Headspace Knox has celebrated its 10th birthday - a milestone for the mental health support service.
Working to the ethos of an open door policy, thousands of young people aged 12 to 25 have been helped across both Knox and the Yarra Ranges.
Heading into the next decade, headspace staff hope only to continue providing the support, care and outreach to young people in need.
To read more, Turn to page 9
Heritage Victoria has confirmed it has submitted an application to have the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens protected under the Victorian Heritage Register in accordance with the Heritage Act 2017.
In 1991, the Burnham Beeches estate - acquired by prominent Melbourne merchant and Aspro manufacturer, Alfred Nicholas in 1926 - was recognised as a place of state-level significance in the Historic Buildings Register (now the VHR).
However, the gardens surrounding the mansion were not listed for protection and
conservation, despite being developed between 1929 and 1937.
In 2010, restaurateur Shannon Bennett and investor Adam Garrison purchased the Burnham Beeches property and opened the Piggery cafe in 2014.
This venture was one in several attempts to develop the estate, which did not eventuate due to financial, planning and approval reasons.
The mansion has sat vacant for 36 years, while the gardens have been visited by tourists and locals alike.
In June 2023, it was revealed Trenerry Consortium - represented by The Victor Smorgon Group, The Kanat Group and Trenerry Property - received the go ahead for a masterplan to build a $100 million redevelopment in partnership with global company Six Senses in the wellness and sustainability hospitality operator’s first Australian venture.
Heritage Victoria’s application - submitted on 16 February 2023 - proposed the addition of the gardens in the Victorian Heritage Register and updating the statement of significance to ensure the state-level historical, architectural
and aesthetic values of the place are recognised.
The proposed extent of registration also includes the estate’s original entrance from Sherbrooke Road, which is currently outside the registered extent.
The name of the estate is also set to be changed to ‘Burnham Beeches and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens’ to reflect the change to the registration, under the application.
Turn to page 7 for more on the story
Knox fire crews have got to work early this summer as the first strike teams have been deployed.
Bayswater, Scoresby and The Basin have all had crews join the District 13 Strike Team 1314 in support of crews battling the recent Briagolong bushfire.
The fire is reported to have started on the morning of Sunday 1 October at Duffy Road in Briagolong, with locals to the area noticing the smell of smoke in the earlier hours of the day.
Initial emergency warnings were issued in the area on Sunday morning, instructing people to evacuate or find shelter from the bushfire.
Bayswater Fire Brigade captain Jamie McFarlane said crews from Knox were deployed to Maffra at around 11am on Sunday morning to assist with the fire.
“We got to Maffra at around 12pm and then moved down to Briagolong to help with the fire.
“Our crews didn’t get back to Knox until around 1am on Monday morning,” he said. Weather reports say the firefighters were competing with winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour, as well as significantly warmer temperatures over the weekend.
Emergency warnings have been reissued for Briagolong, Stockdale and Stratford again this morning, with the District 13 Strike Team redeployed to Briagolong at approximately 4am on Tuesday 3 October.
Mr McFarlane said another five crews from Knox have gone back out to help crews manage the fire, including asset protection and working to get the fire under control.
He said the weather conditions have not
been in firefighters favour.
“The high wind speed has had an impact on the fire and increased its intensity and made it harder to combat.
“With the rain now coming through we are hoping it will assist firefighters in getting the fire under control, and hopefully put it out all together,” he said.
According to Mr McFarlane, this fire has been quite large-scale for so early in the season.
“We don’t normally have strike teams deployed from Knox this early in the season, and it did catch us a bit off guard,” he said.
However, despite the surprise, local crews have managed to fill their trucks for deployment, and maintain enough crews to service the Knox area as well.
Mr McFarlane it’s important for locals to ensure they are prepared for the warmer weather and have a plan.
“If you live near, or plan to travel to, a fire risk area this summer, make sure you’re checking the fire danger ratings daily and have a bushfire survival plan for you and your family,” he said.
One home in Briagolong has been claimed by the fire, with other rural areas still at risk in Gippsland.
The Briagolong fire is not the only one being battled by firefighters in Gippsland, with another out-of-control fire, which started near Lakeside Track within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, also causing concern earlier this week.
At the time of writing, the Briagolong fire is not yet under control, with emergency warnings still in place.
A relief centre at the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex in Sale has been opened.
The latest crime statistics have recently been released for the year 2023, with some alarming results arising in the Knox municipality.
Overall crime has increased in the region by 11.8 per cent, jumping from 6,406 incidents in 2022 up to 7,160 in the year ending June 2023.
Of those crimes, a significant amount can be traced back to youth offenders, which continues to be on the rise across Victoria.
In Knox alone for 2023, youth crime has almost doubled, with those in the 10 to 17 year old bracket committing 421 crimes in the year ending June 2023 - up from 298 in 2022.
Across the state, statistics show a significant increase of approximately 26 per cent in the number of violent and serious crimes committed by youth offenders between the ages of 14 to 17.
Of those offences, more than 3750 were assaults, and almost 1500 car thefts.
Additionally, the number of children who were harmed or put in danger also increased over the same timeframe, with 11,461 reports of crimes against the person - including assault, dangerous or negligent behaviour - recorded byVictorians below the age of 18, compared with 10,451 in 2022.
These are the highest number of those types of crimes recorded against children in at least 10 years.
Unfortunatly, however, these figures are less than surprising to most Victorians, following a
series of stabbings involving teenagers across the state in 2023, and the alleged kidnapping and armed robbery of a 14-year-old Glen Eira College student.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner Rick Nugent said, in the Victoria Police Youth Gang Strategy 2023–2026, the factors that lead to youth gang behaviour and offending are complex, spanning social, economic, and environmental issues.
“Youth gangs are often the result of social marginalisation, fragmented family structures or economic hardship.
“Individuals who are exposed to crime and the criminal justice system early in life are likely to face longer-term developmental, mental, physical and social problems.
“Victoria Police is determined to disrupt groups displaying threatening and violent behaviour to protect the safety of our community.
“At the same time, Victoria Police recognises the complex risk factors that motivate young people to join youth gangs,” he said.
Despite government passing reforms in the state’s upper house to fix Victoria’s contentious bail laws, they now face a new challenge to shape legislation for young offenders amid concerns over youth crime.
Additionally, drug use in Knox also poses an increasing issue to the municipality.
Research has emerged showing that Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs are among the worst for drug related charges, with the Knox
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
municipality in the top five worst regions for arrests in relation to methamphetamine use and possession.
The Knox municipality, including Bayswater and Wantirna, had 240 methamphetamine charges laid in the 12 months leading up to March 2023.
Neighbouring region, the Greater Dandenong area, had the highest numbers in Victoria, with 310 charges laid, and nearby Casey came close with 210.
Overall Knox police laid approximately 877 drug-related charges, with Casey reaching just over 1,000 and Dandenong in the top percentile with 1283 charges in the same timeframe.
Across the state, for the year ending in March 2023, there were over 30,000 drug charges laid inVictoria.
Victoria Police spokesperson said overall drug related offending inVictoria has remained stable year on year, only seeing an overall 0.7 per cent increase in 2023.
“Dealing and trafficking had a 2.4 per cent increase, and use and possession increased by 0.8 percent, however drug cultivation and manufacturing saw an 18 per cent rise in the year 2023.
“These all increased following sustained police enforcement,” they said.
The Victoria Police spokesperson said they will continue to target those who generate the most drug related harm, specifically traffickers and manufacturers.
The latest statistics can be found at crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/
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.
CFA vehicles were called to a car fire in Cockatoo on Wednesday 4 October, a spokesperson from the organisation has confirmed.
CFA vehicles were called to the incident on Belgrave-Gembrook Road at 7.54pm, according to the spokesperson.
“The incident was declared safe at 7.59pm,“ the spokesperson said.
“CFA had three trucks on scene, all from Cockatoo.“
Police have arrested a man after an allegedly stolen utility crashed in Bayswater North.
Officers were on patrol when they saw sparking from a light pole near intersection of Canterbury Road and Canterbury Court, Baywater North about 2.40am on Friday 6 October. It’s understood a Holden Utility, with no registration plates, crashed into the pole and the driver had fled the scene.
Local officers cordoned the area while Police Dog Squad searched for the driver. A male was located in the backyard of a nearby home and arrested at the scene.
A 30-year-old Mulgrave man is currently assisting police with their enquiries. It’s understood the Holden was stolen in AirportWest on 16 September.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Road safety authorities are urging Victorian motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, with warmer weather likely to see more riders on the state’s roads.
The Transport Accident Commission today joined the Department of Transport and Planning, and Victoria Police, to launch Motorcyclist Awareness Month. Led by the Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel (MCEP), the month-long campaign is an annual initiative encouraging both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road safely.
So far this year, 35 motorcyclists have died onVictorian roads, with more than a quarter of these fatalities occurring since the beginning of Spring.
Accident in Kallista
CFA units were called to a vehicle accident, with a person trapped, just after 4pm on Friday 6 October, on Monbulk Rd at Perrins Creek Rd in Kallista.
Ambulance Victoria, SES and Victoria Police were also on scene.
The incident was declared safe at around 4.24pm.
CFA had four trucks on scene.
Search for missing man Robert Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Boronia man Robert. The 89-year-old was last seen in Diamond Creek around 12.20pm on Wednesday, 4 October.
Police and family have concerns for Robert’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
Robert is Caucasian, about 157cm tall, of medium build with grey hair. He was last seen wearing khaki-coloured overalls cut off just below the knees, with a flannelette shirt underneath and black slippers. He may be travelling in a blue 1996 Holden Rodeo Utility with registration NSJ057.
Six additional schools and two further alleged perpetrators have been identified as part of an investigation into historical child sexual abuse atVictorian government schools.
The Beaumaris Primary School inquiry has expanded to include Drouin South Primary School, Warragul Primary School as well as Bundalong South (now closed), Chelsea Heights, Cowes and Kunyung primary schools.
It is investigating child sexual abuse by multiple staff members at Beaumaris Primary School during the 1960s and 1970s, and alleged abuse that they perpetrated at other government schools.
Former teachers Grahame (Graham) Harold Steele and David Ernest Keith MacGregor have also been newly named as two more alleged perpetrators.
Gary Arthur Mitchell had been already named as an alleged perpetrator. The inquiry is investigating 24 schools including Beaumaris, Beaconsfield Upper, Cranbourne, Dandenong North, Dandenong West, Emerald, Mirboo (now Mirboo North), Moorabbin (Tucker Road), Moorabbin West and Warragul Technical School.
Board of Inquiry chair Kathleen Foley SC said the inquiry will continue to identify alleged perpetrators and their schools to enable victim-survivors to take part in the inquiry.
“It is vital to us that every individual has the chance to share their experiences.
“We recognise that, for many, this may be their first time sharing their experiences, and we acknowledge and respect the significance of this.
“We will work with individuals to ensure their participation in this Inquiry is supported and safe.”
The inquiry has extended its submission deadline from victim-survivors from the 24 schools until 31 October. Private sessions are also available to speak to the inquiry in Melbourne’s CBD in October and November.
To make a submission or register for a private session, go to beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au
The Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary and certain other government schools is hosting drop-in information sessions for community
members to learn more about our work.
Community drop-in session details:
· Date: Thursday 12 October 2023.
· Time: 3pm-5pm
· Location: The Hills Hub, 400A BelgraveGembrook Road, Emerald, VIC 3782.
· Date: Thursday 19 October 2023.
· Time: 3pm-5pm.
· Location: Bunjil Place Boon Wurrung & Wurundjeri meeting room, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, VIC 3805.
As warmer weather draws people into parks and forests for the spring camping season Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria are asking campers to follow public land rules for the good of all.
Authorised officers from both agencies patrolled over the long weekend targeting unsafe and unattended campfires, illegal offroad vehicle use, and littering.
Wayne Robins, Acting Chief Conservation Regulator said it’s critical for safety and for the environment that you always have eyes on your campfire.
“Drive only on open, formed roads, and take your rubbish home with you,” he said.
Over the 2022 extended Grand Final long weekend, more than 30 unattended or illegal campfires were detected, and authorised officers handed out nearly 30 fines to people caught committing campfire, vehicle, or other public land offences.
Chris Mercier, Manager of Enforcement Operations, Parks Victoria said he hopes everyone enjoyed the long weekend around the campfire.
“Just remember to keep it safe by using designated campfire or barbecue bays in national and state parks, because fire safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Mr Mercier said that leaving campfires unattended is illegal and you need to be in attendance at a campfire at all times.
“One of our biggest problems with fire escapes is people leaving campfires unattended and then all of a sudden, a bit of a bit of wind comes up locally and it takes off into the forest - that’s a big problem for us,” he said.
“You have to be within at least 50 meters or line of sight - you have to be able to see the fire and there has to be an adult in charge of the fire,” he said.
Campfire etiquette also includes not throwing rubbish that won’t break down into the pits – there are many potentially devastating effects on the environment and the public’s personal safety if people don’t respect the rules.
“Glass particularly, doesn’t break down and that also ends up being a hazard for other people,” Mr Mercier said.
Campers also need to remember to adhere to total fire ban days as warm, dry weather brought by an El Nino weather pattern has increased bushfire risk this season.
Preparation is key and campers should prepare before lighting a campfire by learning how to build and maintain a safe campfire before leaving home, following campsite specific rules, checking weather conditions and fire danger ratings and having quick access to at least three buckets of water.
Mr Mercier said people coming out into the parks should respect other visitors and campers as well as being safe - being prepared for a lack of phone reception, checking whether you can bring pets or not and bringing enough water can be things to consider.
“People come to these places to get away from the city and they want to have a peaceful experience,” he said.
Off-road drivers and riders must have a valid licence and vehicle registration and stick to open, formed roads – many roads and tracks on public land are still seasonally closed to prevent damage during the wetter months and it is a serious offence to use them while closed.
· Visitors should check for any road or track closures before they leave home: mapshare. vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/
· Brush up on camping and campfire skills is available through Parks Victoria’s step-bystep online guides and video series: www. parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/campingfor-beginners
Anyone caught with an unsafe campfire, illegally driving off-road, or leaving rubbish behind can face fines ranging between $192 and $46,154.
The community can also help report any illegal behaviour on public land to 136 186.
Bushfires should be reported to 000.
“We want people to come out to enjoy these areas, bring the family and have a barbeque, just do it safely,” Mr Mercier said.
Small businesses are being hit with additional costs before the year is out.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia have implemented increased fees to cash deposits made by business owners by more than three times the original amount.
Instead of a small $3 fee per cash deposit, businesses can now expect a $10 fee every time they bank their cash.
Those businesses who already pay a $10 cash deposit fee will now have reduced deposits available to them, dropping from 20 to just five.
