Ferntree Gully Belgrave
Halloween rescue by two FTG heroes
Doongalla Picnic Ground reopens
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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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A Star News Group Publication
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Poppy delight for Emerald
Emerald RSL vice president Kane Falconer speaks at the Remembrance Day service.
Picture: TANYA FAULKNER
The community of Emerald gathered in the streets of the town and around the war memorial to commemorate Remembrance Day on 11 November. With people donning poppies to match the handmade red floral tribute that arrived in town last week, it was a true show of honouring the fallen. Reflecting on the brave efforts of local soldiers who gave so much during World War I, it was a fitting salute given the 105 year anniversary of the armistice to end the war. To see and read more about the Remembrance Day services across the Hills, turn to pages 12 and 13.
Narre Warren man charged with theft as rare car’s owner celebrates ...
Mustang’s rally A Narre Warren man has faced the courts after being charged with the theft of a rare Mustang. Craig Dean, the owner of Mustang Motorsport in Ferntree Gully, has had his $400K 2021 GT-500 KR Mustang returned by Victoria Police after it was stolen from his car yard almost a month ago. The Mustang, which was stolen on Wednesday 11 October, was recovered by police and returned to the yard on Friday 3 November. Mr Dean said he had a surprise call from Victoria Crime Squad’s detective
senior constable Michael Gatt while he was looking after his grandkids. “He rang me up and said: ‘You’re going to have to bring your spare keys out to me’ and I said: ‘Oh, beauty, you found it?” “He said he was standing right beside it. According to Mr Dean, he and his team spent four to five hours on the car removing the paint and tidying up the car to its condition as seen by the media on Friday 10 October. A 37-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with theft
of motor vehicle, driving while disqualified and possessing a drug of dependence. After receiving a tip-off, detectives last week searched a home in Carrum Downs where the Mustang was recovered. Detective senior constable Michael Gatt said it was an awesome moment for his team when they found the rare vehicle. “I was probably more relieved than Craig. “This investigation took a lot of long days, especially as the investigation went on. “It’s good to see that the car could be handed back to its owner, and brought back to
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Yarra Ranges and surrounds.
its former glory.” Initially, there were concerns that the vehicle would have gone interstate or been stripped for parts, however Mr Gatt said the value of the car suggested it would stay in good condition. “Because of its value and rarity, I expected the car would be kept in some sort of good condition, which is mostly the case,” he said. For all parties involved, the return of the Mustang to Mr Dean has been a great success. Read more on page 3
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Plan ahead if you’re travelling to Melbourne Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network this November and December while there are fewer people on our trains and less cars on our roads. This includes major works on the West Gate Freeway to widen the freeway from eight to 12 lanes, as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project. Critical maintenance work will take place on the West Gate Bridge from Boxing Day, as well as on other roads
this summer. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings across the state and construction is continuing on North East Link.
Upcoming disruptions Public transport disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trams and trains in both directions
Freeway disruptions: Closed freeways and lanes
Tram Route 19
21 to 29 Nov
Eastern Freeway
Hurstbridge Line
From 9pm 14 Nov Clifton Hill to Greensborough to 16 Nov
Queen Victoria Market to Brunswick Road
2 to 18 Dec
Sections of the line
Sunbury Line
24 to 26 Nov
North Melbourne to Sunshine
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
At times, late Nov to early Dec
Sections of the lines
Seymour and Shepparton lines
Until 23 Nov
Southern Cross to Seymour or Shepparton
Shepparton Line
24 Nov
Seymour to Shepparton
Geelong and Warrnambool lines
8 to 19 Nov
Geelong to Warrnambool
Geelong Line
At night, 24 Nov
Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds
Gippsland Line
24 Nov to 9 Dec
Southern Cross to Traralgon and Bairnsdale
Ballarat Line
At night, 24 Nov
Southern Cross to Ballarat
Bendigo Line
At night, 24 Nov
Southern Cross to Bendigo
Weeknights until mid Dec
Lanes closed between Burke and Tram roads
From mid Nov
Reduced speeds between Burke and Tram roads
Princes Freeway, Pakenham
24 to 27 Nov
Closed inbound between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and McGregor roads
M80 Ring Road
At times, late Nov to late Dec
Lanes closed between Greensborough Bypass and Plenty Road
Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street, Docklands
Until 2 Dec
Intersection closed
Footscray Road, West Melbourne
Until 2 Dec
Lanes closed between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way
Bulleen Road, Bulleen
Until 5 Dec
Closed with local access only
Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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IN BRIEF Toyota Kluger recall
Rare Mustang back “Relieved, more than anything”. That’s the feeling of one Ferntree Gully local who’s prized possession has been returned to him after a lengthy investigation. Craig Dean, the owner of Mustang Motorsport, has had his $400K 2021 GT-500 KR Mustang returned by Victoria Police after it was stolen from his car yard almost a month ago. The Mustang, which was stolen on Wednesday 11 October, was recovered by police and returned to the yard on Friday 3 November. A 37-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with theft of motor vehicle, driving while disqualified and possessing a drug of dependence. After receiving a tip-off, detectives last week searched a home in Carrum Downs where the Mustang was recovered. Mr Dean said he had a surprise call from Victoria Crime Squad’s detective senior constable Michael Gatt while he was looking after his grandkids. “He rang me up and said: ‘You’re going to have to bring your spare keys out to me’ and I said: ‘Oh, beauty, you found it?’ He said he was standing right beside it. “Michael is also a car person, so he was able to give me a good description of what it looked like and what to expect when I saw it. The car had been repainted in black and the spoiler was removed. Mr Dean said it was a relief that there was
minimal damage done to the car itself, and the exterior damages were an easy fix for his team. “I didn’t personally see the car for quite some time as I had been down the coast. The badges had been taken off and it had been painted black. The boys looked at it and they were able to peel the paint off, thanks to a sealant we use on our cars, and there was no major damage,” he said. According to Mr Dean, he and his team spent four to five hours on the car removing the paint and tidying up the car to its condition as seen by the media on Friday 10 October. Detective senior constable Michael Gatt said it was an awesome moment for his team when they found the rare vehicle. “I was probably more relieved than Craig. It’s good to see that the car could be handed back to its owner, and brought back to its former glory,” he said. As a fellow Ford fan, he said it’s awesome to see this car in Australia, in the top quality condition that it is in. The initial report for the theft came through to local police around 3:45pm on Wednesday 11 October, and was quickly passed on to the Crime Squad who could put more time into the search. Mr Dean said he was on holiday when the vehicle was stolen from his yard. “The manager, James, called me after 10 minutes or so after it had been stolen and had to break the news to me. I think he was more gutted than I was at the time, I was still in dis-
belief,” he said. Mr Gatt said it was not an unusual case for his team. “Our uniform police were informed initially, then it came to our Crime Squad when our detectives became involved, and we could give it more time than the local police who have other tasks. It’s not unusual to search for cars this rare, particularly because of the value, its rarity and its attention. It’s a big asset for a business, and a person, to lose,” he said. Two men were captured on CCTV entering Mustang Motorsport in Ferntree Gully, pinching the 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR and driving off. Initially, there were concerns that the vehicle would have gone interstate or been stripped for parts, however Mr Gatt said the value of the car suggested it would stay in good condition. “Because of its value and rarity, I expected the car would be kept in some sort of good condition, which is mostly the case,” he said. Mr Gatt said the public’s involvement went a long way to help solve the crime. Mr Dean said he had a lot of anonymous tips from members of the community once the news broke out across various media outlets. The $400,000 car is the only one of its kind in Australia and one of 24 across the globe. The 37-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested on Wednesday 8 November and was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on Thursday 9 November. A 32-year-old Carrum Downs man was also interviewed and released without charge.
Cockatoo family in Daylesford tragedy By Tanya Faulkner Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a fatal collision in Daylesford on Sunday, in which Cockatoo locals were involved. A 38-year-old Cockatoo man and a 43-year-old Kyneton woman were both injured. It’s believed they are known to each other, however, police are still establishing how they are linked. Both were flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. An 11-month-old baby boy with the pair was also injured. He was taken by road to Ballarat Base Hospital and has since been transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The baby’s mother, a 34-year-old woman from Cockatoo, was not injured. Emergency services were called to reports a BMW SUV mounted the kerb and struck a number of patrons on the front lawn area of a licensed premises on Vincent Street just after 6pm. A 38-year-old man and his 11-year-old son were both killed. The man’s wife, a 36-year-old woman, and a second son, aged six, were injured.
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Police are seeking witnesses or dashcam to a collision that occurred at about 8:40AM on Wednesday 8th of November near Ruskin Av, Mt Dandenong Road in Croydon. A silver Toyota utility travelling west on Mt Dandenong Rd collided with a power pole. The male driver of the vehicle was conveyed to hospital for treatment and a blood sample was obtained. If you can assist the investigators, please contact Crimestoppers and make a confidential report: 1800 333 000. Quote reference number: T20230026133
Rope rescue in Bundoora
Police are investigating a fatal crash in Daylesford, where Cockatoo locals were injured. Picture: ON FILE The woman was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the injured boy was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital. All are from Tarneit. Another 30-year-old man and his partner, a 44-year-old woman, were killed along the woman’s nine-year-old daughter. All are from Point Cook. The driver of the BMW, a 66-year-old Mount Macedon man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au For the current provisional lives lost tally please see police.vic.gov.au/road-safety-0
At 8.37am this morning 2 members of the Monbulk rope rescue team turned out to an incident at the Plenty Gorge where a cyclist had crashed on a track, fallen down a steep embankment and required rescuing. The team worked with members from Plenty Fire Brigade, Fire Rescue Victoria and SES to set up a 25m rope rescue system to retrieve the casualty to a safe space to be attended to by Ambulance Victoria. Victoria Police were also on scene.
Car fire in Kilsyth CFA alongside FRV responded to a car fire on Sheffield Rd in Kilsyth at around 7.17am on November 13. CFA crews were from The Basin and Montrose. When crews arrived, the car was well alight. Victoria Police were also on scene. The incident was under control at 7.30am and deemed safe at 7.41am.
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Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that occurred in Sassafras on Friday 3 November. A Victoria Police spokesperson told the Star Mail it is believed a male driver was travelling along Mountain Highway, when he lost control and crashed into the embankment at about 9.20pm. “The impact forced the car to flip onto its roof,” the spokesperson said. “The 25-year-old Sassafras man sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined.” Investigations are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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By Tanya Faulkner
Toyota has recalled their 2021 to 2023 Kluger Hybrid (AXUH78) and Kluger Petrol (TXUA70/75 & GSU70/75) cars, with 30,205 units affected. The recall is due to the fact that the lower resin bumper cover may detach if damaged during vehicle operation, which could cause a potential road hazard and increase the risk of an accident and serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users. Toyota will contact affected owners in writing, requesting they make an appointment at their preferred Toyota dealer who will inspect and install improved fasteners, free of charge.
The Star Mail is published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty Ltd ABN 98 238 557 339. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For terms and conditions please visit www.mailcommunity.com.au Print Post Number PP33445700014.
Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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FTG heroes save the day By Tanya Faulkner What seemed like an innocent rescue on the night of Halloween has put Wattleview Primary School on the map, after two of its students did something out of the ordinary. Local superstars Jake Grimshaw and Roy Manning gave up trick or treating early on the evening of 31 October, to help local resident, Esma O’Neil, after she had fallen in her home. Jake said the pair were having a rather unsuccessful evening of trick or treating, after being offered kiwifruit at one home and several others forgetting it was Halloween. “We thought we would keep going around the area and see what other ‘exotic lollies’ we could get,” he said. As the pair continued their evening, they heard Esma’s cries for help and rushed to her aid. Roy said they heard her calling for help, and were wondering what had happened. “I stayed by the door and told her my mate was going to get help. Jake found a couple nearby and asked them for help,” he said. Jake said Esma managed to tell them where the spare key was, and they got inside to help keep her comfortable. “When we got inside, we got a pillow to put under her feet, we put a blanket over her legs, and put a pillow underneath her back and head. “We stayed there and held her hand, and told her it was going to be OK,” he said. Roy said Esma called her son at the time to tell him what happened, and said he was very grateful that the boys had been there. The couple that Jake spoke to earlier that evening called 000, and Esma was taken to hospital with a fractured femur. Since the events of Halloween occurred, the two young Wattle View Primary school
Roy and Jake 371353 students have made national headlines, appearing on several television news shows, including Channel 10’s The Project, several radio networks, and in local news outlets sharing their story. Earlier in the month, the boys appeared on the Neil Mitchell show, where they were surprised by LEGO’s Master Model Builder and Team lead, Jordan Farbridge, and Carton Football Club with special rewards following their actions. Neil Mitchell said on his show that the “world has stepped up to say thank you” to the boys.
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The Ferntree Gully grandmother, 82 year old Esma O’Neil also appeared on the show to say thank you to the boys. She said she couldn’t believe it had happened. “I was lying on the floor when I heard them trick or treating and yelled out for help. “They came in and helped me, they were so fantastic,” she said. Jake’s mother Kay Grimshaw said the boys were feeling pretty chuffed that they could do something to help. “Kids can sometimes be a bit more ‘all about
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themselves’ but it was nice to see them decide not to go hunting for the lollies, and chose to help Esma,” she said. Roy’s dad, Matt Manning, said they were proud of the boys and their efforts. “The boys have been having a lot of fun attending all of these interviews since Halloween. “We’ve almost been like media managers, driving them around everywhere,” he said. Roy said if any of his peers end up in the same situation, the best thing to do is to do what they can, and call for help.
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Save 000 for emergencies By Callum Ludwig Ambulance Victoria (AV) responded to 96,594 Code 1 cases between July and September this year, 2002 more than the same period last year, showing just how crucial is to have ambulance services available. Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, but there are alternatives for urgent care that keep paramedics ready to respond and may even provide the required medical care to patients sooner. A Department of Health spokesperson as Victoria’s health system continues to face historically high levels of demand, it is vital to save Triple Zero and ambulance resources for those most in need. “We’ve established a range of alternative options for Victorians to get care without needing to call Triple Zero or visit an emergency department, such as Priority Primary Care Centres and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department,” they said. “The latest quarter was the fourth busiest on record for Ambulance Victoria, and we continue to grow the state’s paramedic workforce and hire more Triple Zero operators.” Victorian paramedics responded to 66 per cent of Code 1 cases between July and September within the state-wide target of 15 minutes, a big improvement from 61.7 per cent in the previous three months and 64.3 per cent the same time last year. In the last quarter, 53.7 per cent of Code 1 cases in the Yarra Ranges were responded to in the target time with an average response time of 17 minutes and 11 seconds, 73 per cent in Maroondah with a 13 minute and 55 second response time, 72.8 per cent in Knox with a 134 minute and 54 second response time and 50.8 per cent in Cardinia with a 17 minute and 20 second response time. A local paramedic, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said non-emergency call outs are an overwhelming majority of their workload. “These calls take around an hour to assess, refer and complete our paperwork before we get back out on the road,” they said. “Recently, I have attended to call-outs of a sore nose, a splinter in a thumb and a request to prescribe medication, which we cannot provide.” The 2022/23 financial year was the busiest for Ambulance Victoria on record, with more than 400,000 lights and sirens responses, almost 1100 across the state every day. The local paramedic said firstly it is a good idea to consider your local GP as a first point of contact for less urgent matters. “Your GP can provide ongoing community care and management and please consider transport to hospital by private means by a family member or friend if you are experiencing a non-life threatening emergency that requires hospital care,” they said. “A hospital will treat an acute problem with likely subsequent referral to your GP or specialist.” The opening of Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) and funding to expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) in 2022 are helping to spread the load, with 27 PPCCs now operating across the state and the VVED offering 24/7 free telehealth consultations. AV’s Secondary Triage Service, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, also continues to respond to nearly 500 Triple Zero (000) callers each day to keep emergency departments cleared where possible, including 36,566 people between July and September this year. Patients with urgent issues that don’t require an emergency response, such as mild infections and burns or suspected fractures and broken bones, are perfect for PPCCs. The closest PPCCs to the Yarra Ranges are: The Maroondah PPCC at the Mountain High Shopping Centre, Shop 28, 7-13 High Street, Bayswater, open from 8am to 11pm Monday through to Sunday, with bookings available via phone: (03) 9344 6888 or by searching for it on the HotDoc website The Narre Warren PPCC at 60 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren, open from 8am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 10pm on weekends with bookings available at (03) 9771 2020 or by searching for it on the HotDoc website. mailcommunity.com.au
Sky-high demand makes saving Triple Zero (000) calls for emergencies never more important. Secretary of the Victorian Ambulance Union (VAU) Danny Hill said any time an ambulance crew responds to a case, even if it’s a low acuity health matter, they have to do a full assessment. “They have to document everything that’s occurred, they have to try to organize followup care for the person and during that time, they’re not available to respond to a real emergency if it comes in,” he said. “I think sometimes people think ‘I’ll call Triple Zero just to see what’s going on’ and while that may be well-meaning, if people are not looking at better options first, they can really tie up ambulance resourcing and leave them unavailable to respond.” The VVED, which started as a trial conducted by Northern Health in October 2020, requires no referral and any person can connect directly from a device with a camera to an Australian credentialed clinician. Through the VVED, patients can receive self-care advice, prescriptions, or referrals for tests, scans or other services at facilities close to their home or be asked to attend their nearest emergency department if required. Common and suitable ailments for contacting the VVED include Covid-19 and mild respiratory illness, headache or other pain, non-time-critical injuries, nausea and vomiting, urinary infection, palpitations, dizziness, mild allergies and insect bites. More examples and other frequently asked questions can be found at vved.org.au/faqs/. Mr Hill said you’ll likely get the medical care you need far quicker through alternative services. “As soon as the ambulance gets you to the hospital, you’re probably going to be put into the waiting room and you could be there for many hours because the emergency department is there dealing with road trauma, with heart attacks, with strokes and has to prioritise those patients, ” he said. “Our members certainly have reported that they use them, such as paramedics who have young kids that dong their heads at school or need a couple of stitches because of afterschool sport, and they’ve all reported back that they get a really good turnaround and response from PPCCs.”
