings • Narrow ‘waist’ between the thorax (the middle section of the body, between the head and the abdomen, with the legs and wings) and the abdomen • Transparent wings • Female has an obvious ‘ovipositer’ ‘sting’

EGGS • Usually not visible

LARVAE • 3 stages or ‘instars’ • Up to 10mm • White body • Difficult to distinguish from other fruit fly larvae

PUPAE • Brown shell • Usually in the ground (not seen)

LOOK OUT FOR • Puncture wounds • Rotting near wounds • Larvae in fruit

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• Adult flies

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MAIL 19

OPINION

Pool strategy call Now the outdoor pool season is starting to wind down – and the days get too cold to zip out to a water play park – it’s time to tell us about how you use our local aquatic facilities.

We’ve had a survey open since the end of February, asking community members about how they use pools and water play parks locally, and how you’d like to use them in the future.

We know that pools and water play parks are local hubs – it’s where you meet with friends, where you learn to swim, where you host school carnivals and where you make memories, whether you’re at an outdoor pool event in the middle of summer, or swimming in a heated pool in the depths of winter.

They’re also community assets that require a lot of planning, a lot of funding and a lot of

From my

desk Jim Child care as they’re managed over the years, balancing the social, environmental and financial impacts of the facilities with the needs of the community.

We’ve already heard from hundreds of people in the Yarra Ranges, but it’s important we get as many voices as possible, so we know that our Draft Aquatics Strategy, to be released later

this year, aligns with those needs and carves a clear path forward for coming years.

All the comments you provide in our survey will help inform that draft strategy – which will also be open for community comment when it is presented. There is plenty of time, and plenty of opportunities, to share your feedback.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, which is an incredibly small amount of time to help us shape the next few decades of aquatics in the Yarra Ranges.

The survey closes on 26 April. I strongly encourage all community members to visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to have their say, and see what other engagements are open for comment.

The survey is also available at our Community Links in hard copy, for whose who want it.

John Wick 4 Lost words tender yet fierce is action PASSION FOR PROSE excellence A review of The Dictionary of Lost Words

By Pip Williams

By Seth Lukas Hynes John Wick: Chapter Four Starring Keanu Reeves, Bill Skarsgard and Donnie Yen Rated MA15+ 4.25/5 John Wick: Chapter Four is a phenomenal action movie and an outstanding conclusion to the John Wick series.

As the global hitman community closes in on him, legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) issues a challenge to Marquis De Gramant (Bill Skarsgard), a nefarious elite member of the High Table.

John Wick 4’s action is excellent as ever. The set-pieces are incredibly creative and feature clear, wide framing and plenty of long sustained shots, and while the fight choreography is quick and stylised, it still has a realistic sense of force and fatigue. The highlights include a really fun skirmish in a speeding Paris roundabout and a brilliantly-composed gun battle shot from overhead (resembling the video game Hotline Miami, as many other critics have pointed out).

John Wick 4 revels in the brutal beauty of great action but still tells a moving story about destructive grudges and how violence can destroy relationships.

The plot never lags despite the nearly three-hour runtime, and themes from earlier in the series – John’s deceased wife, bulletproof suits, pencils as weapons, John’s affinity for dogs – come fullcircle.

The world-building is greatly refined, expanding effective elements from John Wick 2 and 3 and discarding details that didn’t work.

Skarsgard plays a cold yet pompous villain whose wrathful ego causes chaos and makes enemies of his employees.

Donnie Yen brings deadly skill and wry charm as Caine, a blind assassin and conflicted old friend of John.

John and his pursuers fight and work against each other but gradually come together against a common enemy, all building to the crystal-clear dramatic goal of John’s duel with De Gramont.

A deliriously satisfying action banquet with engrossing drama and characters.

John Wick: Chapter Four is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

– Seth Lukas Hynes 20 MAIL

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With South Australian author Pip Williams’s second book The Bookbinder of Jericho published earlier this month, it is time to revisit her thought-provoking debut novel The Dictionary of Lost Words.

Published in March 2020 to international fame, the book tells the story of fictional Esme Nicoll, who grew up around a garden shed endearingly called the Scriptorium, where the Oxford English Dictionary was compiled by a team of lexicographers led by Sir James Murray.

Motherless, Esme learned from her father the English words and how their meanings had changed over time. Words, both spoken and unuttered, defined her. She knew the importance of those words submitted by embers of the public and carefully preserved in the Dictionary – how they would shape the English language and those who use it.

But Esme was increasingly drawn to those words not included in the Dictionary, either accidentally or deliberately. Indeed, a great number of words used by women and common folk were deemed vulgar and/or insignificant by the editors – despite the fact that these words give substances to how ordinary people live, think and feel.

Every single word recorded by Esme was a testimony to the real-life inequalities between social classes and genders, between those voicing and voiceless, and between those privileged and forgotten. This journey of learning lost words was also one of self-discovery, as Esme encounters the turmoils of being a woman.

“I realised that the words most often used to define us were words that described our function in relation to others. Even the most benign words – maiden, wife, mother – told the world whether we were virgins or not. What was the male equivalent of maiden? I could

CARTOON

WITH CHRISTINE SUN not think of it.

What was the male equivalent of Mrs, of whore, of common scold? I looked out the window towards the Scriptorium, the place where the definitions of all these words were being bedded down. Which words would define me? Which would be used to judge or contain?”

While these words from Esme were expressed at the height of the women’s suffrage movement, The Dictionary of Lost Words is not and should not be seen as a feminist work. Instead, it is an extraordinary exploration of who gets to decide which parts of human history are to be written and in what manner. As words are powerful in their myriad ways to shape our experiences of the world, to deny the existence of certain words is to disrespect and discard parts of humanity.

