Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 13th June 2023

Powerful portraits

By Callum Ludwig

The only Victorian showing of the finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) 2022 is at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

The photographs are on display during the museum opening hours from Friday 9 June until Sunday 3 September.

Warburton photographer and former filmmaker Iván Gaal is a finalist in the 2022 award, having also been in 2013 and 2015, and said he was very happy to be accepted.

“Out of the 2500 entries, only 50 photographs are accepted so that in itself was a very good present for me,” he said.

“This year I worked with David Mendaue OAM, who contracted HIV over 40 years ago. I had lost contact with him and met up with him two years ago and thought he is looking well. I thought he had a lot of character on his face, showing the survival instinct that he has had for 40 years.”

The NPP has been running for 15 years, with entries coming in from amateur and professional photographers all over Australia.

Director of Collection and Exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery Sandra Bruce was in town for the launch of the exhibition and to give guided tours on its first day and said one of the most fantastic things about it is that it’s always got such a broad range of Australian content.

“There are people who are well known as the subjects or ‘sitters’ and there are those who are well-loved family members, it really is about the diverse exploration of the Australian experience,” she said.

“It’sreallygreatthatsomeofthefinaliststhis year are local too. One of the staff at the Portrait Gallery loves using this analogy of windows and mirrors. In some portraits you see a little bit of yourself reflected back because you have a connection with that person while others live in an entirely different world or space to you.”

Turn to page 12 for more Ivan Gaal with his

submission ‘David Menadue’.

Picture: RICHARD TIMBURY

Council budget gets nod

By Parker McKenzie

At the Tuesday 6 June council meeting, Yarra Ranges Council voted to adopt the draft 2023/24 budget under the spectre of cost of living pressures and high inflation.

Mayor Jim Child said one of the most important decisions that the council makes each year is the budget.

“This year we’ve taken a very different approach and I commend us as a council and also the executive team for going to the public at an early stage,” he said.

“Our budget is created on behalf of with the assistance of and for communities of over 55 townships. It’s one of our most important documents as I said previously and so community feedback was actually critical when we put this together.”

For the 2023/24 financial year, the council is expecting to have a total revenue of $245.6 million and a total expenditure of $225.6 million, resulting in a surplus of $20.1 million.

The council is also expecting a cash balance increase of $24.3 million, which is the amount of money the council will have after it has “met all its commitments from operations, capital expenditure and financial costing.”

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said it is appropriate to mention that we are currently living in a “very restricted, tight financial environment with relatively high inflation.”

“There are higher expectations from our communities, and that’s appropriate. We should be looking to be to do better and be better,” he said.

“There’s also pressure from state government to take over some of the services that they’ve previously provided.”

A breakdown in the draft budget also

showed a breakdown of how the council spends rates per $100, with the biggest expenditure being capital works ($27.94), followed by waste management ($10.73) and roads, drains and footpaths ($10.61).

Mayor Child said the council had heard from hundreds of people in the lead-up to the draft budget being ratified.

“Cost of Living pressures, including rising interest rates, material and labour costs have had a significant impact on the community and on our council,” he said.

“You can see we’ve done some very extensive work in this budget.”

The council said earlier in the meeting it had 687 contributions from people online and 209 people at six roadshow events.

The council unanimously voted to support the draft budget. A breakdown

of how rates are divided per $100.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child. Picture: ON FILE

Works has new look

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council added an additional Council meeting to their schedule on Tuesday 6 June in order to speed up the implementation of Council’s 2023/24 Draft Budget.

The draft budget is now open for the community to view and provide feedback until 5pm on Sunday 20 June, with the finalised budget to be considered at the Tuesday 11 July meeting.

Speaking to the motion, Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said the community has told the council that continuing services and providing good local infrastructure were a must for this year’s budget.

“Our Budget is created on behalf of, with the assistance of and for our communities over 55 townships. It’s one of our most important documents, and so community feedback is critical when we put it together,” he said.

“We heard, in person and online, that people wanted a stronger focus on infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and drainage, to look after existing assets alongside building new ones and prioritise the protection of our environment.

The full list of 57 CapitalsWorks Projects for completion by July 2024 has been announced, split between the three major subsections of the region: 14 in the Hills, 16 in the Valley and 27 in the Urban area of the LGA. The total expenditure on these projects totals $76.6 million, with $21.5 million of that total carried over from 2022-23.

Cr Child said the Capital Works program looks different this year.

“We want to balance how we invest in new infrastructure while maintaining and improving the assets we have,” he said.

“Our primary focus this year is on maintaining, repairing and improving our footpaths, roads and trails, helping you get to where you need to go.”

$59.4 million of the total is going towards renewing existing assets, with $17.1 million is set to construct new assets. $36.2 million of external funding has been received from a combination of the State and Federal Governments.

Cr Child said that cost of living pressures –including rising interest rates, materials and labour costs – has had a significant impact on the community and on Council.

“We’re extremely mindful of balancing two very delicate situations – the community facing some of the greatest cost of living pressures in more than a decade, and the same pressures impacting the costs of our service delivery,” he said.

“Designing a budget to deliver more than 100 services to 165,000 residents across 55 townships is never easy, so we’ve held or reduced our investment in several areas to our 2022-23 financial year levels, to allow us to invest more in areas identified as priorities by the community.”

The full list of Capital Works in the Valley is as follows:

$200,000 for multi-year renewal works at the Bluegum Reserve playspace in Badger Creek, partially funded by the State Government

$796,000 and $972,000 respectively for road pavement rehabilitation works on Gruyere Road (from Harvey Close to Darling Road) and Maddens Lane (Maroondah Highway to Medhurst Road)

$30,000 for planning for the extension of the existing footpath on Don Road, Healesville

$345,000 over multiple years for drainage improvements to address flooding and erosion on George Road, Lalor Road and Maroondah Parade in Healesville

$20,000 over multiple years for the con-

struction of a concrete path between Newgrove Road and Blannin Street on Stephens Road in Healesville

$200,000 over multiple years, partially funded by the State Government for playspace renewal works at McKenzie King Drive Reserve in Millgrove

$3.1 million partially funded by both the State and Federal Government to continue the delivery of the Community Sports Pavilion in Powelltown

$500,000 over multiple years partially funded by the Federal Government to connect the Yarra Valley Trail at Yering to Yarra Glen

$20,000 over multiple years for drainage improvements to address flooding and erosion on Schoolhouse Road in Yarra Junction

$15,000 to add bike storage near the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction

$100,000 for the Yarra Valley Trail carpark extension works on MacIntyre Lane in Yering

$85,000 over multiple years for the Warburton Urban Design Framework development and

$750,000 over multiple years with contributions from the community and the State and Federal Governments for the development of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination.

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion and said we are living in a very restricted, tight financial environment with relatively high inflation.

“7 per cent increase in costs and services are blowing out, with some of our infrastructure costs increasing by 20 per cent. There are higher expectations from our communities, and that’s appropriate, we should be looking to be to do better and be better,” he said.

“I believe this is a very appropriate and responsible document in the difficult circumstances we live in. I think overall, it reads well and it’s one of the better budgets I’ve read over the last number of years.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Yarra Ranges residents can read more about the draft budget and provide their feedback here: www.shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ council-budget-2023-24.

Warburton tree safety costs revealed

By Callum Ludwig

A question from the public in the Tuesday 6 June Yarra Ranges Council meeting has revealed the cost of the works on the Warburton Tree.

Warburton resident Brent Grogan submitted the question, requesting the complete cost of the works which were carried out recently following weeks of debates, protests and discussions.

Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Hjalmar Philipp responded to the question and said the total costs, including costs arising from

Council being obstructed in undertaking the safety work, is in the order of $400,000.

“This includes independent arboricultural advice, legal advice, contractor costs, traffic management, fencing and security,” he said.

An update from Council on Thursday 8 June said they are ‘committed to investigating the feasibility of retaining the remainder of the tree’ with a habitat area in the tree’s immediate vicinity possible in the future.

The Ottrey Car Park and the public toilets have been reopened, with access to the Warburton Recreation Reserve also possible through the site again.

Two seriously injured by runaway car

Two people have been injured after being run over by a runaway car in Alexandra.

It’s believed an unoccupied vehicle began rolling down a hill, running over two spectators at the Alexandra Speedway on Gordon Street at about 10.15pm on Sunday 11 June.

The vehicle came to a stop after hitting a Winnebago.

Two female youths, a 16-year-old from Lilydale and 20-year-old from Marysville, were airlifted to hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries.

The vehicle owner, an 18-year-old Wandin North man, was interviewed in relation to the incident and released pending further enquiries.

Mansfield Highway Patrol will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urge any witnesses or anyone with vision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

National Park road closures over winter

Parks Victoria has released the statewide road closures for some tracks in national parks that will be enforced after the King’s Birthday weekend in June.

Upper Taggerty Road in the Yarra Ranges National Park will be closed from 15 June and Blue Range Road in the Kurth Kiln regional park will close from 13 June, both will re-open 2 November this year.

Many roads and tracks are seasonally closed to vehicle traffic each year.

As rain and snow soften the tracks, making them vulnerable to damage, these tracks are closed to vehicles for visitor safety, to maintain water quality and prevent erosion during the wetter months.

Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the King’s Birthday long weekend in June through to the end of October, but the closures may be extended if conditions are not suitable to safely re-open the roads.