Knox business owners, who have already been feeling increased financial pressure with inflation and cost of living impacting their livelihoods, are not happy with the new changes.
Curves Boronia owner Miriam Major is among those small business owners who these new fees will impact the most.
She said while she understands it’s not coming from a local angle, and said the Boronia branch of Commonwealth Bank has “been amazing” with her business, she is upset with the decision.
“I already have to pay to have my eftpos machine on site and pay on every transaction that goes through the terminal.
“Some of my gym members know this and pay cash, for others they only pay in cash because that’s all they have,” she said.
She describes the move by the Commonwealth Bank as a two-edge sword.
“For small businesses to then have to pay bigger fees for cash deposits to the bank is ridiculous.
“I don’t think it’s fair that we not only have to pay for our eftpos terminals in a more ‘cashless’ society, but now have to pay extra fees for cash deposits.
Ms Major explained that, should a member pay for membership or merchandise and use $100 in cash, $10 of that now goes to the bank, and the rest needs to be split between rent, wages and other overheads.
For Ms Major, these changes mean she will have to make less deposits to reduce fees, and work harder to budget around her already increased overheads.
“It means a lot more fees for small and local businesses in Knox.
“Everything has fees now, and we just keep getting hit,” she said.
According to reports released by the Commonwealth Bank, their reported cash net profit after tax (NPAT) for 2023 added up to $10,16 billion.
Ms Major questioned the banks’ decision to
introduce more fees on businesses when their profits are so high.
“What about the little guys?What about the smaller businesses?
“Banks are always saying ‘we care about small business’ and giving the little guy a go, but this move says otherwise,” she said.
She said Victoria is moving too quickly to a cashless society, which she does not agree with entirely.
“Some of our members don’t trust banks because they have been ripped off or been victims to scams, so they only deal in cash these days.
“Other people who come here can only pay in cash, when they can,” she said.
There new fees are only one of several in-
creased costs being faced by business owners.
Earlier this year, Victorians saw an increase of 5.75 per cent to the minimum wage, and another increase to the Super Guarantee to 11 per cent, which will continue to increase by 0.5 per cent until 2025.
Additionally, increases to the cost of living, supplies, rent and utilities have also taken their toll on local business owners.
Ms Major, who has been in business for approximately six months in Boronia and employs three staff, said it’s been really challenging.
“I did my due diligence before I bought the business, and I wasn’t expecting costs to go up as much as they have since then,” she said.
For many businesses, the road ahead appears to be an uphill battle, with many doing what they can to stay afloat.
“At Curves, we are trying to promote and work within the community.
“We have partnered with the Boronia Fire Brigade to raise money for them, we are supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation this month, and we are trying to support other foundations and businesses to help the little guy in the community.
“Our members are also really generous when they can be,” she said.
Ms Major said the community can also get behind their local businesses in Knox, and share their support for their future.
“I urge locals to participate in local business shopping as much as they can.
“It’s all good to get stuff in from overseas from Shein orTemu, but small businesses can’t compete with those types of companies.
“Local is best; if everything goes off site, everything goes back out of Australia and we have nothing left for us here,” she said.
The increased Commonwealth Bank fees came into effect on October 1, 2023.
By Tanya Faulkner
In an environment of rising costs, mortgage holders can take a small sigh of relief this month.
The Reserve Bank of Australia have held the cash rate for the fourth month consecutive, giving Victorian mortgagees a slight reprieve as the Christmas season draws nearer.
This means the cash rate will remain unchanged at 4.1 per cent for October.
However, the new RBA governor Michele Bullock said Australia isn’t out of the inflation woods yet, and could be subject to further interest rates in future.
“Some further tightening of monetary policy may be required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe.
“That will continue to depend upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks,” she said in her first official statement.
She said the ultimate goal for the board
is to do what is necessary to return inflation to its target.
Ms Bullock said the outlook for household consumption still remains uncertain.
Earlier this year the Australian Financial Review showed that Australians over the age of 65 have continued spending on discretionary items, like holidays and airfares, while young adults were cutting back in all spending areas to save costs against the rising cost of living.
Despite there being a small increase in month-to-month inflation figures across the board last month, the RBA keeps its focus on core inflation when making its decisions.
By ignoring several sudden price movements last month, including holiday spending, fuel and produce, the annual growth of core inflation has continued to slow.
Unfortunately, while growth is slow, inflation continues to be stubbornly high in Australia, and Victorians need to be aware that they aren’t out of the woods yet.
Sections of the Sassafras Creek walking track remain closed after the June 2021 storm, raising concerns from a local resident about accessibility for those across the Hills.
Monbulk’s Luke Hoare, said a bridge south of of Baynes Park Road - which connects the town to Emerald and Kallista by foot - has still not been repaired after more than two years, along with other bridges along the trail.
“It makes it more difficult to run around the local area, because I’m more on busier roads and in different places that aren’t designated for walking or running or exercising,” he said.
“It reduces the amount of options for people that are close to town - you have to go further out of town to find other areas to walk or run in - maybe over to the other areas of the Dandenongs where paths are still open.”
Mr Hoare said more damage along the Sassafras Creek trail, along with overgrown vegetation, has made large large portions of the walking track unusable.
“It’s a tourist [track], but it wouldn’t be very good to come and visit,“ he said.
Parks Victoria District Manager, Brendan Sullivan, said Parks Victoria is “making progress” on bridges, tracks and boardwalks destroyed by the 2021 storms in the Dandenong Ranges.
“All impacted visitor sites are open except William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mechanics Track in Dandenong Ranges National Park and sections of Sassafras CreekWalking Track in Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Reconstruction of two boardwalks along Sassafras Creek are underway, as is a rebuild of Micawber Park Bridge in Dandenong Ranges National Park.
“This follows two bridge rebuilds completed in September, as well as the repair of damaged track near Nobles Lane, opening up the popular Sassafras CreekWalking Track from its start in the township of Sassafras to
Beagleys Bridge. We are engaging a contractor to replace the bridge south of Baynes Park Reserve in Monbulk.”
Mr Sullivan also said Parks Victoria is continuing to work on plans to reopen other damaged assets along Mechanics Track in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with repairs to one bridge completed last month.
“Plans to reopen Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform are progressing after recent re-
pairs to the steps and lower bridge,” he said.
“As a responsible land manager we have to take a safety-first approach and close access when there’s a known risk to visitors.
“We are grateful to the local community, our stakeholders and visitors for their patience and extra care around active work sites.”
It’s understood storm and flood events in 2022 impacted 52 parks, piers and other sites across the ParksVictoria estate, with the
body leading a large-scale recovering operation across the state.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - which was heavily impacted by the 2021 storm event - is set to take longer than other sites to reopen due to the sheer scale of the damage and the artistic and cultural importance of the sculptures at the site.
Works are also underway to repair Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest, which was destroyed by large tree fall in 2019.
Sherbrooke’s Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens could be protected under the state’s heritage list after an application to amend the registration of the Burnham Beeches property was submitted by Heritage Victoria earlier this year.
The Burnham Beeches estate - which the gardens surround - was recognised as a place of state-level significance in 1991.
But the gardens, which were part of the initial estate purchased by Alfred Nicholas in 1926 and developed between 1929 and 1937, were not included.
In June 2023, it was announced the Trenerry Consortium - represented by The Victor Smorgon Group, The Kanat Group and Trenerry Property - had received the go ahead for its masterplan to build a $100 million redevelopment in partnership with wellness and sustainability hospitality operator Six Senses.
Burnham Beeches has sat vacant for 36 year after several attempts to revamp the estateincluding a push by celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and business partner Adam Garrison to turn the site into a restaurant and retail complex.
The Department of Transport and Planning confirmed that Heritage Victoria submitted an application to the Heritage Council of Victoria on 16 February 2023 to amend the registration of the Heritage Council in order to clarify the relationship between the Burnham Beeches complex and the gardens - which were historically a centrepiece of the estate.
The inclusion of the gardens on the Victorian Heritage Register will ensure its protection and conservation in accordance with the Heritage Act 2017.
It is also recommended that the estate be named ‘Burnham Beeches and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens’ to reflect the change to the registration, and will include the estate’s original entrance from Sherbrooke Road, which is currently outside the registered extent.
The entrance has retained its early ornamental gates, constructed from dry volcanic stone, according to the application.
It is not set to result in any impact to the development at Burnham Beeches - which Heritage Victoria issued a permit for in April 2023.
Although ownership of the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens was transferred to the Shire of Sherbrooke in 1965, the gardens have continued to be used in conjunction with the Burnham Beeches estate for over 80 years.
In the council’s recommendation, the executive director argued the current extent of registration does not “adequately reflect the aesthetic cultural heritage values of the Burn-
ham Beeches estate”.
“The design and construction of the eastern gardens (the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens) was an ambitious landscaping feat, involving the creation of a massive terraced rockery descending into an ornamental lake and the planting of specimen trees,” the application reads.
“While specimen plantings were also a key feature of the gardens immediately surrounding the Burnham Beeches mansion, these plantings have largely been replaced. The concentration of early landscaping elements is now primarily discernible within the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.”
The amendment is set to ensure that all change within the gardens is managed through a permit approvals process that is consistent across the entirety of the area; providing “clarity for all parties involved and ensure that the historic and aesthetic cultural heritage values of the mansion and its distinctive bush garden setting are managed consistently,” the recommendation notes.
The Heritage Council of Victoria, an independent statutory authority established under the Heritage Act 2017, makes the final decision on whether a place or object is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The heritage listing recommendation is published on the Heritage Council of Victoria website and is open for public submissions until 23 November 2023 via https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/registrations-reviews/executive-director-recommendations/
The Trenerry Consortium has been contacted for comment.
Live music takes the stage this week at Burrinja, featuring folk and big band sounds. Two enchanting performances that celebrate Australia’s diverse musical tapestry.
Experience a musical journey like no other as Sarita McHarg & Band take the stage at the Lyre Room on Saturday, October 14th, at 8:00 pm. Dr. Sarita McHarg, originally from India, has embraced Australia’s rich cultural diversity to create a harmonious fusion of Indian, Sufi, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and Hebrew music. Their performance reflects the literary tastes, folklore, and classical tones of many cultures, preserving their unique elements while propelling the music forward into uncharted territory.
Adding to the evening’s allure is the local musician Jenna Campbell, a live-looping artist with mesmerizing guitar skills and an adventurous sound. Jenna’s layered instrumental music blends world music elements with progressive metal and jazz-funk, transporting audiences to different times and places.
On Sunday, October 15th, at 2:00 pm, head to Burrinja Theatre to witness the enchanting Royal Australian Navy Band, Melbourne, as they present ‘The Spirit of the Dandenongs.’
Supported by the dynamic Dandenong Ranges Big Band, this concert promises an unforgettable afternoon of live music.
The RAN Band Melbourne Wind Band, led by Lieutenant Andrew Stokes, RAN, is renowned for its exceptional performances in concert halls and theatres, featuring some of the finest musicians in the Australian Defence Force. Don’t miss these remarkable musical events that celebrate Australia’s rich cultural tapestry and showcase extraordinary talent.
To find out more about what’s coming up at Burrinja visit burrinja.org.au
A local Hills resident is determined to spread the love around the community, following another contribution to a local cause.
President of the Upper Ferntree Gully market Ian Rice is on a mission to spread funds collected by the market across local community groups, in a bid to support the wider Knox municipality.
The market recently made a donation of $5000 to the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully, to support their on site emergency department.
This is part of several donations that have been made to the community by Mr Rice on behalf of the market.
“Whatever money has been raised by the market, after costs, will go back to local community groups.
“We recently made a donation to the Upper Ferntree Gully CFA, and to the Upper Ferntree Gully junior football team from our recent Grand Final footy themed market,” he said.
Mr Rice said the market has been running for“many a cold, hot and wet day” over the last few years, having been a staple for the community for almost half a century.
Angliss Hospital director of emergency services Dr Marty Koolstra said the donation will go a long way for the hospital.
“This donation is going towards a patient monitor that helps us manage and monitor patients’ vital signs including their heart rate and oxygen saturation levels,” he said.
Currently, the hospital holds 23 acute cubicles in their emergency department, however not all of them have monitors available.
Dr Koolstra said the extra monitor means they will be able to react to their patients’ situations and monitor them closer in the ward.
“The data from the monitor in the cubicle gets fed back to a monitor in a nursing station, so doctors and nurses can keep an eye on what’s happening with the patients, even when they’re not in the cubicle next to them.
“Another great feature of the monitor is that it records patient data and saves it, so if they have a drop in blood pressure or their heart rate becomes irregular, indicating a loss of consciousness, we can pick up on the problems much quicker and find out why things happen.
“This leads to increased patient safety with us, and we can react to deterioration in patients much quicker than we can without it,” he said.
The team at Angliss Hospital pride themselves on being a service that supports the local community, and Dr Koolstra said they already have strong connections with the Upper Ferntree Gully Market.
“The market staff are often locals to Upper Ferntree Gully, and some have already been patients at the hospital, so we have that connection.
“We pride ourselves in serving the local community, not only with the market putting back into the hospital, but also vice versa with the hospital servicing the local communityit’s a great feeling,” he said.
The Upper Ferntree Gully Market is held on Saturday and Sunday at the Upper Ferntree Gully Station car park from 9am to 3pm weekly.
‘‘With and for the youth’’ is the ambition of a local community service celebrating 10 years in the Knox community.
Headspace Knox have been serving local youths for the past decade, with the focus on improving the lives of youths and their families and providing support to those who need it most.
Headspace Knox and Lilydale services manager Lana Clark said their core values are what have made Headspace what it is in the municipality.
“We have got really committed, passionate, engaging staff who love working with young people and making the service really accessible and welcoming to young people in the community.
“We have an open door policy so any young person can come in, and we do our best to find the best service for them - whether that’s through us or another in the community,” she said.
According to Ms Clark, headspace services young people from 12 to 25 years in the Knox, Yarra Ranges, Maroondah and surrounding communities with a range of services.
“What we can do depends on the needs of the young person,it could be multiple things or just one.
“We have lots of programs on site including counselling, links to extra support in the community, work and placement support, help with resumes or finding work in their local community, a range of mental health services, our L2P to help learner drivers get their 120 hours, and we have several GPs connected with us,” she said.
Headspace Knox team leader of intake and brief intervention Chris Morley said there is also a range of staff on site to support youth.
“There are a range of expertise on site like psychologists, youth and social workers and nursing staff.
“We have a different worker to suit each different young person and their needs.
“Our primary aim is to help young people come into the service and feel safe, comfortable with talking to us about issues and trauma, and allowing us to help address their issues,” he said.
The last decade has seen several changes in the community, with the growth of social media, introduction of new platforms, shifting the way youth communicate and speak out.