Picture: AAP IMAGE/JAMES ROSS
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By choosing to donate to the Cardinia Foundation, you're supporting a network of charities and community organisations that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Your donation will have a ripple effect, reaching those who need it most, not just during the holidays, but also into the future. Scan the QR code to donate, or start your own fundraiser on behalf of the Cardinia Foundation. Follow us on socials to watch how your donation impacts our community. cardiniafoundation.org car
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Agony for homeowners By Poppy Johnston and Andrew Brown, AAP
The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the interest rate for the 13th time. Picture: ON FILE wards paying down the previous government’s debt and bringing down the deficit, fiscally responsible, not doing the cash handout thing,” he told Sky News. “We’re doing what we can to ensure target-
ed cost of living relief, which is actually helping to bring inflation down.” RateCity research director Sally Tindall urged borrowers to haggle for a lower rate from their lender to insulate themselves from the
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Another interest rate rise will push up mortgage repayments, erode borrowing power and keep a lid on festive season spending. The 13th cash rate increase in the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation will be unwelcome news for mortgage holders, home buyers and industries sensitive to higher interest rates. In a move widely expected by economists amid persistent price pressures, the Reserve Bank jacked up the cash rate to 4.35 per cent at the November meeting. Provided lenders pass on the 25 basis point increase, RateCity analysis finds the average variable rate mortgage holder with a $500,000 loan will be slugged an extra $76 a month. The 13 rate hikes collectively have added $1210 – or 52 per cent - to monthly repayments. Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume said the Reserve Bank had no other option but to lift interest rates due to inflation being higher than expected. “The RBA has really been left with no choice and they sent the Albanese government a very, very direct message yesterday, and that is that they need to do more to get inflation down,” she told ABC Radio on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, Labor still has its foot on the accelerator, and that means the RBA has to do all the heavy lifting.” Senator Hume said domestic factors were behind core inflation remaining high, which was driving a higher cost of living. “(RBA governor) Michele Bullock has made it very clear that the RBA is going to have to keep acting if inflation doesn’t come under control sooner,” she said. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said the government was exercising fiscal restraint in order to not make inflation higher. “We’re delivering, ensuring that as new revenue comes in that it’s banked and goes to-
increase. Finding a variable rate below six per cent will likely still be possible, she said, with the average owner-occupier paying 7.11 per cent if they haven’t fought for a better deal. Rising interest rates are also eroding borrowing power for those hoping to get into the property market. Households need to be earning $182,000 a year to comfortably afford a mortgage on the average Australian house, according to Finder analysis that included the November hike. That shoots up to $261,773 in Sydney, the least affordable housing market in the country Assistant Employment Minister Andrew Leigh said the recent interest rate rise would make it difficult for mortgage holders. “It will be a big squeeze in many Australian households who are feeling the pinch on the mortgage,” he told ABC TV. “We know when inflation is too high for too long, it has an adverse impact on the economy.” Finder head of consumer research Graham Cooke said the dream of home ownership was dwindling for many new buyers. “People are looking at stretching themselves financially in order to purchase a property,” he said. Higher interest rates are also putting pressure on industries at the coalface of the inflation fight, including retail, hospitality and construction. CreditorWatch chief economist Anneke Thompson said demand in these sectors had already contracted, and higher interest rates would force consumers and potential home builders to think more carefully about their future spending decisions. “Most discretionary retailers will be already accepting stock for the Christmas season, and this cash rate rise will have many of them worried about stock levels and sales over what is usually their busiest period,” she said.
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Report shows rise in methylamphetamine, cocaine use The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)’s latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program has revealed a concerning increase in methylamphetamine and cocaine consumption in Australia. Sampling between April and June this year at 55 wastewater sites around the country showed that consumption of the two dangerous drugs had increased to the highest levels recorded since 2020. ACIC Acting CEO Matt Rippon said that this report underlines the pervasive and ongoing threat posed by serious and organised crime groups in Australia to illicit large profits at the expense of the Australian community and forms part of a multi-dimensional approach that targets supply, demand and harm reduction critical to reducing drug use in Australia. “Drug consumption estimates derived from wastewater data, when used in combination with other data such as seizure, arrest, price, purity, health and availability data, provide the most comprehensive, empiricallybased insights into Australian drug markets,” he said. “In turn, this data reveals drug market resilience, but also points of vulnerability that presents opportunities to inform harm reduction strategies that improve the safety of the Australian community.” The report, the 20th conducted, also showed an increase in the average consumption of alcohol, methylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), oxycodone and ketamine in both capital cities and regional areas across the country but decreases in the average consumption of heroin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) and fentanyl. While there is no updated regional data for Victoria, the update capital city data showed: Alcohol consumption slightly increased but remained below the average for Melbourne. Cannabis consumption decreased and remained below the capital average. Cocaine consumption shot up, taking it significantly above the capital average. Fentanyl consumption sharply decreased to remain under the capital average.
New wastewater monitoring data from recent months has shown an alarming rise in cocaine consumption in Australia, including a large increase in Melbourne. Picture: ON FILE
Heroin consumption increased, remaining strongly above the capital average. Ketamine consumption sharply decreased but remains above the capital average. MDA consumption drastically decreased, taking it well below the capital average. MDMA consumption slightly decreased, almost bringing it down to the capital average. Methylamphetamine consumption increased, taking it above the capital average. Nicotine consumption slightly decreased, remaining below the capital average. Oxycodone consumption decreased sig-
nificantly, taking it below the capital average. Mr Rippon said the wastewater work extends far beyond the report including exploring new technology developed by their university partners to take sampling to an increasing variety of sites beyond wastewater treatment plants and to more remote areas of the country. “With these advances applied to law enforcement, health and broader community harm reduction purposes, our work will generate greater understanding of emerging drug market issues and responses,” he said. The report covers a population of about 14
million Australians, 55 per cent of the country’s population, by monitoring the 20 capital city and 35 regional wastewater sites. There are 12 participating sites in Victoria, two in Melbourne and 10 in regional areas. For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. To access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling, visit counsellingonline.org.au. For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au
Public drunkenness legal The Victorian Government’s health-led response to public intoxication reforms recommended through the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody came into effect on 7 November 2023. Public drunkenness is no longer a crime, and police and other organisations will take other actions to keep intoxicated individuals safe without putting them in custody. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said simply being intoxicated in a public place should not be a crime. “For too long we have seen First Nations Victorians disproportionately affected by current laws and too many tragic outcomes when they are in custody,” she said. “These health-led reforms strike a balance between supporting people who are intoxicated and community safety, and while there is always more work to do to close the gap for vulnerable people in our community – this reform will undoubtedly change and save lives.” A Victoria Police spokesperson said with public drunkenness decriminalised on Cup Day, members will continue to encourage drunk people to seek support and assistance from family or friends. “There will also be the option of referring them to the public intoxication response service overseen by the Department of Health,” they said. “However, if they refuse and are not presenting a risk to others, there will no longer be a role for police. If a drunk person commits a criminal offence, they will be dealt with swiftly by police.” Police will operate with a new plan of action for extremely intoxicated persons, who may have previously been taken into custody, going forward. mailcommunity.com.au
If first on the scene, police personnel will remain with the individual if they require urgent ambulance assistance until paramedics arrive. If they don’t require medical attention, police will offer to help individual contact family or friends so they are safe, assist them in obtaining public transport or refer them to a public intoxication support service managed by the Department of Health, such as on-demand outreach teams or new sobering centres in Collingwood (for the general public) or St Kilda (dedicated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people). There are currently no dedicated services in the Outer East, though the region will be serviced by the centralised, 24/7, statewide public intoxication response services. If the intoxicated individual refuses police assistance, or if an event worker comes across the person, there will be no role for the police in those circumstances. Event workers are encouraged to follow the same steps as police in providing care and help for the individual. If a drunk person is presenting a risk to other’s safety, police can attempt to de-escalate the situation and use move on and breach of the peace powers to remove them if unsuccessful. It remains an offence for a licensed venue or event to serve an intoxicated person or allow them to remain on licensed premises. More than 85 per cent of Victoria Police officers have undertaken mandatory training regarding the new response model and changes, with most of the rest estimated to be officers on leave who will complete it upon their return.
Public drunkenness was decriminalised from Tuesday 7 November.
Picture: UNSPLASH
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Optus outage to be probed Yarra Ranges locals were forcefully disconnected as Optus experienced its worst network outage last week. Now the Federal government has announced an inquiry into the outage and will conduct a post-incident telecommunications review. “Connectivity is absolutely essential for Australian consumers and businesses, and the impacts of this outage were particularly concerning,” communications minister Michelle Rowland said in a statement on Thursday 9 November. “While we welcome that Optus services were restored over the course of the day, it is critical the Government conducts a process to identify lessons to be learned from [Wednesday’s] outage.” Across the country, those who were connected to the telco provider were unable to access any networks on Wednesday 8 November, causing delays to transport, health and education services, alongside several businesses who were forced to close their doors. At approximately 1.30pm on Wednesday, Optus reported its services were coming back online after the eight hour hiatus, with locals taking to social media to share their complaints and distress from the outages - some sharing they would be ‘considering changing providers’. Hills locals shared they had “trouble calling their doctor who was with Optus”, reports of university networks going down, and one Cardinia tradesperson saying they had to go to their job site and “hope for the best”. One local shared they had been toying with the idea of moving from Optus Mobile for a while now, and the outage brought that decision to the top of the queue. In Melbourne’s South East, Metro Trains reported delays to their services while the network was down, whilst Eastern Health said in-
bound and outbound calls were impacted, however, they managed to keep their services running as per normal. Metro Trains CEO Raymond O’Flaherty said they apologise to their passengers for the delay to their travel after a communications outage stopped trains on the metropolitan network. “Our engineers worked quickly to rectify the issue and we were able to resume trains shortly before 6am.” “We thank passengers for their patience while trains return to their normal timetable,” he said. The nation’s major banks, including West-
pac, ANZ and CommBank also reported outages to their services, with several customers unable to access accounts, make or receive payments for the majority of the day. CBA customers have also reported they could not transfer money or make cash withdrawals because they were unable to receive an SMS verification code. Optus customers on landline were also unable to contact emergency services during the outage, and were advised that only mobile calls to ‘000’ may get through. According to the Australian Government, the outage affected as many as 10 million peo-
ple nationwide. Communications minister Michelle Rowland vented to the press at around 11am, stressing it was vital for Optus to be “transparent and timely” in finding a solution. However, despite Optus sharing a public statement on their Facebook page ‘Optus Help’, the network disabled comments after thousands of complaints. The post shared at around 7am said that “some services across fixed and mobile are now gradually being restored”. “This may take a few hours for all services to recover, and different services may restore at different sites over that time. “We reiterate our apology to customers for the nationwide service outage that has occurred this morning. “We will continue to provide updates as we have information available,” they said. Ms Rowland said she will task her Department with developing the terms of reference for a post-incident review. Further announcements around the terms of reference and next steps will be made in due course. “It is critical that industry and Governments take stock following large-scale outages, given no network is immune,” she said. “The Government hopes the review may also help support major telecommunications providers to improve post-outage processes.” Customers were impacted across the nation, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane all recording widespread impacts from the outage. The cause of the outage has not yet been confirmed, however, Optus has ruled out the chaos was caused by hackers.
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Yarra Ranges Council implements SECCCA blueprint By Violet Li & Tanya Faulkner Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed staff are continuing to implement actions from its Liveable Climate Plan after a ‘landmark’ new blueprint was pitched by the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA). On Wednesday 8 November, Climate Action minister Lily D’Ambrosio joined local leaders for the official launch at the SECCCA annual Leaders Breakfast - delivering a keynote speech to mark the occasion. The new blueprint SECCCA 2024-28: Working Together for Stronger Climate Action recognises the importance of a partnership approach to deliver stronger results for local communities. The action plan identifies practical programs for delivery with the Australian and Victorian Government partners and nine local council members across the SECCCA region, including Bass Coast Shire Council, Bayside City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, City of Kingston, City of Port Phillip and City of Frankston. Climate Action Minister the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio joined local leaders for the official launch. The Minister’s speech was followed by a panel discussion featuring secretary of the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action John Bradley, Footy for Climate Alliance co-founder Tom Campbell and net zero lead for the Insurance Council of Australia Ange Nichols. Cr Michael Whelan, Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor and SECCCA Advisory Group Chair said community surveys suggested that more than three quarters of residents were very concerned about the impacts of climate change in our region. “But we know it’s a challenge that we can’t tackle alone,” he said. “SECCCA has taken a whole of community view, to work together and come up with practical steps to help mitigate and manage climate risk in our region. “This strategy charts the path for our members to work together and with our
Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill, third right, joins other councils and groups at the launch of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) blueprint. community to address climate change in our region.” The priority projects identified for the next four years are business energy support program, residential home resilience ratings tool, small business climate adaptation toolkit, transitioning to electric or hydrogen heavy-duty vehicles in council or contractor fleet, reviewing the vulnerability of council assets (phase 2), expanding the environmentally sustainable design Brief Ezy tool, climate risk mitigation program for councils, advocacy on climate action, and opportunities for purchase of carbon offsets. Cr Whelan said SECCCA’s strong governance and shared resources gave real bang for buck, tripling every dollar invested by councils and helping to avoid future costs to residents, business, government and industry through more informed decision-making and mitigation. While Knox City Council are not members of SECCCA, they are instead members of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) which is a multi-council collaboration for the eastern region - just as SECCCA is for the South-East. Knox Mayor, Marcia Timmers-Leitch, said since adopting their Climate Response Plan in September 2021, council has made steady progress to reduce its carbon emissions. “Council’s 10-year plan identifies 55 actions to help our community achieve net
zero emissions by 2040 and to reach this target in our own operations by 2030. “In 2022-23, we reduced our emissions by 2.7% or 225 tonnes, which is like pulling 100 cars off the road in a year. “We installed seven electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for community use and Council’s fleet, upgraded 500 streetlights to LEDs in Boronia, planted over 39,600 trees and plants, installed 100kW of rooftop solar and 76kWh of batteries across five Council sites, provided four My Energy and Water Saver kits for loan at libraries and invited businesses to join a renewable buying group. “This financial year, we will upgrade about 1,500 streetlights and install four more EV public charging stations,” she said. The SECCCA action plan was launched to an audience of Federal and State Members of Parliament, industry and business groups, peak bodies and councillors from across the nine SECCCA councils. The draft action plan is set to be finalised soon and scheduled for delivery from July 2024. When asked about Yarra Ranges Council’s actions after the October 2022 flood event and the June 2021 storm, acting director of planning and sustainable futures Amanda Kern said in a statement the council’s Liveable Climate Plan represents an integrated, whole-of-Council response to climate change.
