Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 28th November 2023

Mount Evelyn

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

Mail

Walk Against Violence a show of local support

CFA members recognised for life saving effort

Lilydale Street Fair All you need to know

See real estate liftout inside

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PAGES 21-24

PROPERTY GUIDE

A Star News Group Publication

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Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Lilly’s shot wins bronze

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School student Lilly won bronze at the School Sport Victoria state championships in shot put.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

After only picking up the sport at the end of last term, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School student Lilly has amazed with her bronze medal in shot put.

Moving through all the levels of School Sport Victoria’s competition, Lilly landed herself a place in the state championships for the multiclass category. Reaching her personal best and scoring a bronze medal was just the start, as Lilly has now gained an invaluable amount of confidence. Born with an eye condition related to albinism, Lilly has grown up with low vision and has often been unable to participate in sport. But now she has dreams to keep going in shot put.

Read more about Lilly’s story in sport, on page 42

Drug driver jailed

By AAP A Lilydale born and raised ice affected driver whose licence had expired nearly a decade earlier, also had alcohol in his system when he smashed through a red light and hit a car at 159km/h before careening into a second vehicle.

Matthew Dyer’s silver Saab was still doing

113km/h when he struck the second vehicle at a suburban intersection at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east.

Paramedics who were already waiting at the red light on 27 August last year tried desperately to save the life of Dyer’s passenger but Nicole Wollard died at the scene.

Police were also quick to arrive. Just seconds earlier officers had ended their pursuit

of Dyer, concerned about his efforts to evade them.

They had first detected the now 45-year-old on a radar device doing 94km/h in a 60km/h zone.

The officer behind the wheel noticed his speed creep up to 110-115km/h in pursuit after performing a U-turn to follow and try to pull over Dyer.

Police stopped the pursuit just short of the intersection where the crash occurred, and could only watch as Dyer collided at high speed with the two vehicles.

Dyer, who was on bail at the time, was jailed for 10 years and three months on Thursday 23 November by County Court Judge Trevor Wraight.

Continued page 3

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Fire danger period announced

Picture: ON FILE

Three men arrested Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three people following criminal damage in Mooroolbark and a stabbing in Kilsyth on Thursday 23 November.

Police allege a group attended a property on Taylor Road in Mooroolbark where they smashed several windows at the front of a home about 1am on 22 November.

A 70-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman were home at the time but were not injured.

The group then fled the scene before attending another property on Durham Road, smashing several windows at the front of the home about 1.20am.

The resident, a 19-year-old man, confront-

ed the group who chased him back inside the house before attacking him.

He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

A 19-year-old woman who was also home at the time was not injured, but two of the offending males sustained minor injuries.

The group then left the scene in a white 2001 Ford sedan.

The driver of the sedan later dropped off two of the offenders, a 19-year-old Heathmont man and a 20-year-old Box Hill man, at a hospital in Maroondah.

The driver of the sedan, a 19-year-old Dixons Creek man, was located on the Maroon-

dah Highway in Chirnside Park and arrested at the scene about 4am.

All three men have been arrested and are now assisting police with their enquiries.

Police said early indications suggested the criminal damage in Mooroolbark was a case of mistaken identity.

However, police believe the parties involved in the Kilsyth stabbing were known to each other.

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

‘Selfish’ Lilydale drug driver is jailed From page 1 That sentence exceeds what is standard for the culpable driving charge and others he pleaded guilty to.

He’ll have to serve at least seven-and-ahalf years before he is eligible for parole.

The death of Ms Wollard, 39, had devastating consequences for her family, coming just short of a decade after one of her two brothers died.

Her surviving brother has struggled to adapt to life as an only child, while Ms Wollard’s daughter described the loss of her best friend and role model as soul-crushing at the “realisation her life was never going to be the same“.

Dyer had behaved in an entirely selfish way, Judge Wraight said, noting he had absolutely no regard for the safety of other road users or his passenger - a woman who he had referred to as a friend.

The father of a five-year-old daughter has a history of drug and driving offences dating

Matthew Dyer was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the death of his female passenger in a high speed Ferntree Gully collision last year.

Picture: ON FILE back to 1996, and was affected by a high level of methamphetamine and a low level of alcohol at the time of the crash, which experts said contributed to his risk-taking behaviour and made him incapable of proper control.

Alongside the release of updated Used Car Safety Ratings, the Victorian Government has expanded the considerations made when rating models.

For the first time, safety ratings have considered a vehicle’s level of protection for other road users and the presence of crash avoidance features, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and reversing sensors and cameras.

This year, 518 vehicle models received a star rating out of five for driver protection, a vehicle’s ability to keep other road users safe, and its capacity to prevent a crash through included collision avoidance technologies.

Of the drivers and passengers who have died on Victoria’s roads this year, more than half were travelling in vehicles aged 10 years or more.

The TAC’s How Safe is Your Car website has all the new ratings. People in the market for a new or used car can visit howsafeisyourcar. com.au

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HARRIET SHING MP WORKING HARD FOR

It was a busy day out on the roads for the Lilydale SES on Friday 24 November, a reminder to drivers and adventure goers to stay safe.

The first call of the day was to a car collision with a personal possibly trapped at around 7.45am along Maroondah Highway in Lilydale.

Later that day, the unit was called to offer Ambulance Victoria assistance in a rescue of a trail bike rider injured in the Yarra Ranges State Forest but were not required with ample crews from Upper Yarra SES on scene.

The Friday commute home also saw a possible person trapped in their vehicle on Melba Highway in Yering at around 5.30pm.

It’s a due reminder coming into the holiday season.

Lilydale SES also put out a call inviting interested volunteers to attend the open evening on Wednesday 6 December at 7.30pm at the unit’s headquarters on Nelson Road Lilydale.

Used Car Safety Ratings refresh

Growing up in Lilydale with an abusive father, Judge Wraight said psychologist assessments attributed his childhood trauma to some of his addictions and personality disorder.

Judge Wraight noted Dyer had been dismissed from three or four positions for drinking on the job.

But since being remanded in prison he has worked and engaged in courses.

He also has the support of a long-term partner, though the court heard she is unable to visit him in prison and suffers from a rare blood cancer which has left her with a life expectancy of seven years.

“Clearly at this stage you need significant treatment, support and supervision to address issues that led to your offending,“ he said.

Dyer was also banned from driving for eight years and will have to pay a $1000 fine for driving an unregistered vehicle and using fraudulent number plates.

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Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three people on Thursday 23 November.

The fire danger period will be enforced for residents of the Yarra Ranges, Maroondah and Knox from mid-December.

CFA has announced fire restrictions for the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) beginning 1am on Monday 18 December.

Once the fire danger period has begun, fires cannot be lit in open air without a permit from CFA or a municipal fire prevention officer.

Fire danger periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, weather and rainfall.

Residents are encouraged to burn off any garden waste they wish to prior to 18 December and when doing so to register their burnoff online at firepermits.vic.gov.au, by calling 1800 668 511 or by filling out a Burn Off Notification Form and emailing it to burnoffs@ esta.vic.gov.au.

If you have any green waste to dispose of once the Fire Danger Period is in place, please do so by placing it in your FOGO bin.

The fire danger period for the three LGAs is expected to end on 1 May 2024.

MAIL 3

NEWS

Anchor’s outreach honour Anchor was proud to have received official recognition for its Rapid Response Program, winning the Award for Excellence in Ending Homelessness in the adult category at this year’s Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards.

The Rapid Response program was conceived by Anchor to address the unique needs of those experiencing homelessness in the Yarra Ranges, with workers providing care and support to rough sleepers across the Yarra Ranges since 2018.

Speaking at the Victorian Homelessness Conference, Anchor CEO, Heidi Tucker, congratulated the Rapid Response team on their win, saying it was fantastic recognition for the incredible work they do.

“This award is perfect testament to the care and compassion of our Rapid Response team.

The program could never have happened without the commitment from the Yarra Ranges Council to effectively address the needs of those experiencing homelessness, and the involvement of other community partners such as Inspiro, Ngwala and Stable One,” Ms Tucker said.

“We now know this program is vital for providing the right support for people who are sleeping rough in the areas we serve. What is abundantly clear is that people experiencing homelessness need services to be local and flexible in addressing their needs.”

The Rapid Response team’s founding principle was to provide a link between services in the local area and the person experiencing homelessness with a view of getting that person long term accommodation.

“Expecting people to move away from a place they belong to access services creates even more disruption and hardship in homeless people’s lives. They don’t want to feel shunted around or have to move to where services happen to be,” Ms Tucker said.

Anchor’s Peter Dinsdale and Talia Appleby (centre) accept the award onstage from Alec Ward (MC), Deborah Di Natale (Council to Homeless Persons) and Paul Turton (VincentCare).

Picture: SUPPLIED For one Yarra Ranges resident the simple offer of a motel room was the difference between him getting his life back on track and returning to his substance addiction, to which he said “will forever remain the catalyst to what saved me from returning to the despair and pain of addiction.”

“I had received treatment for my drug and alcohol issues and after an altercation I had been discharged from that program and dropped off in a park with my four suitcases,” he said.

“The wreckage of my past caused by myself during my drug abuse meant I had no stable accommodation to go to and if it wasn’t for

Anchor and the help of Erin (Rapid Response worker), I would have ended up calling old, using friends to stay at their place instead of on the street.”

“Instead, Anchor provided me with a hotel to keep me safe and off the street and I remained drug free and got myself into another rehab facility.

“For this I will be forever grateful. They gave me the chance to continue my recovery, potentially saved my life, and gave my three year old daughter her father back!”

Anchor’s specialised team understands that throwing someone into accommodation immediately may in fact do the opposite of assist-

ing in their recovery and until they are stable by being connected to services, sleeping rough may be the best course of action.

For another man, it was the providing of occasional food, a new tent, dry clothes and the assistance of applying to the Victorian Housing Register that gave him a new start in life.

“At the time, he would not have been able to sustain having his own accommodation, so the strength of the program is the client-centred support that is provided, ensuring people remain connected to health and wellbeing support as they need.

“The program has provided this man, and many others, with the support and stability needed to get them to the point of being ready to accept and move into housing as it becomes available.”

These two men are just two examples of the program’s success, with 17 people accepting respite accommodation, and 18 people connected to long-term accommodation within the pilot phase.

With rough sleeping relatively hidden from everyday view, as many people choose bushland and remote parts of the Yarra Ranges to sleep, the program was also designed to map rough sleepers in case of emergencies like bushfires, floods or storms.

This too has alleviated the strain on police and other emergency services who were ill equipped to provide the necessary support.

Ms Tucker noted that services such as Rapid Response are rare, with more investment into local outreach programs in areas such as the Yarra Ranges desperately needed.

“We have been able to support people experiencing extreme hardship to overcome challenges and get back on track,” she said.

“This program is proof that when you work with people and bring the community together, you can really make a difference.”

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NEWS

Walk the tracks of Lillydale Lake and help spread the message of ending violence against women Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS and girls. 331739

By Mikayla Van Loon The harsh reality that family violence caused deaths of women just aren’t reducing is something organisations like Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Centre is trying to change.

That’s why on Monday 4 December the Healing Centre, alongside other family violence support organisations from the region, will be walking against violence at Lillydale Lake.

Policy and Continuous Improvement Leader Rose Solomon said as a society, changing perceptions of family violence is essential to improving outcomes for women and girls.

“We know that a woman is killed every five days in Australia as a result of family violence, and it’s not getting any better, regardless of the efforts by police and the Royal Commission and the introduction of the hub’s and so forth,” she said.

“We want to raise awareness because we need to start changing attitudes. We need to take family violence more seriously.

“We need to understand the impact that it has on whole families, both in the short term and long term and the harm it causes to children growing up and how it influences their own behaviour.”

Having a visual presence and show of support from not only community organisations but the broader public has a domino effect when it comes to starting conversations.

“By walking together and starting conversations around the impact and what we need to do together as a community to make things better for these families, goes a long way,” Ms Solomon said.

“Events like this strengthen partnerships, it raises awareness of not only community organisations but the general public that are involved.”

As the lead specialist in Aboriginal specific family violence in the eastern metro region, Ms Solomon said while First Nations women and girls experience higher rates of violence, “it affects all our families”.

“Aboriginal women in particular are 11 times more likely to experience family violence in comparison to non-Aboriginal people.

“There’s differences to urban communimailcommunity.com.au

ties like in the Eastern Region in comparison to some communities up north where there’s very traditional, enclosed communities, they’re more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence and they’re more likely to lose their kids to go into care as a result of experiencing family violence.”

Forming a working group of local support organisations, Ms Solomon said the event is a partnership between Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation, Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA), Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Mission Australia, Women’s Health East and EACH’s Aboriginal health team.

On the day, these organisations will have marquees set up to provide information, there will be a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country, walkers will have the opportunity to hear for each organisation along the track with six stopping points and Ash Dargan will play the didgeridoo.

Victoria Police members have also volunteered their time and a barbecue to cook for everybody, while Mullum Mullum’s creations van will be providing coffees and traditional sweet treats with lemon myrtle.

“We’re actually running a couple of subprojects that relate to the walk and each Aboriginal organisation and their clients are participating in the Clothesline Project where people with lived experience are actually painting messaging on T-shirts that will be displayed on the makeshift clothesline on the day, too.”

Getting the community involved, voting for the best T-shirt design will be available through a QR code and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

With hundreds of people having already responded to the event from across the Yarra Ranges and even from the inner eastern suburbs, Ms Solomon said it is expected to be big.

“Come along and support it, everybody’s welcome to come along and it’s a good way to bring people together and to start the conversations, the difficult conversations amongst community that need to be had.”

To join in the walk, meet at the Community Centre at Lillydale Lake at 10.30am. The event is expected to wrap up by 1.30pm.

Grab a group of friends on Monday 4 December from 10.30am. 331739

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Walk against violence

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MAIL 5

NEWS

Mooroolbark CFA captain Mark Drennan said it was humbling to be recognised by peers and the CFA board for the efforts to save two children.

17 members from Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park CFA brigades were recognised with the Unit Citation for Service on Wednesday 22 November.

Pictures: UNIFORM PHOTOGRAPHY

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presented the members with the citation.

CFA life savers honoured

By Mikayla Van Loon The remarkable effort of two local CFA brigades, with help from FRV, to save two children from a burning house has been recognised a little over a year since the event.

Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park firefighters received the Unit Citation for Service award on Wednesday 22 November for rescuing three unconscious people from a burning property

in Mooroolbark on 5 September 2022 and performing life saving CPR on the two children.

The 17 members in total were recognised for using a “range of intricate skills in the face of [a] distressing situation” and were “commended for epitomising the spirit of CFA at its highest level”.

Mooroolbark CFA captain Mark Drennan said since the citation’s inception in 2011, it

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has only been awarded on 10 occasions.

“I haven’t seen it awarded to this many people from one brigade but it’s only been awarded 10 times in the past, so from what I’m aware of, this is a very rare occurrence for our officers to recognise this many people from the one brigade,” he said.

Chirnside Park firefighters were the first to arrive on scene and started the process of containing the four-bedroom house fire until Mooroolbark took the lead.

“When our crews got to the scene, the neighbours notified us that a mother and two children were still unaccounted for,” Mr Drennan said.

“Our brigade, alongside Chirnside Park, forced entry into the property by the front door and the rear doors and moments later after entering the property with thermal imaging cameras, we located the mother and the two children, all at that point were lifeless.”

