Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 12th September 2023

Mall puts on a 70s Show

50 years on for a staple site in Boronia, and it’s still going strong. Boronia Mall celebrated its 50th anniversary in the town centre with a big 1970s themed day for the community. Locals, young and old, took to the centre dressed in their best 70s brights and afros to enjoy what the Mall had to offer, and a range of local treats. Among the celebrations were local bands playing some of the classics, roving dance performances, a ‘best dressed’ contest, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Read more on page 11

Road now ‘scary’

Paternoster Road was named in a Liberal federal government BlackSpot improvement project in 2019 - with an investment of $364,000 put towards installing guardrails along sections of the road which were installed in 2020.

Three years later, there are calls for evenmore safety precautions after vehicle accidents along the stretch of road between Beaconsfield-Emerald Road and Bailey Road and reports of hooning made by local residents.

In December 2022, three cars were involved in a collision - followed by another close call

after a car rollover in February 2023.

Maurizio Toneatto, who lives on Paternoster Road - said he tells his kids to avoid the aterial out of concerns for their safety.

“There’s a considerable build up of traffic on that road,” Mr Toneatto said.

“We still have the problem with excessive speed with that traffic late at night.

“I won’t let my kids go near [the road] when we’re walking horses between properties. It’s pretty scary; I’ve had a dog killed in the front, and it’s becoming far more congested.”

A Cardinia Shire spokesperson told the Star Mail that recent surveys and investigations indicate most drivers on Paternoster Road drive under the speed limit, and the rate of crashes has fallen since the BlackSpot improvements were completed.

“Council will continue to monitor safety on Paternoster Road and refer any issues relating to unsafe driving and enforcement to Victoria Police,” the spokesperson said.

Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said she has received one query regarding Paternoster

Road - which is now being investigated.

“If residents observe dangerous driving, to assist police in the detection of hoon drivers they should report incidents to the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline on 1800 333 000 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.The public is a vital source of intelligence for Victoria Police by assisting in identifying ‘hotspot’ offending locations that require stronger police enforcement and monitoring,” Ms De Martino said.

Read more onpage 5

You can keep fighting fatigue, until you can’t.

Working 17 continuous hours causes impairment equivalent to .05

blood alcohol concentration level.

Working long, multiple days in a row by yourself can be part of the job but consider the cost to you and your family.

Check in with yourself and others around you. Know the signs of fatigue, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/farmfatigue

It’s never you, until it is.

FTG man one of two on meth charges

The Victoria Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF) has arrested the two men following an investigation into a Melbourne-based Chinese/Taiwanese syndicate suspected of importing border-controlled drugs.

Two members of an alleged transnational criminal syndicate operating in Melbourne have faced Melbourne Magistrates court on Wednesday 6 September after authorities seized approximately 300kg of methamphetamine.

A Ferntree Gully man, 33, has been charged with one count importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, and one count of possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.

A Burwood man, 33, has been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, and one count of possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.

These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police allege the men are linked to an importation of 78kg of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of surfboards, which arrived into Melbourne via air cargo from Los Angeles, USA, on 11 August, 2023.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified anomalies in the consignment during an x-ray screening and reported the matter to the AFP.

The AFP found a white crystalline substance concealed within resin inside 12 surfboards.

Forensic testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

The AFP replaced the illicit drugs with an inert substance and facilitated a controlled delivery to a storage unit in Dandenong South on 23 August, 2023.

The Burwood man and a NSW man collected the consignment from the storage unit on Friday, 25 August, 2023, loaded the 12 surfboards into a vehicle and drove them to his house in the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl.

The Burwood man and Ferntree Gully man also attended a storage unit in the Melbourne suburb of Preston on 30 August and unloaded two pallets of boxes from a second consignment.

JOCTF members executed a search warrant on the same day and seized the consignment, which contained silicon moulds that police suspected were impregnated with methamphetamine.

AFP Forensics Officers estimate this second consignment contains between 200 and 300kg of methamphetamine.

The men were arrested on 5 September 2023 in the Melbourne suburbs of Burwood and Ferntree Gully.

JOCTF members executed search warrants at the two homes of the accused where they found evidence of the imports.

AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said methamphetamine was an extremely addictive illicit drug and caused immense psychological, financial and social harm to users and those around them.

“This seizure demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement partners to disrupt attempts by organised crime to import illicit drugs into Victoria and profit at the expense of the community.

“The illicit drug supply chain is littered with violence and had this amount of methamphetamine made its way onto our streets, it would have spread through our suburbs, fuelling more violence, crime and drug addiction,” he said.

Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Dave Cowan, Organised Crime Division, said we are at a pivotal point in the fight against illicit drugs and that we must work to challenge the attitudes around their use in our community.

“The use of methylamphetamine per capita in Australia is matched by no other nation in the world, and the devastating and tragic damage caused by its use ripples throughout the community.

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

“The impact it has on human behaviour translates into road trauma, family violence, homicides, shootings and other violent offending intrinsically linked to the illicit drug trade.

“Every single time you engage in illicit drug taking, you put yourself at risk of harm, as well as every single person around you.

“Our work does not stop with this seizure and these arrests, we will pursue every avenue of enquiry possible as a result of this investigation,” he said.

ABF acting Superintendent Felicity Wicks said ABF officers are vigilant to the methods organised crime groups use to try to illegally import drugs into the country.

“Criminals attempt to use all kinds of crafty ways to circumvent our officers at the border but detections like this one show that we are yet again a step ahead.

“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs and working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the tide of methamphetamine coming into Australia,” she said.

ACIC National Manager South Operations Damien Appleby said the ACIC will continue providing mission critical intelligence to our partners, both in Australia and offshore, to prevent methylamphetamine entering Australia.

“This operational success is a great example of how law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working together to disrupt criminal networks and protect Australian communities from the harm of illicit drugs.”

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.

P-plated drove while suspended

A 21-year old male probationary driver was detected driving while suspended on the Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully.

His car was immediately impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,042 and he will be charged on summons.

On Scoresby Road, Bayswater, a 50-yearold male driver was observed to cause the rear wheels of his vehicle to lose traction. His vehicle registration was found to have expired over 12 months ago.

The man returned a positive result for illicit drugs.

He will be charged with all offences and faces a minimum 12-month loss of licence if convicted.

On Saturday 9th of September, at a Preliminary BreathTesting site, a 36-year-old male motorcycle rider with a false number plate affixed to his vehicle returned a positive result for illicit drugs on the Mountain Highway in Sassafras.

He will be charged with both offences and faces a 12-month minimum loss of licence if convicted.

Police bus new in operation

Operation Ride saw Transit police officers ride various bus routes in the area, with a police vehicle following behind, to bolster public safety.

It included bus routes 608 – Lilydale toWarburton, and bus route 901 – Ringwood to Knox.

The two-day operation took place on 5 and 6 September, with police highly visible to detect and deter crime on the network and enhance public safety.

The arrests included a 30-year-old male from Boronia for possessing a drug of dependence and weapons and a 47-year-old male from Croydon for multiple outstanding warrants. Two behaviour offences were also issued, along with five traffic offences.

Police also worked with our public transport partners to detect fare evaders.

PSOs patrol all 216 metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.

Selby accident

Emergency services were called to a washaway as a result of an accident in Selby on Sunday 3 September.

A CFA spokesperson said crews were called to Vosges Street and Belgrave-Gembrook Road at 8.39pm.

“The incident was declared safe at 8.54pm,” the spokesperson said. “CFA had two trucks on scene from Selby.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics were called to an accident in Selby at around 7.35pm on Sunday.

“No emergency treatment or transport was required,” the spokesperson said.

Kallista main burst

A gas main burst in Kallista on Friday 1 September, a CFA spokesperson has confirmed. “Ruptured gas main on Royal Avenue, Kallista at about 9.30am,“ the spokesperson said.

“Five appliances were on site to isolate ignition sources from neighbouring properties and set an exclusion zone.

“The site is now safe.“

Motorists were advised follow the instructions of police and emergency services who are at the scene via a message fromVicEmergency. People were also asked to avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond.

Say yes!

A Ferntree Gully man was arrested as part of a methamphetamine bust. Picture: SUPPLIED

Hoons shatter the silence

By Tyler Wright

There are added calls for more safety precautions along Paternoster Road in Emerald following reports of hooning in the area.

Resident Maurizio Toneatto said hoons can be heard speeding on the road from between 9pm and 10pm at night through to the early hours of the morning.

“They’ll be doing burnouts up the hill,” Mr Toneatto said.

“We’re getting a lot of bikers that use [the road] as a dragway because got that nice curved aspect uphill where they can just basically floor it, and you’ll get groups of even up to 50 riders at a time throughout the day.

“We have horses and dogs and they’re often quite spooked by the bikes. I’ve had one horse injured as a result.”

In 2020, Cardinia Shire Council installed guardrails along sections of the road as part of a BlackSpot improvement project after receiving $364,000 from the then Liberal federal government.

In the five year period for when the grant application was assessed, five casualty crashes were recorded on the road - which links Emerald and Mount Burnett.

It’s understood non-fatal vehicle accidents have occurred on the road since.

“The speed should be down to 60 kilometres, not 80,” Mr Toneatto said.

“Every few months there will be something that occurs there; [we’re] just waiting for the big one where a truck rolls over and takes out a few people.

“It’s surely going to be on the cards and then they’ll no doubt they’ll then come crawling and raising how big an issue it might be.”

Mr Toneatto said rumble strips should be installed at the top of bends in the road to disrupt those speeding.

“We’ve been trying for a long time and no one’s really hearing us,” he said.

“I won’t let my kids go near [Paternoster Road] when we’re walking horses between properties; It’s pretty scary.”

A Cardinia Shire spokesperson told the Star Mail that recent surveys and investigations indicate most drivers on Paternoster Road drive under the speed limit, and the rate of crashes has fallen since the BlackSpot improvements were completed.

“Council will continue to monitor safety on Paternoster Road and refer any issues relating to unsafe driving and enforcement to Victoria Police,” the spokesperson said.

Sergeant Mike Hannie said Cardinia Highway Patrol crews are increasing patrols later in the evenings in response to Mr Toneatto’s concerns.

“So far we haven’t detected any further incidents,” Sgt Hannie said.

“At Cardinia [Highway Patrol], we will occasionally get reports of people doing burnouts, sometimes more often than not it’s in relation to excessive speed or loud vehicles and it can be difficult to determine whether it’s just loud vehicles or whether they are actually speeding, but it’s obviously better if we’re there to detect

them at the time.

“If we can identify the target times and dates or days of the week, it’s even better to do a focused patrol rather than just a general patrol at potentially the wrong time; so the more information we can get from the public, if it’s a recurring issue, it helps us tremendously.”

Sgt Hannie said various industrial estates in the municipality have experienced hooning in the past, but there aren’t many regular hotspots - to his knowledge - that are targeted by speeding drivers.

“[I] reemphasise that anyone that witnesses any of these hoon events, to certainly contact Crime Stoppers or triple zero if it’s happening

at the time,” he said.

“We take this sort of behaviour very seriously, so the more information we have to combat it is greatly appreciated.”

In response to a request for comment from the Star Mail, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said hoon driving is an offence that the Victorian government and Victoria Police take “very seriously”.

“Victoria Police can immediately impound vehicles for different driving offences,” Ms De Martino said.

“Tougher penalties for excessive speeding, unlicensed driving and employing an unli-

censed driver in a driving role also apply.”

The state government is committed to continuing to invest in Victoria Police to ensure they have the “resources, powers, technology and modern fit-for-purpose facilities they need to keep the community safe,” Ms De Martino said.

“We’ve invested a record $4.5 billion in funding to Victoria Police including an additional 3,637 extra police officers.

“If residents observe dangerous driving, to assist police in the detection of hoon drivers they should report incidents to the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline on 1800 333 000 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. The public is a vital source of intelligence for Victoria Police by assisting in identifying ‘hotspot’ offending locations that require stronger police enforcement and monitoring.

“You may also submit speed camera location suggestions: https://www.camerassavelives.vic.gov.au/txncsl/suggestlocation.doj. This allows for the public to identify problem areas where speeding is known to occur regularly.”

Ms De Martino said she has received one query regarding Paternoster Road to datereceived on 6 September 2023 - which is currently being investigated.

“I welcome any further information from community members who have witnessed this behaviour. Feel free to contact my office on 9754 5401 or e-mail me at daniela.demartino@ parliament.vic.gov.au,” she said.

Crime StoppersVictoria can be contacted on 1800 333 000, and online reports can be made at

Paternoster Wines owner Phil Hession pointing out the many problems with Paternoster Road after a three-car accident in December 2022. 311402

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Maurizio Toneatto, who lives on Paternoster Road, has been disturbed by recent hooning events.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Triple treat for stressed mortgagees

Serial hoon jailed for three months

By Corey Everitt

A serial hoon facing scores of charges from illegal ‘skid meets’ has been sentenced to three months’ jail.

Cooper Peatling, 25, faced the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 31 August.

He pleaded guilty to offences such as reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and property damage, and drug possession and incitement charges.

The offences were committed in areas such as Lynbrook, Keysborough, Truganina and Thomastown throughout 2021.

On 29 July, 2021, Peatling was ‘busted’ turning right from Clyde street onto Burwood Highway, against a “left turn only” sign, and intentionally accelerated the car so the rear wheels lost traction and ‘fishtailed’ in the Eastern lanes of the road.

Leading Senior Constable Bull intercepted the accused, who was on a learners permit, and his passenger was on a suspended Victorian probationary licence, and was therefore not a suitable accompanying driver.

This was one among several other offences.

The court heard that Peatling was part of established hooning rings ‘South East Skids’ and ‘Northern Tea Party’.

They were known for informal meet-ups at industrial estates involving reckless driving and stunts in front of hundreds of people.

Peatling, who held a learner’s licence during the offences, would attend these meetings in a white Mazda van that was registered in his grandmother’s name.

He was apparently known in the community as the ‘One Stop Tyre Shop’ due to the van carrying car jacks and spare tyres for engagement in reckless driving.