For maps of seasonal closures across Victoria please visit MapshareVic.

This map shows the seasonal road closures in parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria and seasonal road closures in adjacent areas that are managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Remember to check individual park pages and the changed conditions and closures page before you go for other changes to conditions relating to fire, flood, and storm-affected parks.

For further information, visitors are advised to contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or the DEECA Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Interest rates rise again

Interest rates have hit an eleven-year high, despite the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor stating inflation has hit its peak.

On 6 June, the RBA Governor Phillip Lowe announced a 25 basis point increase to the cash rate target, lifting it to 4.10 per cent.

He said despite inflation “passing its peak,” 7 per cent is still too high and it will be “some time before it is back in the target range.”

“This further increase in interest rates is to provide greater confidence that inflation will return to target within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.

What remains of the Warburton Tree.

Picture: SUELLEN GREEN

Continued funding for the new pavilion at the Powelltown Recreation Reserve has been included in YRC’s draft budget. Picture: ON FILE

Zaki reunites with family

By Tanya Steele

After many years of effort, Healesville Rural Australians for Refugee (RAR) members have warm hearts after Zaki Haidari, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan was reunited with his family on 4 March.

After over 10 years apart, Mr Haidari’s family were granted visas to fly to Australia.

While his family is safe, Mr Haidari said he will continue to fight for justice.

“For 10 long years, arbitrary policy decisions have kept me living in legal limbo and my family living in a violent, war torn country and Afghanistan is a country that has been at war for more than 40 years,” he said.

Mr Haidari arrived in Australia by boat in 2013 at age 17 after the Taliban murdered his father and elder brother.

Two years later, a RAR Healesville member helped Mr Haidari gain an education and he was appointed 2015 NSW International Student of the Year and a City of Sydney International Student Ambassador.

He is now a Campaign Manager for Amnesty International.

During his remarkable rise, Mr Haidari tried desperately to help his family in Kabul escape from constant danger, with RAR Healesville contributing to the cause.

Iain Gillespie a longtime RAR Healesville member said after Mr Haidairi told him their story at a meeting he was pretty much an honorary member of the group.

The group later had a Zoom meeting with Mr Hairdari during a time of upheaval in Afghanistan when the Taliban were taking over and occupying the airport.

“He (Mr Haidari) described the nightmare of what was happening to his family and I think that really consolidated the (groups)

emotional connection with him,” Mr Gillespie said.

“The battle then was getting his family out of there.”

For a decade, Mr Haidari said he has not been able to share treasured moments with his family and was glad to share the news that they have arrived safely.

“I could not rest, I could not sleep knowing they were in danger, I am pleased to share with you, my community, who have shared my highs, lows and fears, that my family have arrived here in Australia,” he said.

“I can celebrate Eid and Nawruz joyfully, and my heart is no longer on the other side of the world, but here.”

“I am more determined than ever that all refugee families have to see an end to their pain and suffering, temporary protection and legal limbo must end.”

Mr Gillespie said Healesville RAR will continue their efforts in the refugee and asylum seeker space.

“We all get a great deal of satisfaction from being able to help,” he said.

RAR Healesville had previously adopted Mr Haidari as an honorary member.

“Today, I have hundreds if not thousands of Australian friends and family. People who have been there for me during tough times – giving me love, lending me a shoulder to cry on, offering me the gift of family,” Mr Haidari said.

“My family’s arrival is a gift I thought I would never see. It has given me hope, hope that compassion and justice will prevail for all refugees, I will not stop fighting until justice is realised,” he said.

‘FOGO’ bins to launch in October to reduce food waste

By Tanya Steele

A Food Organics and Garden Organics or FOGO collection has been announced for households across the Yarra Ranges and will be introduced on 2 October this year.

Once the collection begins, garden clippings and food scraps, including meat and bones, will be able to be disposed of in residents’ FOGO bins, in an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the new FOGO bin system was part of the State Government’s Circular Economy Policy.

“Up to 45 per cent of the material in a typical Yarra Ranges household’s rubbish bin is food waste,” he said.

The system is designed to reduce waste and stop material going to landfill, while also reducing harmful greenhouse gases.

“By using the new FOGO service and placing all of our food scraps into the FOGO

bin instead of the rubbish bin, we can save 13,500 tonnes of food waste going to landfill every year,” Cr Child said.

“This will significantly reduce our impact on the environment and the unstainable reli-

ance we have had on landfill for many years,” he said.

Ethne Pfeiffer, President of the Healesville Community Garden said she welcomes the announcement.

“I think it is a really positive step in terms of whole communities managing their waste,”’ she said.

Residents who do not currently have a Green Organics bin will receive a new lime green lidded FOGO bin between August and September, prior to the new service starting on 2 October.

The dark green lids on household garbage bins will also be changed to red, to help people distinguish between each type of bin.

Yellow lidded recycling bins will remain unchanged.

Ms Pfeiffer said as we transition to the new system it will probably take a while for everyone to get the hang of the changes.

‘That’s just us being humans and whoever

is on the end of the process picking up our bins, that is going to be messy for a while but that’s our reality, she said.

Once the new system is in place, the FOGO bin will be collected weekly and taken to a composting facility.

The food material will then be processed to create nutrient rich compost to help improve soils on farms and gardens.

“There will challenge is managing every part of the process to get the benefits,” Ms Pfeiffer said.

As a result of food waste being disposed of through the FOGO bin, household garbage will move to a fortnightly collection.

This new FOGO collection is for all properties, including businesses and community organisations, that currently use Council’s waste and recycling services.

To find out more about the new FOGO service, go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ whywasteit

The six members of Zaki’s family arrive at Sydney Airport. His mother is in the wheelchair in the foreground. Zaki is fourth from the left in a blue T-shirt. Picture: SUPPLIED

The bin system will begin in early October this year across the Yarra Ranges.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL WEBSITE

King recognises

By Callum Ludwig

Two local residents have been recognised for their efforts on the first King’s Birthday in 72 years.

Yellingbo resident Gaye Gadsden has received the Order of Australia (OAm) for her conservation contribution, and Toolangi CFA Captain Dawn Hartog received an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for her 18 years with the CFA.

Ms Gadsden OAM said it’s a great honour and she appreciates that her peers felt her contribution was worthy of a nomination.

“I’ve been living in the Yarra Ranges for 30 years now and my first job out of university was working with Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, I’ve always had a very strong interest in the protection of wildlife,” she said.

“I have held various roles with Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater in volunteer coordination, habitat planting event management, community education and managing the indigenous plant nursery at Yellingbo, then the middle of my career was with the bushland team at Yarra Ranges Council before going full circle back to Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater and working with local landholders in the Woori Yallock catchment.”

Ms Gadsden OAM is a life member of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) group having first joined in 1993.

Ms Gadsden OAM said her last professional role as the Beyond Yellingbo program facilitator, was the most satisfying.

80 per cent of the remaining bushland in

the mid Yarra area is actually on private land, so there’s a lot of habitat there to help protect,” she said.

“I worked with landholders to help them protect and increase nature on their properties and I found that most landholders wanted to do something to protect nature on their properties, they loved the birds, frogs, the butterflies, the wallabies that they live alongside.”

Ms Gadsden held the Project Officer role for BeyondYellingbo from 2017 to 2021.

Ms Gadsden OAM said she has always enjoyed doing voluntary work on top of her professional conservation work.

“I started a Landcare group inThe Patch, I’ve done Land for Wildlife assessing as a volunteer,

which is another scheme that helps protect habitat on private land and I’m currently on the Nangana Landcare Network Committee and collect seeds and cutting material on Tuesday mornings for theYellingbo nursery,” she said.

“Anything that recognises that conservation is absolutely vital and promoting different ways people can help with conservation is a positive thing, perhaps having an OAM after my name will help with the advocacy work I do.”

MS Gadsden OAM was involved in the creation of the FOHH Indigenous Plant Nursery and still volunteers there now.

Ms Gadsden OAM said while the award is for her individual conservation efforts, anything worthwhile takes a whole village.

“In all of my work, I’ve been surrounded by people who share a deep love, passion and commitment for the natural world, it has been satisfying working with incredible people,” she said.

“We have destroyed some 70 per cent of biodiversity on the planet in my lifetime, so to work with groups like the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, who have helped enormously to bring the birds back from a very perilous state to a healthier population, has kept me going.”

Ms Hartog AFSM first became involved with CFA as a Community Development Coordinator in 2005. After living through the Black Saturday bushfires in Kinglake, she joined up to become a volunteer firefighter herself with the Toolangi CFA in 2012.

Ms Hartog AFSM said she had to read the email about her receiving the medal three times to make sure it was correct.

“I then thought of all of the people before me who have been awarded an AFSM - the award that is the highest accolade we can receive in the sector - and I was humbled that I was considered for such an award,” she said.

“I still feel like I have so much to give and being recognised for what I have already contributed is a true honour.”

Ms Hartog AFSM became Captain of Toolangi CFA in 2017 and was appointed to the CFA board in 2019, assisting with the period of change following the Fire Services Reform. All the while, she was even deployed as part of strike teams for the 2019-20 fires and still actively and often attends callouts locally.

