Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 16th January 2024

Mountain Views

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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Residual fire risk hits 89 per cent

Heavy rainfall causes chaos in the Yarra Ranges

Combination of mixed media, arts and music

See Real Estate liftout inside

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A Star News Group Publication

PR OP ER TY

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Stunning lotus season

By Callum Ludwig

The giant tropical water lilies of the Blue Lotus Water Garden.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

The weather has been ideal in the lead-up to the lotus season, with the wonderous display of plants at the Blue Lotus Water Garden on show for visitors from near and far.

The garden is filled with plants you won’t see anywhere else in the country and makes a welcome return to abundance after a tough season the year prior.

Owner Geoff Cochrane said every year they try to improve the garden.

“We got early warm weather, we had a dry and warmish September and then October and now we’ve moved into very subtropical weather because we’re getting so much warm, moist air coming across Victoria and we’ve benefited very much from that,” he said.

Turn to page 13 for more

Timber to parks An interim report has found a new national park could link the Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, Lake Eildon and Baw Baw national parks and the Bunyip, Cathedral Range and Moondarra state parks.

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) has published an interim report on the state forests of the Central Highlands, finding that about 300,000 hectares of state forest would be suitable to be considered national parks in the wake of the transition away from native timber harvesting.

YARRA RANGES

With the economic implications to be considered before the final report by the end of July this year, the recommendation could see existing national parks and state forests in the region link up, similarly to the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) proposal.

Parks and Nature Campaigner at the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) Jordan Crook said it’s very exciting news, but not out of the blue.

“The Great Forest National Park idea has always been very well supported across the whole of Victoria and it’s based on science and good long-term data sets, but the push to protect the

forest has been ongoing since almost the early 1900s so it’s good this is finally happening and it’s a great relief.”

The report found that a new national park could ‘link the existing Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, Lake Eildon and Baw Baw national parks and the Bunyip, Cathedral Range and Moondarra state parks’ with minimal conflict to alternative uses or values such as hunting or mineral extraction.

Following the release of the report, the main community concerns have centred around the impact on recreational use and activities such as hunting and camping and the management

RT Edgar

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Communications Manager of the Sporting Shooters Association Australia (SSAA) Victorian branch Barry Howlett said the key issue from a hunter’s perspective is access.

“There are now close to fifty thousand licensed deer hunters in Victoria, a sixfold increase over the past 20 years. We need more places for people to participate in active outdoor recreation, not less.”

More on page 5

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of animals such as deer.

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By Callum Ludwig

Would you work for you?

If you’re an employer, the safety of your young workers is your responsibility.

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WorkSafe Young Workers

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Busy day for Healesville SES Healesville SES had 25 outs in 19 hours on Monday 8 January, including one water rescue, one road crash rescue, 11 tree down incidents, six flooded roads requiring closures, three landslides and three other flooding incidents.

The SES unit would like to thank the community for making good choices during the severe weather conditions and for calling in when they needed assistance or saw something that was a danger to the community.

UYSDA community meeting for Warburton

An array of motorcycle safety upgrades are coming to Gembrook-Launching lace Road.

Picture: ON FILE

Revving up on safety upgrades

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expected to be complete by the end of March 2024.

Crews will be on site at various locations along Gembrook-Launching Place Road from mid-January until late March. Crews will work from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There will be no night works.

There will be minimal impact to road users.

At times, the road around some work zones may be reduced to single lane and 40km/h to ensure safety for construction crews. This would cause delays of up to five minutes.

There are no plans for road closures as part of these works. If unexpected closures are required, the DOTP will advise the community before these take place. There will be no impact to public transport or school buses. Minor delays may occur when travelling through the work zones.

Access to properties in work zones will be maintained at all times.

Traffic management crews will be on site to guide residents and road users through each work zone safely.

Outside of work hours the road will be fully open at reduced speed limits until works are complete and the line marking restored.

Please plan ahead, follow traffic management directions and allow for up to five minutes of additional travel time.

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In times of crisis, you can give

rope safety barriers as lethal, due to the concerted force of an upright, which could also be a telephone pole, tree or lamp post, delivers to someone who stuck it, compared to a smoothsurfaced concrete barrier.

For the upgrades, the DOTP will be; Sealing road shoulders at key locations along the length of the road to help riders and other road users stay in control of their vehicles if they veer off the road and to minimise the amount of loose material that can present a safety risk of being spread on to the road Sealing 13 intersections along the length of the road to help riders and other road users stay in control of their vehicles and to reduce loose materials being spread across the road Installing and upgrading safety barriers appropriate for motorcyclists (including impactabsorbing barrier ends) at key locations along the road patching the road surface at key locations along the length of the road Improving signage and line markings at various locations along the length of the road.

Investigations are also underway at a number of driveways along the length of the road that may pose a safety risk to motorcyclists, with the DOTP to be in direct contact with property owners when they have more details.

Work on all treatments except for driveways is expected to commence by the middle of this mont and weather permitting, the works are

Youth vaping campaign Teachers of year 7-10 students will now have access to a range of new vaping education resources designed to teach young people about the dangers of vaping.

Quit Victoria, in partnership with Monash University, VicHealth, the Victorian Department of Education, Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) Victoria, worked together to develop Seeing Through the Haze: a suite of free, evidence-based, curriculumaligned vaping education resources for Victorian schools. Quit Director, Rachael Andersen commented on how the resources will help schools.

“Almost 1/3 (29.1 per) of secondary students have tried vaping, which presents a very real challenge for schools. Given the strong alignment to the Victorian school curriculum, these resources provide new and best-practice opportunities for engagement in classrooms, something we haven’t had on the important topic of vaping to this point.”

The resources are broken into separate modules to help students get the facts on vaping, to understand how social factors contribute to vaping and to develop anti-vaping campaigns to make change. CEO of Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper AM said the need to help students understand vaping health harms is urgent.

To find out more: vapingfacts.org.au/forschools.

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A plethora of motorcycle safety upgrades are coming to Gembrook-Launching Place Road, delivered by the Department of Transport and Planning (DOTP) and funded by the Motorcycle Transport Levy.

The concerning history of motorcycle accidents on the road indicates just how vital the upgrades are; between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020, there were 44 recorded crashes.

In the last 10 years, 17 motorcyclists have been killed on roads in the Yarra Ranges according to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) searchable road trauma statistics database.

In an online forum, ‘Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia’, on Sunday 17 April 2011, members of the forum discussed the death of a nearly 21-year-old rider who was killed on Gembrook-Launching Place Road after losing control, striking a wire railing, suffered a severe neck injury and dying at the scene. Members initially blamed the death on wire rope safety barriers installed along many roads, often referred to as ‘cheesegraters’ by riders, given their capacity to cause injury when riders fall or slide into them but another rider later posted that it was a private farm fence the deceased rider struck. Australian Motorcycle Council spokesman Guy Stanford in a blog post from Maurice and Blackburn Lawyers also blamed the vertical posts of wire

The Upper Yarra Sustainable Development Alliance (UYSDA) is holding a community meeting in Warburton on the Warburton Urban Design Framework (WUDF) in February.

Following the Yarra Ranges Council’s verdict to defer any decision on the WUDF until March 26 due to a lack of community consultation, the UYSDA wants to engage residents to bring their ideas and learn more about what they can do to halt the WUDF being voted through in its current form.

The UYSDA is concerned about the following, which are directly or indirectly proposed in the WUDF: The relocation of the tennis courts to make way for a road and convert the heritage listed tennis club into a potential commercial enterprise. Encouragement of three storey building development along the river.

Creation of 61 car parks between The Redwoods oval and the Yarra River. Replacement of the historic community-built Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club rooms The community meeting will be held at ADRA Redwood Community Centre on Tuesday 6 February at 7pm.

All enquiries can be directed to yarravalleysdalliance@gmail.com.

www.mckenzies.com.au Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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NEWS

Profits ‘out of sync’: PM

By Andrew Brown, AAP Supermarkets making record profits amid spiralling grocery costs is “out of sync”, the Prime Minister says.

As a review into the code of conduct of supermarkets gathers pace, Anthony Albanese said major chains had a responsibility to ensure customers were not getting ripped off.

Former Labor minister Craig Emerson has been appointed by the federal government to lead the review, which will examine the gap between what is paid to farmers for produce and what customers pay at the checkout.