This is particularly well-illustrated in the book’s depiction of the First World War, where soldiers were told not to describe the suffering and slaughter in their homebound letters so that their loved ones could “continue to think the war a glory and a good fight”. The English language is burdened with wars. “Their words are ordinary, but they are assembled into sentences that are grotesque.”

Full of tender yet fierce words, this is an important book to be cherished and celebrated.

Highly recommended.

The Shoehorn Sonata was a moving and emotional production by The 1812 Theatre according to Peter Kemp.

Picture: THE 1812 THEATRE

Moving Sonata Kemp’s curtain call The 1812 Theatre A review of The Shoehorn Sonata The 1812 Theatre’s second production was John Misto’s The Shoehorn Sonata.

A story of the fall of Singapore during WWII and deals with the imprisonment of the women who were interned by the Japanese. In this instance John Misto concentrates on two people.

An Australian nurse in her late 20s and an English school girl as a 15 year old. They come together after 40 odd years for a TV interview.

A dramatic, moving and historical play and not one for the downhearted.

Bridie, the Australian nurse was played by Genevieve Ryan and Sheila the schoolgirl was played by Stephanie King. Blake Stringer played the Interviewer.

A very moving production enhanced by the strength of the players.

Genevieve Ryan captured the essence of the Australian nurse and Stephanie King gave a wonderful portrayal.

A very taut experience of theatre with both actors capturing the feel of life in a POW camp. An harrowing tale lightened with touches of humour.

The actors really captured the anxiety, desperation, and feelings of women in such a position.

For one to learn about some little known facts of history this is a show not to be missed.

The play was in the Bakery@1812 an intimate theatre most suitable for this three-hander.

The set was that of a hotel room with a central entry door and walls on each side which acted as two screens where pictures from the relevant parts of the story were projected.

The space was also used as the interview room of a radio station complete with an On Air sign above the door and the interviewer, Blake Stringer.

Stringer gave a good portrayal of the Interviewer.

The play was set in two parts, the interview and the hotel room.

A great evening of theatre and being in the Bakery@1812 gave the audience more feeling of the story.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Coming up: Barefoot in the Park Season: April 36 – May 6 Paul Bratter, a conservative lawyer, marries the vivacious Corie, but their highly passionate relationship descends into comical discord in a five flight New York apartment contending with a lack of heating, a leaking roof, several long flights of stairs, the oddball neighbour, telephone repairman and Corie’s wellmeaning mother.

Bookings: 9735 1777 mailcommunity.com.au

ACROSS THE VALLEY

Gold standard in design The Yarra Ranges sports some of the best yards and gardens, from little to large, but they don’t just design themselves.

In that case, who better than a local with an understanding of the lay of the land in the Yarra Ranges to help make your next landscaping vision a reality.

Principle, Landscape Designer, Horticulturist and Landscape Contractor at Australian Quality Landscaping (AQL) Wayne De Klijn is based in Seville and has 43 years of experience in all aspects of landscape design, consultancy, project management and landscape construction of a range of project types and scales.

Mr De Klijn ensures AQL strongly adheres to his high standards, ensuring they are articulate in design implementation, overseeing construction documentation and preparation of tender documents and quality assurance systems.

AQL has experience in anything you could want to incorporate into a garden, including: Pools to enjoy in the summer sun Water gardens and features fit for aquatic life Material features and retaining walls to rejuvenate a space Entertaining spaces to host friends and family Bird havens for feathered friends to frequent Native gardens for a natural and uniquely Australian outdoor environment Vegetable and edible gardens for the growers who like it fresh.

Alongside Mr De Klijn at AQL are landscape architects Rhys Cousins and Shivanjli Khari.

Mr Cousins holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from RMIT University and is a creative practitioner working across design, art and landscape architecture in practice at AQL and academia through his sessional staff positions at RMIT University and Melbourne

· · · · · ·

University. His work looks to create spaces for meaningful experiences between people, through mediums such as landscape.

Ms Khari holds a Master of Landscape Architecture (1st Distinction) from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, India with eight years of experience in the industry. Ms Khari is a creative individual who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and is driven by the quality of work. She believes successful design is not only good ideas, but also knowledge and the practicality that allows the design to be ultimately carried out.

Since AQL’s establishment, Mr De Kljn has been committed to providing opportunities for others in the industry, employing and mentoring nine landscape architect students to graduation and a further 10 to 12 qualified landscape architects over the years.

Such is the quality of the work at AQL, Mr De Klijn has been a guest lecturer at Melbourne University and AQL projects have been submitted as study cases, setting the standard for students set to uphold the quality of landscape design in the years to come.

Mr De Klijn has also been a judge at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and will be at the event again this year from 29 March to 2 April providing free garden design consultation.

Before he joined the judging panel, Mr De Klijn’s work in Outdoor Landscape Design had also won him four gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show himself.

His accolades don’t end there, with 18 combined awards and commendations at the Landscape Industries Association Awards of Excellence.

Wayne De Klijn from Australian Quality Landscaping.