“The plan outlines how we will support our community, including demonstrating leadership through Council’s transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040,” Ms Kern said. “There are many actions in this document guiding Council’s emission reduction progress, as well as activities to empower communities to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Ms Kern also said community focused programs include the Solar Savers and Energy Savers programs, My Energy and Water Saver Kits, Gardens for Harvest Program, Gardens for Wildlife Program, Ribbons of Green Program among others. “Council is demonstrating leadership by installing resilience measures to ensure community hubs can operate in grid outages, replacing equipment with energy-efficient and renewable alternatives, electrifying our Council fleet and community projects to help everyone live a bit lighter on the earth,” she said. Next year SECCCA will celebrate 20 years of regional action on climate change. The SECCCA region is home to 1 million Victorians with a diverse mix of metropolitan, periurban and rural communities, producing $85 billion in Gross Regional Product annually. The 2019-2024 action plan identified the reduction targets to keep warming below 1.5 degrees in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, which means the south east region needs to reduce emissions 5.8 per cent every year until 2037. It has also found the region would experience more frequent heat waves, decreased rainfall, and increased flooding by 2050 on the current trajectory of national action. “Local government is at the coal-face of climate change, and we are taking up the challenge to help our communities build resilience and prepare for future impacts,” Cr Whelan said. For further details on the Knox Climate Response Plan, download the Climate Response Plan 2 Year Progress Report 20222023 from their website.
Species list towards doom By Callum Ludwig The Australian Government has added more than 20 plants and animals, including one most commonly found in the Yarra Ranges, to the threatened species list ahead of a daunting bushfire season. The broad-toothed rat, found in the Yarra Ranges National Park and the Dandenong Ranges National Park has been reclassified from vulnerable to endangered in the recent update. The additions join the list of over 1700 species listed for protection. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said previous fires had pushed species to the brink. “As the weather turns hot and dry again, we’re acting to give our wildlife a better chance during the next bushfire season,” she said. “Preparing now will help us save more endangered animals and plants if fires break out.” The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has the broadtoothed rat currently listed as Vulnerable to extinction under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) and is set to take on the Federal Government’s conservation status in due course. The Victorian Environment Minister is awaiting formal notification from the Federal government before Victoria can adopt the updated status of affected species and amend the FFG Act Threatened List accordingly, achieved through Victoria’s Scientific Advisory Committee and Ministerial statutory process which will take place in the coming months. “Through Biodiversity 2037 and a record investment of $582 million since 2014, we are able to protect Victoria’s natural environment and halt the decline of our native flora and mailcommunity.com.au
One of the Broad-toothed rats recently discovered in Healesville. fauna,” a DEECA spokesperson said. Broad-toothed Rat populations have been decimated by cats and foxes, habitat destruction, population fragmentation, bushfires and climate change, with the species having disap-
Picture: ZOOS VICTORIA
peared from more than 50 per cent of the areas they were found in prior to 1990. Ms Plibersek said the commonwealth needed to work more closely with state, territory and local governments to ensure environmen-
tal protection laws were properly carried out. “Housing developers also needed to play a role in ensuring new homes were not coming at the cost of threatened species,” she said. “(We need to make sure) if we’re going to build housing, we’re still protecting the most important areas and we’re also doing things like planting new wildlife corridors to connect up bits of remnant bushland,” she told ABC Radio on Wednesday 8 November. With funding from the Victorian Government after the 2019-20 bushfires, the Arthur Rylah Institute and Museums Victoria undertook surveys for the species finding that sites surveyed post-fire indicated that there is considerable damage from introduced herbivores which has ushered in landscape-scale introduced herbivore control to mitigate the effects where the small rodent is found. Genetic sequencing and a risk assessment to facilitate potential genetic rescue were also conducted and will be incorporated into the Action Statement once it is published within 6 months. “We need to have better laws, but we also need to send a strong message to developers to say nobody wants to live in hot, baking dry, new developments,” said Ms Plibersek. “You do better with developing places where people want to live ... where they can see mature trees left in places, where they can see areas of natural bushland remaining.” A Zoos Victoria Wildlife Detection Dog, Moss, managed to uncover a previously undiscovered population of Broad-toothed Rats in the Coranderrk Bushland next to Healesville Sanctuary. After sniffing out the species’ distinctive grass-filled bright green scat, researchers were able to survey the area and find three of the rats, which will remain where they are as it is a predator-free, fenced area. Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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Selby CFA’s community engagement officer Neville Aldham (left) and third lieutenant Andrew Munn (right) are encouraging locals to get prepared for the upcoming fire season. Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT
Selby CFA will hold a fire awareness information day on Saturday 18 November from 9am until 3pm.
Keep yourself aware, alive By Tyler Wright Families and new residents in Selby - as well as old - will be able to brush up on their preparations for bushfire season at an upcoming information session with their local brigade. The Selby Fire Brigade is holding a family fair on Saturday 18 November - complete with a doll sized model of what a safe and prepared house should look like heading into a hot summer - and what an unprepared, unsafe house looks like to guide those looking for information. Brigade community safety officer, Neville Aldham, said there is a push in mid-November each year to get vital information out to people.
“There’s 38 faults [in the bad doll house] and you get the kids to try to pick them out, so by doing that you got the parents captured,” Mr Aldham said. “We’ve had a couple of years where we haven’t had much of a fire season, and this year we’re going to have a fire season. “It doesn’t mean it’s going to be horrific, but there’s going to be a fire season.” Aldham said people have to get their heads around the new fire danger rating system which has dropped from six rating to four in Victoria. “They have the whole of Australia in those new colours - and there’s been some catastrophics up in Northern Territory; Black Saturday is catastrophic in 2009 [was at cata-
strophic level],” Aldham said. “People had plans made working on the old scheme of [what to do] when it got to whatever severe [for example], now they’ve got a rejig of what their trigger was of when they were going to leave.” Mr Aldham also said he has been delivering information packs to residents ahead of the bushfire season over the 2023/2024 period. “[Fire season] could be end of the month, start of December,” third lieutenant Andrew Munn said. “There’s not many weekends left to [prepare].” Safety precautions also mean not burning off too close to trees and understanding when
you are able to burn off. “This is different living here than living in the suburbs,” Mr Aldham said. “There’s certain things that you’ve got to do in the summer to protect yourself.” The open day for the community will be held from 9am to 3pm at the fire station on Greenwell Road in Selby. Locals can try their luck in a firewood raffle, place their bids at the silent auction for a number of treasures, enjoy a range of activities for the kids, and food and drinks for a fun family day out. For those wanting to contribute unwanted treasures to the silent auction, email treasure@ selbyfirebrigade.com.au to organise a pick up.
Get to know your local fire station before summer The Dandenong Ranges, like some other parts of Victoria, is known to be an area of very high bushfire risk. Living here means accepting that the risk exists. There has been an early start to Victoria’s bushfire season this year and it is essential that we are prepared for anything which may impact our area. There are some simple measures that you can take which will allow you to live with, and adapt to the risk. Our local CFA brigades are 100 per cent volunteer and work closely with their communities to ensure that residents are well-informed and prepared for each bushfire season. It is important to understand that fire safety is a shared community responsibility. A range of initiatives exist, and a wealth of information is available to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate risks, develop evacuation strategies and make your property safer. For more localised information, brigades often hold local community meetings each summer. It is important to attend if a brigade is running an event
in your street or an area near you. Kalorama-Mt Dandenong CFA is holding an Open Day on Sunday 26 November at the fire station at 33 Ridge Road in Mt Dandenong between 10am and 2pm. Come along and meet your local community fire brigade, and understand what you need to do to be ready for the fire season. There will be two 20 minute fire awareness sessions at 11am and 1pm. You will have an opportunity to discuss your emergency plans, preparation and safety. There will also be a sausage sizzle and kids activities. If you are interested in joining your local volunteer fire brigade, new members are always welcome. At the open day you will have an opportunity to chat to our members about what they do. There are opportunities for membership as a fire-fighter, non-operational member and the Kalorama-Mt Dandenong brigade is starting a junior brigade for 11 to 16 year olds.
Local residents chatting with Kalorama-Mount Dandenong Fire Brigade members. Picture: SUPPLIED
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Doongalla opens again By Tyler Wright Locals are once again able to enjoy the scenery at Doongalla Picnic Ground in The Basin after the park’s closure to the public nearly three months ago. Parks Victoria confirmed it reopened Doongalla Forest Road on the early morning of Saturday 4 November, after it was closed on Thursday 10 August due to vandalism and hoon behaviour at the picnic ground. Ferntree Gully local Graham Crichton said he is “really pleased” to hear the picnic ground had reopened. “There are two lots of picnic grounds; there’s the lower and the upper and it’s a magnificent quiet area to go and lose yourself for a couple of hours,” Mr Crichton said. “We’d gone up there plenty of times and met my wife’s sister and brother in law to have a picnic afternoon. “The interesting thing was at the time three or four vehicles, like we did, came up to the gate and you had to get out to read the sign, and then had to turn around and go back, which we thought was pretty average.” Mr Chrichton said he is also surprised the park has opened considering landmarks in the Dandenong Ranges - like William Ricketts Sanctuary - remain closed after the June 2021 storm event. “I’m really delighted to hear that [Doongalla Picnic Ground] has reopened - and to be honest, we weren’t game to go and try it again because we thought ‘oh, we’ll probably get to the gate and find it still closed.’” Said to mean ‘Place of Peace,’ a 32-room mansion was built at Doongalla - which was a former estate - in 1892. The mansion burned down 40 years later. On Facebook, Christine Ubert wrote she was angry and disappointed the site was closed due to some “selfish vandals”.
Doongalla Picnic Ground reopened over the Melbourne Cup long weekend after it was shut to the public on 10 August due to vandalism and hoon behaviour at the site. 372323 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Locals have experienced a pleasant surprise after seeing the grounds open after their closure to the public. 372323
“[The vandals] didn’t give a thought of how it would affect the community,” she commented. “Im so happy that its open again as its once beautiful place.” Penny Staff wrote on social media expressing her anger at a national park being locked away for so long.
It is also believed there may be a short closure period required this month while an automatic gate is installed and tested. The closure is set to be communicated on the Parks Victoria website. Parks Victoria also thanked the community for their patience during the closure period.
“Now my family can enjoy again after 50 years plus of visiting,” she penned. “Such a beautiful place.” It is understood Parks Victoria closed vehicle access into the picnic ground to prevent further damage to the national park and to allow repair work along the road and at the picnic ground.
AusNet’s $500 million REFCL program completed Works on AusNet’s $500 million Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCLs) bushfire mitigation program have been completed. AusNet Services have installed REFCLs in 22 locations in outer Melbourne and across northern and eastern Victoria, including in Belgrave, Ferntree Gully, Lilydale and Ringwood. A remote REFCL has also been installed on Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Selby. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced on Friday 3 November the 45th and final cutting-edge Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) had been installed at Benalla - completing the state’s single biggest investment in powerline bushfire safety. This installment marks the completion of AusNet’s work on its $500 million Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCLs) bushfire mitigation program, which will reduce bushfire risk and help keep communities safe. A REFCL works like a giant safety switch that shuts off power when the powerline comes into contact with vegetation or the ground - significantly reducing the chance of ignition. The use of REFCLs for bushfire prevention is a world first – now countries across the globe are following Victoria’s lead with trials of the technology underway in fire prone parts of California. During the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, REFCLs were triggered 33 times on total fire ban days by faults that could have ignited catastrophic bushfires. In response to the Royal Commission into the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, REFCLs were proposed as the most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce the risk of fires caused by powerlines. Their installation better protects Victorian communities by reducing the risk of bushfires starting from powerlines by up to 70 per cent, across more than 31,000km of high-voltage (22 kilovolt) lines through the state’s high-risk bushfire areas or half the network in Victoria. mailcommunity.com.au
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio (front) in Benalla on Friday 3 November. Back, left to right: The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, AusNet CEO Tony Narvaez, AusNet EGM Network Operations & Safety Prue Crawford-Flett and Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson Picture: SUPPLIED Working from zone substations, REFCLs deliver this reduction in fire starts from powerlines for both regional and rural communities by detecting and suppressing energy from dangerous faults on fallen high-voltage powerlines within milliseconds. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio and AusNet’s Executive General Manager of Network Operations & Safety, Prue Crawford-Flett recently visited the Benalla substation, the final region to receive this bushfire mitigation technology. “AusNet has installed REFCL’s at 22 of our substations. These REFCL’s operate like a safety switch, rapidly cutting power to fallen or damaged powerlines, reducing the risk of bushfires, “ Ms Crawford-Flett said. The recently released Australasian Bush-
fire Outlook warned that there was a high chance of an early start to the fires season in Victoria this year and the recent fires in the Gippsland region attest to that. “More broadly, we will continue to invest in the maintenance of our distribution network, with energy reliability a key focus for AusNet,” Ms Crawford-Flett said. “We will also continue to prepare for Victoria’s energy future by investing in projects that increase network capacity, improve reliability, introduce more renewable energy into the network, and play our role in mitigating the risk of bushfires.” The state government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program has worked closely with the state’s energy safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria, to ensure compliance and suc-
cessful operation of the $682 million program. Lily D’Ambrosio said REFCLs are a “lifesaving technology” that act as a giant safety switch when powerlines come into contact with vegetation, reducing the risk of bushfires igniting. “Bushfire prone areas around the world, including in California, are now looking to Victoria’s leading use of this important technology to better protect their own communities,” she said. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes also said REFCLs will play a “critical role” in reducing the risk to communities across the state as climate change continues to drive an “increase in the frequency and intensity of catastrophic bushfires”. Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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The public laying poppies at the Sassafras Green.
Remembrance Day in hills A good crowd has again congregated in Sassafras to attend the annual Remembrance Day service on Saturday 11 November. Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub Branch President Bob Richards was pleased with the turnout by the community. “… It was nice to see so many local people join in commemorations to honour those who have served Australia in uniform, some of whom unfortunately didn’t return home to the thanks of a grateful nation,” Mr Richards said. A commemorative service was conducted in fine weather in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges on the Sassafras Village Green, culminating in the Last Post and a minute’s silence, as is tradition, at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month of each year. The service was supported by the Royal Australian Navy who provided the guest speaker, Sub Lieutenant Kyoengmin Lee. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the RSL, the Australian Defence Force, local Federal and State Members of Parliament and Councillor Andrew Fullagar on behalf of the Yarra Ranges Shire. Cockatoo RSL sub branch inc’s service commenced at 10.30am. A minute’s silence was observed at 11am.
Behind the scenes work by the committee and volunteers ensured that the service ran smoothly. Guest speakers and musicians contributed to the service. During the wreath laying, many laid a poppy in remembrance of loved ones. There was reasonable attendance and many stayed after the service to enjoy a cuppa and morning tea. Monbulk RSL’s fence was lined with poppies as members and locals gathered to commemorate the ending of the First World War hostilities. RSL secretary Craig Vandenberg said it is a time to sit back and reflect on sacrifices of the youth, young men and women involved in those conflicts and those that have never returned. “The community really, really come together and can see it on their faces up there at the porch and delivering In Flanders Fields,” Mr Vandenberg said. “You can see people paying attention to what’s being said and really understanding the depth of the service.” RSL president John Surridge read the story of the poppy.
Cockatoo RSL president Carol Thompson led the service.
Cockatoo RSL president Carol Thompson led the service. 12 MAIL
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Patric Wakefield lead attendees in the national anthems.
Dandenong Ranges RSL president Bob Richards’ Opening Address.
Cockatoo RSL’s cenotaph laid with wreaths. mailcommunity.com.au
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Finding the missing piece By Tyler Wright The Emerald RSL is on the hunt for information after the images of three servicemen were left in the organisation’s poppy collection. RSL member Christine Weller was sorting through the collection in preparation for Remembrance Day when she came across the photos of the men attached to three poppies, with the person who donated them still unknown. “I looked on the back and I felt sick because it had their names and where they served,” Ms Weller said. “Beautiful black and white shots of men who went away to war. “None of them, as far as we know, were killed over there; just the fact that someone had bothered to put them on the back of poppies, and then crocheted them into them and gave them to us.“ Leading Aircraftman P.J Threlfall, Trooper J.H Searle of the eighth Light Horse in the First Australian Imperial Force, and Private LJ Searle from the second Australian Imperial Force are all pictured on the poppies. Local historians Jan Shaw and Chris A’Vard have discovered that the Searles, believed to be father and son, came from around the Brighton area and later Kangaroo Flat, according to Ms Weller. L.J. (Leslie Joshua) Searle, who served in the Second World War, was born in Bentleigh in 1922. He married Wilma Read in 1959, and lived in Kangaroo Flat for most of his life until his death in 2000. J.H (Joshua Henry) Searle, the father of Leslie, is believed to have been born in 1895 in Moorabbin. Joshua married Beryl Angus in 1921 and the pair lived in and around the Brighton area before moving to Kangaroo Flat.