“We know that at a time when people are doing it tough, the big supermarket chains have been making record profits and we know that there’s something out of sync there,” Mr Albanese told reporters on Thursday.

“And we say to all of the supermarkets and to big business, they have a responsibility to look after customers and my government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary.”

Coles made an profit of more than $1 billion during the 2022/23 financial year, while Woolworths registered a $1.6 billion profit for the same period.

Mr Albanese said major chains needed to pass on reduction of costs on grocery items to customers.

“At the moment the code of conduct is a voluntary one, it’s industry led, but we’re prepared to look at mandating if that is necessary,” he said.

Former consumer watchdog chair Allan Fels said a code of conduct was a small step in the right direction to ensure farmers were receiving a fair price for their produce from supermarkets.

“There has been evidence that the supermarkets put up prices quicker than they lower them,” he told Sky News.

“When the price of lamb for farmers went

Supermarket prices and profits are being reviewed by the Federal government. down earlier this year, there was a very long delay before we saw that passed on in supermarkets.”

The review into the code of conduct will coincide with a Senate inquiry into supermarket prices.

The inquiry will hold hearings in February,

before a final report in May. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said the supermarket sector needed to be more competitive to ensure consumers had cheaper prices.

“Whatever we can do to make any of our sectors more competitive, to deliver a better outcome for customers at a time like this

when real disposable incomes are really being smashed for hardworking Australians, we’ll back and we’ll support,” he told ABC Radio.

“We’ll back sensible policies because we do want to see Australians facing lower prices for their essential items they buy at the supermarket and elsewhere.”

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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NEWS

Operation targets Lilydale

By Mikayla Van Loon Dozens of police and authorised officers from various units were patrolling the Lilydale Railway Station and bus services at Chirnside Park as part of Operation Pentagon last week.

The afternoon of 9 January saw 14 units from transit police, protective services and public order response show a presence at the train station as part of the three day operation, which also visited Frankston and Werribee.

Led by transit police senior sergeant Jarrod Ross, he said the operation was more about visibility and neighbourhood policing than actively arresting and searching.

“That’s probably one of the main reasons for this. People see us out and about and if they want to come and have a chat with us they can,” he said.

Lilydale was selected as a location due to the yearly data, having had an increase in criminal damages and reckless behaviour after the new station opened which saw a rise in police presence at the time.

Being school holidays and with commuters still getting back to work, Senior Sgt Ross said he wasn’t expecting as much activity despite it “being a pretty big station, it’s not one of our busiest” in the east.

Overall, seven people were arrested across the three-day operation, with two of the people residing in the eastern suburbs.

A Woori Yallock man, 35, was arrested for three outstanding warrants, while a Knoxfield woman, 26, was arrested for breaching an intervention order.

Senior Sgt Ross said partnering with authorised officers, both those who can travel outside of their designated train stations and those who man the ticket checks, allows police to run such operations effectively.

“The multi-modal officers can stand out here and get people off buses or trams and they can also do the trains,” he said.

“So if we want to do a big joint operation with all those people, we get authorised officers to cover the train station where they check tickets as people go in and these guys

Transit police, authorised officers and PSOs conducted an operation at Lilydale Train Station on Tuesday 9 January. will come out and they’ll just hit the buses and bays.”

This then gives police a chance to run a name and licence search to find any outstanding warrants or fines.

Targeting buses as well as the stations, Senior Sgt Ross said was an important part of the operation because police find minor assaults and thefts of desired items by teenagers can

occur on certain bus routes.

The operation encouraged people who witnessed unwanted behaviour on public transport to contact their local police station, Crime Stoppers or even transit police.

If there is no immediate danger, or you don’t want to make a formal report, you can inform Victoria Police by texting STOPIT to 0499 455 455 from your mobile phone.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

STOPIT is a non-urgent, text-based notification service for the discreet reporting of unwanted sexual or anti-social behaviours on public transport.

Reporting these crimes informs police of where they need to target, with monthly reports deciding where operations will be conducted or where a police presence is most needed.

Call to link state forests after timber harvesting ends

By Callum Ludwig The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) has published an interim report on the state forests of the Central Highlands, finding that about 300,000 hectares of state forest would be suitable to be considered national parks in the wake of the transition away from native timber harvesting.

With the economic implications to be considered before the final report by the end of July this year, the recommendation could see existing national parks and state forests in the region link up, similarly to the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) proposal.

Born in the Yarra Ranges following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the GFNP has proposed adding 355,000 hectares of forest to the existing 170,000 hectares of protected forests in the Central Highlands to form the park, which would span north to south from Eildon to Yellingbo and east to west from Baw Baw to Kinglake.

Parks and Nature Campaigner at the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) Jordan Crook said it’s very exciting news, but not out of the blue.

“We’ve known for a very long time the forests of the Central Highlands are incredibly important and worthy of national park protection, so it’s good that a government organisation has also found that,” he said.

“The Great Forest National Park idea has always been very well supported across the whole of Victoria and it’s based on science and good long-term data sets, ut the push to protect the forest has been ongoing since almost the early 1900s so it’s good this is finally happening and it’s a great relief.”

The report found that a new national park could ‘link the existing Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, Lake Eildon and Baw Baw national parks and the Bunyip, Cathedral Range and Moondarra state parks’ with minimal conflict mailcommunity.com.au

The Central Highlands could be linked up in a single national park following the release of an interim report from the VEAC. Picture: ON FILE to alternative uses or values such as hunting or mineral extraction.

Other areas such as the upper Thomson catchment, the area between the Yarra Ranges and Lake Eildon National Parks and state forests northwest of the Kinglake National Park are also considered and not ruled out, but have greater conflicts and may be more suited to other land uses such as regional or state park status.

Following the release of the report, the main community concerns have centred around the impact on recreational use and activities such as hunting and camping and the management of animals such as deer.

Communications Manager of the Sporting Shooters Association Australia (SSAA) Victorian branch Barry Howlett said the key issue from a hunter’s perspective is access.

“There are now close to fifty thousand

licensed deer hunters in Victoria, a sixfold increase over the past twenty years. We need more places for people to participate in active outdoor recreation, not less,” “For many Victorians, camping in the forest with the family dog is not only a great way to spend the summer break, it’s the only family holiday they can afford. If you’re going to lock tens of thousands of campers, cyclists, climbers and hunters out of the bush, you must have an excellent reason; VEAC’s report does not provide even an adequate reason,” “You can protect and actively participate in the environment; the two things are not mutually exclusive. With the end of native timber harvesting, the government needs to develop a proper strategy for public land for the next fifty years.”

Generally, hunting is not allowed in national parks, state parks, coastal parks, wilderness parks and regional parks but there are already a number of exceptions throughout the state, including existing hunting specifications in the Baw Baw and Lake Eildon National Parks.

Sean Kilkenny heads Advocacy and Deer Management at the Australian Deer Association and said as long as recreational deer hunting continues as a permitted activity within any changed land tenure, there won’t be a material change in wild deer populations.

“Recreational deer hunting has been shown to be the most effective tool in the deer management toolbox. The only way populations will change is if recreational deer hunters get locked out of the public land, they once had access to,” he said.

“Should a new national park be created, there is no reason why recreational hunting should not be permitted,” “It’s a public land use valued by over 50,000 Victorians that operates harmoniously with all other park users.”

A study on the ‘Abundance of deer in Victoria’ was published by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in October 2023 had 253 sites including 317 camera traps on public land between September 2021 and May 2023 had detected deer at 148 sites, and signs of deer at 186 in that period.

From that, they were able to estimate a total abundance of 191,153, of which 123,061 were Sambar deer, 48,932 were fallow deer, 12,672 were red deer and 4243 were hog deer. In 2021, the Victorian Government established the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement to provide recommendations on the future use of areas of state forest and Immediate Protection Areas, which will now be forced largely on the Central Highlands.

“We welcome VEAC’s interim report, which will be a key consideration for the Eminent Panel that will be undertaking community engagement on the future of the Central Highlands next year,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said.

“Once consultation has been completed the panel will provide a report to government including recommendations for land categories and future uses.”

Mr Crook said the future of the park is all about zoning and keeping people safe.