Picture: SUPPLIED

VISIT US AT MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW LANDSCAPE ADVISORY CENTRE SITE A37 29TH MARCH - 2ND APRIL

• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE • LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN • NATURAL PONDS AND POOLS

• JAPANESE CONTEMPORARY STYLE • AUSTRALIAN NATIVE THEME • EUROPEAN GARDENS

CONTACT DETAILS Tel: 0418 319 309 E: landscape@aql.net.au W: aql.net.au 12596003-JB13-23

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 21

PUZZLES No. 126

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

easy

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

5 1 4 3

9

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

People from Bagdad, Mosul etc. (6) Written words (8) Grub (5) Used to restrain criminals (9) Genius plural (5) Buttress (9) Plant yielding fragrant oil (8) Asserts the truth of it (6) Country of mounties (6) Confirming (8) From Oslo, e.g. (9) 'I don’t know' (colloq) (5) Particular events (9) Japanese camera company (5) Prize (8) Slows (6)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 18 23 24 26 27 28 29

No. 126

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

Against the law (7) Brother of Moses (Biblical) (5) From Rome or Florence (7) Sour (6) Discreet (7) Egyptian queen (9) Siblings (7) Steed (5) Anatomical chamber of the heart (9) Monarch’s spouse (7) Clothes (7) Tips (5) Rhythm (7) Reasons (7) Diligence (6) Finnish phone maker (5)

DECODER

No. 126

5 2

1

7

3

6 9 4

6 5 9 4 4 5

3 8 4

7

5 6 2 1 hard

3

6 1 2 6 8

9 4 1 8 1 9

5 3

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10 11 12 13

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

Q V L T C P A U Y H B S I QV 15

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26

N O D F MW X K J G Z E R 5

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13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

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

T

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

H

E

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C

Y A

P

R

achy, ARCHETYPE, chary, cheery, creepy, crypt, cypher, earthy, eatery, eyre, harpy, hearty, party, patchy, payee, payer, peachy, pray, preachy, prey, pyre, racy, repay, retype, teary, therapy, they, tray, trey, type, tyre, yacht, yachter, year

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

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

3 7 6 1 9 4 5 8 2 5 2 1 6 8 7 3 9 4 8 9 4 2 5 3 1 7 6 4 5 3 7 6 2 8 1 9 9 6 2 3 1 8 4 5 7 1 8 7 9 4 5 2 6 3 2 3 9 5 7 1 6 4 8 6 4 5 8 2 9 7 3 1 7 1 8 4 3 6 9 2 5 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

4

hard

3

medium

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4 LETTERS BETS BOOS CAME CASE CATS GENT HEED LADE LESS PASS SNAP SOUP SWAN WEED 5 LETTERS ALERT APPLE

No. 126

6 8 $ 9 (

ARENA AREN’T ARISE AROMA ASSET AURAL AWAKE AWARE CAPER CARTS CHAPS COURT EDGED EERIE ELITE ELUDE ENEMA ERODE HALLS LEADS LEAPT MEDIA

MELON OPTIC PACES PANDA PAPAS PAPER PATES PIPES RATES RENTS ROSES SANDY SECTS SELLS SLATE SLOPE STALL START SUAVE TEENS THETA TREAD

TWINE USERS VENUE WIPER 6 LETTERS SERVED SERVER SPURTS UPROAR

7 LETTERS APPLAUD ARSENAL ENTAILS INTENSE REDHEAD RORTING 8 LETTERS DETERRED DWINDLES RELENTED TRIALLED

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SUDOKU

31-03-23

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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WOW VIEWS AND WOW HOUSE WITH something special in every room, this home will be a dream to live in for you and your extended family and will be a super entertainers delight with space for your friends to party and stay over. Alternatively, if you a seeking an amazing offering for a B&B, you won’t be able to pass up this one.

The home is built over two levels and offers multiple living spaces with stylish kitchens & bathrooms with stone bench tops, dishwasher and quality appliances.

Outside there are many vantage points to enjoy the view in the sun or under a shady tree at the rear of the garden and with spectacular uninterrupted north facing mountain views from the huge decking at the front, you will be spoilt for choice to relax and unwind.

Extras include double carport, garden shed, air conditioning, solar panels, all located in a quiet sealed no through road in a beautiful part of Warburton. No matter what you need this home will deliver over and over.

What we love: A very quiet location where you can enjoy the views in peace.

Watching the mountain colour change hour by hour as the sun moves, and the clouds swirl.

Imagining the gatherings you could have on the deck!

A very well thought through layout to offer so many options.

Sunrises and sunsets! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 16 Boronia Road, WARBURTON Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $750,000 - $825,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190 and Tony Fanfulla 0419 870 513, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

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

Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 23

HOME FOCUS

FAMILY HOME ON LARGE PEACEFUL ALLOTMENT IDEALLY positioned on a beautiful established garden allotment on over half an acre, is this fabulous 3 bedroom family home located only 5 minutes away from the township of Healesville.

The residence has been cleverly designed with all of the living zones at the front of the home to draw your attention to the stunning mountain views and beyond through the large colonial windows.

The central country kitchen with bay window opens to the spacious private living area on one side with a large dining and family room on the adjoining side, perfect for entertaining with family and friends. Sit and relax on the full-length front verandah and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil gardens that surround this home.

The bedrooms are set at the rear of the home offering privacy and lovely garden views from the windows. There are 3 robed bedrooms, the master with large walk-in robe and ensuite, a central main bathroom, separate toilet plus a family friendly laundry with external access.

A double carport takes care of the car accommodation with the bonus of a double lock up garage at the rear of the yard for all the tools and convenient extra storage.

Gas ducted heating, ceiling fans along with evaporative cooling system takes care of year-round comfort along with the added bonus of a large solar panel system already in place making this a convenient energy efficient home.

This home is ideal for the family looking to escape the hustle and bustle and yet still be moments to the award-winning restaurants, cafe’s, distilleries and specialty shops that Healesville and the Yarra Valley has to offer.