Christine Weller is looking for the person who knitted three poppies with the images of three Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS servicemen. 370666
Leading Aircraftman P.J Threlfall (top left), Trooper J.H Searle of the eighth Light Horse in the first Australian Imperial Force (top left), and Private LJ Searle from the second Australian Imperial Force (bottom) are all pictured on the poppies. 370666
Joshua died in 1974. Details of the life of the third man - D.K. Threlfall - are still unknown. Ms Weller is looking for whoever knitted the poppies. “When we first started doing the [poppy
whether it was one from that time or not, I don’t know.“ Anyone with information on who knitted the poppies, or the men pictured, is able to contact Ms Weller via email at christine@cwcreative.com.au
displays] up here, we put out a call for poppies from all around Emerald to help,“ she said. “We were trying to get 5,000 poppies to decorate Anzac Place, and we ended up with maybe 35,000. “They came from all over Australia - so
Statue returns just in time for moving Emerald event By Tanya Faulkner On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Australians and New Zealanders alike gather together in remembrance of those who came before us. Remembrance Day services were held across Victoria on the morning of 11 November, with Emerald RSL one of many to reflect on the events of World War I and the brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. The service was held in ANZAC Place, among the pillars recognising the battles so many Emerald soldiers fought in, next to the newly returned statue of the unknown soldier. Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney said the statue was returned just in time for the service. “I am pleased to see the statue of the unknown soldier back in town after a short time being cleaned up and repaired. “Our soldier is an integral part of our ANZAC place complex built in 2015,” he said. Around 100 Emerald locals gathered for the service, with representatives from Cardinia Shire Council, local police and SES, Rotary representatives, and several other members of the community. The main address was given by Emerald RSL vice president Kane Falconer, who said Remembrance Day holds profound significance in Australian history. “It is a day when we collectively pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, a day to honor their courage, and a day to acknowledge the profound impact their sacrifices have had on our nation. “As we stand here, surrounded by the echoes of history, it is impossible not to be moved by the magnitude of the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” he said. Also presented during the service was a poem written by Joshua Dyer entitled ‘One Thousand Men are Walking’, read by Emerald RSL’s Greg Brown. Mr Dyer was 14 years of age at the time he wrote the poem in 2019, and despite never mailcommunity.com.au
Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney gives the opening address.
Picture: TANYA FAULKNER
Emerald Rotary president Sangeeta Bajaj and treasurer Shalini Penny with their wreath.
Emerald RSL vice president Kane Falconer shares stats on World War I.
Emerald Scout group manned the flags for the service.
Ken Hall reads the ODE.
seeing war for himself, beautifully articulated the challenges faced by those on the battlegrounds of World War I. Since the release of the poem, MR Dyer has received a letter from the office of The Duke of Edinburgh thanking him for “producing such a moving and heartfelt piece of creative writing”. Mr Dyer has since attended BBC Hereford
& Worcester to pre record for the Sunday Show and received offers from RAF High Wycombe and the NHS Mental Health Veterans Conference in Lincoln to read out his poem for Remembrance. Emerald RSL member Ken Hall presented the Ode as bugler Matt Ide shared The Last Post for a community in remembrance. The presentation was followed by a min-
ute’s silence, followed by the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand, the raising of the flags by Emerald Scout Group representatives, and refreshments in the RSL for locals to learn more about the local history and enjoy fellowship amongst each other. Emerald’s township was decorated with poppies all over the main street to commemorate the day. Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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Forum speaks volumes STORM TALK By Mikayla van Loon Members of the Hills community gathered at the Olinda Community House on Saturday 11 November for a special forum about the storm events of 2021. Hosted by Deakin University researchers, the attending residents, who came from all across the Dandenong Ranges, were the first case study in a year-long project to understand how communication plays a role in effective hazard management. Communications researcher Gabi Mocatta said the crux of the project is to “better understand how we confront this age of increasing natural hazards”. “[It’s] all sorts of natural hazards, flooding, fires, extreme weather events, heat waves and so on,” she said. “[We’re looking at] how as communities we can, first of all, understand them better and then prepare to cope with the kinds of hazards that a lot of the modelling shows will be increasing into the future that we’re already seeing now.” Exploring how “better awareness raising, better education, better communication” can inform or change the response to compounding natural hazards, the research will take Gabi and her colleagues Kristy Hess and Erin Hawley across the country to hear from different communities. Beginning the research in the Dandenong Ranges on the 2021 storms, Gabi said next year the team will also head to northern Queensland where they’ve been impacted by floods and cyclones, as well as Tenterfield in New South Wales, a community affected by fires and floods. Attendees on Saturday told of their experiences during the storm, from trees falling constantly around them to the community banding together to get information out. But what began the discussion was the lack of terms or words used to describe a storm, particularly in the context of June 2021. “A storm can be anything from lots of rain or a bit of wind to an almost cyclone. This wasn’t a cyclone, you could tell it wasn’t a cyclone but there’s never been anything like that before,” Jenny said.
The community attendees were very gracious in sharing their experiences of communication or lack of during the June 2021 storm. From suggestions of connecting into the internet network from the street via a generator or car power to community slogans for a community meeting point and time if there is ever a storm or natural disaster again, residents informed the discussion on what could be implemented on a larger scale. It became clear that neighbour to neighbour check ins and interaction was one of the best sources of information when all communication was down. “But the services need to learn how to interact with the community respectfully and not rudely. I mean, some of the body language and the attitude I personally witnessed and been the recipient of has been appalling,” Liz said. The insights will guide the long term outcomes of how communication can improve in the event of a natural disaster, particularly when they happen in quick succession.
Table discussions led to some interesting suggestions of how to communicate in times of no power or internet. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON
Fire preparation works begin with slashing program Yarra Ranges Council and contractors are slashing roadside grass to cut back winter/ spring growth, as part of its annual Fire Slash program. The program, which runs every year through to December, involves slashing grass on more than 800 roads across the Yarra Ranges. Council’s Parks and Bushland Teams monitor each site for access, organising slashing when the ground conditions permit. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said that this year we are anticipating a higher fire risk than we have over the past few years due to the El Nino weather conditions. “Over the past few years’ it has been wetter than average, however this year is seeing a ‘normal’ bushfire risk which means we need to start acting now to clean up around our homes” Cr Child said. “For those residents that are new to the Yarra Ranges, you need to ensure that you have downloaded the Vic Emergency App and start getting your emergency plan organised. 14 MAIL
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Road side slashing has begun in the Yarra Ranges. “For our longer term residents – you know what to do, update your emergency plan and prepare your property by clearing up around your home including gutters, clearing fallen
Picture: ON FILE
leaves and twigs, keeping grass cut short and where possible use pebbles and not mulch in garden beds close to your home. “Drains and road shoulders on rural roads
are a particular focus for us – some nature strips and drains will be slashed as part of the program, to ensure sight and safety for drivers, and that drainage remains clear. “Ahead of the fire season, you’ll see an increase in mowing as you travel through the region. Please be understanding as we continue this important work.” Cr Child encouraged community members to make the most of their weekly FOGO bins and bundled branches collections (coming to the region from December) to keep properties fire-ready. “We all have a part to play in preparing for the fire season and minimising the risk of fire spreading,” he said. “This doesn’t have to be a colossal body of work, though – regularly mowing grass, picking up sticks, branches and leaf litter, mowing your nature strip and keeping a good clear area around your home can all help to reduce the risk of grassfires starting and spreading. “Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/fireprep for more information on preparing your property.” mailcommunity.com.au
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Cub Eddy hits the peak By Pamela Lambert and Tyler Wright A 1st Ferny Creek Scout group cub has achieved the highest award possible in the Cub Scout Section. Eddy Lee, 11, was recognised at a ceremony on Thursday 19 October at the Ferny Creek Scout Hall for achieving the Grey Wolf Award in a show of dedication, resilience and persistence. In order to achieve the peak award, a cub needs to complete six projects in at least two areas. Eddy excelled in a special interest area and an outdoor and outdoor adventure journey; building nesting boxes from timber for birds and possums impacted by the June 2021 storm event across the Dandenongs, and a family walk in the Grampians in which he witnessed graffiti on rock and cave walls. Upon his return, Eddy made a poster and gave a talk to the Cub Unit on how to respect indigenous rock and cave sites. Despite changes to achievement pathways and the introduction of peak award components, Eddy - who became a cub in November 2019 - remained determine to earn the Grey Wolf Award with leaders Akela (Sven Edquist) and Baloo (Brendan Peacock) introduced after lock down. “When I started doing cups, my brother got his Grey Wolf Award and I thought that that was pretty cool,” Eddy said. “It was a challenge getting things done and getting things done the right way. “Hard things are just going to be hard. There’s no easy way around it. You’ve just got to deal with it until you get it done.”
From left to right: Aiden Lee (Scout –Brother of Eddy), Sam Lee (Mum), Eddy Lee (Cub Scout-Grey Wolf recipient) and Tim Lee (Dad and Scout Section leader). Picture: SUPPLIED Eddy’s mum, Sam, said it was satisfying and reassuring knowing Eddy got a level of resilience and independence from achieving the Grey Wolf Award. “The Cubs have to basically design their own program to some extent for the special interest areas that they get to pick to work
on,” Sam said. “It’s really up to them... it’s nice to see him being able to visualise and set a goal and then work towards it and then achieve it. “It was tricky at times because lockdowns made everything very difficult and there were also some administrative changes within how
Scouts Victoria run these things.” Eddy had some encouraging advice for other Cubs considering earning the award. “Definitely go for it,” he said. “Even if you may not get it done in time, It’s still a great thing to do to get the life skills.”
Basin resident recognised for community service By Tanya Faulkner Shaping the community, one opportunity at a time, is the goal of one local who has dedicated her life to the improvement of others. The Basin Community House manager Heather McTaggart has been recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Learn Local Awards. Ms McTaggart said it’s been a real privilege for her to receive this recognition, after being in her current role for the past 16 years. “We don’t do this work looking for any accolades, but it’s lovely when someone recognises your work,” she said. Ms McTaggart has had a long history working with community houses in the Hills, after a personal tragedy led her into the industry. “Many years ago I ended up widowed and pregnant, and had no connections to my local community. “I was working in the city when my husband passed away suddenly, and it was a week later when I found out I was pregnant. “When you work in town and you’re young, you don’t have much contact in your community until you have kids,” she said. After putting her son through the former Morrison House when she went back to work part-time, Ms McTaggart realised the impact that can be felt through being connected to the community. “The connection to the community house changed my life. “I felt a sense of purpose in the community, got to know people through education, short courses and social events. “They identified what happened with me, and invited me to go on the committee and into management. “The neighbourhood house sector changed my life in a positive way, so I knew I wanted to go into that kind of work,” she said. Ms McTaggart came to The Basin Community House 16 years ago, taking big strides in her management role to bring new life to the centre, and the wider community in The Basin. She said neighbourhood houses are an integral part of the community, a safe place for locals to come, and have the opportunity to learn new skills or follow their passions. “It’s a lovely place to be. mailcommunity.com.au
Heather McTaggart (centre) and the team at The Basin Community Centre. 372182 “These houses are especially safe for women who need somewhere to go and make new connections,” she said. The Learn Local Awards, Ms McTaggart said, are mostly focused around leadership and adult education, which she believes they do very well in The Basin. “It’s an honour to be recognised individually, but it’s a whole team effort and I am incredibly blessed. “It is a privilege leading a wonderful team supporting my vision, and helping implement our programs to some of the most vulnerable learners in our communities. We have been fortunate in recent years to win Best Program Award and last year, the Trainer award. “We have a large ‘Department of Justice’ online program helping those who have been incarcerated or undertaking community work orders to learn employability skills and integrate back into the community. “We also have strong partnerships with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and Tasty Az catering who support young people with a disability to gain skills for employment and further study.” The Basin Community House provides over 40 courses at the house, which Ms McTaggart said is a lot for a smaller community house. “We’re not a TAFE or an RTO, but we provide a lot of diverse learning and socialising programs for the community. “This is what the Learn Local awards focus on,” she said. Looking back on the last five years with
Heather McTaggart has been nominated for the Learn Local Awards for 2023. 372182 The Basin, Ms McTaggart said one particular milestone stood out for her in her career at the house. “The main thing I’ve been able to achieve in the last five years is getting our new purpose-built Community House developed. “It’s something I’d been working on for over 10 years to get into fruition,” she said. The Basin Community House managed to secure State Government funding for the project, resulting in their brand new premise allowing more space and opportunities for growth for the house. Ms McTaggart said it’s a vast change from where the house originally was. “We used to be in an old cottage that used to be the principal’s residence at the school around 60 years ago. “We’ve gone from this tiny three-bedroom house to our beautiful, fit for purpose, multi million dollar Community House,” she said. For Ms McTaggart, however, it’s all about community empowerment and providing them a safe space to gather, grow and socialise. “We’re providing low-cost courses for lo-
cals to upskill, and a place to come together and socialise, especially after Covid19. “For example, we have a colour and chat program that around 17 women come to, and it’s just about connecting and being with friends, more than the colouring itself,” she said. Learn Local plays a critical role in Victoria’s post-secondary system, offering a unique community-based learning option with a focus on the individual needs of learners. More than 240 not-for-profit community organisations are registered as Learn Locals. Member for Monbulk Daniela de Martino said the program is helping people to transform their lives through community-based education that is focused on the individual needs of learners. “Congratulations to all the award finalists this year, particularly local legend Heather McTaggart, and thank you for going the extra mile to help Victorians access the skills they need to achieve their goals in work and in life,” she said. An awards night will be held on Friday 24 November to announce the official winners of the Learn Local Awards for 2023. Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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Renovating the world WOORILLA WORDS By Maria Millers It seems that the world we inhabit has become more and more filled with uncertainties, ambiguities and cruelties. Writing after World War I, the Irish poet Yeats in the Second Coming wrote that: Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere, The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Many feel these words resonating today as earthquakes, floods, pandemics, massacres and wars are streamed into our living rooms daily. It’s hard to not think otherwise. Some of these images are confronting and bring distress and anxiety. The response is to turn away. We avoid watching or listening to anything that disturbs the peace of our personal lives. We surround ourselves with all the material distractions our world allows us, or at least allows some of us. We turn to travel, endless sport, reality shows and remain uninformed. It has even become obligatory to warn viewers and listeners of content that may be confronting or disturbing. But what about our children? Should we shield them from these harsh images? We already know that many of our youth experienced depression and anxiety from the isolation during the pandemic lockdowns. Should then parents protect their children from seeing the brutality of war and its innocent victims? Or are we in danger of raising a generation of Pollyannas, blindly optimistic and in denial of the real world with all its flaws? In her poem Good Bones, American poet Maggie Smith questions whether her role is to draw her children’s attention only to the good things in the world despite the fact The world
Renovating the world is like renovating a house, it needs ‘good bones’. is at least fifty percent terrible. The poem was written after the gun massacre at the Pulse gay club in Orlando Florida where 49 people died and scores were injured. She emphasises the brevity of our time on earth and how we live as if we were immortal. The speaker has no illusions about the world but wants to protect her children from this hard reality yet instil in them that the world is like a house that is structurally sound (has ‘good bones’ in the American real estate parlance) but is desperately in need of renovation and could be transformed into a beautiful home. And as every astronaut has told us, our planet Earth is so beautiful from space, yet so vulnerable. Just as it now suffers under the strain of so many things, it too can be renovated into beauty. We have the means but need the will to do so. The poem ends on a hopeful note that just
like any real estate ‘shithole’ that is structurally good and can be turned into a beautiful home, so too we can treat our earth the same way: This place could be beautiful, right? You could make this place beautiful. Hopefully our youth is engaged, well equipped and ready for renovating our world. Good Bones Maggie Smith Life is short, though I keep this from my children. Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways, a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways I’ll keep from my children. The world is at least fifty percent terrible, and that’s a conservative estimate, though I keep this from my children.
Picture: UNSPLASH For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird. For every loved child, a child broken, bagged, sunk in a lake. Life is short and the world is at least half terrible, and for every kind stranger, there is one who would break you, though I keep this from my children. I am trying to sell them the world. Any decent realtor, walking you through a real shithole, chirps on about good bones: This place could be beautiful, right? You could make this place beautiful. Sunday 19 November the 2023 Woorilla Awards event will be held at the Emerald Hub from 2-5 pm. Live music, entertainment, raffles. A great afternoon for the whole family.
