Students from Monbulk College, like Mia and Elle (pictured), will get the chance to perform and display their skills at a new music festival organised by staff and parents at the school called Hilltop Music Festival.
The festival, held at Olinda Community House, will be the first of its kind, and it’s hoped the event will become a student-led tradition in coming years.
Turn to page 13 for more on the story
The cost of education is soaring as Victoria sinks into a state-wide crisis.
News is widespread across the state as Victoria experiences one of the biggest teacher shortages it’s experienced in a long time, and unfortunately for locals, the Knox municipality is also facing struggles in the education sector.
The news does not come as a surprise, after the City of Knox recent decision to reduce
council-provided kindergarten services to the municipality.
Earlier this year the Australian Education Union (AEU) met with Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch and several council members to put forward their views of the impact this decision would have on the community, should it choose to walk away from the approximately 30 sessional kindergartens it was providing.
The AEU said almost 1,100 three-year-old
and four-year-old children and their families are being “abandoned” by Knox council, and are at risk of missing out on accessing two years of free kindergarten.
A Facebook group said “it’s shameful that Knox is even considering abandoning these children and their families”.
They also provided a petition containing over 2,000 names which was deemed “unacceptable” by Cr Darren Pearce due to the lack
of signatures and addresses provided alongside the names, and should not be accepted in the decision at the council meeting on Monday 14, August.
However, Knox Council decided at that meeting to step back from being a kindergarten provider, and will reduce their services to two hubs.
Turn to page 2 for more on the story
The cost of education is soaring as Victoria sinks into a state-wide crisis.
News is widespread across the state as Victoria experiences one of the biggest teacher shortages it’s experienced in a long time, and unfortunately for locals, the Knox municipality is also facing struggles in the education sector.
The news does not come as a surprise, after the City of Knox recent decision to reduce council-provided kindergarten services to the municipality.
Earlier this year the Australian Education Union (AEU) met with Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch and several council members to put forward their views of the impact this decision would have on the community, should it choose to walk away from the approximately 30 sessional kindergartens it was providing.
The AEU said almost 1,100 three-year-old and four-year-old children and their families are being “abandoned” by Knox council, and are at risk of missing out on accessing two years of free kindergarten.
A Facebook group said “it’s shameful that Knox is even considering abandoning these children and their families”.
They also provided a petition containing over 2,000 names which was deemed “unacceptable” by Cr Darren Pearce due to the lack of signatures and addresses provided alongside the names, and should not be accepted in the decision at the council meeting on Monday 14, August.
However, Knox Council decided at that meeting to step back from being a kindergarten provider, and will reduce their services to two hubs.
Additionally, one local teacher came forward saying there are schools in the Knox municipality experiencing shortages of as many as 30 teachers.
In light of this decision, the state is experiencing its worst teacher shortage.
According to the AEU, there are at least 2,175 vacant positions advertised in Victorian
public schools, as of Tuesday 15 August, with those numbers expected to continue rising in the near future.
It said this number has more than doubled since January this year.
A quick search on Seek showed approximately 100 jobs available in Knox and its immediate neighbouring communities, from early childhood to high school, including vocational and disability positions.
News of this crisis aired on television earlier this month, and continues to be an issue both in Knox, and wider Victoria.
Alongside the crisis of the teacher shortage, teaching students and those seeking to upskill in the teaching industry are also struggling.
One student, who had reached her final pre-service teacher placement recently, admitted she had been bullied out of her placement and was treated “appallingly” which has
delayed her graduation for six months.
They said her whole placement experience was “absolutely appalling” and her university told her that “toxic environments exist in schools everywhere, as a pre-service teacher you just have to take it as a lesson on what kind of teacher you don’t want to be”.
The student was told they could either withdraw from the unit and re-do it next year, or go back to her placement and the terrible teachment.
They chose to withdraw and lodge a complaint, which now means they cannot complete their studies until next year.
Additionally, in an ABC Q&A episode from Monday 31, July, AEU member Siane expressed her concerns about the struggles of required unpaid placements that students and educators must endure, and the particular struggles in the current economic climate and the rise of the cost of living.
She is a master of teaching student moving into her second round of month-long unpaid placement training, during which she is unable to work, which she said is not uncommon for teaching students.
In the same interview, Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher said it’s not only teachers going through these struggles, so are other industries like healthcare where nurses must undergo required placement training before graduation and often lose the jobs they have to participate in placements.
She said the federal government is looking into making these placements paid, with several ministers and experts undertaking work in these industries.
Earlier this year the AEU launched its For Every Child Campaign in Victoria, in attempts to resolve the current crisis and bring attention to the education sector in the state.
The campaign aims to highlight that students deserve the best education, parents deserve fully staffed schools, and teachers deserve manageable workloads.
More information on the petition can be found at megaphone.org.au/petitions/saveteachers-jobs
Students in the across Victoria have topped the nation in this year’s NAPLAN results – recording ongoing improvement at both primary and secondary levels as our students thrive at school.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said that these phenomenal results are more than statistics – they are a tribute to the extraordinary work and efforts of Victorian kids, teachers, principals, parents and carers.
“We are so proud to see such positive results, particularly among our primary years, and it is a clear indicator that we are delivering nation-leading education to a generation of Victorian students in the Education State,” she said.
Victoria is ranked first or second in 16 of the 20 NAPLAN 2023 domains – one of the state’s best-ever results, and higher than any other state or territory in the nation.
Our young students at primary school levels lead the state’s stellar results, ranking first or second in every domain in Years 3 and 5.
The early years of school are critical for establishing a strong foundation for learning –and with more than 70 per cent of Year 3 and 80 per cent of Year 5 students in the ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding proficiency’ levels for reading, Victorian students are setting themselves up for success.
Victoria also topped the nation in Year 3 reading and numeracy and retained first place in Years 5, 7 and 9 writing.
In addition to high-achieving students, these results are proof that Victorian schools are identifying and supporting students who need extra assistance throughout their schooling, with the lowest or second-lowest proportion of students needing additional support in all 20 domains.
There is always more work to do right across Australia, and the NAPLAN results point to the need to keep lifting numeracy re-
sults, as well as continuing our work to close the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.
The Government’s support systems for disadvantaged students are producing results – compared to other states and territories, Victorian kids facing disadvantage have achieved higher results in all of the primary school NAPLAN domains.
This year was the first time NAPLAN has been sat with changes agreed by all Austra-
lian education ministers to make reporting easier for schools and parents to understand, and ensure teachers have more time to implement any support NAPLAN identifies that students might need.
The tests are now sat in March rather than May, so results – and extra assistance for students – can be delivered earlier in the year.
“Since individual results were released a month ago, schools have been working on targeted learning support for those students
who need additional support – and on extending the talents and skills of our highest achievers,” Ms Hutchins said.
NAPLAN is now also sat online to allow for more nuanced testing than paper tests, and the results structure has changed to represent student achievement against a reasonable expectation of their year level.
Individual school results will follow later in the year.
The lifespan of the ‘Mad Mile Sinkhole’ will be short lived due to repairs being undertaken in Belgrave.
Locals have experienced several issues with the locally famous pothole on Burwood Highway, with numerous complaints finally resulting in action.
As of this month,Vic Roads have blocked off the area and have begun maintenance repairs on the hole.
It’s been a long time coming, according to locals on social media, with comments being posted by the hundreds about the pothole.
Knox local Martha Breninger said that particular hole has been deadly to the community.
“My partner had an incident when he was taking our son to basketball, he hit the pothole and the tire went up into the guard.
“He had to roll down the road, on a messed up tire, underneath the bridge and call a tow truck, which cost almost $1,000 with the repairs,” she said.
Several locals have come forward with complaints to council, Vic Roads, and even local MPs about the issues on the road, including a recent major accident on Burwood Highway.
“That pothole creates an airborne effect when you hit it.
“There’s just a sudden dip in the road, like the actual road is dipped in, and you can’t really see it until you hit it,” she said.
It’s not the first incident Ms Breninger has had with potholes, after recently repairing their vehicle from a similar incident in Cockatoo.
“There’s more of a bigger issue around it, people are complaining and there’s a lack of action,” she said.
One comment on Facebook complained
that we get fines for having un-roadworthy cars, yet the roads are not car worthy.
In fact, the issue has grown so dramatically across Victoria that it made state-news headlines this month, with 7 News stating in a recent bulletin that the number of potholes on Victorian roads has increased by 272 per cent, to just shy of 9,000 reported holes statewide.
A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said recent weather has been a contributing factor to the deterioration of local roads.
“Record levels of rainfall have caused unprecedented damage to our roads and we’re still seeing new potholes open up months after the peak of the floods due to the amount of
This year, all Australians will be invited to make history by saying ‘yes’ in a compulsory referendum to alter Australia’s Constitution by enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The Constitution is the founding legal document of our nation, providing the basic rules for the government of Australia. The Constitution is our nation’s birth certificate.
Over many years we have spent a lot trying to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, but we haven’t got better results.
If the referendum succeeds, the Voice to Parliament means Indigenous Australians will be consulted and give advice to Government
water left sitting under the surface,” they said.
Much to locals’ delight, the portion of Burwood Highway where the potholes sits has now been sectioned off and appears to be scheduled for repairs in the coming weeks.
The DTP spokesperson said fixing roads both in the Knox municipality, and across the state, is a priority in the warmer months.
“As we approach the warmer, drier months of the year, our priority is to repair that damage, targeting our most flood-damaged roads along with key freight and travel routes,” they said.
Until repairs are complete, the road will continue to be blocked off.
to design better solutions for issues that affect them.
This will lead to better outcomes for Indigenous Australians in health, employment, and education – because we know when Government listens to people, we get results.
For most of us, saying ‘yes’ won’t change much. But for Indigenous Australians the Voice will bring about tangible change. There is nothing to lose, but so much to be gained.
Two Arrested
Police have arrested two men after an extended follow in the southern and eastern suburbs.
Officers observed a red Ford Falcon sedan, wanted in relation to a number of ongoing investigations, on Police Road, Springvale about 10.20am on 24 August.
The car was followed at a distance and extra resources, including the Air Wing and Dog Squad were called in. It is alleged the car was travelling at speed and being driven erratically, sometimes travelling on the wrong side of the road and sometimes running red lights.
The Falcon eventually stopped near Canterbury Road and allegedly the driver attempted to carjack two other vehicles but was unsuccessful.
The man returned to the Ford and drove the car to Vermont Street, Blackburn South before the vehicle was dumped and the occupants ran off.
Dog Squad members were on scene and arrested a 20-year-old Port Melbourne man, a 19-year-old Ferntree Gully man was arrested minutes later after attempting to gain entry to a house.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Westfield Incident
Police are investigating an altercation between two males and two females which occurred at a bus stop on Burwood Highway in Wantirna South about 2.15pm on Wednesday 23 August.
As a result of the altercation a 17-year-old male was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.
Police were quickly on scene and arrested two 14-year-old girls and a 14-year-old boy.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Wanted on Warrant
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Lachlan Hutton.
The 19-year-old is wanted on warrant in relation to theft and drug related offences.
Hutton is described as 160cm tall with a thin build.
He is known to frequent the Ferntree Gully, Knox, and Frankston areas but was last seen in Orbost. Investigators have released an image of Hutton in the hope someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
Crash in Cockatoo
A man is in a stable condition at The Alfred Hospital after a car accident in Cockatoo on Wednesday 16 August.
Paramedics were called to a report of a car versus motorbike around 3.30pm, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed.
“A man believed to be in his 40s was taken to The Alfred by road ambulance with lower body injuries in a serious but stable condition,” the spokesperson said.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson told the Star Mail on Wednesday 16 August a man was being treated for injuries to his pelvis, leg and back and appeared to be in a “serious but stable condition” at that time.
As food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins roll out across the Yarra Ranges, discussion around its uses and benefits have been airing in many forms.
With concerns raised about the new threebin system costs and inability to opt out, somewhat of a divide has begun to form between those who are for and against the system.
The new bin system is a statewide policy change under the Circular EconomyWaste Reduction Recycling Act 2021 which requires local councils to provide FOGO and eventually glass recycling to all households within its municipality.
An independent report commissioned by Sustainability Victoria in 2017 notes that at least 80 per cent of emissions comes from organic material being sent to landfill.
Yarra Ranges executive officer of resource recovery Graham Brew said in the shire alone, it produced on average per year 30,000 tonnes of waste, 17,000 tonnes of recyclable matter and 16,000 tonnes of organic waste.
“We did an audit on our garbage, recycling and organic bins prior to any change happening and the statistics coming out of that shows 45 per cent is organic material that’s in a waste bin, eight per cent is recyclables and three per cent is e-waste,” he said.