Ms Clark said whilst conversations are increasing in the community, it’s essential for locals to be aware of the support available to them.
“Stigmatisation around mental health has decreased over the years, and young people have more language to talk about their needs.
“Families are being able to support their kids more, and we have lots of parents contacting us about our services for their kids.
“As society changes some of the issues change, particularly with social media becoming more prevalent these days, which have changed some of the issues young people come to us with,” she said.
Mr Morley said although there has been more of a community push to understand more about mental health and bring it to the forefront of our thinking, there is still some resistance to admit people are struggling with mental health.
“There’s not as much as there used to be, but it’s still there.
“Social media platforms have led to more people self-diagnosing themselves with mental illnesses, and will come to us seeking more information.
“They can then talk about it with us, and we help them to break it down and figure it outmost of the time their diagnosis is wrong and we give them the support they need.
“It’s only through discussion that you can get to the bottom of things, and that is what we are trying to encourage in the community.
Headspace Knox and Lilydale Community engagement coordinator Jasmine Scampton said a key focus for them is keeping youths at the centre of everything they do, and increasing awareness in the community.
“We’ve had a really positive response in the community, even when we go into schools and
start discussions on how many people have heard of headspace - a lot of young people have heard the name.
“Last year we partnered with organisations in Yarra Ranges to co-run the rainbow ball for the kids, and we co-ran an event in Box Hill with a range of Knox organisations too.
“We love getting out to festivals and going out to local schools and getting to know who they are,” she said.
Ms Clark said headspace also has their Youth Action Force (YAF) group, which acts as a governing body for the headspace centre, and is facilitated by Ms Scampton.
“The group is made up of young people from the community and they become the voice of what we do, including our events and services.
“They give us their advice on what our services are and how we should run them.
“It’s a great way for us to ensure that young people stay at the centre of what we do, and make sure our services cater to what our youths need,” she said.
Ms Scampton said local youth are really entrenched in everything they do.
“Recently we asked them for advice on our upcoming renovations we have coming up, like what colour scheme we should do.
“The young people are very much a priority of everything we do, and we run everything through the youth to make sure it’s focused on them,” she said.
Mr Morely said no matter what, their goal is to remain relevant to the youth of the community, and keep them at the forefront of their services.
“We are working with young kids in a more holistic way, addressing how they are feeling, finding out more about what’s happening in their lives, at school, and their connections, to try and pick up the gaps.
“Our focus is staying youth friendly and relevant to the Knox community.
“Things change quickly, and we get older, so we need to continue to listen to the young people so we can still respond in the appropriate way, and be easily reachable for youths in the area,” he said.
Covid-19 proved to be a blessing and a curse for headspace Knox, making several ad-
justments to the way they serviced the community.
Mr Morely said flexibility was a key factor to keep the centre running.
“We had to be more up to speed on the issues our young people and their families were having, particularly during and since Covid-19.
“It meant we had to be very flexible in the community, and our youths and their families had to be very flexible with us.
“We still want to see young people coming through the door and be able to meet their needs based on what they say they need as much as we can,” he said.
Not only did their services see a shift during the Covid pandemic, Ms Clark said Headspace also opened their second site in the Yarra Valley to support their Knox centre.
“We opened our satellite site in Lilydale two years ago, and had our launch event last year.
“It’s another one of our successes, being able to open that site and work closely between the teams.
“It makes it easier to cater to kids in the Yarra Ranges, particularly those who struggle to find transport to our Knox site,” she said.
Headspace has made a significant impact in the Hills community over the years, with their recent statistics proving to be very positive.
Ms Clark said they have only been tracking local data since 2019 when their database was created, and it’s been very successful.
“Since 2019, between Knox and Lilydale, we have had 23,000 points of service, where a youth has come in for counselling, work and study support, or other support from our services.
“That adds up to approximately 8,000 young people between Knox and Lilydale that have come to headspace since 2019 alone,” she said.
Those thousands of service points cover a wide range of issues, which Mr Morely said wouldn’t be possible without all of the support they’ve received over the years.
“We work with a range of issues from anxiety and sadness right through to trauma.
“Our team has experienced a lot of trauma with kids and families, having a really supportive close team and support from the commu-
nity helps us deal with all of that,” he said.
Mr Morely said being in the mental health and support industry means their team come across a range of different issues, situations and experiences.
“We are really passionate about what we do and supporting our community.
“It’s really important for us to acknowledge the incredible journeys people have come on to be able to walk through our doors.
“It really touches us, and is a responsibility that weighs heavily on our team to try and meet each different need as best as we can.
“Mental health is such a big issue in our community, and we admit as much as we try, there are times that we can’t help as much as we want to,” he said.
For Mr Morely, the 10th birthday is a time to remember those things that haven’t gone as well as the team would have hoped.
“We want to recognise those times, and make sure we keep on improving our services to really give the community the best support,” he said.
After 10 long years in the Knox community, Ms Clark said the centre is in due need of a refresh.
“We have renovations happening in the next couple of months that we hope to have finished by the end of the year.
“We have also received enhancement money for our Lilydale site from the Federal Government to build on that site and increase our footprint in the Hills.
“This means we’ll be able to see more people in theYarra Ranges community too,” he said.
Members of the community have expressed their appreciation for headspace over recent weeks, including Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi who recently paid a visit to the centre.
“It’s wonderful to see headspace Knox and Lilydale celebrating their 10th birthday.
“They have played a vital role supporting young people in our community.
“I look forward to continuing to support headspace to carry on their amazing work,” he said.
Headspace Knox are located at Westfield Knox, more information can be found at headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/knox/
The Philanthropic Collective (TPC) has announced its famous Halloween on the Green (HOTG) event will not be running in 2023.
HOTG was started in 2017, as a way to create a central gathering point in the Dandenong Ranges for children to celebrate the spooky occasion in October each year.
The event sees costume clad patrons and entertainers visit Ferny Creek Reserve to raise funds for local schools.
In an online statement, the Philanthropic Collective said it was “very sad to announce” that price rises for insurance premiums, critical infrastructure hire, and “quadrupling“ venue costs - coupled with unsuccessful applications to secure partnerships - had put the “final nail” in the coffin of the popular community event this year.
“Each year, this hill’s charity returns to the same well-trodden pathways of reinventing this much-loved event, cap-in-hand, to raise the significant capital required to host,” TPC’s statement read.
“Each year, an astronomical amount of work and planning is done behind the scenes, by volunteers as they await with bated breath for the weather gods to be kind so that they can bring a magical day of fun and frivolity to the hills and community and support raising funds.”
Event director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said Halloween on the Green is “many things for many people”.
“We must never lose sight of our core value proposition of hosting an event where all hills’ children have a child safe pathway to inclusion. No child is left behind due to financial constraints,” Mr Fillip-Gautier said.
“We don’t know of any event which offers the amount of free entertainment and deliberate low-price points for nutritious commu-
nity food offerings for a nominal entry fee. “
HOTG entertainment director, Rosalind MacKay said each year, the Philanthropic
Collective offers all schools and community-based organisation on the mountain the opportunity to self-fundraise while offering each group free family entry passes for families which would struggle with the entry fee.
“It is never about money for us,” Ms MacKay said.
Mr Fillip-Gautier said 2022 saw the organisation pull together a “triumphant” return, built on community good will after the lockdown periods.
“Sometimes with the best of intentions inadvertent poor decision making by stakeholders creates an adverse far-reaching ripple effect,” he said.
“The challenge we face is to bring key stakeholder groups along with us with a broader understanding of what we know can be achieved when we work collegiately.”
The Philanthropic Collective’s statement said group members will work hard to draw the necessary elements together to see HotG continue into the future.
“As they are unable to raise the muchneeded funds for their Free Food Program due to the cancellation of HotG23, the funds earmarked to run the event will be redistributed to the Free Food Program,“ the statement continued.
“TPC [is] very much looking forward to inviting the community to join in their celebrations in 2024.“
Those wishing to bring some magic to life in the hills next year by sponsoring HotG in 2024 by sponsoring the festival is invited to connect with the Philanthropic Collective via the charity’s website at www.philanthropic. org.au
Cockatoo locals are calling on council to rethink its 2018 master plan.
A movement has kickstarted in the small community, to “save the loo in Cockatoo” with locals campaigning to maintain the bathrooms at Alma Treloar Reserve near the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail.
Committed community member Graham Simpson said the removal of the toilet block was passed in the Cockatoo masterplan for the reserve back in November, 2018, with locals now speaking up against the move.
“They’re near the footpath of the walking track from Emerald Lake to Gembrook, which is about half way on the track.
“A lot of people will only do half of the walk, so they park there and use the bathroom before and after their walk, and they’re quite popular with locals as well,” he said.
Mr Simpson said the removal of the toilet block could have a wider impact on the community.
“Those toilets are commonly used with walkers, and what will they do if they’re removed?
“People may stop coming to do the walk if there are no nearby facilities close to the carpark and convenient on the track.
“While there have been new bathrooms installed by the Scout Hall, and in town, these are the closest and most commonly used.
“More people use those bathrooms than the off-leash dog park at the other end of the reserve,” he said.
Several locals have banded together in a group created on Facebook, with several sharing their displeasure of the removal of the toilet block, and some sharing their history.
One post shared that these were one of the first facilities built on the reserve in the 1970s, and saved several locals during the Ash Wednesday bushfires.
Another local suggested they should be heritage listed, similar to McBride Street Kindergarten.
Mr Simpson said, whilst the toilets are a little bit dated, the cost of council demolishing the bathrooms wouldn’t be worth it.
“The bathrooms have been there a while, but the building itself is strong and the plumbing is already there.
“It would be more cost effective for the council to simply give the bathrooms a refresh and make them nicer, instead of removing them.
“The reserve was all done up by council and state government, which cost thousands of dollars to do.
“It’s a long skinny reserve, so why would they need to be removed?” he said.
Mr Simpson also said the decision to change the space into additional car parking didn’t make sense.
“The car park is big enough to service the users.
“Even when there is a tournament at the bowls club, there are still spaces for walkers and locals to park at the reserve,” he said.
Cardinia Shire Council’s general manager liveable communities Lili Rosic said Council has delayed the decision to remove the old public toilets at AlmaTreloar Reserve, while new accessible public toilets are being completed.
“These toilets were earmarked for removal as part of the implementation of the Alma Treloar Reserve Masterplan, endorsed by Council in November 2018.
“As part of the masterplan, Council recommended that the existing toilets be removed, as they were not centrally located within the reserve and failed to meet quality, comfort and compliance standards.
“The new toilets are now open to the public and are located next to the Scout Hall building,” she said.
Ms Rosic said the location for the new public toilets has been selected to increase accessibility, as it is central to the other amenities on offer at the Alma Treloar Reserve and surrounding areas.
“There are also accessible toilets located in the town centre on McBride Street in Cockatoo,” she said.
Additionally, minor works such as land-
scaping and fencing at the reserve are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Ms Rosic is encouraging the community to get involved in community planning, as the feedback is taken into consideration when making plans in Cardinia.
“Community feedback on the new toilets was considered as part of the Masterplan development and more recently to inform the artwork design on the exterior of the new toilets.
“Feedback was also considered as part of the 23/24FY Council budget process.
“Any future changes to the endorsed Alma Treloar Reserve Masterplan will require further community consultation and Council endorsement,” she said.
For future updates, locals can contact council directly, or visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/ haveyoursay
One furry local has survived a fatal disease that is becoming more common in Victoria.
Sarge, an American Staffordshire Terrier, was recently diagnosed as having Leptospirosis - a bacterial infection mostly spread via urine from farm animals and local wildlife that can affect dogs and humans.
Sarge’s parents, Luke Ramsden and Taylah Versteegen, did everything they could to save their fur baby, who is now well on the road to recovery.
Mr Ramsden said the best thing they did was act quickly on Sarge’s change of behaviour, which saved his life.
“It all started when he got a bit lethargic at home, originally we didn’t think too much about it and thought he might have just eaten something he shouldn’t have.
“The next day he was getting worse, he wasn’t eating or anything, so we took him down to EmeraldVets to get him looked at,” he said.
After a few blood tests and other checks at Emerald Vets, which “weren’t looking too good”, Mr Ramsden said Sarge got referred to Dandenong, where he was rushed straight into the emergency room for the night.
“He didn’t get better over night there either.
“The main concern was that he wasn’t producing urine, so he was given tablets to try and get things moving, which didn’t work,” he said.
From there, Sarge’s journey took a turn for the worse, after vet nurses at Dandenong told his parents that their pup’s best hope was a vet clinic in Sydney that could run dialysis on him.
Mr Ramsden said it was a quick turnaround for the pair, but one they didn’t even think twice on.
“When the Dandenong nurses called us the next morning, we went straight there to pick up Sarge and see what was going on.
“We basically left straight from there with our other pup, and drove straight to Sydney.
“We got there at around 10pm that night, and Sarge went straight into the emergency room up there,” he said.
Not knowing what was going on, both Mr Ramsden and Ms Versteegen stayed in Sydney for a few days, waiting to hear how Sarge was doing.
The trip to Sydney came with several complications for the pair and their pup, who underwent several rounds of dialysis to help remove the toxins in his body - in place of his kidneys.
Mr Ramsden said it was a difficult time for everyone involved.
“While Sarge was going through dialysis, he got a blood infection that became more important than his kidneys, which the vets thought was from his dialysis tube or his feeding tube in his neck.
“We had to decide whether to remove the dialysis tube, even though Sarge may have needed more, or to have it removed and replaced, but Sarge might not have woken up from the general anaesthetic.
“We chose to have it removed and hoped for the best, and it ended up being the feeding tube that gave him the blood infection.
“Sarge also had an internal bleed during the time he was in ICU that had to be taken care of,” he said.
In total, Sarge spent around two weeks in the ICU unit in Sydney, and another additional week in the hospital before he was cleared to go home.
Mr Ramsden said it was difficult not being with their pup.
“We flew up to Sydney twice during the weekends to visit him and check in, and we drove up to pick him up when we could,” he said.
Thankfully, Sarge has been home for approximately a month now with a few shaven patches of fur, and Ms Versteegen said he is getting back to being himself again.
“When he came home we had to feed him through his feeding tube until he could eat by himself.
“We were able to remove the tube a couple of weeks ago.
“He’s eating by himself again, he’s put on the weight that he lost over the last couple of months, and he’s getting his energy back as
well,” she said.
Mr Ramsden said through the whole experience, everyone was great with them and Sarge.
“The nurses in Sydney were messaging us at least twice a day, and sometimes overnight, giving us updates on how Sarge was going.
“He was getting blood tests every day so they gave us the results each day on those,” he said.
Reunited with their pup, Mr Ramsden and Ms Versteegen said any pet owners who notice something different about their pets should act quickly to get them taken care of.