“You’ll see a lot more people come to these areas now once they become parks, and you don’t want bullets flying past your head when you’re going on a nice bushwalk, mountain bike ride or horse ride, but with appropriate zoning, hunting will be allowed away from high use areas of the park like what already happens,” he said.

“I can’t see the number of camping sites reducing. If anything, I reckon they would expand across the highlands with more designated camping spots to reduce that visitor pressure across the natural areas that are now recovering from logging, but also reducing things like runoff of human waste.”

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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NEWS

Residual fire risk rises

By Callum Ludwig Victoria’s Bushfire Risk Management Report for 2022-2023 was released on 20 December last year, detailing the efforts that went into bushfire management for the year and where fuel loads are at this summer.

The Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Knox and Maroondah regions all sit within the Port Phillip region, along with most of metropolitan Melbourne.

A long-term residual fire risk target of at or below 85 per cent of maximum levels has been set for Port Phillip, up from the 80 per cent target set in 2015 until the boundary was redrawn in 2019. Residual fire risk is the amount of bushfire risk that remains after bushfires and fire management activities, such as planned burns, have taken place. 100 per cent would represent the maximum risk, where the buildup of fuel loads wasn’t reduced by any planned burns or major fires.

Currently, Port Phillip’s residual fire risk is at 89 per cent, with forest fuel loads in outer Metropolitan Melbourne, which stretches out to townships like Lilydale, Wandin, Silvan and Belgrave at 96 per cent and the Yarra District, which includes high-fire risk townships like Yarra Glen, Warburton, Emerald and Gembrook at 88 per cent.

For reference, it is higher than the residual risk just before the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which devastated the Yarra Ranges (about 86 to 87 per cent) and the highest risk percentage since about 2006.

In an infographic summarising the report, the increased risk in the region was considered to have been elevated ‘due to large areas of private land and wet forest which cannot be treated easily with planned burning.’

In the report’s overview of the Port Phillip region, the report states that ‘wet forests to the north and east of Melbourne drive much of the region’s fuel-driven bushfire risk, and these

Planned burning to reduce fuel loads has been scuppered by recent years of La Niña conditions.

Picture: ON FILE areas are typically too damp for large-scale planned burning.’

“This challenge was exacerbated by a third consecutive La Niña year resulting in challenging conditions for planned burning. During spring, fuels were consistently wet with flooding in large parts of the region,” it reads.

“Rain in late March resulted in damp conditions which again prevented burning until late April – when districts were able to opportunistically reduce the fuel in drier sections of planned burns.”

Opportunistic fuel reduction burns in a drying-out period between December and the end of March were undertaken in Powelltown and East Warburton.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the safety of Victorians is their top priority.

“FFMVic along with Victoria’s other fire services are well prepared for the current season with a fleet of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned to maximise early detection and rapid response,” he said.

“We’ve taken every opportunity in the leadup to reduce bushfire risk to communities.

Since July 1, we’ve carried out 76 key bushfire risk reduction burns in areas including Three Bridges, Gembrook and Toolangi,” “This builds on our work with the CFA as part of our Joint Fuel Management Plan to un-

dertake planned burning and other non-burn treatments like slashing, mulching and maintenance of our strategic fuel break network to keep communities safe and build buffer zones around key community assets.”

In the Yarra Ranges alone in 2022-23, FFMVic conducted 6 planned burns which reduced bushfire risk on 1258 hectares of public land as well as undertaking other important risk mitigation work such as strengthening the fuel break network near Healesville and Badger Creek in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Non-burning fuel load treatments such as mulching, slashing and mowing are also not yet factored in risk modelling so it remains to be seen how much of an impact those efforts on 1,756 hectares in 2022-23 (compared to only 1,531 hectares treated by planning burning) would have on the residual fire risk in the region.

According to the report, mechanical fuel treatments are planned to be taken into account in enhanced future risk modelling.

As well as continued mechanical fuel treatments, other immediate actions to reduce risk in the region in the short term include beginning the ‘readiness roster’ earlier in the fire season and ‘considerable pre-season engagement with partner fire agencies’ such as CFA at both the district and brigade levels.

The high-risk percentage in the region is also being considered in the Joint Fuel Management Plan (JFMP) 2023 Strategic Guidance Document, with actions including prioritising areas for fuel management treatments in the greatest risk-reducing areas, reviewing existing fuel management nominations to account for the changes in fuel hazards following three years of La-Niña conditions, nominating fuel management treatments which complement what is delivered in neighbouring regions and planning and preparing additional burns for when conditions are favourable.

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Unusual January deluge

By Mikayla van Loon Heavy rainfall lashed the Yarra Ranges causing unusual early January flash flooding of local streets, roads and floodplains.

In some parts of the shire, rain gauges collected upwards of 100mm in 24 hours, equating to around one sixth of Melbourne’s yearly rainfall average.

Lilydale SES were kept busy as they responded to 76 calls for assistance from the night of Sunday 7 January, with two water rescues required.

“We certainly had a very busy period with 76 requests for assistance in total, the majority of them over the course of Sunday evening into Monday with a couple of local rain gauges recording up to 150 mils of rain in and around the Lilydale/Coldstream area,” unit controller Shaun Caulfield said.

“That varied slightly between some of the locations but there was certainly, in that area, well over 100 mils of rain in 24 hours.

“That significant amount in such a short period of time you end up with the issue of overwhelmed drainage systems and alike leading to a lot of the flash flooding that we saw.”

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Christie Johnson confirmed this “Our rain gauge at Lillydale Lake had 99.4, Mount Evelyn had 97.4, Coldstream had 86.4; a lot of places being over 100 millimetres and some of that did fall in reasonably short periods of time with thunderstorms,” Ms Johnson said.

Ms Johnson said there was a record at The Bureau’s site in Coldstream, which has been open for 31 years, with its highest average daily rainfall reaching 76.2 millimetres to 9am on Monday.

“There were quite a lot of records [across Victoria]. It would be unusual for us to see multiple record breaking rainfalls events in the one month,” she said.

“We’re probably not expecting anything of the same order as what we saw in the last 24 hours or 48 hours.”

While the “usual suspects” like Melba Highway coming into Yarra Glen, as well as the racecourse, flooded, Mr Caulfield said what made it unusual this time was water pooled on the highway between Macintyre Lane and St Huberts Road in Yering.

“We also saw it in some less common areas such as on Swansea Road outside Lillydale Lake. There were some quite isolated heavy falls in that south area of Mount Evelyn,” he said.

“We saw a lot of water running, literally running down Hereford Road. There was probably 30 centimetre deep water flowing down the full width of Hereford Road which obviously comes down and goes around the corner try-

Flooding at Morokai Grove in Lilydale from Monday 8 January. ing to get to Lillydale Lake.”

This was the location of one of the required rescues, with the other occurring in Wandin.

“Someone had driven into that water and the stretch of road that was underwater was probably about three to 400 metres long, stretching from the roundabout at Swansea Road and Anderson Street, all the way past the front of the lake,” Mr Caulfield said.

“The gentleman’s small car didn’t make it through the water and he stopped in the middle and was floating along in the water. Our team we’re on scene within about five minutes of the call coming in and we’re able to get him safely out of his car.”

Residents in and around Bristol Crescent confirmed major flooding occurred yet again despite drainage works, with one resident saying “it was bad, it flooded my property and neighbours again”.

Bristol Crescent and surrounding streets like Valencia Road were severely impacted in October 2022, with river-like water flowing through backyards and pushing down fences.

The streets of Morokai Grove and Nimblefoot Way were also yet again inundated by flooding, with photos posted to the Lilydale Flood Watch group page on Facebook showing the extent of the high levels of water.

A section of the road on Charles Road in

Pictures: LILYDALE FLOOD WATCH

Lilydale also fell away in a small landslip. Other roads impacted included Coldstream West Road in Coldstream, Paynes Road in Chirnside Park and Hardy Street in Lilydale.

Mr Caulfield said while Lilydale SES’s coverage area was impacted quite heavily, regions across the state experienced much worse.

“We’ve seen impacts recede more quickly.

So there’s still a lot of water standing around but we’re not seeing the impact as much,” he said.

“We had a few calls from people who have had repeated exposure to this flash flooding and obviously they become quite concerned but the water levels were no higher than a couple of the more recent events such as October ‘22 and June ‘21 events.