“The state government put a ban on ewaste going to landfill two or three years ago but we’re still getting three per cent of our volume which is e-waste.
“It’s over 50 per cent of material in an average bin, because it’s not everyone’s bin, that is material that does not need to go to landfill.”
With the landfill site used by councils in the east expected to reach capacity within the next two to three years, Mr Brew said it is imperative that the onus is put on every household in the state to reduce waste.
“The important thing is, yes, it’s a state government initiative but it’s a personal responsibility for everyone, not just Council. It’s a good thing. It’s going to reduce landfill, it’s going to improve the environment,” Mr Brew said.
Montrose resident, composter and cofounder of the Montrose Community Cupboard Pat Natoli said he sees the policy as a positive.
“It’s helping people compost if they don’t have the ability to, it’s helping to reduce more carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere,” he said.
“And it means we’ve got much more compost to go back onto our farms and into our parks and gardens.”
It’s estimated from the FOGO bin collections statewide that a further 336,000 tonnes of compost will be produced each year, while reducing CO2 emissions by 320,000 tonnes per annum.
Mr Natoli already has a compost bin, worm farm and chickens to help reduce his organic waste but said the FOGO bin would still be useful for scraps and green waste that can’t be broken down at home.
“The fact that you can put meat scraps and
your takeaway leftovers or plate scrapings into the FOGO system that changes it from being like ‘I need to think about how I can compost this’,” he said.
“In the grand scheme of things this is going to be super helpful, even if it means we have to pay a little bit for it, we’re going to use it if we get pizza or Thai food or something and it’s got sauce leftover or it’s got stuff that we haven’t consumed that I don’t want to put it into the compost.
“It’s a very easy way for people to be able to contribute and get rid of their scraps or the stuff that maybe they don’t have the time to deal with or don’t have the space to.”
Fellow Montrose resident Tony Stevenson said given he lives on a larger property, it welcomes the addition of the FOGO system.
“As a property owner in the urban areas of Yarra Ranges I do seem to generate a lot of vegetation waste, not all of which can be composted. I can’t compost ivy, blackberries, creepers and branches from trees and shrubs,” he said.
“As we’re in an urban area we can’t burn off either. So I do rely on my 240 litre green bin to
dispose of the green waste I can’t compostwe’ve always composted.”
With the majority of theYarra Ranges population residing in the urban areas without the luxury perhaps of composting, mulching or burning off, Mr Stevenson it seems only fair to split the cost amongst the whole shire “to deliver the best service for the best cost”.
“Ultimately it’s our waste - we generate it. It’s on each household to work out how they can minimise their waste and live with a less frequent bin collection.
“I know it will be a challenge for some - parents with young kids, larger families, seniors with medical waste.”
For Mr Natoli, who was involved in setting up the Kilsyth Community Compost Hub, he said from what he can understand most people are eager to learn and help the environment.
Everything makes a difference. Some people have expressed that they really liked the compost system, and they really liked the idea of being involved in the community aspect of it, but maybe don’t have the mobility or the access to come in.
“Everyone wants to feel good about doing the right thing. The small things that you do, whether it’s joining the community compost hub or putting it in the FOGO bin, if you’re in a block of flats or you don’t have access to a compost bin, you are still doing an amazing job if you use the FOGO bin.”
Mr Brew said not only would getting organic and food waste out of general waste bins be a focus but also improving education around recycling, with around 25 per cent of items put in an average recycle bin not being able to be recycled.
“The recycling is over 20 per cent contamination. That’s not bad considering other councils. It’s not good either. I’d like it to be around seven or eight per cent. We’re going to work on that.We’re going to really push on that over the years to do that.”
The FOGO system for the Yarra Ranges will come into effect on 2 October.
“I’ve been in the waste industry for over 30 years and I’ve been in this council for 29 years, this is the biggest change that this council has seen since I’ve been here,” Mr Brew said.
Shire is falling short when it comes to library access for its growing population of young people, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
ABS data analysed by the ABC found growth areas with younger populations like Cardinia, Casey, Melton, Wyndham and Whittlesea had the smallest number of libraries per 100,000 people.
By contrast, smaller municipalities with older people, often closer to the CBD, had some of the best rates of library access.
Cardinia Shire is currently serviced by two libraries - Pakenham and Emerald, as well as a mobile library service which travels to townships throughout the municipality six days per week.
But, the shire has a rate of 1.68 libraries
per 100,000 people - markedly lower than the Melbourne average of 3.2 libraries.
Neighbouring councils also appear to be lagging behind, with Casey recording a library access rate of 1.62 per 100,000, while Dandenong logged just 1.25 libraries per 100,000 residents.
By contrast, the City of Yarra, which is about 30 per cent smaller than Cardinia and has about half the percentage of young people, has a rate of 5.46 libraries per 100,000 people.
This is indicative of a pattern of older, smaller populations in Melbourne which have strong access to libraries.
Other government areas like Maribyrnong (6.94 per 100,000) and Stonnington (5.64 per 100,000) have the highest number of libraries per capita, despite having smaller populations.
Despite the worrying statistics, council data shows the trend of library usage is up in Cardinia, with over 62,000 more books borrowed across the shire in 2022/23, compared with the year before.
Taking over Cardinia’s library services in December 2022, Myli also increased the investment in Cardinia’s library collection resources by more than 50 per cent compared to two years ago.
Myli chief executive Leanne Williams said its primary focus is adapting to the needs of Cardinia’s growing community and ensuring everyone has access to library services.
“The access to public library services is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and promoting lifelong learning,” Ms Williams said.
“We’ve seen good results already from investing in library collection and resources for
Cardinia Shire, and we’re always looking at how we can do more.”
Furthermore, the council is undertaking planning and feasibility work in 2023/24 for the provision of an additional library service in the shire, Cardinia Shire Council’s future communities manager Michael Casey said.
“To support our growing population, council continues to plan for the future provision of library services and is investigating the feasibility of an additional library service for the community,” he said.
It also applied for an received external funding from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for the upgrade of Emerald Library, which was completed last year, along with funding for the purchase of a mobile library.
Council budgeted $2.41 million on library services in the 2023/34 Budget.
Controversy is in the air around the Yarra Ranges Council’s introduction of FOGO bins to the community, however, they aren’t as bad as believed.
Whilst there are several members of the community still on the fence about the new green-lid bins, with concerns of the cost on locals, Council is speaking up proving that the Yarra Ranges has one of the more affordable options in the South East.
First and foremost, on the face of the newly introduced FOGO bin packages, Yarra Ranges residents have a $40 cheaper option than neighbours in the City of Knox, paying only $459 compared to Knox 496.60 for their bin packages, despite having a slightly smaller population.
Yarra Ranges packages are also cheaper than those in Cardinia and Nillumbick, who face a whopping $616.40 charge for the FOGO bin packages.
Yarra Ranges Council believe the FOGO bins are better for the greater good, with additional costs and concerns leading to the overall introduction of waste management in the area.
Executive Officer of Resource Recovery Graham Brew said the overall waste management across Victoria needs to be rethought, especially in the South East.
According to recent reports released by the Council earlier this month, the landfill site in Hallam is filling up drastically, with predictions that the site may be closed by 2026, making the landfill in the East a thing of the past.
Mr Brew said council is facing increasing costs when it comes to waste management in the Yarra Ranges, and changes need to be made.
“Some costs we can’t change include the costs of the truck, the service to pick up bins each fortnight, labour and fuel.
“Regardless of whether locals choose to use FOGO bins or not, you can’t just reduce those costs because the truck doesn’t pick up your bin, it still drives past.
“When looking at the bigger picture, it’s of greater benefit for the wider community to use their FOGO bins and make the most of the service,” he said.
Recovery Communications and Engagement Coordinator Joanna Hammond said the Government has almost doubled the cost of waste per tonne on council, and FOGO has been introduced to reduce the cost of waste by introducing compostable recycling.
“The levy was $63.37 per ton in 2020 of waste, however this year it’s $129.97.
“So it’s a substantial increase in cost for the council to actually get rid of the waste,” she said.
Ms Hammond pointed out that, as taxpayers, we are constantly paying for things we don’t regularly use, however with FOGO we can do our bit for the environment, and make the most of the services provided to us by both the council and government.
“If you think about your tax, and your rights, you will be paying for things you don’t use.
“I don’t use the footy oval but I’m paying towards them.
“As we all know, landfill, climate change is causing environmental issues, and it’s absolutely vital that as a community we work together to solve this problem,” she said.
Ms Hammond said the community needs a shift in mindset from “it’s not my problem” to “it’s everybody’s problem”.
“It’s a bit like turning the power on, or flushing the toilet.
It just happens, and we feel the same when we put something in the bin and think “it’s not my problem, I don’t have to worry about this, but it is our problem”.
“I think that’s where we’re reaching some of those pain barriers, because we’re telling everybody it’s their problem and as a community we need to solve that.
“If we opt out then the cost goes from them to the other people who are opting in, and
would be making locals have to pay more for the service we’re providing,” she said.
Mr Brew said the FOGO bins have a much greater benefit for the environment and the longevity of our existing landfill in the South East.
“As we reduce the volume of waste going to landfill will save money on that side of it.
“At the moment we average around 29,000 to 31,000 tonnes of waste per year, if we can reduce that to 25 tonnes then we can save money on that front.
“There’s a company called Biogro with a number of facilities across Victoria, turning compostable materials into soil products and mulch, meaning our waste will go back to farms and gardens, and help improve the environment.
“There’s a number of councils in Melbourne that actually take the material to that company, and it’s a great way to get it through
and processed,” he said.
Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said the FOGO bins will help reduce waste in the long run.
“The new standardised four-stream household waste and recycling system will help households to recycle more, and divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.
“Standardising waste and recycling services is about making it easier forVictorians to separate their waste streams and reduce contamination,” she said.
Yarra Ranges Council are urging locals to think about the greater good in the community, and remember that the cost of the bins is not as great as those in other Victorian municipalities, the costs that council faces, and the impact our decisions may be having on the future of our environment.
For more information on FOGO head to yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit/Home
With a dry spring and hot summer on the horizon, locals are being urged to prepare for this years’ upcoming bushfire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a drier spring, following our recent wetter conditions, promoting fuel growth, and identifying a higher bushfire risk in the coming months.
The Bureau’s report suggests higher chances of above average temperatures combined with below average rainfall, as the nation makes the change from years of La Niña to El Niño conditions.
This prediction is supported by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) who have also released their Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring this year.
These reports come as a strong reminder
for Knox locals to start preparing for our expected summer conditions.
Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Peter Smith said it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Locals need to be prepared for the worst, but of course we expect the best case scenario.
“It’s not just this summer we’re worrying
about, it’s the next few summers as well,” he said.
While Knox is in a better position to other areas in Victoria, the CFA are keeping a close eye on conditions as the weather warms up.
“It’s still very green around here, as we haven’t had as much rain as usual this winter.
“The hill on our side usually dries out around four weeks after the Montrose side, but there appears to be a lot of growth around, particularly at the National Park,” said Mr Smith.
Ferntree Gully CFA captain Seamus Smith said now is the time for locals to be considering, or creating, their fire.
“It’s important for locals to have a plan, and if they don’t to create one, and make sure their family all know what it is,” he said.
Mr Smith also added it’s time for residents to get their properties prepared for the drier months.
“People should consider starting to clean up their gutters, getting their lawns mown, and cleaning up any flammable materials from around their property,” he said.
The Ferntree Gully CFA will be hosting a local meeting to provide more information and tips for bush fire season in the community.
The date is yet to be confirmed, depending on how the season progresses.
AFAC CEO Rob Webb said almost the entire country can expect drier and warmer conditions than normal this spring, and it’s important to be alert.
“Fire is a regular part of the Australian landscape in spring.
“Wherever you live, work or travel, now is the time to plan and prepare.
“Understand your risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do,” he said.
Members of the Kallista Floodwatch Group have met with Casey MP AaronVioli and Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tony Pasin MP to push for the creation of a masterplan to improve the condition of roads in the area.
At a meeting with residents and the MPs, residents shared their frustration at the lack of action made to seal roads feed into Monbulk Road, following major flooding events over recent years.
Mark Mullinder, of Owen Street said his house has been flooded five times since he moved to the town a decade ago, and he is at the point where he is struggling to get insurance on the property.
“The last time I was flooded was about 12 months ago, and the insurance company refused to pay out on insurance until I upgraded all the infrastructure for drainage,” Mr Mullinder said.
“It’s cost me now about $150,000; all the drainage, all the driveways, all the infrastructure, the drain to get it all down so that I can get paid out for insurance, which I still haven’t been paid out.