“Time is definitely not on your side in these situations - if you notice something like they stop eating, getting lethargic or acting differently, definitely go and get them checked sooner rather than later.
“If we had been a day later he wouldn’t have made it,” said Mr Ramsden.
Emerald Vet Clinic senior veterinarian and director Gajen said the clinic is working to spread awareness about leptospirosis in the community.
Originally, the disease was first discovered in 1946 and is more prominent in Queensland
and New South Wales, and hasn’t really been seen in Victoria until 2019.
Leptospirosis is an evolving disease in Victoria, with Sarge being only the fifth case in the state to have been diagnosed, however for Gajen, Sarge is the second dog this year to be treated for the disease.
Gajen said locals need to be proactive with their pets, and aware of the signs to bring them into the vet.
“Leptospirosis is mostly found in native wildlife like rodents, native rats, or cattle.
“It can take around 10 days to see the signs, but sometimes dogs don’t show any symptoms of the disease.
“The disease is quite infectious, and can also be passed on to humans,” he said.
Leptospirosis mostly affects the kidneys in dogs, with a significant “curing” time before any signs may be noticed, Gajen explained.
“In the first 10 days from infection, the bacteria builds up in the dogs’ bloodstream, then overtime passes through to the liver and kidneys.
“It can also cause damage to the dogs’ eyes and lungs,” he said.
Gajen said they are taking the disease very
seriously at the Emerald clinic, and urges locals to do the same.
“Any dogs that come with increased kidney enzymes or liver enzymes, and the dog not eating or appearing quite lethargic are being treated for this leptospirosis,” he said.
According to the veterinarian, it is important for dog owners to be proactive with their pets rather than reactive, which can be too late in some circumstances.
Gajen said there are several things locals can do to take care of their dogs against leptospirosis.
“There is a vaccine available that can help with prevention, and is the best way to go.
“If you live in an area where there is wildlife or stagnant water, keep an eye on your dogs and don’t let them in or to drink the water, and keep an eye on cattle or farmland areas where you can,” he said.
Whilst Leptospirosis is not the most common in Victoria, it is becoming increasingly common in the state.
For more information or to book a vaccine for your dog, visit emeraldvets.com.au/
By Tyler Wright
Tecoma PWP Op Shop has been given a new lease on life thanks to a local resident.
After shutting its doors on 1 September due to financial pressure and a lack of volunteers, Linda Hazelman, of The Basin, has taken on the role as store manager to keep the store running for the community.
“It was actually my mother and her partner, who are committee members for the Ballarat branch of PWP [Parents Without Partners] - with everything that was happening they asked me if I would step up, and I did,” Ms Hazelman said.
“We’re not open on a Thursday at the moment until we get more volunteers and hopefully co-share in the management.”
Ms Hazelman, who grew up in Wantirna, said there was talk of the shop being acquired by local charity Foothills Community Carebut at the 11th hour it was decided the shop, off Burwood Highway, would remain under the management of the Parents Without Partners organisation.
“From my point of view, I’m very happy to give back to the community in my life,” Ms Hazelman said.
“I must admit, It’s a very big job; especially since we received so many donations and there’s quite a bit of a backlog; there’s a lot of other things that need attention here that we just don’t have the volunteers as yet for.
“We’re hoping that it’ll be a success… at the moment, the workload on the shoulders of only so many people is pretty overwhelming.”
Norma Boyse spent two decades as op shop manager, stepping down due to health issues and operational costs becoming too much.
Ms Hazelman, who reopened the store on 26 September, admitted making a profit for the charity will be a “big challenge”.
“[Ourgoalis]togetridofalotoftheoldstock that’s not selling, and making it a little bit more
upmarket so it’s more of a viable proposition; because there are so many overheads,” she said.
“There’s all sorts of stuff besides electricity and the general running of the store... [there’s] public liability and accident insurance.”
But business has proved popular so far, with a busy day marking the store’s reopening.
“Many have said ‘I’m so glad you’ve reopened’ and ‘we thought you were going to be shut permanently and we didn’t know what was going on,’” Ms Hazelman said.
“I think patronage will increase too as the word gets out more and more on Facebook and word of mouth that the store’s reopened... we’ll just need the human resources.”
Selling household items like kitchenware and clothes to musical instruments and CDs, Ms Hazelman is looking for volunteers to help sort donations.
“Where I usually shop in Boronia, there’s a veteran affairs shop, and we’re very similar to them...they’re a lot cheaper than some of the other op shops,” she said.
“In these harder economic times with high inflation and mortgage repayments or rent, I think people are a bit more frugal and they’re looking for a bargain.”
Tecoma PWP Op Shop is located on 89 Sandells Road in Tecoma.
The store is currently and open onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 4pm.
The Dandenong Ranges offer endless variety for adventure and discovery and one way to explore them is with pedal power.
A young family enjoyed a recent cycling journey over the school holidays, riding the Eastern Dandenong Rail Trail between Clematis and Cockatoo.
Annie and her children Katie, 12 and Hugo, 9, drove out of the city to take a two day bike trek along the trail to get out into nature.
“If I didn’t plan to get us out of the house and do some kind of adventure, we would be home the whole holiday,” she said.
The family had never ridden the trail before and found it through an online search –the 15km ride was filled with an abundance of nature and sights, offering the riders many chances to stop along the way.
Annie said she figured it would be a nice bike-packing adventure which wasn’t too long - and the ‘up and back’ journey style made things a bit more fun. They began their ride in Clematis and finished in Gembrook, staying overnight and meeting hill friends for dinner.
“Gembrook had great accommodation options and we had fun staying out there,” she said.
It wasn’t all easy - the trail is tough at times and Annie said there were moments when the kids had to persevere, the payoff was the spectacular scenery as they were riding.
The family had ridden the 15km distances before but Annie said the ‘down then up’ of the ride was recognising the“I’ve had enough of this moment” and pushing through it.
“It’s a short ride but there is a mental challenge to it as well, especially for kids,” she said.
Stops also included necessary samples from bakeries in the area and the ride took around four hours each day.
Having the train go past while riding was great fun and was a real highlight for the bikers.
“We were lucky with Puffing Billy going past us both days,” Ms Gehling said.
Annie said she also really enjoyed the moments her kids took a minute to absorb the nature around them.
“There were sections of the track where the trees were arched over in an arbour and my kids really appreciated the beauty of the forest, ‘they said, that’s beautiful’,” she said.
Other highlights included the much loved fairy doors inWright Forest, Cockatoo and the
Poem Tree in Gembrook. The fairy doors appeared sometime in 2018 and offer the young and young at heart a little joy in opening the tiny doors to see what might be inside.
The Poem Tree began in lockdown and was created out of an abandoned hollow, allowing passers-by to either leave their own poem or stop and have a read – young writer Shaminka Fernando began the concept with her brothers. The tree can be found along Gembrook’s rail trail walking path and anyone and everyone is welcome to add their
own little poem or rhyme at any time.
The family headed back along the rail trail the next day and made it back to Clematis taking in the spectacular scenery from a different direction.
The trail can be done as a whole or in parts and Annie is glad they came out of the city to have a school holiday adventure in the Dandenong Ranges.
“There’s a lot to be said for going on an adventure on your own steam,” she said.
Knox locals saw the kick-start of a community of their own.
On a day where the shone peeked through the clouds and the rain stayed at bay, hundreds of local residents and visitors from around the state trekked through the hills for the Kallista Revitalisation festival.
The day saw the return of the well-loved Kallista Market, which boasted 57 stalls to reignite the flame for shopping locally, including five youth stalls and eight community organisations taking part in the efforts.
Not only did the market showcase its own revitalisation, many local business owners said the event was a way for them to reboot their own businesses back into the community, bringing new opportunities to several locals over the weekend.
The vibe of the event was very positive, with a noticeable buzz in the air amongst the offerings of market stalls and activities throughout the day.
Alongside the return of the market, locals had the opportunity to get up close and per-
sonal inside the Kallista - The Patch CFA during their open day.
The local CFA recently released their first cookbook as part of ongoing fundraising efforts, with a range of ‘Recipes that won’t burn your house down’, which were on display and available for the community to grab their own copy in support of the fiery’s.
Kallista Primary School opened up their green bringing more interactive activities for the families in attendance, with opportunities to hold lizards and snakes, donkey rides and lots of games to keep the kids entertained.
The hit of the festival was the range of live entertainment on offer throughout the day, from local aboriginal sounds and dances, the Dandenong Ranges Music Council’s Young Strings, and other eye-catching entertainers.
Several local food, coffee and beverage vendors were on site across Kallista, making sure everyone at the festival was well taken care of.
Overall the community enjoyed a positive revitalisation of the village, coming together in celebration of their home and what it has to offer in the Hills.
Common interests have held Kath and Harold Ramage in good stead over the years. Kath, from Mount Eliza, met Harold, who hails from Gembrook, at a badminton evening at her local social club in 1956.
The pair married two years later in a ceremony on 27 September 1958.
“I was always interested in what [Harold] was doing,” Kath said.
“He was a builder locally - that was goodand he also played a lot of football, so we had common interests.”
A stalwart of the Gembrook-Cockatoo Football and Netball Club, Harold has the Harold Ramage Shield named after himself as a tribute to his contribution to the club. Football even made its way into Kath and Harold’s wed-
ding day.
“My husband allowed a day in between in case [his team] had a draw; so we were married a fortnight after their grand final,“ Kath said.
“We were actually married in Frankston, right opposite the Methodist Church and the football ground [on their grand final day].
“During our service, whenever there was a goal you’d hear all the noise...it made a little bit of a noise through our service, but that was alright; you visualised it all. ”
Livingfor64yearsaboutonekilometrefrom the town centre in a house built by Harold for his parents, the pair raised their four children - three sons and one daughter - in Gembrook.
Kath said Gembrook has been “the best place“ to live.
“Having been involved with the hall and the
school, you meet a lot of people and you grow up with them,“ she said.
“It’s grown so much that we really are a little bit out of touch with a lot of the new ones - It is still a lovely friendly community.“
Harold, 90, said his family has a lot of ties with Gembrook, himself having lived in the area for around 87 years.
“I shifted here when I was three years old from Pakenham Upper,“ he said.
“We’ve been in a pretty close family and all got on well together and helped each other.
“We’ve been involved in a lot of things in the community, and that’s why we like the area.“
Kath said having a family has made her and Harold closer.
“I was a stay-at-home mum, but enjoyed the weekends when we used to meet up with
friends at the football,“ she said.
“In the summertime, we used to go camping with the family at San Remo where we had a permanent caravan and annex; we loved doing that too.“
This September, the pair celebrated 65 years of marriage alongside their family.
“We take it for granted in a sense,“ Kath, 92, said.
“We’re very lucky that we are well enough to enjoy our life.
“Having the family around us reasonably close all the time always makes it so much more pleasurable.“
The couple now have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
“They’re growing like little mushrooms,“ Kath said.
By Mikayla Van Loon
An all female led partnership for This Girl Can week has brought about the culmination of a number of free and low cost activities for the Yarra Ranges.
Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council, Eastern Health, Belgravia Leisure, Reclink and Women’s Health East have joined together to host a range of events from 9 October to 15 October and on 19 October.
“This Girl Can is a VicHealth campaign which aims to address the barriers women, girls and non-binary people face when it comes to participating in physical activity and active recreation,” Health Promotion Officer at Eastern Health Casey Dykes said. “So it’s about creating spaces for women, girls and non-binary people to feel comfortable and welcome to participate in physical activity.”
From an easy, casual group walk around Lillydale Lake on Thursday 12 October to low cost events at both Monbulk Aquatic Centre and the Yarra Centre and a come-and-try style afternoon for boxing, kayaking, dance and circuit exercise, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
“We hope they feel empowered and comfortable to continue to participate in physical activity and active recreation,” Casey said.
“And have fun. Enjoy being active. Enjoy moving your body because they’re funda-
mental facts of health and well being, just having joy of movement,” Inspiro health promotion officer Megan McInerney said.
Knowing that women, girls and non-binary people often feel a sense of shame or embarrassment when it comes to exercise, these sessions aim to dissolve those feelings, as well as other barriers.
“It can be opportunity, it can be time, it can be fear of judgement, that cohort of people tend to often feel judged doing exercise in public,” Megan said.
“They don’t want to look sweaty, don’t want to look red, so it’s just really encouraging everybody in the community to enjoy being active, however, whenever, whatever that looks like for anybody, just to
move their bodies.”
Eastern Health’s senior health promotion officer Emily Sykes said the pandemic also had a negative effect on some women regressing back into former gender stereotypes.
“An initiative like this is so important, especially after the last two years, where a lot of people retreated back into themselves,” she said.
“We saw a lot of traditional gender stereotypes be reinforced, creating more barriers and ways that people didn’t get involved with other sports and active rec outside of what they normally do.”
As the first time these organisations have come together for This Girl Can, Megan said
the hope is it will continue and only get bigger each year.
“Hopefully it will be an ongoing partnership and we will work together to do more in the active rec space.
“It’s great that we’ve got a lot of really committed and proactive stakeholders together and we’re all committed to creating a really great event for all of the local women, girls and non-binary people in the community.”
Trying to support active behaviour outside of just the week of events, Casey said the collective organisations are looking to put together a guide on what groups, clubs and classes people can join.
“We are working on a resource that highlights those active recreation or physical activity options ongoing in our local area,” she said. “We’ve broken it down into four different categories, Urban, Hills,Valley and Upper Yarra. We wanted to create a resource to help the impact to be ongoing in the community so that it’s not just a one off event.
“We want to keep that participation going because of the massive benefits that come out of active living, the social connection that people can get from it as well as reduce social isolation and just build your community spirit.”
All event information can be found at www.inspiro.org.au/news/inspiro-healthis-proud-to-support-this-girl-can-victoria-2023/
Comedian, actor and writer Damian Callinan is bringing his show Double Feature to Warburton and Upwey.
The show, a comedic, romantic and heartbreaking presentation of Mr Callinan’s mother’s 1946 rediscovered diary and his father’s extensive collection of retirement journals, is coming to the Warburton Arts Centre and Burrinja Cultural Centre this month.
Mr Callinan said his Mum’s diary was only discovered on the night of his Dad’s funeral after they had both died.
“Being able to access all these memories of their courtship and hearing our mum’s 19-year-old voice was a pretty special find, I kind of knew as soon as we discovered it that I would like to do something with it one day,” he said.
“We found it hidden in a box with my Dad’s retirement diaries, he had 23 volumes and while he was an interesting guy, he was a school teacher turned principal, he was a war veteran, a gifted sportsman and an amateur actor but he diarised every part of his life in excruciating detail,”
“There was no separation of importance between subjects, a typical entry might read: ‘Went to Hades Hot Bread Kitchen and bought two baguettes, a flood devastated Armenia killing thousands, Damian came to remove the leaves, Sister Fran had a hysterectomy’.”