Unfortunately, the mother died at the scene but Mr Drennan said firefighting was suspended so attention could be turned to performing CPR. “We performed critical CPR on the children for about 25 minutes and we were able to get them into critical but stable conditions to be taken away by ambulance to the Royal Children’s,” he said.

“The work done by all the crews there took a massive effort. When you’re doing CPR on such a large scale like that, rotating crews through to continue CPR and continue oxygen, that’s why so many people were awarded because it took a lot of people to bring the children back.

“We suspended firefighting at the time, the house fire wasn’t our priority. Our priority was to get these kids alive then we resumed firefighting.”

Chirnside Park CFA captain Ben Cash said the working side by side with fellow CFA, but also FRV members, meant fire crews were able to respond as quickly as possible.

“It was from that quick intervention that these kids hopefully now have a long life ahead of them,” he said.

Mr Drennan said having spoken with the father just weeks ago, he could confirm the children were doing well and are making a great recovery.

Making the search and rescue effort even more challenging was the fully alight house that had structural damage.

“The crews were met with a pretty well secured four-bedroom home. When we entered the property the roof caved in, which made searching difficult as well,” Mr Drennan said.

“The roof gave way and really hindered our crews on the inside to find the children and the mother, but with the training, the skill set we’ve got, we were able to still continue our job and find the mother and the children.”

Mr Cash said it really “put on show the re-

lationship between CFA and FRV and how the fire crews worked together for a common goal” of rescuing the children.

“Our training and skills work hand in hand and everyone should be commended. We have a great relationship with FRV and we complement each other beautifully.”

That’s why, in another rare occurrence, FRV Station 26 Croydon members received the Chief Commendation.

“This is the second time it’s been awarded to another fire service outside of CFA,” Mr Drennan said.

As “one of the biggest fire events for a number of years”, Mr Cash said it has not only taken a toll on the brigade but on the broader community.

“It’s probably had the biggest impact on the wider community in terms of a job of consequence because the children go to local schools, they are part of the local community,” he said.

Being a volunteer-run fire service, Mr Drennan said no one ever expected to respond to a job of this nature but it was the essence of the job.

“When the pager goes off, we have no idea what we’re going to. We get out of bed at all hours of the morning, all hours of the day, we can be called upon, and we have no idea what we’re going to.

“We get limited information on the pager and limited information on the job on the way there and then to be confronted with a pretty horrific scene like this, as a volunteer, you don’t see that in everyday life.

“So it will affect people a lot more than others and it doesn’t matter the experience level, if you’ve been in CFA for 20 years, or for two years, it will affect you in some way.”

As with any volunteer organisation, Mr Drennan and Mr Cash said none of their members, including themselves, do it for recognition or awards but it did come as a nice surprise to some.

“To be recognised by peers in the organisation for a job well done has been great. Some people had no idea this award was even coming so a lot of people were very humble,” Mr Drennan said.

“No one does it for the awards and a lot of volunteers don’t do a lot of things for the awards or to get recognised but for this type of citation, we feel very honoured to be recognised by the CFA board and the chief officer and peers in the CFA community.”

Echoing Mr Drennan, Mr Cash said “members don’t attend, respond or volunteer for recognition”.

“This distinguished honour goes to show the incredible effort of our members during this event,” he said.

“It’s humbling and extremely honouring to receive this citation.” mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Grants boost CFA, SES Nearly $11 million in grant funding will be handed over to CFA brigades to purchase new equipment to help protect their communities.

The Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced last week by the Emergency Services Minister Jacyln Symes.

Included in the funding was Mooroolbark Fire Brigade who will receive $128,333 and Lilydale SES who will receive $88,968 to support in the purchasing of vehicles and appliances.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.

“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” CO Heffernan said.

“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades like Harcourt have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.

“There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”

The announcement took place at the Harcourt Fire Station in conjunction with the official handover of the brigade’s new Medium Tanker.

Harcourt Captain Andrew Wilson said the Medium Tanker was funded from the 2019/20 VESEP funding and will help the local brigade boost their ability to protect lives and property.

“We are very grateful to everyone in the community who has helped fundraise for this new tanker that will help our brigade with the

Lilydale SES will receive substantial funding towards the purchasing of new vehicles and appliances through the VESEP program. summer season ahead,” Mr Wilson said.

“The new vehicle can carry 2350 litres of water, transport five people, and has fourwheel drive capability.”

The Harcourt Brigade fundraised $50,000

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MAIL 7

NEWS

Roman Young will be embarking on an exploration of Anzac history next year as part of the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Travelling to Gallipoli, Roman will get to learn of the rich culture and walk in the footsteps of Australia’s soldiers.

In the footsteps of Anzacs

By Mikayla Van Loon One lucky student from Chirnside Park is set to embark on the trip of a lifetime next year after being awarded Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize for 2023.

Oxley Christian College current Year 10 student Roman Young will trace the footsteps of the Anzacs through Türkiye when he departs for the trip next year.

Thrilled to be selected from hundreds of applicants from across the state, Roman said it was a great feeling to get the news.

“It was amazing. We waited a while because there were some delays in the selection process and we were at my brother’s cricket training when we found out, it was amazing. We’re all so excited and just so happy that I was chosen,” he said.

With only 12 students selected for the prize, Roman said the application process took a fair amount of effort, exploring the connection between modern Australia and World War I. “We had to respond to a prompt that was

something along the lines of what is the definition of Anzac spirit in a multicultural Australia? And how does that definition relate to the peoples and events of World War One? “Along with our submission, we had to provide a personal statement about why we felt we were the right choice for the opportunity.”

Choosing to write an essay out of the many formats Roman could choose from, he was guided by his history teacher Stephen White.

“We’ve had a few students over the years enter. [Roman would] be the fourth student from here to win the prize but is the first one in a long time,” he said.

“We looked at his work and I gave some suggestions and editing and then he took all the feedback on board to really make it something exceptional.”

Studying World War I and II in high school is compulsory in both the Australian and Victorian curriculum, generally in Years 9 and 10, starting with the reasons behind Australia’s involvement and the battles they fought, before moving onto the formative aspects of

modern Australia.

“As well as what’s going on at the homefront and the rise of women joining the workforce and the start of a feminist movement in Australia and then the huge conscription debate with a referendum that was defeated twice,” Stephan said.

“We start to see big divisions in society, this war was really formative, because modern Australia was quite a new country and it seemed like the rest of it didn’t even know what Australia was, where it was or that it even existed.

“But I think the way the Anzac spirit left a mark on everyone who came across them throughout the world and that’s why it’s a really important part of our early history of modern Australia.”

This was something that Roman also touched on when reflecting on the spirit of the Anzacs.

“I just love the idea that as a country our soldiers were able to do such amazing feats of courage and strength that inspired so many

people even outside the country,” he said.

The current plan for the students is to travel to Istanbul and Gallipoli in April next year, with the prospect of being there for Anzac Day, an exciting one for Roman.

“I’m really excited to go out there and explore the rich history and culture and especially the connection we have there through the Anzacs,” he said.

Seeing Roman get this incredible opportunity to travel overseas, Stephen said it should be an inspiration to other students.

“You never know what will happen if you enter and a passion can take you into amazing places and sometimes it might just take you to find a new show on Netflix.

“But in Romans case, he’s going to get to go overseas to somewhere really rich in history, of not just the Middle East, but also Australian history and just that little bit of extra work, on top of all his other study, he’s got this huge opportunity.”

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NEWS

Praise for Rural Rainbows

By Callum Ludwig EACH’s Rural Rainbows program has been recognised for the difference it has made to the health of LGBTIQA+ residents of the outer east.

Rural Rainbows recently won a Victorian Public Healthcare Award for excellence in supporting healthy LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

Rural Rainbows project officer Teddy Easdown said it was very exciting and wonderful to have the efforts of their team recognised, especially the Volunteer Peer Leaders and the participants at the heart of the project.

“Our collaborative model with our participants makes the greatest contribution to their health. Young LGBTIQA+ people are the experts on their own lived experiences. Rural Rainbows shifts to meet the needs of those attending, so we have developed the group from initial guest speaker events to peer-led workshops and opportunities for young LGBTIQA+ people to learn new skills amongst local people like themselves,” he said.

“The community they have built by connecting with one another and sharing their feedback with project leadership has seen the most improvement for the space and empowers young LGBTIQA+ people to shape the services they need.”

Other finalists for the award were Mercy Health’s Safe Space Victorian clinic, which is the first publicly funded gynaecological service for transgender patients and the Parkville Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Diversity and Inclusion Project which was 12-month initiative between the Royal Children’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital to update their patient systems to better capture gender identity, legal sex, sex at birth, sexual orientation, pronouns and chosen names.

Mr Easdown said he thinks promoting health for LGBTIQA+ is very important.

Rural Rainbows has won the Victorian Public Healthcare Award for excellence in supporting healthy LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

Picture: ON FILE “Rural Rainbows provides a supportive space for the local community to come together to promote their health and wellbeing; the greater challenge is making the whole of our Yarra Ranges and Outer East community a supportive space,” he said.

“I love that we are fostering confidence, connection, and community in Rural Rainbows, but the ideal would be that every time a young LGBTIQA+ person leaves the space,

they trust that they can be totally themselves everywhere they go,” “If we can improve community health with fortnightly or monthly groups, imagine the impact the Yarra Ranges could make with educational speakers, local groups for parents and carers, localised LGBTIQA-friendly medical services, and more?”

Rural Rainbows held its first meeting at the

former Lilydale Youth Hub in April 2022 and due to its popularity and a desire to make the program more accessible throughout the region, expanded to Yarra Junction earlier this year and is set to come to Healesville in early 2024.

Mr Easdown said the best part of Rural Rainbows has been seeing the growth of many of our participants over the span of the project.

“There are some young people in particular that I met as a Volunteer Peer Leader who I now know as a Project Officer, and their development has been so meaningful to watch and be an active support of,” he said.

“Initially quiet participants now attend at every opportunity and always have a new story to share. I love it, especially when someone brings a new friend, showing how their connections are growing outside of the space as well as within it.”

Anyone interested in joining a Rural Rainbows group or finding out more about it is encouraged to reach out to Project Officers Mr Easdown and Cath Arms at ruralrainbows@ each.com.au.

Mr Easdown said now more than ever they want to continue their efforts.

“I would love to acknowledge Adrian Teh, who founded the project in 2021 which has gone on to have such a powerful impact in 2023, and Finn Stirling for being a supportive, friendly lead for Rural Rainbows throughout 2022,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank Ally Greenwood and Debbie Stanley from EACH for supporting the project through its fast development to where it is today,” “It means so much for our participants, for our Volunteer Peer Leaders, and for myself as a young person who would have loved to attend this group if it had been around back in my own school years.”

Award shines a light on Suzie’s commitment

mailcommunity.com.au

You are invited to Warburton’s

Massed Peoples Choir

‘Something Better!’

Leave A Light On founder Suzie Ratcliffe has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the Fred Hollows Foundation. Picture: SUPPLIED

WHEN: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 Musical Worship Service at 11.00 am The Massed People’s Choir and Orchestra at 3.30 pm Some Favourite Hymns and Carols WHERE: ŋ CHURCH, 3490 WARBURTON HWY

Free lunch provided!

The Massed People’s Choir and Orchestra will be led again

by Warburton’s very own Nyarne Darko.

Registration and inquiries: Please phone Christian on 0498 082 740 for more information.

We ask for registrations if you are intending to join us for the free lunch (to assist with the catering)

Leave A Light On raises awareness of all long term missing persons in Australia. ed the awards ceremony at Government House in Sydney on Monday 27 November, where Suzie was honoured alongside fellow finalists from WA and NSW. To learn more about the Fred Awards and read about the finalists, visit hollows. org/fredawards

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Suzie Ratcliffe from Mount Evelyn has been named the Fred Hollows 2023 Humanitarian of the Year.

Suzie has dedicated her life to helping families of missing people, after her sister Joanne Ratcliffe was abducted from Adelaide oval 50 years ago and never seen again.

She is the director and co-founder of not-for-profit organisation Leave A Light On, through which she connects and supports the families of missing people who have not reached emotional closure.

“To be nominated for this prestigious award was very humbling, especially being named as one of the top three finalists alongside two amazing contenders,” Suzie said.

“To be chosen as the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year is extremely important to me because it gives me a platform to be a voice and raise awareness of Australia’s missing persons.”

Founding director of The Fred Hollows Foundation Gabi Hollows congratulated Suzie and every single nominee, saying the Fred Awards were a chance to acknowledge those who had put others before themselves.

“The past few years have shown us the importance of people in their communities supporting each other. That’s everyday humanitarianism – something that Fred lived and breathed,” Gabi said.

“I’m delighted that The Foundation was able to celebrate these humanitarians today, and I’d like to thank every nominee for their kindness and compassion to others.

“Congratulations again to each nominee, finalist, and especially to Suzie for her inspiring work.”

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley host-

or if you wish to sit in the bass, tenor, soprano or alto sections of the audience choir (to help us arrange seating).

General audience choir seating does not need to be registered.

How do you become part of the orchestra? Phone Nyarne on 0410 641 192.

Children who are serious music students are most welcome to join the orchestra.

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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NEWS

Inspiring journey to award

By Callum Ludwig A champion of Cire Services’ First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) program has been recognised for her inspiring story of gaining retail-related skills.

Bella O’Hara won the Pre-accredited Learner Award (skills for work) at the Victorian Government’s Learn Local awards ceremony on Friday 24 November.

Ms O’Hara said she was honoured to win the award.

“Just being nominated was very exciting, for what I do in the community and being an advocate for disability means so much to me and knowing that I’ve been an inspiration for women and that people look up to me,” she said.

I don’t let my disability define who I am and I did feel a lot of emotions. I didn’t think I was going to win, but it’s good to win something that means so much to you.”

Ms O’Hara had found it tough to find work she was comfortable in before joining the Reconnect program and later FICE, where she volunteered one or two days a week at the Mooroolbark and then Lilydale stores, learning invaluable work and social skills that made her so much more confident.

Ms O’Hara said volunteering at FICE made it much easier to make the leap to find work.

“I have to thank Maria because she has been mentoring me and been my rock and my world for a year. I learnt so much about retail and what Cire do to help women find work or do all these events,” she said.

“I’m just so grateful to be part of a big community and what FICE has done, not just me, just other people as well. I would recommend for anyone to volunteer at FICE because it will change their life, it’s changed mine for the better.”

The FICE program, operating out of stores

Bella O’Hara at the Lilydale FICE store.

Picture: ON FILE in Lilydale and Yarra Junction, provides a safe space for women looking to find their way in the workforce or to get accustomed before returning to work as well as offering an array of pre-loved and brand new women’s clothing at an affordable price to help community members look their best without breaking the bank.

Ms O’Hara said her time at FICE has helped her so much in her new part-time job at her local bakery.

“I’m enjoying every minute and every day that I do get a chance to work, a long way from when I first started at FICE, I was very shy, I didn’t know anybody but when I met Maria, she really brought me out of my shyness, out of my comfort zone,” she said.

I got to serve customers at FICE a couple of times and used the cash register, which I didn’t even know how to use to start, and I love serving customers and talking to people.”

Ms O’Hara thanked Maria and Renee from Cire Services, her mum, her brother and sister Jack and Natalie and all of Cire Services for their support and encouragement.

Bella O’Hara receiving her winner’s award at the Learn Local gala.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Santa’s Arrival

Parade Saturday, 2 December 11am to 1pm

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Get ready to jingle all the way with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a merry crew of Christmas icons at the Lilydale Marketplace! The parade will kick off near the Flight Centre and make its way to the Santa Set, right outside ANZ.