“So whilst they were concerned they weren’t necessarily directly impacted this time because although we had a lot of rain in a very short period of time it wasn’t sustained to the point where it built up over a day or so.

“Luckily we didn’t really have any real wind with this event either with the ground being so wet, had we had wind as well we could have seen a lot more tree jobs, we only had a couple of trees and roof related jobs.

“The majority were flooding or water coming into the house or through overwhelmed gutters and drainage which unfortunately

Flood waters in Nimblefoot Way. does happen because none of the drainage systems are really set up for 100 mils in a few hours.”

VicSES had received a total of 1717 requests for assistance as of Tuesday morning (9 January), with a total of 49 water rescues.

While a flood warning was still in place for the Yarra River downstream to Coldstream on Tuesday, with it expected to peak that night, Mr Caulfield said “it should peak at under the moderate flood level”.

Melba Highway was reopened to drivers on Tuesday as well.

The outer east can expect to see average weather conditions for the remainder of summer, according to Ms Johnson.

“In terms of looking forward for the rest of summer, long term climate outlooks for the Melbourne and the Dandenongs area are not showing a strong signal towards either wet or dry, but average conditions,” she said.

“Part of the reason we’ve been seeing these sort of thunderstorm outbreaks is because we have very warm sea surface temperatures off the east coast at the moment, so anytime we get easterly winds, those are bringing very humid tropical air over Victoria, which is why we’re getting thunderstorms that are probably more reminiscent of what you get in Queensland with that tropical air.”

Yarra Ranges on the list for disaster assistance funding Jointly funded disaster assistance has been activated for communities, including the Yarra Ranges, impacted by the Victorian floods and storms that commenced on 24 December 2023, under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The assistance is available for communities and councils within the registered Local Government Areas of: Alpine Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Benalla Rural City, Campaspe Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mansfield Shire, Mitchell Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, South Gippsland Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Wellington Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire.

Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) is continuing to work with local councils to understand the assistance required to support communities following the floods and storms. Councils can notify ERV of impacts via the Claims Management System or email ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au. Further councils may be added in the coming days.

Eligible community members whose homes have been impacted by the Victorian floods and storms can access emergency relief assistance through the Personal Hardship mailcommunity.com.au

Assistance Program (PHAP) led through the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

You are eligible for a relief payment if you have unmet immediate relief needs and: Your principal place of residence is, or was, in an evacuation warning area, and the floods or storms have damaged your home; or Your home has flooded above the floor.

Assistance under the PHAP includes a one-off payment of $640 per adult and $320 per child up to a maximum of $2,240 per eligible family to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation. Payments are a fixed amount for each member of a household and are not calculated based on how much money you earn.

“I want to assure those affected that we are working as quickly as possible to make assistance available and I want to thank emergency services personnel and volunteers for their efforts,” emergency management Federal minister Murray Watt said.

“Although the majority of the floodwaters have peaked and the forecast is for conditions to ease over the coming days, the impact on communities will be long-lasting and we will

· ·

continue to work closely to support recovery efforts.”

Support from the both State and Federal Governments will also provide funding for Local Governments’ counter disaster operations, including making residential properties safe and habitable, and emergency works for urgent transport, infrastructure and public assets restoration.

“By making emergency relief assistance available it goes someway to help with the immediate needs of Victorians who in many cases are still recovering from previous significant emergency events in recent years,” emergency services minister Jaclyn Symes said.

If you think you may be eligible for a relief payment, please visit an Emergency Relief Centre, or call your local council. You can search for your local council at vic.gov.au/ know-your-council.

If your business has been impacted, reference your insurance policies or contact your local council for support.

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at disasterassist.gov.au and the VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

Assistance for people living in the Yarra Ranges who have been impacted by flooding is on the way.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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Housing onus on council

By Callum Ludwig The Victorian Government has put the onus on councils across the state to help them deliver crucial housing stock where it’s needed as part of a new plan for Victoria.

The new plan, building on the Housing Statement announced in September 2023, will require councils to meet housing targets in a plan to increase housing supply and density over the next 30 years.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said they’re travelling to all corners of the state to hear from Victorians how they can address important issues like housing, affordability, jobs, infrastructure and sustainability and develop a new vision for the state.

“Building on our landmark Housing Statement – a new plan for Victoria will set out what our towns, cities and regions look like as we get on with building 800,000 new homes over the next decade and millions more into the 2050s,” she said.

“The status quo is not an option - by acting now, we can work together as a state to ensure we maintain and build on what we love for future generations.”

The targets for councils will include where and how many houses should be built, with consultation having begun late last year.

Yarra Ranges Council appears well-placed to take on the challenge, with the council’s own Housing Strategy announced in October last year identifying the townships where improved supply and density of housing should be targeted.

Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at Yarra Ranges Council Kath McClusky said Yarra Ranges Council recognises that housing is a fundamental human right.

“Providing more housing stock and having access to housing choices that are well located, affordable, safe and secure enables people to live with dignity, provides access to education and employment choices, and encourages participation in everyday community life,” she said.

“Our planning scheme is guided by State Government policies which includes future housing requirements, so we’re looking forward to working with the State Government on the new Plan Victoria so that they’re aware of the unique challenges we have in Yarra Ranges,” “Our draft Housing Strategy aligns with some of the State Government’s policies, such as providing more housing in suitable areas that are close to major activity centres and public transport, while also encouraging the creation of diversified housing to meet the needs of a growing and changing population.”

The population of the Yarra Ranges is expected to grow by almost 23,000 by 2041 alone, while Victoria’s population is anticipated to exceed 10.3 million by 2051. A goal of 2.24 million homes across the state would be required to keep up with that growth, including a target of 425,600 in the regional and rural areas.

Yarra Ranges Council identified Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park as target townships for higher-density housing as well as suitable medium-density development in the townships of Mount Evelyn, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.

In the Yarra Ranges, stand-alone dwellings currently make up 93.3 per cent of the housing stock, while the total housing share in the urban areas will rise from 69.3 per cent over 2016-2021 to 82 per cent over the 15 years from 2021-2036.

Lilydale is one township that can expect higher-density housing as part of a new plan for Victoria.

Picture: ON FILE

Properties protected by conservation covenants now exempt from land tax

By Callum Ludwig Trust for Nature is celebrating the start of 2024 and the arrival of land tax exemptions for properties protected by conservation covenants.

From the start of the year, landowners can apply for an exemption from the tax on land protected by a conservation covenant through Trust for Nature.

Nature Markets Manager at Trust for Nature Mat Hardy said they’re thrilled that the Victorian Government has made this change, which will encourage more landholders to protect their land for nature.

“We expect this will play a significant role in increasing uptake of covenants in certain parts of the state where landholders may benefit from the exemption, particularly in the areas around Melbourne,” he said.

“For instance, landholders with bush blocks who don’t live on the property and subject to land tax may no longer have to pay land tax if they protect their property with a covenant.”

A conservation covenant is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and Trust for Nature which help to protect land with natural, cultural or scientific values, through the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972.

The exemption will only apply to the area of land on a property that is protected by the covenant and non-protected land will retain its previous land tax liability.

Often the covenants are split into ‘tiers’, depending on if different parts of a property require different restrictions or management.

For example, a regenerating forest tier requires more management for healthy growth than a mature forest tier.

Mr Hardy said Trust for Nature has protected over 114,000 hectares across Victoria, including over 780 hectares in the Yarra Ranges Shire on 43 conservation covenants.

“The Yarra Ranges play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy, through protecting water supplies and storing large amounts of carbon in Mountain Ash forests. Further, the Yarra Ranges are home to critically endangered species such as the Leadbeater’s Possums and Helmeted Honeyeaters,” he said.

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Land protected with by a conservation covenant through Trust for Nature is now exempt from land tax.

Picture: ON FILE landholders can play an incredible role in safeguarding these and other species and keeping Victoria’s environment healthy.”

Once landowners receive their 2024 land tax assessment, done between mid January to late June, they will then be eligible to apply for a conservation covenant exemption.

To apply, the landowners must provide the State Revenue Office (SRO) with their customer number, the address of the covenanted property, what the land is used for, eg: primary home, secondary home, primary production land (including all uses if there is multiple, a copy of the conservation covenant and the date of commencement of the covenant.