Mr Callinan opens the show as if it’s a showing of an old-timey film before he enters the stage and declares that he ‘ran out of money to make the film’ and offers to pitch the story instead.
Mr Callinan said there was almost too much source material and you would need a team of 25 university researchers to get through all the great stories.
“I try to keep the dramatic tension, Mum was incredibly popular, she had about six or seven guys on the go, which we didn’t know about, so I run a book on the show and keep changing the odds depending on the various
suitors and what the do,” he said.
“Dad gets introduced quite late and we don’t find out until the end what his name is and who he ended up with.”
Mr Callinan’s show in Warburton is at 2pm on Wednesday 25 October and at 7.30pm on Thursday 26 October at Burrinja.
Mr Callinan said while most of his shows consist of created stories, but he had sone biographical shows like Double Feature before.
“It’s quite surprising because my initial reaction or reluctance to do it everytime is ‘Who cares about my story?’ not that it’s indulgent, but what happens is that people see their own stories in your story,” he said.
“People invade the stage afterwards, and they just want to talk about how they’ve just lost their own parents, or there’s grief that they’re dealing with, there’s a lot of parallels and relatable experiences.”
While the show is largely comedic, Mr Callinan doesn’t shy away from his mother’s tragic death; she was accidentally run over by his father.
Mr Callinan said she was in a coma for
nearly a week before she died.
“I hadn’t realised when I started writing the show that Dad had diarised that week, each day he’d written an entry about what he was going through, it was incredibly revealing and really sad to read,” he said.
“That’s why the discovery of Mum’s diary was so important to us, because in a sense we hadn’t as a family been able to properly grieve Mum, because we’d been holding Dad together for almost a decade between their deaths,”
“It’s like a way of reclaiming their lives because their accident was so tragic and is what a lot of people remember, I don’t swerve around the tragedy in the show, but at the end, I then take it back to the Hollywood romance, reveal their first night together and all the soppy romantic stuff so it’s just really nice to tell their story.”
For more information or to buy tickets, go to: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/ Events/Double-Feature-by-Damian-Callinan for the Warburton show or https://boxoffice. burrinja.org.au/WebPages/EntaWebShow/ ShowCalendar.aspx for the Upwey show.
By Eleanor Wilson
Celebrated Gembrook artist Sue Jarvis is inviting art lovers into her perennial home garden for her 2023 showcase.
A 60-piece collection of works from Ms Jarvis’ career will be cast among three hectares of botanic garden on weekends throughout October and by appointment thereafter.
For the first time, the art pieces, including landscapes, figure work and abstract social commentary pieces will be available for sale.
Her oil on canvas painting, The Grey Suit, a recent finalist in the Emerald Art Society’s coveted John Dudley Portrait Prize, will feature, along with a series of other works from across Ms Jarvis’ artistic career.
She hopes the exhibition will give attendees a snapshot of an artist’s viewpoint of everyday life forms.
“A lot of my work encompasses the things I come across and people I meet, but also how I think,“ Ms Jarvis said.
“Being visually aware of everyday surroundings is very important, subjects are everywhere and I would love to see people interested in the experience of an artist over time.“
It is the award-winning artist’s first exhibition since April last year, when the Cardinia Cultural Centre showcased ‘Art that makes you think’ - a collection of thought provoking pieces which tackled concepts such as modern life, ideal beauty, sacrifices of war and global warming.
Ms Jarvis has been part of the local arts community for over 50 years, working as artist in residence at Beaconhills College in Pakenham, Creative Recovery Facilitator for the Bunyip Forest area fires (2019), liaising with local industry, Pakenham Racing Club, Harding’s Orchard, and the Independent Restaurant, Gembrook.
Her work has been recognised at art shows across the South East, greater Gippsland and
By Tyler Wright Kirrae Whurrong artist Fiona Clarke
Clarke’s artwork - part of the ngurrak barring, or Ridgewalk project - is centred around the wildlife of the area and the customs of the Wurundjeri people.
“Goannas have been in Australia for 15 million years, and surviving on this planet for probably 19 million years, so they are strong survivors of this land,” Clarke, of Warrnambool, said.
“The blue lines represent the land and the mountains and the large circles are the waterholes which sustain the local wildlife.
The circles above the goanna represent the sunset, or the Milky Way, Clarke said, where the ancestral being, Bunjil, returns once its work is done.
“You’re trying to [tell a story], and then you’re trying to break it down into what you would associate with the overall Kulin nation areas, which is very important, I think, for that to happen,” Clarke said.
In 2022, Clarke completed artwork on a water tank in McMahons Creek.
On Friday 15 September, Clarke completed her work at Kalorama after a fourday project with the help of husband Ken McKean.
“I really enjoyed working with [the council] because in the past when I used to see these tanks, I used to wonder about artwork going on them, and I thought ‘oh, that’d be good one day,” she said.
“It looks amazing. It looks better, and they’ve had been very supportive, they’ve all helped out and assisted us too.”
Nine water tanks across the Yarra Ranges are set to be painted as part of the council’s Public Art Project.
Clarke said the overarching message of her artwork for viewers is “growing strong”.
Sydney and has had her work showcased in collections at the State Library, Melbourne and The Shrine of Remembrance.
Ms Jarvis’ exhibition will be featured at
her gallery and garden at 24 Blackwood Lane, Gembrook on from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 October to 29 October. Parking is available on site.
“To make strong survivors realise they can relate to this land and feel welcome to this land - non-Indigenous, Indigenous, it doesn’t really matter - It’s really important that they can relate to it,” she said.
“The main important thing is to look after the environment.”
open and supporting the local community for more than 11 years.
An important goal when we first opened was to support locals achieve their dream of owning their own home sooner.
Our great old fashioned style of personalised service and genuine interest in our customers has seen us hold a strong position within the local community.
Especially now, we are here supporting our customers and our town.
We have experienced lending specialists
Fiona and Ellie, who are based in our lending hub next door to the branch who are ready to help you with your next project.
Our staff are friendly and approachable and will ensure you are completely taken care of with their personalised and professional service.
We have worked with many customers on their dream to own their own home.
Providing assistance right from the beginning, working with clients to achieve their goals.
From saving techniques 12 months before buying to wealth creation and investments.
Our dedicated team is here to help you in this difficult financial climate. We encourage our existing customers and any local homeowners to chat with us and receive our personalised service and support through this time. Nowhere else in Monbulk is there a whole team of lending specialists dedicated to helping you reach your financial goals.
Fiona and Elle always greet their customers with a welcoming smile.
In partnership with the Puffing Billy Railway, Playground Victoria hosted a playday at their visitor centre, where young children and their families enjoyed several activities.
With the spring showers not dampening their spirits, participants were led by staff from the train and into the education play space on Tuesday 3 October.
The event took place at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where children until the age of five were welcomed by toys, play areas and renditions of classic tunes such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Wheels on the Train Go Round and Round.
Leanne Dhami, Playgroup Victoria’s development and support manager and facilitator for the event said, “It was a fantastic day full of smiles and curious minds exploring the train museum and participating in all the activities on offer.
“It’s heart-warming to witness children and parents bonding and sharing experiences like making playdough creations, reading stories and joining in with their favourite songs and dances,” Leanne stated.
In addition, there were arts and crafts, play dough, and a soft play area, where the children and their parents gathered surrounded by tepees, puppets and Australian animal toys.
Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria’s CEO said that the organisation was thrilled that their new partnership with Puffing Billy Railway was such a success.
“Surrounded by all things trains and nature in beautiful Emerald, our pop-up playground provided the perfect place and space for children and their parents to play.”
Peta Howard, the railway’s education coordinator said that “having Playgroup Victoria’s pop-up at Puffing Billy has been an enriching
experience for both families and our team,
“It’s a fantastic way to combine the joy of play and learning in this unique and historic setting, and it’s also been a great opportunity for the railway to partner with an organisation that fosters community, supports early childhood development and advocates for the wellbeing of families and young children.”
Mr Howard said.
Looking forward to similar events in the future, this playday was a big celebration for the organisation in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Many children and families had missed out on possible events hosted by the playgroup, and to be able to gather once more meant a lot for the health and well-being of these families.
A mother who had previously participated via Zoom was thrilled to take part in an in-person event and be able to meet the facilitators for the first time.
This year local playgroups have begun to gather again with many new playgroups coming as well, with great benefits to the children for connections and overall development.
The Rotary Club of Emerald and District is gearing up to hold its 2023 Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy on Sunday 26 November.
The group has raised $721,250 for children’s charities since the first event held in 2002.
This year’s recipients, Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre, has received the funds over the last three years totalling $146,000.
Due to their special needs, they will again receive all money raised from the 2023 event.
Associate Professor and Head of Oncology at Monash Children’s Cancer Centre, Peter Downie, has advised that over the last 12 to 18 months they have been focussing their research into looking into solid tumours in childhood (which includes brain cancers).
They have developed collaborations with many other academic institutions around Australia and other parts of the world where they are sharing that reach.
What is exciting is the development of a paediatric cancer atlas – this is a collection of over 200 childhood cancer cell lines which have been analysed and gone through a process of molecular sequencing, so that they can develop new potentially targeted drugs for these cancers.
Funds from this year’s event will be a bonus, however, if money was no object in the
next 12 to 18 months, Monash would need to develop a stem cell program for the whole service, which means cancer and blood stem cell research and a clinical stem cell program.
Monash is also just starting to develop further research into myeloid leukaemia, looking at the functional genomics of leukaemia and leukaemia biology.
The event allows kids to raise funds for kids.
Kids can create their own go fund me page and the top fundraisers will receive prizes.
The more funds that an event of this kind can raise, allows for more childhood cancer research and that in turn means more children will be cured.
Mr Downie said what is needed is a better understanding of why children get cancer in the first place.
Monash are looking at gene dysregulation
and using computer generated modelling to try and help them work on these themes of tumour biology, the complexities of the immune system and immunotherapy.
As in previous years representatives from Monash Children’s Hospital will attend the event at Gembrook Puffing Billy Railway.
Event applications are now open and registrations can be accessed via the Emerald Rotary web site at emeraldrotary.org.au
Welcome to the 2023Wandin Silvan Field Days – for a 54th year.
Coming out of Covid-19, we are back full of excitement and enthusiasm for a successful event.
In my second year as president, I look forward to continuing the goal of increasing the profile and maintaining the high interest in this important local event.
After last year’s frustratedly wet year, I hope it will be a lot better this year.
From the long-serving committee members to exhibitors past and present, to the numerous community group volunteers and the all-important patrons, I thank you all. Without your support and participation, we would not have maintained our event for such a long period of time.
Our Field Days not only provide the opportunity to see the latest in farm machinery, technology and related services, but continue as a great opportunity to catch up and network with others in the industry and local area.
A diverse range of machinery and equipment will again be on display - tractors, irrigation supplies, spray equipment, and water tanks.
Farm maintenance needs are covered with exhibits such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and wood splitters.
Stalls with various tools, garden supplies and workwear are also scattered around the event.
Local schools and the ladies of our local CWA provide catering at the field days ensuring that there is a constant variety of food for exhibitors from early in the morning until late in the day.
As well as the social networking opportunity, this provides them an important fundraising opportunity and we encourage you to take advantage of their delicious refreshments.
The Field Days committee recognises the many hours volunteered by our local CFA groups, who greatly assist in the organisation of the event.
In return, proceeds from gate entry fees are donated back to them to assist in the on-going operations of the vital role they play in our communities.
In addition to the main displays, there are several lifestyle and general interest stalls featuring, with something for everyone.
The popular Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society will again be displaying and operating their Farm Machinery of yesteryear.
We also have working draught horses on display, an amazing demonstration of chainsaw carving and we welcome for the first time, Animals of OZ and Animals on the Move.
I think that you will agree there is something of interest for the whole family at the Field Days.
With a willing and supportive Committee behind me, I look forward to welcoming you all as we celebrate the 54th annualWandin Silvan Field Days.
Even though Adaptable Gardens was only founded in early 2022, the ideas and ethics behind the business actually started more than 30 years prior.
A vast majority of owner Ben’s early and formative years were spent living with his grandparents. His grandfather, David, had an absolute passion for gardening. It was his therapy. It didn’t matter what state the garden was in when he moved into a new house as he had a vision in his mind before anyone could blink and a work ethic that no one could match.
In early 2020, Ben met Danielle, who had been a Mental Health Occupational Therapist for nearly 20 years. In 2021 they moved to the Dandenong Ranges and onto a large rural property. Very quickly a menagerie of farm animals joined them. With the open land and fresh air, it wasn’t long before Ben questioned his career and work-life balance. His current role took him interstate quite a lot.
In early 2022, he decided to go back to his roots and go back to where he was at his happiest; in the garden. As part of this process, he knew his late grandfather was guiding him, so the name ‘Adaptive’ needed to be in the company name. After some brainstorming with Dani, Adaptable Gardens was born.
Our main focus when we started was to look after our older community in the hills. We were quickly recommended to a couple of Aged Care package providers and before long we were looking after 30+ older clients that needed help.
During this process, one of the most enjoyable parts of working with our clients was the stories. Many of our clients told us how they used to enjoy gardening and harvesting the produce. We learnt a lot from them about oldschool ways of growing and preserving food (something we love ourselves and are passion-
ate about) yet the stories always ended the same way…
“I wish I could still garden, but I can’t use my hands very well anymore”
”I can’t get down to the ground like I used to”
Hearing the sadness about not being able to garden any more, we realised how much gardening was a source of therapy for so many
people. It was heartbreaking for us feeling like there was nothing we could do to help other than garden for them.
After a conversation with Dani, we decided we had to find a way.
We went in search of cost-effective products to help people garden again and to bring gardening up to their level. We found a couple of products that were already on the market that
helped us start that journey of helping people and the instant change in those that could now grow their own again was amazing!
There is a lack of resources out there for so many people from many different walks of life looking for solutions to help them grow their own food, especially in small spaces like apartments.
Over the last year, the search for products and solutions has intensified and has been an amazing one. What we have created through our journey is a network of amazing relationships with our suppliers and many of them have become family to us. We have formed solutions where there were previously none.
We have also created as close to a closedloop food network as possible with only 3 prerequisites for the products we supply:
Must be Australian or New Zealand-made
Must be portable
Must not directly compete with other products we supply
We are very proud to say that we have achieved our goal. What started off as a very small local garden maintenance business has now turned into a brand that specialises in finding a solution to grow your own food no matter what physical challenge or living situation you face. We have helped people in apartments grow food in self-watering towers as well as compost the food waste as well and help set up 2500 plant strawberry farms raised off the ground to survive flooding.