@LilydaleMarketPlace www.lilydalemarketplace.com.au

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

Local banking stays local.

Did you know that when you bank with the Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank, you’re actually investing in the community?

Colleen and Peter Mitt with the freezer they bought for the Yarra Junction cire Community Hub. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Cool gift helps pantry

By Callum Ludwig The community pantry at the Cire Community Hub in Yarra Junction has received a boost due to the generosity of a local couple.

Lilydale residents Peter and Colleen Mitt have been recently helping deliver frozen meals and donations from the pantry through their connection to the Life Ministry Church in Chirnside Park and noticed the program had probably outgrown their original freezer.

Colleen said she and Peter spoke about it as they noticed more and more clients on the books seeking meals from Cire.

“We just thought that we really do need to get them a bigger freezer, if we could consider it, so long story short we went ahead and did that,” she said.

“I’ve been on that journey where I’ve had very little, I relied on support and different community services myself personally so I really understand the struggle so this opportunity was just a no-brainer, to be honest,” “We were there, we saw the need and we

just met the need.”

Members of the Life Ministry Church regularly provide and donate to the program, as well as a few of those like Peter and Colleen who help deliver the meals.

Peter said they’re grateful and feel blessed that they are able that they can make those resources available to meet a community need and serve the church in a small, non-descript way.

“Being part of the church community, we want to honour not only God but also the church and the community, because that’s just the way we want to conduct ourselves, this is very much a small token gesture of being able to physically meet a service the community needs in a very simple way,” he said.

“It’s the way communities are supposed to operate, volunteering is a service that all people at some stage in their lives do need, and we know, especially in this day and age, there are a lot of people out there that are going without and are fortunate to have support services like Cire to help.”

Unlike other banks, after we’ve paid our bills, our profits go back into schools, kindergartens, sporting clubs, community support and service groups, environmental and animal groups, and emergency services. All groups critical to ensuring our community is safe, healthy, active and connected.

Over the past twenty years we have given over $3.5million back to the Mt Evelyn, Montrose and surrounding communities, making good things happen, through grants, donations and sponsorship.

“Our support has built club rooms, coaches’ boxes, supplied team uniforms, and even bought a school bus,” said John Stroud, Chair of the bank.

“We’ve paid for sausage sizzles, Christmas carols, community events, and sun-shade shelters for kinder kids. There have been scholarships, art awards, tree planting, and toys for kids. Business awards, street parties, safety wear for our firies, and the establishment of affordable accommodation for people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.

When you think about the groups, clubs and services you have been part of locally over the years, chances are we’ve been right behind them. We consider ourselves part of the team.”

By banking local, your money stays in the community.

It’s local banking supporting local people, making good things happen.

“Recently, we brought our small business community together for a breakfast to let them know we understand how difficult things have been. We provided funds to bring the community together at the Mt Evelyn Street Party and we’ve bought ‘buddy benches’ for Montrose Primary School students to sit on when they’re in need of a friend. We love helping to strengthen our community, and seeing local banking staying local.”

If you bank with the Mt Evelyn Community Bank, on behalf of all of the people you’ve helped, we say thank you.

If you’re keen to find out more about how your banking can do some good in your community, then give our branch a call, email or drop in for a visit. Let’s see how we can help you.

Mt Evelyn Bendigo Community Bank: Find us at Shop 2, 35-39 Wray Crescent, Mt Evelyn, call on 9737 1833, or send us an email at mtevelynmailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

A package gifted by the Life Ministry Church. mailcommunity.com.au

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Steppin’ out in Healesville

By Dongyun Kwon Legendary musician and ARIA Hall of Famer Ross Wilson is about to come to Healesville.

As a part of his tour ‘Now Listen! We’re Steppin’ Out! 50 Years of Hits National Tour’, Wilson will have a concert at the Memo on Friday 8 December.

Wilson said he has been to Healesville many times.

“The last time [I had a show in Healesville] was at a hotel. I am looking forward to being in a theatre this time because Healesville is a terrific place,” he said.

Wilson started the ‘50 Years of Hits National Tour’ two years ago, but the tour this year covers more regional areas with the expanded title by including one of his key phrases in his song ‘Eagle Rock’, “Now Listen! We’re Steppin’ Out!”.

The 2023/24 tour started in September and Wilson has performed in local theatres which he said has given him some different vibes from playing in clubs or pubs where he usually performs.

“Going into the theatres gives it a different kind of edge. The way I approached the show is now more talking about the songs [and] how the song was written,” Wilson said.

Despite the different vibes of theatres compared to pubs and clubs, Wilson said he wanted to enjoy his concert with the audience.

“Theatres are a naturally sit-down place, whereas pubs and clubs are more like gettingup, moving and dancing places. My job is getting people up and moving. [I hope] we’re all doing it together [in theatres] because I am not a preaching type of person,” he said.

“As a professional musician for over 50 years, I couldn’t survive without my audience.

We need each other.”

Wilson’s music style has changed over the years as he has grown up.

His early period focused on fun while having a good time, whereas he now focuses on lyrics attaching more serious subjects.

“I had two really huge bands. when in the 70s, it was ‘Daddy Cool’ and that was like a fun

Despite the different vibes of theatres compared to pubs and clubs, Wilson said he wanted to enjoy his concert with the audience.

Ross Wilson is coming to Healesville on Friday 8 December. kind of band and a bit silly,” Wilson said.

“Then, as I got older, I formed another band ‘Mondo Rock’ and they were much more grown-up music as our audience grew up. The tone of music became more detailed and lyrics were better.”

In recognition of his success in music, Wilson was inducted ARIA Hall of Fame twice, once as a solo in 1989 and again as a member of Daddy Cool in 2006.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Looking back on his long-time music career, Wilson said he was lucky to work with good people.

“I rely on my band members who sound really good and make the show really smooth. I also have a good team who helps us to reach our fans and communicate with them,” Wilson said.

“But, one thing I am concerned about is the shrinking of live venues. Since we all got back

Wilson’s music style has changed over the years as he has grown up. from the lockdowns, about 1300 live venuses have disappeared across Australia. Kids don’t have anywhere to play their music and learn the crafts.”

“I hope my tour becomes a signal for the revival of local live venues.”

Tickets are purchasable at www.songkick. com/concerts/41332583-ross-wilson-at-memo-healesville.

Paintings on porcelain on show at Mont de Lancey

By Callum Ludwig The latest exhibition in the gallery at the Mont de Lancey Historic Homestead has brought together the works of artists across the state.

The Victorian branch of the Australasian Porcelain Art Teachers is holding its biennial display of plates, vases and other porcelain products until 30 November.

Member of the Australasian Porcelain Art Teachers Chris Chamberlain said all the pieces are hand-painted on white porcelain before being fired in a kiln.

“You can paint anything on porcelain, just as you would paint on canvas or anything else, there’s flowers and there’s animals, birds, portraits and a vast range of different styles,” she said.

“You can paint so many different shaped pieces from plates to vases and boxes, there is no limit, whatever you can get in white porcelain you can paint on.”

Other styles on show include traditional, European, scenes and stylised designs that feature pen work, textures and lustres.

Nine members chose to exhibit, with the committee of the group in charge of setting up and returning all pieces after the conclusion of the exhibition.

Ms Chamberlain said it is a very challenging but rewarding medium.

“Painting on porcelain is a slower process as it has to be fired several times to complete a piece, it’s a gradual build-up of colour so that in the firing the paint fuses with the glaze on the porcelain,” she said.

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

Poppies by Chris Chamberlain.

“Our classes are usually small but they’re friendly and the students create a bond and motivate each other to try different things and different techniques such as texture as well as painting,” “It’s great because in the end you can use what you make, or they make great gifts, I’ve even painted several pieces that have been presented to somebody as a prize.”

All exhibitors each the art form in their own classes, with Ursula Liebl even taking the time to hold a demonstration at Mont De Lancey on 10 November, showcasing how she does her European-inspired painting.

Roses on a vase by Chris Chamberlain.

Pictures: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Black comedy educates

By Mikayla Van Loon Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company (LATC) has reached its final production of the year, a politically driven black comedy commenting on the climate crisis.

FRACKED! Or please don’t use the F-word, directed by Alan Burrows, bookends the year by delivering an important message to the audience in a comedic way.

In the first full Australian showing of the Alistair Beaton play, it follows Deerland Energy’s plans to drill for shale gas in the picturesque village of Fenstock but is met with a group of protesters.

Despite being for entertainment purposes, Mr Burrows said it is also rather educational, touching on what fracking actually is and the impacts it has on the environment.

“A lot of people are worried about the water table, and also the greenhouse gases that fracking does give off into the atmosphere,” he said.

“So it touches on those rather serious issues but the way it deals with them, a lot of people have said this is a very well written script because it deals with the issues in a very humorous way.

“In the end, people say to me, they find themselves laughing at something when they think afterwards, I shouldn’t have laughed at that because it’s actually quite serious.”

Keeping it light-hearted and funny throughout the majority of the play, Mr Burrows said “for the last 10 minutes of the play, it gets quite serious but up until that point, there’s chuckles along the way”.

With a cast of nine but 15 plus characters to play, it’s a fast moving and somewhat challenging play to stage.

“It’s got 14 scenes in it as well, which is another challenge. But people have commented that the way we handle the scene changes, it’s very rapid and it flows really quickly so you don’t notice any pause in the action at all,” Mr Burrows said.

Even after the first week of showing the play to audiences, Mr Burrows said he tweaked some scenes to give a few extra seconds to the cast for character changes.

“I made a couple of very subtle changes to a couple of scene changes last night (Thursday 23 November), which actually gained us seconds in each scene change which was pleasing, and therefore, it’s about keeping the pace,” he said.

“If the lights go out for too long and nothing’s happening, the audience very quickly drifts away and you can’t have that happening.”

Being very deliberate about the music for the scene changes as well adds to the pace of the play, with instrumental rock and roll keeping it “modern and drives it”.

Enabling the quick pace of the play is the set design by David Dare, who incorporated projections into the scenery to ensure

The cast of FRACKED! Or please don’t use the F-word, Janine Howe, Callum Beale, Chris Hodson, Lisa Upson.

Pictures: ALEXANDRA CARTER, WANDERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Cluning, Brett Hyland, Greg Barison, Christina Percival on stage. seamless transitions.

“The set design, the way we’ve made it work from one scene to the other, I think is a triumph.

When I saw it done originally, because it moves so quickly it was done with a revolve.

“Well, we don’t have a revolve at Lilydale so we’ve designed it in a way so it moves rapidly from one scene to another.

“It’s not a short play. Each act is about an hour and five minutes. So it’s eight o’clock till half past 10 with an interval but it really moves along.”

So too commending the cast, particularly

seasoned actors Brett Hyland and Lisa Upson, for their performances, Mr Burrows said “I couldn’t be happier with the cast”, they “bring all their characters to life very well”.

Although the play has the ability to “polarise a few people”, Mr Burrows said having seen it performed in England in 2016 when it was released, it was the “interesting script” that attracted him to it.

“I have to admit, I laughed. I have a sort of a black sense of humour and I thought this is something that is funny and entertaining, but it’s really quite serious about what it’s actually

saying, and how it sets up how public relations go about doing things which manipulate people.”

Having heard feedback from audiences already, Mr Burrows said “I’m not saying everybody is totally on board with the message that it’s delivering” but it has been a good conversation starter at least in the foyer. Get in quick to see the show before it finishes up on Saturday 2 December with a matinee and night performance rounding out the final week of shows starting Tuesday 28 November. Find tickets via the lilydaleatc.com/season-2023 website.

Dandenong Ranges Orchestra brings musical culture

By Tyler Wright The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra is preparing to bring a slice to international culture to Mooroolbark this week.

The orchestra’s final concert for 2023, More Than Music, will feature a selection of the world’s favourite ’unofficial anthems’ including songs Finlandia, Londonderry Air and Pomp and Circumstance.

Orchestra manager Anne Elizabeth said the concert, set to be held at the Mooroolbark Community Centre on Sunday 3 December, will take attendees on a “journey around the world”.

“We’ve got music from Finland, Ireland, the UK, even Australia,” Elizabeth said.

“We’re playing music that is readily identified with those particular countries, and they can even be said to be their unofficial national anthems like Waltzing Matilda is for Australia. mailcommunity.com.au

The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra performed in May this year at the Tecoma Uniting Church, Tecoma.

Picture: SUPPLIED “It means more than music. They are music pieces, but [they help] people identify with their country.“ The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra - a full ensemble - has been going for 40 years, and is

based out of Upwey High School.

Elizabeth said it gives the opportunity for locals to play music without having to travel to the city.

“Music is very unifying - and that’s the oth-

er thing about the pieces we’re playing [at this concert]- they express the identity of a country coming from the grassroots as opposed to the official national anthem which is usually chosen by the government.

“These songs like [Ireland’s] Danny Boy and [Australia’s] Waltzing Matilda, they’re chosen by the people because it binds you to your culture; It also helps you express your culture to another culture.“ The concert will start at 2pm, with tickets available online at dro.org.au and at the door.

Tickets for adults are priced at $25, with a $20 for a concession ticket.

Under 12s go free.

The Mooroolbark Community Centre is located at 125 Brice Avenue Mooroolbark.

For more information, email musicofthedro@gmail.com The event is supported by Yarra Ranges Council.

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NEWS

Floral festivities delight

By Tanya Steele Floral festivities, food, live entertainment, beautiful views and more were in abundance over the weekend of 25 and 26 of November for the annual Warratina Lavender Festival.

Despite weather forecasts for thunderstorms, in true Melbourne style the weather never quite landed and lavender fans were able to enjoy the weekend without getting their feet too muddy.

Entertainers put on beautiful dancing displays from Irish dancing to belly dance fusion, singers Szara Fox and Andrew Darling serenaded people in the lavender while Woody from Woody’s World kept the kids busy with some bush dancing and ukulele lessons. The Scotch Pipe and Drums regaled all the the poignant sound of bagpipes, with vendors from all over the Yarra Valley selling their wares standing by.

Lavender farm owner Annemarie bustled about the festival dressed in signature purple with a smile for everyone and she hopes to continue the festival in years to come.

Owner of the farm, Annemarie planted the lavender farm in the Yarra Valley in 1991.

The Victorian Branch of the Llama Association of Australasia Inc bought along some special guests.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

The Grand Valley Spinners and Weavers bought along their “on-the go” spinning wheels for live demonstrations.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Picture: SUPPLIED

Cheyenne and Jack came out to the festival for the day.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Woody from Woody’s World gave the kids some lessons in bush dancing and ukulele.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Irish Dancers from VIDA - Erinne, Felicia and Elsie

Aqua Moon Fusion Bellydancers put on a number of improvised routines over the weekend.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Old Scotch Pipes and Drums performed throughout the festival. Picture: TANYA STEELE

Blacksmiths from Mont Delancey working throughout the festival. Picture: TANYA STEELE

Szara Fox and Andrew Darling serenade in the flowers.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

Town Crier Bruce Argle takes shelter in a new found friend’s umbrella. Picture: TANYA STEELE

From Left: Jess, Jackson, Paul and Cei with their Little Leprechaun - Grace.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

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NEWS

Test flights in Newly Built Raptor Rehabilitation Centre.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Raptor Rehabilitation Centre at Healesville Sanctuary.

Raptors test rehab centre A barking owl, nankeen kestrel and wedgetailed eagle with an impressive two-metre wingspan have taken the first test flights within Healesville Sanctuary’s Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, soaring through the new structure.