Evidence constructed from police reports, data intercepts and from social media such as TikTok and Snapchat showed Peatling’s wellknown white van engaging in the burnouts

On 9 July 2021, the van attended a hooning meet at the intersection of Business Park Drive and Commercial Drive in Lynbrook, police told the court.

On nearby CCTV footage, the white van was seen to perform burnouts, figure-eights and flicking the van dangerously close to about 100 bystanders.

Peatling’s passenger allegedly ‘exited’ the vehicle briefly during the dangerous driving by sitting on the window with their legs out and holding the roof racks.

Police arrived as Peatling performed a burnout. He promptly exited the intersection at speed, narrowly missing a pedestrian who had to run out of the van’s way.

Peatling would have learner plates dis-

played in the front and back of the vehicle, while covering the van’s registration plates during this incident.

The prosecution argued that Peatling was not just a participant but an architect of the hooning group’s activities, charging him with inciting others to perform dangerous driving.

He had sent Snapchat messages to call on other associates out to hooning events in the northern suburbs.

At the time, Peatling was on bail after being arrested for failing to appear before court over a suspended driving charge.

Defence lawyer Maria Cananzi argued the seriousness of the offences had been recognised by Peatling and his rehabilitation since being charged and bailed should be considered.

“He has effectively extricated himself from that environment, from those influences, recognising where he has found himself,” Ms Cananzi argued.

“There has been no further offending in relation to any use of motor vehicle.

“The changes in behaviour have been borne out and are evident to the court in other ways.”

The defence argued he had shown promising changes in his life, including maintaining a full-time job and strong ties to his family, who made a large presence at Peatling’s sentencing.

Magistrate John O’Callaghan said he did not consider Peatling as an ‘architect’ of the hooning meets but he took the list of dangerous driving very seriously.

“That is an entirely different category, significantly different category of serious when it comes to the actual conduct.

“I’m a country person, I was a country magistrate and I’ve seen things I can’t unsee in terms of what has been the consequences of young people.

“I come from that point of view of the seriousness of the offending and also the thefts

and dishonesty types of matters.”

Mr O’Callaghan sentenced Peatling to three months’ jail, a community corrections order and a $3000 fine.

“I don’t put you in the category of a person who wants to hurt people. In fact, my impression of you is that [you] are actually a quite good young fellow,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“You have people that love you and continue to love you, and that is the strongest thing and the best thing I have heard.

“But actions have consequences, we know that as adults and you as a young man have to accept that.

“The consequences are that people could have lost their life, they could have been materially, substantially been hurt and have their lives affected, and if you think I’m exaggerating, I can tell you I have seen it.“

Mr O’Callaghan made a point of saying he calculated the maximum possible sentence for his charges, which was roughly 95 years and $200,000 in fines, to further demonstrate the seriousness of Peatling’s actions.

“I’ve given you a significant discount which takes into account your youth, your prospects of rehabilitation, I think you are genuinely sorry for what has happened, despite there could be an argument that you weren’t at the time, I think you’ve moved on a bit from then,” Mr O’Callaghan said to Peatling.

“I actually think you have a good future ahead of you. You might say he just sent me to jail and why would he think that? I actually do believe that, particularly because of your family, particularly because of your work.”

Peatling will be under a corrections order for 12 months after his jail time. The CCO includes 100 hours of unpaid community service.

His licence is suspended for 18 months.

Mr O’Callaghan ordered members to clear the court to give Peatling and his family a moment together before he was taken by court

By Tanya Faulkner

Mortgage holders will be quietly celebrating this month as the RBA cash rate is revealed to the public.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has held the cash rate for a third consecutive month, which also marks Phillip Lowe’s last move as governor of the Central Bank.

The cash rate will remain on hold at 4.1 per cent, the highest it has been since mid 2012.

Experts say the decision was widely expected, in particular by the big four banks - NAB, CBA, ANZ and Westpac.

Following RBA custom, Lowe left open the possibility of further rate increases if needed.

“Some further tightening of monetary policy may be required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe, but that will continue to depend on the data and the evolving assessment of risks,” he said at theTuesday board meeting.

Despite goods price inflation easing in recent weeks, the prices of several services continue to rise briskly, and rent inflation is also elevated.

Compare the Market’s economic director, David Koch, said although the relief is welcome by many Australians, overleveraged borrowers may suffer if these high rates linger.

“While we may have reached a peak, we’re a far cry away from the ultra-low rates Lowe had forecast until 2024.

“It’s unlikely we’ll ever get back to the record low rates we had during the pandemic, those days are probably gone.

“Unfortunately it means a lot of borrowers, particularly young people, will struggle to make their repayments,” he said.

The central bank said tightening on the monetary policy, and the cash rate increases that started in May 2022, have played their part in helping reduce the headline inflation rate from a December peak annual rate of 8.4 per cent to 4.9 per cent by July 2023.

Mr Koch said there are positive signs that action on rates have been effective in curbing inflation.

“We saw CPI fall to 4.9 per cent in July, down from 5.4 per cent in June.

“In such tight conditions, people are hiding their wallets and reining in spending wherever they can.

“We are finally starting to see that behaviour is having an effect on overall prices,” he said.

Despite these effects, Australia’s inflation rate remains higher than similarly rich nations, and far off the RBA’s preferred target band of 2-3 percent that it expects won’t be reached until 2025.

Australians with a $750,000 mortgage sitting on a variable rate could already be paying $1,814 more each month than they were at the start of May 2022.

The cash rate is being held at 4.10 per cent for the third consecutive month.

Skid meets at Lynbrook and Keysborough attracted hundreds of bystanders close to the dangerous driving.

A passenger was seen hanging out of a car window during the smoking burnouts.

Corruption fears growing

By Gabriella Vukman

The release of IBAC’s latest report on corruption findings in the Victorian Public Sector, sent heads spinning on 29 August, as local councillors and representatives outlined mixed views of the report.

This report, elicited by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), was conducted via an overarching and optional survey sent out via email to be completed by Victorian Members of Parliament (MPs) and local government councillors.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish said transparency was key in holding governments to account.

”Processes must be clear, understood and they need to be followed. If dodgy processes are the way it’s done, then the processes remain dodgy and it’s a slippery slope,” she said.

IBAC executive director of Prevention and Communication Dr Linda Timothy said collecting the survey data “helps us to better target our corruption prevention, detection, and education efforts to address corruption risks and vulnerabilities across the whole public sector.”

The survey demonstrated that 73 per cent of councillors and 68 per cent of MPs think corruption is a problem in Victoria, naming nepotism, collusion and misuse of resources as some of the most prominent risks faced by MPs and Councillors.

Although the survey was sent out to all councillors and MPs in the Victorian government, 28 of the 128 MPs and 131 of the 632 local government councillors, filled out and submitted the survey.

In the report, 61 per cent of MPs and 59 per cent of councillors agreed that corruption is a problem among elected officials.

“With five IBAC reports tabled in the last 12 months involving the Andrews Labor Government, is it no wonder that MPs and Council-

lors are concerned about corruption in the state,” Ms McLeish said.

“We also have the Ombudsman looking into the politicisation of the public service which is further cause for alarm. The public service should be objective and independent and not another arm of government.

“The Andrews Government’s recent appointment of three former Labor Ministers to key positions without an open and transparent recruitment process is concerning.”

The survey results revealed that 64 percent of participating MPs strongly agreed that they would report corrupt behaviour if they observed it, with the remaining percentage

agreeing. Fourteen per cent of MPs did not answer this question.

Further, 36 per cent of MPs and 34 per cent of councillors strongly agreed that “their elected colleagues would be supportive if they reported corruption”.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the council follows strict processes to ensure corruption and the reporting of it is made clear to councillors.

“AtYarra Ranges, we have clear processes in place to make councillors very aware of how to operate and navigate their important roles as elected officials,” he said.

“We have to be ever vigilant and abide by

our processes, and I’m confident this will continue in our region thanks to the training we undertake as councillors.”

But anonymity remained a high priority for those reporting corruption Dr Timothy said.

“If people have reported corruption, most people aren’t going to say they reported this because it could come back to bite them. Even if someone has reported it, they want to be anonymous,” she said.

Dr Timothy said “one of the interesting findings in the report was learning that while most councillors and MPs said they would report corruption if they observed it, not all of them knew how to report corruption.”

“IBAC has work to do in educating our political representatives on IBAC’s role and functions,” Dr Timothy said.

The media release On behalf of Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission, announced “the survey findings reinforced the importance of several recommendations made in IBAC’s Operation Sandon special report, including the need for better training on governance, leadership and integrity and the development of a model Councillor Code of Conduct.”

Upon being asked if she trusted IBAC’s results, Ms McLeish asserted that she did and said “yes, because they surveyed MPs like me and as far as I know, the survey went out to everybody.”

Additionally, Ms McLeish was asked if she herself had experienced corruption in government, to which she said, “not corruption. I haven’t seen anything but we’ve seen the reports when they have uncovered corruption. People are often saying to me that something is corrupt but actually in most cases it is soft corruption and just dodgy.”

A Victorian Government spokesperson was contacted for comment but was unable to provide a response by the deadline.

CheersTo20YearsofShedfest!

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish wants transparency from the Victorian Government after another IBAC report. Picture: ON FILE

Saving old ‘Baysey’

By Tanya Faulkner

Bayswater locals are fighting for their heritage.

Knox City Council recently received a planning application for 6 Highmoor Avenue, Bayswater, at the site of the well-known Highmoor House.

The house has ties to famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, and is Bayswater’s oldest building, originally constructed in the 1880s.

Council said the planning application proposes to construct a childcare centre, lop vegetation, and partially demolish and undertake works to the existing building, which will also be used and incorporated into the overall design of the childcare centre.

Ms Noni Harrison, a nearby resident, has started a petition against the plan and said Highmoor Avenue was already ‘dangerously overcrowded’ with parked cars and traffic.

“It can be so bad on both sides of the street.

“The council workers deserve a medal, the way they get the trucks up and down,” she said. She argued that the proposed childcare centre would make parking and navigating cars down the street much more difficult and congested.

“Parent’s can’t just drop children off, they have to park, take the children in, then go - and it will be the same when they pick them up.

“I can’t see 142 people being able to do that when there’s room for about six cars to be

parked,” she said.

Ms Harrison said she wanted to make sure the heritage house was protected.

“We haven’t got any heritage left.

“The buildings they are proposing to put on the site are huge, I can’t understand it,” she said.

She said she was opposed to any further loss of trees on the site, with myrtles and wattles having previously been cut down.

“I know we have to make way for progress, but sometimes progress isn’t a good thing,” she said.

Ms Harrison also questioned the need for

another childcare centre in the area, when there were already two within 500 metres of the site.

According to a City of Knox Heritage Study, Highmoor House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Bayswater, with once a spectacular view over the Bayswater Hills.

The home is believed to have been built by Sir Matthew Davies, originally as a hotel or wine hall on the land owned by the Bayswater Freehold Investment and Banking Company of Australia Ltd.

Today the views of the home have been obscured by commercial buildings, and the owners are very conscious of the history held within the property.

A Heritage Overlay applies to the property and the existing building on site.

According to the development proposal, the new proposed building is responsive to the site’s evolving neighbourhood within the residential precinct, respecting the existing house.

The childcare centre will have a combined floor area of 1080 square metres with an outside play area of 1027 square metres.

There will also be 31 new car spaces.

The application is currently on advertising and Council is yet to make a decision on the application.

More information can be found on the Knox City Council website.

Parking furore pays off in Cardinia

By Tyler Wright

Cardinia Shire Council has rescinded its decision to charge locals for parking at a local gem after upset was raised in the community.

The council has made locals pay for access - either through an annual pass or regular parking fees - for years, but after receiving feedback from the 2023/2024 council budget and the draft masterplan for the Emerald Lake Precinct - has changed its tune.

“All Cardinia Shire residents can now access a free annual Emerald Lake Park parking pass, replacing the $10 annual fee which previously applied,” A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson told the Star Mail.

Emerald Village Exercise & Recreation (EVER) group’s Vanessa Kewish said the decision, announced on 1 July, was “not a win” but merely an “expectation”.

“We were baffled that they would even think to charge us parking,” Ms Kewish said.

“I live across the street from the place, but if you’re a mum with a new baby in a pram and it’s 35 degrees, first of all; there’s no footpath on Emerald Lake Park Road, so you’re taking your life in your own hands.

“Secondly, it’s all good to get down, but it’s not okay to come back up, so you need to be able to park your car.”

The community presented 3074 views on the Emerald Lake masterplan during the consultation process through July and August 2022, and made 428 contributions online.

It’s understood Friends of Emerald Lake Park and the committee for Emerald Museum and Nobelius Park were among the groups and who provided feedback.

“[Free parking] makes it easy for locals to pop down for a walk and enjoy the park - and of course have coffee or breakfast at Puffing Billy RailwayVisitor Centre 7 days per week,” Puffing Billy CEO Peter Abbott wrote on Facebook.

“I’ve just applied for me, and will apply for Mum next week. We might actually visit the park more now,” Facebook user Kate Pascoe penned.

“Lived here over 30 years and never got around to getting a $10 pass. It was too much hassle. So happy if it can be applied for online,” Elizabeth Mitchell echoed.

Bethany Sinclair-Giardini added that she used to pay $12 for the annual permit, with Christine Powell Ross calling on free passes to be allowed for Macclesfield - which covers both Cardinia Shire and theYarra Ranges Shire.

“We used to have passes here when it was the Shire of Sherbrooke. It’s not like we have a town of our own,” Ms Ross wrote.

Cardinia Shire residents that hold an annual pass for the year starting 1 September 2023 will receive parking for free, with annual passes valid until 31 August each year.

Only Cardinia Shire residents are eligible for a free annual car parking passes and passes must be renewed every year and displayed on vehicle windows.

There are parking meters currently located in the car parks at Emerald Lake Park, with parking fees applying to residents without an annual parking pass - and visitors - at a rate of $2 for up to two hours, or $8 for two hours or more.