We truly believe that growing your own nutrient-dense food at home is the way forward and Adaptable Gardens aims to bring all of the solutions into one place.
Come and meet Ben and Dani at Wandin Silvan Field Days.
Are you in the market for a new UTE or SUV to suit your day-to-day needs, whether that be off-road or around the suburbs?
Genesis Motors Isuzu UTE based in Lilydale offers a range of Isuzu D-MAX utes and Isuzu MU-X SUVs in addition to high-quality preowned vehicles.
The team will be setting up at the Wandin Silvan Field Days and is looking forward to speaking with you about the latest range as well as their current service campaigns.
Genesis Motors is the start of every great adventure and has a long history of helping locals purchase their new vehicles after being first established in Ringwood in 2011.
It is led by Dealer Principal, Sumil Salgadoe, who has exceptional knowledge of the brand and industry after working from the ground up at Isuzu UTE Australia’s head office in Brisbane in 2008.
Mr Salgadoe has recruited a team around him who all believe in the Isuzu UTE products as much as he does and with that has come rapid growth seeing the expansion and relocation to Lilydale in 2016.
The Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu MU-X have been built with the values that have made Isuzu famous: dependability, reliability and efficiency.
While Genesis Motors deals with Isuzu UTE as its primary product, they also trade in preowned vehicles which are traded and backed by the experienced staff.
Therefore if you are looking for a pre-owned
vehicle Genesis Motors has a range that caters to your requirements.
Whether purchasing a new car or servicing your vehicle, the team’s mission is to ensure an enjoyable experience from the family-owned
and run business.
Genesis Motors has factory-trained Service Technicians to ensure the safety of your vehicle is met at all times.
As a customer, you will be treated like fam-
ily ensuring unprecedented attention and care are provided at all times. So pop in and see the team at Wandin Silvan Field Days site or visit them at Genesis Motors Isuzu UTE at 461 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale VIC 3140, Australia
TheWandin Silvan Field Days event is coming up this Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October.
While the weather forecast may look a bit miserable, conditions should be better for the 2023 edition than last year with all exhibitors able to attend.
Gates will open to the public from 8.30am to 5pm on Friday and 8.30am to 4pm on Saturday.
Pictured is a selection of what you can look forward to:
Irribiz is a leading Australian-owned business, operating across 5 states of Australia. Headquartered in Griffith NSW, we have branches and offices in Mt Evelyn VIC, Robinvale VIC, Virginia SA, Adelaide SA, Beerwah QLD, and Launceston TAS. We also have an online store.
With years of industry experience, our Mt Evelyn branch is led by Justyn Flynn. We are extremely excited to announce that Tracey Williams has joined the team in Retail. You can find our branch in Mt Evelyn at
Unit 3, 5 Clancys Rd.
Irribiz provides world-class water and filtration solutions that help our customers conserve, reuse, and recycle water in the most efficient and sustainable way.
Irribiz supplies and installs products and services to the agricultural, horticultural, hydroponic and irrigation industries and the residential market.
With a focus on providing solutions in efficient water delivery and management across residential, open field irrigation and commer-
cial greenhouses, our team of dedicated staff work across a range of disciplines including sales, design, installation, project management, retail and online sales and service and maintenance.
From water treatment and purification to water harvesting and storage, to water distribution and monitoring, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions that are designed to optimise your water usage and quality, while reducing your environmental impact and costs.
We are committed to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction, and we work closely with you to understand your water challenges and opportunities and provide you with the best solutions possible to meet your goals and needs.
Irribiz is more than just a water solutions provider, we are your trusted water partner.
Come meet Justyn and Tracey from our Mt Evelyn team at the Wandin Silvan Field Days, 13 to 14 October 2023.We look forward to seeing you there!
It’s no secret that much of our soil is tired. Chemical fertilisers, pesticides, pollution, erosion, and intensive agriculture have stretched healthy soils to the limit.
To help restore the natural abundance and sustainability of soil, we now know that increasing the microbial activity is transformative.
Biolink is an Australian owned company committed to supporting growers and home gardeners achieve more sustainable, profitable crops and gardens. Their microbial-based range of natural fertilisers, soil stimulants, and animal probiotics are helping to restore soils and grow healthier plants and animals.
Biolink Ignition speeds up the composting process, helping to re-incorporate rich organic material back into the soil for increased moisture, nutrient and water holding ability.
Combined with conventional fertilisers, Biolink Bio-Hum helps maintain nutrients, boosts uptake and reduces losses of essential nutrients needed for your plants to thrive.
Biolink’s garden range of Sprinkle and Soak, Germinator and Biolink Brew fertilisers tea bags are a winner with home gardeners, reviving the soil through biologicals and creating the perfect environment for vegetables, fruit trees and ornamentals plants to grow.
New Opti-Gut is an animal probiotic for cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, fish, dogs, and cats. It’s working wonders to build a healthy biome, supplement inadequate diets, and support overall animal wellbeing.
“Based on research both here and overseas, we’ve blended six microbial groups that researchers, gardeners, and farmers in the field, have found to boost microbial activity in the soil and plant growth. The benefits are not just the high number of microbials in our products.
It’s the combination and the interactions these have in the soil that makes the difference” explained Biolink co-owner Kevin Beecroft.
The six powerful live microbial groups in Biolink organic fertiliser and soil stimulants are: Enterococcus Faecalis, Lactobacillus Group, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Aspergillus Group, Bacillus Subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The Biolink range also uses the power of humic fulvic acid, a key ingredient used to boost the bioavailability of organic nitrogen and reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers. Visit www.biolink4plants.com.au for more information about restoring the health of your soil.
BIOLINK™ BULLET is an allpurpose organic* fertiliser made with chicken manure and infused with our special blend of microbes.
A slow-release, year-round pelletised fertiliser, ideal for agricultural applications to build organic carbon Supports soil health and plant growth for veggie and floral gardens, lawns, and landscape use
OPTI-GUT is a natural, affordable animal probiotic that supports healthier digestion and optimum overall health
Replenishes gut flora and improves nutrient absorption Improves feed utilisation on all types of diets and helps reduce environmental emissions
Available in pelletised and water-resistant dry lick formula
Biolink uses powerful high-strength, multi-strain microbials to boost the health of plants and animals on your farm
biolink4plants.com.au
Helping farmers create more sustainable, profitable farms
In the market for a new vehicle? Imagine this: the opportunity to explore a dazzling array of the latest Toyota models while having expert guidance right at your fingertips. Well, you’re in luck! This 13 and 14 October, join us at the Wandin-Silvan Field Days for an enjoyable, family-friendly event.
Our dedicated team from your trusted local Toyota dealerships, Yarra Valley and Croydon Toyota, will be there to showcase Toyota’s newest additions to the line-up. While you take a break from perusing agricultural equipment, come and check out the new HiLux Rogue - the ultimate vehicle for both work and play.
But that’s just the beginning! Our knowledgeable team will be delighted to introduce you to Toyota’s eco-friendly sedans, hatches, and hybrids, perfect for those looking to make a green impact on the road.
If your needs lean towards a larger vehicle for the whole family, don’t miss our sporty and spacious SUVs. They are designed to accommodate everyone and everything you need, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all.
Is your business in need of a fleet of vehicles? We’ve got you covered! Our team specializes in providing tailored fleet solutions for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re a corporation, a community organization, or a government department. We’ll work closely with you to offer competitive fleet solutions that meet your specific needs.
Our financial services team will always be at your service, ready to answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re seeking a lowrate package to get behind the wheel of your dream car or need guidance on warranty and insurance matters, we’re here to provide you with quotes, clarity, and peace of mind.
Whatever you’re searching for, there’s a
Toyota that perfectly suits your needs, and our award-winning team will be there to help you find it. With over 55 years of dedicated service to our community, we’re proud and excited to
be part of local events like the Wandin-Silvan Field Days. Join us at theWandin-Silvan Field Days and explore the world of Toyota. Drop by our Yarra
Valley & Croydon Toyota display, or visit us at our dealerships anytime. We look forward to serving you and being part of your automotive journey.
From the moment it made its way onto our shores over 50 years ago, the Hilux quickly established itself as an Australian classic. A workhorse and family mover, no adventure is complete without one. And for good reason.
Combining power with on-road presence, the Hilux continues to prove itself from generation to generation. Nothing beats the unbreakable connection between you and your Hilux.
At the end of this week we will all be required to vote in a referendum for which many of us are ill prepared and will cast ourYes or No vote most likely on the basis of our political affiliations, prejudices, impact of media coverage (particularly social media), and in most cases with scant understanding of what the Voice will deliver to our indigenous people or how it will affect the lives of all Australians.
In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for three things: voice, treaty and truth: a voice to parliament enshrined in the constitution and a Makarrata commission to oversee a process of treaty-making and truth-telling .There is, however, discomfort among both the indigenous and the wider community as to the process of achieving this. Some high profile indigenous want a Treaty before anything else, but truth telling must also take place. The true history of our dealings with those who were here before us needs to be told and owned.
There has been a failure from the Government in educating the public and counteracting the misinformation which always spreads like a virus. The old shibboleth from Mabo about ordinary Australians’ backyards being in danger of repossession has surfaced again. As Australians we do not have a tradition of debating/ discussing substantive issues, and while endless analyses of sporting events are acceptable, it’s regarded as a social faux pas to engage in talking about politics.
The Yes vote has according to the poll been lagging behind the No vote. A weary electorate still in recovery from the pandemic and now battered with mortgage and cost of living stresses is not receptive to hearing about ‘closing the gap’ of indigenous disadvantage. After all, they say, haven’t we already poured millions and millions of money in addressing the health, education and violence problems with apparently little result? And why do some succeed while others remain in generational poverty?
It is true that there is a growing well educated and well to do indigenous middle class: in academia, business and particularly in the arts and there are eleven indigenous members of Parliament. But the health, education and socialproblemsofruralandremotecommunities remainstillunsolved.GroupslikeJustReinvent appear to be addressing the causes of crime in places like Bourke but on any day of the year 50% of those incarcerated across Australia are indigenous. Alcohol fuelled violence and crime persists in centres like Alice Sprin gs.
It is too simplistic to dismiss issues to do with health, incarceration, suicide, life expectancy with admonishments such as don’t commit crimes, change your lifestyles and so on, ignoring generations of disadvantage, exploitation and ingrained victimhood. It also ignores alienation from traditions. As Noel Pearson put it:
Recognition is not just about disadvantage,
it’s about our languages, our culture, our history, recognition of our art, of all of the good things we can contribute to the country.
Many indigenous writers and poets have followed in the footsteps of Oodgeroo Noonucccal aka Kath Walker who in 1970 published the poem, An Appeal, where she called on Statesmen, Writers, Unions, Churches, the Press and the white community to take on the indigenous cause. What she asks for still holds today: leadership from the government, truth from our writers and poets, justice from the unions, Christian love and support from the church, advocacy from the press and most importantly acceptance and understanding from white Australians: On you our chiefest hopes depend.
Now the multi- talented Baker Boy from Arnhem Land has become a powerful role model for young indigenous as he raps his way into mainstream prominence with a message for them to embrace their culture and become leaders in their communities...
You wanna be as good as me? Boy, you better practice
Step back, feel the power of my blackness
You wanna be as good as me? Boy, you better practice
Step back, feel the power of my blackness
The vote every Australian casts on October 14 should be a considered vote based on whether you believe the proposedVoice would indeed improve the lives of our fellow indig-
enous Australians for the better or whether it merely puts in place another level of bureaucracy with no tangible benefits and perhaps some unintended consequences of resentment of perceived bias towards one section of our community over another.
An Appeal:
Statesmen, who make the nation’s laws, With power to force unfriendly doors, Give leadership in this our cause That leaders owe.
Writers, who have the nation’s ear, Your pen a sword opponents fear, Speak of our evils loud and clear That all may know.
Unions, who serve democracy, Guardians of social liberty, Warm to the justice of our plea, And strike your blow.
Churches, who preach the Nazarene, Be on our side and intervene, Show us what Christian love can mean Who need it so.
The Press, most powerful of all, On you the underprivileged call: Right us a wrong and break the thrall That keep us low.
All white well-wishers, in the end On you our chiefest hopes depend; Public opinion’s our best friend To beat the foe.
New Zealand’s expats in Australia might have the power to change the election outcome.
As New Zealand prepares itself for its 2023 general election, otherwise known as the “Battle of the Chris’s”, reports are flooding the internet that Australia may be the decider of who will run it’s neighbour across the ditch.
As a proud New Zealander enrolled in the nation’s upcoming election, it is clear that this year’s election is set to be ‘iconic’ for New Zealanders around the world, following a two-term stint in office for the local Labour party, and is arguably going to be one of the closest elections the country has seen in years.
The world will be watching the country in the corner of the map, to see whether it will be Chris Hipkins - interim Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party - returning to power, or if New Zealand may see a change of government under the right-wing National party, led by Christopher Luxon in the head seat.
To differentiate the two, Chris Hipkins is the man who went viral in 2021, after stating on a live covid-19 television broadcast that kiwi’s needed to get out and “spread their legs” during the pandemic, whilst Chris Luxon stands on firm ground for the National party. Luxon has spent most of his time in recent days facing a grilling from the media as to whether he will be open to a coalition with the controversial “swing” party NZ First, or whether he will be relying on a completely right-wing National and ACT party coalition.
Currently showing in the polls is that Luxon would need to count on a NationalACT-NZ First coalition to have any chance at gaining the controlling maximum in the upcoming term.
Overseas voting opened in early October for New Zealand citizen expats to vote for their mother country, if they haven’t been home in less than six years - which is double the previous amount in place for past elections.
Of the estimated one million kiwi’s living overseas, the non-partisan group Every Kiwi Vote Counts said almost 70 per cent of them reside in Australia.
Every Kiwi Vote Counts group director Tracey Lee said in the past, elections have only seen one in 10 overseas New Zealanders vote.
“With roughly one million New Zealanders living overseas, we could have an additional 750,000 New Zealanders who aren’t exercising their democratic right to vote,” she said.
In the most recent “Leaders Debate” screened on TVNZ, hosted by the iconic television personality Patrick Gower, both leaders have pledged to keep the number of police higher than the number of gang members, promised to lower the age for bowel cancer screening from 60 to 50 - similar to Australia - and to continue paying nurses the same.
However, while they both promised to lift
80,000 more children out of poverty by 2028, Hipkins said Luxon’s plan to peg benefit levels to inflation rather than wages would increase poverty.
As early voting is now open for both overseas Kiwi voters, and local residents still residing in the mother country, recent polls are showing that the left-wing Labour party are creeping back into favour ahead of a rightwing coalition option.