The Hills’ connection to famous racehorse Carbine By Tyler Wright With Melbourne Cup fever still ringing out across the nation, a local historian has shared the Hills’ own connection to the ‘race that stops the nation’. Robert Jungwirth, current president of the Sherbrooke Foothills Historical Society and the creator of Facebook page Lost Dandenongs, spoke to the Star Mail on renowned horse trainer Walter Hickenbotham’s connection to the Dandenong Ranges. Known as the ‘Prince of Trainers’ for his devotion to horses, Hickenbotham led Mentor to win the 1888 Melbourne Cup alongside owner Donald Wallace before being entrusted with Carbine, who would go on to win the 1890 Melbourne Cup - and according to the Australian Racing Museum - almost every other race in which he was entered. New Zealand-born Carbine carried a record weight of 65 kilograms and ran in a field of 39 runners, winning in the record time of three minutes and 28.25 seconds, according to the Australian Racing Museum. Carbine ran second in the 1889 Cup and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame having not placed in a race only once in his career. Hickenbotham went on to secure two further Melbourne cups with horses Newhaven and Blue Spec in 1896 and 1905 respectively. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003. Jungwirth said Hickenbotham had visited 16 MAIL
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the Dandenongs in the 1800s, putting his horses out to rest on the 600-acre Blackwood Park in Ferntree Gully. “Hickenbotham used to come to the hills and he would visit his horses from time to time to see how they were doing. When he got a little bit older and retired he settled in the hills permanently,” Jungwirth said. “The horses had a good time and he very much cared for [them]. “He did have a home and stables in Melbourne, but his home and stables in Melbourne would not have been as comfortable for the horses; it’s a different life when you’re down there in stables.” Hickenhbotham purchased a 10-acre block on the corner of Laubes Road and One Tree Hill Road in Ferny Creek in 1902, Jungwirth said, across the road from famous geologist Edward Dunn. “[Hickenbotham] was pretty unusual; you’d probably be unusual to achieve what he did,” Jungwirth said. “He took his horse to a lot of different races, and sometimes the only way to get the horse to those races was to ride on another horse and accompany that horse to the race. “Imagine asking a marathon runner in Sydney to come down to Melbourne, and he’s going to walk here first before he does the marathon; It’s crazy.” Hickenbotham died in 1930 in Dromana. More than half of the Melbourne Cup winners from 1914 until 1978 were descendants of Carbine; including Phar Lap.
Frederick Woodhouse Jr’s 1889 portrait of 1890 Melbourne Cup winner Carbine. Picture: STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA mailcommunity.com.au
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Hills Haven in Tecoma By Tyler Wright The Tecoma Uniting Church is opening its doors with a new free cafe initiative. The church has begun opening its doors weekly to a new cafe space named Hills Haven; bringing people together in a place without stigma. Starting on Friday 10 November, the church is hosting a safe, open and inclusive cafe where people can come and enjoy being together in a creative space. Tea, coffee and cake will be free or by donation, with voluntary craft activities available for those looking to learn a new skill. Tecoma Uniting Church’s hospitality coordinator, Sue Brown, said the church has distributed flyers to disability groups who use the hall and the chapel, as well as mums who are able to gather during school drop off. “Anything to get our community interacting and increase people’s communicating with others and preventing social isolation,” Ms Brown said. “Often we find that - especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time - if you’re sitting and doing something together it breaks those boundaries down. “Getting closer to Christmas we talked about the last one [creating] Christmas cards.. but people who don’t want to do that and just want to sit and chat, that’s also absolutely fine.” What Hills Haven brings to attendees is a
Joy Serwylo, Di Kay, Barb McFarlane, Rachelle Olsson at Hills Haven on Friday 10 November. Pictures: SUPPLIED
The small library on Tecoma Uniting Church’s verandah is also home to a double powerpoint for USB charger usage.
meeting place without time constraints of a mainstream cafe or a community hub - with barrista-style coffee and optional craft activities at hand. “If people want to put in a donation towards that, they’re very welcome to, but they don’t have to,” Ms Brown said. The church has also been able to help the community after receiving $10,000 through Yarra Ranges Council’s community grant program. “We were working on increasing people’s access to healthy food, but also we’re noticing
is Free; and then if we need to supplement that with anything extra, we’ve funded that through the grant as well.” A double powerpoint with USB charging ports is also available at the small library next to the church’s door; a result of needing to meet demand for power after the June 2021 storm event. The Tecoma Uniting Church is located at 1566 Burwood Highway in Tecoma. Hills Haven will run from 9.30am until 11.30am.
that people take a pre-prepared healthy meal that some of our volunteers had made, but often didn’t know how to take some healthy veggies and make it into a meal,” Ms Brown said. “We’ve started with the soup and chat classes happening at Carlisle Court across the road for the residents there; It’s a really good way of getting people to interact and have some focus for the day. “Fortnightly, they’re making soup as a group with ingredients that they get from Food
Sensational street party brings joy to Mount Evelyn By Mikayla van Loon Hundreds of people descended on Mount Evelyn at the end of October with the successful return of the Street Party. The glorious warm weather was a draw card to the event on Sunday 29 October after a four year hiatus. Seeing people of all ages join in the fun and excitement, the committee were “very pleased” with how well the event was received. “The whole day seemed quite dense with participation and attendance but it is hard to judge,” Mount Evelyn Street Party committee treasurer Tim Herlihy said. From food vans running out of food to record stall holder sales, the day had plenty of engagement from the public particularly in the activities. “This year we had the youth hub and it was a good start, there was lots of activity going on,” Mr Herlihy said. “Chess master Brian challenged 10 people all at the same time, mostly younger people sat down to play but everyone was surprised at how he played all those people at once. “The cooking demonstrations were very popular as well, which was a new thing for us this year.” Mr Herlihy said another special moment of the day was seeing Australian Idol contestant and Mount Evelyn resident Josh Hannon perform on the main stage. “Josh performed very well, his voice was wonderful and he seemed like a very nice guy. He did a 30 minute performance and 10 minute Q&A where he answered questions about his time on Australian Idol. “I was amazed at how many people stood watching him, the crowd was spectacular.” Three jazz bands also performed throughout the day, seeing people pick up their dancing shoes for a jive and was something Mr Herlihy said was enjoyed by many because it “offered a point of difference”. Once again the pin up and best dressed competitions were extremely loved, with a new competition from the classic car drivers, wearing an outfit to match their vehicle, drawing a lot of interest. Stallholders and local businesses were all impressed with the day as well. “Mount Evelyn History Group sold three times as many publications and it was the first time the historical calendars, documenting decades, were sold. “We deliberately had no coffee vans so lomailcommunity.com.au
The Mount Evelyn Street Party was a big hit when it made its return on Sunday 29 October. Picture: SUPPLIED
The classic cars led the parade through the streets of Mount Evelyn. Picture: NORSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hundreds of people filled the streets of Mount Evelyn throughout the day. Picture: NORSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Getting into a groove for the dance competitions drew a crowd.
The chess simal was again a popular edition to the Street Party.
cal businesses would benefit and from all reports, they had significantly higher business for a Sunday. “Many of the 100 stallholders have already put in a bid to attend next time.” With big events of this kind, Mr Herlihy said there is always something to learn and this year it was needing more shaded areas and better placement of the bins. Having a largely new committee, Mr Her-
lihy said the ideas and improvements for the next event in two years have already started flowing. “Our new committee has already said they want to be involved, which can be rare. They’ve suggested separating the portfolios because some of the skill sets are different and it requires three people to organise the different stallholders for schools, food and community groups.”
Through it all, the Mount Evelyn Street Party will make another return in 2025, continuing the fun, excitement and community spirit. “Everyone who participates, whether they’re a volunteer, a stallholder or an attendee, gets something out of it,” Mr Herlihy said. “The community seemed to really appreciate having the event back.” Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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’Tis the season for dignity A new survey has revealed 39 per cent of Australian women are worried about affording Christmas presents this year, with Australian charity, Share the Dignity seeing a steady increase in demand from their charity partners for their annual Christmas appeal, It’s in the Bag. This November, Share the Dignity is calling on Victorian residents to ensure women and girls spending Christmas in domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters, or living in poverty, receive basic essentials and the gift of love and hope for Christmas through the It’s in the Bag campaign by heading to a local Bunnings store, like Lilydale. The initiative is in its ninth year and encourages people to pay it forward by filling a bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, roll-on-deodorant, and period products – as well as optional extras such as lip balm, socks, or a handwritten note. Bags filled with essentials can be dropped off at any Bunnings store nationwide from Friday 10 November until Sunday 26 November 2023. In Australia, an estimated 2.7 million Australian women had experienced family or domestic violence, and an estimated 53,974 women were homeless in 2021, according to the most recent ABS stats on personal safety. Share the Dignity’s recent survey of 3,648 Australian women, found living without basic essentials was a widespread issue with almost 20 per cent (18%) going without the basic essentials included in It’s in the Bag donations due to cost. While the number of people affected by the rising cost of living is concerning, Share the Dignity founder and managing director, Rochelle Courtenay said she was hopeful donations would increase after being significantly impacted over the past three years. “Each year thousands of women and girls are waking up on Christmas morning in domestic violence refuges and homeless shelters. For many, an It’s in the Bag might be the only gift they receive for Christmas,” Ms Courtenay said. “For the past three years, we have received
Head to a local Bunnings store, like Lilydale, to donate items for Share the Dignity. Picture: SUPPLIED on average 30,000 fewer bags compared to pre-covid numbers. It breaks my heart to think 30,000 vulnerable women and girls aren’t receiving an It’s in the Bag donation and are instead going without basic essentials like period products, a toothbrush and soap. “For those who can afford to give, I urge you to put an It’s in the Bag together this year. You never know who in your life could be experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or be struggling to make ends meet, so please help a woman in need this Christmas. “This year we are expecting to receive 140,000 charity requests and I truly hope we can meet these requests to ensure women and girls in need wake up on Christmas to receive a handbag full of hope and love.” Kim Hamson knows firsthand the impact an It’s in the Bag donation can have, having received a bag after fleeing domestic violence with her daughter with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
“When fleeing domestic violence, by the time you’ve fled you are on rock bottom, you have no self-worth, you have no hope, you have nothing. Your soul is gone. So for a bag to arrive on Christmas, when it is the only gift you might receive, it is life-changing,” Ms Hamson said. “To this day I still use the same brand of shampoo that was in the bag. The smell makes me feel safe, reminds me how lucky I was that day to receive the bag, and reminds me that there is hope. “When you put together a bag you will change someone’s life for a month, for a year, for the rest of their life, because that bag gives you hope when you don’t feel like you are worth anything.” Share the Dignity VIC Volunteer Team Leader Donna Levinson-Murray said she hoped to see more Victoria residents rally behind the cause to help vulnerable women and girls in need.
“We are expecting another year of big requests from our partner charities in Victoria, particularly with the cost of living rising and the greater need in the community,” Ms Levinson-Murray said. “We are asking the local Victorian community to support women and girls in need by donating a bag filled with essential items to their local Bunnings store to make it a special Christmas for all. “To make a difference in other ways, please take a look at sponsoring a bag online or volunteering your time with us.” Bunnings Chief Customer Officer Ryan Baker said they were proud to support Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag appeal again this year, with the annual appeal collecting over 623,000 bags through Bunnings stores to date. “This is our seventh year being involved in It’s in the Bag and it has become a cause close to the heart of many of our team members who throw their full support behind the campaign each year,” Mr Baker said. “Our team will be turning our stores pink putting their own decorative spin on donation boxes and welcoming sheroes who work tirelessly to collect and distribute bags to those who need them most in time for Christmas. “It has been a tough year for a lot of Australians and the work Share the Dignity do providing support for vulnerable women and girls is needed more than ever this year. The generosity of our customers who donate bags blows us away each year and we encourage anyone who can to put together a bag filled with essentials and drop it off at their local Bunnings from the 10th to the 26th of November. “We are excited this year to make it even easier to donate by extending collection dates and offering an easy option to purchase a bag from the Bunnings website.” Those wanting to support women and girls like Kim and her daughter can drop-off an It’s in the Bag donation to their nearest Bunnings store from 10 - 26 November, Sponsor a Bag online, or register to become a Share the Dignity volunteer. Donations will be distributed to Australians in need in time for Christmas via Share the Dignity’s 3000 charity partners.
Dunn’s white gum misses top spot as tree of the year By Tanya Steele Results for the Victorian Tree of the Year competition by the National Trust of Australia are in and Yarra Ranges has missed the chance to reclaim the prestigious title. The well known Dunn’s white gum tree in Mooroolbark sadly missed out on winning for the year after making the 2023 nominee list, but remains an icon for the community. One of Victoria’s largest trees, a river red gum near Guildford took out the top spot and is known more affectionately as The Big Tree. The 2023 winner, announced online after voting closed at the end of October, is estimated to be more than 530 years old, and stands at an impressive 32 metres. Simon Ambrose, chief executive officer of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), said the River Red Gum was a clear winner with more than 40 per cent of all votes cast. “Our winner is a well-respected landmark within the Guildford community, and voters have shown the significant contribution the River Red Gum has made to the local landscape with outstanding size and curious fusion of branches,” he said. Dunn’s white tree in Mooroolbark was nominated among several other trees of note in Victoria and is a beautiful specimen that was planted at the Bickleigh Vale village by Edna Walling. The beloved Mooroolbark gum received 90 votes in total this year, according to a representative from the National Trust of Australia. Environmental Heritage Advocate Jelena Ljubisic coordinates the significant tree register and the significant tree committee at the National Trust in Victoria said the competition helps celebrate the joy and benefits trees bring to the community. 18 MAIL
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“These trees provide their local communities with serenity and respite and represent the diverse and incredible beauty of Victoria’s natural environment,” Mr Ambrose said.
The Dunn’s White Gum is significant for aesthetic and rarity reasons at a state level. Pictures: NATIONAL TRUST (VICTORIA) A Yarra Ranges tree won the inaugural award in 2016 with the beautiful Kalatha Giant tree being voted most popular - the famous tree is located near Kalatha Creek in the Toolangi State Forest. The Kalatha Giant is a Mountain Ash tree believed to be at least 400 years old, stands 65 metres tall and is the seventh largest tree in Victoria by volume. The tree bears a very old scar at its heavily buttressed base (possibly from 1851) and is hollow all the way up its trunk. After the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the Toolangi and Castella community constructed a walking trail to the tree. For many,
it is a resilient symbol of bushfire survival. Yarra Ranges is home to many heritagelisted trees including the largest tree in Victoria - the Big Tree which is located near the old Cambarville Mill in the Cumberland Valley. Yarra Valley is not to be outdone with the well-known Redwood Forests and the famous Ada tree in Warburton which is another magnificent mountain ash. The tree has enormous buttress wings which radiate around the trunk, it is classed as having outstanding height, trunk circumference and canopy spread – it is around 76 metres high and more than 300 years old. Outside of Healesville at Fernshaw Re-
serve an English Oak stands with a little royal history to its story - the tree was planted by her Excellency Lady Denman on 9 April, 1913 to commemorate the royal visit of Queen Mary, the Duchess of York on May 15, 1901. Anyone can nominate a tree to be on the significant tree register - Ms Ljubisic said that the criteria usually fall under four different categories – scientific, historical, aesthetic and social significance. “For example with the scientific category - the most common criteria is outstanding size, particularly if it is a large tree for its species,” she said. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is the state’s leading advocate for the protection of trees – since 1982, the Trust has classified over 1400 trees across Victoria on the National Trust Significant Tree Register. Mr Ambrose said that the National Trust encourages Victorians to nominate their favourite tree each year. “Keep an eye out for the 2024 competition, and details on how to get involved can be found on our website,” he said. mailcommunity.com.au
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with cadet journalist Tanya Steele
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I lived in Seattle for over seven years and worked as an elevator operator on the Space Needle. What are you most passionate about? Family, environment and people – I am a science fiction and fantasy nerd at heart. Why did you want to become a journalist? I’ve always enjoyed writing, so I wanted to pursue a career in an area where I could write every day – having a deadline is a good motivator. What do you love about journalism? The people and their passions - talking to people about their everyday lives and seeing how the world all ticks along with itself. What would your last meal be? I am a coeliac so for a last meal it would have to be a real pizza with a side of macaroni cheese! What was your most memorable moment? In life? That’s too hard! How about the time I caught a nearly meter-long fish as a kid while trawling in the Pilbara of WA. That hand reel flew out of my hand, got stuck in the corner of the boat and then my Dad spent a decent time struggling to wind the fish in. I’ve been assured first bite on the line means you caught the fish. What was your favourite subject in school? Theatre What event past or present would you like to witness? The very beginning of human life on Earth is (in a safe bubble!)