“We’re getting more significant weather events…and the infrastructure is just not there. It’s not maintained and it’s not there.”
Without a pedestrian crossing, locals say the terrain has proved dangerous for elderly people and those with prams carrying small children.
“We live in the most incredible area, but if I want to go for walk [with my kids] I need to get in the car and I need to go off the mountain because there are no footpaths,” Mr Mullinder said.
Karen Kestigian, who lives on Monbulk Road, said the multiple different agencies involved in planning in the area; including Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, and Yarra Ranges Council, need to collaborate to create a masterplan for the development of Kallista.
“Last year, in October, we had 350 millimetres of gravel deposited in our creek - that’s all coming off loose surface on the road,” Ms Kestigian said.
Mr Violi said unsealed roads and poor drainage are causing “devastating flooding” in the Kallista township and unnecessary damage to local homes.
“Gleghorn Rd, Emberson Rd and Rivington Avenue are just three of 22 unsealed roads in Kallista that would have been sealed under the Roads for Communities program, funded by the former Liberal Government,” MrVioli said.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s decision to rip this road sealing funding away from our community is absolutely devastating, not just for Kallista but for towns right across the Yarra Ranges.
“The residents of Kallista deserve safe, sealed roads. That’s why I invited Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, Tony Pasin MP to see these dangers for himself and to hear firsthand from the Kallista
Flood Watch Group.”
Mr Pasin said road surfacing would take away issues around contamination in local creek beds and supported a rolling program of road sealing in the area.
“Rolling programs are powerful in the sense of visualising the eight or so kilometres that’s not bitumen or at least hard surfaced,” he said.
“For me, it’ll also deal with significant safety concerns.
“I look at some of those dents as we were driving down the road thinking ‘goodness, that dangerous in both directions... dangerous in getting up, dangerous in getting down.”
Mr Pasin said there is a need to get back to “proactive assessment” of flood risk in the community and collect floodwater at its source.
“Which is exactly what the Emergency Management proactive funds are [there for].
“I’m reasonably confident that the resources exist, or are at least available, so that the likes of your shire council can access funding to do that planning.”
Outer East Melbourne is taking a hit in the job market, leaving locals commuting to other districts for their professional careers.
Locals from across the Knox municipality are packing their bags in the early hours of the morning, with some making the hike into the city, and other parts of the state, to be there in time for office hours.
Depending on traffic, the commute in Melbourne City can take up to an hour from the Knox municipality, or sometimes longer from Cardinia Shire, and up to two hours home.
City of Knox Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch said Knox has a changing economy.
“Our jobs market has had a traditional manufacturing and industrial base but those jobs are in decline while professional jobs are on the rise.
She said the overall change in the working economy post-Covid has had a big impact on job availability overall.
“We had the biggest decline in labour participation during COVID in the whole of Melbourne.
“That has recovered a little but there is still a fundamental change occurring in our labour market,” she said.
According to Cr Timmers-Leitch, Knox locals need access to skills training and education to make the most of new and emerging opportunities in industries such as defence.
“One of the things that is holding us back is a lack of public transport and poor road infrastructure to access jobs.
“We will continue to push for a better deal for the people of Knox to address some of those underlying factors that restrict access to retraining and job opportunities,” she said.
According to research done by Dr Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning, several regions in Melbourne’s south east,
alongside the west and north east, have a greater share of overqualified workers, based on data in the 2016 census.
Additionally, Dr Spiller found that access to local jobs have been on the decline since 1996 when Melbourne’s south-east fringe was at Lyndhurst.
The fringe moved to Officer in 2001, but now stretches out towards Pakenham.
His research shows that residents in Pakenham East have access to 133,233 jobs within a half-hour morning commute, which is a third of previous generations.
Not adding much hope for locals, particularly in Knox, Cardinia and the Yarra Ranges, projected growth to 2026 shows an additional 25,000 - 50,000 in the hills and Cardinia municipalities to compete for jobs
in the area.
Dr Spiller said these figures have an impact on the overall cost of living, general access to jobs, health, recreation and retail, and also impacts house prices across Victoria.
“Those in an area with low access to jobs and declining access to jobs in relative terms, will experience that their house prices won’t keep pace with other areas with better access to jobs, and can have further implications on social mobility,” he said.
Knox City Council, alongside neighbouring Cardinia Shire Council, both hope to improve opportunities for residents.
The council, alongside Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Councils, have partnered to ensure the Bayswater Business Precinct continues its growth as an economic powerhouse for
the hills area.
Cr Timmers-Leitch said they have a coordinated strategy to boost jobs and investment in the region.
“This is the second largest employment precinct in the Eastern Metro Region, home to over 5,000 businesses employing over 30,000 people in manufacturing, construction, retail and wholesale trade.
“About 70 per cent of workers in the precinct live in Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges.
“By 2042 over 40,000 jobs will be needed to keep up with population growth and provide enough jobs for residents,” she said.
The three councils will develop a plan to review land use planning, transport and connectivity to identify opportunities to improve freight access, cycling and walking paths.
NEWS
Beloved nurse bids farewell
By Tyler Wright
“In my day I was hospital trained so I did my general nurse training; that was back in ‘74 and then in 1980 I did my midwifery at the Royal Women’s Hospital,” Ann said.
“I was drawn to maternal and child health because I’ve never wanted to be an administrator and you stayed in hospitals and you ended up supervising people so you lost your one on one patient care - and that’s what I loved about my nursing career, so maternal and child health appealed to me.”
Ann was successful in receiving a $10,000 scholarship from the state government’s health department which allowed her to study maternal and child health at the Phillip Institute, which is now LaTrobe University, without needing to work to support herself during that time.
“It was a new course and it was full time diploma and you had to work for a council for 12 months after that, and that was your only obligation,” Ann said.
After applying for quite a few jobs as a “passionate” graduate, Ann got an interview with the Shire of Lillydale and in 1982 began a role as infant welfare nurse at the Kilsyth Infant Welfare Centre.
After taking time off to raise three of her own children, Ann returned to hospital; this time taking on night duty shifts, as well as undertaking bookkeeping work at her husband’s firm.
“I went to City of Cranbourne which turned into a council emalgemation and went to
Ann Ferguson finished in her role as Maternal Child Health Nurse for Yarra Ranges Council on Wednesday 23 August. Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT
Frankston, and I stayed there; it was a great position, lovely council to work for as well, and I stayed there for about six or seven years,” Ann said.
After once again stepping back from work to raise her family Ann felt there was “something missing” and decided to once again apply for a job at Yarra Ranges Council
“I applied, and started relieving, and then in 2004 I started down at the Belgrave South, Belgrave and Selby centres,” she said.
In 2018, the The Belgrave and Belgrave South MCH centres were relocated to the newly-built Belgrave Community Hub, while Selby
Ann was farewelled by colleagues and families, including mum Ashlie (centre) and Archie (right), 18 months.
Community House remains as an outreach MCH centre.
[The Belgrave Community Hub is] a onestop shop or anything from your podiatry, to child speech, to maternal child health to support services; so, that’s been a huge positive step and something that I’m really embracing, being able to be the foundation nurse there and hopefully for many years to come.
“There’s been different new chapters all the time, which has been challenging, but in a good way.
“I’ve embraced the community, I felt like I was coming back home to the Yarra Ranges after very changed circumstances over the years.”
Ann said there hasn’t been a day where she hasn’t learned about life and families in her role as a nurse.
“I saw a little boy this week...I did a three and a half year review, and he had been quite unwell as a baby; had to come home on oxygen
and he came to the new parent group and his mum said ‘I remember you saying to me that day how he loved the music and the songs.’
“Here I was looking at this really healthy three and a half year old who was in good health; he’s still going for regular checkups, but he’s just blossomed.
“I’m always in awe of what the families are going through themselves because some have got incredible extra things happening in their life other than having their baby... I learn from parents all the time.”
Maternal and Child Health Services Coordinator at Yarra Ranges Council, Tarny Irwin, said it is“difficult to say” what a traditional day would look like for a maternal and child health nurse like Ann.
“Every appointment that we complete is so unique and it can’t be replicated,” Tarny said.
“If we see a family the next day, they’ve had another day of learning and another day of their circumstances changing, so that flexibility is about being able to have a global holistic view of the family and walking beside them, rather than being task orienter.”
Ann has also left a legacy as the first nurse to work at Selby Community House through the council’s outreach program.
Ann said her last day felt “surreal.”
“I’ve heard many beautiful comments, which is pretty overwhelming. It’s been a very special day with the support of our team,” she said.
“I’ve met the most wonderful friends and people I’ve come across through working as a child health nurse.”
Ann’s next step will be to travel around Japan with her daughter and support her husband with bookkeeping work for his company.
“There’s lots happening, so I’m sure I’ll have my time filled; but this will be a very special chapter of my life.”
FERNTREE GULLY FERNTREE GULLY HOTEL CAR PARK 1130 BURWOOD HIGHWAY,
Tuesday 22nd*
Wednesday 23rd 7.30pm
Thursday 24th*
Friday 25th 7.30pm
Saturday 26th 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Sunday 27th 11.00am & 3.00pm
Monday 28th*
Tuesday 29th*
Wednesday 30th*
Thursday 31st*
Friday 1st 7.30pm
Saturday 2nd 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Sunday 3rd 11.00am & 3.00pm
Monday 4th*
Tuesday 5th*
Wednesday 6th*
Thursday 7th*
Friday 8th 7.30pm
Ferntree * Indicates No Show that day!
BAYSWATER FERNTREE GULLY FERNTREE GULLY HOTEL CAR PARK 1130 BURWOOD HIGHWAY,
Saturday 9th 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Students at Mount Dandenong Primary School now have access to a reading haven after an upgrade to the school’s library and the installation of a new sculpture.
Principal Jake Laurie said the school community raised $30,000 for the upgrade through fundraising efforts in 2022.
“We have completely rebuilt one wall, and we have painted the whole space,“ Mr Laurie said.
“We’ve got all new carpet and then we removed all of the old horrible steel shelving we had and we bought all new bookshelves, beautiful new furniture and seating spaces for the kids.
“The sculpture has come out of storm recovery from the 2021 big storm; we partnered with Kalorama Collective to apply for one of the Yarra Ranges Council’s storm recovery grants and were successful.“
Out of that successful grant application, Mr Laurie said the school engaged local artist Anton McMurray, to sculpt an artwork out of a fallen log from a community member’s property.
“A community member whose children went here decades ago and she was very keen for one of the fallen trees in her property to go towards something beautiful for the school,“ Mr Laurie said.
Mr Laurie said the idea is that the big leaf motif symbolises beauty out of the “destruction” of the storm that was a “horrendous experience” for children and families in the Dandenong Ranges.
“They now have this beautiful sculpture that is something positive for generations of kids going forward; they can sit on it and around it and lean against it,” he said.
“It is pride of place the centre of our library, so it becomes a symbol of creativity and joy
and reading, and calmness and happiness.”
The construction of the library upgrades and the sculpture was officially marked with the community at a launch event on Tuesday 22 August, with Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child and members of the public joining the celebrations.
School council president Alanna Ford spoke
Residents across the Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire are learning life-saving skills as part of a series of Emergency Response Themed Training, which includes how to use a chainsaw safely.
A total of eleven distinct community groups hailing from Cardinia and Yarra Ranges have recently participated in diverse training courses, which have been run for members of the community groups and organisations who assisted with the recovery from the June 2021 storm.
On the 21 and 22 August a free chainsaw course was facilitated by the councils and delivered through ARBTRACK Australia.
Over two days community members came together to learn all about the ins and outs of chainsaws: safety, cleaning, maintenance and of course how to use them.
Cockatoo resident, Andrew McLean participated in the Chainsaw training workshop on 22 August, and said that despite having prior experience with a chainsaw, he wanted to learn the correct procedures and practices to use it safely.
“We live in Cockatoo on top of a ridge and in the last two big storms we had two trees come down in our front yard and then the next July, two of our neighbours’ trees came down into our backyard,” he said.
“We had a battery-operated chainsaw, but I needed to know how to operate it correctly and safely, so I signed up for this course and I’ve learnt an enormous amount of all the things I’m not doing and all the things I’m doing wrong.”
“Now I can be safer when I’m cutting tree limbs and it has given me the confidence to operate it properly,” said Andrew.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said the emergency response themed training meant residents were armed with the knowledge and practical skills to make a difference in their own lives and community.
“Following the 2021 storm we witnessed an incredible coming together of our community, and the dedication shown by both the SES and CFA was matched by the countless residents who pitched in to clear trees and debris, reminding us of the strength in our community,” he said.