The large donut-shaped building forms a continuous 100-metre loop so injured birds can build up their flight fitness before being returned to the wild.

Flight fitness is one of the most important milestones of recovery for a bird receiving medical care, as they need to be able to hunt for food and avoid predators to be able to thrive on their own again.

Healesville Sanctuary veterinarian Dr Phillipa Mason said the Sanctuary’s Spirits of the Sky team worked with resident Healesville Sanctuary birds for the first test flights, prior to injured birds using it during their

return to fitness.

“It was an amazing experience to see how the birds used the space after the years we’ve spent planning this purpose-built centre,” Dr Mason said.

“We were able to look at the symmetry in the wing flaps, see how the birds fly around a corner, check if they use their wings correctly and observe if they use their tail to slow down and stop safely.

“This new centre is an amazing addition to the wildlife hospital and our capacity to care for wild birds. We’ve been rehabilitating birds for decades, but we’ve never been able to do it like we can now, which is exciting.”

The unique shape means birds can fly around and stop when they are ready.

Birds can potentially fly for 100 metres, 200 metres or 50 metres depending on their

level of recovery.

A curtain can be pulled across the flight path to direct birds back to the recovery wards.

The veterinary team can make observations via cameras in the flight tunnel.

The centre also contains smaller intensive care units within the middle of the grand building.

During the past financial year, 63 raptors received treatment at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre.

Road trauma-related injuries are the most common reason for wild birds needing veterinary care.

Visitors to Healesville Sanctuary can see the incredible work that takes place at the wildlife hospital via glass internal walls in the operating theatres.

The dedicated team treats approximately 2,000 patients each year and cares for the animals that call the Sanctuary home.

Construction is currently underway to create a visitor tunnel alongside the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre allowing visitors to learn more about the inspiring rehabilitation journey.

The Victorian State government has invested more than $3.2 million in the world-class, purpose-built Raptor Rehabilitation Centre at Healesville Sanctuary, with $1.5 million provided through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and $1.42 million from the Parks and Reserves Trust Account.

Generous anonymous donors who believe in creating a future rich in wildlife have also supported the Zoos Victoria project.

Subscribe to any of the

Star Mail Digital Editions for A pademelon joey popped out of the pouch for the first time.

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FREE Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

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PROPERTY GUIDE Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

PROPERTY GUIDE

12477081-JW03-21

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Back to school!

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff.

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

Mail

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy

A worthy brand

By Jed Lanyon It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping

Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love.

The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use.

Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.

“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.”

Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more.

Continued page 2

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Although red-bellied pademelons are no longer found on mainland Australia, they can be found extensively across Tasmania.

“We’re still deciding on a name. But the joey will likely be named after a location in Tassie,” Ms Tegg said.

Healesville Sanctuary visitors can see the pademelons on the Woodlands Track along with three red-necked wallaby joeys.

The best time of day to see the little joey is around 11:00am and 12:30pm.

Threats to pademelons include, road traffic, loss of habitat and predation from introduced species.

Pademelons don’t have great awareness of cars and are often victims of road trauma-related incidents.

One way to minimise the risk of hitting wildlife, is to avoid driving at dusk and dawn when animals are more active.

Pademelons belong to the macropod family, which means they are related to Kangaroos and Wallabies.

They live in dense vegetation and wet forests that provide shelter.

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

12477022-SN06-21

A pair of pademelons at Healesville Sanctuary have welcomed a precious joey, with the little one popping out of the pouch for the first time.

Father Snug, and mother Binalong, [pron: Bin-ah-long] have been paired together since January and keepers have been patiently waiting to see a glimpse of the new youngster.

Healesville Sanctuary keeper Louise Tegg said the team was super excited when they first noticed movement in the pouch and then to see a head, the feet and a little tail poke out.

“We estimate that the joey is about six months of age. It is difficult to determine the exact age as the joey does all its early development in the pouch,” Ms Tegg said.

“We don’t know the sex of the new joey just yet. However, we’ll find out during its first health check at our wildlifehospital.”

The pademelon family can be found cruising around their environment, eating native grasses, foraging around in the soil and relaxing in the sun.

Mail 12477081-JW03-21

Pop goes the pademelon

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit mailcommunity.com.au/subscribe Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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MAIL 15

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12650261-ET48-23

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

The Christmas wonderland back drop is just awaiting Santa to take his place.

Picture: MOOROOLBARK COMMUNITY

Mooroolbark gets merry The Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group is so excited to bring Christmas to Mooroolbark this December with a range of activities and events including DIY Santa photos, a VIP shopping week, Santa’s mailbox, street musicians, and of course a visit from Santa.

A magical part of Christmas is to receive your very own letter from Santa, and the group is making that possible with Santa’s Mailboxes.

In two locations this year, Mooroolbark Wool, and Shop 16 Mooroolbark Terrace, all you need to do is post your letter with a clear return address and the Traders will perform the magic!

This is a free activity with no stamp required.

Next up is VIP Shopping Week from 27 November- 3 December with a VIP Shopping event. Come along and enjoy specials, goodies, and a chance to win a $500 voucher to spend at participating Mooroolbark Stores.

Coordinated by popular Mooroolbark Florist, Blooms on Brice, Kerri Grassby says, “What a perfect time to grab some bargains, score some prizes and get some Christmas shopping done, all while supporting your favourite local businesses.

“We are always so grateful to all our lovely community and this year more than ever I be-

lieve it’s important to shop small!”

Santa’s Back! Beginning 2 December, visit Shop 16 located in the Mooroolbark Terrace, to visit Santa and snap your photos for free!

There will be a beautiful set up with Santa, Elf and sleigh all waiting for you to create your own magical photos throughout the month of December: Saturday 2, 10:30am - 12:00pm, Saturday 9, 3:30pm - 5:00pm Tuesday 12, 11:00am - 12:30pm, Saturday 16, 1:30pm - 3:00pm Tuesday 19, 11:00am - 12:30pm, Thursday 21, 1:30pm - 3:00pm Saturday 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm and 2:30pm - 4:00pm Other not to be missed activities include street musicians to bring some cheer and atmosphere to your December shopping along the Brice Ave shopping precinct, and of course our wonderful street decorations.

The Traders can’t wait for December to arrive! Follow our Social media for the latest updates.

FB: facebook.com/Mooroolbark.Vic IG: @ mooroolbark_hub Website: mooroolbark.vic.au/christmas2023

· · · ·

· ·

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service Station Chirnside Park Shopping Ctr Little Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Coles Supermarket 520-526 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Woolworths Supermarket Marketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Point of View Cafe Lilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive LILYDALE Freda's Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate 88 Main Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Hello Harry 245 Main Street LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Mc Donalds Restaurant Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Bendigo Bank Unit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds Restaurant Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

12652340-FC48-23

(While stocks last)

We are looking for outlets...

Have copies of the Lilydale Star Mail or Mount Evelyn Star Mail in your business as a service to the community. We are actively looking for businesses with high traffic flows to carry FREE newspapers for the public. Contact us on 5957 3700 if you can help!

Or, get your FREE Digital Editions, News Updates, Breaking News and competitions delivered to your email inbox.

SUBSCRIBE NOW. It's FREE Getting a photo with Santa is made that much easier thanks to the Mooroolbark Traders Group.

91149 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS mailcommunity.com.au

Or visit: mailcommunity.com.au/subscribe Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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MAIL 17

NEWS

What’s in a stone fruit?

By Maria Millers ‘An apple is an excellent thing—until you have tried a peach’. George du Maurie Anyone who has bitten into a just-picked peach, warmed by the sun and ripe enough to be eaten straight away would be in total agreement with Punch cartoonist George du Maurier that peaches are the near perfect fruit, celebrated in literature, art and folklore.

A ready to eat peach should be fragrant and juicy with just the right amount of sweetness and should yield to gentle pressure. Its colouring should be a combination of red golden yellow and blush pink.

But walk into any major supermarket at the height of stone fruit season and you’ll not experience that heady aroma which some may remember from childhood visits to the local fruiterer, or from a bowl of just picked backyard grown fruit .Or fruit stolen from a nearby orchard!

Commercially grown peaches are generally not ready for eating straightway, and often fail to ripen, remaining acidic, lacking the flavour this ancient fruit promises and often softening to an inedible brown and mealy consistency.

Speaking to Rad from Rayners Stone Fruit Orchard, he was adamant that the reason fruit from big retailers disappoints was that it’s picked too early. A long shelf life does not suit stone fruit. Although peaches and nectarine (a variety of peaches) do soften and become juicier and more aromatic after harvest, they don’t

WOORILLA WORDS get any sweeter. That requires picking the fruit at the highest possible maturity.

The number of orchards around Melbourne have been drastically reduced and that is particularly so for stone fruits. The famous food bowl that encircled Melbourne and allowed the city to have easy access to freshly grown produce is now part of the urban sprawl. We have to rely on food grown further and further away and therefore picked too early and often stored incorrectly.

Whether it is seen as a fruit of the gods or as a symbol of love and eroticism, the peach continues to hold a special place in the cultural and religious traditions of many cultures around the world, representing longevity, immortality, fertility, and prosperity.

The voluptuousness of the peach also lends itself in art and literature to being a symbol of eroticism and the bountiful harvest and abundance of nature. English Romantic poet John

Keats wrote provocatively how he experienced eating a peach while writing (presumably poetry): ‘talking of Pleasure, this moment I was writing with one hand, and with the other holding to my Mouth a Nectarine, good God how fine. It went down soft, pulpy, slushy, oozy all its delicious embonpoint melted down my throat like a large beatified Strawberry.’

Embonpoint being the plump or fleshy part of a person’s body, particularly a woman’s breast.

With the rise of social media and the advent of emojis, the peach emoji is a symbol of the buttocks or a playful reference to sexuality.

And since peaches are most delicious when ripe and freshly picked, they are linked to an ideal of beauty and youth. To this day, youth is still one of the most appealing traits in a person, and peaches as they lose their freshness, and their downy skin wrinkles remind us that youth, so wonderful, is yet so fleeting.

D H Lawrence considers the peach from the stage of “silvery peach blossoms’ in a wine glass to a mature peach just before he eats it and marvels at it being so ‘velvety’ and ‘voluptuous heavy’ with its ‘lovely, bivalve roundnesses’ and wonders ‘Why so indented? And not ‘round and finished like a billiard ball?’ It puzzles him how this ‘rolling, dropping heavy globule’ evolved from the blossom to what it is.

But nature is not perfect in its multitude of variations, unlike something man made and that’s the wonder of it.

Peach

By D. H. Lawrence WOULD you like to throw a stone at me?

Here, take all that’s left of my peach.

Blood-red, deep; Heaven knows how it came to pass.

Somebody’s pound of flesh rendered up.

Wrinkled with secrets?

And hard with the intention to keep them.

Why, from silvery peach-bloom, From that shallow-silvery wine-glass on a short stem This rolling, dropping, heavy globule?

I am thinking, of course, of the peach before I ate it.

Why so velvety, why so voluptuous heavy?

Why hanging with such inordinate weight?

Why so indented?

Why the groove?

Why the lovely, bivalve roundnesses?

Why the ripple down the sphere?

Why the suggestion of incision?

Why was not my peach round and finished like a billiard ball?

It would have been if man had made it.

Though I’ve eaten it now.

But it wasn’t round and finished like a billiard ball.

And because I say so, you would like to throw something at me.

Here, you can have my peach stone.

Experience Christmas in the park at Mooroolbark COMMUNITY DIARY WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY Carols in Hookey Park Get ready for a fantastic evening of Christmas cheer in Mooroolbark!

The Croydon-Mooroolbark Lions Club is excited to announce this year the Mooroolbark Community Christmas Carols evening happening at Hookey Park, Charles Street, Mooroolbark on Saturday 9 December, starting at 7.30 pm.

Enjoy a fun-filled event for the whole family with local school choirs and a community choir performing, accompanied by the talented musicians of the Croydon Brass Band.

And of course, don’t forget Santa! He will be there to entertain the little ones and spread

Join in some Christmas Carols at Mooroolbark or Lilydale. some holiday magic.

Hungry? No problem! The Montrose Scouts will be firing up the barbecue and

Picture: UNSPLASH

serving delicious sausages.

And if you are craving something sweet, the Mooroolbark Girl Guides will be selling

fairy floss and popcorn. For those in need of a warm beverage or a slice of cake, we will have tea, coffee, and cakes available too.

So, grab your picnic blanket, bring some tasty treats to share, and join us on the lawn for a wonderful evening with your fellow Mooroolbark residents. This event is all about coming together in the spirit of Christmas, and we hope to see you there!

Carols in the park Ho Ho Ho! Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with The Hills Singers and Carols at Melba Park in Lilydale.

Santa will arrive to see all the girls and boys. Free Event. Sausage Sizzle, Snacks, Lollies. All welcome.

And if the weather allows, a family Christmas movie will be screened after the sunset.

Join in the fun on Saturday 16 November from 6pm to 8pm.

JP services Ever in need of a JP? Ross Tolliday provides this service for free each week at both Lilydale Police Station and Croydon Police Station.

Find him at Croydon on Tuesdays from 10am-1pm and Lilydale on Thursdays 10am1pm.

See the Legends in Concert... on us!

The original, largest and widely regarded as the world’s greatest live celebrity tribute show, Legends in Concert is returning to The Palms at Crown Melbourne in January 2024.

Direct from Las Vegas, this internationally acclaimed production takes audiences on an electrifying journey through the songbooks of some of music’s most legendary superstar singers with world-renowned tribute artists, a live band, talented singers and dancers, lavish multimedia theatrical sets and authentic costumes.

The Legends in Concert tribute artists will sing with pitch-perfect live vocals on The Palms stage at Crown Melbourne as they portray Freddie Mercury, Cher, Adele, Elvis Presley, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John & Shania Twain.

ENTER NOW

We have 10 double passes for our readers to see the show

SCAN QR CODE TO ENTER 12651573-AV48-23

Check out show details - www.legendsinconcert.com

ENTRIES CLOSE NOON 19 December 2023 Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/competitions

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN - 1 of 10 double passes to the Thursday 11th January, 7.30pm show 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

BLACK FRIDAY EVENT S ALE

Up to 60% off On select items while stock lasts. Sale ends 01 Dec 11:59 PM AEDT.

aussietoysonline.com.au

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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MAIL 19

OPINION

Vaccine Ridley Scott’s shortage Napoleon is superb impact Napoleon Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby Rated MA15+

4/5 Directed by Ridley Scott, Napoleon is a superbly-crafted historical drama starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French and one of history’s great military leaders.

Moving fluidly between gravitas and gormlessness, Phoenix plays Napoleon as a master strategist but also an arrogant, naïve man. Vanessa Kirby is magnetic as Napoleon’s wife Josephine, and the film delves deep into her and Napoleon’s fractured but loving relationship.

Napoleon is a slow but engrossing film full of dry wit. As with Killers of the Flower Moon, I like this kind of slow, dense, immersive pacing, but some viewers may find it tedious or uneventful

(and certain inaccuracies, such as Napoleon blasting the Egyptian Pyramids with cannons, may irk historical purists).

The harrowing, phenomenally-staged battle sequences, and three in particular, underpin Napoleon’s character arc. The 1793 siege of Toulon establishes Napoleon’s cunning, ambition

and ego; the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz – the film’s brutal icy lake centrepiece – is a victory at the height of Napoleon’s power; the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, with Napoleon now a petty usurper, sees his judgment fail and luck run out as the situation disintegrates.