For your private inspection, call Mark today or attend one of the scheduled open homes.

HOME ESSENTIALS Address:28 Warreena Grove, CHUM CREEK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $795,000 Inspect: Private Appointment Only or Scheduled Open for Inspection Contact: Mark Gunther 0448 62 3030, FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARK GUNTHER 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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Ranges

We put you first

iMMACULATE hOME iN A BRiLLiANT LOCATiON

Ranges First National - Awards Night 2023 UPWEY 35 gRiFFiThS ROAd $1,270,000-$1,390,000 SET in A QUiET STREET AMOngST QUALiTY hOMES 4A 2B 4C

Prestigious home within walking distance to all amenities, features a study nook, Tasmanian Oak floorboards, high ceilings, ornate cornice, ducted evaporative cooling & heating, security system, quality window furnishings, 3 toilets, freshly painted, hostess kitchen with stone bench tops & servery to the covered deck. The master incorporates a stunning coffer ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding robes and a glamorous ensuite with a spa & private balcony. Outside includes a 4 small car garage, workshop & under house storage.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

USEABLE ¼ ACRE ALLOTMENT

AvOnSLEigh 19 WRighT ROAd 4 BEDROOMS PLUS A STUDY

9754 6111

rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

We are so proud of the team, the results outline all the hard work that is put in.

Keep up the great work everyone.

ENTERTAiNERS dREAM ON OVER ONE ACRE

$750,000-$820,000 4A 2B 1C 1E

This home features a fabulous renovated ensuite and a great study (home office/ playroom) The living space consists of an updated white and timber kitchen with 900mm oven/gas hotplates and a dishwasher, adjoining dining area and a lounge room with a wood fire. The property has a circular driveway, with carport access, a fenced flat backyard and a rear deck. There are 3 split systems & ducted heating. Only minutes to Emerald Township, schools and walk into town on the trail and explore Wright Forest.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

The Ranges First National office won the #9 office award for Victoria in the First National Network, Grant Skipsey & Jan Brewster got GOLD sales awards, Amy Carson in our rentals team got Platinum & Elite (top 15) for her work in rentals, Mick Dolphin got DIAMOND sales award & #5 Sales Agent for the 2022 year.

Janet hawkins 0409 117 432

MEnziES CREEk 24 AURA VALE ROAd AnD A PRivATE STUDiO WiTh A TOiLET!

$1,150,000-$1,250,000 4A 2B 2C 1E

Situated on gently sloping land, this light-filled immaculate home where modern meets character is the perfect blend for today’s lifestyle. With a welcoming vibe, other features include a separate master with WiR & ensuite with a freestanding bathtub & own private deck. Other inclusions are a study nook, sun-filled kitchen with WiP, decked entertaining area, spa & automated shade sail, gas central heating system, wood heater & split A/C and 6.5kw solar. Outside has amazing gardens, paved & grass areas & double carport.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

‘We Put You First’

Jane Mortimer 0457 620 542

1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 25

HOME FOCUS

PRIVACY IN A PICTURESQUE LOCATION TIME for a change of scenery, this could be the spot, surrounded by lush bush and a picturesque location it’s the ideal place to relax and unwind.

The home is fresh, light and bright and offering great space inside and out with 3 good size bedrooms all with built-in robes.

Luxurious main bathroom plus an open plan lounge/living area and kitchen with modern appliances throughout. Outside there is plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy, with a great size back yard plus a carport and lock up garage and with ample space for cars and trailers.

A fantastic property superbly presented and with nothing to do but sit back relax and enjoy the tranquil and peaceful surrounds. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 13 Rainbow Trout Avenue, EAST WARBURTON Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $570,000 - $600,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277 26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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P 5966 2530

3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton

60 Railway Road, Yarra Junction

$900,000 - $990,000

P 5967 1277

2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

108 Wonga Rd, Millgrove

$550,000 - $595,000

12.5 Acres (approx) with Spectacular Mountain Views

A super package - Millgrove delight all ready for you!

A fabulous location directly opposite the iconic Warburton Trail awaits your dream home to be unearthed. The acreage has power already connected, water tanks and some infrastructure that will have you temporarily sheltered while you embark on the build. With open fields and mountain views of the Warburton Ranges, there are several beautiful options for you to site your new home (stca).

Previously occupied as a wholesale nursery, there are some sheds, watering systems, stunning well established fruit trees, and feature a light mix of ornamental and native trees for privacy and appeal.

This property provides a rural lifestyle with all of the conveniences nearby. Yarra Junction has primary and high schools, Woolworths, doctors, dentists, sporting clubs and the list goes on. Call anytime for a private inspection of this special property. No pedestrian access available.

Are you looking for a great value home that you can move right into and be proud to call your own?

Look no further than this Millgrove gem offering Yarra Valley living along with privacy and a great community feel. Well presented light and bright, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is fully fenced and offers views from the rear of Mt Little Joe as well as a good size completely useable block that is fully fenced. Complete with ceiling fans throughout, gas ducted heating and split systems you have all climates covered and nothing to do except move in and enjoy your new lifestyle! Extras include big upright stainless steel cooker, gorgeous character sleigh bath and a short walk to Yarra River, transport, Pre School and School.