“Having more locals trained in skills such as first aid and chainsaw operations could be invaluable, especially during times of crisis and this is one the small things we can give communities to help them be better prepared for future disasters.”
A total of $650,000 from Emergency Recovery Victoria was given to Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council to support ongoing community clean-up efforts for vulnerable residents on private property and to create valuable training opportunities for residents.
at the event alongside one of the school’s captains Eva Robertson.
Mr Laurie said the students wee “really excited“ to see the sculpture and get up close to touch and feel it.
“It smells amazing actually; this Mexican cypress log that’s been oiled, it’s beautiful,“ he said.
“It’s been a really positive reaction from our kids and teachers and parent, and we now have this beautiful inviting calming space for our kids to use.
“It’s been perfect timing in book week for us to open it...we [had] a visiting author in there [on Thursday 24 August] using that space, and it’s much nicer than it’s ever been.“
A local initiative is all about spreading the love, and the dollars, across Upper Ferntree Gully.
The Gully Market, which has recently shifted gear and is now under the management of president Ian Rice, is on a mission to spread its newfound profits across the community.
The market, which runs out of the Upper Ferntree Gully train station car park every Saturday and Sunday, has recently gone under proper community management, with the new committee discovering large amounts of funds in the bank.
Upon this discovery, Mr Rice has taken it upon himself to ensure these funds are correctly distributed back into the community.
“Our market is a community market, and the money we take after expenses should go back into the community.
“I’ve only just taken over as president, and I’m in the process of lining up recipients for the funds around Ferntree Gully and its surrounds,” he said.
The first lucky recipients of funding is the Upper Ferntree Gully (UFTG) CFA, who are set to receive $2,000 from The Gully Market.
UFTG CFA captain Peter Smith said the funds will go towards the extension of their station on the hill, providing more space for crews heading on jobs.
“At the moment, there’s hardly enough room for our volunteers to get changed and ready to go out on calls.
“We’ve had to rearrange the station and move our office, so we’re looking to expand the building to allow for more space.
“We were lucky enough to receive a grant
towards the expansion, but the extra donation from the market really helps us a lot,” he said.
The CFA crews will be at The Gully market on Saturday 2 September, right before Father’s Day, to show their support for the market and the wider Ferntree Gully community.
“We’ll have one of the big trucks down there and some of our volunteers to chat to locals and enjoy the day with the community,” he said.
Mr Rice will be officially presenting the CFA with their cheque at the market.
In sad news for the Hills community, the Tecoma PWP (Parents without Partners) Op Shop is set to shut its doors next month after decades as a beloved haunt in the area.
Store manager, Norma Boyse, said the decision was a “hard one to make”.
“I’m retiring because I’ve done 20 years,” Norma said.
“A lack of staff, and unfortunately public liability and with all the incidentals outside costing more and more; we’re not making as much as we used to to support the charity.“
The Tecoma PWP Op Shop has been a part of the community for over four decades; finding its home on Burwood Highway past the local bakery, and then moving to a spot past the pizza shop in 1982.
Tecoma’s resident fashionista, Michelle Treblico, or Veteran Vamp as she is known as on social media, even did a stint working at the store.
“There’s a lot of people that I’ve made friends with and I’ve known that probably customers that I’ll probably keep in contact with,“ Norma said.
“I’ve had a lot of good times and a lot of good laughs, and some people call in and just want to have a chat, and sometimes some call in and have a chat and sit down, have a cup of tea.
“We get people from Narre Warren, Pakenham, Boronia; we had a girl on Monday who came from towards the city; so we get a lot.“
Norma said in the time the store has been located on Sandells Road, there have been 36 other staff that have come and gone, with the number now down to 12 or 13.
“There’s a lot of op shops I’ve heard that are struggling for staff at the moment.
“We used to put a sign on the door but then people say, ’oh yeah, we’ll come, we’ll work’ and they don’t show up.
“It makes it hard.“
Norma also said the cost of disposing rubbish from donations left from people on the front verandah has posed a battle; with rubbish removal costs amounting to up to $6,000 a year.
“On Mondays, the whole front verandah is usually full of stuff, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s not good quality that you can sell,“ she said.
“We try to recycle everything we can...one year [over Christmas] we had 2000 kilos of rags
in two weeks.“
One of the remaining volunteers, Lindsay Reid, has been working at the op shop for three years; cleaning CDs and DVDs that come through the doors.
“I make sure everything I put out is cleaned and not scratched or not a pirate copies or burnt copies... I’ve had a good time,“ Lindsay said.
“I don’t really want it to close...it’s the end of an era for the local community.“
Lindsay said regulars, including local icon Baba Desi, have come through the shop’s doors over the years; with laughs shared between staff and customers.
“It’s been good working with all the ladies here, we’re like one big family.“
With the future of the shop now in the hands of the Parents without Partners head office - which runs out of Ballarat - Norma hopes another local charity will take over the space.
“A lot of people come in and they said ’that’s our favourite op shop, what are we going to do?’ so hopefully someone else takes it over, that’s all I can say.
“[People are] saying ’oh, we’ll go to the council, I’ll go to the local member of parliament,’ and you think ’well, that’s not going to change anything, unfortunately.’
“It’s just sad; but unfortunately times move on and health doesn’t prevail, [so you can’t] do what you want to do.“
The op shop will officially shut its doors on Friday 1 September, with a sign at the front of the store advertising a closing down sale to mark the occasion.
“All priced items 1/2 priced,“ the sign reads.
“DVDs $1.00 each CDs 50 cents each. All books $1.00. Kids books 50 cents.“
Everything else is half priced except plants and bird houses and wooden coasters, the sign reads.
“We thank you for all of your patronage over the years.“
Norma said the reason the community have flocked to the store over the years has been the cheap cost of items; from elegant gowns to kitchen goods and records.
“The prices are still reasonable, like an old time op shop,“ Norma said.
“A lot of them have, unfortunately, prices have skyrocketed up, but it just depends on what area you’re in and how much rent you’re paying.“
November marks four years since the doors of this charming establishment swung open, welcoming patrons with open arms and warm smiles. We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on an exceptional woman in business, Kasia, the visionary owner of Nookee Cafe.
At the heart of Nookee Cafe lies Fergus, the resident feline, whose delightful presence has made him a cherished celebrity among our clientele, young and old alike. Fergus embodies the cafe's spirit of warmth and inclusivity.
Speaking of culinary delights, Nookee's gourmet toasties, crafted with French organic sourdough, are nothing short of amazing, healthy and filling. Especially The Quarto Fromagie - a tantalising medley of four cheeses, caramelised onion chutney, and a sprinkle of thyme - are a symphony for the taste buds. And when it's time for dessert, the selection of homemade cakes and loaves never disappoints.
Yet, Nookee Cafe is more than just a culinary destination. It's a sanctuary for those seeking a great atmosphere to sit, relax, and savor life's little pleasures. It's a place where friends gather for a chat, laughter fills the air, and new connections are forged within the warm embrace of the local community.
As we celebrate four years of Nookee Cafe, we also celebrate Kasia's vision and dedication in creating a space that nourishes not just the body, but the soul. It's a testament to the power of women in business to build not just enterprises, but also communities. Here's to many more years of Nookee Cafe and the joy it brings to all who enter its doors.
1 Emerald-Monbulk Rd, Emerald “located opposite Woolworths” orders@nookeecafe.com.au www.nookeecafe.com.au
Empowering Victorians in Their Pursuit of Justice: Meet Tanya Neilson
In the realm of personal injury law, experience matters. And when it comes to experience, Tanya Neilson, the Founder and Principal of Guardian Injury Law, stands out as a true luminary. With a career spanning numerous years, Tanya has become a stalwart advocate for those seeking justice in a variety of personal injury cases.
Her expertise covers a wide spectrum of personal injury litigation, encompassing everything from worker’s compensation claims to public liability cases, motor vehicle accidents, superannuation and insurance claims, and abuse law. Tanya’s commitment to her clients is unwavering, ensuring that they receive the maximum compensation they rightfully deserve.
What truly sets Tanya apart is her unique perspective gained from practicing in both metropolitan Melbourne and the diverse landscapes of regional Victoria. She understands the distinctive challenges faced by injured Victorians across the state, whether they’re toiling on farms, navigating the intricacies of construction sites, or simply going about their daily lives in the bustling heart of Melbourne.
Tanya’s dedication to her clients, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, makes Guardian Injury Law a beacon of hope for those who seek justice in the face of personal injury. Her unwavering pursuit of justice ensures that her clients are not alone in their journey toward recovery and compensation. Tanya Neilson is, without a doubt, a champion of justice in the world of personal injury law.
For the past 10 years KLR Legal Services has been providing legal services to the local community from their beautiful, historical premises in Emerald.
Principal Solicitor, Keren Roma, has been a lawyer for 27 years. She is accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a specialist in Wills and Estates. Keren enjoys working with clients to understand their needs, provide expert advice and prepare appropriate and effective documents. She assists families and Executors to work through the legalities of administering deceased estates, including where there are disputes.
KLR also offers legal advice in relation to conveyancing, property law, family law and commercial matters.
The team at KLR also includes:
• Amelia Henderson, Solicitor, a graduate of Emerald Secondary College and Deakin University, with an interest in family law, Wills and Deceased Estates;
• Connor Roma, Solicitor, who has recently been admitted to practice as a Lawyer;
• Samuel Roma, Law Clerk, studying law at Monash University; and
• Jae O’Donnell – who provides a graceful and welcoming presence at reception.
398 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald
Tel: 5968 4126
E: reception@klrlegal.com.au 12629694-ET35-23
The finalists for this years’ Westfield Local Heroes awards have been announced, with Knox locals showing what our community is made of. The program, now in its sixth year, highlights everyday role models who make a positive impact in their local community or the environment, with the successful hero for each centre awarded a $20,000 grant, and the other two finalists receiving a $5,000 grant. Our finalists for Knox have been recognised for their efforts in our community.
The recently turned Rotarian has taken Boronia’s music scene by storm following his induction to the Boronia Rotary Club.
After agreeing to join the club “if his wife did too” the pair have stepped into their community, introducing a song-writing program for disadvantaged youths in the community.
“It blows your mind when you see how much time people put into things, and the ‘warm fuzzy’ feelings you get when you do it,” said Mr Smith.
On the back of Covid, following a funding request through his business to support disadvantaged youths to get into sports clubs and activities, he thought “what about the kids that don’t play sport?”
This led to the creation of the song-writing program, giving youths an outlet for creativity and expression, and learn more about their feelings inside.
Mr Smith said Covid was a traumatic time, we were all living it and saw in the media how hard it hit our youths, which sparked the idea.
“The thing with songwriting is it comes from deep inside you when you just let it flow, and when you share that song you don’t always realise that this is your ‘stuff’ coming out,” he said.
He said kids of all backgrounds got involved, having lessons from a local singersongwriter over six sessions, to learn the basics of songwriting.
At the end of the program, the club took the kids to a recording studio, where they all recorded songs they’d written to take home.
Mr Smith said not only is it an outlet for them to express their feelings, it supports their overall mental health, self-expression and confidence, and it was amazing to see their progress throughout the program.
“If you take a kid to a counsellor, they tend to bottle things up and not want to talk, but when you ask them to write a song, things you don’t expect can come to the surface.
“Some of the kids were extremely shy - one girl in particular came in with her grandmother and would hide behind her legs and not come out, but at the end she was friends with everyone in the group.
“We had another boy with autism, and the challenges alongside that, and he came out with the most amazing and emotional song that describes his life living with autism, it was incredible,” he said.
The Boronia Rotary Club is about to kick off another round of sessions in the next couple of months, and I have plans to go much bigger and bolder in the future.
“We want to get much more kids involved having seen the power of it, the feedback from the kids and their school principals as well,”
said Mr Smith. Russel Edwards - Melbourne All Abilities Lions Club Knox local Russel Edwards is breaking the stereotypical ‘Lions Club’ stigma by introducing a revolutionised new club to Melbourne.
Mr Edwards has spent a lot of his life around disability groups, with his two kids both having autism, and noticed a big gap when it came to opportunities for those living with disabilities to play their part in the community.
“When you have kids with disabilities, you tend to spend a bit of time bouncing around groups and services.
“Some people wanted to start a lions group for their disability services a few years ago, but couldn’t quite get it off the ground, so they suggested that I give it a crack,” he said.
After discussions with his wife, Alex, on how to involve families, kids, parents and young adults experiencing life with disabilities, they discovered the desire of those families wanting more.
“Most of these families are taken care of with outings, social events and good will, but for some people they found it wasn’t quite fulfilling and wanted to be able to contribute back to the community,” he said.
In 2019 the club was born, with the decision to do some fundraising for autism.