In 2007, parking fees were discounted to $10 for residents after sitting at a whopping $40 for all users prior.

The Emerald Lake masterplan includes changes to play areas, event spaces, hospitality, parking and maintenance with a total cost estimate of $12.13m.

Through consultation, stage one of the plan will include an upgrade to existing play spaces, more car parking, new shelter, picnic area and exercise hub.

For construction, the existing Emerald Lake Park Cafe will be removed with a new waterside cafe to be sought.

“To guide future development of the park, Council has endorsed a masterplan for the Emerald Lake Precinct and is working with State and Federal Governments to secure funding for its implementation,” the Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said.

More information for locals on how to obtain an annual parking pass can be found at https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/elpparking

Preliminary designs for a new medical centre in Emerald yet to be granted permission by Cardinia Shire Council.

Decision deferred

By Corey Everitt

Cardinia Shire Council has deferred the decision on granting a permit to a proposed 4-storey medical centre in Emerald.

In the council’s Town Planning meeting held on Monday 4 September, council offices moved a motion to allow a new medical centre to be constructed on 337 Belgrave-Gembrook Road.

Despite support from council offices, Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield moved to defer consideration of the motion for the next Town Planning meeting. Cr Springfield said further information must considered around the traffic impacts of such a proposal.

The site, which is currently a singlelevel dwelling, is proposed to hold a maximum of 13 different medical specialists for the town and surrounds. Mandala Clinic, a health service just down the road at 360 Belgrave-Gembrook Road appears to be the applicant as they are the client of the proposal’s architect Hamilton Designs. The overall complex will be four levels, from Belgrave-Gembrook road it will appear as two, the two lower levels constructed more to the rear accommodating for the slope toward Madigan Way. The two lower levels will be mostly comprised of the 42 parking spaces that will be accessible from Madigan way. Specialist space will be provided entirely on both upper levels, while a partial section of basement level 1 will have space for service. Entrance from Belgrave-Gembrook Road will be pedestrian-only, while vehicle entrance and parking will be accessible only from Madigan Way behind the property.

The council has provided their own general and specific amendments to the plan, including a condition to upgrade Madigan Way from Ferres Road to the eastern boundary of the lot. As Madigan Way will be its sole entry for vehicles, the council requires the road to be upgraded the full length of the lot’s rear boundary. This back road is the main point of concern which result in defer its consideration.

“Going over all the particulars of this, over the last week since we have seen the report handed down by council offices for the recommendation, I feel I really need to see some more information on the traffic impacts, particularly for Madigan Way,” Cr Springfield said in the meeting. “I am concerned about what these impact may be if not measured properly on Madigan Way because we potentially are doubling the usage of this roadway.”

Councillor Jack Korwazik seconded the motion and agreed that the council could not make an informed decision until the proposal is further explored.

Councillor Kaye Cameron also spoke in support, raising the question of Madigan Way’s road sealing and whether or not it should be partially sealed as proposed or fully sealed. Cr Springfield’s deferral was passed unanimously. The motion will be considered at the next Town Planning meeting on Monday 2 October.

Parking fees applying to residents without an annual parking pass - and visitors - are currently at a rate of $2 for up to two hours, or $8 for two hours or more.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Locals were able to purchase a $10 annual pass to park at Emerald Lake Park before a decision to allow locals free parking was made by Cardinia Shire Council on 1 July. 358562

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

Highmoor House is the oldest surviving property in Bayswater. Picture: SUPPLIED

Locals question closures

By Tanya Faulkner

Locals are questioning the status of several walking tracks and picnic spots across the Hills as the weather starts warming up for summer.

A concerned local has spoken up about the closure of Doongalla Forest road, with concerns about whether the site will be reopened again.

It comes as there are a number of closed parks in the region with no apparent signs of repair or reopening in the foreseeable future.

Ferntree Gully CFA’s Graham Crichton said he and his wife were frequent visitors to the picnic grounds, and witnessed several locals on a recent visit attempt to access the site, not realising it was closed.

“We went for lunch, and had to take our own chairs up, and we watched at least five or six vehicles drive up, and have to turn around and go back down the hill, not knowing the road is closed,” he said.

With this closure cutting off road access to the picnic grounds, those who are less-abled or the elderly no longer have access to the site.

Mr Crichton said communication about the closure of the park has not been great, and more could be done to ensure the public know.

He said he got in touch with Parks Victoria, with no reply, and also contacted Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor, and Monbulk MP Daniela de Martino, who got back to him in recent days.

A representative for Parks Victoria said the Doongalla Forest Road was temporarily closed on 10 August due to recent vandalism and hoon behaviour at the Doongalla picnic grounds.

ParksVictoria closed vehicle access into the picnic ground to prevent further damage to the national park and to allow the local Parks Victoria team to undertake repair work along the road and at the picnic ground.

Visitors are still able to access the park and picnic ground on foot or by bike.

ParksVictoria plans to reopen the Doongalla site in October for vehicles and the public, once automatic gates have been installed to control the alleged hoon behaviour at the site.

This was echoed by MP Daniela de Martino in her response to Mr Crichton.

‘Doongalla’ is said to mean ‘Place of peace’ and is the heritage site of a 32-room mansion that was built in 1892 and burned down a short 40 years later.

The stone steps that formed the grand approach to the house remain in the gardens.

Doongalla is just one of several parks and walking tracks in the Dandenong Ranges area that remain closed to the public, mostly due to the October 2022 floods.

Similarly to Doongalla, locals have raised concerns about Duffy’s Picnic Ground and Lookout located at Cardinia Reservoir Park, specifically about the conditions of the space.

In particular, locals have commented on

the area looking ‘particularly neglected’ in recent years when road access was closed, leaving only the walking track open to the public.

A Parks Victoria representative said significant improvements were undertaken in 2008 at Crystal Brook and Kangaroo Flat picnic areas, which resulted in less visitors to Duffy’s Picnic Ground.

“The ageing toilet facility, barbecues and vehicle access there was closed in 2014, however the picnic ground remains open for people to use.

“It is accessible for walkers from the main park entrance and the Crystal Brook and Kangaroo Flat car parks,”they said.

In 2022, Cardinia Reservoir Park received upgrades as part of Government’s Urban Parks Active Wellbeing program, including new picnic tables and shelters, barbecues, drinking fountains and car park repairs.

The site was one of several sites in East and South East Melbourne receiving additional funding from the Asset Regeneration Program.

Lake time bomb still ticks

By Tanya Faulkner

The mission to save Lake Knox has been extended.

The Knoxfield Development hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has been put on hold due to an overarching decision that was brought up in court.

Questions have been raised as to whether ‘Lake Knox’ can be deemed as a body of water under the Victorian Water Act 1989.

Knox Environmental Society (KES) president Richard Fallagher said it’s been a long process so far.

“It was decided earlier in the case that we would need to establish whether the lake is considered a body of water, so we’ve had Melbourne Water called in on the decision,” he said.

The submission started on Monday 4 September, and only finished on Thursday 7 September and has now been put on hold.

Mr Fallagher said it’s still a long road ahead for Knox, with more information to come.

“There have been a few complaints about the length of the hearing, however we made the point that some parties are dealing in the billions of dollars to fund their case, where we’re dealing in the thousands and might hit a wall from this,” he said.

KES are fundraising to help cover their legal fees, with a target of $120,000 needed to cover lawyer fees and expert witness fees.

Mr Fallagher said the hearing has been tough, and Development Victoria have been like a bull at the gate, asking relentless questions of their experts, however the case has been fair.

“The two members in charge have been excellent, they are very impressive, calm, fair and willing to give everyone a full hearing, I’m very

impressed with them.

“Everyone has been doing a really good job to present their cases, it’s been a very interesting case and very respectful, even with a few digs here and there,” he said.

Whilst most of the community have been supportive of the cause, Mr Fallagher said there are locals who are very detached from the situation.

“We just need locals to help get behind us to save the lake.

It’s time for The Voice, says Emerald for Yes

These baby boomers near Emerald are rallying for TheVoice on Sunday 17 September at noon at the State Library,on Swanston Street.

They well remember the Whitlam election in 1972 with the strong message: It’s Time!

“It’s time for The Voice to Parliament”, Emerald for Yes spokesperson Karen Alexander said.

“What we have now is not working. The

Voice will enable Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples to comment on proposals for them - health, education, communityand, importantly, to last, and not be dumped by an incoming government.”

She said we also remember that we were not taught anything about the incredible First Nations cultures of more than 60,000 years that we can still celebrate today.

To join a local group near you see http:// yes23.com.au

“It’s a public hearing if anyone wants to come and listen in or show their support, they can come and speak to us at the nursery, or help us raise funds by sending in a donation,” he said.

Mr Fallagher’s key takeaways from the hearing so far is the amount of time and effort that goes in, and the dedication behind those trying to save the lake.

“It’s been tricky having lawyers and key experts involved, it’s making the process longer

and harder for the community to get involved, but everyone is dedicated to the cause,” he said.

The hearing will resume with a practice day hearing on Monday 25 September to see if Melbourne water has made a decision on the status of Lake Knox before the hearing can resume.

The VCAT hearing is due to resume in midOctober depending on the decision made by Melbourne Water in the coming weeks.

Battle continues in the fight for a greener Knox

By Tanya Faulkner

The battle continues to maintain green space in the Knox municipality.

Knox Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch and Deputy Mayor Cr Jude Dwight met with the Minister for Planning to address council and community concerns for the development of the Boronia Heights School site.

The community have expressed their concerns about Government’s plans for turning the site into social housing, and removing some of the only remaining green space in the surrounding area.

The state government has approved plans for high density housing at the former Boronia Heights College grounds with minimal notice to the public and consultation with Knox Council.

In 2018, the state government rezoned the site for residential development and the Planning Minister was made the Responsible Authority for planning application decisions, and not Council.

At the time, the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee recommended establishing a formal protocol with Council regarding the development approval process for any planning permits issued for the site, via a Section 173 Agreement under the Planning and

Environment Act 1987.

No protocol was ever established.

Cr Timmers-Leitch said they were happy to have had the opportunity to speak to the Minister.

“Our concerns start with the lack of engagement to date, along with the intensity of the

development, a lack of specifics on social and affordable housing delivery, the protection of habitat zones and vegetation, bushfire risks, traffic access/congestion and a drainage system needed to manage increased stormwater runoff.

“While the state government’s approval of a Development Plan for this site limits our ability

to influence those outcomes already set, we are pleased with the Minister’s indication of support for a partnership approach to be established with Council,” she said.

Cr Timmers-Leitch said this collaboration includes support to establish a formal protocol with Council for the development approval process from this point forward.

“It is critical that Council has a stronger role in this process to ensure that future developmentbetterrespectstheKnoxPlanningScheme provisions and community expectations.

“We hope this will be the start of a constructive and productive partnership, and Council is certainly prepared for future advocacy we may need to pursue for this site,” she said.

In a previous interview with Star Mail, Boronia local Roger Davey said the site is a nice piece of greenery amongst the surrounding residential developments.

“Tearing down the park and building houses on it would mean there is no more‘green’ in the area.

“There are kids enjoying the bike tracks they’ve built, and a football field that is needed in the community,” he said.

Save Boronia Heights Facebook page showed those very bike jumps had been demolished by bulldozers last month.

Emerald for Yes: Caro, Mike, Dick, Alan, Pat, Karen, John. Front row: Dorothy, Jill, Anne. Picture: SUPPLIED

Knox Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch and Deputy Mayor Cr Jude Dwight on the steps of Parliament. Picture: SUPPLIED

KES President Richard Faragher is concerned about the flora and fauna that may be ruined by the development. 344734

Picture: TANYA FAULKNER

Step back in time for 50-year anniversary

By Tanya Faulkner

A community of young and old flooded to a historic site in the heart of Boronia this weekend to celebrate 50 years.

The Boronia Mall has marked half a century serving the Boronia community in style, throwing a true 1970s themed birthday party for locals to come together and take a step back in time.

Whilst several locals believe the mall is well overdue for a facelift, others embraced the celebrations and broke out their best 70’s brights and afros for the occasion.

Several hundred members of the community visited the mall and treated themselves and their families to a range of local stallholders’ goods, some delicious treats and a snag off the barbecue, while enjoying live entertainment from local bands and dance performances, including the Tempo Dance Company.

The AussieVets Op Shop also held a fashion show of their latest spring collection that can be shopped in store.

Overall it was a positive vibe surrounding the mall, full of reminiscing of what used to be - back in the day - and enjoying what the mall brings to the community.

Amongst those who attended the celebrations was Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor and Knox Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch, The Rotary Club of Boronia and the Boronia CFA who took the time to educate locals on fire safety at home and preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.

Mr Taylor said it was a great community event celebrating the history of the Mall.

“Big thanks to the all those who helped put it together and to everyone who came out to celebrate 50 great years. Can’t wait to see the next 50!” he said. Across the board, those who attended enjoyed the celebrations and reconnecting with the site.

One woman took to social media saying she loved seeing everyone there and the mall so busy.

“I loved watching an older lady in crowd dressed in Pink she danced happily. Folk really were happy,” she said.

For several locals, the mission now is finding new ways to rejuvenate the mall and encourage the community to re-engage with the site.

However, according to Mall Manager Lawerence Peresso, it is difficult because all of the stores are independently owned, which makes it difficult to manage everyone to work towards a common goal with the site.

He said the mall has its own charm, with the feature wall at the back being deemed ‘heritage’ and is home to Australia’s only remaining rotating stage.

Mr Peresso it’s something to be said that after all of these years the mall is still standing strong.

Upwey call

The Upwey community are being called on to provide their opinion on a Draft Masterplan.

Locals have their opportunity to have their say on future improvements for the Upwey town centre. Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said that the project has come about thanks to advocacy from the community, as well as previous Council studies and plans.

“The time has come for the Council to focusonUpweyanditspeople.“Feedback, past and present, will provide the basis for improvements to the township, making it more lively, better connected and welcoming for the community,” he said.