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Julia Gillard, Myf Warhust, Robin Hobb, Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart and Marie Antoinette What are you currently reading? I am not currently reading - on a break, but I love a podcast or two - try The Guilty Feminist or Bang on. How would you describe your fashion sense? Casual with a lot of colour. Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life? I had a cat named Deva who was very social and into everything. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? If I had to compete - maybe a nice soup like chicken tortilla. Where is your dream holiday destination? At the moment - would love to go to Japan. What were you like as a kid? I was a little reclusive, read books at recess and lunch and made friends with the librarian type of kid. I am more outgoing as an adult. What is your favourite colour and why? Cerise pink, because it is lovely :) Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Both? I love talking to people but appreciate some alone time as well.
Tanya Steele joined the Star News group team in February this year. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
N I W LY FAMISES PAS
Get ready for the most exciting event of the year. Christmas Under the Big Top is coming to Burnley Oval, Richmond from November 24th to December 24th. With over 2 and a half hours of unlimited festive fun, this extraordinary event has something for everyone! Star News has 10 x Family passes to giveaway to readers for the 7pm Friday 24th November performance! You’ll be able to experience the magic of Christmas in our interactive walkthrough under the big top tent, where you can see,hear, touch, and smell all the wonders of the season.
Check out the show - christmasunderthebigtop.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
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ENTER NOW TO WIN Scan the QR CODE Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 19
OPINION
FOGO cuts landfill waste Jim Child It’s been just over a month since we began FOGO collections in Yarra Ranges, giving the community the opportunity to ensure food scraps and garden waste stays out of our landfill. I’m extremely proud to announce that, after the first month of collections, we’ve seen a reduction of landfill waste of about 41 per cent, compared to last October. Now, I know that change is never easy, and this is one of the biggest changes we’ve ever had to the bin system since recycling began. It’s required a change of thinking, a change to how we do things at home and changes to our routine, but I’m proud of the way our community has embraced the new collections. The food and garden organics you put in your FOGO bin will be composted and used to enrich soil in parks, gardens and farmland, which is far better for the environment and will
Mayor Jim Child has served the Yarra Ranges alongside deputy mayor Sophie Todorov for the last 12 months. Picture: SUPPLIED help us to prepare the next generation as best as possible. The need behind the FOGO bins is simple. We all need to do more to protect the environment. The approach of the past – sending things to be buried in the ground, where
Scorsese’s latest triumph
they’ll stay forever – has to be avoided wherever possible. Everything we buy and use has to end up somewhere, and the simple reality is that if what you have doesn’t get re-used in some way – through repairing, recycling or composting –
it ends up in landfill. We’re all responsible for the things we use, but initiatives like the FOGO bin help our community members to get rid of hard-to-compost items like meat, dairy, bones and weeds. They are then processed and will be used to help grow something new, which is a fantastic result. I’d like to sincerely thank our community for how quickly they’ve embraced this change – by asking questions, by giving it a go and understanding the need for this change. If you’d like to know more about FOGO, or see a list of what can go in your bins, please visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/whywasteit On a separate note, this column will be published on the day we as Councillors elect our Mayor for the coming year – the last year of our 2020-24 Council Term. I’d like to thank the community for their trust, their support and their engagement over my last two years as Mayor. We’ve had a few years unlike any other, and I’m proud of how we’ve navigated many unprecedented and unexpected problems together, as one community. I look forward to welcoming in our new Mayor tonight, 14 November, and supporting them, with you, for the next 12 months.
CARTOON
Killers of the Flower Moon Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro Rated M 4.5/5 Killers of the Flower Moon is a phenomenal historical drama from filmmaking legend Martin Scorsese. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, Killers of the Flower Moon is about a series of murders committed upon the Osage Native American Nation over the rights to oil on their tribal lands. Like Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon is very long (206 minutes) but deeply engaging. The costuming, set design and cinematography are exceptional, and the film has a potent atmosphere of charisma, conspiracy and matter-of-fact cruelty. The screenplay is extremely tight, with every detail returning meaningfully later on. Scorsese is a master of heavy silence and authentic, suspenseful slowness: slow but richly-detailed pacing that evokes a life unfolding, immersing you in its setting and the plight of its well-developed characters. Killers of the Flower Moon is driven by three enthralling central performances. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a greedy, loyal man who loves his Osage wife
and sincerely cares for her even as he commits increasingly heinous acts for his uncle. Lily Gladstone is remarkable as Ernest’s wife Molly, a strong, witty woman whose grief and wasting illness visibly eat away at her. Robert De Niro (in his tenth collaboration with Scorsese) is chilling as “King” Bill Hale: a warm, fatherly figure on the surface with a manipulative, ruthless nature. I hesitate to call Killers of the Flower Moon better than Oppenheimer, but it is more accessible due to its smaller scale and more linear narrative. A riveting, superbly-acted film that never wastes a moment in its three-plus hours, Killers of the Flower Moon is playing in most Victorian cinemas, and will eventually be released on Apple TV Plus. - Seth Lukas Hynes
Season finale of Clue success for Eltham Little Theatre Eltham Little Theatre Clue: On Stage ELT’s final production for 2023 was Clue: on Stage A farce about seven people who were invited to dinner by an unknown and mysterious host. The guests are unknown to each other and wonder why they have been sent an invitation. Then! Their questions are answered. The butler who greets the guests was played by Emily Goode, giving a good projection but unfortunately her voice was not too clear and did leave a bit of a puzzle as to what she was saying. Mr Green was played by Warwick Smith who was a nervous man but a surprise at the end. Colonel Mustard was portrayed by Ryan Purdey. Good stage presence and projected well. Mrs White was played by Sophie Stewart, an interesting character well portrayed by Stewart. Mrs Peacock was played by Seona Murphy. A good performance and Murphy caught the 20 MAIL
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Kemp’s curtain call essence of such a character. Miss Scarlet was played by Del Jordan, a suspicious character and one not quietly thought of by the other guests. Jordan caught the character as envisaged giving a good interpretation. Professor Plum was played by Philip O’Brien. A good interpretation of such a character. Yvette the maid was portrayed by Kate Taylor who added to the standard of the evening with her portrayal. Mr Boddu/Cop was played by Jackson Langelaan, giving a good portrayal of the various characters. Two more cops were played by Vicki Smith and Kate Possingham, both adding to the fun
of the evening. James Anderson was the motorist and Chief. As the motorist Anderson had an unexpected surprise and as the Chief he carried the role well. Last but not least was Lonni Allan as the cook and singing telegram. A good portrayal of both characters. As it was the final show, ELT had the audience around tables and each person brought their own food and drink, which made for a fun evening and the play was enjoyed by the audience. A fun night and a good end to a successful season by Eltham Little Theatre. CPP COMMUNITY THEATRE Little Women Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by Anne-Marie Casey and directed by Jenn Walter. Christmas Eve, 1862, With their father away on the frontline of the American Civil War, the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy journey into adulthood, each determined to pursue a life on their own terms. But growing
up means contending with love and loss, as well as the myriad twists of fortune that shape a life. Information Night and Auditions: Come along to the theatre’s information night to hear more about the play itself, the director’s vision and take part in a read through of the script. Please note, for this production CPP will be looking to cast those aged 18 and over. INFORMATION NIGHT: Tuesday 14 November at 7.30pm - 10.30pm AUDITIONS by appointment only: Sunday 18 November from 12pm - 6pm. Tuesday 21 November from 7.30pm - 11pm. LOCATION: The Factory, Unit 20/8-71 Bayfield Road East, Bayswater 3153 Any queries please email auditions@cppcommunitytheatre.com.au REMEMBER: The Basin Theatre. The Sum of Us Opened 3 November and closes 3 December. The 1812 Theatre Art 16 November – 10 December.
· · · · · · · ·
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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 21
PUZZLES No. 159
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
3
9
5 6 7 1 3
2 4 6 1
5 3 7 8 8 4
4 9 2 5 1 6 2
8 medium
3 8 2 9 4
7 3 8 7 1 5 9 4 3
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24
ACROSS Sandal (5) Study of language history (9) Ugly landmark (7) Modified (7) Linseed, e.g. (7) Swedish scientist, – Swedenborg (7) Instrument (9) Ready money (4) Rodents (4) Cooking appliance (9) Disheveled (7) Support (7) Light through clouds (7) Mythical one-horned beast (7) Bursar (9) Go into (5)
1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29
4 5 4 2 1 9 5
QUICK CROSSWORD
No. 159
Food shopping items (9) Fake name (9) Angry (5) Japanese seaport (5) Products of a calculator (7) Sings like the Swiss (6) The British Treasury (9) Heaven (5,4) Behaviour (8) Sideways look (7) Plane hub (7) End of day (6) Confronts (5) Stopwatch (5)
DOWN Abstaining from liquor (8) Partly correspond with (7)
1 2
DECODER
No. 159
5 3 7
8 7 3 5
7 5 4 8 9
8 hard
8
9
9 4
4
6 3 7 4 8
3 7
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
2 X CMPWS VN T YAQ L 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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13
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
E
Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good
E
S
T
R
V
3 8 1 9 2 5 6 7 4 6 2 5 4 7 8 1 3 9 9 7 4 6 3 1 8 2 5 1 9 6 2 5 7 4 8 3 4 3 7 8 1 9 2 5 6 2 5 8 3 4 6 7 9 1 8 6 3 7 9 4 5 1 2 5 4 2 1 8 3 9 6 7 7 1 9 5 6 2 3 4 8
2 4 9 1 5 3 7 8 6 7 5 6 8 2 9 4 1 3 1 3 8 7 6 4 5 2 9 8 7 1 3 9 6 2 4 5 5 9 2 4 1 8 6 3 7 4 6 3 2 7 5 8 9 1 9 1 4 6 8 7 3 5 2 3 2 7 5 4 1 9 6 8 6 8 5 9 3 2 1 7 4
R
A
D
adverse, advert, aver, averred, avers, averse, avert, averted, averts, evade, evades, ever, rave, raved, raver, raves, reave, reaves, revert, reverts, revest, revs, save, saved, saver, serve, served, server, sever, starve, starved, stave, staved, traverse, TRAVERSED, vase, vast, vaster, veer, veers, verse, versed, vest, vested, vets
3 8 7 5 1 9 2 6 4 9 2 6 8 4 7 3 5 1 4 5 1 3 6 2 7 9 8 1 9 2 6 7 3 4 8 5 6 7 5 4 8 1 9 3 2 8 3 4 9 2 5 1 7 6 2 1 8 7 3 6 5 4 9 5 4 3 1 9 8 6 2 7 7 6 9 2 5 4 8 1 3 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
1
9-LETTER WORD
45 words: Excellent
hard
17
medium
16
easy
15
1
R OE G F Z J I HK U B D
9 7
3 LETTERS AIM ARC BUD EAR EBB ERR EVE ION JAM KEG ORE OWE PEA RUN SAP SEA SEC THE TIP TOW WEB ZOO
14
3 4 2 8 6 3 9 6 2
Q L
WORDFIT
4 LETTERS ARES DAMN DESK NAPS NETS POTS SHUT SOAP STEW TROD 5 LETTERS ALPHA ALTOS APRIL ARGUE ARISE ASIDE
No. 159
7 5 , 3 (
ASSET AVERT AWARE BOGAN CALVE CEDED COVET EJECT ELECT ERRED FRAME GARBS GENRE JETTY MATES MEANS MERGE NAIVE NAVAL NEEDS
OLIVE PAGES PANIC PASTA PASTS PEACE POSES RILES ROUTE RURAL SALTS SEEDS SLEDS SMELL SPELL SPEWS STEEL TIDAL TRIPE UNITE
USERS VISES
PROCURE SENSUAL TREMBLE
6 LETTERS BAMBOO BASEST FRUGAL JALOPY MYOPIC NOISES 7 LETTERS DISTORT ENZYMES NEUTRAL
8 LETTERS DICTATED DISTRICT ELICITED OVERHEAD 10 LETTERS NUTRIMENTS SALUTATION
3 $ 6 7 $ & ( ' ( ' ) 5 $ 0 ( 2 / , 9 ( 5 8 5 $ / $ / 7 2 6 6 3 ( : 6 9 , 6 ( 6 8 1 , 7 ( ( - ( & 7 . ( * 6 ( & 7 + ( 6 $ / 8 7 $ 7 , 2 1 % $ 6 ( 6 7 6 0 7 5 ( 0 % / ( 3 $ * ( 6 - ( 7 7 < $ 5 ( 6 6 2 $ 3 2 5 ( 2 9 ( 5 + ( $ ' 3 5 2 & 8 5 ( 6 ( 1 6 8 $ / ( 5 5 7 5 2 ' ' , & 7 $ 7 ( ' 3 $ 1 , & 6 / ( ' 6 6 7 ( : ( 1 = < 0 ( 6 7 9 % $ 0 % 2 2 1 8 7 5 , 0 ( 1 7 6 , 2 1 7 5 , 3 ( $ , 0 2: ( $ 3 5 , / $ 6 , ' ( * $ 5 % 6 $ 5 * 8 ( 3 ( $ & ( 1 $ 9 $ / 6 $ / 7 6 6 3 ( / / 1 ( ( ' 6
SUDOKU
17-11-23
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PROPERTY
PREMIER COUNTRY RETREAT
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
PREMIER COUNTRY RETREAT ON 5-PLUS ACRES IF you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than ‘Sunset House’. Nestled within a five-acre oasis, the home is surrounded by immaculate English gardens that boast a mix of mature shade trees, lush lawns and vibrant florals. Steeped in history the original 1920s cottage has been extended and renovated to create an inviting haven for all that you can’t help but to fall in love with. Cleverly designed to combine the old with the new, the original intricate decorative ceilings, oak panelling, double hung windows and open fireplace create an ambiance and charm the complements the architectural design of the extension. This family-friendly floorplan ensures ample space for growing families. The heart of the home is the enormous open plan living area, vaulted ceilings and huge doubleglazed windows create a sense of grandeur seldom come by. The chef of the family will cook up a storm in the huge kitchen that features not one but two ovens, dishwasher, huge pantry, excellent under bench storage and breakfast bar. The kitchen seamlessly flows to the vast living and dining area that creates a warm and in inviting space for family gatherings and entertaining. Two sets of doors open to the decked veranda and create a transition between the indoor and outdoor living areas. The three bedrooms are zoned separately and form part of the original residence. The master suite bathed in natural light is its own private oasis, boasting beautiful windows, French doors, garden vista views and a private decked verandah, this is the ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy the serenity. An adjoining private retreat features the original open fireplace, stunning decorative ceiling and Oak wall panelling. The two updated bathrooms and large laundry complete the residence. For yearround comfort there is heat transfer system to the bedrooms from the living room coonara, ducted heating and a split system. To reduce the cost of living, the home is connected to a 47,000L closed loop water storage system (mains water is connected if required) and an extensive 24V DC off-grid system which provides uninterruptable power and reduces the grid demand (a further break down of this system can be provided on request). Outside the embellishments continue, for those who love to entertain there is a variety of outdoor living areas. Separate to the main residence, there is a spacious decked and covered outdoor entertaining area is set privately amongst the established gardens and over looks the lush lawn areas where the kids can run and play while you entertain your friends and family. Meander up the garden path discover a charming updated cottage that is ideal for extended family, lucky older children or BnB accommodation potential (Subject to
Council Approval). Recently renovated the cottage offers complete comfort, featuring a modern kitchenette, bathroom, wood fire, split system heating and cooling and decked veranda that oversees the private cottage garden. For the toys and tools, there is a bounty of shedding including a massive 8.3m x 10.9m workshop complete with three phase power, adjoining storeroom and office, a separate storage room, mancave or office, carport and machinery bay. Additional sundry shedding includes a potting/garden shed, studio, tool shed, multiple purpose room (currently used as a grooming room), a glass
house and a huge chook pen and run. Perfect for those with a green thumb, there is raised vegetable gardens ready waiting for next seasons vegetables, put in a little bit of time and love and reap the rewards. A variety of fruit trees are scattered over the property. Located within easy walking distance of the thriving Gembrook township, enjoy the advantages of a rural country lifestyle with all the modern amenities at your door step. This is a property you need to inspect to truly appreciate the oasis that has been created throughout the years. Call today to arrange your inspection! ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 65 Beenak East Road, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,600,000-$1,750,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT EMERALD 24 MAIL
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PROPERTY NEWS
Bendigo Bank Monbulk team.
DREAMING OF A NEW HOME? THE Community Bank Monbulk & District team has 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 providing
information on Federal and State Government Lending Schemes, to wealth creation and investments. Our experienced local lenders are eager to assist you with your financial needs and can discuss your enquiries face to face, over the phone or via video call.
We also encourage our existing customers and any local homeowners to contact us for a home loan health check. A home loan health check looks at your rate, term, repayments, and equity, giving your loan a full check-up to make sure it’s still right for you and your current needs.