This led to another lightbulb moment for Mr Edwards, noticing that these kids don’t just want to fundraise for their own disability.
“Like anyone else they have their own passions and interests, like the environment or disaster relief.
“It really started kicking off once we changed our fundraising, we realised you can’t make the assumption about what the kids want to do.
“There’s no link between a person’s ability or disability and what they want to become a humanitarian about - it’s a passion separate to
your identity,” he said.
Today the club stands strong, as a place where young people with disabilities can come in and express themselves, contributing to the community and world through humanitarian projects that are run by the young adults involved.
So far the club has donated to autism, several disaster reliefs including the recent Australian floods, Sri Lanka, the tsunami in south pacific, helped someone get a new service dog, helped with eye health, diabetes and hearing issues, to name a few.
Mr Edwards said the community loves it.
“They’re super positive and it’s a wonderful thing that they haven’t really seen,” he said.
He said they don’t treat anyone differently, they’re treated as independent people, given voting rights, and there’s no handicaps at all, with the club running the same as a regular Lions Club would at their skill level.
Mr Edwards said it’s an amazing opportunity for these young people to come in and feel included, learn some new skills and make new friends, all while doing what they can for the wider community.
“We see some really amazing moments where you just think ‘wow, this is amazing, I’m so happy to be here’.
“Everything raised in the group is 100 per cent given back to the community in one way or another, and is a very inclusive group for anyone to get involved,” he said.
Some new clubs are being established in Brisbane following similar suit.
At a time where the cost of living is at the forefront of the community’s mind, the Food One Feed All (FOFA) Incorporated is a well loved service making life in the Hills that little bit easier.
Lillie Giang saw a big need in the community in 2021, following the big storms that ripped
through theYarra Ranges and the Eastern Suburbs, destroying homes, businesses and power supplies to locals.
She responded to the crisis by cooking meals for those in the community that were impacted by the disaster, acting as one of the first community responders.
At the time, she was cooking around 50 meals a week from home, using donated food, to help locals get through the trying times, and decided to take it a step further and help more locals in need.
She started cooking meals for more members of the community struggling with mental health, escaping family violence, struggling financially or with housing or supporting disaster relief in the community, as well as the unwell and elderly, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait families across Knox and the Yarra Ranges.
Nowadays Ms Giang supports hundreds of families around the Hills, with her team of volunteers helping to cook between 600-800 meals every week.
“With the cost of living being so high at the moment, we can see that the need is there, and we want to do what we can to help,” she said.
FOFA is 100 per cent volunteer run, with locals from Knox and the Yarra Ranges working together to cook meals, distribute them via their partner agencies Food Bank and Outer East Food Share, and support those in need.
“Not only do we do all of the cooking, we also have to fundraise ourselves with sausage sizzles, cake bakes, and sometimes we are provided community grants to keep going,” said Ms Giang.
To date the FOFA has already cooked and supplied approximately 15,000 meals for the community this year, and are expecting their grand total to be around the 24,000 mark at the end of 2023.
Parents and staff at Monbulk College have come together to create a new music festival set to become an annual event for the Hills community.
The first-ever Hilltop Music Festival, set to be held at Olinda Community House on Sunday 10 September, is the result of a partnership between the Monbulk College Parents and Friends Club and music teachers Roz Wilson and Lisa Baird.
Funds raised on the day will go towards funding the school’s music department; including professional standard instruments and microphones, as well as a built-in PA system in the main music room and touring band set up.
Ms Wilson said both her and Ms Baird wanted to make an “amazing event” for students, but also provide past students an avenue to perform on stage.
“Then the students themselves can see that this could be an event that goes on more than just once and have something to aspire to,” Ms Wilson said.
“And also have an event where they have the opportunity to see professionals and share the stage with them.”
Special guests Lily & King and Al McInnes
are also set to perform at the event, with a stall with vintage clothing, festival merchandise and second hand clothing on hand.
MsWilson said while the school population
Students from around the state are preparing and counting down to one of the biggest performances of their lives as they take on the State Schools Spectacular in September.
With a number of Yarra Ranges students joining the performance cohort, Star Mail caught up with them to hear how preparations are going and what they’re looking forward to about getting on stage or behind the scenes.
For Alexis Williams from Mooroolbark Secondary College being involved in Schools Spectacular has been something she’s done since Grade 3 and it’s had her going back every year.
“I loved everything about the Schools Spec and what it stands for, that I had to come back for more,” she said.
Now in Year 7, Alexis is performing as part of the First Nations Ensemble having previously performed in the mass choir.
“It means a lot to me because it is important to recognise First Nations people, and I am very excited to be a part of the very first First Nations ensemble,” Alexis said.
“As I was a part of the First Nations choir last year in State School Spectacular, I was attracted to the First Nations ensemble as I could then have the opportunity to put a larger spotlight on the First Nations community.”
From a regular to a first time participant in Upwey High School student Alfie Wharton, Schools Spectacular caters to everyone.
“The whole idea of getting to be a part of something so grand and, well, spectacular that got me intrigued in the first place,” he said.
“When my friend told me that I could get to work behind the scenes as part of the film crew, I knew I had to sign up.”
Having not really had an interest in the way camera operators work prior to Schools Spectacular Alfie said he has surprisingly enjoyed every moment.
“What I’ve enjoyed most so far as part of the State Spec experience would have to be learning about all the equipment they use behind the scenes, and what I’ll be using on the night of the actual show,” he said.
“I can definitely say I have since acquired an appreciation for all the different pieces of equipment they have to put together to film the show, and how much effort building a camera can take.”
With just a couple of weeks until the big show, Alexis and Alfie said while there is lots to look forward to, they are excited to put what they have learned into practice.
“I am so excited for the performance as it is always so well put together. I can’t wait for everyone to see what the ensemble has been
working on,” Alexis said.
“The Na Djinang Circus has helped us come up with a fantastic performance and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
“The actual filming day, although I’ve never been to a State Spec show before, I’m assuming the atmosphere will be amazing, and just the idea of having my camera feed put up on the jumbotron (I’m guessing that’s where it’ll go) is pretty exciting,” Alfie said.
Both of them said they found value in not only learning more about themselves and their capabilities but also gaining knowledge of how such a large production is produced.
“From participating in the Schools Spec I have not only been able to learn some new things, but also learn more about my culture,” Alexis said.
“Each rehearsal I attend provides me the opportunity to challenge myself.”
“I have definitely met some pretty interesting and very nice people and gained an interest in the behind the scenes aspect of the things I see on TV, that I definitely didn’t have before.”
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular is being held at John Cain Arena on Saturday 9 September, with tickets available by going to www.johncainarena.com.au/event/victorianstate-schools-spectacular-2023/
is not “overly huge,” with around 580 students enrolled, the music department has a “nice percentage” of 60 to 80 students involved in the music department.
“We’ve got a strong concert band program; lots of brass and woodwind kids, but then we are branching out to the more contemporary ensembles and we have music in year 11 and 12,” she said.
“The idea our school is very much about finding a safe space for everybody and we generally find each kid finds their tribe; whether that’s in the music department or in sport, or wherever.
“We want to give them opportunities that are authentic and meaningful and not just a tokenistic play at an assembly.”
Ms Wilson said the Hilltop Music Festival will hopefully turn into a more student-driven event in coming years.
“We’re trying to make it as realistic to a normal festival that you might come across anywhere else,” she said.
Tickets for the Hilltop Music Festival are priced at $5 for students and $10 for adults, and can be purchased on Humantix via https://events.humanitix.com/hilltop-musicfestival/tickets.
The event will run from 12 noon to 7.30pm.
Olinda Community House is located at 7981 Olinda-Monbulk Road in Olinda.
A local historian has captured the journey of two women who went in search of coal in the 19th century.
Agnes Simmons and Geraldine Minet, both from England, found themselves in Melbourne in the late 1890s to drill for coal at Point Almond in Elwood; both guided by the astral realm.
Heather Arnold, secretary of the South Eastern Historical Association, and Isaac Hermann’s new book Enchanted Beneath the Bluff, explores the lives of the two women who found themselves digging 4,000 feet underground in search of a resource seen as a saviour from the depression.
Arnold said both Agnes and Geraldine were middle class and came from money; but also had one other unusual, and important, trait in common - spiritualism.
“They were apparently advised by a spirit who talked to a medium that they should drill for coal [at Red Bluff], and they will find coal,” Arnold said.
“In the 1890s there was a lot of people drilling for coal..they were hoping to get the payload.”
The pair then purchased a diamond drill at a cost of around 2000 pounds, getting to work from 1893 to 1897, drilling into the earth to find the hidden treasure.
Unsuccessful in their aspiration to mine coal; Geraldine returned to England while Agnes - a swimming instructor and gymnastics teacher, would in 1912 settle on a 10-acre block in Kallista.
“I really started [the book] because of Agnes Simmons,” Arnold said.
“She roamed around in bloomers... most women wore a skirt, but she was one of these people who wore rational dress,” Arnold said.
“She was quite an animal lover because she left all her money in the end to the Society for the Protection of Animals, which became the RSPCA.”
Arnold said there are stories that Agnes was a hermit during her time living in Kallista; but research refutes those claims.
“I think that she was a single lady, never got married, but I don’t think she was a hermit.”
“There’s lots of newspaper reports that she used to talk to her neighbours and she did things in the community.”
During their research, Arnold said she and Hermann trawled through Trove documents and sought information from local historical societies, including Mon-
One particularly special discovery was a spreadsheet owned by the Royal Historical Society, which listed every expense by monthly tally of the women’s drilling expedition; including a photograph of the diamond drill and steam powered boiler that powered it.
“We were extraordinarily lucky to find this this spreadsheet and this photograph,” Arnold said.
It was also discovered that Agnes was the first secretary of the Victorian Women’s Suffrage Society.
“She was a feminist and she was also a suffragette who wanted women to get the vote.
“It was rumoured she only ever had female animals, that she would never have male animals on her farm, so she had a lot of horses, she only had mares, and I presume she had dogs.”
Agnes died in Kallista on 26 June 1929, and is buried at Ferntree Gully Cemetery.
It’s believed Agnes first arrived in Australia in 1877.
Geraldine returned to England in 1895 and died at the age of 89.
“I want people just to admire these two women for living their life as they wanted to live their life, for having strong characters and for really taking the risk of drilling for coal and embarking on this business,” Arnold said of the book which was released on 4 June.
You can find a copy of Enchanted Beneath the Bluff at Belgrave Book Barn and online.
This column is arriving at a watershed moment for our community, ahead of the start of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bin collections on 2 October.
Even if this moment doesn’t seem huge to you – if you’ve been composting at home or trying to adopt a low-waste lifestyle – it is a change across our community not seen since the introduction of recycling more than 30 years ago.
Your FOGO bins, which will be arriving shortly for people without a lime green bin, with a kitchen caddy and compostable liners, will be the place to put any and all food scraps – fruit, vegetables, bones, meat, dairy and eggs – along with any garden or green waste.
Each week, your FOGO bins will be collected and all of the material within processed to create mulch for gardens and farms. On average almost half of what used to go in your rubbish bin will now move to your FOGO bin.
This change also means your rubbish bin will now be collected fortnightly – on the opposite week to your yellow recycling bin.
We know this will be a colossal adjustment for our community, and I’d like to thank all of the community members who have been in touch, or visited our FOGO website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit, to learn more about the change.
When you put something in the bin, it
Jim Childdoesn’t go away – it either gets buried in landfill, or it becomes something new through FOGO processing or recycling.
We need as few things as possible to end up in landfill, and these FOGO bins will help immensely in that goal especially if you’ve not been able to compost at home yet.
The result is that, if you have to throw out excess or expired food, it will be used to create something new, nourishing soil in farms and gardens.
But I know people reading this may still have questions. Change is rarely easy, and this is a big change.We’re asking you to try the new bin collection system, give it a go and stop sending these items to landfill.
Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit for more information about how to get the most out of your collections, or you can give our teams a call on 1300 368 333.
They Cloned Tyrone
John Boyega,Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx
MA15+
4.5/5
They Cloned Tyrone is a fast-paced, fun and socially-conscious science fiction mystery film.
A drug-dealer named Fontaine (John Boyega), a hooker named Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) and a pimp named Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) investigate a conspiracy running deep beneath their town.
With its underground laboratory and clonebased conspiracy, They Cloned Tyrone feels like a non-horror, Blaxploitation cousin of Jordan Peele’s Us.
Boyega, Parris and Foxx have phenomenal chemistry, bouncing off each other with endlessly witty dialogue, and their characters grow tangibly throughout the film. The humour both embraces and subverts black American archetypes, and the plot explores themes such as racism, crime in poor communities, social engineering and the historical owning and control of black bodies without being heavy-handed.