Mr Fullagar said the Upwey Community Group (UCG) deserve great recognition for their initial work in identifying many key objectives and opportunities, which will definitely help support the consultation. “UCG have organised several public meetings over the past five years or so, which have resulted in key projects coordinated by committed local volunteers and the development of a Community Plan,” he said.

Council said now is the time for them to extend those projects and plans into visible, functional improvements to enhance pride in Upwey.

Recently Council has been taking steps to enhance the township, with improvements including outdoor dining activations, skate park and playground upgrades, and the pedestrian shelter, however they want to ensure locals have their voices heard.

Mr Fullagar said what council is looking for are ways they can increase community use and enjoyment of the town centre, while also making it a safer place for people to meet and share.

“By making improvements we also want the local business community feeling more confident that they have everything they need to thrive,” he said.

The community consultation specifically focuses around Upwey’s shopping precinct, which includes Main Street, the connection to Burwood Highway and Morris Road, and the community space between Main Street andView Street.

A possible list of improvements that could be made through a Master plan including landscaping, public spaces, footpaths, street furniture, signage, lighting and car parking.

Locals will have until 26 September to have their say on the Master plan.

More information can be found on shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/upweytown-centre-masterplan

New men’s shed in Upwey

A local community group may have a new location on their horizon.

Upwey Men’s Shed currently meets at the Upwey Township Hall on a Monday and Wednesday morning, however they are unable, as yet, to offer a functioning workshop.

They get visitors who want to see what we do which, at present, is to offer a friendly place to meet, have a coffee and chat, help with our fundraising, get involved in community projects and planning for our new shed.

Having formed five years ago we have developed plans for a shed at four sites on public land around Upwey.

However, we have so far been unable to secure agreement on a site for our shed.

Their latest site is looking very positive following discussions with Upwey High School.

They are looking forward to the time that they can make some exciting announcements and to commence building a new workshop / shed.

Upwey Men’s Shed president Gerran Wright said they have already raised all the funds required to construct our shed and their members have so far been very patient in waiting for agreement on a permanent site which we are expecting soon.

“Funding for our shed construction has been confirmed by Yarra Ranges Council,

the State Government, Dandenong Ranges Community Banking Group (Upwey), Home Instead Aged Care provider and our own fundraising from Raffles and Bunnings Sausage Sizzles’” he said.

Whilst they are waiting for a site to be approved, the Men’s Shed will be holding another fundraising Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings Scoresby on Sunday 8th October.

Mr Wright said they always get good feed-

back from the community.

“We have received a lot of praise for the quality of our sausages which our members have thoroughly taste tested at our previous events and meetings,” he said.

The Upwey Men’s Shed has also been acquiring tools and equipment so they can start with a functioning shed when it is constructed.

Mr Wright said the group has received many donations of tools and equipment and grants have been received to purchase other items such as computers, first aid kit and a laser engraver.

“Our container, which we purchased this year, is full of equipment such as saw benches, lathes, hand tools and other hardware and we are currently unable to accept more donations until we can build our shed.

“Whilst we are preparing for our new shed, we are keeping members involved through our gatherings on Monday and Wednesday mornings where we enjoy the company and make new friends and share a cuppa,” he said.

The Men’s Shed also hold regular social coffee mornings where partners are also invited to come along to a local cafe or restaurant to socialise with each other.

This year Upwey Men’s Shed members carried out projects in the local community such as maintaining the outdoor decking and build-

ing sturdy benches for the new playground with the Upwey/Belgrave RSL, new seating at the Upwey Primary School playground, and upgrading the garden beds in Upwey’s Main street with the Upwey Community Group.

On 28 October they will be helping the Upwey Traders in holding an “Upwey Spectacular” in the Main Street, and selling tickets to our Christmas Raffle.

This week is also nationally recognised as Men’s Shed Week, and this week and they are celebrating 30 years across Australia.

For many men, the local Men’s Shed offers somewhere to go, something to do, and mates that make it all worthwhile.

The first community shed for men opened its doors in 1993, and since then the Men’s Shed community has grown to more than 2,500 Sheds in 12 countries.

Nowadays there are 1,297 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds benefit from membership of the Australian Men’s Shed Association.

A figure that surpasses even the number of McDonald’s restaurants around the country.

If anyone would like to become a member and help our fantastic Upwey community, call in for a chat on a Monday orWednesday morning at the Upwey Township Hall or check out their new website upweymensshed.net.au

Jo holding some memorabilia pictured with Kristy 353160

Dancers from Tempo Dance Company, Ferntree Gully 353160

Karen and Dave from the Boronia Fire Brigade 353160

Boronia Mall centre manager Lawrence Peresso 353160

Just keep stepping out

By Tanya Faulkner

One step at a time was the mission of several local CFA volunteers as they took on the 10th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stairclimb.

Many of the Hills’ bravest took on the climb, dressed head to toe in full firefighter and breathing apparatus gear, to cover 28 floors of stairs in their best times, carrying an additional 25 kilograms.

Among those taking on the challenge were the Ferntree Gully CFA and the Kallista/The Patch CFA crews. Ferntree Gully CFA captain Seamus Smith said they had 12 crew members participate in the climb, with additional support in the stairwell from a couple of other members. He said the goal was just to give it their best effort on the day.

“Every year it is challenging. I managed to get a good time this year, better than last year of seven minutes and five seconds,” he said.

Mr Smith said the fastest time for the Fern-

tree Gully brigade was one of their newer firefighters with a time just over 5 minutes. “He absolutely killed it,” he said. Mr Smith said the event has a fantastic vibe to be a part of.

“It’s really positive and encouraging, super supportive and we’re all just willing each other to get up the climb. It shows the great camaraderie between the different fire services. It’s a truly fantastic event, and brings the fire fighting community together,” he said.

Mr Smith said there are similarities between when they are out on the job and when they participate in the climb.

“We work together for common causeswhen we’re out fighting fires we work together and support each other, and it’s the same for the climb,” he said.

The Ferntree Gully CFA have raised just over $9000 for the stair climb this year, and as a station, they have raised around $96,000 in the past ten years, thanks to the support from the community, friends and families that have

Encouraging girls to have go

By Mikayla van Loon

Recognising the reduction in how many girls participate in sport once they reach their teen years, Inspiro Community Health is launching a school holiday program to help see those numbers grow.

Girls Get Active aims to encourage young girls between the ages of 12 and 15 or 16 to try something new, whether it be skating, kayaking, dancing, volleyball or circus.

As part of a wider program called Step and Connect, funded by Yarra Ranges Council, Health Promotion Officer Megan McInerney said the focus has been on getting people out and active in their neighbourhoods.

With this third arm of the project highlighting the need for young girls to have a variety of options, Ms McInerney said it has been developed in consultation with young people themselves.

“Lilydale High School did a community consultation survey for us so the girls looked at what they liked about activity, what were the barriers to activity and what motivated them to be more active,” she said.

“Certainly fun and friendship were the two big ones in what motivates them the most and looking at what some of those barriers were, so opportunity is a big one.”

The survey also found financial barriers and the fear of judgement around body image to be high on the list as to why girls fall away from doing sport or physical activity.

“We know that that age group drops out of sport at significant rates really. So the aim of this project is just to encourage girls to see what else is available.

“To see what opportunities are available in their neighbourhood or in your area. Get them to try something different, learn some new skills and have fun with their friends.”

The pop up activities came from the consultation process with the school students and highlighted the need for variety, aside from the traditional or common sports available.

“We went through what was the most popular and selected those and also what was available in Lilydale because we’ve got our beautiful lake, which is an amazing resource and asset for the community to come and just enjoy being active outside,” Ms McInerney said.

With 11 pop up sessions throughout the two week break, with roughly 30 spots per session, Ms McInerney said it’s a first in best dressed situation but hopefully lots of opportunities to try something new.

“We’d love to see as many girls that we can have come along, but it’s certainly open to any girls that are living or going to school in the Yarra Ranges Council area.”

Parental consent forms will need to be signed for girls to participate but Ms McInerney said once signed, they can participate in as many activities as they like as long as numbers allow.

With all the activities being hosted in Lilydale, Ms McInerney said Inspiro tried to make it as accessible as possible, being close to public transport.

“We’re just trying to eliminate as many barriers as we can because often that’s another one, that parents can’t drop the kids off to sport or they’re busy and they’ve got a short amount of time.

“School holidays are probably the same, where parents are working, so we want to make it as accessible as possible to as many people as we can.”

To learn more about the program and sign up to the free activities, go to www.inspiro.org. au/news/step-and-connect-girls-get-activepop-ups-series/

supported them. The main fundraiser for the Ferntree Gully CFA is their car battery drive, which they will continue to do in the community.

Kallista - The Patch CFA captain Peter Toender said their brigade had a successful run at the stair climb event. He said the support staff at the event were fantastic, and it’s a big effort every year. There’s the briefing and a minute of silence for reflection before the event, and then you get split into lots of around 20 people for the climb.

“Once you get to the top of the stairs, there are people to help getting your gear off, like helmets and jackets so you can breathe properly again, and there’s water and sandwiches to refuel at the top,” he said.

Mr Toender said it’s one of the more tough challenges you’d do as a firefighter, and not everyone makes it to the top.

“I had a big work week leading up to the event so it took me around 12 minutes to get to

the top.

“A couple of our guys got up in six minutes, and another also made it in around 12. He said the main point was to get up to the top.

“It’s about finding a way to get up to the top - if you need a rest or a breather to do it, you do what you can to get up,” he said.

The Kallista - The Patch CFA raised $2530 in donations this year.

All funds raised from the event go towards Lifeline, the Cancer Foundation, and the 000 Foundation, which helps with mental and physical health and wellbeing for first responders.

Overall the event was a great success, and at the time of writing the event overall raised over $620,000.

Donations are still being collected until the end of October, with a goal to reach at least $700,000 for 2023.

Puffing on track and roads

The Dandenong Ranges echoed with the sounds of determined footsteps, chugging steam, and cheering spectators as the Puffing Billy Running Festival marked its triumphant return on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.

Featuring an exciting lineup of courses, including a 1.2km Kids Dash, 5km Family Fun Run, the 13.5km ‘Classic’ and the formidable 21.1km half marathon, this action-packed weekend brought over 2,000 runners of all ages and skill levels together for a day of outdoor adventure and friendly competition against the train.

The festival kicked off with enthusiasm as young runners took part in the Saturday morning Kids Dash, a fun 1.2km race around the Emerald Lake Park. Laughter and excitement filled the air as young participants sprinted towards the finish line. Families then came together for the 5km Family Fun Run, offering participants a chance to revel in the stunning landscapes while racing against the train.

Sunday brought the main events of the festival, featuring the challenging 13.5km ‘Classic’ race and the ultimate test of endurance, the 21.1km half marathon.

Local resident Craig Appleby from Emerald led the charge in the 13.5km ‘Classic,’ crossing the finish line with a remarkable time of 44 minutes and 11 seconds. Craig’s win was a testament to his dedication, having previously secured first place in 2014 and 2016. The first female to cross the 13.5km line was Sarah Klein from Cockatoo who finished the race in 48 minutes and 51 seconds. Sarah was delighted to win again, having held two consecutive wins in 2013 and 2014.

The half marathon, a gruelling 21.1km journey, pushed runners to their limits. The

event saw performances from participants like John Dutton, who emerged victorious with a time of one hour, 15 minutes and 54 seconds, while Clara Kiefel-Johnson secured a well-deserved spot on the podium with a time of 1 hour, 44 minutes and 9 seconds. Both John and Clara have taken out the winning titles and etched their names into the festival’s history, setting records for the new 21.1 km race.

Despite its best efforts, the iconic Puffing Billy train didn’t clinch the winning title. A full list of winners is available at https://puffingbillyrunningfestival.com. au/events/results/.

Beyond the competitive spirit, the Puffing Billy Running Festival fostered a sense of community. Eager spectators and dedicated volunteers joined forces to cheer on participants, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. “We extend our appreciation to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and the local community for helping to make the weekend a huge success, and we look forward to seeing everyone back here to race again in 2024!” Puffing Billy Railway CEO Peter Abbott said.

12622193-JB35-23

Puffing Billy crossing over the trestle bridge.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Winners of the 21.1km race - John Dutton (left) and Clara Kiefel-Johnson (right).

Soaring to new heights

By Tyler Wright

An aged care resident has been gifted the experience of a lifetime after soaring 23 metres in the air in a cherry picker.

When Heather Cole, 78, first entered Lifeview’s Emerald Glades, she shared her memories of climbing trees at what was once her family home next door - and wished she could climb the trees once again.

On Wednesday 6 September, Heather was given the chance to venture up into the tree line thanks to her nursing home and a generous local crane operator who gifted his time to make her wish come true.

Social support coordinator at Emerald Glades, Marc Zywaczewski, said Heather would often reminisce over her time growing up on the property - which is now home to St Joseph’s Church.

“She would look outside the window for her little trees and always talk about how she remembers climbing them as a child and how she used to live here,” Marc said.

“It’s always something I’ve thought about; ‘I wish I could get her up’ ...so I always wanted to try to make it happen. That was a couple of years ago now.”

On 6 August Marc made a post in a local Facebook group looking for help to source a cherry picker to help lift Heather into the trees; with Barrie Lock of Melbourne Travel Towers coming to his aid.

“I had the whole community so interested and wanted to help; I didn’t realise how viral it was going; how many people wanted to help and care,” Marc said.

“I managed to get Barrie who offered his truck; the rest is history.”

Heather was taken up into the treeline with daughter Sarah and granddaughter Lucie, followed by another journey up with granddaughter Jessica with community members watching on from the ground cheering her on.

“I’ve never been up that high around here; unless I’ve flown out on a plane or something like that,” Heather, who was a postie in the area for decades, said.

When asked if she got scared up in the air; Heather’s answer was simple.

“No, not really,” she said.

“As long as I’ve got a good grip on it, I’m fine; and I just love the view, because it’s your own town.

“You can see paddocks around - and daffodils - and you say, ‘oh, that’s such and suches house.’”