Vale Jeff ‘Joffa’ Long, a stalwart of the Upper Yarra

By Callum Ludwig

The UpperYarra community is mourning the loss of the much-loved local Jeff ‘Joffa’ Long.

Jeff sadly and suddenly died at the age of 63 recently, having grown up and lived in the Upper Yarra his whole life.

Jeff’s daughter Stacie Long said his willingness to help anyone stood out about him.

“He would give the shirt off his back to help someone before himself and he was just always there for everyone in the whole community,” she said.

“Dad had to transform his life for us kids, and he was the other half of us. He was just always there and whenever you needed anything or someone to call, he was there and a lot of people know that theYarraValley meant so much to him.”

Throughout his life, Jeff was a member of both the Yarra Junction and Powelltown Football Netball and Cricket Clubs and was regularly spotted at Red Relish Cafe, with all the above posting tributes to him following his death.

Ms Long said her family don’t have the words for how grateful they are for the

community’s support.

“The whole community, family and friends far and wide, have just all just reached out and tried to help wherever they can and it’s been amazing to see, it can be hard to really sum up how that feels, it is overwhelming, but heartwarming at the same time,” she said.

“It has definitely helped, and I think the man that we all know and love has been expressed through everyone, from the public posts to Aaron Violi mentioning it in parliament, and it’s affected the whole community unfortunately.”

Former Yarra Junction Football Netball Club President Tony Aulich said in his tribute that Jeff was openly friendly to all and made a point of engaging you with those unforgettable blue eyes and his welcoming smile.

“He put his family first and really stepped up. He was totally forgiving and non-judgemental. I got to see the heart of a man I have come to deeply respect. I saw a beautiful and caring soul,” he said.

“He will be talked about whenever Yarra Junction and Powelltown people gather and look back on the good times. We will miss

his sincerity, his friendship, his honesty, his trust, his opinions, and his love for his fellow man. Jeff’s friendship was genuine; it was un-

complicated and sincere. In life, we cannot ask for any more from a fellow human being.”

Jeff never stopped playing cricket, even finishing the most recent season with another premiership medal at Powelltown.

A GoFundMe page has been started by a community member to support the Long family, which has raised almost $10,000. Anyone who is willing to donate can do so here: www.gofund.me/106e2daa.

Toolangi CFA Captain Dawn Hartog has been with the brigade for 18 years.

Picture: ON FILE

Jeff Long (centre) with grandsons Beau (left) and Ryan (right). Picture: SUPPLIED

Jeff Long’s big smile and blue eyes will be remembered by many family and friends.

Males can shed loneliness

By Tanya Steele

Men’s health week is celebrated worldwide from June 12 to 18, and recent studies by Healthy Male have revealed the impact of loneliness on health can be as damaging as smoking, obesity and some cancers, and millions of Australian men are at risk.

High levels of loneliness are least common for men aged 65 years and older, which may come as no surprise to organisations like Badger Creek Men’s Shed.

Secretary Graeme Chester said the Men’s Shed is basically a safe area for them to have fun and get out into the community.

“It’s there to enjoy other men’s company, it’s like the old Australian term mateship,” he said.

“People might do their own work, but it also gets them back out into the community.”

According to a nationally representative survey of 1,282 Australian men, conducted by Healthy Male, 43 per cent of Australian men are lonely.

Healthy Male CEO Simon von Saldern said the survey results added another element to the overall picture of male health in Australia.

“This survey was part of a wider study, and we were really surprised by what we saw — we asked these questions, but we were not expecting such a high level of loneliness,” he said.

The picture is even bleaker in some age groups: one in four (24 per cent) men aged 3549 have a high level of loneliness, with a rate almost twice as high as in men aged 50-64 years (12.1 per cent), and three times higher than men aged 65 and over (6.0 per cent).

Mr Chester said often after men retire they find it difficult to transition to the change of pace and that the Men’s Shed offers a community for people to work together on projects, shoulder to shoulder.

“If they’re in a group and they’re working over a bench, they’ll just chat, that’s the envi-

ronment the shed tries to create, the men feel able to talk about the things that might be worrying them,” he said.

Mr Chester said he has also learnt skills, having never had a shed and tools in his own home and has noticed the benefits members get from regular attendance.

“They look forward to coming down and catching up with their mates and telling some lies and having a few jokes,” he said.

President Mario Herodotus said the shed isn’t just about woodworking and that he hopes the younger generation will drive the organisation with them.

“We need to figure out what it is that the newer generation or the younger generation wants from a Men’s Shed. We may not be do-

Talk is all about Alice ...

By Callum Ludwig

A historian and author are coming to Yarra Junction Library to talk about the extraordinary achievements of an early Australian pioneer of women’s rights.

Loretta Smith will be giving a presentation of her book ‘A Spanner in the Works: The Extraordinary Story of Alice Anderson and Australia’s only all-girl garage’ on Monday 19 June at 2pm.

Ms Smith said Alice Anderson was born in 1897 when cars were coming into the Australian culture to a father who worked in all areas of engineering, including mechanical engineering.

“Alice was a forthright young girl, middle of six children, and from a very young age, she was very clear about what she wanted in her life, and she just went ahead as if feminism had already achieved all these things,” she said.

“She lived between the two world wars, where there was an opportunity for opportunities for women, where there hadn’t been in the past, and she took advantage of that time in history.”

Ms Smith came across Alice Anderson’s story in another historical biography: ‘The Unusual Life of Edna Walling’ by Sara Hardy, an influential landscape designer who designed BickleighVale in Mooroolbark.

Ms Smith said she turned in up in the book when it was mentioned that Alice had opened up her own garage by the time she was in her early 20s.

“I was just fascinated from there on in and wondered why I haven’t heard about her, so I started googling her and it took a long enough time to get the information for a biography but no one had pulled together the full story so I went for it,” she said.

“Alice, over the ten years or so that she ran the garage, she had about nine female staff because it was an all-women garage, that was the uniqueness of it and the risk that she took which caused a lot of friction as you can imagine all the garage proprietors were male, most of them didn’t like

the competition, put them down and tried to undermine the business.”

The Alice Anderson Motor Service was born in 1919, performing vehicle repairs, chauffeuring, touring trips, driving lessons and a petrol station from the workshop in Kew.

Ms Smith said the book took about three years of research before its release in 2019.

“The significance is what pushed me, there are so many women in history that we don’t know anything about or much about, because men have been traditionally responsible for writing the histories, or the victors have always been responsible, which have mainly been men,” she said.

“There are so many women to uncover out there that did extraordinary things that just haven’t really been properly acknowledged, my idea was to write Alice back into the history books, which this book has done, and that’s been marvellous.”

Ms Smith used the National Library of Australia’s Trove service, the Public Record Office Victoria, historical organisations, other historians who had written about Alice Anderson such as Dr Georgine Clarsen and Dr Mimi Colligan and relatives of some of the ‘garage girls’ Alice Anderson had trained.

Bookings can be made for Ms Smith’s free appearance event here: https://events. yourlibrary.com.au/flyer?id=42659.

ing any kind of tools, we may have to do something else. I don’t know what that generation will want, but the flexibility will be there,” he said.

Mr Herodotus said that the friendship and community at Badger Creek Men’s Shed tend to happen by osmosis, so rather than a solution it is an organisation which provides possibilities driven by the attendees.

“The shed offers people a community, a place to go.”

Mr Herodotus said that the modern day lifestyle of most men doesn’t involve being in a screenless environment and before he began at the shed he has no experience with some of the practical knowledge that he has learnt there.

“I had no woodworking or ironworking

skills. But once I got there, I learned how to create things. And I am so enjoying that, I love making little gifts for my grandchildren for my wife and for my family,” he said.

Currently, the shed offers woodworking, metalworking and photography sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm and on Fridays from 10.30am to 12 pm for the photography club, visitors are always welcome to come for a chat.

The results of the recent survey inspired Healthy Male to tackle the issue of loneliness this Men’s Health Week and educate those most highly affected with key tips on what an individual can do to recognise and address loneliness.

You can learn more by visiting healthymale. org.au/mens-health-week-2023.

The Yarra Junction Library is hosting Loretta Smith to talk about her book ‘A Spanner in the Works: The Extraordinary Story of Alice Anderson and Australia’s only all-girl garage’. Picture: ON FILE

The Badger Creek Men’s Shed welcomes new members. Picture: SUPPLIED

Rotarians hand over $18K

By Callum Ludwig

The Rotary Club of Wandin has proudly handed over a cheque of $18,000 they fundraised to the Royal Children’s Hospital on Wednesday 7 June.

The money was raised through the series of Custom Car and Bike shows run by the Rotary over the course of every year.

Chair of the Rotary committee for the Custom Car and Bike Shows Pat Cullen said their effort was fantastic given they had such a tough year with the weather cancelling some shows.

“We got wiped out with the weather in October, we got wiped out with the weather in November and finally ran a very successful one in December. In January, were the only place it wasn’t raining so not many people came but February and March ran and were successful shows,” he said.

“We only had three in the end really, and in future, we are going to aim for four instead of six shows. We’re very happy with the $18,000 that the club has put together.”

The Rotary Club of Wandin’s Custom Car and Bike Shows are hosted on Wednesday evenings throughout each year at theWandin East Recreation Reserve with the end goal of making a donation to the Royal Children’s Hospital from the money received from their 37 sponsors, with the proceeds raised at the shows

going towards their local projects.