The plot is very well-paced, raising the stakes as Fontaine, Yo-Yo and Slick Charles uncover more of the conspiracy. The tight
Burrinja Theatre
Hard to Reach Pieces – Anna Lamb
Restless, anxious, and strangely liberated by having no life plan, Anna wonders if everyone else is faking it too.
A day in a woman’s life is played out nonsequentially as she navigates the challenges of parenting relationships, sow business, visible ageing and the unrealistic expectations she places on herself and others.
This new solo work combines circus, movement, text and sound in a darkly humorous, irreverent and personal insight into the person’s daily experiences and the chaos that ensues from some questionable life choices.
Season: Thursday 7 September at 7.30pm in the Lyre Room.
Lilydale Athenaeum theatre
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare .
screenplay has several plot-points return later in clever ways, and the film generates an atmosphere of insidious control and hopelessness that the trio must overcome with their wits, charm and cunning. Kiefer Sutherland is both amiable and sinister as Nixon, the leader of the cloning project.
The opening may put off some viewers with its criminal characters and bursts of stark violence, but this minor hurdle leads to a thoroughly rewarding film.
They Cloned Tyrone is an entertaining, well-crafted and lucid sci-fi mystery film, and is available for streaming on Netflix.
- Seth Lukas HynesFeatured are all 97 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three very energetic actors.
It is fast paced, witty and physical and full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.
Season: opens 7 September.
Bookings: 9735 1777 between 10am – 2pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Veterans!
Do you have trouble settling in the community when you have retired from the Armed forces?
Why not try your local theatre, they are always looking for assistance. People don’t
realise that theatre comprises about 89 per cent off stage and about 20 per cent on stage. Off stage there are plenty of openings, such as front of house where the audience is met by a member handing out programs, bar keeping where people can have a drink, ticket selling. Behind the stage we have electricians, carpenters, artists painting the sets, prop manufacture, set builders, stagehands and stage managers. Perhaps you would like to learn new skills. As in the Armed Forces teamwork is a necessity but not only teamwork, joining a theatre group is a good way to meet new friends, learn new skills and if you are so inclined even appear onstage.
Theatre companies! Are you looking for new members? Think about ex-service personal, They could be new to the area, known by some members or if not known go tour own RSL who may be able to help in finding new retirees and you may save some form Veteran suicide.
A Reminder
· The Basin theatre – Belle Season. Season: October 5 – 15.
· 1812 Theatre – Of Mice and Men. Season: October 5 – 28.
A review of Inheritance by Kath O’Connor Inheritance, published after the death of its author Kath O’Connor at the age of 45, attracted much media attention earlier this year. Not just because February was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
The novel itself is a triumph, described as “limpid, deeply empathetic”. It was praised as “a remarkable testament to life”, “a beautiful book”, and “an incredibly strong debut”.
O’Connor’s work was compared with Georgia Blain’s Between a Wolf and a Dog, as Blain, too, died from cancer while working on her manuscript. It reminds this reviewer of Andrew McGahan’s The Rich Man’s House and Kala Heinemann’s Pink Punk Mum – both were published posthumously, their authors taken by cancer.
What is it about death that casts such a shadow over our lives? It injects an icy fear into our hearts, a relentless warning that life
WITH CHRISTINE SUN
should be lived to its fullest while there is still a chance. Think of the ghostly whisper from Dead Poets Society: “Carpe diem, seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”
On the eve of the first anniversary of the death of a beloved family member, this reviewer “reads” Inheritance as an audiobook narrated by Brigid Gallagher. It is a beautiful and thought provoking encounter, thorough-
ly powerful and deeply immersive.
An impressive narrator, Gallagher brings the book’s many characters to life, starting with how Nellie’s husband does the “most perfect impression” of former prime minister John Curtin, “complete with the long pauses and the rolled R’s”: “I call on you to eat your rabbit and your vegetables... The call is national. The call is individual, for ‘no one else can do your share’.”
Gallagher does Nellie’s voice slightly higher-pitched, perfectly conveying the selfsense of a woman trying to manage family and farm life in 1945 regional Victoria after surrendering her higher education and plans for a brilliant career. Aware that she will soon die from cancer, there is a mixture of forlornness and melancholy in her voice that tugs at the listener’s heart. In contrast is the firm, thoughtful voice of her friend Ruth, a political activist who will profoundly shape
the lives of Nellie and her descendants.
Then there is the calm, reflective voice of Rose in 2016, an oncologist searching for the origin of her BRCA1 gene mutation that, without a total hysterectomy and a bilateral mastectomy, will cause her early death from ovarian cancer. In contrast are the grumpy voice of Rose’s father and the strained voice of her motherhood-aspiring partner, two forces that threaten to pull her life apart.
As Nellie contemplates her impending death and its impact on her two young children, and as Rose considers her life’s options, we are further confronted by the important issue of human rights, including those of women and refugees. The narrator’s tender, empathetic voice elicits that little echo in our hearts, whispering: How would we choose if we were the characters in the book?
A gifted author voiced by a talented narrator, exactly the way the book should be heard. Highly recommended.
OFFERS closing Tuesday 12th of September 2023 at 5pm (unless sold prior).
Edward VII donated the land on which St Hildas stands today, a beautiful flat parcel of just over 4000 m2, now with old growth Rhododendrons and beautiful aged Oak trees.
St. Hilda’s Church, opened in 1904, is an example of the many churches built in the small villages of the Dandenong’s last century. This church was one of the first township buildings in Macclesfield, which was settled in the 1860s by gold prospectors from the abandoned Emerald Diggings.
The timber church is built in the Federation Gothic style, pointed arch timber doors flanked by pointed arch, multi pane windows. It showcases a beautiful chapel, fully lined with Baltic pine, the original door still welcomes you. A covered walkway was added to the join the hall that was built around twenty years ago. It was constructed in the same style and blends perfectly with the original Church. The hall comprises a large open plan meeting area, has two WC’s and a kitchen.
The grounds offer plenty of off-street parking, they are partially fenced and
predominately level.
St Hildas is a special place that may offer a variety of options for you, potential to make it whatever you need, subject to council approval of course. You may want it as a dwelling, a Church or community group, meeting place, meditation, wedding venue, even a healing centre, art space –the possibilities are endless. It is currently tenanted on a short-term basis.
Set in the lovely township of Macclesfield, you have the Primary School and Community Hall nearby, are close to Monbulk and Emerald townships, lots of walks, rides and even agistments. A perfect move/investment in the country awaits.
*Please note this property does not have a bedroom or bathroom. (2 toilets only). l
AMAZING opportunity to own an iconic cafe with an operating history nearing 10 years with current owners opening the business in 2015.
‘Brunch on McBride’ has a great, loyal local following and is a favourite amongst tourists looking for a sit-down dining experience or to pick up coffee and takeaway to watch Puffing Billy chug past. Take advantage of the success of the current owners and enjoy making this thriving business your own.
· Turnover @ $3000+ per week
· Averaging 10kg coffee PW
· Prime main street location, park next door, foot, and vehicular traffic fantastic
· Fit out worth more than $70,000
· Catering for Cockatoo and Macclesfield Primary Schools. Scope to actively promote catering. Preferred local supplier with CFA District 8, SES and DWELP (Parks) for functions and major incident catering. Preferred supplier for Cardinia Shire.
· Long lease available and scope to increase hours
· Only shop in town offering fresh salad bar, all goods made on the premises. Not much competition for what we offer.
· 3 weekend staff, 2 juniors, all are part time, all trained in coffee making and customer service
· Active social media page. Community orientated
· 4.6-star rating on Google reviews
· The major equipment is new, fridge displays, coffee machine purchased in the last 18 months (20k investment).
· All equipment owned by business.
· Established relationships with quality suppliers. ●
Address: Brunch On McBride, COCKATOO, VIC
classicfarmhousewithcharmfromthe1950sperchedatthetopofthehillwithstunning sunsets&views.thehomeoffersopenplanliving,loungewithawoodheater,separate mealsarea,recentlypainted&newlycarpeted,5paddocks,3 baybarnwithattached sidecarport&additionalundercoverstorage,2shippingcontainers,beautifulmostly clearedlandexceptfortreesalongthecreeklines.
Accessviaasealeddrivewaythispropertyoffersavarietyofoptions. thebrickveneerhousehasextensivefiredamage,theroofwillneedtobereplaced, thedeck,partoftherearwall,someflooring,andwindows.We canprovidefurther informationonceyouhaveinspectedthehomeandregistered yourdetails.the residenceoffers5bedrooms,themainwithdressingroomand ensuite,thereareafurther 2bathroomsandseparatelivingzones.
MickDolphin 0429684522
ErinDavies 0493136937
takeinthebeautiful,treedvistasthisresidenceisasfunctionalasitisappealing.Set amongstanearly¼acreallotmentthathasbeenbeautifullylandscaped. Familieswillenjoythesafechild-friendlycourtposition andtheefficientfloorplanwhich blendscommunalfamilyzonesandstilloffersparentalprivacywhenrequired.thisyoung homebuiltin2013islight,bright,andairy.itistheperfectpropertytoenjoytheindoor/ outdoorlifestylewealllove.
NearFlat¼acre.Potential
Pricedtoplease,onanearflat¼acreblockwithalovelyoutlookfromthefrontdeck, thispropertyisperfectifyouarelookingforhomethatneedsabitofupdatingnow,but long-termwillbeagreatplacetocallhome.Boththefrontandrearyardsareblank canvasesforyoutomakeexactlywhatyouwantandtosuityour needs,thereisalready aconcreteflooredlargeshed.Abonusisthatthereisalready excellentfencing.
MickDolphin 0429684522
ErinDavies 0493136937
SYLVAN Glades Retirement Village offers affordable, independent living for retirees over 55’s.
Located in the highly sought after Dandenong Ranges, this private and peaceful village offers an affordable downsized lifestyle living.
A beautiful, light filled unit boasting two generously sized bedrooms, modern ensuite, 2 toilets and an open plan living/ dining area. An updated kitchen with electric cooking, new carpets and multiple split systems have all been included for convenient living. Outside, undercover patio areas can be found at both the front and rear of the unit along with a workshop and single carport off an easy access driveway.
A communal hall for residents to enjoy is centrally located within the village along with a friendly BBQ area.
Only minutes from Monbulk main street and with bus access at front of the village, Sylvan Glades is a must see for those looking for affordable, secure retirement living options in the Dandenong Ranges.
* Please note this accommodation is available for Loan License Agreement only. l
Ararefind,thiswellcaredfor,clearedandvacantblockof2311m2isinabeautifulpartof theDandenongRangesandoffersnearbyvalleyviews.Prettymaturetreescreatealovely canopyaroundtheboundaryandwillgivecolourandheightforyourgardentocome tolife.Buildyourdreamhome(STCA)totakeinthesurroundinggreeneryandenjoythe peaceandprivacyofthissoughtafterlocation.
SharynChandler
M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
GlennChandler
M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au
FORSALE
1VistaRoad,BELGRAVEHEIGHTS $1,380,000-$1,480,000 ‘GREENWOOD’–QUALITY,SIZE&TIMELESSAPPEAL 4 A 2
Apictureofperfectionawaitsat‘Greenwood’,amuchloved,FederationHarkaway home,builtandengineeredtoanoutstandinglevelofdetailandofferingatraditional, periodstylehomethatboastseleganceoneverylevel.Spaciousandsolid,therehas beennocompromiseonquality,offering4bedrooms,homeoffice(or5thbedroom),dual bathroomsandaversatilefloorplantomeetanyfamily’srequirements.
SharynChandler
M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
21BiancaCourt,ROWVILLE
$890,000-$950,000
SINGLELEVELHOMEINPEACEFULPOCKETPOSITION
4 A 2 B
Fromitssprawling628sqm(approx.)cornerallotmentinaquietno-throughroadposition, thisimpressivehomeoffersanoutstandinglifestyle.Designedforcomfortwithinasingle levellayout,everyelementrequiredforenviablefamilylivingcanbefoundhere.Upon entry,thegenerousloungewith floortoceilingwindowsisadornedwithqualitycarpetfora warmandcosyfeeling.
BradConder
M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
38MorrisRoad,UPWEY $730,000-$770,000
CLASSICHOMEWITHCOVETEDNRZ2SUBDIVISIONZONING 3 A 1 B
Withadesirablelocationonly750mfromcafes,shopping,andUpweyStation,this2,015sqm (approx.)propertyhasthepotentialtobeaveryprofitableinvestment.Alreadyadorned witharesidencereadyforrentalorrenovationplusexclusiveNRZ2zoningforsubdivision (STCA),thisisanexceptionalopportunityinanoutstandinglifestylelocation.