Tony Fanfulla M 0419 870 513 Inspection: Sat 11 -11.30am

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190

187 Woods Point Road, East Warburton

David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection:

By Appointment

$820,000 - $890,000

3

4 Pheasant Parade, Warburton

A

1

B

$610,000 - $660,000

Picture Perfect in Botanical Haven on over ½ acre

Magical Views & 3 bedroom home on a sunny half acre

A stunning home, a luxurious Bed & Breakfast or weekender & superbly located just out of the Warburton township, across the road from the Yarra River and Warburton rail trail! Offering 3 large bedrooms all with built in robes, providing space for multiple beds if required. The open plan living is a large area for family and friends to come together and enjoy, an enormous dining room is the ideal spot to play some board games after you have feasted from the goodies prepared in your stunning kitchen, and then you can cosy up around the bluestone ensconced crackling wood fire.

This properties’ natural beauty will allow anyone to pretend to be a savvy gardener in these stunning surrounds as a low maintenance wonderland has been created. Added features: lock up garage, woodshed, 8.7kw solar system and excellent fencing.

The opportunity now exists for this home to be presented to market after being loved by the same family for over 60 years. Offering magical northerly mountain views where you can see the snow in winter on Mount Donna Buang, a large allotment of over half an acre of cleared and sunny spots to enjoy your surroundings. The entertainment deck has amazing potential as the place to soak up the sunshine and country air and enjoy those views. Offering 3 bedrooms, original kitchen with adjacent dining area, separate lounge with a cosy fireplace. Garage/workshop for handy storage and a super large backyard to enjoy and absorb the peace and quiet. With a little elbow grease you could enjoy this wonderful home and soak up all the delights of this bustling township just a short stroll to the Yarra River, shops, transport.

Tony Fanfulla M 0419 870 513 Inspection: Sat 1 -1.30pm

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190

3

A

1

B 2 C

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 2 -2.30pm

3

A

1

B 1 C

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 27

HOME FOCUS

YOUR 37 ACRE LIFESTYLE DREAM OWNED, loved and beautifully maintained by the one family for over 50 years, this unique property showcases the true essence of quality family living. Sitting proudly on 2767m2, the surrounding established gardens and rolling lawns compliment this home, showing the high standard of care it has received over the years, both inside and out.

Behind the solid brick façade, you will discover spacious living over two levels, with a slate tiled entry foyer leading to a large ground floor billiards / rumpus room giving a wonderful space in which to entertain. This level also features a home office/bedroom, bathroom and a spacious laundry.

Upstairs, a meticulously detailed kitchen, featuring Meile appliances and handmade tiles, has been built with functionality in mind yet also boasts a classic design to suit the most discerning family chef.

The relaxed meals and family area is filled with natural light and looks out to the stunning pool and lush green gardens. The deck over the carport, accessible from the kitchen, is the perfect place to enjoy lovely views of the hills beyond.

For more formal occasions, a large

lounge/dining room leads to another, even larger alfresco deck and BBQ patio.

Three bedrooms (inc. master with ensuite) plus home office/fourth bedroom provide plenty of space which, along with three sizeable bathrooms, create a floorplan to envy. The copious storage areas throughout the home will also delight.

Hydronic heating, a gas log fire and solid wood Jetmaster heater will keep you warm through the cooler months while in the warmer weather, simply open the beautiful French doors to let the cool hills breeze filter through. There is also air conditioning in the kitchen/family area for those warmer days.

Outside, the solar heated pool creates a fun filled environment in the summer with its built in spa that can be enjoyed year round.

A sealed driveway leads to a large lockable garage with workshop & internal access plus a double carport and plenty of extra parking, making this property ideal for those looking for space for trailers, boats etc. With a colourful garden full of established trees and pretty pathways, there is plenty to love about this unique property.

Adjoining land of 2311m2 is also available for purchase. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 21 Maskells Hill Road, SELBY Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,220,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 and Glenn Chandler 0418 410 689, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 28 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

1 Vista Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$1,480,000 - $1,600,000

‘GREENWOOD’ – QUALITY, SIZE & TIMELESS APPEAL

4A2B4C

FOR SALE

30 The Crescent, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$1,050,000 - $1,150,000 5A2B2C

FABULOUS FAMILY HOME WITH SEPARATE STUDIO

A picture of perfection awaits at ‘Greenwood’, a much loved, Federation Harkaway home, built and engineered to an outstanding level of detail and offering a traditional, period style home that boasts elegance on every level. Spacious and solid, there has been no compromise on quality, offering 4 bedrooms, home office (or 5th bedroom), dual bathrooms and a versatile floorplan to meet any family’s requirements.

A much loved family property, this beautiful home boasts 5 bedrooms plus home office/ 6th bedroom whilst spanning over two levels of living, giving quality and timeless appeal throughout. Beautifully detailed with warm timbers and exposed beams, the floorplan has been thoughtfully designed to be extremely versatile and allows for either generous living for the entire family or, separate levels for in-law accommodation, or work from home options.

Sharyn Chandler

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

FOR SALE

5 Mizmaze Road, SHERBROOKE

$1,100,000 - $1,150,000

SPECTACULAR RESIDENCE WITH 2 UNIQUE STUDIOS

3A3B2C

FOR SALE

26 Heath Road, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$720,000 - $790,000 3A1B2C

A FAMILY HOME IN AN A+ LOCATION

This spectacular property’s scene is set over 1.3 acres of enchanting gardens.

Boasting an everchanging backdrop of seasonal colour at this uniquely charming home with 2 impressive studios, this is a lifestyle property with immense small business potential all in one. Paired with a prized position only 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD and moments from shopping, schools, transport, and world-class parkland, this property is a rare opportunity to embark on an entirely new way of life within the lush landscape of the Dandenong Ranges.