Mr Hardy said protecting your land with a conservation covenant is an incredible contribution to conservation.

“Because covenants are permanent, they continue protecting habitat even if the property is sold, so you’re really leaving a legacy for future generations. A covenant is also a responsibility, as landholders need to care for and manage the habitat on their land,” he said.

“Trust for Nature provides expert advice on managing conservation covenants

to landholders.”

Applications for the exemption can be received online through My Land Tax (from April 2024 onwards), by contacting the SRO online or by writing to the SRO at: State Revenue Office GPO Box 1641 Melbourne, VIC, 3001 Mr Hardy said protecting private land with covenants creates privately protected areas that contribute to protection targets, and helps secure a world for future generations where nature is healthy.

“We need to rapidly expand the area of land protected for conservation to prevent further extinctions, fight climate change and meet global and Australian targets to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land area by 2030,” he said.

“Nearly two-thirds of Victoria is privately owned, and 90 per cent of the natural habitat remaining on private land is not in designated protected areas and thus at risk of loss.”

Landholders can express interest in a covenant at: trustfornature.org.au/what-we-do/submityour-expression-of-interest

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Rental dead spot MCG Quantity Surveyors’ latest data reveals an acute shortage in rental listings across Australia, with a number of Yarra Ranges postcodes almost bare.

Managing director of MCG Quantity Surveyors Mike Mortlock said the December data paints a stark picture for the Australian rental market.

“Regions like Greater Melbourne and Greater Brisbane, which traditionally have robust rental markets, are showing an alarming decrease in rental listings,” he said.

“This scarcity, though a hardship for renters, presents a unique opportunity for investors, especially with the potential shift in interest rates in 2024.”

In the Yarra Ranges, both Upwey and Montrose had only one rental property advertised in December, while only having 147 and 107 private rentals in their postcodes respectively.

Two Upper Yarra postcodes, 3139 (Seville East, Wandin East, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Wandin North, Launching Place, Woori Yallock, Seville, Don Valley, Wandin North - 245 private rentals total) and 3797 (Yarra Junction, Powelltown, Gladysdale, Three Bridges - 106 rentals total) each only had three rental properties listed in December, despite the abundance of townships that fall within.

Rental availability is dire in parts of the Yarra Ranges.

Picture: ON FILE mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

A history of Vic forestry

By Philip Hopkins The following is part one of a three-part opinion submission, detailing the history of forestry in Victoria, namely in Gippsland and the Central Highlands, submitted by freelance forestry writer Philip Hopkins.

As of January 1, Victoria’s hardwood industry is now largely gone, with harvesting of timber from native forests on Crown land no longer permitted.

Gippsland’s native forest is part of the vast swathe of forest that stretches along the Great Dividing Range from the Dandenongs to behind Brisbane.

It’s integral to Australia having the seventh biggest forest estate in the world after Russia, Brazil, Canada, the US, China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Victoria is still one-third forest, even after land clearing for agriculture and towns and cities.

These hardwood forests have provided Victorians with high-quality timber for housing, such as framing, flooring and windows, and furniture – beds, dining tables, chairs, sideboards and kitchen fit-outs. Victorian Ash has been used in engineered wood as huge columns and beams that are as strong as steel.

Lower-quality hardwood timber has become fences, garden stakes and pallets while traditionally; pulp was turned into white copy paper at Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill.

The timber was largely harvested under the forestry science and sustainable practices that were developed in Germany in the 18th Century and then spread throughout much of the Western world. These practices were adapted to Australian conditions.

The former Andrews Government’s decision to close Victoria’s native forest industry is the culmination of successive cutbacks in the timber available to industry over the past 50 years.

Key drivers were the huge expansion of national parks and other reserves that exclude timber harvesting; increasing environmental protection in state forests available for timber production in federal-state agreements; relentless pressure from green groups; dubious political decisions; the massive fires of the past two decades; and new harvesting techniques.

The 1939 Black Friday bushfires had a massive impact; the Central and East Gippsland forests were opened to harvesting to provide timber for the post-war building boom due to the damaged hardwood forest close to Melbourne.

The then Forests Commission realised that the relentless use of the hardwood forests in the housing boom, particularly as post-war immigration grew rapidly, was unsustainable.

Forest researchers pushed to develop a softwood resource for use in general house framing; the upshot was the dramatic expansion in the 1960s of pine plantations over the next 20 years based on interest-free Commonwealth loans.

From the 1950s to the early 1970s, quality native hardwood saw log production was 1.2 to 1.5 million cubic metres per year (m3/yr), ac-

A history of native forestry in Victoria. cording to a paper by the former chief executive of the then Victorian Association of Forest Industries, the late Graeme Gooding, who grew up in Seaspray.

In 1970, only 205,267 hectares of national parks had been created in Victoria’s native forests. In that year, the State Coalition Government formed the Land Conservation Council, which over the next three decades established an extensive reserve system founded on sound science. The studies included special investigations into wilderness, rivers and streams.

Out of that process, an extensive reserve system was created, including the Alpine National Park and other national parks in East Gippsland.

In 1985, at the instigation of the Cain Labor Government, the Professor of Forestry at Melbourne University, Ian Ferguson, conducted a Timber Industry Inquiry – the first public forestry inquiry since 1897 - that was described as an “excellent report” by the

Coldstream Post Office Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Supermarket Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Roadrunners Roadhouse Cafe 629 Maroondah Highway Healesville Real Estate Yarra Valley 299 Maroondah Highway Healesville BP Ultimate 66 Maroondah Highway Healesville McKenzie's Tourist Services 13 Old Lilydale Road Healesville Newsagent 195 Maroondah Highway Healesville IGA Supermarket 199 Maroondah Highway Healesville SW Hollis Butcher 209 Maroondah Highway Healesville Sanctuary House Resort Motel 326 Badger Creek Road Healesville Shell Service Station Cnr Harker Street and Maroondah Highway Healesville Coles Supermarket 251 Maroondah Highway Healesville Caltex 370 Maroondah Highway Healesville First National/Mark Gunther 189 Maroondah Highway Healesville Beechworth Bakery 316 Maroondah Highway Launching Place Charlie's Milk Bar 2 Centella Place Launching Place General Store 2200 Warburton Highway Launching Place Caltex Log Cabin Service Station 2000 Warburton Highway Lilydale Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway Lilydale United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

Picture: ON FILE responsible Minister.

Out of that inquiry came the highly praised 1986 Victorian Timber Industry Strategy (TIS), which introduced detailed forest management plans; the Code of Forest Practice, where harvesting was prohibited in streamside buffers and steep slopes; water catchment management; audits of compliance; action for endangered species; coupe plans; saw log traceability; and 15-year licences for industry.

Under TIS, sustainable yield was calculated on a regional basis by foresters who had an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the forests, with help from aerial photography. Areas of forest were to be harvested on a rotation of 80 years. ‘Sustainable yield’ basically means that trees must be regrown to replace those cut down to guarantee a long-term timber supply.

The Federal Government then took a hand in what had been a state responsibility; the Commonwealth produced a national forest policy statement in 1992 that aimed to create

a long-term consistent approach to forest conservation and management.

It had been inspired by the 1992 Rio Earth conference and the subsequent action by leading timber nations, who met in Montreal, Canada and drew up recommendations for sustainable forestry. The 1995 National Forest Policy Statement (NFPS) emphasised the need for a landscape-focussed approach to conservation and forestry, and which became the basis to prepare the Keating Labor government’s Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs), described by Mr Gooding as a “ground-breaking process”.

“Few if any countries around the world … attempted such a detailed national systematic analysis with a view to establishing a CAR (comprehensive, adequate and representative) forest reserve system,” he said.

Continued in next week’s edition of the Star Mail.