BradConder
M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
DanielSteen
M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
THIS beautiful family home is ready to move into and enjoy! This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom & 2 living area home offers plenty of space and an open plan kitchen and dining area that soaks in private views across the rolling paddocks and beyond to Mt Little Joe and Donna Buang.
The master bedroom has a generous ensuite and walk in robe, the home offers two further bedrooms that utilise the family bathroom complete with bath and separate shower. There is a laundry room with external door access.
The main living area has an inviting open fire place, vaulted ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows to gaze out over your paddocks. Flow through to the open plan kitchen with dishwasher, and electric oven, before settling into your favourite chair at the other end of the home in the family room.
This home has been designed to be comfortable and stylish, with a double carport at the front of the home, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, water tanks, a woodshed, hay storage, and a large workshop shed (approx. 6m*14m) with power and concreted floor.
This property also offers two spring fed dams, 3 fenced paddocks, various fruit trees, and a low maintenance garden around the home.
This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection. Call Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451.
Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
8BerrysRoad,Emerald$900,000-$990,000
IfYouWanttoWalktoEverythingthisFamilyHomeistheOneforYou!
13EleanorDrive,Silvan$1,400,000-$1,520,000
RareApprox.20AcreHobbyFarmWithFantasticViews
Thisbeautiful3Bedroom,2bathroom,2livingareafamilyhomehasanopenplankitchen&dining areathatsoaksinprivateviewsacrosstherollingpaddocks.Themasterbedroomhasanensuite& WIR,with2furtherbedroomsthatutilisethefamilybathroomcompletewithbath&separateshower. Themainlivingareahasaninvitingopenfireplace,vaultedceilings,&floortoceilingwindows.The openplankitchenhasadishwasher,&electricoven,&flowstothefamilyroom.Thishomehas beendesignedtobecomfortable&stylish,withadoublecarportatthefrontofthehome,ducted reversecycleairconditioning,watertanks,awoodshed,haystorage,andalargeworkshopshed (approx.6m*14m)withpower&concretedfloor.Thispropertyalsooffers2springfeddams,3fenced paddocks,variousfruittrees,&alowmaintenancegardenaroundthehome.
26NobeliusStreet,Emerald$940,000-$1,020,000
BeautifullyPresentedFamilyHomewithPeacefulViews!
Thisfantasticfamilyhomeoffers3bedrooms&2bathroomsonawelllaidoutlandscapedblockon over½anacre!Thishomeisprivatelypositionedbelowtheroad,withadoublecarport.Enteringthe homeyouwillenjoytheopenplankitchen,loungeroom&welllaidoutfloorplanwithabedroom nearthefrontdoor&thenthemasterbedroom&thirdbedroomattheotherendofthehome.The lightfloodsintothehomethroughthelargewindowsofferingviewsintothedistance.Thishomeis warm&invitingwithaWIR&ensuiteinthemasterbedroom.Thereisalargereardeckingjustwaiting tobeenjoyedinsummer!Thelaundryislocateddownstairswithdirectaccesstothebackyard,and thereare2largeroomslocateddownstairsofferingpotentialforaconvenientworkfromhomeoffice orprivateteenageraccommodationwithseparateaccess.
24ViewStreet,Avonsleigh$890,000-$950,000
LovelyFamilyHome–OfferedfortheFirstTimeinover30years!
With4bedrooms,&2bathroomsthissturdybrickhomeislocatedonaremarkablyflat1403sqm cornerblock.Withhighceilings,2livingareas,openplankitchen/dining,&cleverfloorplanwiththe masterbedroomattheoppositeendofthehometothefurther3bedrooms.Thisfirstloungeroom hasanopenfireplace&thelargesecondloungeroomhasparquetryflooring&anotherwoodfire heater.ThemasterbedroomhasaBIR&ensuite.Thekitchenhasadishwasher,electricoven&stove top.Thereisthenahallwaywiththelaundrywithseparateyardaccess,afurthertoilet,&then3 goodsizedbedrooms2ofwhichhaveBIRs.Externallythereisawellmaintainedlowmaintenance garden,miscellaneoussheds,&thenoffthesecondentryisaDLUGwithpower,concretefloor,&a pedestriandoor.Thereisalsoaleantooattachedtotheshedforallyourstorageneeds.
No.
ACROSS
1 Plant yielding gingili oil (6)
4 Area; zone (8)
9 Donkeys (5)
10 Heedless (9)
11 Garment (5)
12 Characterised by regular lines (9)
13 Useless person or thing (4,4)
15 Interior courtyard (6)
16 Discharge (6)
18 Moving out (from) (8)
23 Point to be judged upon (9)
24 “I don’t know” (colloq) (5)
26 Undervalue (9)
27 Japanese camera company (5)
28 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)
29 Attempts (6)
DOWN
1 Began (7)
2 Actress, – Sarandon (5)
3 Melodious (7)
5 Use to insert charge into muzzle-loading firearm (6)
6 Harmony (7)
7 Egyptian queen (9)
8 Old name of phone company (7)
10 Spurs on (5)
14 Accept reluctantly (9)
16 Scene of simple pleasure (7)
17 Island in the North Atlantic (7)
19 Skin disease (5)
20 Gnawing animals (7)
21 Sediment (7)
22 Conclusion (6)
25 Mobile phone company (5)
8
1 14
2 15
3 16
4 17
5 18
6 19
7 20
8 21
9 22
10 23
11 24
12 25
561274893
894631275
483756912 147362589
629143758 258917364
372598641
936485127
12 345678910111213
412853976
715829436 784962315
921438765
347965812
586712394
735691428 273586149
869174253
easy medium hard
698247531 154329687
473281659
862735491
345196287
917824536
698543172 529318764
251679843 136457928
18 ALERT ALLOT ALTOS ANGEL APING APRON ARENA AROMA ASSET AURAL DALLY DISCS EASEL EASES EERIE EMIRS ENDOW ENEMA FLAME GRIME GRINS
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”. I Y 24
words: Very good IDOLS MANGE MEMOS MERES MERIT MOODS OMEGA PANDA PAPAS PASTA PEEPS ROAMS SEATS SHAME SLEWS SNEAK SNOWS SPANS SPATS STEAM STEER
words: Excellent TIMES TWIST VERGE 6 LETTERS ASSENT ECZEMA OCTAVE STRAND 7 LETTERS BIRTHED DRAINED FILTERS SLASHED
STOPPER WINSOME 8 LETTERS COMPARES GONDOLAS STRIDDEN SUBLIMES 11 LETTERS HODGEPODGES STANDARDISE
1415 1617181920212223242526 I U A Y G E P S B K C X W T Q O M H V N R L D J F Z 01-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
13 26 JZ William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALLAREAS 9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22
By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes representedVictoria at the Australian Cross Country Championships on Saturday. The championships were held on a fast but demanding course at Mt Stromlo, Canberra in perfect conditions. With athletes from throughout Australia and New Zealand, the competition was intense and fast.
First up was Bradley McMeeken in the U17 para event. Bradley ran one of his best races for the season, eventually finishing in seventh place in his 3km event.
Next up was Brigette Rice in her Women U17 4km. Brigette settled in the lead pack early, running through half way in a group of about 15 athletes. The pack began to break up as ath-
letes climbed the steep hill on the second lap. Brigette maintained her rhythm to the finish to cross the line in eighth place. With one New Zealand athlete ahead of her, Brigette finished as the seventh placed Australian. Brigette was also the third Victorian to finish, scoring valuable points for the team, eventually finishing third and a team bronze medal.
Maddie Laven completed the day for Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes. Running in the Under 20 women’s 4km event. Maddie had a steady start and came through the field as other athletes tired from the very fast start, to finish in an excellent 20th place and 14th Australian athlete. Maddie was also a member of the winning Victoria team, bringing home a well earned team gold medal.
Our Saturday morning cross country was held at Elizabeth Bridge in Kilsyth. Another fantastic turnout enjoyed excellent conditions for cross country. Results are not yet available but suspect there were a few PB’s run.
Next week we head to Morrison Reserve for the final round of the season. This round is also our championship round with medals and PB choccie frogs up for grabs. Arrive early to help setup and warm up for your race.
Our seniors tackle the Burnley Half Marathon on Sunday morning. The traditional Round 9 of the XCR season provides an opportunity for club members, and non members, to run a fast half marathon. Our Under 14, 16, 18 and 20 athletes get to run a fast 5km
on the road.
Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.
If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of cross country email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!
STUART MENZIES Director State Planning Services Department of Transport and Planning
No need for three strikes for one local baseball player, who’s off to represent Australia in the sport he loves.
Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club’s Jack Ratcliffe is one of a small pool of highly talented Australian baseball players that have been named in the Under 18 team going to Japan for the Baseball World Cup.
When Star Mail last spoke to Jack, he was preparing to go to New Zealand for the World Cup Qualifiers against Guam and New Zealand, in which he helped to secure Australia’s place in the upcoming tournament.
His career to date is next to none, after securing a division one senior premiership with the Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club, and representing Australia in the United States, all before the World Cup qualifiers.
Now the young 17 year old has been selected to play for the team, after what his father described as a ‘gruelling’ selection camp.
Simon Ratcliffe, who also has a strong history of baseball with the Upwey Ferntree Gully club, said the boys were really put to the test to be selected for the team.
“They played around nine games in six days, and the team was finalised on Saturday night before they came back home.
“The boys got back to Victoria on Sunday, and they fly out for the World Cup on Thursday,” he said.
Mr Ratcliffe said it’s exciting to see his son living his dream.
“It’s always special when your son is coming up and he’s good enough to succeed and use these opportunities in his career.
“Jack is in the younger age bracket of the team, usually they select slightly older guys who will be moving into men’s open or senior baseball, so his selection is representative of his skills,” he said.
The World Cup will see Australia battle it out in pools, with 5 teams per pool against other countries, with goals of bringing home the world cup.
When the tournament kicks off in Japan, Australia will be up againstTaipei for the opening match after the opening ceremony.
“The stadium they play in can seat 40,000 people, and for the opening match it’s already sold out.
“It’ll be an amazing opportunity for the young guys representing Australia,” he said.
Mr Ratcliffe said his son has big goals in baseball once he returns, with ambitions to
play college-level baseball in the US before making a possible professional debut.
Upper Ferntree Gully Baseball Club head coach Donavon Hendricks said Jack has a big career ahead of him, and this is a great stepping stone towards his goals.
“As a club, and personally as head coach, we are so proud of Jack and what he’s achieving.
“Jack was a big contributor to our clubs’ two premiership wins in the past two years in our first senior team, and he’s an exuberant young talent in our group, who is going to do great things.
Mr Hendricks said Jack started as a T-baller in Upwey from around age six, and has been in the higher ranks of the club for the last four to five years, before making a break into their first team two years ago - the year of their first premiership win.
Since then Mr Hendricks said he’s pro-
gressed brilliantly, fitting in well with the top talent ofVictoria Baseball, especially considering he’s in his late teens playing against 30-35 year old men in most of his matches.
“He holds his own very well, and has a big future ahead of him in baseball.
“The World Cup is one of the steps where he can show his talents on the world stage and start moving forward in his career,” he said.
Upper Ferntree Gully Baseball Club president Dwain said Jack is his families’ next generation of baseball players, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle.
“I’ve been with the club for around 42 years, and grew up playing with his father and uncle who are legends of our club, playing at some high levels in their own right,” he said.
Mr Richardson said the Ratcliffe’s were pivotal in the club’s junior program back in the 80s and 90s, as well as guiding Jack through his
own baseball career.
But, to the club president, it’s not only Jack’s skills that are advancing his career.
“Not only is Jack an outstanding baseball player, he’s also an amazing young man and a good kid, and that’s really special,” he said.
Mr Richardson said his experience at the World Cup next month will put him in front of the eyes of those looking for players to take professional, and will be a big leg up in his future.
“Getting into college baseball is easier now than it was back in our day, and getting in front of these clubs on the world stage will give him a better position to move into that space or be taken professional,” he said.
The Australian team will play in Japan for three weeks, with a couple of lead-up matches against Japan and the US before the tournament begins on Wednesday, 30 August.
A young star from Monbulk has taken out the Best & Fairest award in the Under 18s girls section of the Eastern Football Netball League.
Scarlett Henderson, who plays for Emerald/Monbulk’s Deakin Uni 18B Girls side, was awarded the medal on after her team secured a grand final win.
“Last year I came fourth, so I thought that this year I wouldn’t do that great,” Henderson, 16, said.