Within walking distance to Belgrave South Township, local schools and bus stop, this property offers not only an A+ location but plenty of space to run and enjoy on this 1488m2 fenced block. The modern kitchen comes complete with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and great storage while flowing easily into the meals area and TV room.

Brad Conder

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

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

Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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MAIL 29

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

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RIDGELINE GLASS & GLAZING

Phone: 1300 666 808

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Qualified Ca Maintenance • Carpentry & ering • Tiling • Plast 9 417 192 00 Call Steve 0

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• 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

Players needed for ‘fun’

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Glen ruckman Jason Godfrey, winning a tap to Sam Horsley against Berwick Springs’ Kayden Buselli.

“The beauty of having a new coach with new blood, new eyes and I’m hoping to be around for a long steep build to revitalise the club and get it back to where everything’s sustainable,” he said.

The division change means that Williams

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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will be reassessing plans for the team this season “Obviously we’re going down to division, but I am always super positive and out for a win,” he said.

The last training session had the most num-

12591995-KG09-23

Yarra Glen Football Netball Club will drop down into Division Two this season and is calling for anyone looking for a new club, as they are a few players short heading into this year’s campaign.

Yarra Glen FNC has moved down from Division One and taken Yea FNC’s place who were unable field senior men’s football teams in 2023.

Yarra Glen FNC Vice President Richard Gurney points to last season’s disappointing run as part of the reason numbers are still low this year.

The River Pigs played in Division One in 2022 and had only 4 wins overall, which was disappointing for the team at the time.

“Footy is supposed to be fun, last season really took the wind out of the players,” he said.

Yarra Glen FNC continues to be affected by the September 2022 floods, with damaged the club’s off field facilities.

“We started to get a bit worried about the year in preseason,” said Gurney.

Numbers can drastically affect the way the landscape works for teams and Mr Gurney said it can be a universal problem.

“We’re not the only club that struggled, there’s plenty of teams in the Yarra Valley and throughout the whole state that are struggling,” he said.

My Gurney said time commitments required can affect how available players are as well.

“They need to work on Saturdays and they can’t afford to get injured and miss work, I think that’s the one of the main issues that is stopping people playing,” he said.

New coach Dean Williams, who came on in October 2022 is staying motivated and has high hopes for the club despite its recent setbacks.

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SPORT

Wandin has eyes on prize

By Marcus Uhe Coach Nick Adam has got his Wandin Bulldogs chomping the bit for season 2023, pulling no punches about their aspirations in the Outer East Football Netball League this season; they’re in it to win it.

Finishing third in 2022, they, along with the grand finalists in Narre Warren and Woori Yallock, forced a three-win gap between themselves and Ferny Creek in fourth, come the end of the year, to put themselves in a tier above the field.

But their 12-win home-and-away season came with four significant blemishes, in losses to those sides that finished above them on the table.

A turbulent finals series saw them knock-off Woori Yallock in week one before succumbing to the Magpies and the Tigers in consecutive weeks to put a bow on the campaign.

“We’re young and I think that probably got exposed in September against Narre Warren and Woori Yallock,” Adam said.

“We feel like there’s a lot of natural development in the 19-24/25-year-old block of guys in just putting in those experiences against quality sides, and we’ve been able to keep them all, which is really important.

“We feel like there’s natural progression in us, the reality is that we lost a preliminary final last year and we’re hungry to move forward from there and be playing in a grand final this year.

“Time will tell whether we are or we aren’t, but we definitely feel that, by being able to keep the quality of our core together, it puts us in a really strong position to see organic improvement on top of development that we see out of our program.”

As they seek to close the margin between themselves and the standard setters, the club have invested in the growth of their established young talent, while addressing some deficiencies via recruitment.

In Drew Benson, the midfield brigade led

by Patrick Bruzzese and Cody Hirst can expect better service from an experienced tap ruckman that was identified as a need in the off-season, to provide the dynamic forward line led by Clint Johnson and former North Melbourne and Carlton defender, Aaron Mullett, with a higher frequency and standard of delivery.

Right on the season’s eve, another massive boost has been added to Wandin’s premiership push, with a club connection bringing another former AFL player to the Kennel.

Clinton Johnson will share the forward line with Aaron Mullett at Wandin this season. 292958 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter has signed on for season 2023 and will be playing for Wandin when not required at VFL level with the Western Bulldogs affiliate side.

Drafted at pick 30 in the 2020 National Draft, Poulter played 12 games in two years at

the Magpies, 11 of those in an impressive debut season while kicking two goals, At six foot four, there may be a key position role available for Poulter at the Dogs but one thing’s for sure, he will be catching the eye of supporters throughout the year.

Joel Garner was the crucial cog in luring Poulter to Wandin, building a friendship with him on the Western Bulldogs VFL list and offering Wandin as a home base for this season.

Mullett, who played a total of 98 games across his AFL career with the ‘Roos and Blues, went goalless in just three outings last year for Eastern Football League Division two side Mooroolbark to finish with 58 majors for the campaign, and has Adam excited about both the on-field and off-field potential of his prized recruit.

“He’s going to be one of the best handful of players in the competition,” Adam said.

“Some of the stuff that he’s done in match sim has been outstanding, so we look forward to having him in the jumper.

“To have guys that have been on AFL lists and AFL programs, I’m consistently at them to try and pick their brains, help me be better and help us be better.

“I think those guys are better at being able to look outside their own little square and they’re more conscious of what’s going on around them and what’s going to help others within the team.

“I talk to them about, if you see it, have that conversation with the player.

“With the young group, they’re hungry to hear it.”