Despite what the polls say, this kiwi-reporter is hoping for a right-wing coalition to come into power on 14 October, and see a change of colours leading the way for New Zealand for the next term, with hopes of them improving the overall economy and pull New Zealand out of recession in the coming years.
Any Knox residents who remain New Zealand citizens and eligible to vote in this year’s general election are encouraged to submit their votes either online or via post before Saturday 14 October.
· More information can be found at vote.nz
Firstly, it’s wonderful to have some warmer weather for the year (finally) and of course a big congrats to all the Pies fans out there. As a Richmond supporter I didn’t have any skin in the game, but I am glad that the Vic team took home the flag. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to write directly to you about a few things happening locally and across the State that I hope you find useful.
McMahons Road Construction
The biggest construction site in Knox is right here in Knox along Burwood Hwy (pictured). And I took a tour of the site recently - there’s so much happening! The Victorian Government is delivering a new intersection at McMahons Road and adding more lanes along Burwood Highway to get you home safer and sooner. It was exciting to meet some of the hard-working team. The project is due for completion in early 2024.
We’re making it Free to Study Secondary Teaching
We’ve recently announced that we will make studying to become a teacher in secondary schools in Victoria free, with scholarships covering the cost of degrees to help boost our school workforce and support hardworking teachers. The scholarships will be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, with final
payments if they then work in Victorian government schools for two years after they graduate – supporting around 4,000 future teachers each year.
The Sick Pay Guarantee
Last year, we introduced an Australian first. The Sick Pay Guarantee. It means eligible casual and contract workers can sign up to claim up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay at the minimum wage. And we’ve recently added over 400 jobs to the list. It’s funded by the Victorian Government and all the paperwork is covered by us, too. The pilot has been extended to 2025 and it’s ensuring workingVictorians don’t have to make difficult choices. For more call 1800 979 641.
Home Buyers Fund and Savings Finder
In some other ways we are helping to put mon-
ey back in your pocket, I’d encourage locals to check out the Victorian Government’s Savings Finder online tool, if you go to service.vic.gov. au/services/savings-finder/ there is a wide range of rebates, discounts or even unclaimed money you may be eligible for. For people looking to enter home ownership we also have the Victorian Homebuyer Fund which is a shared equity scheme, making it easier to get into the market. If you have a 5 per cent deposit, the Victorian Government could contribute up to 25 per cent of the purchase price in exchange for an equivalent share in the property. This will save you money by reducing your mortgage and removing the need for LMI. For more info you can call 7020 1549.
Local Shout-Out
A big thanks to all the volunteers and organisers involved in the Boronia Mall’s 50th Anniversary. It was a great event to celebrate the old gem! I enjoyed taking part in some of the celebrations.
That’s all for this time, but for my last word, can I provide a gentle reminder to everyone to check out the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrade program which has already helped thousands of households reduce their energy bills. Go to https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/forhouseholds/victorian-energy-upgrades-forhouseholds
On October 6, the Memorial Hall in Healesville hosted a special screening and Q&A event for The Cost, the latest film by director Matthew Holmes. Aaron (Damon Hunter) and David (Jordan Fraser-Trumble) abduct Troy (Kevin Dee) and bring him to the woods to dispense justice for an old crime, only for their plan to go awry.
The Cost is a taut, harrowing thriller that makes excellent use of its small cast and setting. Holmes doesn’t view The Cost as a horror film – ‘It will take you to the edge of the cliff, but it will not push you over the edge’ – but it’s still a confronting, psychologically disturbing film that examines the brutality normal people are capable of, whether an eye for an eye is truly justice, and how pragmatism can lock you into a horrific situation.
Dee is both pathetic and manipulative as Troy, Hunter delivers an almost scary resolve as Aaron – during the Q&A, Hunter mentioned that he maintained this intensity throughout the production – and Fraser-Tumble conveys David’s growing anxiety over their actions.
The Bakery @ 1812
Phantom Call by Chris Hudson
The play was in the intimate theatre of the Bakery@1812 which well suited the production.
A very good set of a suburban lounge room with on audience left was the front door and on audience right was the entry to the kitchen, 1812 always has the off rooms well set so when the audience looks at the off rooms, they do not see a bank wall but a well furnished set.
The story is of amateur spiritualists and one sceptic . They have a seance and the departed one through the medium gives them the racing tips for the next day. Naturally they all win. But!
A cast of seven all excellently played.
Opening we enter the home of the Musgroves, Marge and Charlie. Madge was given a great performance by Annie Laurenson who knew how to handle her husband, Charlie.
Charlie was played by Andrew McIver . A superb performance where Andrew played many roles. This is not easy to change characters at the drop of a hat but Andrew succeeded successfully.
Ryan Brennan played Mr Crimmens, the channel .used by the medium to bring the spirits in. Another good portrayal of the actor playing several role.
Patricia McCraken was the medium Madam Zelda. Patricia must have been to play this
role. He portrayal was excellent. She went about the room calling the departed and the theatre gave an impressive display of lightning, thunder and at the right moments
Beryl was played by Shivanii Cameron .As one of the group Shivanii gave a fine performance keeping up the standard as set.
Gloria was played by Rosie Leonardi. Another good performance particularly when telling off Mr Percy.
Mr Percy was played y Roderick Chappel who seemed a quiet character at first then turned out to e very selfish for which Rosie told him off. Roderick gave a good interpretation of such a character.
A well written show, very comedic with a little aspect of doubt
The Bakery@1812 gave its audience a wonderful and comedic night pout.
The Basin Theatre Belle
The Basin Theatre opened its October sea-
son with Belel? A story of six sisters with one of the sisters, Peggy, ringing up the other five to say that their mother is in hospital suffering from food poisoning. The sisters’ reaction is what the play is all about.
A very busy stage with the sisters spread across USA , from Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi, Washington and Texas.
This was represented by various means from two bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge room where Peggy broadcasts from which is a centre raised stage.
The sisters all have their own peculiarities such as one who is ventriloquist, another who has difficulties in her marriage
Peggy was played by Michaela Smith/ Peggy is the oldest daughter and still lives with their mother. She rang the other sisters to tell them about her mother eating some bad tuna but the other sisters had their own problems.
Technically The Basin handled the phone calling very well, Each sister had a telephone and when they rang each other the phone actually rang. The whole play was around the telephones with each sister ringing each other up throughout the evening.
The players gave good performances but one of the girls could have been a little louder.
A successful evening of theatre giving a few. Laughs and pathos.
The Cost shows Troy’s instigating crime – his assault and murder of Stephanie (Nicole Pastor), who was Aaron’s sister and David’s wife – in flashbacks that, while not particularly graphic, may be triggering to some viewers. These scenes negate all but superficial sympathy for Troy, which highlights Aaron and David’s central moral conflict. The closeup camerawork, as Holmes put it, also ‘claustrophobically kinda traps you with these three characters’ for an intimate view of their psyches. The dialogue feels slightly melodramatic at first, but this aids the narrative: as David questions whether they can go through with their plan and if the trauma from killing Troy will outweigh any retribution, his initial bravado dissolves. Adam is a great illustration of the difference between cold and pragmatic: he appears stoic and bloodthirsty, but he is driven by grief for his sister and a need to protect his family, and he know’s that they’re in too deep to back out now. The Cost is extremely suspenseful and superbly balances both internal and external conflict.
In a fun Q&A after the film, Holmes and Hunter gave thorough insight into the film’s production. A planned threemonth shoot became a 13-month shoot, partly due to Covid lockdowns. The filming often took place in cold weather and harsh conditions, with Dee ‘barefoot in the woods’ for long stretches. Dee courageously took the brunt, but everyone suffered a little for their art. ‘You get a few bumps and bruises making a film like this,’ Holmes remarked.
Holmes, the cast and crew constantly debated to make sure they don’t go too far or mean-spirited or turn The Cost into an exploitation movie.
Clayton Watson plays Brian, a farmer who throws a wrench in Aaron and David’s plans. Holmes noted that while the shooting script didn’t change much, Watson (who was a late addition to the cast) played Brian significantly funnier than on the page.‘Casting is fluid. Sometimes it surprises you.’
The Cost will screen at several independent cinemas in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, including Cameo in Belgrave on October 11 and the Mecca Arts Centre in Warburton on October 13, and will be released on DVD, BluRay and streaming services on October 18.
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See page 30
THIS is the home you have been waiting for!
Situated in a desirable Emerald location, offering town convenience with space and privacy that overs 1/2 an acre offers.
This fantastic family home is set at the end of a long driveway, with a handy double lock up garage and a double carport.
The home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a handy study. With bamboo flooring, ducted heating and evaporative cooling the modern comforts await. The County charm is provided in the cosy lounge room with wood fire for warming yourself as the chef of the kitchen enjoys the modern facilities. Other charming features of the home include bay windows to enjoy tranquil moments on and a gas log fire.
Enjoy the balmy summer nights to come in your large covered outdoor entertaining area that soak in the sights of your park like surrounds.
This property has it all so don’t miss out - call to arrange a private inspection today. 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. ●
Thishomeoffersapicturesque&comfortablelivingexperienceandissituatedona spacious&usableacre.featuringfront&rearverandahs,largedouble-glazedwindows, plentyofnaturalsunlight,generouslysizedbedrooms-one withbuilt-inrobes,spaciousnew kitchenwithabaywindow,inbuiltgaswoodheaterinlounge, hybridlaminateflooring& carpetinbedrooms,lock-upgarage&workshop,freshlypaintedshedatthefrontwhich couldpotentiallyserveasahomeofficeareaorafarmgateshopexperience(sTca).
Thisprivatelypositionedhomeon5flatacrespayshomagetonaturalfittingsandoffers openplanlivingspaceswithtimberfloors,centralcontemporarykitchenwithinduction cooking,astunningensuite,hugelaundry/mudroomwithseparateaccessfromoutside, woodheater,splitsystemandastudynook.Thegroundscompriseoftwolargepaddocks withgoodfencing-ponyready,adoublegarageanda3bayapprox.7.5mx10.5m poweredshedwithamezzaninefloor.Enjoythebeautifulsurroundingsonthehugedeck.
‘LOCATED in the beautiful Beaumont Waters Estate, this remarkable home offers many features that combine comfort and practicality. The house is set up to provide multiple living arrangements with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. You’ll find one of these bedrooms and bathrooms as part of a studio-style unit adjoining the main house. This home provides ample room for a growing family, extended/dependant family member, home office, salon, or those who value space and would love the extras! Situated on an 800m² corner block, this property offers privacy, plenty of extras, room for everyone, and the perfect location.
Inside
· Two separate living spaces inside
· The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, connecting to a comfortable meal area
· The main bedroom boasts an ensuite and walk-in robe
· All other bedrooms are equipped with builtin robes and serviced by a central family bathroom
· Extra Features
· Newly fitted plantation shutters not only enhance the interior aesthetics but also offer excellent light control and privacy
· Storage is plentiful with ample linen/hall cupboards
· Full alarm system
· Ducted vacuum and heating
· Solar
· Multiple split system air conditioning units to maintain a comfortable environment year-round
Added Bonus
Fabulous studio with separate access, own bathroom, perfect for working from home and having clients attend
Outside
Generous outdoor entertaining area, fitted with Cafe blinds, fully enclosing the space as an inside-outside living area!
Parking is a breeze with a two-car garage with internal access to the main residence
Additional oversized double garage/ workshop at the rear with side access
This workshop is a creative haven, a DIY enthusiast’s dream, or simply a functional space to store your tools and equipment.
Additional two garden sheds on the property offer extra storage.
Within walking distance to Eden Rise Shopping Centre and proximity to sporting facilities, public transport, parklands surrounding the large lake, wetlands reserve and extensive walking paths, Monash Freeway, and all that Berwick offers. Don’t delay, this property is a must to inspect. ●
22BoundaryRoadWest,Emerald$1,150,000-$1,250,000
Space,Privacy&5BedroomsonOveranAcre!
Locatedonnearly1.5sunnyacreswithyourowncreekfrontage,quietnothroughroadlocation &ashortwalkfromEmeraldtownship.Entertofindafifthbedroom/homeoffice,aswellasdirect entryfromtheDLUG.TheMasterSuitehasaWIR,ensuite,retreatloungearea&privateundercover deck.Thehomeflowsintotheformalloungewithlargewindows&aspaciousdiningroom.Thelarge updatedkitchenhasstonebenchtops,&qualityappliances,&thefamilyroomhasvaultedceiling, woodfireheater&multipleskylights.Thereare3bedroomsatthefarendofthehome,withBIRs &areservicedbyafamilybathroom.Addtoallthisalaundry/mudroom,zonedductedheating, evaporativecooling&ceilingfansthroughoutthehome.Outdoorsisapavedarea,2gardensheds, 2watertanksforuseinthegarden,asealeddrive,&doublecarport.
SamanthaScott M 0438680032
Thegraveldrivewayleadstoadoublecarport&offstreetparking.Inside,discoverabedroomwitha BIR.Thenthehomeflowstoanopenplankitchen/dining/loungeroomwithgascooking,agenerous butlerspantrywithitsownsink&dishwasher.Preparedinnerasyourguests&familyunwindbythe woodfireorenjoythesplitsystemAC.Thereisalovelyfamilybathroom/laundrywithblacktapwear, toilet,&arainheadshoweroverthebathtub.Continuedownthehallwaytodiscover2generous bedroomsbothwithceilingfans&BIRs.AttheendofthehallwayisthemasterbedroomwithBIRs& anensuitewithtoilet&shower.Externally,thereisafullyfencedlargebackyardwithalargecovered entertainingareawithconcreteflooring,workshoparea,&alargegardenshed.Thegardenbeds alongtheretainingwallsareverytidy&thereisalargegrassedarea.
Character,Charm,DualAccommodation&over5ClearedAcres!
Thehomehasacircularasphaltdriveway,manicuredgardens,10-footceilings,decorativeceiling roses&cornicing,mainsgasductedheating,evaporativecooling,somedoubleglazing,4.5kWof solar,doublehungwindows&hardwoodfloors.Thereare4oversizedbedrooms,thenaloungeroom withsplitsystem&alargediningspace.Thekitchenhasa1200mmFalconstove,&adjoinsthedining areawithwalkinpantry.Thereardeckoverlooksthesolarheatedingroundpool,hut,orchard& veggiepatch&4fencedpaddockswithwater.TheParent’sRetreatjoinstheMasterbedroomwith WIR,&ensuite.Externallyisa10m*12m,3bay/6carAmericanBarnwithconcretefloor&power. Thereisalsoaconcretedbasketballhalfcourt,chickenrun,&aDependentPersonsUnitcontaining abedroom,study,bathroom,openplankitchen/livingareawithsplitsystemAC,carport&shedding.