“But then when I did, everyone else’s names got called out and I was the only one left...I was pretty shocked.”
Henderson managed to kick 27 goals throughout the season; more than anyone else in her age group, as a forward rotating midfielder.
Shescored17votesfromumpiresthroughout the season, with the results announced at a presentation at Crossway Church in Burwood East on Monday 21 August.
“My dad is the coach, and he wanted me either getting the ball to the forward line or just kicking goals,” Henderson said.
“In three or four games, I kicked four goals, so my main mission by the end of the season was to kick more than four; then in
the grand final we actually won that and in the last minute I kicked my fifth goal.
“That was pretty great, breaking my re-
cord in the grand final.”
Henderson began playing the sport in 2021, joining the side halfway through the season in the EFNL’s junior interleague.
“Once I got into it, I just couldn’t really stop.
“I started setting goals for myself... my first goal was to get into interleague and then after only playing those three games, I got into the Under 16 future squad, but I only got to play one game for them because I did my MCL in my knee.
This year I’ve been invited back to try out for the proper team...setting the boundaries, like the goals and everything like that, and trying to break records and set myself dreams has been good and what’s kept me going.”
Despite her talent, Scarlett’s mum, Helen, said didn’t let her daughter play football for eight years.
“I had Wandin [football club] chasing her when she was about 13 years of age, was kicking the footy to friends and things, and they’d say ‘oh, my God, she’s got to play football,’” she said.
“I’d say, ‘no way am I letting my daughter play football and get injured.’”
“I was fighting a losing battle for many years until eventually I gave in, and it’s very much paid off.”
Henderson said he family has been a key support for her over the past two years.
“Mum obviously driving me to trainings every week and coming to all the games and then my dad being the coach, he would always give me tips and tell me how to improve.
“My brothers teaching me how to play football and have a kick with me on weekends...my cousins and grandpa and everyone came to my grand final.
“The support has been really great.”
Henderson said she is considering joining the seniors next year, looking to join older cousin Ruby Ross who is the teen’s “inspiration” in football.
“I’m thinking of stepping back a little bit and starting to enjoy my football more as a game instead as a career,” she said.
“I think I’m still going to go ahead with [the EFNL] and try hard there and then relax and play Seniors and have a bit of fun.”
The Emerald/Monbulk Football Club Best & Fairest awards night is set to be held on Friday 8 September at the Emerald clubrooms.
“Last year I came second in our club Best & Fairest to my cousin Ruby,” Henderson said.
“Hoping to better that on the eighth of September,” her mum added.
The final round of home and away matches in Premier Division for 2023 had enormous importance for the Monbulk Football Netball Club for a variety of reasons.
It was a chance for both the Monbulk and Upwey-Tecoma clubs to pay tribute to Gary Wragg, who had long associations with both clubs and had passed away on August 16.
The senior football club would also farewell their coach, Andrew Williams, who had announced that he would retire after five years at the helm
Seniors
Both the Monbulk and Upwey-Tecoma clubs met in the centre of the ground prior to the senior game to remember the contribution that Gary Wragg had made to both sides.
Monbulk still had a faint chance of finals but would need to win by about 12 goals which seemed unlikely, despite the ideal conditions that were present at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve.
Jack Downard-Pengilly made his senior debut, becoming the 11th Under 19 player to play seniors this year.
Upwey started much better out of the two sides, and if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal could have been further ahead by half time.
The Tigers had 16 scoring shots to 5 but were only 26 points ahead, having registered 5.11.41 to the Hawks 2.3.15.
Monbulk have had a never-say-die attitude this year and came out in the second half with a determination to keep chasing and tackling.
The tables were completely turned and it was now the Hawks creating all the running and play.
The margin was still 19 points at the final change as AndrewWilliams implored the players to dig deep and run out the game as they were to kick uphill in the last quarter.
The Hawks controlled much of the play and with a few minutes to go drew level with the Tigers.
In the end the two sides couldn’t be separated and registered a draw when the siren sounded, just the second time that these clubs had played out a draw since first meeting in 1946.
The fightback had been heroic and was a fitting way to farewell their coach.
A draw was also apt that the two clubs that came together to celebrate the life of Gary Wragg couldn’t be separated in the end.
Monbulk 8.13.61 drew Upwey-Tecoma
7.19.61
· Best: Joel Wensley, Max Thornton, Ethan Greenall, Lochlan Beecroft, Mackay Bateson, Joshua Spencer
· Goals: Mackay Bateson 2, Max Thornton
2, Glenn Strachan 1, Bailey Rutherford 1, Mitchell Veit 1, Lachlan Sheppard 1 RESERVES
Monbulk’s Reserves had been decimated by injuries over the last few weeks, as well as losing players to the seniors as they covered for injuries as well.
Kody Timms and Mackenzie Rouget from the Under 19s played a second match to allow Monbulk to field a full side.
Upwey’s reserves had only lost one match for the year to date and were the premiership favourites, while the Hawks were just completing their final fixture, and would finish seventh regardless of the outcome.
Earlier in the year Monbulk had only lost by
It’s been an amazing month of football up on the hill at Olinda-Ferny Creek with 5 of our 7 competitive sides qualifying for finals! An amazing effort in its own right, but how did we go in finals??
Well, let’s recap in the first of two parts. U11s
The highly talented U11s team finished the season in 4th position, challenging every side in the comp through the season. They played Emerald at home in a tight seesawing first finals match with goals a precious commodity. The Bloods went in at half time 7 points up with goals to Will Francis and Syd Higgins, but that would be the last time they troubled the goal umpires to wave both flags. Emerald kept applying the blow torch to go into three quarter time within two points but the boys knuckled down to a dour last quarter and kept the game scoreless for both sides. A ripping effort against quality opposition and we were alive for another week!
Week 2 of the finals saw us travel down the road to Talaskia oval against the unbeaten UpweyTecomaTigers. A tough ask, but coachTim Francis was happy to challenge the best teams knowing that a flag couldn’t be won without beating them. Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t going to be Olinda’s day with a bigger and more skilful Upwey outfit controlling much of the game. Late goals showed the boys that they could mix it with the best sides but unfortunately, it was too little too late.
Interestingly enough, Mt Evelyn were able to get over Upwey in the Grand Final given we had beaten Mt Ev in Round 13. Just goes to show how even the comp is among the top teams.
Congratulations on a great season boys!
U12 Girls
Our U12 Girls have had a great season and have been a revelation with their mosquito fleet! With many players also playing U9s, it’s fair to say that they are undersized most games but as they say, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, it’s the size of fight in the dog!!
The first week of the finals saw them play Wandin at home in front of a massive crowd of fans! And the girls responded with some quality football highlighted by two quality goals by Ruby Thornton. The girls proved far too strong for the Wandin outfit as they registered a 33 point win to keep their finals hopes alive.
a single goal to the Tigers but a repeat of that seemed unlikely in the current circumstances. Upwey controlled proceedings from the start to run out 103 point winners with a goal just on the final siren.
Monbulk never gave up and scored their only two goals in the latter part of the fourth quarter, which created some belated celebrations.
Monbulk 2.2.14 def by Upwey-Tecoma
18.9.117
· Best: Aaron Smith, Ryan Pentreath, Josh Rak, Aaron Heerings, Shaun Wiering, Steven Shankly
· Goals: Mitch Dekker 1, Michael Langworthy 1
Under 19s
The Monbulk Under 19s are the only team from the senior club to make finals in 2023, a position that they had secured over a month ago.
This team has been well drilled by coach Kris Fletcher and plays an attractive and exciting brand of football.
The Hawks controlled the play for large portions of the match against the Seville Blues to run out convincing winners by 66 points, on the back of 25 scoring shots to 4.
They will now meet Emerald in an Elimination Final next week.
Monbulk 13.12.90 def Seville 4.0.24
· Best: Nick Taylor, Lachlan Smith, Hamish Strathairn, William Henderson, Timothy Rickard, Charlie Barge
· Goals: Lachlan Smith 4, Charlie Barge 2, Mackenzie Rouget 2, Ash Bremner 1, Zeke Charlton 1, Nicholas Heron 1, Hamish Strathairn 1, Jacob Bateson 1
A Grade
Monbulk were wanting to finish off the year with some consecutive wins as they now prepare for 2024.
The Hawks were without Jamie Clark and were also still missing Paige Whitworth as they edged ahead by four goals at the first change. After quarter time they took their game to another level and were rarely troubled as they ended up recording an 18 goal win.
Peri Reid again made the most of opportunities and finished with 532 goals for the season, 4th overall, despite playing only 13 games.
Her goals per game average was ranked 2nd overall.
Monbulk 61 def Upwey-Tecoma 43
· Best: Georgia Himmelreich, Abbey Whitaker, Jen Dewhurst
· Goals: Peri Reid 52, Jen Dewhurst 9
B Grade 8thplacedMonbulktookonthe4thplaced Tigers but this game was all about Bonnie Munday who took the court for her 200th senior grade match with Monbulk.
One of the hardest working and most respected club people, Bonnie has achieved much since she first played for the Hawks in 2011, including being the first ever female vice-president of the Monbulk Football Netball Club, a post she has held for the past three years.
Upwey made a stronger start as Monbulk missed some opportunities after hitting the front early.
By half time the Hawks were 8 goals in arrears but they fought back in the second half to fall just short by 2 goals.
Paige Rondinella, who is noted for her ability to shoot goals from a distance, finished 2nd in the B Grade goal shooting for the year with 504.
Monbulk 47 def by Upwey-Tecoma 49
· Best: Rihanna Kelly, Paige Rondinella, Siobhan Munday
· Goals: Paige Rondinella 32, Dayna Walsham 13, Chloe Schmidtke 2
C Grade
Upwey needed a win to ensure making the finals while the ninth placed Hawks were playing for pride only.
Monbulk took it right up to the Tigers in the first half and trailed by just a solitary goal at half time.
In the second half Upwey lifted a gear and the Hawks were unable to maintain the pace.
Monbulk 25 def by Upwey-Tecoma 41
· Best: Courtney Witt, Jamie Sands, Jess Whitworth
· Goals: Jamie Sands 23, Sammi Kelly 1, Kate Smith 1
D Grade
Lili Denovan was dominant in the ruck and around the ground with 2 gaols of her own.The linking play was a highlight and unmatched by the Wandin outfit.
Like the U11s, though, Week 2 of the finals saw the Bloods head toTalaskia to face the also undefeated Upwey with a similar result. The Tigers were just too strong against our younger and lighter charges and were able to control the game and score at will.
The girls should be proud of their efforts all season to make and win a final for the first time in many years in girls’ footy in Olinda!
U13 Boys
Finishing on top of the ladder, the U13s had the first weekend of finals off to strategise and build for their finals assault.
Week 2 saw the Bloods head out to Emerald to playWooriYallock for a shot at the Grand Final. Woori came out hard to lead into the first change but then Coach Paddy Ford’s charges put the pedal to the medal and poured on 51 points to Woori’s solitary point in the last quarter to emphatically book their spot in the Grand Final. Jesse Desta’s class in front of goal being a highlight with 3 majors.
And so we were off to the Big Dance!
Mt Evelyn had been the only side to beat us
all year and we knew the Belgrave oval would be a fairly neutral ground for the match being in beautiful condition under sunny late winter skies. The Bloods got out to an early lead and looked to have control through the first three quarters, Kadin Johnston being dominant through the middle. The Rovers were wasteful in front of gaol, but to their credit, they kept themselves in the game and, with just a couple of minutes left in the game, snatched the lead. The huge Bloods crowd collectively gasped as we faced the unthinkable!
Enter clutch forward Jesse Desta…
A mark inside 50 with just seconds left in regular time saw Jesse slowly walk back to his mark, his composure under the pressure remarkable as he calmly slotted the goal to level the scores at full time!
Extra time!!
It seemed that the Rovers had possibly fired their last ammo as the Bloods dominated possession through the midfield to create scoring opportunities. Jesse was unstoppable kicking another 2 goals and clinching the win!! Back to Back Grand Final wins for our magnificent Under 13 Boys!
PART TWO NEXT WEEK.
Monbulk were playing their grand final when they met Upwey, as theTigers have been the only scalp they have managed to gain during the past season.
Unfortunately they were not able to gain a second victory over Upwey for the year as the much bigger Tigers outfit controlled the match from the start.
While the Hawks finished last in their first season back in D Grade with a largely young and new group, there are plenty of green shoots to indicate that they will buildontheresultsofthepastsixmonths.
Monbulk 13 def by Upwey-Tecoma 30
· Best: Caitlin Utting, Kate Smith, Leah Hansby
· Goals: Kate Smith 8, Eireann Lawson 3, Hannah Dickason 2