Napoleon has strong thematic and stylistic parallels with Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 classic Barry Lyndon. Both films follow the rise and catastrophic fall of a charismatic figure in a time of war (and they share similar fates of comfortable exile). Like Barry Lyndon, Napoleon has several beautiful scenes of gossip and intrigue lit with fireplaces or candlelight, but unlike the bright, crisp Barry Lyndon, Napoleon has a very muted colour palette.

An intimate character study with tremendous battle sequences, Napoleon is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

CARTOON

Animal

aid Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO The heart of Animal Aid has always been our community and the amazing animals we serve.

Today, we face a pressing challenge that demands our collective action. A critical nationwide shortage of essential Feline F2 -F4 vaccines is impacting our ability to fully immunise cats in our care, particularly new arrivals who are at risk of illness.

The shortage, which could last until March 2024, has required us to implement a stringent mitigation plan to protect our vulnerable feline friends. We’re focusing on containment strategies, booster vaccinations for previously immunised cats, and meticulous recordkeeping to ensure that vaccinations are administered as soon as they become available.

Despite these efforts, the reality is that our unvaccinated cat community is at risk, especially with the influx of cats carrying illnesses. This situation amplifies the need for safe, temporary homes for these cats to recover and thrive away from the shelter environment.

Here’s where you come in. Our newly introduced Paws and Recover initiative calls for foster volunteers willing to open their homes and hearts to provide temporary care. This not only aids in the cats’ recovery but also offers you the chance to bond with a potential lifelong companion, as fostering can lead to adoption at no cost.

Your support during this time is invaluable, not just for the cat you take in but for the ongoing care of all our cats.

Your involvement could be the pivotal point in a cat’s life. By fostering or adopting, you help relieve the shelter’s capacity strains and give our cats the loving homes they so richly deserve. As we navigate these challenges together, every gesture of support counts. Join us in this essential endeavour—become a foster carer, adopt by donation, and spread the word. Let’s ensure no cat is left without care and affection in their time of need.

For more information on how you can help, please contact our Cattery Team at 8756 1300.

Local theatres announce programs of shows for 2024 Kemp’s curtain call 1812 theatre has announced its 2024 program.

· Mother & Son – 22 February - 16 March. · The Fire Raisers – 4 – 27 April. · The Great Gatsby – 16 May – 8 June.

The 1812 Theatre has announced its 2024 program of plays and productions.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS · Radium Girls – 2 – 13 July. · The Sweet Delilah Swim Club – 1 – 24 August. The Basin Theatre has announced its 2024 · Jimmie the Beatle: Season: Thursday 13 June · Coherence – 5 – 14 December.

– Sunday 23 June. program opening with: · The Laramie Project – 3 – 26 October.

Hatched, Matched & Dispatched Season: · God of Carnage: Season: Thursday 3 October · – Sunday 13 October.

Thursday 22 February – Sunday 3 March. · Noises Off – 14 November – 7 December.

Bookings: 9758 3964. · Berlin Season: Thursday 18 April - Sunday 28 Bookings: 1300 784 888 305252

Email admin@1812theatre.com.au 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

April.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Piece of Mind Australian premiere of a new play by local playwright Emma Wood, recently produced in LA. An hilarious dark comedy about two friends, Gwen and Allie, who leave their long careers as nurses to start a daring new business venture.

The concept is a peaceful room that can be hired on an hourly basis as an alternative to couple’s counselling. Couples are offered the opportunity to take turns playing dead, while the other airs their grievances without interruption.

The business plan is so unique it attracts a large following immediately. But Gwen and Allie’s intentions don’t match those of the clients.

A darkly comic series of events unfolds. Have they unwittingly opened a Pandora’s box that threatens their investment, their reputations and even their friendship? mailcommunity.com.au

SCHOOL LUNCHES, DELIVERED.

Community Canteen Lunchbox Goodies

Hutch & Co - Lilydale

Liza (Community Canteen) and Louise (LunchFox). Founders.

Healthy & Convenient.

Meet the women setting out to change the school lunch industry. Any parent knows that packing healthy school lunches is a deceivingly difficult job: not only do you run out of time, inspiration and bread by Wednesday, but, if the school canteen isn’t for you, there are very few other options available.

Community Canteen, run by Liza and the team at Hutch & Co, will allow parents to order chef-prepared, nourishing school lunches, having them delivered straight to their child’s school. The menu covers five essential food groups, with parents able to choose healthy supplementary snacks, or the ‘Nourish Me All Day Lunchbox’, providing fuel for young minds and bodies.

Liza Dellisola (Owner Hutch & Co, Lilydale) is embarking on a new venture: a passion project, set to make healthy school lunches easy, accessible and convenient.

Liza’s vision for Community Canteen is driven by a love of good food, a passion for healthy eating in children and an understanding of what life is like for busy parents.

Bridging the gap between convenience and good nutrition, Community Canteen is made possible by the LunchFox app, an award winning service that allows parents to order healthy school lunches from local cafes. Liza has collaborated with LunchFox Founder Louise Fisher (pictured above) to create a menu that is fresh, healthy and child friendly.

With a focus on community, the LunchFox app opens up a whole new revenue stream for local cafes, even giving back to the school community, with 5% from every order earnt as fundraising.

Community Canteen will officially launch on 2nd December at the Lilydale Fair, with a stall full of free food samples and giveaways!

Liza will be there, fielding all your questions and explaining how you can get Community Canteen orders delivered to your school, with in-store pick up, along with your morning coffee, available from 4th of December!

Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more, you can visit the LunchFox website on www.lunchfox. com.au or check out the Instagram pages @lunchfoxau and @community_canteen_

Fro m t h e te a m w h o b ro ug h t yo u H U TC H & C O .

Po w e re d b y :

S C H O O L LU N C H E S , DELIVERED. Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t l i z a @ h u tc h c o m m u n i t yc a n te e n . au

At Community Canteen we’re on a mission to revolutionize school lunches, bringing fresh and delicious me als straight to your school’s doorstep. We are committed to craf ting nutritious me als that not only taste gre at but also fuel young minds and bodies.

12645775-KG48-23

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MAIL 21

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Castella St

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MAIL 23

NEWS

Ready for street fair fun

By Mikayla van Loon The second annual Lilydale Street Fair is less than a week away with excitement and nerves building for the organisers.

Having grown in size over the last year, main organiser Bec Rosel said although people who attended last year will have an idea of what to expect, there will be some surprises as well.

“I feel like the momentum has really been building, especially in the last couple of weeks with local businesses and sporting groups and organisations really getting on board and putting it on their social media pages and just spreading the word,” she said.

“They’ve been emailing me and texting me with all their fantastic ideas that they’re going to do at their stores and the activities they’ve got planned, so I feel like there’s a lot more vibe.”

The big feature of the day is of course the parade, with even more groups, organisations and clubs walking in the procession.

“The parade’s going to be huge. We’ve got a lot more participants and performers in the parade that I’m really excited about,” Bec said.

“So gymnasts and ballerinas and sporting groups and roller skaters and it’s going be really vibrant.”

Adding to the “atmosphere” this year will also be the six hour performance stage “with a variety of performances from school bands and soloists, dance groups and aerobics groups”.

Also dotted around the Street Fair will be buskers keeping people entertained wherever they walk.

Then on Clarke Street, find the showcase of between 40 to 50 classic cars which will be on display for the community to enjoy.

“It’s going to be a jam packed day, that’s for sure and people will be able to spend plenty of time there with friends and family wander-

The Lilydale Street Fair will kick off with the parade at 10.30am. ing around, experiencing all there is on offer,” Bec said.

Even if people can’t make it for the full day, Bec said there’s always going to be something to see or do at any point throughout the day.

One of those is spending some time exploring the market stalls and local shops to pick up a few early Christmas presents.

Bec said around 60 per cent of the stallholders will be selling handmade items, while a number of the Main Street businesses will also have special offers for the day.

Pictures: KAREN MAYS

“It’s always been the point to support local business and that’s why we’ve tried to extend it further along the service road and to get businesses involved that are on the other side of the highway as well.”

Expecting large crowds, Bec’s one piece of advice was to get in early to score a park whether it be near the skate park, at the Marketplace or near the football ground.

“There is plenty of public parking around… so just making sure that people are aware of where they can park but also just to come and

See performances on the main stage from ballerinas to soloists. support, just get on board and come out and have a great day.

“Bring your family and friends and neighbours and work colleagues and just spend a bit of time in the town and see what is out there.

If you haven’t spent time walking around the town of late then it’s a good opportunity to do that.”

The Street Fair kicks off on Saturday 2 December at 10.30am and is on until 4pm throughout Main Street and Lions Park.

Connecting with the community at Lilydale CFA open day

By Mikayla van Loon The opening of a CFA station to the community is both a way to engage local residents in fire safety but also build relationships with those responding to emergencies.

Lucky for the Lilydale township, the Fire Brigade will be doing just that on Saturday 2 December, linking up with the Lilydale Street Fair for the second year.

Community Safety Coordinator Kieran said having had a fantastic turn out to last year’s open day, the brigade is excited to welcome back visitors to the station.

“It’s been an important step to work with other community groups and push the idea of a united front and approach to events. There are so many events on, so it is important to work with other groups and deliver the community what they need,” he said.

“The events on Saturday will really have something for everyone which is fantastic.

With a collaborative approach we can build on the thousand people that attended last year and keep building this event for the community.”

From music to food trucks and participation in the parade, Kieran said it will be a vibrant atmosphere for the community.

Meeting and communicating with the community about fire safety is one of the most important parts of volunteering with the CFA but getting the message out can be challenging at times.

“It adds a human layer to emergency response. We are all time-poor and it is difficult to ingrain important messaging, as we only really get to meet people during emergency situations,” Kieran said.

“We will be able to show people around our vehicles, show our emergency equipment, explain what we do, what we need access to, and the importance of preparation ahead of a long, hot summer.

“Opening the station will show we don’t just respond to incidents, we are a volunteer community-oriented brigade that is focusing on building relationships and educating 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

Meet the faces behind the volunteer firefighters on Saturday 2 December when Lilydale CFA hosts its open day.

Pictures: SUPPLIED through different means to prevent incidents before they occur.”

Not only for adults to learn and engage but also for children to better understand what to do in a fire emergency, Kieran said there will be lots of activities for young ones to do as well.

“We will have ‘firefighter’ experiences for kids, including racing the mini trucks, spraying our fire house, seeing and interacting with trucks, colouring in sheets, the ‘crawl low in smoke’ smoke house and meeting Captain Koala and Paddy the Platypus (SES),” he said.

With representatives from Victoria Police, Lilydale SES, Ambulance Victoria and the Australian Federal Police joining in the fun, Kieran said it will be a great show of the collaboration between Victoria’s emergency services, as well as a chance for kids to meet local members.

“During Covid we lost the ability to do inter-brigade and inter-agency training and we are building these relationships back up.

“Inviting all other emergency services to our open day shows that we are committed to enhancing these relationships and provid-

ing them with an opportunity to speak with members of the community, as well as giving us the opportunity to work closer together moving forwards.”

While about having fun and spending time with the community, Kieran said there is always an underlying message that needs spreading, especially heading into a dangerous fire season.

“Our key message is ‘Prepare’ ahead of summer. When you are cleaning up your property, travelling away or going anywhere in summer, always have a plan and always be prepared.

“Fire Safety is a partnership between us and the community, and we will keep trying different methods to convey the information to our community to keep everyone, including us, safe.”

Above all though, Kieran said “come down and meet us and learn about what we do. We can’t wait to meet you all!”

Don’t forget, the CFA’s Santa run will be on 18 December this year, so don’t miss out on catching him in your street.

Try a hand at hitting the target.

There are so many activities for kids to be firefighters for the day. mailcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY

ONE-OF-A-KIND HEALESVILLE HIDEAWAY mailcommunity.com.au

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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

ONE-OF-A-KIND HEALESVILLE HIDEAWAY CONCEIVED with a vision and executed to perfection, this one-of-a-kind residence in the vibrant township of Healesville, is an individually-titled haven of grand design and distinction.

Owner-built with impeccable quality, the private master creation rests on approximately 703sqm and is wrapped

by Merbau cladding and decking with ARC fencing. Double glazing and 6.2-star insulation provide a superior level of comfort inside, complemented by 7-metre-high cathedral ceilings, Goulburn River Stone concrete flooring and the gorgeous use of Tasmanian Ash hardwood. Flaunting an innovative, free-flowing floorplan, you are welcomed by an open bedroom with sliding built-in wardrobes and a cosy sitting area with an Illusion gas log heater. Further along, you’ll discover a relaxing lounge with a builtin bar. The central kitchen and dining area is illuminated by a Velux skylight fitted with a solar blind. It’s equipped with a 900mm Smeg freestanding cooker and rangehood, an ASKO dishwasher, a double-bowl country sink and elegant stone benches, including a waterfall-edge breakfast bar. Two additional bedrooms are complemented by two exquisite bathrooms. This ensemble encompasses an external studio with its own ensuite, as well as a sun-drenched bedroom with direct access to an alfresco deck. This bedroom conveniently adjoins the main bathroom, which boasts a luxurious freestanding bathtub, a separate shower, toilet and vanity plus an integrated European-style laundry.

Outside, the surrounding decking culminates in a grapevine-wrapped pergola and an entertaining area with a glass-fenced spa. The backyard below is screened by tall hedges and hosts lush lawns, fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a secure dog area.

Further features that enhance this remarkable residence include solar electricity with a battery, hydronic floor heating, two reverse cycle air conditioners, wooden ceiling fans, instantaneous gas hot water, a greywater tank, an outdoor sink with hot/cold water, a double carport and a shed.

Hidden down a concrete driveway, off a newly made road, it is only minutes from everything that makes Healesville so special, including boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, supermarkets, bus stops, parks, schools, breweries, wineries, distilleries and the RACV Country Club. · Inspection by appointment only. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 12B Benton Road, HEALESVILLE Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Chris Price 0412590 441 and Laura Cawley 0423 378 880, STOCKDALE AND LEGGO CROYDON 26

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HOME FOCUS

TAKE A BREATH AND ESCAPE WITH THE FAMILY NESTLED into 5 acres of privacy and tranquillity, this delightful home will give you space, ease of living and somewhere to wake up and breath in the fresh valley air. The gorgeous and expansive layout has enough room for large families, and for the relatives and friends to all enjoy with you.

Comprising of 4 huge bedrooms plus a study, the Master provides a modern ensuite and walk in robe, and all other bedrooms offer built-in robes and close access to the beautiful family bathroom. Complete with a luxurious bath enjoying uninterrupted views of your garden, the main bathroom also has a walk-in shower and stone topped vanity.

Three separate living zones allow large families to enjoy some privacy from each other if required, and rooms to party and entertain when the opportunity arises.

The front lounge is the epitome of an entertainer’s dream, with a bar, room for the pool table and couches, and proudly showcased through glass sliding doors, you will enjoy beautiful views beyond your 8 seater spa, creatively nestled into your expansive deck.

The large deck encompasses two sides of the house, and an enormous undercover outdoor living zone becomes the hero for Christmas dinners and outdoor gatherings

with the barbecue and wood fired pizza oven.

The home is serviced by gas hydronic ducted heating, wood heaters and split systems.

The timber kitchen in the heart of the home offers an abundance of cupboards and bench space, gas cooking and dishwasher, and with an adjacent dining area, dinner time is a breeze.

Further living zones provide a snuggly winter haven in front of a crackling wood fire or a large rumpus room at the far end of the house where you can have your gym equipment or turn into a massive theatre room! There are just so many options with this functional layout.