Heather has lived in Emerald since she was born - and was a postie in the area for most of her life.

“She knows Emerald like the back of her hand,” daughter Sarah said.

Despite short term memory loss, Sarah said her mum can still remember her children growing up, being a postie, and the names of people who lived in the town 40 years ago.

Heather’s impact on the town was evident, with family and community members gathering to support her special moment.

“For the community came together to do something like this is so moving,” Sarah said.

“It means everything...It’s a pretty special moment for her.”

The Lifeview Residential Care team are now

discussing which magic moment they are going to facilitate for their residents.

“It’s something to make the residents today and surprise them and give them a special moment in their journey with us,” Lifeview’s executive manager of marketing and communications Cody Winnell said.

“Magic moments can be something small such as a surprise gift or something that they enjoy, whether that’s books or CDs, or we’ve had stereos for people who enjoy music.

“We’ve had outings to ballet and movies and things, but then we’ve also had something like this, which Marc’s organised

at Emerald, the cherry picker to replicate the climbing of the tree, so it’s a great program.”

here

Lifeview Emerald Glades resident Heather Cole (left),about to be lifted above the tree tops in a cherry picker with daughter Sarah (middle) and granddaughter Lucie (right) on Wednesday 6 September.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

The view of the valley from the treetops at St Joseph’s Church.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Heather has spent her whole life in Emeraldand was a postie in the area for many years.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Heather (left) with granddaughter Jessica (right) on her second trip on the cherry picker.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

The cherry picker lifted Heather 23 metres in the air.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT The trio in a selfie taken at the treeline.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Heather,Sarah and Lucie waving to onlookers from the heights of the canopy.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

A 13-year-old Heather at Emerald’s centenary celebration in 1958. Picture: SUPPLIED

Emerald Glades social support coordinator, Marc Zywaczewski (right) helped facilitate the experience for Heather with the help of Barrie Lock (left) from Melbourne Travel Towers.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

Dreaded plovers return

By Tyler Wright

Aylee Sunstrom is currently in fear of going into her own backyard during this year’s bird swooping season.

The Tecoma local said she was recently hit in the back of the head by a plover bird protecting its young.

“This is the third time this year that the birds have come in, and they sit on our roof,” Aylee said.

“There’s two of them - but this time they got more aggressive, and I can’t tell you how long they’re there for.”

Aylee hasn’t been outside to clean the pool since late August when she found her six-yearold child crawled up under their trampoline in fear of being attacked.

“My fear is that it could knock me unconscious and I could end up face down in the pool,” Aylee said.

“People say ‘take an umbrella’ and ‘wear a helmet,’ but I’ve seen them swoop down on my daughter, on her back; she’s only six, and they’ll go right down low and knock her as well.

“I can’t hang the washing out or clean the pool.”

BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley said the organisation does not have a handle on the numbers of plovers - otherwise known as Masked Lapwings - but they are still common inVictoria, except in built-up areas where they are “gradually declining due to disturbance and lack of open spaces”.

“I’m amazed that they survive in the suburbs at all given the amount of people, cats, dogs and foxes that are around to disturb them off the nest or take the eggs and chicks. We know that since they removed all foxes on Phillip Island that numbers have been going up there,” Mr Dooley said.

“In terms of the Dandenongs area, they wouldn’t naturally have been very common originally as they avoid forested areas. But they would have occurred along the flats and billabongs along the Yarra.

“Today they are common in cleared areas and into the edges of towns. Our Birdata system doesn’t seem to indicate they occur in higher numbers in the Dandenongs/Yarra Valley area compared to other parts of Victoria, but the difference is that with so many people living on acreage, there are more opportunities for people and lapwings to come into contact, and hence a possibly higher rate of reporting of swooping, though we don’t have data on that.”

Plover birds tend to nest in late winter into early spring, Mr Dooley said, with swooping season set to be “finishing soon”.

“Being swooped like this can be terrifying, and is made even more so because they have a yellow spike (or spur) on the bend of the wing that could potentially cause harm,” he said.

“Usually the lapwing parents don’t actually

hit people as there is a risk they will be injured too, but occasionally it does happen. Especially if the source of the threat doesn’t move out of the nest zone.

“Like Magpies they usually only defend the nest within a certain zone so in most cases just moving out of that zone (which is probably only around a 50-metre radius will cause the swooping to stop). But it’s not much use if they are nesting in your yard or nature strip or paddock near somewhere you have to be.”

He said the best advice for someone who can’t avoid the birds is to ensure to keep an eye on the birds so you can see them approach.

“Generally they will approach from behind but it’s important to protect your eyes as if they do come from the front there is an outside chance they could do some damage to your eyes. Moving out of the area as quickly as possible is the best thing you can do but if you stand your ground and shout and wave at them or throw things, that is likely to ramp up the swooping behaviour as it confirms to them that you are a threat to their young.”

“It’s important to note that Masked Lapwings are native birds and are protected under

wildlife laws.”

In a media release issued on Wednesday 6 September, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) reminded Victorians that some native birds - including plovers and magpies - may swoop during their breeding season.

DEECA’s senior wildlife officer, Katherine Whittaker, said every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and young for a “short time” while their young are “most vulnerable”.

“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds. Swooping is a warning to people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact,” Ms Whittaker said.

Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting.

“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so don’t be concerned simply because there are magpies or other common swooping birds in the area,” Ms Whittaker said.

“Remember, the swooping behaviour will

only last for a few weeks, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”

Those who are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring are advised to take the following steps:

· Know your local swooping hotspots and avoid the area

· Move quickly but do not run

· Wear protective head and eye coverings

· Don’t harass birds – this can make swooping worse

· Don’t feed the birds and do not destroy their nests

People can also plan their route around known swooping hotspots and report a swooping incident on Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map by visiting:

https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managingwildlife/swooping-birds

All Victorian native wildlife is protected by law, and it is illegal to harass or harm native birds and other wildlife without authorisation. People can report wildlife crime such as harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Kitchen garden is on the menu for Emerald college

Emerald Rotary’sYouth chair Tina McInerney was approached by Emerald Secondary College at the end of Covid lockdown in 2021.

The school wanted to offer extra subjects to students who would not be continuing with their higher education.

VECAL teacher, Marion, thought it might be a good idea to teach the students how to grow food and how to cook it as this could also be a pathway to securing future employment.

There was already a very dilapidated and overgrown kitchen garden in a corner of the school grounds, with an old chook pen, and some fruit trees but unusable in its current state.

Rotary was able to step in and help. Along with the students at the school, and few teachers who had a passion for this program, the club set about developing a way to achieve their goal.

The students researched kitchen gardens and sustainability and designed what they thought would work.

Rotary then approached The Casey Car-

dinia Foundation to obtain a grant of $5000, which became the project’s “seed” money, with work on the project beginning in February 2022.

As it continued it was obvious that for the ongoing longevity of the garden that a water-

ing system would be required and Tina was able to pledge funds from Emerald Rotary to secure an additional matching grant from District 9810 Rotary.

The following year saw a new group of students involved and the Emerald Men’s Shed,

offered their assistance.

This would be project for the year for the men’s shed; helping the students by building planting boxes, shelving for the hot house, retaining walls and most importantly of all set up the watering system, so that the plants would survive the holidays.

The rotary club is nearly there, with the water tank having arrived at the school and the men’s shed set to order the pumps and all that is needed for the watering system.

The planter boxes have been installed, and hopefully by the time term four starts the students will be able to propagate the seeds, and start the planting for the kitchen garden.

There are a few things still left to be done, and paid for - tools and plants and pots and soil - but the rotary club is getting to the point where it can see this project finalised.

This project - designed to help the students understand sustainability - was also organised to involve the community of Emerald, with the rotary club looking to use local businesses including Mitre 10 and the men’s shed.

From left to right: Tom and Allan from Emerald Men’s Shed, Marcus Adams, Lyn Beckwith and Sangeeta Bajaj from Rotary Club of Emerald & District, Alanna Pomeroy from the Cardinia Foundation and Marion from Emerald Secondary College with garden beds at Emerald Secondary College. Picture: SUPPLIED

The plover’s yellow spike makes being swooped even more frightening.

Picture: ON FILE

Macclesfield local Chris Alenson knows just about everything when it comes to soil, putting his mind to paper as he publishes his first book talking about sustainable agriculture. As journalist COREY EVERITT reports, Chris hopes to raise the respect and knowledge for soil.

Respecting soil is vital

Chris is an agriculture consultant, providing his service and knowledge to locals across Gippsland and the state for decades.

His speciality has been in providing ways in which farmers can get the best out of their soil in a sustainable fashion, whether it be for crops or pasture.

After 40 years in the field, 2023 is the year in which he finished and published his first book on the subject, titled ‘Deep Time - And the implications for a Sustainable Agriculture’.

With his book, Chris simply says, “What I’m asking for is more respect for the soil.”

This came to him four years from a place of both frustration and curiosity.

On the one hand, Chris, being in the agriculture field, had seen the environmental and agricultural reports become more and more grim.

“Every report that comes out from the IPCC or any agency around the world tells us that land degradation is increasing, biodiversity having extreme loss, particularly in Australia,” he said.

“We’ve got to do better.”

Precisely for Chris, the fact that sustainable practices are already so expensive in agriculture, yet still land degradation continues, is cause for action in his field.

One example he raises in his book is the famous Dust Bowl event in the USA during the 1930s where large stretches of land were hit with severe dust storms caused in large part by the destruction of topsoil in farming practices.

“We basically know the information and how to address things,” Chris said.

“The Dust Bowl was a disaster, yet the yearbook of agriculture back at that time, about the size of a telephone book, had all this massive information about how to fix things up.

“It’s led to my frustration, the information is there, how to do the right thing, but it hasn’t progressed.”

While on the other hand, the book was inspired by research in Chris’ original field in Earth sciences and geology, particularly of the concept of deep time.

“I was reading this geological book about deep time.

“What they were saying is that everything, most of our clothing, machinery on farms, etc, comes from geological processes that were millions of years ago and are not going to be repeated in our lifetime.

“So therefore government science should be thinking a little bit more about sustainable use of resources.”

Chris applies this concept to how he believes we should think about soil.

“So what’s the implications for agriculture if you follow that concept,” Chris said.

“Okay, it’s taken a few thousand years to form this typical Macclesfield soil, so we’ve got to have a bit of respect, if it’s taken that long to form it you don’t want to be turning it over with a plow and destroying it.”

Chris hopes to provide with his book a deeper understanding of the soil that can inform sustainable and enriching practices for farmer’s crops or pastures, rather than the more destructive practices prevalent across the world.

Chris came to understand soil from a background originally in Earth sciences, an academic teaching at Swinburne University and writing for others such as Charles Sturt University.

“There is a big overlap, I didn’t realise how important that was until you start dealing with

Every report that comes out from the IPCC or any agency around the world tells us that land degradation is increasing, biodiversity having extreme loss, particularly in Australia,” he said. “We’ve got to do better.”

the soil and start explaining to people where the nutrientsforgrassescomefrom,we’lltheycame from something like this,” Chris says holding a piece of a rock exemplar of layer of rock found under the soil of his Macclesfield property.

“The dirt underneath us here is a bit of volcanic soil coming from a rock that is 40 millionyears-old.”

“If you looked at this under a powerful microscope you’d see masses of different colours of the different minerals that are in there and each of those will have, for instance, calcium, potassium, things like that which actually feed the plant.”

This is only one section that forms the world always under our feet with millions of years of history, a story that Chris knows so much about.

“But 40 million years later you can end up with a soil that is quite devoid of those nutrients,” he said. As is well known today, the anthropogenic influence of modern industrial society has intervened in this process with potential disastrous consequences.

Chris hopes to bring the questions and challenges in agriculture to the top of the agenda to promote the preservation of land for both the biosphere and farming.

When it comes to agriculture, Chris’ book wishes to dispel sustainability as a pipe dream, but rather as something that has been practised for the vast majority of human civilisation.

“This sort of farming, whether you call it organic farming or conservation farming, there was this emphasis on ensuring you put organic matter back into the soil,” he said.

“What they call multi-species pasture now, in the UK three or four hundred years ago they were having 15 different species for livestock to graze, that’s a concept that’s now being implemented across Gippsland.

“In terms of soil you can go back to the ci-

vilisations along the Nile, their fertility was renewed by the silt coming down the river system and then flooding and leaving it on the plains.

“Historically, looking after the land has been around for a long time, with industrial farming and mechanisation, we’ve got the ability to destroy soil a lot quicker than we have in the past.”

It’s this international scale to agriculture, which has given destruction of soil, depleted biodiversity and the overuse of such things as artificial fertilisers.

Chris addresses the future of agriculture in his book with the many global challenges, but with his work as a consultant his work also looks to benefit local farms and show them sustainability is a better alternative all round.

“There are key ecological principles that farmers really should follow, like in a natural system where everything is recycled as much as possible,” he said. The book includes discussion and demonstrations that can minimise waste on farms, including recycling for a more integrated closed system on the land.

“The approach should be let’s get the best out of the soil we possibly can before we go adding an input, and if we do choose an input it’s going to be an appropriate one, not one that will damage the environment,” he said.

“It’s the whole idea of trying to get people to think more about sustainability, you’ve got to find that balance between economic viability obviously and producing food without degradation - in other words, produce within the constraints of your environment.”

Gippsland’s farms are predominantly for livestock where good pasture is key. Chris has provided for these farms and believes there is just as much to manage with the soil as crops.

“I do say in my book there are many grazing properties that are actually doing quite well here, but ultimately if there is a decline in or-

ganic matter and biodiversity is lacking then we have got to do better,” he said.

Chris works at his own yard, a‘laboratory’ he calls it, to see what works for pasture, regularly digging samples to test the soil and provide advice to locals.

“If we were out on a pasture or livestock farm we will be having a look to see how the soil crumbles as an illustration of oxygen that gets in the soil, root extension - that’s how far the roots are going into the soil - because at the end of the season around about 50 per cent of these break down and form organic matter that feed next year’s grasses,” Chris said while examining a sample he just dug from his property.