Mr Cullen said plans for the next series of shows have already started this week.

“So far, all the sponsors we’ve approached, they’re back on board with us and giving us varying amounts of money which goes directly

to the Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.

“We run a bar at the car show and the money that that makes gets distributed right through the community locally. For example, a house was burnt down recently and we gave those people quite a large sum of money to get them

by.” The car shows also have food stalls, live music and a special appearance from Santa Claus in December and have been supported by local groups such as the Seville and Wandin CFAs, the Wandin Cricket Club and the Upper Yarra Rotary.

Seville East musician wants to bring more to the table

By Callum Ludwig

A Seville East musician brought his skills to the lineup of a festival he has helped to grow and evolve over the weekend.

Harry Coulson’s Blue Dogs were the closing act of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival, which ran from Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June in the Central Victorian regional town.

Mr Coulson said it used to be a little community event run by a few locals when he joined after often playing gigs in the region.

“I got speaking to the owner Callan of the cave at the Old Castlemaine Gaol who did a lot of live sound stuff and I saw this festival was good, but it might have been a bit insular. The model used to be that artists paid a registration fee and if the festival made money, the artists got a profit share of that,” he said.

“He knew that that’s not how most other festivals operated and that if you want talent, good, high quality, musicians to come out, you need to actually pay them and that’s when I came on board with my knowledge of the Melbourne music scene and what musicians would be looking for.”

Mr Coulson graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Performance, achieving honours at Monash University two years later and releasing his debut album in 2014.

Mr Coulson said since the changes, the

event has gone from strength to strength.

“We had two cancelled festivals through no one’s fault, but coming out of lockdown last year, considering how everything was

going, we did really well and put on a really good festival with really good stuff,” he said.

“It’s a very big band-oriented festival, which is always terrific and with all the tra-

ditional jazz coming in, but also had a few more contemporary and emerging artists which is something I am really excited about now that I’m moving from being one of the younguns to the old farts.”

Harry Coulson’s group started out as a jazz trio of himself and a regular drummer and bass player, with a ‘decent Rolodex of horn players, sax players, trumpet players and keyboard players that come and play with them ad hoc.

Mr Coulson said he finds the band a bit hard to categorise now.

“It goes everywhere from blues to rock to jazz to reggae, I’m terrible in that I love every style of music and so I will try and do every style of music, probably not as well as it could be done, but that’s just how I enjoy spending my time,” he said.

“It allows us to play the room a bit better, the good thing and the bad thing is that because we straddle so many different genres, we can read the room and go ‘these guys are keen on this, let’s give them a bit more of that’ and change it up,”

“I’m going to start trying to pull some gigs around the area and I reckon more festivals out here would be fantastic, there are lots of awesome wineries and they are always great places to put music festivals on, so I reckon it’d be a real asset to the area.”

Seville East resident Harry Coulson will wrap up the weekend at the Castlemaine Jazz Festival.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Rotary Club of Wandin members and a representative from the Royal Children’s Hospital handed over the donation. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

A budget for tough times

Every year, our budget is created on behalf of, with the assistance of and for our communities in over 55 towns.

It’s one of our most important documents, and so community feedback is critical when we put it together.

We heard, in person and online, that people wanted a stronger focus on infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and drainage, to look after existing assets alongside building new ones and prioritise the protection of our environment.

I’m happy to say that this feedback has directly shaped our draft budget, now available for viewing.

We’ll be spending $23 million on road, footpath and bike path maintenance and construction, $14m on maintaining and redeveloping sports fields, playspaces, parks and reserves, and $11m on programs to protect and enhance our natural environment, all substantial increases on the last financial year.

This significant level of investment will deliver initiatives and programs that directly respond to community feedback.

Our Capital Works Program looks different this year too.

We want to balance how we invest in new infrastructure while maintaining and improving the assets we have.

Our primary focus this year is on maintaining, repairing and improving our footpaths, roads and trails, helping you get to where you need to go.

We’ll have some exciting projects coming up over the year, including new lighting and a youth space in Belgrave South, playspace works and Upwey, Badger Creek and Mount

Jim Child

Evelyn, among other areas, stormwater harvesting at Monbulk Reserve to use water smarter, along with new Community Sports Pavilions in Powelltown and Pinks Reserve. Our Warburton Mountain Bike Destination andYarraValley Trail will move along this coming year, with significant investment, and we’ll be building a new urban park in Chirnside Park.We’re doing all of this while continuing to deliver more than 120 services – everything from libraries to pools, immunisations to planning permits, health inspections to footpath works - in one of the largest and most diverse local government areas in Victoria.

We’re extremely mindful of balancing two very delicate situations – the community facing some of the greatest cost of living pressures in more than a decade, and the same pressures impacting the costs of our service delivery.

I think our draft budget strikes this balance well.

I encourage everyone to read this year’s budget, and to sign up at shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au so you can be notified of projects and engagements near you.

THINK OUR DRAFT BUDGET STRIKES THIS BALANCE WELL’

Prized pics at museum

By Callum Ludwig

The only Victorian showing of the finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) 2022 is at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

The photographs will be on display during the museum opening hours from Friday 9 June until Sunday 3 September.

Warburton photographer and former filmmaker Iván Gaal is a finalist in the 2022 award, having also been in 2013 and 2015, and said he was very happy to be accepted.

“Out of the 2500 entries, only 50 photographs are accepted so that in itself was a very good present for me,” he said.

“This year I worked with David Mendaue OAM, who contracted HIV over 40 years ago. I had lost contact with him and met up with him two years ago and thought he is looking well. I thought he had a lot of character on his face, showing the survival instinct that he has had for 40 years.”

The NPP has been running for 15 years, with entries coming in from amateur and professional photographers all over Australia.

Mr Gaal said he wanted to show the positive side of all the things David Menadue has done to survive in his work.

“I want people to see that HIV has been a terrible illness in the past but it is still with us today.

“Nowadays the survival rate is very good, medication is very good, the support they get from people and families and organizations is very good and I wanted to draw attention to people like David.”

One of Mr Gaal’s previous finalists in the NPPP was of late Warburton resident Ronnie Howard taken of him dancing in the Mechanics Hall at the Art Centre inWarburton in 2014. He died in 2016 just short of his 100th birthday

and Mr Gaal’s portrait was on display at his funeral.

Mr Gaal said he compares the National Photographic Portrait Prize for photographers to the Archibald Prize (the most prestigious Australian award for paintings).

“I encourage everyone to come and see not just David Menadue in my work, but the 49 other great photographs as well,” he said.

“It’s a very thought-provoking exhibition, the photographs have more of a natural flow of life and it also has a lot of social realism in it where people capture their moments so to

speak, and not many exhibitions accept that sort of work.”

The NPPP for 2022 was won byWayne Quilliam with his work ‘Silent Strength’.

Director of Collection and Exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery Sandra Bruce was in town for the launch of the exhibition and to give guided tours on its first day and said one of the most fantastic things about it is that it’s always got such a broad range of Australian content.

“There are people who are well known as

the subjects or ‘sitters’ and there are those who are well-loved family members, it really is about the diverse exploration of the Australian experience,” she said.

“It’s really great that some of the finalists this year are local too. One of the staff at the Portrait Gallery loves using this analogy of windows and mirrors. In some portraits you see a little bit of yourself reflected back because you have a connection with that person while others live in an entirely different world or space to you.”

Local composer knows the score when it comes to film

By Tanya Steele

Coldstream resident Bruce Rowland and “The Man from Snowy River” composer will see his music played live to the film for the first time by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra later in August this year.

In preparation for the event, Rowland and his team have spent months digitising the original score, converting the music to a digital format for use by the orchestra.

“It’s been physically digitized so that you can just basically press a button and have the score,” he said.

Rowland said the musicians will be then able to access the music with digital tablets.

“You won’t have to carry around piles of music that would be a metre high, it’s between 45 and 60 minutes of music,” he said.

The live to screen performances of Man from Snowy River in Melbourne will showcase Rowland’s iconic and award winning film

score, with stars Sigrid Thornton and Tom Burlinson joining in as special guests. Rowland’s career spans a number of mo-

tionpictures,cablemovies,mini-series,series, animations, jingles and special live events but said that “Snowy” has had a long run. “It’s had long legs,” he said.

The score is quite technical and uses signature French horns which require a full orchestra to play. “I’ve worked with Melbourne Symphony many times and they are a wonderful orchestra,” he said.

Mr Rowland and his wife Maria will also attend the premier of the event and he said ahead of the the big day he will check a few things over to make sure they are working correctly.

“I think it’s lovely that Snowy is being revived,” Maria Rowland said.

The Lilydale historical society recently hosted the couple for an afternoon Q and A and Mr Rowland said it had a good turn out.

“I think I’m pretty much a down to earth kind of person,” he said.

The composer has been in Australia’s ear

for many years, often in places you wouldn’t realise – he has written over 4,000 television jingles amongst his movie scores.

“You write to match the subject so it changes. So sometimes it’s going to be romantic sometimes it’s not, sometimes your music is telling the audience something that is not obvious on the screen,” he said.

Mr Rowland originally wrote the score for the film that launched his career in Mooroolbark and said when you have to get something done, it will happen. “Inspiration comes from desperation, if you have a deadline it has to be done,” he said.