Warburton Shell Service Station 3458 Warburton Highway Lilydale 7-Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway 7 Cave Hill Road Warburton Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 3371 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Village News Agents Lilydale Village Warburton Bell Real Estate 3407 Warburton Highway Lilydale Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Wesburn Local Fuel 2835 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Village Lilydale Village Woori Yallock Foodworks Woori Yellock 1/1585 Warburton Highway Lilydale Lilydale Aged Care 475 Swansea Road Woori Yallock Newsagency & Tattslotto Shop 4/ 1585 Warburton Highway Lilydale BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Hillcrest Little Store Great Food 1745 Warburton Highway Lilydale Eastern Laundries 2/4 Williams Street East Woori Yallock Shell Service Station Foodies 1700 Warburton Highway Millgrove Newsagency Shop 5/ 3043 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Australia Post LPO Shop 11 / 1585 Warburton Highway, The Centre Millgrove Millgrove Licensed Grocers 3039 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Ritchies IGA Shop 1/38 Bell Street Millgrove Millgrove Village Bakery 4/3039 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Caltex Petrol Station 66 Bell Street Seville Woolworths Seville 568 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen Newsagent 32 Bell Street Seville Woolworths Caltex Service Station 568 Warburton Highway Yarra Glen United Garage 6 Bell Street Seville Post Office 634-638 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Woolworths Supermarket 82-84 Warburton Highway Wandin North Fast Fuel Wandin 389-391 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bottle O 2440 Warburton Highway Wandin North IGA X-Press Wandin North Plus Liquor 388 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bell Real Estate 2457 Warburton Highway Wandin North Landmark Harcourts Wandin Real Estate 1/362 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Newsagency 2454 Warburton Highway Wandin North Wandin Newsagency Shop 18/2 Union Road Yarra Junction Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 2460 Warburton Highway Warburton IGA Supermarket 3465 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Yarra Junction Community Link 2442-2444 Warburton Highway Warburton K G Thomas Ply Ltd Insurance 1/3395 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Gladysdale Bakehouse 2568 Warburton Hwy Warburton The Valley Bakery Warburton 3415 Warburton Highway Yellingbo Central Store 1942 Healesville-Kooweerup Road

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 9

NEWS

Holy Fools achieves dream

By Mikayla van Loon It was an exciting end to 2023 for homelessness not-for-profit organisation, Holy Fools, securing a space in Lilydale to set up the only drop in centre for urban Yarra Ranges.

Taking over the lease on the property at 19 Hutchinson Street, Holy Fools founder and CEO Neal Taylor said it all just fell into place at the right time.

“It was just the right timing. The lease on our office in Montrose is up for renewal and we’ve loved being in that place but the problem was that the lease was coming up and they wanted to increase the rent. So we thought we’d just have a look around,” he said.

Having previously been the CIS Yarra Ranges Op Shop, the building was needing a new purpose with plans for the space already being developed.

“We’ll keep the office going on a much smaller scale here and be more of a drop in centre for people.

“So the plan is to scale back some of the stuff that we were doing but go back to doing some of our roots work. “[We would like to look at] building a disabled toilet, disabled shower, and also a wet area for a washing machine. So that’s the vision. We want to have a kitchen in here as well and also a space for people to hang out.”

Around 12 years ago, when Holy Fools was just getting started, Neal said a collaboration with the Salvation Army saw the set up of a drop in centre on Clarke Street but it was much smaller in size.

“This is a much larger space and we can have the shower and the toilets here, we’ve got the space to be able to offer this stuff now. We could do a lot in here and help people.

“Both the showers and washing machines are two big things that people who are on the street are desperately needing and we’re able to provide those and give them some care.”

Local plumbers and electricians have already offered to help get the space ready, with

Holy Fools founder Neal Taylor stands in the empty new home of the drop in centre at 19 Hutchinson Street Lilydale.

Neal hoping to engage TAFE students as well to help with the refurbishment.

Not only does Neal have hopes of this Lilydale drop in centre acting as a base for Holy Fools but also for other homelessness and housing support organisations.

“This could also be a referral centre for anyone who needs help. So Anchor was quite excited to be able to talk to people down here.

We’ll work with Stable One when it’s back in operation over the winter and things of that sort to help people when they need it,” he said.

Neal said he has also had discussions with

Feed One Feed All and Outer East Foodshare about setting up a community cupboard or food drop off point to add to the services provided.

In prime position for foot traffic, shoppers and commuters, the 19 Hutchinson Street location will be an easy access point for people who need support or advice.

“This has been our primary dream, to have a space like this,” Neal said.

“There’s lots of possibilities but we need to be wise about what we’re doing so we’re not just doing it for the sake of doing it, we’re doing it for a reason.”

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

A date hasn’t been set for the opening of the centre, the plan being just to chip away at getting set up over the coming months as the notfor-profit finds the funds and the resources.

Getting back to the normal programming of Street Angels on Wednesday 17 January, Neal said for now the space will be used as a wet weather venue for the community lunches.

On Sunday 14 January an open day was held to allow people to explore the new space and ask any questions relating to its use or volunteering.

The Chirnside Park ARC facility will remain open as normal.

Thousands register for final Oxfam Trailwalker event

By Tyler Wright Several mums of the hills are set to take part in the last ever Oxfam Trailwalker in March; walking more than 50 kilometres over two days for a good cause.

Kallista local Annemarie Meijerink, part of the MOTHS Mums of the Hills walking group, is set to walk 55 kilometres from March 1 to March 3 as part of Oxfam’s goal to raise funds to end poverty, joined by friends Carolynne Macnaughtan, Belinda Hartigan and Rosemary Russo.

“We all enjoy walking together frequently and we’ve recently started early this year increasing our hiking and walking to stay fit and socialise at the same time and explore the hills,” Annemarie said.

“We were talking about ‘how can we push our goals and extend our practice?’ and talking about Oxfam and a few of the girls that we’ve walked with have done it before and they were really keen.

“We found out it was going to be the last Oxfam [Trailwalker] ever, which made us even more determined.”

In September last year, Oxfam announced it would wrap up the event ever after 25 years and raising more than $100 million to help eliminate poverty.

According to the charity, around 100,000 Australians in various capital cities have tackled the ‘ultimate endurance challenge,’ which sees small teams walk 100km, 50km or 30km through some of Australia’s most picturesque landscapes to raise funds to support Oxfam’s lifesaving work, since the event launched in 1999.

Oxfam Trailwalker program manager Maddie Walsh said it has been “such an incredibly iconic” event over the last 25 years, with the cost of living impacting people’s ability to fundraise and the market for fundraising walks playing a part in the decision to stop the event.

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Annemarie Meijerink, Rose Russo, Carolynne MacNaughtan and Belinda Hartigan (pictured) are set to walk 55 kilometres in the upcoming Oxfam Trailwalker through the Dandenongs; which will be the last event since it began 25 years ago.

Picture: SUPPLIED “We’re shifting all of our energy towards celebrating the final event now, and we absolutely can’t wait to share it with as many people as possible,” Maddie said.

“We have over 3000 already registered, which is incredible.

“We’re really excited that it’s gotten so much traction for the last time and we can

make as big an impact as possible.”

Teams of three to six people walking 100 kilometres will start at Puffing Billy Railway’s Gembrook station, with the 55-kilometre and 33-kilometres walkers setting off from Silvan Reservoir Park.

“The trail is absolutely beautiful; It’s now in the gorgeous Dandenongs region,”

Maddie said.

“It goes through Puffing Billy Railway, which is amazing.

“Everyone goes through the 1000 steps, and everyone finishes at Lysterfield Lake, which is a gorgeous scenic area as well.”

Maddie said the finish line moment is something “magical” and “emotional”.

“Seeing grown men and families walk across the finish line with tears running down their face, I get goosebumps even thinking about it,” she said.

“It’s an emotional experience and an incredible challenge and to see people cross that finish line and feel really proud of themselves for achieving something so big. “ Annemarie and the rest of the Mums of the Hills team have organised a fundraising event at the Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, with those hoping to attend able to purchase a ticket to the movie Wish on Sunday 21 January from 2pm to 4pm to go towards the cause.

“We decided that it’s not just about the distance, it’s also about whole training; strength training and make sure you do stretches,” she said.

“We have planned to kind of do a longer walk every couple of weeks, and then in between that once a week and a medium walk, and then also strength training and a stretch session.

“Because we all do it in different areas of the hills and we all have families and life, we don’t necessarily all do all the walks and trainings together.”

The team had raised $454 for Oxfam at the time of writing.

To view information on the hills’ mum’s journey at the Trailwalker, visit trailwalker. oxfam.org.au/t/moths-mums-of-the-hills Tickets to the group’s fundraising event can also be purchased by searching ‘wish upon a cause’ at trybooking.com mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Free basketball is here

By Callum Ludwig A series of come ‘n try basketball sessions are being held at the Yarra Centre through January to help encourage local residents to get engaged in community sport.