The bonuses of this property are far and wide with the further additions of a large 4 car carport adjoining the home, a shed/workshop, a 2nd double carport, and fabulous lock up 2 room studio which would be an ideal work from home space, or perfect to turn into weekend accommodation (STCA) where lucky guests can enjoy your beautiful gardens, picturesque dam and wander through natural bushland on this expansive 5 acre haven.

In the very tightly held haven of Don Valley, this amazing home will leave you wanting for nothing. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 35 Ferngully Road, DON VALLEY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277 mailcommunity.com.au

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HOME FOCUS

A FLEXIBLE FAMILY OASIS A private and peaceful oasis. A haven of possibilities. Proudly occupying 1,044sqm (approx.) in the bowl of a court, with gated access to meandering Herman Pump Reserve, this flexible family sanctuary offers 5 bedrooms plus a study, an expansive master suite / retreat, 4 bathrooms and 5 genuine living areas between the house, selfcontained studio and separate bungalow, each with kitchenette.

Anchored in the Ringwood Secondary College zone, and only a stone’s throw from Heathmont and Ringwood’s quality amenities, convenient multi-generational family living meets tranquil escape. Your new home is beautifully embraced by tropical gardens, and boasts both covered and open decks to entertain amongst them.

At the heart of the home, a timber, granite and stainless steel-equipped kitchen with dining area, complemented by cathedral ceilings, bathed in natural light with spectacular outlooks through large picture windows. Further enhanced by heating, cooling, solar roof panels, excellent storage, fruit trees and a double carport, this property is as uniquely comfortable, convenient and adaptable as they come.

Walking distance to bus services, three train stations, Heathmont Village, Bedford Road and Ringwood East shops, Eastwood Primary School and Ringwood Secondary College. Only a few minutes’ commute to Aquinas College, Great Ryrie and Our Lady’s Primary Schools, Tintern Grammar, Aquanation, Eastland and EastLink. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 12 Bedford Court, HEATHMONT Description: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $1,300,000 - $1,430,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Chris Price 0412 590 441 and Kym Burnett 0466 674 684, STOCKDALE AND LEGGO CROYDON

FAMILY FLEXIBILITY WITH FIVE BEDROOMS PROVIDING an unrivalled level of flexibility, in the popular Croydon Hills community, this incredibly renovated property, complete with three separate quarters and fabulous entertaining, possesses the perfect setup for the large or multi-generational family.

Terraced native gardens with lighting front the residence, making a memorable first impression. Magnificently reimagined to maximise on every inch of useable space, the homes interior is lavished with modern upgrades, all complemented by thick laminate flooring, bespoke lighting and loads of power points.

The ground floor boasts three bedrooms, a soundproof room, two stylish bathrooms and a European laundry. This includes the private front master suite, which contains a fully fitted-out walk-in wardrobe and a divine high-spec ensuite with under-floor heating.

Two separate ground floor living spaces provide ample room for relaxation. This includes a lounge with built-in TV cabinetry and an electric blind, plus a family meals area. The custom-built Freedom kitchen is a chefs dream. It features top quality appliances, shaker profile cabinetry, copper tile splashbacks, timber-look benches, a breakfast bar and an abundance of storage.

Timber French doors provide a smooth connection to outside, where a large, enclosed deck with two heaters, a ceiling fan and lighting sets the stage for all-seasons entertaining. An open sundeck, a shaded pergola and a lush lawn area rest beyond, all enjoying a tranquil outlook over a solar heated swimming pool.

Completing the homes fabulous footprint, is a self-contained top floor suite, comprising two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen and a spacious, light-immersed retreat.

An excellent list of extras complements the property, including substantial in-roof storage with a retractable ladder, a big shed,

ducted heating, evaporative cooling, one wall heater and air conditioner, a drip watering system and a remote enclosed tandem double carport.

In an idyllic location, it is walking distance to bus stops, Yarra Road and Croydon Hills Primary Schools, picturesque reserves, parks and lakeside walking trails. Minutes from childcare centres, Good Shepherd Primary School, Luther College, Yarra Valley Grammar and McAdam Square. An easy commute to Croydon Train Station and Main Street, major shopping centres and EastLink.

CHRIS PRICE · Managing Director · 0412 590 441 KYM BURNETT · Senior Property Manager · 0466 674 684 ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 53 Langdale Drive, CROYDON HILLS Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,300,000 - $1,430,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Chris Price 0412 590 441 and Kym Burnett 0466 674 684, STOCKDALE AND LEGGO CROYDON 28

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224 LIVERPOOL ROAD, KILSYTH SOUTH

$800,000 $880,000 • 4 Bed • 1 Bath • 4 Car • 925m2 • HOUSE

LARGE ALLOTMENT, LOADS OF POTENTIAL Discreetly set along the service road, facing the Mount Dandenong Ranges, this property on approximately 925sqm presents a myriad of exciting options for savvy renovators and builders. A gated driveway grants access to the property, where a long-gated carport that can accommodate several vehicles flows through to a double garage. In need of some TLC, the existing home could be done up to the new buyer’s liking, or removed to make way for one or several new dwellings (STCA). The home features a large lounge and dining room, rear living area with a small connecting covered patio, a well-equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, one bathroom, a laundry, a wall heater and air conditioner. Outside, there is an extensive amount of lawn area for children and pets to play, while the long carport could double as an entertaining space.

Whether you choose to live in, lease out or explore this property’s incredible potential, it presents an excellent opportunity filled with promise. It is located within close proximity to bus stops, reserves, bush trails, recreational facilities, several schools and shopping precincts, plus all of the attractions of the Mount Dandenong Ranges.

80 EXETER ROAD, CROYDON NORTH $840,000 - $900,000 ENJOY, ENHANCE OR EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

• 4 Bed • 1 Bath • 5 Car • 857m2 • House

Bursting with potential, in a brilliantly convenient location, this 857sqm (approx.) property opens doors to a realm of possibilities – from a transformative renovation canvas – to the realisation of your dream home, or even multi-unit redevelopment (STCA).

Classically comfortable, the current home is poised for rejuvenation. It features an L-shaped lounge and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen with meals area, four bedrooms with double-door built-in wardrobes, a central bathroom with a bathtub, shower and vanity, a conveniently positioned toilet and laundry, ducted heating, evaporative cooling, an air conditioner and hallway storage.

Outside, there is a big, secure backyard for children and pets to play, a covered patio for entertaining plus substantial space for parking, including a gated single carport that has roll-through access to a double carport and a double garage.

Whether you wish to inhabit, invest or explore its vast potential, this property is a superb opportunity that beckons with promise and possibility. Seamlessly connected to amenities, it is walking distance to bus stops, Croydon North Village shops, cafes and restaurants, reserves, trails and community facilities. A swift commute to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, primary schools, private secondary colleges, including Yarra Valley Grammer, Luther and Oxley plus Croydon’s vibrant town centre with train station.

Sitting on the fence about your Property Manager?

Renting your property doesn’t need to be stressful!

Meet The Property Management Team at Stockdale & Leggo Croydon Kym 0466 674 684 | Jess 0466 975 826

149 Main Street Croydon Tel: 9723 0060 mailcommunity.com.au

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Call us for an obligation free chat

29

HOME FOCUS

MODERN ENTERTAINER ON HALF AN ACRE WELCOME to the pinnacle of modern living, nestled on the picturesque Woodlands Avenue. This contemporary two-storey brick home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and space, all set on a generous halfacre lot tailored to meet your family’s needs.

This stunning residence features four spacious bedrooms, each thoughtfully equipped with walk-in robes, ensuring ample storage for your family’s necessities. The master bedroom takes luxury to the next level with a lavish walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, providing a private sanctuary for your utmost comfort and convenience. For added versatility, there’s a dedicated study or second living area, offering a flexible space for work, study, or simply indulging in the comforts of home.

The heart of this home is a modern gourmet kitchen complete with stone benchtops, a gas oven and cooktop, and a stainless steel dishwasher, making it a chef’s delight and the perfect space for culinary masterpieces.

You’ll be comfortable year-round with a gas ducted heating system and evaporative cooling, ensuring the perfect climate in every season.

Elegance abounds with timber look hybrid floating floors on the lower level, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Upstairs and in the bedrooms, soft carpets provide a serene and cozy environment. Stepping outside, you’ll find a spacious outdoor area surrounded by adjustable outdoor blinds, offering shade and seclusion. This adaptable space is ideal for alfresco dining, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

The property also boasts serene tree views and the potential to expand your dreams with a levelled, retained section of land equipped with 3-phase power, ideal for a future pool or shed.

This exceptional property provides a tranquil escape from the daily hustle and bustle while maintaining easy access to local amenities, schools, and parks. Don’t miss your chance to turn your dream of a spacious and stylish family home into a reality. Contact us today to transform this remarkable property into your forever home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 4 Woodlands Avenue, COCKATOO Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $985,000-$1,080,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Dave Reilly 0437 347 665 and Sue Colic 0421 772 610, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 30

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1 BIRDWOOD AVENUE COCKATOO

15 Clematis Park road CLEMATIS

34 Pakenham Road COCKATOO

SIMPLICITY & STYLE, AN IDEAL FAMILY HOME

CENTRAL EMERALD FAMILY FAVOURITE

SOUGHT AFTER COCKATOO OPPORTUNITY

4A

4A

3A

2B

2D RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218

FOR SALE $740,000-$814,000 OFI

By Appointment

BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

2B

2D

FOR SALE $860,000-$890,000 OFI By appointment

SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

1B

2D JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781

FOR SALE $620,000 - $670,000 OFI By appointment

BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

4 Woodlands avenue COCKATOO

Lot 1, 220 Mount EirEnE road GEMBROOK

Lot 2, 230 Mount EirEnE road GEMBROOK

MODERN ENTERTAINER ON HALF AN ACRE

EMBRACE NATURE’S CANVAS ON 22.4 ACRES

DISCOVER YOUR SLICE OF PARADISE

4A

2B

2D

FOR SALE $985,000-$1,080,000 OFI By appointment

LAND SIZE 9.09HA DAVE REILLY 0437 347 665 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

FOR SALE $700,000 - $770,000 OFI By appointment

LAND SIZE 5.19HA RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218

FOR SALE $800,000-$880,000 OFI By appointment

BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

2665 Gembrook LaunchinG PL rd GEMBROOK

7 HEROES AVENUE GEMBROOK

15 WRIGHT ROAD AVONSLEIGH

YoUr rUrAL reTreAT – oN oVer 8,000m2

SPACIOUS ENTERTAINER

SIMPLY STUNNING ON 1/4 ACRE

5A

4A

3A

2B

2D

FOR SALE $920,000 - $1,010,000 OFI by appointment

mailcommunity.com.au

rILeY NIchoLAS 0488 501 218 bArrY PLANT emerALd 5968 4522

2B

FOR SALE $750,000-$795,000 OFI

By Appointment

JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

1B

1D JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781

FOR SALE $690,000-$750,000 OFI

By Appointment Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522 |

MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE

31

HOME FOCUS

FUN AND FULLY RENOVATED FAMILY HOME THIS fantastic home is seeking a new family to enjoy it’s numerous features, including being only 5 mins away from the heart of Emerald township.

With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two lounge rooms, and high ceilings, there is plenty of space for everyone. The master bedroom is gorgeous, with a vaulted ceiling, walk through wardrobe and renovated ensuite. There are two large bedrooms with built in wardrobes located at the opposite end of the home for zoned living, and one bedroom at the master end. The childrens bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom with walk in shower and semifree standing bath tub, and then a separate toilet.

The second loungeroom is open plan with the kitchen for seamless entertaining.

Relax and unwind knowing that there is new flooring throughout the home, plenty of fresh paint, and gas ducted heating. The high-end finishes continue in the laundry with stone benchtops and a convenient doorway direct to the backyard.

The established garden is well maintained, including fruit trees, and invites you to meander around the property. Enjoy the paved rear entertaining deck, or soak in the serenity from the front deck. Discover the flying fox, mini football goal posts, and a solar heated swimming pool with its own waterfall and gazebo (with power)! There is also an established chicken coop, and a double lock up garage with concrete flooring and power, & a double carport attached to the home.

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: 11 Maisie Road, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $1,150,000 - $1,250,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD 32

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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

Introducing our Rental Management Team At Bell Real Estate we know that there is more to managing a rental property than finding tenants and ensuring that rent is paid on time. Our dedicated team are rigorous in all aspects of property management.

From the initial stage of advertising your property, reference checking, carrying out regular inspections, ensuring that property maintenance and compliance checks are completed and works carried out with the least amount of fuss and cost.

Our processes also ensure that we keep up to date with changes in legislation so that our clients are fully protected, whilst ensuring that the best possible outcomes are achieved.

Looking for an exceptional team to manage your investment?

Contact our Senior Property Manager, Simone Donnelly on 5968 622 or 0499 072 202

100 Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road, Gembrook

$1,300,000 - $1,420,000

100 Woori Yallock Road, Cockatoo

$740,000 - $800,000

Stylish Equine Property on approx. 5 acres!

Outstanding Outdoor Entertaining with Stylish Family Home!

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.

The gravel driveway leads to a double carport & off street parking. Inside, discover a bedroom with a BIR. Then the home flows to an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge room with gas cooking, a generous butlers pantry with its own sink & dishwasher. Prepare dinner as your guests & family unwind by the wood fire or enjoy the split system AC. There is a lovely family bathroom/laundry with black tap wear, toilet, & a rain head shower over the bath tub. Continue down the hallway to discover 2 generous bedrooms both with ceiling fans & BIRs. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom with BIRs & an ensuite with toilet & shower. Externally, there is a fully fenced large backyard with a large covered entertaining area with concrete flooring, workshop area, & a large garden shed. The garden beds along the retaining walls are very tidy & there is a large grassed area.

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

5

A

2

B

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

C

4

A

2

B 2 C

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HOME FOCUS

EXPERIENCE TRANQUIL COUNTRY LIVING NESTLED in the heart of the countryside, 285 Lusatia Park Road beckons those yearning for a serene retreat. This charming property, enveloped by picturesque farmland, is a testament to the perfect marriage of country charm and modern comfort on a sprawling 2660 sqm of prime rural land.

Captivating features allow you to indulge your senses in the spaciousness of this home, where soaring timber ceilings create an open and inviting ambiance. A magnificent brick feature fireplace and wood heater take centre stage in the living room, providing both warmth and character. Timber dado panels add rustic elegance, and slate flooring in the living areas introduces a touch of natural beauty.

The well-designed kitchen boasts ample cupboard space, and 3 of the 4 bedrooms feature built-in robe. The main bedroom, which is positioned at the rear of the house, has access to the verandah along with a large walk-in in robe along and ensuite to complete the picture. The high pitch of the attic lends itself to the possibility of creating an extra living space (STCA).

Beyond the walls of the house, the property unfolds with enticing features, including ample parking space, a convenient double carport, and the coveted privacy of backing onto a 140-acre property. The sensational country atmosphere surrounding the property offers an idyllic backdrop for a peaceful lifestyle.

Step outside into natures playground and let the fresh country air embrace you. The expansive yard, dotted with established fruit trees, beckons for gardening enthusiasts and outdoor activities. Whether you’re cultivating a garden or simply basking in the natural beauty that surrounds, this property provides the canvas for your country dreams.

Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and embrace the beauty of rural living. Whether you’re seeking a retirement haven or a family home where kids and pets can roam freely, this property offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and natural beauty, with captivating views extending to the distant hills. The beauty of the property is that it is only just a few minutes’ drive to the township where shops, transport, schools, kindergarten and childcare are available.