“Species diversity, plantain here, that’s a really beneficial herb, high in protein and trace elements.

“It has to be rotated properly so there is plenty of opportunity for the grass to bounce back, in a sense these are the solar collectors.

“If it’s grazed too short, the reliance of this system is compromised, it may take another three to four weeks to bounce back to grow more pasture.”

Big or small questions, Chris has an answer and it comes from a long-term sense of responsibility which he hopes more will take on.

“We need to a bit better, I believe it was the native-American tribe around the Great Lakes in North America, they had what they called seven-generation sustainability, in other words they wouldn’t take on a management decision if they thought it would affect any of the seven generations into the future.

“I know there are a lot of producers on the land that follow, in a sense, that way and they’ll say okay I’m looking at this land here if I go and plow that up or do that, I know I’m going to do damage that my children won’t be able to repair.”

Chris Alenson and his Border Collie, Kila, with his new book ‘Deep Time - And the implications for a Sustainable Agriculture’. Pictures: COREY EVERITT The book explores and advocates for sustainable agriculture to curb the continued degradation of land across the world.

A colleague of Chris’ has a device which can acquire metre-deep soil samples. Here, he shows the millions of years which transpire over the depth of the sample.

Chris’ book goes through the top global challenges in agriculture, asking the questions that he argues sustainable agriculture can answer.

An example of the kind of rock that gave nutrition to the life of vegetation around Macclesfield coming from volcanic activity that was trapped below the soil from 40 million years ago.

Two soil samples, the left from Chris’ yard and the right is only walking distance downhill from the property.

Shaking off winter blues

Exciting Spring Has Arrived,With Summer Just

Around the Corner!

The time has finally come to emerge from our cosy hibernation and relish all the wonders that this world has to offer. As spring graces us with its presence and summer beckons on the horizon, it’s the perfect occasion to embark on some revitalising endeavours.

Refresh Your Living Spaces

Let’s kick off the season with a thorough spring cleaning that breathes new life into every nook and cranny of your home. Thanks to our stateof-the-art wet clean system, your cherished doonas, bedding, and garments will experi-

ence a level of freshness like never before. And speaking of curtains and drapes, don’t underestimate the power of a good shake – you’ll be amazed at the dust and tiny critters lurking within. We’re here to rejuvenate your window furnishings, ensuring your home radiates a pristine springtime ambiance.

Prepare for Warmer Nights

As the days grow longer and the nights warmer, it’s time to swap out those winter doonas for lighter bedding options. Rest assured, our ecofriendly approach means no harmful chemicals, waste, or residue. We take pride in our commitment to environmental responsibility

while delivering a top-notch, clean, and green product, all with a touch of friendly service that comes absolutely free of charge.

Convenient Trading Hours

Our doors are open to serve you during the following hours:

· Monday to Friday: 7am to 4pm

· Saturday: 8.30am to 1pm

Join Us in Monbulk

We can’t wait to welcome you back to our establishment, Monbulk, and the surrounding areas. Your continued support means the world to us.

A Unique Twist - Michael’s Miniature Model Train

P.S. Don’t forget to take a peek at Michael’s captivating miniature model train displayed in our window – it’s a source of joy for both young and old alike. Who ever said being different isn’t extraordinary? Plus, we’re in the process of collecting components from unwanted train sets. If you happen to have any tucked away in boxes, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could bring them in. Let’s keep the spirit of creativity and uniqueness alive!

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to serving you soon.

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Michael outside his Shop. 338558

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSMichael with plants, paintings and his famous model train. 338558

A true focus on locals

Community Bank Monbulk & District really is a part of our local community and everyday we seek to strengthen, support and build our community by listening to the needs and wants of our town.

Our vision is to support not only our customers, but our local clubs, groups, schools and organisations. The Community Bank Model is one of the most unique business models in the world, and we are so proud that our town has its own bank and is able to give profits straight back to the community.

Since opening in 2012 Community Bank Monbulk and District has given back over $924,000 to our community and this is a wonderful achievement for all involved. Our Board of Directors get to make the decision on how our funds are spent and really make a difference in Monbulk. Our Sponsorship and Grants program opens twice a year, April and September and we encourage local groups, schools and organisations to apply for sponsorship for their local event or project. The September round is now underway so if your club, group or school is looking to partner with us please contact us for details on how to apply.

Community Bank Monbulk & District also runs a Tokens of Appreciation wall, which allows customers to decide which community groups they would like to support in the process of doing their banking with us. All of our local clubs and groups are represented on the wall and customers can choose to support one or many of the groups when they bank with us.

With the support of the Monbulk and surrounding communities we can continue to grow our business and most importantly our community. Our branch is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday or our team can be contacted on 9752 1130. Bendigo Bank. Better banking. Big impact. Monbulk

Community Bank’s September grants round is open for applications.

Picture: SUPPLIED

New Minister Joins The Flock

Open Door Community Church in Monbulk is delighted to announce the appointment of Rev. Julie McLean as the minister of their church. Julie is endorsed by the Churches of Christ Vic/Tas and comes to us with many years of ministry experience including more recently more than twelve years at Truth and Liberation Concern (TLC Church) in Bayswater. Julie is married to Greg, and they have two adult daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law.

Julie has been acting as an Interim for the last few months and has fully engaged in all aspects of church life. She can be found helping unpack foodbank deliveries at the Open-Door Pantry, helping out in the Op Shop, and catching up with locals. She has also been instrumental in establishing a Community Playgroup to open on October 4 in the hall at the Church. This will be run by a qualified coordinator and families are encouraged to enrol.

Our gatherings on Sunday mornings at 10am have been inspirational and the Open Door Community invites everyone to attend the service to meet Julie and enjoy the company of our small but vibrant congregation.

Gemco classic

By Eleanor Wilson

Local theatre company Gemco Players CommunityTheatre is gearing up for its third major production of the year, as it presents West End classic Stepping Out by Richard Harris.

A 12-person strong cast will take to the stage at The Gem in Emerald from 8 to 23 September, bringing with them laughs, leotards and tap dancing talent.

Set in London, the story follows the lives of the members of an amateur tap class.

Mavis, a professional dancer who didn’t quite make it past the chorus line, now runs her own class in the local village hall for anyone in the area.

A mixed, and otherwise incompatible group of seven women and one man meet weekly for their tap-dancing class in a dingy London church hall.

Then the day comes when Mavis breaks the news to the group that they have been invited to perform in front of an audience for a big charity concert.

Each attending for their own reasons, Harris’ play is a wonderfully endearing tale of how determination, friendship and camaraderie can shape even the most bashful into proud performers.

The production is a personal favourite for director Annette O’Shea, who first donned her tap shoes and neon leg warmers 20 years ago, performing as lead dance teacher Mavis.

Ten years later she turned her focus offstage, directing her first iteration of the show.

“Now I’m doing it again with Gemco…it’s one that is near and dear to my heart,” Ms O’Shea said.

“I love it, it’s an absolute classic.”

After 12 weeks in rehearsals, Ms O’Shea said the cast is ready for an audience to “bring the show to life”.

“It’s one of those shows where it’s a timeless piece…everybody loves the ’80s - we love the costumes, the bright colours and the music of the ’80s, so it’s one of those shows that audiences are really drawn to,” she said.

The production marks a successful showing season for the community theatre community, producing three major productions, two festivals and several junior productions, with an additional production planned before the year’s end.

“Gemco is a thriving theatre group in the Hills for sure,” Ms O’Shea said.

Gemco Players’ production of Stepping Out will show for three weekends at The Gem in Emerald, debuting on Friday 8 September.

For tickets, head to gemcoplayers.org/ whatson/2023/stepping-out

Celtic Rhythms is still touring and Goble said performing the male solo is a highlight for him. Picture: SUPPLIED

Celtic rhythms inspire

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Ranges Irish dance students recently got the chance to see professional dancers up close in a workshop by a world renowned Irish company.

Victorian Irish Dance Academy (VIDA) students from Tecoma and Mt Evelyn received a two-hour intensive dance training workshop from the cast of the Rhythms of Ireland dance show which is currently on tour in Australia.

Lead dancer Kevin Goble said doing workshops with local Irish dancing schools was one of the highlights for him and his crew.

“Hosting workshops for younger dancers has been a fantastic part of our tour – It’s a rewarding experience to share our knowledge and skills with the next generation of dancers,” he said.

Dancers from five to 50 plus from VIDA spent two hours learning some of the steps and performance tips and tricks from four of the cast members on Monday 4 September.

VIDA teacher Kate Bilton from Healesville said she jumped at any opportunity to encourage her dancers and knew she wanted to work with the Rhythms of Ireland cast when they came to Melbourne.

“Irish dancing, even though it does originate in Ireland, is a very global dance form

and here in Australia, we’re dancing and training in the hope that one day we’ll be able to join international touring casts,” she said.

VIDA has worked with Goble before and has participated in online workshops produced by his own dance company Unity Irish Dance, particularly throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns. “He ran these online classes and all around the world, people from all over during lockdown would record themselves dancing and send it to him – and then they made these amazing video compilations, which was a lovely way to keep dancing during that time,” Ms Bilton said. “This recent workshop was also a chance for some of the students to meet him in person,” she said.

VIDA students also went to the Rhythms of Ireland show the night before the workshop on Sunday 3 September to see the cast perform and were invited backstage to see how things work behind the curtain.

“VIDA were able to go and support the show as well. It’s a really special thing for me to be able to keep the love of Irish dancing alive in the general community,” Ms Bilton said.

Professional workshops allow students to see the potential of keeping up with their training and students were taken through an intensive warm-up followed by an hour and half of learning on the night.

Jasmine O’Shea and Ruth Gilmour break out their best ’80s attire for the show.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Coming to local stages

Burrinja Theatre

Bakehouse Dozen Tour – Lloyd Spiegel Trio Season: Friday 6 October at 8pm.

The 14 time Australian Blues Award winner has one the most interesting stories in music, having grown up on stage learning from and touring with the founding fathers of modern Bles.

The current shoe features the incredibly talented Lisa Baird on trombone and long-time collaborator Tim Burnham on drums. Combined with Spiegel’s guitar wizardry, powerful voice performance and knack for storytelling, this trio with a twist delivers a truly unique entertainment experience that reinvents the blues and dispels the cliches associated with it.

Sarita McHarg & Band

Season: Saturday 14 October at 8pm in the Lyre Room.

Australia is a vast melting pot of cultures from many different countries. Since arriving

in Australia, Dr Sarita McHarg has been exploring different ways to combine the music of her own culture with that of fellow musicians here. Subsequently, their music represents the literary taste, folklore and classical tone of many cultures in an unique blend of Indian, Sufi, Greek, Arabis, Turkish, Persian and Hebrew music. Their inspiration is to preserve the various cultural elements and instrumentation and, at the same time, take the music forward.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again)

Season: September 7 – 23.

The show features three overachievers attempting to perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 97 minutes. Fast-paced, witty, and physical, it’s an evening (or afternoon) of laughter for Shakespeare fans and haters alike.

her own class in the local village hall for anyone in the area. A mixed, and otherwise incompatible group of seven women and one man meet weekly for their tap-dancing class in a dingy London church hall. Each struggling to conquer their inhibitions or dance technique or both!

Spider-Man Lotus shrivels under its emo energy

Spider-Man: Lotus

Starring Warden Wayne, Sean Thomas Reid and Tuyen Powell

2.5/5

Spider-Man: Lotus is an infamous Spider-Man fan film (an unlicensed film made by fans) directed, written and produced by Gavin J Konop.

After the death of his girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Tuyen Powell), a grieving Spider-Man, aka Peter Parker (Warden Wayne), is unsure whether he can still call himself a hero.

On a technical level, Spider-Man: Lotus is a competent debut. The untrained cast deliver decent performances (if sometimes soapoperatic), and Sean Thomas Reid stands out with measured, weary grief as Harry Osborn. The dramatic scenes are generally well-shot, and the visual effects are surprisingly solid for a fan film (except for the glaringly fake fire in the warehouse fight). Lotus begins with an earnest, energetic action sequence, the film has a couple of stylish black-and-white scenes with Spider-Man rendered in colour, and has a touching emotional core of Spider-Man bonding with a terminally-ill young fan.

If Spider-Man: Lotus were just a half-hour short film about Spider-Man confiding in a fan and learning to be a hero again, it would have been much better-received. But much of Lotus

is an uneventful, angst-ridden slog. The characters are mopey and underdeveloped, the dialogue is clunky and overwritten, and Lotus’s action scenes are very poorly-shot.

It’s also worth noting that Konop made Lotus essentially out of spite and oneupmanship toward the MCU Spider-Man series, and he and star Wayne were both exposed for a long string of racist, homophobic and ableist online behaviour.

Spider-Man: Lotus is free to watch onYouTube, but there are many far better fan films (with less problematic creators) out there, including Tears in the Rain (a Blade Runner short), Batman: Dying Is Easy, Patient J, Punisher: Dirty Laundry, Power/Rangers, Portal: No Escape and the Uncharted fan film.

Gemco Players Community Theatre

Stepping Out

Season: September 8 – 23.

Set in London, the story follows the lives of the members of an amateur tap class. Each attending for their own reasons. This play is a wonderfully endearing tale of how determination, friendship and camaraderie can shape even the most bashful into proud performers. Mavis, a professional dancer who didn’t quite make it past the chorus line, now runs

Then the day comes when Mavis breaks the news to the group that they have been invited to perform in front of an audience for a big charity concert. With varying degrees of talent and determination we see how each class member copes with the challenge… but with only a few weeks to learn an impressive tap routine, will they do it in time?

Reminder:

Kemp’s curtain call PASSION

· The 1812 Theatre Of Mice and Men. October 5 – 28. Bookingss:9758 3964

First Australian woman in Antarctica book reviewed

The Art of Breaking Ice, by poet and novelist Rachel Mead, is a fictionalised account of the life of Nel Law, the first Australian woman and female visual artist to set foot in Antarctica, at Mawson Station on 8 February, 1961.