The musician and composer continues in his work from his home studio and said he is happy living quietly in Coldstream.

“These days I’m very fussy and selective about what I do,” he said.

“I’ve got to a stage where I’ll do something if I really want to do it and if there’s a real challenge to it.”

Rowland still works from his home studio and continues to pick up projects that interest him.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Sandra Bruce at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

The winning photo ‘Silent Strength’ by Wayne Quilliam.

Picture: WAYNE QUILLIAM - NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Neill’s precious stories

Question: If you knew that no matter what you write, people will want to read it – how would you present your life?

Answer: As truthfully as possible.

Which is exactly what Sam Neill does in his wonderful and often hilarious memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?.

Neill declares “I am writing for myself” because he is possibly dying.

“Suddenly, for the first time in my life, I have time to burn, and time to think. And writing, jotting thoughts and memories down, is a salve. It gets my mind off things.”

And what fascinating thoughts and memories these are.

As Neill reviews his life, first as a seven-yearold Irish migrant to New Zealand and then as an internationally acclaimed actor and finally as a farmer and winemaker, we see an honest, humble and happy-go-lucky guy.

Neill’s writing is genuine and warm, full of joy and a sense of adventure that keeps you going through the 400 pages of monologue.There is often a child-like innocence about him. Yet, many of his stories about family, friendship and film are graceful and tender, full of heartfelt emotions and empathy.

Neill is as self-deprecating as any Aussie can be, which is why Australia adores him. Another feature of his “lively, lovely book” (as described by Meryl Streep) is its frequent use of “poor bastard(s)” as an endearing term. There is neither pretence nor arrogance here.

Pearl more a diamond

know he is not joking.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

It is clear that the man writes like he talks. Indeed, when Neill expresses his gratitude to Text Publishing for “all the punctuation”, you

What stands out in Did I Ever Tell You This? is Neill’s pride as a New Zealander, his devotion to all forms of art – from music and literature to architecture, food and wine – and his passion for life, especially the environment and his animals. Despite his great sense of humour, being true to himself is no laughing matter.

Throughout Neill’s book, there is not a bad word about anyone that he has ever worked for, with and/or around. He tells many beautiful stories about the stars and celebrities around the world – some are solemn, many others are funny – but it is his in-depth observations of those “ordinary” people, creatures

and phenomenons that catch your eye. It is at these times that his writing is breathtaking.

This reviewer particularly enjoys the chapter I’m Not Ready to LeaveYouYet near the end of the book. But here is a valuable lesson gifted to us by Neill, which he learnt from another renowned storyteller.

“I love the way [Peter O’Toole] relished every word... Every line is a gift, every word should be given its appropriate weight. It’s language. It’s the English language. It is rich, it is powerful, it is yours. All you mumble-bums who throw away lines – you’ve worked to the point where people are giving you lines, and now you want to throw them away? Take up plumbing, or mow lawns. Please.”

Pearl Starring Mia Goth, David Corenswet and Tandi Wright

Rated MA15+ 4.5/5

A prequel to X, which was one of the best films of 2022, Pearl is an enthralling slasher character study full of love for classic cinema. In 1918 Texas, Pearl (Mia Goth) lives on a farm with her overbearing mother and paralysed father. Pearl dreams of stardom, but family life and her own dark impulses stand in her way. Pearl is a taut, darkly funny portrait of loyalty, ambition and rebellion taken to macabre extremes. Pearl herself resembles a deranged Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz. Goth’s versatile performance – brutally intense in some moments, subtle and vulnerable in others – garners our sympathy even as Pearl’s death-count ramps up, and in hindsight, it’s a travesty that Goth (who co-wrote the film) wasn’t nominated for Best Actress at this year’s Oscars. Pearl’s themes and cinematography evoke Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and this prequel engages with elements from X in clever ways; these include enjoying our youth, the overlap between erotica and cinema, and the ominous alligator in the nearby lake. Just as the old Pearl in X lashes out at reminders of her lost youth, the young Pearl reacts with fear and rage to anything that might keep her on her despised farm, and director Ti West weaves Pearl’s violent rebellion and show-business aspirations with graphic precision.

Pearl is out on DVD and Blu-Ray and available to rent or buy on iTunes.

-Seth Lukas Hynes

What’s the Voice referendum about?

It’s about whether we should change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by setting up an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. A referendum is the only way to change the Australian Constitution.

What is the Voice?

The Voice would be a permanent body that gives independent advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect First Nations people.

The Voice aims to help the Parliament and Government to make better decisions and deliver better outcomes for First Nations people.

How will the Voice be set up?

How it’s set up would be determined after the referendum with input from First Nations people, the broader public and the Government. The Parliament would then make a law to set up the Voice.

The intention is that its members will be chosen by and representative of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.

Be ready for the conversation, get informed at

PUZZLES

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Type of nut (6)

4 Country of Southeast Asia (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)

11 Popular aquarium fish (5)

12 Elusively (9)

13 Native American tribe (8)

15 Hang (6)

16 Hymn tune (6)

18 Fades back (8)

23 Forming a mental image of (9)

24 Used to speak (5)

26 Artworks (9)

27 Father of Beau and Jeff Bridges (5)

28 Adorn (8)

29 Suppress information (6)

DOWN

1 In a state of disorder (7)

2 Woman’s garment (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Human manifestation (6)

6 Common name for the US (7)

7 Rummaged (9)

8 Dissect (7)

10 Australian rugby league player and former Senator, – Lazarus (5)

14 Pathological self-admirer (9)

16 Broke off a small piece (7)

17 Pilot (7)

19 Spurs on (5)

20 Town in southern Spain (7)

21 Slim (7)

22 Type of finch (6)

25 Idols (5)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

9-LETTER WORD

12 25

347826159

859714326

475268931 732189465

293451687 964375218

126593874

518642793

165842973

978623145

624159738

492376851 537918264

783591426 846237519

easy medium hard

351784692

219465387

D T S E E 3 LETTERS ADS AGE ALL APE APT BOA COD DIM ELK EVE EYE GEE ION IRE NIL ODE OPT ORE SIT TIP TON USE WIG YAK 4 LETTERS DEEP EBBS ESKY IDEA MUSS SACS SEAS SEED SODS SPED STEM SWAB TOMB TOSS

419832576

286413759

194765283

681937542 637958142

578691324 821374695

753289461

362547918 945126837

Good 5 LETTERS ABIDE ADORE AGREE ALTOS ASSET ATONE BEANS BESET BLANK BYTES CABLE CASTE CASTS CLEAN COOED DELIS HAUNT HOSTS IRATE MEDIA

good MOSSY MUSED MUSTS ONION ONSET PALER PERKS RIOTS SANDS SANGS SARIS SCOPE SEATS SEEDY SIDED SLEDS SMEAR SODAS STALE STAMP STEWS

axed, axes, dash, date, dates, death, ease, eased, east, eats, exeat, exhaust, EXHAUSTED, hades, haste, hate, hated, hates, haute, head, heads, headset, heat, heated, heats, sate, sated, seat, seated, sedate, seta, setae, shad, shade, shea, stead, taxed, taxes, tease, teased

This

13 26 JN 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

STOKE TRAIT TRIPE TROOP ULTRA UNCLE UNTIE VESTS WAITS 6 LETTERS COASTS CUCKOO HAMMER REUSES

7 LETTERS ACCEDES MEMOIRS NITRATE ROOSTED STARKER TETHERS 8 LETTERS ABSENTEE ALLERGIC ARTISTIC ATTAINED

1415 1617181920212223242526 X T C V G P H I L U B S K A E Z W M D Y F Q O J R N 16-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

week’s crossword proudly sponsored by The Heritage Family 1157336-CB40-14

No. 137

No. 137

No. 137

SUPERB HOME ON 20 ACRES

INTRODUCING the magnificent “Rob Roy Hill” - with 360 degree views of Diamond Creek Valley, Ranges and Melbourne skyline. On the doorstep of the One Tree Hill Reserve with endless trails, you will not find a more breathtaking property.

This stunning home is complete 4 bedrooms plus study, 2 bathrooms plus powder room, 4 living areas, swimming pool, equine facilities, and ample shedding. Boasting an impressive near 40 square of living, suited to large families looking for space in a private acreage setting. Stepping inside you’re greeted with spacious living areas with unrivalled views of rolling hills and city skyline. The open plan kitchen, meals, living and dining areas provide space for family gatherings with access to the swimming pool. The rumpus offers a space for relaxation or entertaining guests. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring stone benchtops, ample storage and modern appliances. Upstairs you will find 4 generously sized double bedrooms offering plenty of storage space all with built-in robes. The master suite boasts a retreat, his and hers walk-in robes, an en suite with double vanity and 1200mm shower.

Outside, is where ‘Rob Roy Hill’ truly shines. The solar heated swimming pool has direct access from the living area and will provide endless hours of entertainment for family and friends. The property also boasts excellent car accommodation and storage including double lock-up garage as well as a large machinery shed 15 x 7.5m with concrete base and power. For those looking for further storage, there is a permit already in place for a massive 18 x 12m shed.