Don’t miss the chance to make this countryside haven your own and seize your slice of serenity. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of this property. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 285 Lusatia Park Drive, WOORI YALLOCK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $940,000 - $975,000 Contact: Jane Nunn 0432 375 940, jane@integrityrealestate.com.au, INTEGRITY REAL ESTATE 34

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

1/16-20 Smith Street, Healesville

285 Lusatia Park Drive, Woori Yallock

97 O’Gradys Road, Pheasant Creek

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

$665,000-$690,000

FOR SALE 2

3

$940,000-$975,000

319sqm

2

4

9 Waters Place, Buxton

3

2

2

2,660sqm

4

1

4

16 Acres

73 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake

486 Extons Road, Kinglake Central

FOR FOR SALE SALE

FOR SALE

$770,000

FOR SALE

2

$1,250,000-$1,350,000

$740,000-$760,000

4,009sqm

4

2

2

973sqm

$1,900,000-$1,950,000

5

3

25 Acres

8

Shop 201C Maroondah Highway, Healesville info@integrityrealestate.com.au integrityrealestate.com.au

5962 5753 12651992-ET48-23

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HOME FOCUS

TRANQUIL SETTING ON SURREY A lovely and very interesting property is on offer at this fabulous sought-after Surrey Road address. Sitting on approx. 1090m2 with age old Elms and beautiful plantings consisting of edibles and loads of bursting colour, there are many treasures to be discovered.

The main house is a quirky 60’s residence with hardwood flooring, a funky vintage kitchen with electric cooking, and a great living space that has a feature central wood fire and a dining that opens to a beautiful outdoor deck with majestic mountain views above your glorious garden features. The bathroom is a treat with feature tiling and the bonuses continue with a recently installed solar system with battery storage and water tanks in addition to mains for your future years of bill health.

Outdoors offers an abundance of joy, beginning with a stunning hexagonal studio with windows sourced from age old Victorian inner Melbourne homes, making this space a perfect spot to work, play or meditate.

Further fun is offered in a gorgeous little Gypsy Wagon, a great space for the family or friends to have a sleepover, and they can enjoy a sneaky soak in the outdoor tub under the stars.With loads more to explore upon inspection, this is a property that exudes a bit of joy. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 26 Surrey Road, WARBURTON Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $600,000 - $660,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277 36

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P 5966 2530

3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton

1 Valewood Drive, Launching Place

$600,000 - $660,000

P 5967 1277

2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

5 Salisbury Avenue, Warburton

$700,000-$770,000

Unbeatable Location great value and family convenience

A brick veneer home in peaceful oasis

Positioned to please and in a popular and convenient location this superb home offers 3 bedrooms all with built robes, separate family/living and meals areas give the growing family plenty of space to spread out. Good size kitchen area with ample bench and plenty of cupboard space, outside offers plenty of space as well with a great size back yard securely fenced for the kids and pets to run around and enjoy. A covered entertaining area with filtered mountain views and overlooking the picturesque established gardens is the ideal place to gather for summertime BBQs and entertaining.

Ample car accommodation plus under house storage/workshop space, a great family home in a popular and sort after area and conveniently situated just a short walk to local schools, shops and public transport, it’s a great place to call home.

Nestled amongst the picturesque landscape of the Yarra Ranges, this property offers a unique blend of tranquility and urban convenience. The interior of the home is bathed in natural light accentuating the spacious living areas. The open plan living and dining areas, provide plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. Retreat to the three spacious bedrooms all with built in robes, where large windows frame stunning views, creating a peaceful sanctuary to unwind. The bonus sunroom overlooks the undulating hills and valleys. Outside, the expansive backyard offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. A generous double garage and sealed driveway allows for ample parking and storage. Conveniently located just a short wander from town amenities, this property is perfect for those looking to enjoy everything the Warburton lifestyle has to offer.

David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: Sat 11.30-12.00pm

8 Evergreen Place, Yarra Junction

3

A

1

B 2 C

$780,000-$830,000

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 1.00-1.30pm

3

35 Ferngully Road, Don Valley

A

1

B 2 C

$1,100,000-$1,200,000

4 bedroom modern family home in a quiet court location

Take a breath and escape with the family

A super modern Porter Davis built home has had much thought and consideration to the floorplan and setup to cater for every family members needs. The family-friendly configuration boasts a master bedroom featuring a walk-in robe and a sleek, full ensuite. Three additional spacious bedrooms, all equipped with built-in robes, are conveniently positioned near the family bathroom. Open plan kitchen complete with modern appliances and plenty of bench space. Stepping outside reveals an impressive oversized alfresco space, perfect for entertaining guests amidst a fully fenced backyard.

A double garage with internal access and an additional huge 6m x 10m garage, mezzanine, concrete floor, power connected, 3 roller doors and good access from the front to back yard with clear driveway which can also provide additional parking.

Nestled into 5 acres of privacy and tranquility, this gorgeous and expansive home comprises 4 huge bedrooms plus a study. Three living zones and the front lounge with a bar & room for a pool table, showcased through glass sliding doors, you’ll enjoy beautiful views beyond your 8-seater spa. The home is serviced by gas hydronic ducted heating, wood heaters and split systems. The timber kitchen offers an abundance of cupboards and bench space, gas cooking and dishwasher. The bonuses of this property are far and wide with the further additions of a large car carport adjoining the home, a shed/workshop, a 2nd dble carport, and fabulous lock up 2 room studio which would be an ideal work from home space, or turn into weekend accommodation where lucky guests can enjoy your beautiful gardens, picturesque dam and wander through natural bushland on this 5 acre haven.

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection:

By Appointment

4

A

2

B 6 C

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190 Inspection: Sat 11.00-11.30am

4

A

2

B 6 C

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HOME FOCUS

HISTORIC “HATHAWAY” FEATURED in Home Beautiful magazine in 1928 and held by the same family for nearly 50 years, historic “Hathaway” is a testament to timeless architecture paired with the warmth of a family home. A joy to behold set on 6,865sqm (approx.) of lush landscape framed by Copper beech trees, this residence will capture imaginations of architectural enthusiasts searching for their forever property. The original lychgate and paved drive lead into this magnificent property tucked between Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Perrins Creek Road.

Boasting exquisite outdoor entertaining areas, pathways meandering past an original pond and sundial, and an incredible array of established flora enjoyed by a bounty of wildlife, this is a haven in the heart of the Hills.

Inside, the retention of the original features has been a labour of love.

Highlights including Jarrah wall panelling, leadlight and casement windows, and the original open wood fire feature in the lounge. The adjoining living area with gas log fire spills out to a flower-framed deck.

The generous kitchen with timber cabinetry, slow combustion cooker, and vaulted ceilings serves as the hub of the home. With a 3rd living area/inspirational study and unique bedrooms including one with loft also on this level, there are endless spaces to explore.

On the lower level, the rumpus room/ home office leads along a conservatorystyle corridor to the 5th bedroom, luxurious bathroom with claw foot tub, and versatile sitting room with cathedral window that leads out to the deck that wraps around a glorious Liquidambar tree.

This is a magical property that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Oneof-a-kind with a welcoming feel, this property suits houseproud buyers seeking something special. Inspection is by appointment only so contact us today. · Historic 6,865sqm (approx.) property brimming with beautiful features · Open plan kitchen with vaulted ceilings and a slow combustion cooker · Versatile living areas including the lounge with Jarrah wall panelling, leadlight and casement windows, vaulted ceilings, and a wood fire · Lower level home office/study and sitting room with deck access · Beautiful bedrooms including one with ensuite and one with loft · Magnificent gardens with original features and stately mature trees ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 468 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, OLINDA Description: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,600,000 - $1,760,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 38

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Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

12 Acacia Avenue, TECOMA

$680,000- $740,000 3A1B1C

RENOVATED STORYBOOK HOME WITH SEPARATE STUDIO

FOR SALE

22 Viewline Drive, LYSTERFIELD

$1,200,000 - $1,300,000 4A2B3C

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING

If you are looking for a creative, inspiring space where you can work from home and enjoy the character and an abundance of charm that only the Dandenong Ranges can offer, then look no further than 12 Acacia Avenue. Recently renovated and updated throughout, this storybook home offers a spacious lounge and dining area, oversized timber kitchen with breakfast bar, three upstairs bedrooms, the master bedroom with its own study / dressing room and a stunning bathroom that has been beautifully appointed from start to finish.

Beautifully detailed throughout, 22 Viewline Drive sits proudly in a highly sought after area and offers exceptional family living. With high ceilings, quality carpets and sleek floor tiles, this home boasts a welcoming floorplan that consists of four bedrooms, home office, two bathrooms and four exceptional living zones.

Sharyn Chandler

Glenn Chandler

M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

Jess Lainis

Sharyn Chandler

M 0493 544 981 | E jess@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

FOR SALE

2A Kumbada Avenue, UPWEY

$550,000 - $590,000

FOR SALE

$800,000 - $870,000

131 Old Belgrave Road, UPWEY

NEAR-FLAT BLOCK WITH APPROVED PLANS IN PRIME LOCATION!

LOVELY CEDAR HOME ON LARGE BLOCK,

So rarely found in Upwey, with approved plans this flat front block (500m2 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).

With respectable tenants currently occupying this lovely property until the end of March 2025 a great opportunity to become a landlord awaits. This lovely 4-bedroom cedar home sits on a beautiful 1,103sqm approx block, with a bright and airy open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, and four large bedrooms. Currently tenanted, this is an excellent opportunity for investors who want secure tenants and/or for those who want to invest now with a view to making this their future home.

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

4A1B2C

9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

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39

PUZZLES No. 161

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

2

5 9 4 3 1 3 7 1 6 2 9 3 2 4 6 7 5 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 5 3 6 7 9 4 medium

8 2 3 4 9 2 3 6 3 2 2 4 6 9 1 6 9 7 2 8 5 3 4 8 9 6 2 1 6 8

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS Plague insect (6) Coffee (8) Open shoes (7) Engine (7) Direction (11) Hormonal disease (8) Circumvent (5) H2O (5) Valuable hand-me-down (8) Keyboard instrument (11) Creates (7) Athletic ground (7) Extremely hot (8) Cure (6)

1 4 9 11 12 13 15 18 19 22 25 26 27 28

8 10 13 14 16 17 20 21 23 24

No. 161

Defeat (9) External forms of something (6) Copies data (9) Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9) Express regrets (9) Official collection of data on a population (6) Jail (6) Machine for shaping wood (5) Fad (5) Pacifier (5)

DOWN Looped rope (5) Close friend (9) Country (5) Apex (6) Storyteller (9) Seasoning (5)

1 2 3 5 6 7

DECODER

No. 161

hard

2 8

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

24

25

26

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

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: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good

N

E

D

C

N

8 1 3 2 4 6 5 9 7 6 2 7 8 9 5 4 3 1 9 4 5 3 7 1 6 8 2 7 6 1 9 5 8 3 2 4 3 9 2 4 6 7 8 1 5 4 5 8 1 2 3 9 7 6 2 8 4 5 1 9 7 6 3 5 3 6 7 8 2 1 4 9 1 7 9 6 3 4 2 5 8

5 1 8 6 2 9 4 7 3 4 9 2 3 7 1 5 8 6 6 3 7 8 4 5 2 9 1 2 4 3 5 8 6 7 1 9 7 8 1 9 3 2 6 4 5 9 5 6 7 1 4 3 2 8 8 6 5 2 9 7 1 3 4 3 7 4 1 5 8 9 6 2 1 2 9 4 6 3 8 5 7

D

S

O

No. 161

3 LETTERS ACE ALL APT ARE ASH ASK BAD BAN CAR CAT DNA EBB END GNP HIM ODE RUE TNT TOO USE WOK YEN 4 LETTERS DAIS DASH DISC EYES HATS SICS STEP STOW TSAR WRAP 5 LETTERS ABIDE ACIDS ADULT ALIBI AORTA AREAS

* ( < 6 ( 5 6

ARENA CANON CELLO COCOA COMAS CORDS DENIM DOUSE DRONE ELUDE ENTER IDEAL INCUR ITEMS MEDAL MELTS NAVEL NOVEL OKING PACED

condense, CONDENSED, cone, coned, cones, conned, cons, dense, descend, done, donee, donned, dons, encode, encoded, encodes, ended, ends, need, needs, neon, node, nonce, none, nose, nosed, once, scene, scone, second, seconded, seen, send, sodden

2 4 3 9 5 6 8 7 1 8 1 9 3 4 7 2 5 6 7 6 5 2 8 1 4 3 9 3 9 4 7 6 8 1 2 5 6 8 1 5 3 2 7 9 4 5 7 2 4 1 9 3 6 8 4 3 7 8 9 5 6 1 2 9 2 6 1 7 4 5 8 3 1 5 8 6 2 3 9 4 7 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

2

9-LETTER WORD

34 words: Excellent

hard

1

easy

23

4 medium

22

5

21

1

20

5

19

4

S U 18

4 8

17

3

9 2 1 5 8 2

2

XQ T J DKA RH L Y Z G

3 6

1

E P O F I N V WM B C S U

6

16

9

8 7 7 5 6

15

5

14

4

WORDFIT

PASSE PAVED RISEN ROSES SAGAS SCABS SELLS SENSE SLABS SLEWS SMEAR STEAM SWATS TONNE TRADE TREAT TURNS UNCUT URGES WADED

INGRAIN PATTERN VERSING

WASTE WATER 6 LETTERS ACUMEN CEASES NEARER RIGOUR SCORER SNIPES 7 LETTERS DIARIES GEYSERS GIRDERS

8 LETTERS ALLERGIC AROMATIC VENERATE VETERANS 10 LETTERS PRECEDENTS ROTISSERIE

6 & $ % 6 : $ ' ( ' 6 : $ 7 6 0 ( ' $ / $ / , % , & 2 & 2 $ ( / 8 ' ( 6 / $ % 6 2 . , 1 * : $ 7 ( 5 & $ 5 ' 1 $ $ / / 5 2 7 , 6 6 ( 5 , ( & ( $ 6 ( 6 7 . * ( < 6 ( 5 6 3 $ & ( ' 5 , 6 ( 1 + $ 7 6 $ 5 2 0 $ 7 , & 6 , & 6 5 8 ( 3 $ 7 7 ( 5 1 9 ( 5 6 , 1 * ( 1 ' 6 7 2: 9 ( 7 ( 5 $ 1 6 8 5 * ( 6 3 $ 6 6 ( ' $ 6 + , 1 * 5 $ , 1 < ' $ & 8 0 ( 1 3 5 ( & ( ' ( 1 7 6 $ 3 7 ' 5 2 1 ( $ 5 ( % $ 1 , 1 & 8 5 6 7 ( $ 0 1 2 9 ( / $ 2 5 7 $ , ' ( $ / ' 2 8 6 ( ( 1 7 ( 5 5 2 6 ( 6 0 ( / 7 6

SUDOKU

01-12-23

William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567382-JW37-22

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networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

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c 1FSHPMBT t %FDLT t "MM $BSQFOUSZ 8PSL t t 0WFS :FBST &YQFSJFODF t

*BO 3PCFSUT

0408 538 121

C1084033-JO31-13

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• Lawn mowing and garden care • Whipper snipping • Hedge trimming and pruning My Little Garden Helper specialises in overgrown gardens and offers tailored maintenance packages on a fortnightly/ monthly basis for residential, commercial, body corporate and holiday rental properties.