Prior to that, at the end of 1960, Law visited Macquarie Island, halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica. One of her oil paintings of the island’s penguin colonies is now displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart.

Because Australia did not officially allow women to go to Antarctica until 1974, Law made both journeys as a stowaway, smuggled onto the ship by her husband Phillip, a prominent scientist and explorer who served as director of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions from 1949 to 1966.

Indeed, history reveals very little about Law – mainly as the wife of the Man of Antarctica who was responsible for Australia’s permanent presence on that continent. Even what is known today as her writing and art works, donated to various institutions after her death in 1990, resulted from her husband’s careful curation and annotation.

Now we have a chance to imagine her own voice.

In The Art of Breaking Ice, Nel – a fictional version of Law – is placed at the front and centre of the stage that is her husband’s 13th voyage to Antarctica. During most of the journey, she is the only woman among 67 male scientists, researchers and crew onboard the ship.

Nel finds herself surrounded by “misogynist mutterings, sexual rumours, condescending takedowns and blatant intimidations” – a male-dominated workplace where she is seen as baggage and appendage of worthy, capable, intelligent and high-

Learn dementia symptoms

During this year’s Dementia Action Week (1824 September) we are encouraging people to learn more about the signs and symptoms of the condition and how to make their communities more accessible to people living with dementia.

There are estimated to be more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and more than 1.5 million involved in their careand those numbers are set to rise.

As dementia diagnoses increase, it’s important to learn more about the signs and symptoms and how to make our communities more accessible to people living with dementia. That’s why this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week (18-24 September) is Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future.

FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN

ly-distinguished men, who demand that she be always easygoing, non-threatening, taking every mockery as a joke.

In her words: “It is so wearing. Being watched, all the time. Not just how I looked, but what I was doing, who I spoke to, and how I spoke. It was exhausting... My face ached from constantly smiling, yet I still found myself the butt of gossip.”

Unable and unwilling to rely on her husband, who refuses to see her sketches and paintings as work, Nel is determined to turn her predicament into an opportunity to explore and empower herself as an artist. Against the backdrop of a harsh Antarctic landscape, her journey of self-making is astounding and awe-inspiring.

Readers should keep in mind that The Art of Breaking Ice is a novel inspired by real events. It is neither a biography nor a feminist work. Rather, as the author describes it, it is a story about love, about long-term relationships and living in a spouse’s shadow, about mid-20th-century gender roles, and about the art-science binary.

In Mead’s words: “It is my hope that [Nel] inspires others as she has inspired me. To seize the moment. To not allow fear to hold us back. And to refuse to let the long shadows cast by history and tradition make us doubt ourselves our limit the scope of our dreams.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Many people can continue to live well with dementia, but it’s important they feel supported in their community.

Greater awareness helps to create discussion and break down stigma or barriers that could stop people from seeking help.

Increasing our understanding of dementia can make a big difference to the lives of people around us who are impacted.

There are things we can all do to make our communities more dementia-friendly. To find out how you can make a difference, please visit dementia.org.au.

Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia Bobby Redman, Chairman, Dementia Australia advisory committee

· The Basin Theatre Belle October 5 – 15. Bookings: 1300 784 668 Tuesday,

PUZZLES

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Danish writer, Hans

– Andersen (9)

6 Electronic music player (4)

10 Yank (3)

11 Right away (11)

12 Graveyard (8)

13 French (6)

14 Umpteen (4)

15 Italian composer (7)

20 Enlarge (7)

21 Church recess (4)

25 Soporific drug (6)

26 Dictator (8)

28 New birth (11)

29 Speck (3)

30 Bring up (4)

31 Unconvinced (9)

DOWN

1 Subterranean burial chamber (8)

2 Army unit (8)

3 A Japanese religion (6)

4 Be involved (9)

5 Uncovered (4)

DECODER

7 Spanish rice dish (6)

8 Solid carbon dioxide, commonly (3,3)

9 Dangers or risks (7)

16 Wealth (9)

17 Skipper (7)

18 Occasionally (8)

19 Abstaining from alcohol (8)

22 Scary genre (6)

23 The capital of Austria (6)

24 Convincing (6)

27 Invites (4)

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORDFIT

arum, atrium, aunt, etui, inure, manure, mature, menu, MINIATURE, minuet, minute, minutia, minutiae, mute, nature, nutria, ruin, rumen, ruminate, rune, runt, triune, true, tuna, tune, tuner, turn, unarm, unit, unite, unmet, untie, urea, urinate, urine, uteri

No. 150

No. 150

No. 150

HOME WITH VIEWS AND STUDIO

OVERLOOKING a stunning backdrop of the nearby Cardinia Reservoir and views across the valley, this character, 2 storey, weatherboard home is large, spacious and ideal for any sized family looking to live, grow and create!

Boasting a versatile floorplan that incorporates up to 6 fantastic bedrooms (or 4 plus 2 home offices/home gym etc), 2 bathrooms and 2 spacious living rooms, this home offers striking features such as hardwood floorboards, ornate fireplace with mantelpiece, timber windows and classic French doors. Gas ducted heating as well evaporative cooling keep the temperature even all year round and a coonara style wood heater helps to keep those winter chills away. An added bonus of this already remarkable property is the separate studio with bathroom and kitchenette that is the ideal guest accommodation, work from home office or teenagers dream come true!

Beautifully paved, there are 2 outdoor entertaining areas plus a large spa which allows you to sit back, relax and take in that mesmerising view.

Add to all of this a remote entry front gates, double garage, a sealed, semi-circular driveway and extra parking on a near flat block with the whistle of Puffing Billy chugging past your door and you have a truly outstanding property. ●

FOCUS

ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED HOME

ONLY an architect could possibly have the extraordinary vision to design this inspirational home.

A superb union of glass, rendered brick and timber flow over several magnificent levels, giving the home a beautiful balance of light and space. The extensive use of cathedral ceilings and glass throughout the house takes advantage of the relaxing views from every angle of the property.

Blending in with its natural surroundings of nearly ¾ of an acre (2,813m2), the home exudes a lovely, rustic feel. Enter via a private courtyard through double glass doors to an open plan design that’s extremely spacious and modern with a feature double sided wood burning heater (plus ducted gas). A totally updated family home of four bedrooms with master being separated from the children’s level. The kitchen / family room is an absolute delight to be in and takes the concept of indoor - outdoor living to a new level.

The varied roof lines give this home an interesting appearance as well as adding charm to its character. The serene surroundings are in constant view from inside the house, and huge windows face north off all main living areas, allowing maximized enjoyment of the sun. This is a truly unique home, providing a continual source of relaxation and contentment. ●

Thisrenovatedhomeboastsboundlesshighlights,includingastunningkitchen,hardwood floorboards,fourbedrooms,ahomeoffice/extrabedroom,and seamlessindoor-outdoor flowforentertaining.Thefullyfencedbackyardisperfectforfamilieswithchildren andpets,andampleoff-streetparkingisavailable.Additionalfeaturesincludehigh ceilings,heating,cooling,androbesinallbedrooms.ClosetoBelgraveandEmerald,this exceptionalfamilyhomeisamust-see.

NEWLYBuILTPROPERTYINGEMBROOK

ONEOFTHEFINEsTsTREETsINTHEHILLs

NearNewSteelFrameHomeon1AcrewithViews.

This2-bedroom,1-bathroomnewlybuiltpropertyinGembrookofferscomfortablecountry livingonaspaciousacre.Itfeatureslargewindowsfornaturallight,awell-equipped kitchen,andacozyloungewithagaswoodheater.Thepropertyincludesashed,1.5cargarage,andworkshop.situatedonasealedroadnearGembrookTownshipwith amenitiesandaschool.

0429684522

TayTing 0417302112

Thisarchitecturallyremarkablehomeseamlesslycombines glass,brick,andtimberto optimizelightandscenicviews.situatedonnearly¾ofanacre,itexudesrusticcharm withcathedralceilings,extensiveglass,andvariedrooflines.Thefour-bedroomfamily home,includingaseparatemastersuite,redefinesindoor-outdoorliving.Abundant north-facingwindowsprovidecontinuousrelaxationandcontentmentinthisuniqueand inspiringresidence.

PRIMELOCATION

CommunityFeel&WalkintoTown.

Lookingtodownsizeorexpandyourpropertyportfolio?This over55’sunit,currently tenanted,offers2bedrooms,1bathroom,open-planliving, amplestorage,lowmaintenancecourtyard,andasinglegarage.Afabulouslocationwhereyoucanwalk intoGembrookTownship,pickupafewgroceriesandmeetafriendforlunch.

mickDolphin 0429684522

JanetHawkins 0409117432

LIFESTYLE AND PROFITABLE FARMING OPPORTUNITY

SITUATED on 60 stunning, private & peaceful acres you will find 50 acres of an immaculate, successful and profitable Cherry Farm + 10 acres with approved plans and permits for an executive, family home.

The farm consists of approximately 20,000 cherry trees and over $1,000,000 of infrastructure including full bird netting, an off-grid amenities shed, a machinery shed, a storage shed and a contractor designated campsite with caravan and accommodation. This farm has been set up with the best of everything in terms of infrastructure and every aspect of running the property is documented, leaving you nothing to do but launch into your own extremely profitable, lifestyle, farming business and set your family up for life. The farm is currently being run solely by a couple who work full time during harvest, being November to January and between 1 -3 days per week the remainder of the year with the assistance of contractors for the picking and pruning when required.

Key aspects of this amazing opportunity include:

· 60 immaculate acres, fully fenced and privately located in the beautiful Yarra Valley, · 50 acres, being home to approx 20,000 trees, all under nets (3 years old) which come with the balance of a 10-year warranty,

· Established supply agreements to packhouse/distributor (approx. 95% of crop),

· Single lane packing line to supply markets and direct channels (approx. 5% of crop)

· 20 Megalitre bore,

· Scientific growth plan in place to ensure the best crop every time,

· Fully documented and streamlined process,

· Contractor camp area and facilities,

· Machinery shed

· Storage shed

· Fully insulated, off-grid amenities shed with kitchen and bathroom,

· 10 clear acres with approved plans and permits for a stunning 4-bedroom home,

· Room on the 10 acres for the horses, hobby farm or whatever you desire,

· Designated Hipcamp site for additional income,

· Outstanding income for a comfortable 2-person business in the majority parttime,

· 1 year hand over by negotiation,

· All equipment required to efficiently run the farm is being sold separately at heavily reduced prices, (chattels list available) and

· Purchase and settle before 30th November 2023 and keep the return from this December’s harvest, forecasted to be $500,000+

If you are looking to escape the rat race, provide a profitable legacy for your family, find stunning land to build your dream home with the option of making an income, (whether you run it or employ a manager), or maybe you are purely looking for a profitable farming business – this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Being sold as a going concern this opportunity comes complete with all the perks of being a primary producer – so don’t hesitate, call now for more information.

Check out the video at: https://youtu.be/ z9diqxJZNq0?si=mTy4kI3sVDsAXoQj

Call today for more information and to arrange a private inspection - you will definitely be impressed.

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. ●

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.

Entertainers&Tradies–1.25Acres+HeatedPool+Shedding!

Withpost&railfencing,electricgates,landscapedgardens,acirculardrive&asolid4-bedroom home–alljustashortwalktotheheartofCockatoo.Thehomefeatures3undercoveroutdoor entertainingareas,&asolarheatedsaltwaterpool.Theformalloungehasanambientopenfire,& anopenplanfamilyroomwithwoodheaterwithheattransfertothebedrooms.Thereismainsgas ductedheatingthroughout&asplitsystem.Thekitchenhasa1200mmFalconGasfreestanding oven,stonebenchtops,&abundantstorage.TheMasterbedroomhasaWIR&ensuite,&there are2furtherrobedbedrooms&thefamilybathroom.Continuedownstairstotherumpusroomwith woodfire,&aroomthatwouldbeagreathomeoffice/4thbedroom.Thefeaturescontinueoutside witha3bayworkshop/shed,ahighbaydoublecarport,DLUG,&6.6kWsolarsetup.

Lovely3BedroomHomeorSubdividethisNearly¾AcreFlatBlock(STCA).

WalktotheCockatooamenitieswhilstenjoyingnearly¾ofanacreoffullyfencedflatyard.Or considerthepossibilitiesofsubdividing(STCA)withthe‘NeighbourhoodResidentialZoning’.This logcabindesignhome,offers3generousbedrooms,allwithBIRs&accesstothewraparound verandah.Freshlypaintedinternally,enjoythevaultedceilings,&cosyuptothewoodfire.There isanupdatedbathroomwithwalkinshower&handshower.ThereisanL-shapedloungeroom/ diningroomwithgasheating&airconditioning,&kitchenwithelectricoven.Thereisagreatrear entertainingdeckoverlookingtheyardfulloffruittrees,&rollinglawn.Alsosituatedtowardsthe rearoftheblockisamudbrickstudio,completewithpower&electricheater,adjacenttoadouble carport/storagearea&therearealso3gardensheds.

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.

27DevonAvenue,Cockatoo$990,000-$1,089,000

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

105WooriYallockRoad,Cockatoo$780,000-$840,000

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

BIGGER AND BETTER AT BONAPARTE PLACE

LARGER than meets the eye and with beautiful detail such as soaring timber raked ceilings, this property showcases all that you are looking for in your next home.

With three spacious bedrooms, home office/nursery plus two updated bathrooms, this home has a versatile floorplan and so much space for a growing family. Two separate living areas can be found at either end of the home. The front lounge with its stunning ceiling height, clerestory windows and charming wood fire flows easily to a formal dining area while the more relaxed family room and meals area can be found off the beautifully appointed kitchen.

A combination of gas ducted heating, split systems, wood heater and ceiling fans work together perfectly to assure perfect temperature control whilst ducted vacuuming is an added extra you will love!.

Outside, the oversized, undercover entertaining area is an absolute must for larger get-togethers and can be enjoyed year round and allows you to spill out onto the fenced rear yard where children and pets can play safely and securely.