The acreage has been divided into 5 paddocks and has a stable and round yard, perfect for horses and stock. There is a huge greenhouse for growing your own produce, a large olive grove and external underground storage cellar. The property is fully fenced and has a dog run. Other outdoor features include chook pen, olive grove, vineyard and an abundance of fruit trees. There is excellent water storage with 2 dams and over 100,000L in water storage. Located in a completely private location yet only a 15 minute drive to Yarra Glen’s amenities, “Rob Roy Hill” is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don’t miss your chance to make this stunning estate your forever home. ● Address:

SEIZE THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY

DISCOVER the perfect opportunity for a prosperous future with this remarkable property! Situated on a generous corner allotment spanning approximately 1600sqm, this stunning home offers endless possibilities in a prime location. Zoned GRZ1 with an option for subdivision (STCA), this is your chance to create your dream lifestyle or embark on a profitable investment venture.

This beautifully renovated home features 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and has been meticulously designed with your comfort in mind. The family-sized kitchen and gathering space serve as the heart of the home, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both everyday living and entertaining guests. With high ceilings, polished timber floors, and new carpets in the bedrooms, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a sophisticated and comfortable living experience.

As you enter through the rear, you’ll be greeted by a stylish and practical mudroom, perfect for storage and maintaining a clean and organized living space. By contrast, the front entry, a character-filled veranda showcases double glass entry doors, welcoming you into a world of

HOME ESSENTIALS

charm and elegance.

Downstairs, you’ll discover a versatile studio/home office or fourth bedroom, offering endless possibilities to adapt the space to your specific needs. With wellestablished and nurtured gardens and trees, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, creating a peaceful and private setting that complements the gracious home.

An impressive, polished concrete outside entertainment area awaits, providing the perfect space to relax, entertain, and soak in the serene surroundings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet moment, this outdoor oasis is the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories.

In this sought after location, convenience is at your doorstep, as this property is ideally positioned near childcare facilities, a kindergarten, primary school, shops, the renowned Warburton Rail Trail, and the Yarra Recreation Centre. The vibrant community of Yarra Junction awaits you, offering a fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by essential amenities. Call us today to embrace the potential of this remarkable property and limitless possibilities it holds.●

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH INTEGRITY

Integrity Real Estate is a family-owned real estate agency servicing the Yarra Valley, Kinglake Ranges and surrounds. Our team draws on over 70 years real estate experience to provide premium property services, with unmatched personal service that only a family company can provide.

SERENE COUNTRY LIVING

THE charm of this homestead style brick home on 11584 square metres, complete with a shady bullnose verandah is set to warm your heart from the minute you enter the property.

With soaring ceilings throughout and boasting two spacious living areas and four generously sized bedrooms with built-in robes, this property is perfect for growing families or those seeking plenty of room to spread out. The sprawling master bedroom is a true sanctuary complete with a walk-in robe and full ensuite, offering a touch of luxury and privacy.

The huge light filled kitchen offers an abundance of cupboard and bench space, where you will love preparing the country feasts for the family and enjoy all dining together in the spacious meals zone. The separate living areas make for convenient family living and offers a reverse cycle airconditioner and two slow combustion wood heaters ensuring year-round comfort.

Outside, the nature lover in you will revel in this stunning location with wildlife in abundance, backing onto the Woori Yallock creek nature reserve. If you love birdlife, you will enjoy countless species that make this area home. Other features on this property are lock-up shed, double carport, hay shed/ stable, fruit trees, and plenty of space for the horses and kids to play.

Conveniently located a short drive to Seville Woolworths and under 20 minutes from Lilydale, this property provides the perfect balance of serenity and accessibility.

Don’t miss your chance to make this slice of heaven your forever home - book your inspection today. ●

VintageCharmerwithSpectacularMountainViews

Thisbeautifulpropertypresentsanopportunitytoownagorgeousperiodhomewiththeoptionof twoorthreebedrooms.Thelargebathroomboastsaluxuriousspabathandaseparateshower, providingtheperfectretreatforrelaxationinadditiontotheoutdoorbathwithhotrunningwaterfor aspecialoutdoorexperience.Thelight-filledkitchenfeaturesacaptivatingpicturewindow,adding atouchofvisualdelight.Completewithtimberpanelling,highceilings,andsashwindowsthatexude asenseofnostalgia.Indulgeinthebreathtakingnaturalsurroundingsasyouventureoutside.Withan awe-inspiringeagle-eyevistaofthemountains,allowingyoutofullyimmerseyourselfinthebeauty ofnature.Situatedonanapproximatelyhalf-acreallotment,andinaprimelocationintheheartof Warburton,don’tmissoutonthisopportunitytomakethisdelightfulpropertyyourown.

CapeCodCharacter

Fullofwarmthandcharacter,this3bedroom,2bathroomhomesitsonafullyfencedallotmentwith greatsheddingandasecurespaceforthekidsandpets.Abeautifullivingroomshowcasesagas log fireandcreatesarelaxingzonetogatherandthendineinyouradjacentmealsarea.Thegalley stylekitchenhasastunningSMEGfreestandingovenandoffersamplecounterspaceandstorage providingfunctionalityandastylishwarmth.The3bedroomsallhaveprivateJulietbalconiestosit outon,readabookandenjoythemountainviewsandthemasterbedroomprovidesawalkinrobe, andagorgeousensuite.MillgroveofferseasyaccesstothelocalshopsandYarraRiver,andminutes awayfromWarburton’sbestlocalcafes,restaurants,andshopping.Thisistheperfectopportunityto createthelifestyleyou’vealwaysdreamedoforturnthisintoawonderfulweekendretreat.

8DeanCrescent,LaunchingPlace

MagicalViews&3bedroomhomeonasunnyhalfacre

Theopportunitynowexistsforthishometobepresentedtomarketafterbeinglovedbythesame familyforover60years.Offeringmagicalnortherlymountainviewswhereyoucanseethesnowin winteronMountDonnaBuang,alargeallotmentofoverhalfanacreofclearedandsunnyspotsto enjoyyoursurroundings.Theentertainmentdeckhasamazingpotentialastheplacetosoakupthe sunshineandcountryairandenjoythoseviews.Offering3bedrooms,originalkitchenwithadjacent diningarea,separateloungewithacosy fireplace.Garage/workshopforhandystorageandasuper largebackyardtoenjoyandabsorbthepeaceandquiet.Withalittleelbowgreaseyoucouldenjoy thiswonderfulhomeandsoakupallthedelightsofthisbustlingtownshipjustashortstrolltotheYarra River,shops,transport.

Neathome,superlocationandmassiveshed!

Whetheryou’relookingtogetintothemarketforthe firsttime,downsizingorinvesting,thenthismay beanopportunityforyou.Thegarageisgoingtobeacrowdfavouritebeing9x9approx.concrete floor,power,goodaccess,andparkingthisiscertainlyabonusadditiontothehome.Thehomehas beenpaintedinsideandout,allbedroomshaveupdatedcarpetsandcurtainsandcompletewith builtinrobes.Acosyloungewithasplitsystem.Generouskitchenwithlotsofcupboardsanddraws adjacenttothediningareaofferingapracticalspaceforeverydayliving.Thelaundryhasbeen tastefullyupdated.Outsideisafabulousoutdoorentertainingspacewhichreallyisausefulextension toyourlivingspace,thatisalsofullyfenced.Walkingdistancetopublictransport,Primaryschools, andparksthisisasuperall-roundproperty.

29PatrickStreet,Millgrove$580,000-$630,000

4PheasantParade,Warburton$610,000-$660,000

QUALITY, LOCATION AND SIZE

BEAUTIFULLY updated and painted throughout, this ‘ larger than it looks’ family home comes complete with 4 spacious bedrooms, ensuite and walk through robe off the master suite plus a large home office that is ideal for those needing a little privacy when working from home.

The open plan living room is filled with natural light and extends to the dining area and stunning kitchen that boasts stone benchtops, walk in pantry and exceptional amounts of storage space.

A well sized media / sitting room can also be found off the home office adding another living option for a growing family. Ducted heating runs throughout and a glass sliding door leads you to an oversized alfresco area with pull down blinds plus an extended decking that create an awesome amount of indoor / outdoor space for year round extended living.

Situated on a corner block of 933m2, the property offers a triple carport off the quiet court, trailer / caravan parking bay and a large shed /workshop for those needing extra space for hobbies, storage or a teenagers hang out space.

There is a 9,000 ltr water tank plus a 4.2kw solar panel system. Under house storage is in abundance - This is the ideal place for your camping gear, Christmas decorations and accumulated clutter that we all seem to acquire over the years. A well fenced yard, pretty garden beds and an opportunity to be in a super convenient location within easy access to everything, this is a must see. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 79 Dorset Road, FERNTREE GULLY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $850,000 - $930,000

Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE

PREMIER LEVEL PROPERTY IN PRIZED POSITION

THIS quintessential Hills home on a rare level acre of exquisite, established gardens is a fabulous find in this lifestyle location. Securing an esteemed Poets Lane address on the steps of leafy national park and gardens, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The sweeping drive culminates at this significant single-level residence with a welcoming wrap-around verandah. The interior features considered updates and just enough scope to continue to make it your own. The open plan lounge and dining area boasts exposed beams, rich timber floorboards, and timber windows that frame the garden views. The kitchen has been skilfully updated with hand crafted solid Tasmanian Oak benchtops, a 900mm freestanding gas range, farmhouse sink, beautiful tiles, and a brilliant butlers’ pantry.