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. If you need help with your banking, contact the team at Community Bank Monbulk & District on 9752 1130 or drop in and see us at 70 Main Road, Monbulk. ●
Not all banks offer 100% offset on their home loans. We’re not all banks. Our Complete Home Loan offers 100% offset on Þxed and variable home loans. Which means you could own your home sooner. Find out more. Search Bendigo Bank home loans. Community Bank ¥ Monbulk & District 9752 1130
Fiona - Home Lending specialist. mailcommunity.com.au
Terms and conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. All information including interest rate is subject to change without notice. Full details available on application.. Full offset facility is available for Bendigo Complete Home Loan for both fixed and variable loans. Offset facility can only be linked to one loan at any one time. A maximum of 6 offset facilities can be linked per loan account. Linked offset facility must be in same customer name/ number. Credit provided by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 Australian Credit Licence 237879. (1728832–1767000) OUT_32697683, 02/11/2023 12647924-JC46-23 Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 25
HOME FOCUS
STUNNING HOME, ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES WELCOME to your dream home in Cockatoo! This immaculate property offers a luxurious lifestyle with a harmonious blend of modern comforts and eco-friendly living. Situated on a generous quarter-acre block, this spacious home offers 4-bedrooms all with BIR’s, 2-bathrooms plus a study that can be used as a 5th bedroom, this residence has been designed for the ultimate family experience. Generous Living Spaces: This home boasts 2 living areas the upstairs living area opens up to a beautiful balcony, a dedicated dining room, and a spacious study, providing ample room for family, work, and entertainment. Rumpus Room: Downstairs, you’ll find a huge rumpus room that seamlessly extends to the backyard, creating a perfect space for relaxation and gatherings. Kitchen: This modern kitchen offers granite bench tops, gas oven and cook top plus a stainless steel dishwasher perfect for the chef in the family. Landscaped Gardens: Nestled within the quarter-acre property, you’ll discover exquisitely manicured gardens that provide a tranquil retreat and a secure haven for both children and pets. Additionally, the property boasts 12 elevated vegetable garden beds, ideal for cultivating a wide array of your beloved fruits and vegetables. Eco-Friendly Features: The home is equipped with a 7.7kW solar system with Huawei SUN2000-6KTL-L1 inverter and battery and 21 x TRINA 370W solar panels, ensuring substantial energy savings. An iStore 270L hot water service provides hot water efficiently. EcoStar 10 Star Double Glazing: The property features cutting-edge EcoStar 10 star double glazing windows and doors, enhancing energy efficiency and creating a quiet, comfortable living environment. Smart Home Integration: Control your home’s climate with a state of the art heating and cooling system through the smart home technology installed. Double Carport: The property comes with a double carport, offering secure parking for your vehicles. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a home that combines modern luxury with a commitment to environmental sustainability. This residence is designed to cater to every aspect of your family’s needs while being environmentally conscious. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and experience the magic of this Cockatoo gem for yourself. ●
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HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Edmunds Road, COCKATOO Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $770,000-$830,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Dave Reilly 0437 347 665 and Justin Barrot 0438 683 781, BARRY PLANT EMERALD 26 MAIL
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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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1230 Pakenham Road MOUNT BURNETT
15 WRIGHT ROAD AVONSLEIGH
65 BEENAK EAST ROAD GEMBROOK
“CHESTNUT HILL ESTATE”
SIMPLY STUNNING ON 1/4 ACRE
PREMIER COUNTRY RETREAT
4A
3A
4A
2B
10 D
FOR SALE $2,200,000 - $2,400,000 OFI By appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
1D JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781
FOR SALE $720,000-$770,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
3B
C
2D
FOR SALE $1,600,000-$1,750,000 OFI By Appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
9 EDMUNDS ROAD COCKATOO
5 HOLMAN ROAD EMERALD
9 Majestic Drive EMERALD
STUNNING FAMILY HOME
POSITION PLUS POTENTIAL
IMPRESSIVE FAMILY HOME ON 2,588M2
5A
3A
5A
2B
2D
FOR SALE $770,000-$830,000 OFI By Appointment
DAVE REILLY 0437 347 665 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
2D RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218
FOR SALE $695,000-$730,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
2D
FOR SALE $1,150,000 -$1,250,000 OFI By appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
7 HEROES AVENUE GEMBROOK
17 NETTLETON ROAD MONBULK
20 CLINK ROAD PAKENHAM UPPER
SPACIOUS ENTERTAINER
LIVE FREE AND EASY ON OVER 11.5 ACRES
RURAL LIVING WITH HUGE POTENTIAL
4A
4A
3A
2B
FOR SALE $750,000-$795,000 OFI By Appointment
mailcommunity.com.au
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
6D
FOR SALE $1,420,000 - $1,520,000 OFI By Appointment
RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
4D
FOR SALE $970,000-$1,065,000 OFI By Appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 27
HOME FOCUS
GORGEOUS FULLY RENOVATED HOME THIS fantastic family home has 3 bedrooms, all with built-in-robes, and 2 lovely bathrooms. The freshly painted home with open plan kitchen/dining/lounge and plush carpet in all bedrooms is the epitome of move in ready! The kitchen is equipped with Induction electric stove & oven, stone benchtops and a great Laundry/ butlers pantry. This home will be cosy and comfortable year round, with zoneable reverse system ducted heating & Refrigerated Cooling throughout and efficient Heat Pump for hot water. Enjoy the views across to the Cockatoo trees, and the convenience of being only moments from Cockatoo main street.
Extensive landscaping has been completed outside, with plenty of off street parking available. The garden beds are freshly planted, and there is a garden shed to the rear of the block. This block also has handy dual access. 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. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 49 Pakenham Road, COCKATOO Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $730,000 - $770,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD
OFF GRID MUD BRICK ON 19 ACRES THIS picturesque mud brick home is nestled in the heart of Gembrook Forest, offering the new owners a peaceful place to be at one with nature. The home offers a gorgeous cathedral ceiling lounge room with large wood fire to keep you cosy. Continue your way up the stairs to the loft to find an enormous master bedroom flooded with daylight. Downstairs there is a second bedroom and office/second lounge area serviced by a bathroom with both a bath & shower and separate toilet. This flows through to the open plan dining/kitchen area. The kitchen enjoys the lovely view across the front paddock and is complete with a gas stove/oven and wood fired stove. Add to this a separate self-contained retreat under the same roofline (that could be accessed internally with the installation of a door) with bathroom with toilet and shower, kitchenette, lounge area, laundry area, bedroom and two storage rooms/potentially bedrooms/offices and its own fenced yard for your precious fur baby - perfect as the home office, teenage retreat, or B&B potential.
There are 2 fully fenced paddocks perfect for a pony, or a goat. There is also a double carport conveniently located next to the home, and continuing along the gravel pathway is a free-standing room perfect as a craft room or office space and there is also a large 3 car lockable barn/workshop with power and concreted floors to complete your storage and tinkering requirements. This lovely home is totally off grid, with a 5.5kW solar system and battery set up, supported by a generator. There is approximately 55,000L of tank water stored in three large water tanks and a septic system in place. If you are looking for a sustainable lifestyle to escape the rat race and to reduce your footprint on this amazing planet of ours - this is a must see. 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. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Currawong Drive, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $845,000 - $895,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 and Karen Peele 0419 430 950, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD 28 MAIL
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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
100 Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road, Gembrook
$1,300,000 - $1,420,000
18 Heroes Avenue, Emerald
$750,000 - $780,000
Stylish Equine Property on approx. 5 acres!
Location! View! Location! View!
The expansive 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has a formal loungeroom & a master bedroom with a large WIR & ensuite. Near the master bedroom is a further bedroom with ceiling fan & BIRs. The home has high ceilings, double glazed large windows, & reverse cycle AC. The central open plan kitchen/ dining/lounge area is flooded with natural light, & offers a wood fire heater, & kitchen with a large walk in pantry. The kitchen has a 900mm gas stove/oven, & SS appliances including dishwasher & Caesar stone benchtops. There is a laundry with it’s own external access, a study/office area, & then 3 further bedrooms, all with ceiling fans & BIRs. These bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom & separate toilet. Externally the acreage is divided into 5 fully fenced paddocks. This home utilizes gas bottles, tank water, has 4kW solar with 18 solar panels, & mains electricity.
This character filled 3 bedroom home on over 1/4 of an acre, (zoned for Subdivision STCA), is bursting with potential! The home is cosy and unique with stunning views across Emerald from the rear covered entertaining deck. With an all weather asphalt driveway that leads to a paved front entry, discover a home oozing with character. There is ducted gas heating throughout the home which features 3 bedrooms, a formal lounge and dining room and an open plan kitchen/meals/family room. There is plenty of under house storage, along with the laundry and a 2nd bathroom, a double carport out front, a great storage shed/bungalow further down the garden, direct access to the walking tracks and a front row seat to watch Puffing Billy chugg by!
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
5
111 Grey Road, Gembrook
A
2
B
C
$950,000 - $1,050,000
3
200 Soldiers Road, Beenak
A
2
B 2 C
$1,000,000 - $1,100,000
Superb Opportunity to Unwind & Relax!
An Outstanding Approx. 9 Acres, with Abundant Shedding & a 2 Storey Home!
The horse shoe driveway leads to a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom delight of a home on nearly 7 acres! With an open plan loungeroom/dining room with split system AC, wood fire & large floor to ceiling windows. The kitchen offers an open plan set up to a second dining area & has a 900mm oven/ cooktop, stainless steel rangehood & dishwasher. The master bedroom has generous BIRs & an ensuite. Bedrooms 2 & 3 have BIRs, & bedroom 4 would make an ideal study/home office. Wander to the back covered entertaining deck to really soak in the beauty of Gembrook. Externally there is a 12m*12m shed with concrete floor & 15amp power. There is also under house storage available & a DLUG with 15 amp power. Enjoy the fantastic location of being less than 10 minutes to the amenities of Gembrook including the primary school, puffing billy station, restaurants, IGA, pony club & more!
Offering approx. 9 acres of flat to gently sloping land with an area of bush & then large cleared & well fenced paddocks with electric fencing. There is a round yard, & a scenic dam. The home is conveniently laid out, with a double car port at the front entry & then a cosy wood fire heater in the lounge room. There is a built in bar in the loungeroom & the lounge has a vaulted ceiling & is open plan with the kitchen. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs, & the family bathroom. Upstairs discover a large master bedroom with exposed rafters & Juliet balcony overlooking the well maintained paddocks. Externally is a DLUG with glass sliding doors & 3 internal rooms, one with a wood fire heater. There’s also an outhouse & numerous miscellaneous sheds & fenced dog yards. This home has mains electricity & tank water.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
4
A
2
B 8 C
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
3
A
1
B 2 C
bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 29
HOME FOCUS
STYLISH HOME IN SUPERB HILLS SURROUNDS THIS move-in ready residence is primed to offer new owners the ideal Dandenong Ranges lifestyle. Perfectly presented and set upon a lovely quarter-acre, family-friendly garden with double carport, this home makes it easy to imagine a life here. At this home’s heart is a stylish and sun-filled kitchen featuring crisp white cabinetry, stone benchtops, subway tiles, floating shelves, and quality stainless steel appliances including gas cooktop. Living areas lined with new flooring, including the family room with warm wood fire, provide plenty of space for relaxation and the perfect spots from which to enjoy garden views. Entertaining is also effortless here with a covered alfresco and aggregate patio overlooking the lush landscape. In addition, there are 3 immaculately presented bedrooms on offer. Each of the rooms features cosy carpet and ample storage. The shared bathroom boasts a walk-in rain shower and smartly integrated laundry facilities. This gorgeous home takes the guesswork out of buying a property. Ready and waiting for a fortunate family to move right into complete comfort, this home will impress. Plan your viewing today. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Nobelius Street, EMERALD Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $680,000 - $748,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 or Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 30 MAIL
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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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Real Estate you can trust! We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE
32 Golden Grove, THE BASIN AN IDYLLIC, CHARACTER FILLED COTTAGE
$720,000 - $790,000 4A1B4C
FOR SALE
$995,000 -$1,094,500
46 Forest Park Road, UPWEY
3A2B4C
FOCUSED ON A FABULOUS LIFESTYLE
Tucked away in a magical no through road location with a trickling creek meandering along the roadside, this character filled, loft style cottage will set your heart racing. Showcasing stunning high pitched, timber lined ceilings and a spacious open floorplan the home offers a versatile layout that includes 4 bedrooms, or if preferred, 2 bedrooms and 2 mezzanine living spaces that would also make the ideal home office, artists space or sun filled library.
This impeccable family home on idyllic native gardens is determined to impress even the most discerning buyer. Boasting an 1,884sqm (approx.) allotment in a prized pocket position near bus transport, local schools and shopping, and minutes from Wellington Road, this home offers an incredibly comfortable and convenient Hills lifestyle.
Rachel Eastwood
Brad Conder
M 0401 117 761 | E rachel@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
Sharyn Chandler
Daniel Steen
M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
FOR SALE
7 Nobelius Street, EMERALD STYLISH HOME IN SUPERB HILLS SURROUNDS
$680,000 - $748,000 3A1B2C
FOR SALE
$550,000 - $590,000
2 Kumbada Avenue, UPWEY
B
NEAR-FLAT BLOCK WITH APPROVED PLANS!
This move-in ready residence is primed to offer new owners the ideal Dandenong Ranges lifestyle. Perfectly presented and set upon a lovely quarter-acre, family-friendly garden with double carport, this home makes it easy to imagine a life here.
So rarely found in Upwey, with approved plans this flat rear block (504m2 approx) located on a quiet street walking distance to Upwey Main Street provides one lucky purchaser the chance to build their brand new dream home (Subject To Council Approval).
Brad Conder
Brad Conder
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
Daniel Steen
Daniel Steen
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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MAIL 31
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SPORT
A supercar star is born By Tyler Wright A young V8 motorist is looking for support to race interstate later this month. Antonio Molluso, from Silvan, debuted in a V8 car in Phillip Island in May where he placed third, followed by a second-place at Sandown Raceway in August. “We raced previously in Hyundai Excel; an entry level two car racing, [with] low powered front wheel drive, so not fast compared to a V8 Supercar,” the 21-year-old said. “When I got into the V8 Supercar at Phillip Island it was tough to get used to that sort of speed, so doing that round and then going to Sandown, I felt more comfortable in the car [and] it was more experience.” Antonio grew up loving cars, with his dad running a local mechanic shop and participating in drag racing himself. “I was always involved in cars,” Antonio said. “We’ve got a farm here with motorbikes, so from a young age I’ve been involved in anything with a motor.” After visiting the racecar track a few times with his Dad, and after go carting a couple of times Antonio became “hooked” on racing. “To be able to race at those speeds, the thrill is amazing and there’s really nothing like it,” he said. “When you’re on the road you can only follow the limits; when you’re out on track you can pretty much do what you want and go as fast as you want.” But the cost of V8 supercar racing is high with Antonio admitting it is a slim chance of him being able to compete at the Adelaide 500 from Thursday 23 November to Sunday 26 November. “Next year I’m trying to set up a full season in the V8 touring cars, and to compete in another leg would be great to hit off the end of the year so I’m ready to go for next year,” he said. “We could potentially win the champion-
From left to right: Antonio Molluso, Terry Wyhoon from Image Racing (Director) and Jason Bell from Grand Ridge Brewery (Brand Development Manager) at Sandown Raceway in August. Picture: SUPPLIED ship and that would set me up again for a year after, and getting closer to being a V8 supercar driver full time.” Jason Bell from Grand Ridge Brewery - the naming rights sponsor for next year’s World Superbike Australian round at Philip Island - is assisting the budding driver in getting new sponsors and new partners on board. “You’ve got to pay your own way until you get to the top level, then you might get paid through your sponsors and maybe through the
team,” Antonio said. “The journey to get through that though, you have to find your own sponsors, get a good backing from a lot of people to help you be able to race.” He said he is working closely with V8 Supercar team Erebus Motorsport who are leading the championship at the moment. “They’ve welcomed me along and have a good interest in me, but they want to see the results on track as well.”
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The Menzies Creek Community Hall Committee will hold its AGM on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 7.30pm at the Menzies Creek Hall. Please email your intentions to attend and or to stand for the committee to info@menziescreekhall.org.au by 30th November. New members welcome.