A double garage with workstation plus extra parking bay for your trailers or other toys adds to the package, making this the perfect property package!

Close to both Lysterfield Primary School, Karoo Primary School and within easy access to both Wellington Road and Burwood Highway, makes 20 Bonaparte Place your next family address! ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 20 Bonaparte Place, ROWVILLE Description:

EASY LIVING IN A FRIENDLY COURT

SET in a quiet, friendly court location, this well maintained, three bedroom, one bathroom home has the perfect amount of space for those who are looking for a low maintenance lifestyle.

Neat and tidy both inside and out, the home has a well-designed floor plan created for open plan living, with its large lounge and dining area flowing seamlessly off the contemporary kitchen.

Gas ducted heating runs throughout along with split system cooler/heaters giving quick and convenient temperature control in the living area and main bedroom. If you are after a cool breeze, open the glass sliding door and extend your indoor living to the outdoors with a large paved alfresco area that is both private and peaceful. For larger gatherings, the rear door of the double garage can be opened creating an excellent amount of extra entertaining space. Pretty garden beds bordering the patio are filled with mature plants, making this a lovely place to sit and relax. For the handyperson, the garage offers a powered workbench with natural light.

In an absolutely delightful street setting, with only a short stroll to the Ferntree Gully shopping village and train station, with access to the Ringwood–Belgrave Rail Trail, this much-loved property is perfect in every way. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Rachel Eastwood 0401 117 761

Immaculatepresentationandafirmfocusonindoor-outdoorlivingmakeiteasytoimagine livingatthisimpressiveproperty.Boastingaleafy,landscapedquarter-acreallotment betweenGlenfernValleyBushlandReserveandUpweytownshipandtrainstation,this propertyisaninvestmentinlifestyle.

FORSALE

Offeredforsaleforthefirsttimeinalmost50years,oneofthemosticonicproperties throughouttheDandenongRangesisnowavailableforsale.Situatedontheedge ofSherbrookeForest,stretchingasfarastheeyecansee,theincredibleviewstakein Westernport,PortPhillipBayandthethousandsoftwinklinglightsinbetween.The78acres (approx.)ofmostlycleared,undulatinglandhasbeautiful,richsoilandhasbeenpartofthe Endersby’sdaffodilfarmsince1974.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

FORSALE

1JamesStreet,SELBY

$690,000to$720,000

WHIMSICALHOMEINWONDERFULPOCKETPOSITION

3 A 1 B 2 C

Thiswhimsicalresidencewillalightimaginationswithitscharm,potential,position,and 1,435sqm(approx.)property.Filledwithhandcraftedelementsandenrichedwithadouble carportandabundantoff-streetparking,thispropertynearbustransportandlocalshops isajoytobehold.Fromthesunroomentry,theinteriorbranchestoanamplehomeoffice/ studyandtheopenplandiningareaandkitchen.

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

14KiaOraAvenue,UPWEY $780,000-$835,000

LOVELYHOME,LEVELBLOCK,LIFESTYLELOCATION 3 A 1 B 2 C

Enjoythischaracter-filledhomeonacovetedlevelallotmentwithinwalkingdistanceof Upweytownshipandtrainstation.Suitedtobuyershopingtosecuretheperfectblendof moderncomfortandtimelesscharm,thispropertywillmakealastingimpression.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen

M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Top awards for runners

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics Cross Country season came to an end on Saturday atYarra Glen Playground as the club celebrated with its 2023 Cross Country Trophy Presentation.

There have been some wonderful results at local rounds, open days, region and state competitions.Thank you to the families for helping out on the day. To Alan and his team for equipment setup and pack up, Uli and his team for feeding us all from the BBQ and Michael and his team for presentations and activities. Our major award winners were:

· ‘That is what Cross Country is all about’ Family Award - The Norman’s.

· Girls Cross Country Champion - Milly Hall

· Boys Cross Country Champion - Ryder Holland

· Girls President’s Award - Brookley Horsburgh

· Boys President’s Award - Jonty Friend

· Girls PB Award - Adele Ellis

· Boys PB Award - Micah Friend

Big thanks must also go to our set up crew - Rob Belli, Mike Willey, Uli Homann and Michael Clarke who braved the weather and cold to start setting up from 7.30 every Saturday. This season the helpers load was shared among a much larger group of families, it made the morning races run smoothly every week. We appreciate you and thank you for volunteering so the athletes can run Cross Country.

Our seniors will compete in the final round of XCR next weekend as teams from around Victoria chase glory at the Tan Relays. After that we turn our attention to the Track and Field season with both Littles and Seniors beginning on 7 October.

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any

Trades & Services

The Re-Roof Man

age or ability. If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of track and field registration is not open, 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!

Employment

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

Boys President’s Award winner Jonty Friend.

Girls Cross Country Champion Milly Hall. Pictures: SUPPLIED

SPORT

Upgrades welcome news

By Tanya Faulkner

Knoxfield can expect some big changes on the horizon for local sports.

A motion has passed at the recent Knox City Council meeting of Monday 28 August for the installation of a synthetic sporting surface at R.D Egan Lee Reserve.

The movement was originally presented in Council by Cr Lisa Cooper in 2015 when she first came to council, after engaging with its main stakeholders, including the Knox City Football Club, and the Knoxfield Scouts.

Since then, she has advocated for the community to have a master plan endorsed by council, which came about in 2018, including the installation of a synthetic sports surface.

She said the recent decision to approve the tender has been eight and a half years of work, before the community could see the plan come into fruition.

“The clubs were nervous about this decision tonight,” she said when presenting the tender to the council.

The tender requested Knox City Council to approve the allocation of an additional $910,000 from property proceeds to the Egan Lee Reserve Sportsfield Redevelopment project towards the synthetic sports surface, alongside works to the natural pitch and lighting improvements.

Cr Cooper said she was“proud” to be bringing this proposal to council on behalf of the Knoxfield community.

Discussion about the works brought up a number of concerns and positives, including the environmental impacts, usage by the community, and other costs that required allocation by council.

Cr Laukins, while acknowledging the work gone into the tender over the previous eight years, said synthetic surfaces can have a negative impact on the climate, and it would be important for council to balance that out.

“The idea to plant 200 trees in the area will help offset the ‘heat island effect’.

“As a council we need to be offsetting these decisions as much as we can,” she said.

On the opposing side, Cr Dwight said she couldn’t agree with the cost allocation when there are other costs in council that have had to be cut due to budget concerns.

However, Cr Pearce pointed council’s attention back to the value going back to the community, that went beyond the dollar sign.

“It’s not just the dollar cost of the project, but the value that the community will take from the space.

“The synthetic surface will provide up to 75 hours of use per week, where a natural surface only provides up to 25 hours per week, showing an increase of 200%.

“We have a chronic capacity shortage in Knox, and we have to get maximum usage out of the space,” he said.

Finally, Cr Timmers-Leitch acknowledged that the environmental outcome was her concern, however noted that the infill on top of pitch, while usually is rubber, was proposed to be of an organic substance, and slightly better for the environment.

Installing the synthetic surface at the park will provide safe and consistent playing conditions all year round, be low maintenance and durable, adapt the sporting reserve to climatic conditions and encourage community participation in sport.

Knox City Football Club (KCFC) president Dave Merry, who’s club would be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new pitch, said it would work wonders for club morale.

“In recent years, we could have around 32 teams at KCFC playing at Egan Lee Reserve and other additional venues across the municipality, which meant the kids not playing home games didn’t have much affiliation with the club, or the culture we have here.

“Unfortunately, we lost a bunch of people from the club to other clubs in the area where they could be part of the culture,” he said.

Mr Merry said the demographic in Knox has changed in recent years, bringing in more young families and kids wanting to play soccer, and there’s been more of a push to get females into the sport.

“Our bottle neck now is how can we dilute costs and allow for the club to facilitate more members.

“We’ve done up the bathrooms and changing rooms to make them more female friendly - there’s still room for improvement, but they’re better than they were,” he said.

Over the years, the greatest issue being

faced by KCFC is pitch allocation and training space.

“In wet weather the current fields would almost be gone in the mud, and parents don’t really want their kids playing in the mud and coming home all dirty.

“The upgrade would allow our teams to train and play during any weather conditions, and would also put us on par with Croydon and Moorabbin who have had their pitches upgraded, so we can attract more players from in and around the area,” he said.

The upgraded pitch would allow players to train safely regardless of weather, and would give KCFC the opportunity to recruit at least 50-80 new players into the club.

Not only would the synthetic grounds be greatly beneficial to KCFC, the wider community and other sporting disciplines in Knox would have use of the pitch, including Knox Park Primary School. The tender passed at the Knox City Council meeting of 28 August 2023 almost unanimously.

Monbulk under 19s bow out after tough loss to Officer

Around 150 Monbulk supporters made their way to Woori Yallock on the morning of Sunday 10 September to watch the Unders 19s take on Officer in the 1st Semi-Final. Ideal cool, calm and overcast conditions greeted the teams as they assembled at the ground. The Hawks had beaten Kangaroos by 46 points at Officer the last time they met in Round 15 and were hopeful of a repeat performance.

It was Officer who started more assuredly and they had a goal on the board within two minutes. The Kangaroos controlled the ball for most of the first quarter and took in a 14 point lead at the first break. The second term was to be a tight affair but it was Officer who managed the only goal for the quarter. Monbulk’s usual ability to control the tempo of the play when they fall behind and to use short options or successfully switch the play was stifled by the pressure that Officer were able to apply.

Having let Officer play the match on their terms over the first 40 minutes, it was to be a more physical approach in the opening minutes of the second half for the Hawks as they were determined to wrest back control of the game. Players went in hard after the football but it was again the Kangaroos who came out on top as far as the scoreboard was con-

cerned. By three quarter time Officer looked home, with a commanding 31 point lead as Monbulk were still anchored on one goal. Throwing caution to the wind, as their season was on the line, Monbulk were able to break through Officer’s defences on several occasions to register four last quarter goals as they came home with a wet sail. But it was to be too little, too late however, as time beat them with the margin still at 14 points when the siren sounded. Coach Kris Fletcher praised the team after the match for what they had achieved for the year. He also announced that he would be stepping down as coach of the Under 19s after three years at the helm, having made finals in the two seasons since the Covid interrupted years. Officer 7.5.47 def Monbulk 5.3.33

· Best: Officer - Sam Hoghton, Taj Beddows, Bowen Johnston, Beau Sargent, Byron Neale, Riley Perkins

· Monbulk - Mackay Bateson, Nick Taylor, Ben Smith, Timothy Rickard, Tait Colee, Jack Downard-Pengilly

· Goals: Officer - Ryan Mibus 1, Bowen Johnston 1, Al Claxton 1, Riley Perkins 1, Jay West 1 + 2 not recorded

· Monbulk - Nick Taylor 1, Zeke Charlton 1, Mackay Bateson 1, Mackenzie Rouget 1, Lachlan Smith 1

Jayden Spencer (22), Tait Colee (28) and Tim Rickard of Monbulk Under 19s try to spoil their Officer opponent. Picture: ARMIN RICHTER

Wrap of outer-east action

FOOTBALL

Premier Division

Seniors

· 2nd Semi-Final - Narre Warren 9.10.64 def

Wandin 9.7.61

· Best: Narre Warren - Hamish West, Peter Gentile, Brad Scalzo, Lachlan Benson, Hayden Johnson, Tom Miller

· Wandin - Joel Garner, Patty Bruzzese, Clinton Johnson, John Ladner, Cole Steiner, Todd Garner

· Goals: Narre Warren - Tom Toner 3, Jesse Davies 2, Hamish West 2, Lachlan Benson 1, Tom Miller 1

· Wandin - Clinton Johnson 3, Aaron Mullett 2, Patrick Hodgett 2, Damien Furey 1, Joel Garner 1

· 1st Semi-Final - Woori Yallock 14.14.98 def

Pakenham 12.13.85

· Best: Woori Yallock - Robert Allen, Zach Monkhorst, Joshua Neal, Oscar Simpson, Bailey Syswerda, Alex Marsh

· Pakenham - Matthew Vaiano, Jordan Stewart, Rhys Clacy, Jake Thompson, James Harrison, Jake Barclay

· Goals: Woori Yallock - Joshua Neal 6, Jude Hay 2, Angus Smith 1, Robert Swan 1, Kody Busoli 1, Kynan French 1, Mitchell Arnold 1, Alex Marsh 1

Pakenham - not recorded

Reserves

· 2nd Semi-Final - Narre Warren 6.5.41 def Upwey-Tecoma 2.5.17

· 1st Semi-Final - Wandin 12.5.77 def Mt. Evelyn 7.8.50

Under 19s

· 2nd Semi Final - Narre Warren 4.11.35 def

Upwey-Tecoma 3.7.25

· 1st Semi Final - Officer 7.5.47 def Monbulk

5.3.33

1st Division

Seniors

· Preliminary Final - Emerald 15.15.105 def

Healesville 12.8.80

· Best: Emerald - Josh Rich, Joshua Webb, Michael Richardson, Steven Paull, Dale Karacsonyi, Brendan Wilson

· Healesville - Sam Gebert, Charlie Warren, Nick Mende, Liam Daly, Shaun Donkin, Daniel Plozza

· Goals: Emerald - Callum White 3, David Johnson 3, Adrian Russo 2, Josh Rich 2, Lachlan Hoye 2, Jared Derksen 2, Isaac Seskis 1

· Healesville - Sam Gebert 6, Ben Wilsmore 1, Max Donegan 1, Jesse Bates 1, Kobe Brown 1, Zac Fawdry 1, Lochie Oliver 1

-

·

Marc Jones of Healesville (42) and Jared Derksen of Emerald (9) contest a ruck hitout in Div 1 Seniors. Pictures: ARMIN RICHTER

Emerald’s Mitchell Thomas (14) marks over Jack Metven (25) of Healesville in the Senior Preliminary Final. Preliminary Final.

Charlie Warren of Healesville cleats the ball out of defence in the Division 1 Senior

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