A bounty of bedrooms are also on offer ensuring flexibility within this home’s

floorplan. Featuring 5 generous bedrooms, including main with shower ensuite and bespoke dressing room, there are options for a secondary living area or sizeable home office.

With finishing touches including gas ducted heating, air conditioning, and a prized pocket position near bus transport and several shopping and cafe precincts, this property is guaranteed to attract attention. Don’t delay, treat yourself to a tour today.

· Rare sunny, level 4,182sqm (approx.) property

· Single-level weatherboard home with wraparound verandah

· Updated kitchen with butcherblock benchtops and butlers’ pantry

· Open plan living and dining with exposed beams and timber floors

· Surplus of bedrooms, including ensuite main, ensuring immense versatility. ●

4 A 2 B 8 C

Thisspectacularruralpropertywithscenicpasturalviewsisasighttobeholdforthose seekingabalancedlifestyle.Comprising11.5acresoflandwith3horsepaddocks,double garagewithexpansiveworkshop,extensivemachinerysheds,bonusbungalow,anda relaxedandinvitingfamilyhome,thisisacompletepackageofcompellingproportions.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

4 A 2 B 2 C

Thisstunningtwo-storeybrickresidencewithdoublegarageandlandscapedgardenssits nestledonlystepsfromBelgraveSouthPrimarySchoolandtheheartofBelgraveSouth villageshops.OfferinganoutstandingDandenongRangeslifestyleaneasystrollfromthe localpreschool,cafes,shops,publictransport,andmedicalfacilities,thisistheperfect positionforthisforeverfamilyhome.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

FORSALE

OriginallydesignedbyarchitectsMaxMayandGeorgeHatzisavas,andinspiredbyamix ofJapaneseaestheticsandFrankLloydWrights“Fallingwater”thisinspiringsteel,glassand brickhomesetonjustoveroneacrehasbeenrecentlyredesignedandrenovatedtoa superbstandard,resultinginoneofthemostintriguingandsophisticatedresidencesinthe area.

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

7NettletonRoad,MONBULK $1,150,000-$1,250,000 HANDCRAFTEDHOMEON10SCENICACRES

4 A 1 B 2 C

Thismagnificent10-acrepropertyculminatingatscenicWooriYallockCreekisa breathtakingportionoftheDandenongRangesnottobemissed.Punctuatedbyaquality craftedmudbrickandweatherboardresidence,thisisacountry-feelpropertyimmersedin exquisitelocalfloraandfauna.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

UYSC takes a closer look

By Callum Ludwig

Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) students have had access to a special piece of equipment for their science lessons recently.

The school was temporarily provided access to a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for two weeks, allowing students to get a greater look at the composition of different items.

Science teacher Julieanne Kannangara said students would not have had the opportunity to use one if it wasn’t for the grant.

“It magnifies images way more than the normal light compound microscopes that we have, so students can compare what they see from this microscope to our normal school microscope, and we’ve let the students go out and pick little things that they want to look at like dog hair, leaves or a banana peel,” she said.

“I was telling the students before that when I was a student we never had opportunities to use something like that and I have friends who are high up in science and would to use something like this.”

Compared to a light compound microscope, the SEM has a larger depth of field allowing for a greater focus on a bigger area of a sample, and can magnify closely spaced or smaller specimens with their higher resolution. Year 10 student Peter was using the SEM and said before using it, he wouldn’t have thought he would have had no interest in it at all.

“As soon as I got to see the scale of it, it just made me want to do this more, I want to get all this stuff and it got to the point where I asked teachers if I could use it later just to get through all the stuff I wanted to look at,” he said.

“It’s absolutely amazing, we’ve looked at microchips, dirt, feathers and what Archer and I were looking at before was a big ball of fluff and it’s amazing how much you can’t see of this stuff.”

The SEM was lent to UYSC by the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in Parkville. L-R:

Trades & Services

General Classifieds Employment

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

Year 10 students Peter and Archer using the SEM.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Young step up for rep teams

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

The June long weekend is synonymous with representative football in the Yarra Valley, and this year is no different with numerous Healesville players from both the senior and junior club playing in representative games this weekend.

Cameron Nyko has been selected in the U18Victorian Metro Squad and has been playing for Eastern Ranges U19s this year. Nyko is also the vice-captain of the Eastern Ranges team. In the first game, in Adelaide, against South Australia the Metro team was dominant in their first game on Sunday winning by 68 points. Nyko has another three games in the Big V throughout July.

Another Healesville local, Jeremy Newsome, has been selected in the U16 Victorian Metro Squad and he has put in some noteworthy performances in the games played showing off his talent in being able to provide overlap running and defensive intercepts. Newsome is also part of the Eastern Ranges squad.

Also at Eastern Ranges are Paula Pavic, Brylee Anderson and Cody Anderson. Pavic has starred in the last two Eastern Ranges games in the ruck and has been amongst their best players. Brylee Anderson has been part of the U16 Eastern Ranges squad which played earlier this year with some impressive results and Cody Anderson has been on the injured list, but is looking forward to a comeback later in the season, he was impressive earlier in the season in games played for Eastern Ranges.

Healesville also has more representatives in the Interleague Carnival playing against the South-East Football Junior League (SEJFL), Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League (MPJFL) and Frankston District Junior Football League (FDJFL).

Healesville is well-represented in the U18 girls team with 9 players selected; Sienna Crossman, Mia Erickson, Sarah Frazzetto, Ishie

Stock, Indie Wraith-Tenson, Sophie Morris, Perry Byron, Teigan Ricky, and Megan Schelfhout. The girls had a dominant game against the SEJFL team in the blustery conditions on Saturday winning by 46 points, but went down to MPJFL under lights earlier in the week by 32 points.

In the U17 Boys, Healesville has 6 representatives: Tyler Barclay, Lucas White, Tarkyn Wyett, Liam Senti, Bailey Rutley and Oscar Moreton. The U17s have had mixed results losing to MPJFL by 13 points, followed by a big win over the SEJFL by 52 points.

Paisley Stock, Mia Cianci and Kiani Thomas are playing in the U16 Girls representative team and have so far have lost both games by 45 points against the MPJFL and SEJFL. The team is looking for a more positive result against the FDJFL.

The only Healesville representative in the U15 Boys is Sam Anderson. The U15s had a narrow 3 point loss to MPJFL in the first game and came up against a stronger SEJFL team to lose by 45 points.

U14 Girls have been outclassed this season by both MPJFL and the SEJFL with loss by 47 points and 50 points respectively. Healesville representatives Isabelle Newsome and Summer Caldicott have been putting a strong effort showcasing their talent despite the strong competition.

The first game for the U13 Boys was tough against the SEJFL. The windy condition at Mariott Waters made for a challenging game for the first-time representatives losing by 57 points. The U13 have another chance against the FDJFL to showcase their skills. Max Litchfield is Healesville’s sole representative in this age group.

All teams have one more games remaining in the carnival. Healesville football and netball are playing at home this coming Saturday with the football starting at 10.30am and the netball at 11.30am.

Departing member strikes form at Warburton Golf

By Ron Hottes

Wednesday 7 June, Stroke and

Bag-day qualifier:

M.McGrann

There were plenty of less-than-memorable results posted, but that is a frequent result in stroke events because obviously every stroke is counted.

But there were a handful of really memorable results, not the least of which came from John Hall. John’s Nett 66 won the day easily and reminded members that his talent will be missed around the Club. ( John has qualified now for the Bag-day playoff in December, just don’t know if he will be back to contest it! ) The runner-up on the day, a few shots adrift of the winner, was Alan McDonald, but his Nett 69 was good enough to claim that prize( A good effort, Alan, even with a wonky shoulder). Balls ran down to 74, so there were plenty of other winners too. Plus, NTPs were taken home by the irrepressible Jaqui Hall (on the 3rd, you can’t have all the limelight, John), Noel Cross

( 5th), Andrew McMath (9th), Alan McDonald (12th) and David Waterman (15th).

Saturday 10 June, Stableford: With Winter setting in, and plenty of inclement weather about, Warburton’s lovely course is becoming harder to conquer, and therefore giving up fewer winning scores. But, not entirely, dear readers. On this day, there was a 38-point effort posted by the in-form John Hall, continuing a run that is very impressive. Michael Pinkster was this day’s runner-up with a none-too-shabby 37 points posted. The BGrade voucher was taken home by John Hall’s good mate Ken Barratt and he took that honour with the same score, 38 healthy points. Also, his runner-up was Tim Jones, who recorded a solid 35 points. Surprisingly, even with these excellent scores posted, the balls reached all the way down to 31. The 5 NTP winners were: Tim Jones (3rd), Michael Pinkster (5th), Dave Scott (9th), Ineke DeGraaf (12th---and still has bragging rights, Henk) and to Samuel Dennis (15th).

Horse Talk: For beginners

By Anita Prowse

Coming up on June 25 is one of the Upper Yarra Pony Club’s favourite events to run, the Beginners Gymkhana. It’s aimed at those riders who are just starting out, run in a friendly, low-key environment with help on hand for newbie parents and children.

The Fancy Dress is always a favourite and great prizes are on offer throughout the day.

Entries are available on the day and all enquiries to anita.horses@gmail.com or 0409953345.