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Cricketing great Maxwell began career in the Hills By Tanya Faulkner Australian cricket fans are still shocked after a surprise performance from one of the nations’ greatest, who’s cricketing career kicked off in the hills. Glenn Maxwell has surprised the world with his performance on Tuesday night at Australia’s ODI match against Afghanistan, knocking a massive score of 201 not out, leading the way to take Australia through to the semi finals. However, it wasn’t without great effort, as the 35 year old collapsed in pain at 147 runs, yet still managed to stay in play to smash out another 54 runs and take his side to victory. Maxwell said, before collapsing to the ground during his innings, he was experiencing full body cramping. “I started getting cramping in my toe, and then in my calf, so it was in both sides of my lower leg. “As I was running I felt it in my left hamstring, then got a full back spasm and hit the ground. “I had the physio out there telling me how it would be, and it made the job more simple. “I knew if I got a ball I could hit, I would try and hit it,” he said. Knox locals can also consider it a local win, as Maxwell’s early junior career started in South Belgrave - a club in which the cricket great is still heavily involved decades later. Despite being born in Kew, Maxwell’s family lived in South Belgrave, where he started his junior career initially as a fast bowler, before moving into off-spin bowling. South Belgrave First XI captain Daniel Cormack said Maxwell is a long-standing legend for the club. “He started his junior career at our club, and used to live across the road on Mt Morten Road. “He played all of his junior seasons, and a few seasons in the seniors with South Belgrave, and basically dominated his whole career in our club.
Jayden Maddox of South Belgrave Cricket club plays for Glenn Maxwell’s home club. 372362 Pictures: 2ND XI PLAYER JAYDEN MADDOX
Glenn Maxwell’s snapped cricket bat from his 2017 test against India. 372362
“Last year when Maxwell was on injury, he came to the club regularly and was helping our boys out. “He often tunes in and watches our games on the live stream as well,” he said. Glenn Maxwell’s brother, Daniel, also played for South Belgrave until just recently. Visitors and members of the South Belgrave Cricket Club, who train out of the Recreation Reserve, can admire Maxwell’s memorabilia hung on the walls of the club, including his first test match t-shirt, and his broken bat from the Australia v India test of 2017. In 2017, Maxwell told cricket.com.au that he found the bat in his garage, and after a couple of test hits in the nets in Dubai before the upcoming test against India. However, Maxwell said after Day 1 of the third test, he noticed a split in the stickers below the shoulder of the bat and thought ‘that doesn’t look quite right’, and sure enough split his bat on the pitch.
while ‘Maxy’ was still scoring freely. “He’s a freak, the way he hits the ball into different areas, he makes it look easy. “It’s incredible how cleanly and under control he hits it for the number of shots he has, you just sit there and admire it,” he said. When asked whether Maxwell would appear in the next match, Cummins said the team were confident that Maxwell would be okay. “During the game our physio ‘Jonsey’ was the one to convince Maxwell to stay out with that much cramping there was no guarantee he would come back out if he went off. “He told me early on in the innings his back was cramping, as it went on it was his hamstrings, his calves. “At one over he told me his toe was gone. “We’re satisfied he will be okay,” he said. Australia are set to face Bangladesh on Saturday 11 November, and will prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup semi finals, which kick off on Wednesday 15 November.
Despite the break, Maxwell said it still had some life in it. “This bat’s still not done though, it’s going to a good home, my local club South Belgrave. “They’ll hang it up very proudly,” he told cricket.com.au Maxwell’s career has been nothing short of spectacular, with his latest ODI innings marking one of the most memorable for the 2023 ICC World Cup. Australian captain Pat Cummins said in his post-match conference that Maxwell’s innings was the greatest he’d ever seen. “It may have been the best ever. “I’ll be able to say I was there in the stadium the day that Glenn Maxwell chased down that score by himself,” he said. Cummins said the way Maxwell plays his game is incredible to watch. “He’s always plotting his way to a win, even when we were 200 runs out. “For me, that game was all about survival,
Basin gets ex-AFL boost By Tanya Faulkner Knox football clubs are stepping it up as they prepare for the 2024 season, bringing highlevel recruits back to grassroots football. The Basin Football club are reaching to the top of the pile, bringing on ex-AFL player Joel Perry to the field in the upcoming season. Perry, who was listed with the North Melbourne Kangaroos back in 2002, had a shortlived professional career with the club. The forward made his official debut as an ‘emergency’ in 2005, however was soon dropped from the club in 2006. Perry, originally from Upper Ferntree Gully, has continued to shine on the field since his time with the Kangaroos, playing a stellar season for Powelltown, according to The Basin’s division 2 head coach Jason Wade. . “Perry kicked 77 goals in just 15 games last year,” he said. The Basin Football Club are looking forward to Perry joining the squad, alongside a number of new recruits, brought on by its newly employed Football Operations member Michael Cardamone. “Perry is now in his late 30s, but he’s still really fit and should provide a really good target for the club. “Cardamone is not only doing our player recruiting, he is also playing for the club this season,” he said. Wade said the Basin Football Club has big goals for the 2024 season, having finished 8th on the ladder in the 2023 season. “Last year we were a very young team, with only a few blokes over the age of 23. “We have recruited half a dozen blokes who are 26 and older with a bit of experience, including Perry, and we like to think our team 34 MAIL
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The Basin Football Club are welcoming ex-AFL player Joel Perry to the side. 372537 will be able to push to play finals. “Once we can make the finals, who knows from there!” he said. Wade said the club’s division 2 team for this years’ season managed to secure five wins,
playing some quite competitive games for the young squad, and featured several debuts. “We debuted around 14 kids, most of whom played in the U19 flag team for 2022. “We needed the experience and bigger bod-
ies to be more competitive next season,” he said. Perry will join several new recruits to The Basin Football Team in the upcoming football season. mailcommunity.com.au
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Monbulk secures two wins By Jack Rollings The weather started out overcast during the fourth round of the Saturday pennant metropolitan bowls competition, with mist from low clouds. Then the wind picked up and blew the clouds away, and it wasn’t too bad a day for bowling. Monbulk 1 played at home against Boronia 1. Both sides came into the round with the same win/loss ratio. But Monbulk had extra incentive to win this round – Boronia was the opponent who got the better of Monbulk in last year’s final. Those important games are not forgotten. Tony French’s team trailed in the first third, with just two winning ends. But they dominated after that, dropping only three ends for the rest of the match. They did drop a couple of clangers towards the end of the day, but they had already notched up some good multiples of their own, with two 3s, a 4 and a 6. Monbulk won the rink 28 shots to 16. Jim Bras’ team had a close match in the first third, with level scores at 1 all, 2 all, 3 all and 4 all. Then, just before the afternoon break, Monbulk grabbed a big 5 shotter. They held onto the lead after that. Even though they didn’t win as many ends in the back half, and they dropped a couple of 3s, their wins included a 3 and another 5, so they went on to win the rink 20 shots to 16. Eric Markham’s team won 12 ends including a 3, two 4s and a 5, while their only clangers were a 3 and a 4. At the halfway mark Monbulk was 4 shots up, and then 10 shots up with only a third to go. That’s when Boronia fought back with four straight wins to get within 5 shots. But Monbulk won the final three ends to take the
Monbulk Bowling Club top side player Chris Clerici. Picture: SUPPLIED win 27 shots to 15. Brian Smith’s team led in the first third. Then Boronia dominated in the middle of the game, taking three 3s in a row, and later winning five ends in a row. When “Up and back” was called, Monbulk was still on a single figure, but they managed to claim the final two ends with good scores, to lessen the blow. Monbulk lost the rink 17 shots to 23. Overall Monbulk 1 defeated Boronia 1 by 92 shots to 70, with three winning rinks. It was a strong win, and it puts Monbulk back up to
second on the ladder. Next week Monbulk travels to Warburton. This will be only the second home game for Warburton this season and they won their only other home game comfortably. It will be a good challenge for Monbulk. Monbulk 2 played away against Heatherdale. Paul Bloom’s team picked up a 4 shotter on the first end and looked set for an easy day. But then Heatherdale won three ends in a row to level at 5 shots all on the fifth end. Then Monbulk picked up some good scores to lead by 9 shots at the halfway mark, and even though Heatherdale picked up a 3 and a 4 after the break, the Monbulk bowlers were able to win more of the mat and they took the win 25 shots to 15. Graeme Goller’s team won a 6 shotter on the first end and set their tone for the day. They won thirteen ends, with some good multiples included, and they didn’t give away anything bigger than a 2. They won the rink emphatically 31 shots to 12. Case Broekhof’s team started slowly, winning just four ends out of the first twelve, all for singles. At that stage they had just dropped a 4 shot clanger and they trailed by 11 shots. But from then on, the Monbulk bowlers staged a great comeback, winning a few ends in a row and edging closer. On the second last end, they picked up a 3 shotter to take the lead, then consolidated with a single on the last end, to win the rink 19 shots to 17. Don Barnetson’s team had a frustrating day. Every time they got their noses in front and it looked like they could build a good margin, they would drop a big clanger and have to start all over again. On the twelfth end they led by 12 shots, then dropped 12 shots over the next three
ends. The race home was tight and scores were level going into the last end. But Monbulk managed to win the end with a double and win the rink 23 shots to 21. Overall Monbulk 2 defeated Heatherdale 3 by 98 shots to 65, with four winning rinks. Monbulk 2 is now fifth on the ladder with two wins and two losses. Next week they play against the top side, Ringwood 3, but the game will be played at Monbulk. Monbulk 3 played away against Mitcham. Allan Brooke’s team had a close match all day with level scores and lead changes. With two ends to play Monbulk trailed by 5 shots. They won a single, to trail by 4 shots, and then, on the last end, they picked up a massive 6 shotter to win the rink 19 shots to 17. Chris Sullivan’s team struggled early against Mitcham. Their losses in the front half included three 4s and, at the halfway mark, they trailed by 14 shots. In the back half they were able to stay close and contain the numbers, picking up a good 3 shotter towards the end of the game. Monbulk lost the rink 12 shots to 27. Graeme Godkin’s team led all day, winning thirteen ends during the match. They were up by 8 shots at the halfway mark. Then, in the back half Mitcham fought back, with both sides taking some multiples. But Monbulk was able to maintain the margin, winning the rink 20 shots to 12. Overall Monbulk 3 lost the round 51 shots to 56, but they gained four ladder points for the two rink wins. They are now fifth on the ladder. Next week they play at home against Donvale, who are yet to register a win this season, so they are sure to be hungry.
Tigers lose baseball heartbreaker in walk-off fashion By Sean Talbot In what must have felt like a cruel dream, the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers saw themselves lose a comfortable 8-2 lead late into Saturday 11 November’s game against Sandringham turn into less comfortable 8-6 lead, which wound up eventuating into a walk-off, 9-8 loss at Tjilatjirran Reserve in Sandringham. It was a hot start for the Tigers in the 1st inning, fresh off their 8-2 win against Geelong as young gun Jack Ratcliffe opened the afternoon with a booming double, eventually coming around to score the first of two runs for the inning, giving the visitors an immediate 2-0 lead before the Royals had even seen a pitch on offense. The Tigers were certainly buoyed by the return of veteran catcher Jordan Elliott, who missed the previous two games whilst preparing to and then running the New York Marathon. Taking the ball after a sensational start last week, staff ace Jarrod Turner set the tone early, making quick work of the Sandringham hitters, putting them quickly back into the field and continuing to carry the momentum for the Tigers. Settling into his work, Sandringham’s starter traded a scoreless 2nd with Turner and kept the visitors off the board in the 3rd, whilst the home squad combined base hits with aggressive baserunning and a defensive miscue to plate two runs and tie the game up. It was a short-lived celebration however, as the Tigers exploded for 6 runs in the 4th inning, sending 10 hitters to the plate whilst taking full advantage of multiple base hits, walks, errors and a Royals squad unsure how to stem the flow of runs, as the Upwey side seemingly scored at will, before a call to the bullpen saw former multi-time Victorian representative Grant Irving take the ball in relief in his first outing of the season. To his credit, Irving was sensational in his role, getting out the inherited jam in the 4th and keeping the Tigers off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, settling into his work and matching one of the leagues best pitch for pitch as the middle innings came and went with no change to the score. Reaching his pitch count for the game, Turner gave way to lefty Wes de Jong in the 8th inning after another phenomenal start, scattering a handful of hits and leaving his squad in firm position to record their third win of the season. It was not to be however, as the Royals jumped de Jong from the very first pitch of the 8th inning, making continual hard contact on their way to quickly scoring four runs to cut mailcommunity.com.au
Dom McGrath slides into third base and is safe in a cloud of dust. (Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club 4th’s ) 372591 the deficit and leave them well within striking distance, going to the top of the 9th with an 8-6 scoreline. Irving threw up another 0 in the 9th, and the Royals could sense an upset was on the cards. Taking the sword to teenage reliver Ryder Wilson, the Royals continued putting the ball in play, eventually scoring the tying and winning runs on a long double to walk-off with an improbable win and a 9-8 final score. The result now sees both teams sporting a 2-4 record in a 5 way tie for 10th place along with Doncaster, Port Melbourne and Williamstown. The Tigers will regroup and look to rebound in their midweek clash with the Port Melbourne team by the bay on Tuesday night in what is without a doubt a must-win game to keep their hopes of playoff baseball alive. It wasn’t a happy story for the 2nds either, as they saw the home team jump to a 4 run lead in the first inning after a walk, a hit, an error and 4 consecutive two-out walks saw starter Tristan Mealey chased from the game after on 2/3 of an inning and leaving Sean Meldrum with an uphill battle to keep the game within reach. To his credit, the crafty veteran needed just 4 pitches to escape the jam and then threw a scoreless 2nd while the boys in black worked on getting back into the game. It would be a game of missed chances though, as the usually disciplined Upwey hitters were uncharac-
teristically over-aggressive in their at-bats and unable to capitalize on chances provided, and were not able to pin the early lead back, going down 6-4. All is not lost though, as the loss still sees the Tigers tied for 1st place with Geelong sporting a 5-1 record and with a league best offensive record as they look ahead to Malvern next weekend. At Kings Park playing host to Sandringham, it was a much happier result for the 3rds and 4ths, who both posted wins on home turf. The 3rds ran away with their game to post a comprehensive 12-4 final scoreline, lead by starter Kol Halupecki who threw 3 solid innings, more than ably backed up by Luke Allridge and Harry Snoxell. On the offensive side of the ball, the team executed right from the word go, scoring 6 runs in the first innings while playing team first heads up baseball, laying down bunts, hit-and-runs and plenty of timely situational baserunning which saw Sandringham wilt under the constant pressure. The win sees the team improve to 4-1-1 and tied for 3rd place, more than within striking distance of Geelong in top spot. It was much the same for the 4ths, who were led by batboyturned-game day manager Tate Sadler. The star of the U/12 Metro team, Sadler took the reigns from regular coach Richard Ferguson and was able to masterfully guide his team to a comfortable 13-2 win. Daniel Smith ex-
celled on the mound, throwing 4 solid innings before being relieved by Riley Johnson who closed out the game. Smith was also kept in check by his pint-sized manager, who paid him a visit in the 4th innings to check on his starter in a move that showed poise and game awareness well beyond his years. The win sees the team in 1st place with Essendon nipping at their heels. The 5ths hosted Waverley Black but were unable to take the chocolates, going down in a nailbiter 7-6. Both teams had their chances to put the result out of reach but were unable to capitalize, however the boys from High Street Rd held on long enough to take the points. The loss sees the team slip into a tie for 7th with a 2-4 record, shared with Research gold and Doncaster Gold. The 6ths were on the road to Moorabbin and were dealt a loss by the home team, who scored early and throughout the contest to take out a hard-fought 10-6 win. Despite the loss, the Tigers remain at .500 and clear in 4th spot, trailing only Blackburn, Bonbeach and Springvale heading into Round 7. Heading into their game on Saturday sporting an unbeaten record and one of the leagues strongest lineups, the Lady Tigers scored runs early, often and aggressively against an overmatched Cheltenham team, as they ran out easy 12-4 victors on the road to the Rustler Women. As they have been all season, the hitters were sensational, putting pressure on the opposition pitchers all game long, working themselves into hitters counts and taking full advantage of pitching that was not strong enough to keep them off the scoreboard, with the pitchers providing plenty of chances to keep stepping in the batters box and keep applying pressure. The only downside to the win was the ejection of starting centerfielder Victoria Chinn who was handed a red card after a pair of dubious strike calls and a very questionable decision to run her, however she is expected to take her place back in the outfield next week. The win sees Upwey maintain their perfect record at 6-0 and sitting 1.5 games clear of 3rd in equal 1st place with league powerhouse Berwick, with both teams likely watching the schedule and circling the date the two will eventually clash. As previously mentioned, the Mens 1sts are on the road for a midweek clash at Port Melbourne on Tuesday before they and the 2nds host Malvern, while the 3rds and 4ths will be on the road to the Braves at Wadsworth Field for what should be a pair of exciting games. Tuesday, 14 November, 2023
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