Spacious,WellLocated,GorgeousFamilyHomeonover1/2anacre!
Thisisthehomeyouhavebeenwaitingfor!SituatedinadesirableEmeraldlocation,offeringtown conveniencewithspaceandprivacythatover1/2anacreoffers!Thisfantasticfamilyhomeisset attheendofalongdriveway,withadoublelockupgarageandadoublecarport.Thehome features4bedrooms,2bathroomsandahandystudy.Withbambooflooring,ductedheatingand evaporativecoolingthemoderncomfortsawait.TheCountycharmisprovidedinthecosylounge roomwithwoodfireforwarmingyourselfasthechefofthekitchenenjoysthemodernfacilities. Othercharmingfeaturesofthehomeincludebaywindowstoenjoytranquilmomentsonandagas logfire.Enjoythebalmysummernightstocomeinyourlargecoveredoutdoorentertainingareathat soakinthesightsofyourparklikesurrounds.
THIS architectural residence is a feast for the senses filled with textural design elements. Imagine exposed beams, rendered accent walls, and rich timber including vaulted ceilings all set to a backdrop of spectacular vista views and lush gardens.
Welcome to this 2,035sqm (approx.) dream lifestyle property. The landscape begins with a large circular drive with double carport. Practical and picturesque, the rear garden boasts an enclosed vegetable patch and orchard, firepit area for gathering with family and friends, paved patio, outdoor heated tub, and more. A shining example of the exceptional way of life the Dandenong Ranges affords, this property will alight imaginations with inspiration.
Inside is equally impressive and offers the versatility every family craves.
Of the 3 levels, 2 are adorned with their own kitchen and luxurious living area perfect for that dual living situation including the upper level family room with wood fire that flows into the new kitchen with stone benchtops, oversize gas range with industrial grill plate, wall oven, timber floors, island seating, and breathtaking outlooks. The
top floor bedroom is enriched with its own sunroom.
In addition, there are enticing bedrooms and bathrooms on both levels. The entry level primary bathroom is complemented with a spa tub ideal after a day working in the garden or from home in one of the many bedrooms that could serves as an idyllic office. With an extensive list of bonus features including 2 laundry rooms, 2 coolrooms/cellars including one with large workshop, a private covered terrace on the lower level, and cosy wood fire heating for cooler months in the Hills, this property must be toured in person to appreciate all that is on offer. Truly one-of-a-kind, this magnificent property will provide one fortunate family a fabulous way of life. Plan your viewing today.
* 2,035sqm property with breathtaking views
* Versatile interior with kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms on 2 levels ideal multigenerational living.
* New kitchen with oversize gas range and inviting island seating
* Lush landscaped gardens with veggie beds and orchard ●
4 A 2 B 1 C
Anamazingopportunityforownersandinvestorsalike,thesetypesofpropertiesarearare findinthearea.OnlyashortwalktoUpwey’smainstreet,trainstationandlocalschools,this propertyoffersnotonlyawonderfulopportunitytorenovateandcreatetheperfecthome foryouandyourfamilybutalsoboaststheaddedbenefitsofaseparate,onebedroom characterfilledcottage.
SharynChandler
M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
RachelEastwood
M 0401117761| E rachel@chandlerandco.com.au
WithinwalkingdistancetoBelgraveMainStreet,BelgraveLakeParkandtrainstationand onlyminutesfrommanylocalschools,thismuchloved&wellsizedfamilyhomehasbeen updatedtoshowcaseHillslivingatitsverybest.Youwillcertainlyfindmorethanone‘wow’ factoratthisproperty–Forstarters,thereisthestunningkitchenwithextendedcupboards, islandbenchand900mmuprightstove.
SharynChandler
M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
JessLainis
M 0493544981| E jess@chandlerandco.com.au
$890,000-$950,000 SINGLELEVELHOMEINPEACEFULPOCKETPOSITION
4 A 2 B
Fromitssprawling628sqm(approx.)cornerallotmentinaquietno-throughroadposition, thisimpressivehomeoffersanoutstandinglifestyle.Designedforcomfortwithinasingle levellayout,everyelementrequiredforenviablefamilylivingcanbefoundhere.Upon entry,thegenerousloungewith floortoceilingwindowsisadornedwithqualitycarpetfora warmandcosyfeeling.
BradConder
M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
295MonbulkRoad,MONBULK $840,000-$920,000 EXCEPTIONALPRESENTATIONANDEXQUISITEOUTLOOKS 4 A 2 B 1 C
Withexceptionalpresentationandexquisitetreetopoutlooks,thisimpressiveproperty istheultimateHillsretreat.PositionedforpracticalitystepsfromBaynesPark,Monbulk AquaticCentre,andMainRoadamenities,youwillfeeltuckedawayfrombusylifewithout sacrificingcomfortorconvenience.
SuzieBrannelly
M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au
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.
ACROSS
1 Looks for (5)
4 Pathological self-admirer (9)
9 Contain (7)
10 Instrument for crushing material into small pieces (7)
11 Subtle change by degrees (9)
12 US state (5)
13 Swine (3)
14 Bug poison (11)
16 Tools (11)
19 Long, slippery fish (3)
20 Cavalry sword (5)
22 Charity (9)
25 Print process (7)
26 Drank (7)
27 Dangled (9)
28 Unkempt (5)
DOWN
1 Throw (5)
2 Gives something and receives another (9)
3 Aqualung (5)
4 Foes (7)
5 Natural (7)
6 Talents (9)
7 Country (5)
8 Relating to the body (9)
13 Female religious leader (9)
14 From Israel (9)
15 Beyond words, indescribable (9)
17 Coped (7)
18 Cared for (7)
21 Dollars (coll) (5)
23 Puzzle (5)
24 Currently (5)
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.
foreign
tacit, tact, tactual, tail, tala, talc,
acquit, ACQUITTAL, actual, alit, aqua, aquatic, attic, laic, quail, quittal,
By Jamie Strudley
After a few quiet weeks post cross country season Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomed members, parents and the community back to the first round of track and field athletics for 202324 Over 250 little athletics started their season at Morrison Reserve on Saturday morning (7 October). Excitement for the summer ahead and an opportunity to catch up with friends from last year made for a fun morning of athletics.Wehopeallourtriallingathletesenjoyed the morning and look forward to seeing you back next weekend.
The senior team travelled to Duncan McKinnon Reserve in Moorabbin for round 1 of the AVSL competition. Athletes generate points for this team based competition based on their event results. TheYR Athletics team produced so many superb performances to secure a fourth placed team finish. There are 10 teams in the division including athletics powerhouses teams from Geelong, Knox, Ringwood and Sandringham, we proved we will be a force to reckon with this season.
We also welcomed six new members competing at their first round of AVSL for YRA including Taryn Bourke, Shani Bullard, Erica Purcell, Carolyn Rosenbrock and Ali Coffey. Hope you all enjoyed the day and welcome to teamYarra Ranges Athletics.
Five club records were broken (pending confirmation) by
· Ashleigh RookeWomen U20 Discus 31.91m,
· Carolyn Rosenbrock Women Open and 40+ 3000mWalk 16.29.2,
·
Anne-Marie Ebbels Women 40+ Hammer
Throw 25.42m
· Bradley McMeeken Men Para 1500m 6.48.8
Women
·
100m: Ashleigh Rooke 13.43 (0.8);Taryn
Bourke 14.44 (-0.7); Shani Bullard 14.63 (-2.1); Elisabeth Coffey 15.15 (-1.2); Erica
Purcell 16.97 (-2.7);
· 400m: Zoe Clarke 66.11; Ashleigh Rooke
67.29; Rori Jones 67.40; Kristina Nackovski
72.04; Mia Strudley 72.65; Erica Purcell 89.73;
· 1500m: Zoe Clarke 5:08.8h; Rori Jones
5:32.6h; Mia Strudley 5:34.7h; Carolyn Rosenbrock 6:44.2h;
· 1500mWalk: Emilie Garside 8:55.7h;
·
3000mWalk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 16:29.2h;
·
Discus: Ashleigh Rooke 31.19m; Hayley
Wilkins 24.38m; Meg Sparkes 25.03m; Kathi
Hewitson 11.99m; Sharon Cook 16.72m;
· Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 29.00m; Anne-Marie
Ebbels 25.42m;
Javelin: Hayley Wilkins 34.29m; Ashleigh
·
Rooke 25.76m; Meg Sparkes 17.63m; Kathi Hewitson 11.53m; Sharon Cook 10.73m;
· Shot Put: Sarah Ebbels 6.85m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 6.48m;
· Long Jump: Shani Bullard 3.85m; Taryn Bourke 3.32m; Erica Purcell 3.15m;
Men
· 100m: Mitchell Mullens 11.28 (-1.4); Liam Russell 12.72 (-1.7); Oliver Duncan 12.85 (-2.8); Joseph Johnston 14.12 (-1.7);
· 400m: Liam Russell 55.14; Oliver Duncan 59.27; Joseph Johnston 65.05; Ash Almond 66.28; Bradley McMeeken 89.68;
· 1500m: Mitchell Pointon 4:44.4h; Alistair Coffey 5:21.6h; Craig Hewitson 5:32.3h;
Bradley McMeeken 6:48.8h;
· Discus: Ash Almond 27.43m;
· Javelin: Ash Almond 46.97m; Craig Hewitson 15.81m
· Long Jump: Liam Russell 5.45m; Ash Almond 4.54m; Oliver Duncan 5.13m; Alistair Coffey 3.94m;
Training for six-12 year olds starts Tuesday 10 October from 4pm. Seniors training (12yo plus) continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Check the socials and website for more details. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.
If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of track and field registration is now open. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au or 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!
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It was the ideal start to the new season for the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers, who went a perfect 7 from 7 to start the new Baseball Victoria season.
Starting with a blowout 14-2 victory over Pakenham White for the Lady Tigers on Saturday, the men’s teams then played clinical baseball as they recorded single wins over Monash University, Sandringham and 4 over Melbourne, the last of which was a commanding 10-0 mercy rule victory for the back-to-back reigning Division 1 premiers.
Riding a phenomenal start from staff ace Jordan Turner who threw 6 shutout innings, the Tigers plated runs in the 4th and 5th innings before exploding for 7 runs with 2 outs in the 7th inning to enforce the mercy rule and end the game early.
Club coach Donavon Hendricks was thrilled with the results his players were able to produce under Sunday’s blue skies.
“I’m incredibly proud of the start of the
season, not only from our 1sts group with a great 10-0 win in the semi-final rematch of last season, but also our entire club with 7 wins.
“Our 1s today had to fight early and battle some great quality pitching from Melbourne’s import starting pitcher.
“We got a great start from our own Jarrod Turner who set the tone for us from the very first pitch.
“Some clutch hitting and gritty at bats allowed us to create some distance from Melbourne late in the game.
“I’m really proud of the effort and the results out of the blocks for Round One,” he said.
The Tigers head to Merri Park on Sunday looking to improve to 2-0 against the recently promoted Fitzroy Lions, whilst the Lady Tigers are on the road to St Kilda for what promises to be a very competitive matchup.
A local sports club has been rallying for Knox, and have recently been nominated for a statewide award.
The Ferntree Gully Tennis Club has been recognised for its all abilities tennis program, and has been named a finalist in the Victoria Tennis Awards for the most outstanding inclusion initiative.
The club will go head to head against Doncaster’s Au-Tastic Tennis program and South Gisborne Tennis Club’s All Abilities Tennis Challenge.
Ferntree Gully Tennis Club vice president Justin Metcalf said regardless of the result, the nomination means a lot to the club.
“It’s recognition for the hard work the volunteers and members have done over the last few years to get this program up and running.
“There have been a number of people involved in the program, we went through the process to get it started as Covid started, and we worked through Covid to get it up and running,” he said.
The club isn’t unfamiliar with the spotlight with Tennis Victoria, having been awarded the Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award in 2021.
Their all abilities program was designed and started a couple of years ago in conjunction with Special Olympics Australia and Tennis Victoria, with the idea of making tennis more accessible to the community.
Mr Metcalf said from a club perspective, it’s brought about a whole new life.
“Lot of clubs in the area have closed due to low numbers of members or no committee, and a lot of people haven’t been able to commit to a club or take time to volunteer.
“Our club decided to look at opportunities where the club wasn’t being fully utilised in certain aspects of the day.
“This way we can show locals that our club is open and welcoming to anyone,” he said.
Ferntree Gully Tennis Club have an overarching goal to make their club more inclusive, active and fun for the community to be involved in the sport, and has become their tagline of the all inclusive program.
Mr Metcalf said there has been a lot of positive support in the program from around the state.
“Tennis Victoria had programs and coaching we incorporated into our all inclusive program, and they have been heavily involved in getting it off the ground,” he said.
From their very first session in recent years, the program has grown to over 30 people playing tennis through the All Abilities program.
According to Mr Metcalf, it is a program that is continuing to grow in Ferntree Gully.
“The first session we had was very small, but it worked.
“Now we have anywhere between 15 and 25
people who come along to our Thursday night sessions,” he said.
The club provides all players with a racket at the beginning of the term when they join the program, and Mr Metcalf said the club prioritises its players throughout their progression.
“Thanks to support from Bendigo Bank in Ferntree Gully with sponsorships and support to get grants, we have equipment on hand to give to the players in the program.
‘“If they continue on longer than a term, we make sure they get really well looked after and have the equipment they need,” he said.
Overall, the Ferntree Gully Tennis club has goals to make an even more inclusive club culture, with locals and visitors from all diverse cultures and walks of life welcome to make the most of the clubs’ facilities.
Mr Metcalf said their next ambition is to see
more women involved in their club.
“Tennis is a funny sport - we can see AFL and cricket is progressing with more womens’ teams, but tennis seems to be slightly more left behind.
“The great thing about our club is that we have a 50-50 split in our committee between male and female.
“If I say so myself, it makes it a really good, really healthy, and nicer environment to be in,” he said.
According to Mr Metcalf, the most interest from locals has been in their ‘Book a Court’ system, where locals can book the courts for an hour or two whenever they like to go down for a hit.
“It’s been prevalent in our club, and a lot around the area, where locals can book sessions whenever they want to pop down for a
game on their own time,” he said.
At the end of the day, Mr Metcalf encourages Knox locals to pop down for a visit and see what their club has to offer the community.
“What we’re trying to establish in the community is that, just because there are big fences around, doesn’t mean you can’t come in.
“Everyone is always welcome to come down and use the facilities or join our club, no matter what age, ability or background they come from.
“It doesn’t matter if you can’t hit a ball, it’s lots of fun and there are lots of options like our ‘cardio tennis’ or social tennis on Thursdays,” he said.
Anyone wanting to learn more about the Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, or book time on the courts, can visit play.tennis.com.au/ferntreegullytennisclub