The program is as follows –

Ring 1 9am start:

1. Led Pony Handler 8 years and under.

2. Led Pony Handler 9 to 12 years

3. Led Handler 12 years and over. (following classes may be led)

4. Rider 6 years and under.

5. Rider over 6 and under 12 years

6. Rider 12 years and over

7. Pleasure Pony 12hh and under

8. Pleasure Pony over 12hh

9. Pair of Riders 12 years under

10. Pony with the Longest Mane

11. Pony with the Hairiest Legs

12. Pony with the Biggest Belly

13. Pony with the Shiniest Hoofs and Rider with the Shiniest Boots

14. Walking Race

15. Trotting Race

16. Consolation Rider (those not placed for the day)

Fancy dress competition at the conclusion of Ring 1 events

Ring 2 10am start

· Handy mount 10am to 12 noon

· Riders 8 years and under (may be led)12 noon to 1pm

Riders 9 years and over 1pm to 2pm

·

·

Competitors in the 2022 Fancy Dress UYPC Gymkhana. Picture: SUPPLIED

Warburton Golf Club results.

Healesville’s

Cam Nyko with a strong defensive spoil.

Picture: KYLIE ROWE

Dogs rule Premier Division

By Callum Ludwig

We are nearing the halfway point of the Outer East football season as the league takes a break for King’s Birthday, with the ladder shaping up in all three divisions.

In Premier Division, Wandin are the top dogs, undefeated after seven games with the bye to follow the enforced break.

Wandin has been a high-scoring outfit, notching over 100 points on four occasions and only missing out on cracking a ton by 7 and 4 points in Rounds 5 and 6. The scoring prowess is also seen in the leading goalkicker’s charts, with four of the top 10 donning the Dogs colours: Aaron Mullett (equal 1st), Clinton Johnson (4th), Connor Smith and Tom Merlino (both equal 8th).

Reigning Premiers Narre Warren sits in second, with their only loss coming against Wandin. Will Howe is once again spearheading the Magpies, also tied at the top of the goalkicking charts with 26 for the season so far having also had the bye. Narre has shown no mercy for weaker sides this year, with margins of 70, 145 and 58 against the three bottom sides thus far.

Only percentage separates the impressive Upwey-Tecoma, last year’s grand finalistWoori Yallock and newcomers Gembrook-Cockatoo taking up third, fourth and fifth respectively.

All three sides have been a great value for spectators, each playing in three games decided by less than a goal.

Glenn Costas (5 times in best), Andrew Bartils (4 times in best) and Daniel Waters (16 goals) have been the best performers for the Tigers from Tecoma way, while theirWooriYallock counterparts have been able to turn to Luke Boontjes, Kody Busoli (both 5 times in best) and Zach Monkhorst (11 goals) for inspiration.

For the Brookers, Aaron Firrito has been scintillating (6 times in best) and Myles Wareham’s goalkicking form has translated to the top division (4 times in best, 23 goals).

Pakenham and Monbulk have two wins apiece but have shown impressive signs with Pakenham’s upset win over Upwey-Tecoma and Monbulk holding Gembrook-Cockatoo goalless for two quarters in a narrow loss two positives.

Mt Evelyn and Olinda-Ferny Creek hold the bottom two spots with only a solitary win, with the Rovers beating their nearest ladder rival in the game between the two and the Bloods buoyed by the return of Matt Scharenberg snatching a one-goal win over GembrookCockatoo before the break.

Following the King’s Birthday weekend break, Woori Yallock will welcome Mt Evelyn, Narre Warren will take on Upwey-Tecoma, Pakenham will host Gembrook-Cockatoo and it’s a local rivalry as Monbulk head up to Olinda-Ferny Creek. Wandin will wait and watch on as they have the bye.

Standout: Bombers soaring in Outer East Division One

By Callum Ludwig

Seven rounds into Outer East Division One and it’s heating up with premiership points split pretty evenly with all sides having played each other once.

Emerald has been the standout in the competition, unbeaten in six games. They have mixed big wins with steely resolve as they edge out their nearest rivals Berwick Spirngs by four points.

There has been a very solid contribution across the board from multiple players, with the Bombers not relying on a big star to win games. Josh Rich has featured in the best in four games and Adrian Russo, Steven Paull, Ethan Grose, Mitchell Gottschalk and Mitchell Thomas impressive on three occasions. Goalkicking responsibilities have also been largely shared around, with Callum White (17), David Johnson and Lachlan Hoye (16) featuring in the fifth and equal sixth in the league goalkicking respectively.

333277 Picture:ONFILE

Sitting on four wins each is the recruitment masters Berwick Springs and a young and talented Healesville side.

The Titans will look to turn the tables in return fixtures against league-leaders Emerald after their close loss, while the Bloods will hope to beat Berwick Springs again and

assert themselves as the top competition for the Bombers.

Narre Warren recruit Hayden Stagg has been in the best players four times while Ty Ellison outright held the leading goalkicker title for the league (22 goals) until Healesville’s livewire Sam Gebert bagged hauls of five and seven in recent weeks and shot up to join him. Eccentric hairstyle enthusiast Max Donegan and co-captain Nick Mende (5 times in best) have also been key players for Healesville.

Officer and Seville have a 50/50 record at this point in the season, with three wins and three losses. The Kangaroos got the best of the Blues when the two met with a 55-point win in Round 3, but stronger results for Seville and big wins and close losses for Officer since making this matchup one to watch in the future with both sides aiming to rise up the ladder. Brent Moloney (18 goals, 4 times in best), Anthony Bernardo (4 times in best) and Mark Seedsman (19 goals) have been

the Roos key men, while new recruit Nathan Thompson (4 times in best) has added a lot for the Blues alongside stalwarts Jye Sciortino (4 times in best) and Domenic Aloi (12 goals, 3 times in best).

Belgrave and Hallam round out the foot of the table, with Belgrave picking up a droughtbreaking 15-point win over Hallam, who is yet to win a game. Both sides may not hold out hope for finals this year but will keep building and aim to pick up results throughout the season. Belgrave’s Josh Wynen (6 times in best) and Hallam’s Harry Sharlassian ( 5 times in best) have been shining lights in the struggling sides, with the Magpies’ Kyle Nunn also fiding his way into the top 10 goalkickers wth 12 for the season so far.

After the break, Hallam host Berwick Springs, Officer open the gates for Emerald, Healesville take on Seville and Belgrave have the bye.

Warburton-Millgrove and Alexandra stand out mid-way

By Callum Ludwig

Halfway through the Outer East Division Two football season and it’s Warburton-Millgrove and Alexandra out ahead with only one loss and six wins.

The Burras’ only loss for the season came in Round Five against Alexandra by only 9 points, but haven’t won a game by less than 30 points throughout the year, leading to an astronomical percentage of 250.82 per cent.

Young star Patrick Huynh has shone this season, featuring in the best players 6 times thus far and has been ably supported by ruckman Nelson Aldridge and new recruit Ben Pretty (4 times in best.)

Three of the leagues’ top goalkickers also call Mac Sparke Oval home, with Bailey Humphrey (26 goals, 2nd overall), Liam Westlake (14, equal 8th) and Trent Elliott (14, equal 8th) showcasing that the Burras are not short of forward firepower.

In second sits Alexandra, who will played over the King’s Birthday weekend and picked up a big win against Broadford. The Rebels’ only loss came in Round 2 against reigning premiers Powelltown by 11 points. William Stewart leads all-comers in the league goalkicking with 28 for the season as the side’s source of goals while D’Arcy Kennedy has featured in the best 4 times.

Powelltown’s premiership defence has got-

ten off to a reasonable start, sitting 5-2 so far. Their two losses both came against Warburton-Millgrove, but they are also the only side to beat Alexandra thus far. The goalkicking spread is strong for the Towners, with 21

Picture:ONFILE

for Justin Van Unen (3rd in the league), Joel Perry with 17 (5th) and Jimmy Messas with 16 (equal 6th). Club stalwart Ben Wratten (5 times in best) continues to perform, with new recruit Gary Conyers (5 times in best) and Rus-

sell Cown (4 times in best) also important to the side.

Newcomers Yarra Glen will be proud of their three wins given the adversity the club has faced through the start of the season, finally able to host a game at home again recently. Two wins over Yarra Junction and one over Broadford has helped separate the River Pigs from the bottom two, with SamWood, Thomas Sullivan (6 times in best) and Ben Ashton ( 5 times in best) a big part in their season so far.

Broadford’s solitary win was a nailbiter, clinging on by two points over Yarra Junction. The Kangaroos haven’t had a dominant avenue to goal but have had a consistent group of players in good form, led by Dean Tydell. Liam Lucas, Josh Delaney, Jayden Welch and Adam Miles have also all featured in the best players four times.

Yarra Junction has been unable to pick up any premiership points as yet this season and has had a senior coach already depart but will be hopeful of beating Broadford in their future matchups and have come closer to their table-topping opponents than the Roos. Dylan Cawsey, Josh Jones (5 times in best) and Jdhara Jones (4 times in best) have performed admirably while Sam Morton (18 goals) has still managed to get on the end of a few.

Warburton-Millgrove hosts Yarra Junction, Powelltown welcomes Alexandra and Broadford takes on Yarra Glen in Round Eight.

YarraGlenandBroadfordplayerscontestfortheball.

RoganGoonan(50Emerald)leapsover PatrickTatt(5Hallam).