The free sessions will be held on Tuesday 16, 23 and 30 January from 1pm to 2.30pm, particularly aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds, but those older are also welcome.

Reclink Australia are helping facilitate the sessions and Sports Coordinator for the Yarra Ranges Anthea Merson said Reclink’s goal is to bring people together through sport and other recreation.

“Part of our goal is finding people who may have been marginalised for whatever reason and giving them access to something they may not have been able to access otherwise, whether that’s the social connection, whether that’s the professional coaching or the safe space to come and play and be around other people with the same interests,” she said.

“If that does get them joining a team, forming that social connection and those health benefits, that’s even better, we’d love to see that,” “We’ve got a young local woman, Sophie, who will be doing the coaching for us, she’s a very skilled young local player, so it’s great as well to be providing some employment for a young local person.”

All skill levels are welcome, even for those who may have never picked up a basketball before, and the Yarra Centre and the sessions are disability accessible, including the changing and shower facilities. Free fruit and water will be provided at the sessions. Referees Advisor and Vice President of the Upper Yarra Basketball Association (UYBA), which is played in the Yarra Centre stadium, Paul Traynor said they are happy to be helping out.

“Hopefully we get more players out of it, playing basketball and getting off the couch and out there doing something and coach whoever comes along, we hold coaching sessions normally and games played here every day of the week except Wednesday,” he said.

“Even though basketball is a skilled game, we have a lot of players here that had never picked up a ball, let alone a basketball before and we give them opportunities to actually learn the skills as they play so they don’t have to do a big training program or spend lots of

L-R: Casey Dykes, Paul Traynor and Anthea Merson in the Yarra Centre stadium. money on all the equipment.”

The series of basketball sessions are a collaborative effort; VicHealth has provided funding for Reclink Australia to deliver the program, Belgravia Leisure is glad to see the sessions held in the Yarra Centre facility with the UYBA in support while Eastern Health and Inspiro are on board to support and promote the program and the benefits it has for community health and connection.

Health Promotion Officer at Eastern Health Casey Dykes said one of their priority areas is

increasing physical activity and active living.

“Obviously this falls perfectly into that and we also focus on other health areas including fostering resilient aspects for inclusive communities and social connection and those sort of things,” she said.

“Something like this provides the community with the physical activity, social connection and reduces isolation which is what we’re all about so we are here to partner with the other organisations and provide that.”

Recreation and sporting opportunities are a

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG key focus in the Yarra Ranges, with Yarra Ranges Council setting a goal to aim to increase physical activity by 15 percent over the next 10 years in their Active Recreation plan passed in October 2023.

Through their community engagement prior to the plan, 89 percent of residents who responded said they would be more active if there were something interesting, appealing, accessible and convenient for them available.

For any enquiries about the basketball sessions, call Ms Merson at 0434 163 391.

Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival’s returning after hiatus On Sunday 21 January, the beautiful greens of Wesburn Park will burst alive with long ears and hearty brays to mark the return of the Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival since the very successful first edition nine years ago.

Donkeys will be coming from far and wide to compete and display their diversity and charm to an audience of enthusiastic onlookers, with over 2000 people and 40 donkeys having attended the 2015 festival.

Event organiser Linda Jay spoke to the Star Mail in September 2023 when the event was announced and said she probably got asked once a week when the next festival would be.

This year’s Donkey Festival will have categories in showing, riding, driving, standard jump, fancy dress, and even a class for donkeys entering the ring for the first time.

Stand or sit around the arena and cheer on your favourite donkey as they step up to the challenges put before them in the ring.

There will also be guest speakers, who will discuss health and hoof issues, including vet Kim Johnson from Yarra Ranges Vet Clinic and Andrew Bowe of Barefoot Blacksmith an expert farrier/author/teacher who will demonstrate and answer questions about donkey hoof care.

Beyond all of the competitions and speakers, there will also be live music from the fabulous Cajun band, Harmaniax, as well as donkey rides, show rides, market stalls, food and coffee vans and a classic car display ensuring there is something for everyone.

The event will support several community groups including the Donkey Society of Victoria, the Upper Yarra Pony Club, and the Upmailcommunity.com.au

The first Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival for nine years, organised Linda Jay (pictured) of The Donkey Shop, is coming up on Sunday 21 January.

Picture: MICHELLE KNOLL per Yarra SES Unit.

The event runs from 10am to 6pm and if you need to find out any more, you can

contact Linda Jay at 0409 664 074 or info@ thedonkeyshop.com.au for anything about donkeys, publicity or the 2015 event or Mike

Bedford at 0421 217 257 or circatt@optusnet. com.au for anything on the logistics of the event, show rides or market stalls.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Healesville Library’s Christmas lunch on 21 December 2023.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rose Herring and Sharni Steel from the library.

Library’s Christmas spirit

By Dongyun Kwon The Healesville Library hosted a Christmas lunch on Thursday 21 December 2023, running off the back of its community meals program.

The program started in June 2022 inspired by the idea of the Tuscan Contrada-style din-

ner with the notion of ‘building a longer table rather than a higher fence’ to provide an opportunity for people to meet each other in a safe environment under the purpose of social inclusion.

It was free of charge, same as the library’s other community meal programs, to make more people in the community be included.

Rebecca and her son Elliot from Healesville.

A big thumbs up from Vanessa for the Christmas lunch.

Julie and Keith with Rose Herring (centre).

12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

MP Aaron Violi draws the door prize with Sabina Wills. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Attempt to spot all the different varieties of water lilies.

The wonders of the Blue Lotus Water Garden are open to visitors until April.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

A lot of lovely blue lotuses

By Callum Ludwig Prime weather conditions have bolstered a wonderful garden experience you won’t find anywhere else at the Blue Lotus Water Garden in Yarra Junction this year.

Having opened for the season on Boxing Day, the garden is open for its 18th season until 14 April.

Owner Geoff Cochrane said they tried to improve the garden every year.

“We got early warm weather, we had a dry and warmish September and then October and now we’ve moved into very subtropical weather because we’re getting so much warm, moist air coming across Victoria and we’ve benefited very much from that,” he said.

“We spend the off season getting the garden prepared for the following season, so each year we like to think we’re making improvements and we had everything up to scratch when we opened this year so it’s probably the best it’s ever looked.”

Thousands more flower buds can be seen this season than last, with one of the most noticeable attractions, the Amazon Waterlily (one of the largest waterlily species in the world), having already grown lily pads that are three times bigger than December 2022.

Mr Cochrane said it was a very big contrast to last year, in which it felt as though it was Christmas time before they got out of winter.

“We opened on 26 December and we hardly had a lotus flower out last season. It did our reputation harm because it took about three weeks before we got a reasonable number of flowers out,” he said.

“This is a unique garden. There’s nothing like it in Australia. You can’t go anywhere else but here to see such a big display of water flowers,” “This is a garden where the flowers do the talking, and that’s why it’s difficult for me to do the talking, you actually need to come and see it for yourself.”

When the weather’s nice, the garden can attract over 1000 visitors in a day.

For visitors who have been before, check out the greater display of perennial flowering plants that have been added to the collection, walk through the new archways, see the new subtropical area and its artificial creek and make a note to visit later in the season where the garden will be home to a large display of begonias in hanging baskets when the weather is cooler.

Mr Cochrane encouraged Upper Yarra residents to get the discounted local’s season pass and enjoy the garden whenever they like throughout the season.

“It’s always a hard one, you don’t visit your local tourist spot, you visit tourist spots when you go on holiday so it’s always a battle to get locals to come to a local tourist attraction but all the locals that come here love it every year,” he said.

“Bring friends and family and feel free to have a picnic here, that’s what most people do. We’ve got a dozen or more gas barbecues around the garden and you can spend half a day here if you like.”

The local discount for the season pass applies to anyone who lives within 25km of the garden. mailcommunity.com.au

Andrew and Shereen Grimes admire the waterlilies.

Bask at the views of the surrounding hills.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Temi holding a flower in the garden.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 13

NEWS

Music and paint combine

By Callum Ludwig The combined talents of a newlywed couple are on display in the Warburton Waterwheel gallery throughout January.