A longer wait than usual for round one means they won’t play for points until 23 April when they head to Mt Evelyn, before a brutal stretch of fixtures sees them tackle Narre Warren at home, Olinda and Monbulk away, and Woori Yallock back at the kennel in round five.

For Adam, this will present a perfect opportunity to assess where his side sits in relation to the benchmarks of the competition.

Despite the 1-6 record against last year’s grand finalists, a slender loss in the preliminary final in a valiant comeback has Adam feeling that his side are on the brink, and are embracing the challenge.

“We’re a football club that’s aspirational, and we’re in it to win it,” he said.

“I think it would be easy for the traditional Valley teams to say, this is too hard, Narre are too good, but we don’t want to have that mindset.

“Whether or not we’re able to bridge that gap and hold a cup up this year will be decided over the next six months, but we have got a hunger to do it, and a belief to do it and we can do it.

“We’re in it to win it and we’re going to be turning over every stone to try and bridge that gap and create one of our own.”

Young Burras shaping up for another big season

By Callum Ludwig Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club are gearing up for a strong season in 2023, with a young list of footballers and a netball squad keen to repeat their heroics of last season.

In 2022, the Burras’ Reserves Footballers and all five netball sides took home the Premiership in Division Two, while the exciting U18 Boys team also brought home a flag.

Senior Football Coach James Iacono said they are prepared well for the season ahead with the majority of the senior core having a great preseason.

“In terms of aspirations, all we are looking to do is improve on the style of football that we played last season. Being such a young group it’s important rather than set lofty goals to more focus on improving with how we play,” he said.

“With game plans and game style, we will concentrate on our strengths and build on the ball movement that we started to develop last year. With round 1 around the corner, I am excited to see the development and improvement in our group and how it transfers from the training track onto the field.”

The footballers have three new recruits: Key Defender Ben Pretty 32 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

The Warburton-Millgrove A Grade netballers after their 2022 triumph. from Hadfield, Onballer Tom Barr from Drouin and Toby Mitchell and Lachlan Marr from Fish Creek.

Iacono said he is tipping a number of players to have breakthrough seasons.

“Young players who have had great preseasons and are sure to improve and make a mark are Tyson Henry, Bailey Humphrey and Blake Muir and other players I am tipping to have a great season are Harry Rothwell, Pat Huynh and Aiden Westlake,” he said.

“Unfortunately we lost our Vice Captain

Picture: ON FILE

Jack Lee to a pre-season ACL and our key departures are Mitch Bonuda, Marcus Hottes and Matt Wright. They were very good and experienced players for our young group, but the positive for us is that a young player has the opportunity to grab their position and to be fast-tracked.”

The footballer’s practice matches before the season starts are against Kilsyth and West Brunswick.

Head Netball Coach Karly Wappett said there has been a really good turnout at preseason training and a lot of girls have been

training hard.

“Coming off the back of five premierships, they probably want to do the same thing again and back that up. I guess whether they can do that is to be confirmed, but I think that they’re definitely in an excellent position,” she said.

“There’s been a little bit of movement some of the older, more experienced players have left or retired in the lower grades and we’ve lost some A Graders as well but it’s made space for the younger girls to come through and they’re keen to do that.”

The 2022 season was the first time Warburton-Millgrove had eight of their football and netball teams in finals, with all six who made it to the Grand Final securing the premiership.

Wappett said they used their practice matches as an opportunity to mix the grades and play more experienced players with the less experienced players.

“We’ve done really well in our practice matches, the mixing of players didn’t phase us against Norwood who we played twice,” she said.

“We don’t have any niggles or anything that’s getting in our way at the moment, so hopefully it stays the same for the next four weeks until the season starts.” mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

‘Lady-like’ tradition to preserve

By Anita Prowse

A strong showing at the Warburton Golf Club last week.

Picture: ON FILE

Warburton triumph in the Donna-Buang

By Ron Hottes Last week the Warburton and Healesville RACV competed in the time-honoured DonnaBuang Challenge played at Warbie this time.

Some 30 odd Warburton players fronted the starter and nearly as many from Healesville.

The event is played as a Stableford average with all players’ scores included. On this occasion, Warbie won the trophy with an average 31.3 Stableford points, whilst the Healesville average returned 28.5. The best individual score on the day came from the WGC superintendent, Paul Mason, with 40 points. This meant Paul shot a “sizzling” 67 off-the-stick, being too good for any other result. In fact, the daily runner-up was Warbie’s Kevin Bargar, posting an impressive 37 points. The Club Captain and his Match Committee would like to thank all of the Healesville boys for their participation.

Warburton will travel over to Healesville in November, looking forward to the return bout.

Wednesday 22 March, Stableford: A healthy field contested this day’s event under cloudy skies and with cool conditions, just

right to provide plenty of impressive scores.

Deb Hamment was the most impressive, recording a round that amassed 40 points; a fine effort. The day’s runner-up was Ken-Barratt, also on 40 points, meaning a countback was required, but fine golf from both players all the same. P.K. had a none-too-shabby 39 points too. Balls extended to 37 only. The NTPs on the day were taken home by Laurie Doyle (3rd), Andrew McMath (9th andso close to an ace), Neil Leckenby (12th) and K.B. (15th).

Twilight: And now, the end is near and so I face the final shootout. After the final Home and Away round, the Top Ten comprises of (in order of finishing): Danny Fox, Paul Osbourne, Clinton Toohey, James Stewart, Darryl Ward, Rob Hendy, Jeffrey Gill, Simon Spenceley, Ash Hall and Seth Spenceley. We wish all of them well, and a fuller report will be in next week’s edition of The Star Mail. The winner in that final round was Steve Patrick, with a score posted of 22 points, a fine effort. Rob Hendy lost on a countback, also with 22, but this won’t

bother him because that runner-up placing was enough to see him make the famous Top Ten. Well done to Rob. With results like that, it would surprise no one that balls only got down to 17. NTP winners were Steuart Hawke (11th—and an eagle), Jeff Gill (12th) and David Hatt (15th).