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Contact us on 0493 099 984 for a free quote Fully insured

CALL JACKSON

12604329-AI19-23

V Builders & Building Services

THE

Your Companion In The Garden

LILYDALE ELECTRICIAN

Rec: 34611

12642860-FC43-23

0480 022 406

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

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฀ ฀

฀ ฀

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Find local work with an advert in the

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Place Your Dedication Online

SOMANADER, Shirley A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Shirley Somanader will be held at St. Johns Anglican Church, Castella Street, Lilydale on Tuesday 28th November at 10am, followed by a Burial at Lilydale Memorial Park, then refreshments back at the Church hall.

Anytime, Anyplace dedications.networkclassifieds.com.au

V Garage Sales COLDSTREAM, 17 MAHY CRT. Sat 2nd December, 7am-12pm, plants, pots, tools, homewares, furniture, retro goods. Cheap!

V Massage Therapists ADVERTISERS in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

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12622965-HC30-23

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CALL US ON 0458 735 250

WILLIAM MATTHEWS FUNERALS 9739 6868

12641458-SN42-23

• Qualified Plumber with over 25 years experience • Bathroom & Laundry Renovations

JACK

0408 538 121

Call 1300 666 808

HOME BATHROOMS

HANDYMAN

“I advertise in the local paper as it reaches the local community and I am happy with the UHVXOWV ´ ă ,DQ

12438941-CG04-20

0488 816 557

Ian Roberts:

12619653-AA28-23

FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au

• Pergolas • Decks • All Carpentry Work • • Over 30 Years’ Experience •

C1084033-JO31-13

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V Pets & Services ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

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12499475-CG25-21

• TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

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• 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount #1 in LILYDALE

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

DIN TREE SERVICE WAN

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Buy, & Sell in our MITSUBISHI Lancer 2009 VR sportsback. 2 ltr engine. 5 speed manual.

New battery. Central locking. Cruise control. Lightning blue. 95,000 kms. nvgc. RWC supplied.

XKM 746 $9950 negotiable. Call 5919 2019

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SPORT

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School student Lilly won bronze at the state championships for shot put.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Lilly’s smile was from ear to ear knowing what she had just achieved.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Magical moment in bronze

By Mikayla Van Loon For one Lilydale primary school student, winning bronze for shot put at the School Sport Victoria state championships was more than just a medal.

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Grade 5 student Lilly was born vision impaired with a condition called nystagmus, a condition where the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements, meaning she was often told she couldn’t play sport.

“It’s a pretty big deal to me. When I was in Grade 2 I got told I couldn’t play tag with other people and got told I couldn’t do something because of my vision,” she said.

“Now I feel like I’m showing them I can do something, I want to do it. I guess to me it’s a way of saying ‘I can do it, you shouldn’t have told me I couldn’t do something’ just because I had a visual impairment.”

Only starting shot put at the end of last term, with special training from her teacher Dave Gallacher, Lilly practised at home when she could to prepare for the school athletics competition.

From there she went onto the divisional competition, where she made regionals and eventually the state tournament in the under 11 multiclass category where she travelled to Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.

Lilly’s state appearance was her best performance yet, scoring a personal best of nearly 4.5 metres.

“You’re really nervous because when you stand back, they obviously measure the throw and when you look, it doesn’t seem that far. It

Lilly was proud to stand on the podium at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park. really only looks like a couple of centimetres but when they measure it, and then make it fair for me, it goes really far,” Lilly said.

Having to learn the techniques and skill of shot put, Lilly said it is actually quite difficult, more than people may think.

“It’s a lot harder than you really think. It’s not just throwing a ball. It’s a very heavy ball to

Picture: SUPPLIED

start off with. It’s like a two kilogram ball that you’re throwing and it’s very strict rules.

“You can’t really throw it, otherwise you would instantly get out. So it’s all in the movement you do to push it from your hand to the ground.”

Lilly’s mum Rachel said shot put too provides a sensory element, with the ball needing

to touch the competitor’s neck before launching.

Competing in the multiclass category, Rachel said it was all extremely comfortable and accessible for Lilly.

“It really felt like she was with people with the same ability to make it fair,” she said.

“They just put a few things in place, so she had her [learning support officer] standing at the end in hi-vis just to help with the direction, which [gave her] that opportunity to have some success.”

Despite Lilly not knowing anything different to her sometimes blurred vision, Rachel said “she manages beautifully, sometimes you forget” but seeing her be so supported by the school and her classmates and to go on to achieve a bronze medal was incredible as a mum too.

“That’s everything, that gives your child that equal opportunity to have success and thrive and just to build that self confidence and that self esteem so she knows ‘I can do something and I can achieve big things’.

“So you don’t let that disability stop you from doing anything. It actually opens up a whole new world. You can do everything just like everybody else, just with a few adjustments in place.

“It just helps with her growth and development, knowing that you can achieve and have success, even with a disability.”

After state, Lilly was also awarded with her very own shot put by her parents, so she can continue challenging herself and practising at home, ready for next year’s School Sport Victoria competition.

Local draft pick, Nick Watson, heads to Hawthorn A young footballer who hails from the outer east has been drafted by Hawthorn Football Club in a top five pick.

The former East Ringwood and Montrose junior, Nick Watson, was selected to play as a forward in round one of the draft on Monday 20 November.

Snapping up the self confessed “energiser bunny”, Watson is known as The Wizard for his ability to amazing things in attack and was noted as one of the “most exciting prospects in this year’s draft” by Hawthorn.

Using the club’s first pick to grab Watson in pick number five, the new recruit said there were a lot of nerves heading into draft night.

“I was tearing up a bit to be honest but I’m keen to get into it now,” he said in a post draft interview.

Coming in at only 170cm in height, 42 MAIL

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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

doubts about Watson’s draft potential always hung over him but he was proud to prove the critics wrong.

“Growing up always knowing I was going to be that smaller player, you cop a fair bit with my height so I’m just so happy,” he said.

“When I was around 14 or 15, obviously I knew I was going to be a small player and I had a lot of people saying I was going to be too small to play AFL,“ Watson told reporters on Monday night.

List manager Mark McKenzie said on draft night that getting Watson into the club “was a great outcome for the footy club”. “[Watson] is small in size but he makes it work. He’s been making it work for a long time now and the last two years have been fantastic mainly in that small forward position,” he said.

“But he’s been able to come up the ground

a bit this year as a high half forward or even on the wing but really he’s an elite small forward and that’s what we want to bring into our footy club.”

As the leading goal-kicker at this year’s AFL Under-18 Championships, he has been tipped to join the likes of small forward greats including Luke Breust and Eddie Betts.

The 18-year-old booted 14 goals for Vic Metro this year to earn an All Australian selection.

“I trained with Hawthorn during the preseason and worked with Luke Breust and Dylan Moore,” Watson told AFL.com.au.

“Having Luke Breust there, who has kicked 500-plus goals, will be unreal to learn from. I’d love to follow in his footsteps.“ He’ll be on to watch as Hawthorn moves into its third year under coach Sam Mitchell.

Nick Watson was selected by Hawthorn Football Club in the 2023 AFL draft at pick number five.

Picture: HAWTHORN FOOTBALL CLUB mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

State relay win for women

By Jamie Strudley A week after Harry Norman won the Victorian Men’s 5000m Championship our women middle distance team earned another state title for our growing club.

The Athletics Victoria State Track Relay Championships were held at Doncaster track on Saturday. We had three teams compete in the Open Women’s grade finishing with one gold and two fourth place finishes.

Highlight of the day was a hard-fought win in the 4 x 800m relay with Zoe Clarke, Rori Jones, Mia Strudley and Brigette Rice combining for team relay gold.

Earlier in the day the same quartet had run fourth in the 4x1500m relay and a team comprising Ash Rooke, Rori Jones, Zoe Clarke and Brigette Rice stormed around a 1600m Medley relay for another fourth placing.

Results are: Open Women Medley Relay: (Ashleigh Rooke, Rori Jones, Zoe Clarke, Brigitte Rice) 4:21.04 (4th); Open Women 4x800m: (Zoe Clarke, Rori Jones, Mia Strudley, Brigitte Rice) 10:07.89 (1st);

· ·

Victoria Open Women 4x800 relay Champions Mia, Zoe, Rori, Brigette on the podium after winning gold.

Picture: SUPPLIED

· Open Women 4x1500m: (Zoe Clarke, Mia

Strudley, Rori Jones, Brigitte Rice) 20:57.32 (4th) As a small, family-oriented club we are beginning to make our presence felt at state and national competitions with state titles, major

events at Morrison Reserve and very competitive AVSL and XCR teams. Always room for more members to help improve the club.

Our Little Athletics club members enjoyed the annual club v club day on Saturday morning, always a colourful and exciting day as our four clubs (Mustangs, Redbacks, Comets and Jaguars) compete for the champion club trophy. The chants, cheering and rivalry creates a fantastic morning of fun athletics.

Next week is the club combined event championship with athletes competing in the same events the age group and gender would participate at the State Combined Championships. A great warm up for those competing at the State champs and a fun day where points for performances makes for interesting results.

Our seniors return to AVSL action on Friday night at Doncaster or Duncan McKinnon tracks where a nitro style competition awaits.

We will then turn our attention to the performances of three club members competing at the ON Zatopek Festival at Lakeside Stadium. An event style never seen before in Melbourne with bridges over the track, spectators on the infield and plenty of music, food and fun. Harry Norman will compete in the Men’s

10000m event which also doubles as the Australian Championships. Zoe Clarke will run in the Jamieson Girls U16 Mile and Brigette Rice competes in the Ondieki Women’s U30 3000m.

Congratulations to the 30 teams that have qualified through to the Little Athletics Track Relay Championships on 16 December at Lakeside Stadium.

Training for our six-12yo continues on Tuesdays from 4pm. Seniors training (13yo plus) is on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Check the socials and website for more details and sessions available with our throws and jumps coaches. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of track and field registration is now open. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics. org.au for information about events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Successful round for Lilydale Tennis Club players

By Joanna Campe Round 7 results for Lilydale Tennis Club in the Eastern Region Tennis Competition.

Junior Open Doubles (JOD10) Lilydale v Heathmont After round 6 Lilydale was sitting just outside the top 4 on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Lachie Sweet, Ollie McDonald, Haady Aziz and Nenuka Withanage. Lilydale played away this round against Selby. In a very close match it finished up 3 sets each. However, Lilydale won the day – winning 29 games to 25.

Result: 6-5, 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 Junior Open Singles Doubles (JOSD4) Lilydale v East Croydon After round 6 Lilydale was sitting in Third place on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor, Adam Paladino and Joshua Jamieson.

Lilydale played away this round against East Croydon who are placed second on the ladder. It was a well-matched outing with Lilydale taking the points with 5 sets to 3 – winning 40 games to 36.

Result: 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, 0-6, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7 Open Rubbers 19 (OR19) Lilydale Green v Seville After round 6 Lilydale was sitting on top of the ladder.

Unfortunately, Seville forfeited so Lilydale will be keen to get back on the court next weekend to stay match fit.

Result: FORFEIT BY SEVILLE – match points to Lilydale Open Rubbers 19 (OR19) Lilydale Blue v Mt Evelyn After round 6 Lilydale was sitting outside the

Adam Paladino, Ryan Taylor, Adam Paladino and Joshua Jamieson came up against the wellmatched East Croydon.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Levi Daly and Tim Bassett were keen to play at home.

top 4 on the ladder.

Lilydale was represented by Alex Jerin and Adam Johnson.

Lilydale played away this round against Mt Evelyn who are in fourth place on the ladder. In a very competitive match, it was Mt Evelyn that eventually won the match 3 sets to 2 – winning 20 games to 17.

Result: 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, 2-6, 0-6

Result: 4-6, 3-6, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4

Open Rubbers 25 (OR25) v Parkwood After round 6 Lilydale was sitting on top of the ladder Lilydale was represented by Levi Daly and Tim Bassett.

After last week’s bye, the boys were keen to play at home this week against Parkwood. It was a close match with Parkwood taking the points 3 sets to 2 – winning 23 games to 20.

Lilydale Tennis club welcomes all players of any age and ability. For information on how to join Lilydale Tennis Club please visit play.tennis.com.au/lilydaletennisclub.

For all coaching enquiries (Juniors and Adults) please contact Andrew at Pro Touch Tennis Academy www.ptta.com.au/contact

Wolves win major match-ups, with one washout

By Damian Ford The first XI travelled to Ainslie Park for round 6, winning the toss and having a bat, the team were in a little trouble at 6/111. That brought Jacob Crowe and Juddy Perkins together. Once they got set they hit Ainslie all around the Park putting on 142 for the sixth wicket and taking the teams total to 6/253 after 80 overs. Week 2 we set out with the ball and early wickets were always going to be the key, as English import Ben Clilverd knocked over M.Moss early the team was on their way. Getting a steady flow of wickets and not allowing Ainslie Park to get on top with the bat at any stage the Wolves were able to bowl the top of the table Ainslie Park out for 177 before the 65th over. Best Bowling Ben Clilverd 4/31 off 11 and Cheyne van Koll 3/32 off 15. mailcommunity.com.au

The Women’s first XI travelled to Canterbury for their match on Sunday. After a tough loss last round, the ladies welcomed back Victorian over 40s representative Tammy Pearce into the squad. The ladies batted first and got off to a slow start losing Tammy for only 9. Alicia Gugele and Belinda Harding come together to put on a nice partnership before Belinda departed. This brought Charlotte Stevens to the crease, she dominated the Canterbury attack as she scored 70 not out off 75 balls to help the team post 3/194 off our 36 overs. In reply Canterbury were never in it as Grace Pearce got two early wickets and we restricted Canterbury to 7/134 off their 36 overs. Stand out bowlers Grace Pearce 2/15 off 7, Alicia Gugele 2/12 off 17 and Acacia Pearce 2/25 off 7 The Mens Second XI hosted top of the table South Warrandyte, week one we posted an im-

pressive 9/266 with standout performances from Conrad Ratcliffe 64 and Mitch O’Neil 40.

In reply the boys rolled South Warrandyte for 218 with the wickets shared between the bowlers. This is a great win for the second XI beating the top team and now entering the top 4.

Other teams results, third XI chasing Bayswater Parks, 317 from week one, did so with 11 overs to spare, passing them 6 down. Max Cron was the pick of the bowlers 3/25 off 12 overs and with the bat, captain Javier Mastronardi 79 and Will Newey 74. The fourth XI batted first at Hoddles Creek and were bowled out for 240 with Chook Nyhuis putting on a cover driving and cutting clinic to record his highest score of 63, Miff Smith 57 and Jake Smith 51. Trying their best to keep themselves in the game wasn’t enough as we bowled Hoddles Creek out for 176. Best bowlers, Zane Smart

3/30, Chook Nyhuis 3/30 and Tyler Sonsini 2/33 off 23 overs. The Fifth XI had a good win against Boronia with Ricky Williams the only standout with the bat scoring 61 and then the wickets shared taking them to 4th on the ladder. The Sixth XI the only team to lose on the weekend, playing a stronger Hoddles Creek team, they fell just short, posting 6/178 off their 36 over, Hoddles Creek passed them 2 down. Only Standout was Andre Gibson with 2 wickets and 50 not out with the bat. The sixth XI still sit atop of the ladder after their round 8. The women’s Second XI unfortunately had a wash out as the ground wasn’t playable.

The club is going well on and off the field, we have a big Family Christmas party planned for 15 December and we are also hosting Montrose Cinema Under the Stars on 23 February 2024.

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023

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