Saturday 25 March, Stableford: On a pleasant day, weatherwise, for a game of golf, some very solid scores were posted by the healthy field of 40+. Peter Fox produced a card showing 41 points, which was good enough to earn him the A-Grade voucher, good job Pete.

Ex-Captain Cross was the A-Grade runner-up with a tidy 40 points ( Performing better than your football team, Noel). In B-Grade, similar scores won the vouchers. New Club Secretary, Kevin Bargar won, with 41 points but only on a tight countback. Tim Jones also had 41 points but not as good a back nine as Kevin. If you amassed 35 points or better, you can claim a ball. NTP prizes went home with Danny Fox (3rd), Geoff Sharp (5th), Rob Ferguson (9th) and James Campion (12th.)

The amazing Yarra Valley has a very rich equine history, be it the amazing heavy horses that built our roads, dams and infrastructure, the timber cartage and the more day-to-day aspect of colonial transport. Some of these Gentle Giants were on show at the Upper Yarra Museum on the weekend and hopefully, some of the younger generations got to marvel at them working with man and machinery.

Another aspect of our history is the rarely seen side saddle for women on horseback. This was considered a more “lady-like” fashion and is a skill that we all need to preserve, respect and enjoy.

Thankfully, there are emerging a few fantastic opportunities to teach our younger generations this historic way of riding and continue to grow it back into our more mainstream equine activities.

Same-side equestrian and others are fantastic for Pony Club/HRCAV rallies, with informative presentations on the gear used and the teaching of this most elegant of equestrian riding forms, we need to keep all our amazing history alive and available to all.

Private lessons are also available to those wishing to perfect the craft. Would be fantastic to see some younger riders out there giving this a go and enjoying our abundant history.

Side-saddle riding is a skill worth maintaining.

Picture: STACEY RUSIC

Rael over the line for first win of year with Symons back

By Ian Callen Ian Symons returned from holiday to make himself available last Tuesday; this was his team’s very important final days play of round 7.

Important because Team Rael was yet to win a round.

As it turned out, Symons’ contribution was not the best individual score of the season, but it was probably the most significant for his team.

His 33 points was just enough to carry Rael over the line for their first win of the 2023 tournament.

Rael: D. Stevenson 39, T. Purdie 38, M. Jackson 36, K. Emslie 34, I. Symons 33, Urquhart 31, = 211 Riddell: G. Cooper 36, M. McIntosh 36, P. Monk 36, A Litchfield 34, D. Phillips 34, G. Cosham 33 = 209 Nicholson: F. Lloyd 39, L. Tormey 33, J. O’Brien 32, T. Druitt 32, D. Chipperfield 32, R. Keable 31= 199 mailcommunity.com.au

This also allowed Nicholson to hold onto a two game lead at the top of the table and when Thursday’s rain came, it really did wash the ‘Wheels’ from opposition golf carts on course, everywhere.

This rain was so soul destroying, that when competition got underway Saturday (day two of round eight) virtually only the Nicholson team had turned up.

Allowing David Pilcher with 39 points, Chris Handasyde (37) and David Chipperfield (34) to guarantee their team a fifth tournament victory, no matter the results today.

Simply, there aren’t enough points to be earned on course by those representing their respective teams to upset the celebrations of Laurie Tormey and his team of men and women.

There is however, the matter of the prestigious ‘Tormey Taylor Medal’ for 2023; for the best and fairest player of the tournament and this will be determined on course today; where contenders; Howard Vaughan, Fred Lloyd, Max McIntosh, Keith Emslie and Doug

Smith will be inaction.

All players will be competing against the course, the conditions presented, each other, but playing in different groups, some early, others later, but nevertheless the goal is clear, to win that hand engraved pure ‘Silver Medal’ designed, cut and crafted in Healesville.

The result will be revealed by Callen Column in a fortnight’s time, the last of my column for the year.

At which time, I will be introducing you to the RACV’s Team Golf’s ‘Tormey Taylor’ Medalist at the conclusion of the vote count at the ‘Terminus Hotel’, Wednesday the 5th of April.

For the general public, there are some seats still available.

If you ould like to attend the evening to dine with our golfers and enjoy the night, please contact the office of the ‘Star Mail’ and we will have someone contact you with details.

Round 8 progress scores after day 2 Nicholson: D. Pilcher 39, C. Handasyde 37, D. Chipper-

field 34, A. Davidson 33, J. O’Brien 33, A. Body 31 (207) Rael: R. Johnston 35, M. Jackson 29 (64) Riddell: John Stewart 30, Tournament Golf Table (After Round 7) Team P W D Points Nicholson 7 4 24 Riddell 7 2 12 Rael 7 1 6 Alba Paloma Stableford Round 1; Rael (35) Riddell (34) Nicholson (32) Round 2; Rael (37) Riddell (37) Nicholson (36) Round 3; Riddell (37) Rael (35 Nicholson (33) Round 4; Rael (44) Riddell (41) Nicholson (39) Round 5; Nicholson (37) Rael (36) Riddell (28) Round 6; Nicholson (37) Rael (36 Riddell (35) Round 7; Nicholson (36) Rael (34) Riddell (33) Tuesday, 28 March, 2023

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