‘Breath of Nature’ combines the mixed media offerings of Brigid Burke with the oil landscape paintings of Steven Broughton.

Mr Broughton said when they decided that Warburton was their favourite place, they started to research in finding somewhere where to exhibit in the town.

“We’ve done it before, we had a gallery down on the (Mornington) peninsula but we closed that down after a couple of years because we weren’t getting the walk-ins., the exhibitions were great, we were getting 60-70 people through and were selling paintings, but we weren’t getting the walk-ins through the week,” he said.

“We were looking for a pop-up shop or a retail scenario to exhibit at in Warburton and whilst there wasn’t anywhere available for us, we came to the information centre and saw the space here, made some inquiries, were accepted to exhibit and the space became ours.”

Beyond the paintings of Mr Broughton and visual art pieces of Ms Burke found on the wall, visitors to the gallery have also enjoyed flute and clarinet performances from Ms Burke, accompanied by various other artists, performing most days of the month from 2.15pm to 3.15pm.

Ms Burke said she performs to the paintings.

“I was playing more traditional works in the classical idiom of mine and other composers, but it’s such a live, beautiful space that I decided to just improvise within the space to the paintings, and it seems to work,” she said.

“My work is all about movement and with nature, every time you go out there, it changes.”

The celebration of nature can be prominently seen through the number of seascapes and riverscapes on display, including those reminiscent of Warburton itself.

Mr Broughton said they have already had visitors come in from the information centre to the sounds of the music.

“They hear the sound, and it just draws them into the gallery, and it’s a surprise to them, it’s a positive, warming feeling, the work that Brigid does,” he said.

“For me,the river and the bush is constantly moving, constantly changing shape and colour, depending on what time, but I’ve been to the river many times and I go to the point where I was previously and it’s different every time,” he said.

“The constant change of the river is pretty special to me and I realised a long time ago that it just inspires me to get the canvas out and to get the paint out and do it.”

L-R: Steven Broughton and Brigid Burke.

Brigid Burke with her bass clarinet which fills the gallery with music.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

A piece painted by both Brigid Burke and Steven Broughton.

Visitors may catch a glimpse of Steven Broughton at work in January.

SunSmart issue warning amid ongoingly high UV levels With UV levels consistently at very high and extreme levels, SunSmart Victoria is ramping up its skin cancer prevention campaign called “Don’t Let Cancer In’ as new data shows melanoma diagnoses could increase by 24 per cent over the next decade.

The latest data from the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) at Cancer Council Victoria shows melanoma continues to be the fifth most common cancer in our state, despite it being one of the most preventable cancers.

Last year, 2,885 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma (1,697 males and 1,188 females), accounting for eight per cent of all new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022 (8.6 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in males and 7.2 per cent in females).

Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said that Victorians should be smart this summer and be sure to use all five forms of sun protection.

“When exploring the best of Victoria’s great outdoors this summer, it is important people take care of themselves by being sunsmart,” said Minister Thomas.

“Sun-smart Victorians can do five easy things to stay safe this summer: use sunscreen, stay in the shade, and wear a widebrimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective 14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

When the UV is above 3, it’s time to protect yourself from the sun.

Picture: ON FILE clothing like long sleeve shirts.”

VCR director, Professor Sue Evans, said while the report shows the number of melanomas, it doesn’t provide the full picture when it comes to the skin cancer burden on our state.

“The report doesn’t provide the number of other skin cancers, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, due to the sheer volume of these diagnosed. Other skin cancers have a very high prevalence, in Victoria there are around 150,000 treatments of skin cancers,” Professor Evans said.

“We predict increases in cancers like melanoma based on historical trends in patterns of diagnoses and we use data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that projects population growth over the coming years. While we predict an increase, we know melanoma is preventable and there are steps Victorians can take to reduce their risk of developing this type of cancer,” said Professor Evans.

Repeated exposure to the sun’s UV radiation accounts for –most skin cancers, including melanoma, which can spread to vital organs like the brain, lungs and liver.

Thankfully, skin cancers are almost entirely preventable by using sun protection whenever the UV index hits 3, yet data shows only one in six Victorians can identify when that is.

The 2022 Summer Sun Protection Survey found only one in six (18 per cent) knew when the UV hits 3 on the index that sun protection was needed.

Head of SunSmart Victoria, Emma Glassenbury, said everyone living in Victoria needs to think about UV and know when it hits 3 that you need to use sun protection to protect your skin.

“You can’t see or feel UV, and it’s not dependent on the weather, so we plead with

Victorians to take the guesswork out and check the UV level before going outdoors and if it’s three or above, cover up using all five forms of sun protection.”

“We want Victorians to enjoy the great outdoors without adding to their skin cancer risk. When you’re heading outdoors, if the UV is 3 or above, cover up by wearing sun protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses, apply high SPF sunscreen and seek shade,” Ms Glassenbury said.

No matter your age, when you cover up your skin, you create a barrier between yourself and UV. SunSmart encourages all Victorians to download the free SunSmart Global UV App for real-time, location-specific UV and sun protection advice.

SunSmart Victoria is currently running their ‘Don’t Let Cancer In’ campaign to raise awareness of the serious consequences of skin cancer and reminding Victorians not to be complacent when it comes to sun protection.

“This latest SunSmart campaign is sending Victorians a clear message when the UV is 3 or above to cover up and sharing the knowledge of how they can cover up properly,” Ms Glassenbury said. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New Year’s resolutions WOORILLA WORDS

By Maria Millers It’s two weeks since you’ve made your New Year resolutions and, most probably, like so many, you have already broken some, if not all of them.

You are not alone. According to a You Gov survey of 2022 only 28 per cent managed to stay with all their resolutions and 53 per cent managed to carry out only some of them.

Mark Twain had no illusions about human nature and its inconsistencies when in his inimitable acerbic way he thundered: ‘New Year’s Day: now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.

Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.’

So what then motivates people to indulge in what has been dismissed as a legacy tradition?

This tradition can be traced back thousands of years to Babylon where it involved the practice of returning borrowed goods and paying outstanding debts.

In Roman times it came to be celebrated as the feast of Janus, the two faced god the month of January was named after.

Over time, the tradition evolved, and today many people around the world make resolutions at the beginning of each new year as a way to set goals and make positive changes in their lives. This could be as basic as cutting back on coffee, alcohol to committing time to volunteer in any of the areas that are crying out for help.

There are others who of course see the possibility of personal growth and improvement.

Perhaps one should ask oneself : Why do I want to achieve this? Is it purely for vanity and other self - aggrandizing reasons or is it for the improvement of my physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual wellbeing?

One reason New Year’s resolutions work for some people is that resolutions are a prime example of a psychological phenomenon known as the fresh start effect — a date on the calendar that gives people a sense of a new beginning and motivates them to make a positive change, according to Katy Milkman, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book, ‘How to Change.’

Yet for many of us these are promises

Have you kept your New Year’s resolutions so far?

Picture: ON FILE

made in the heat of a moment and as Mark Twain said jettisoned as quickly.

Leaders often use the occasion to reflect on past achievements and offer messages of hope and unity.

Today these messages range from the political, economic to social and environmental.

Of course, they are often self–serving. It is easy to mouth platitudes for peace in the world but at the same time turn your eyes away from the daily reality of conflict, poverty and injustices that fill our screens nightly.

The promise of a fresh start after hardship and loss can bring benefits and comfort, the sense of possibility and potential that comes with new beginnings: the transformative power of new beginnings Many poets have taken up this theme of new beginnings Among them is Rudyard Kipling’s seven stanza self – indulgent and humorous New Year Resolutions

which begins with: I am resolved—throughout the year To lay my vices on the shelf; A godly, sober course to steer And love my neighbours as myself— Excepting always two or three Whom I detest as they hate me.

Throughout the poem Kipling lists the areas in which he should change his habits: gambling, flirting with young women, horseracing and giving up cigarettes for a pipe. There is a sense of ambivalence in his offered list and it doesn’t come as a surprise when he concludes how hard it is to keep such promises, and decides to tackle only one a year and chooses gambling.

In Ring Out Wild Bells, Lord Alfred Tennyson writing in grief on the sudden death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam in 1833 has Tennyson using the dying days of the year to

overcoming his grief when hearing the church bells ringing: Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

He wants the bells to not only ring out his grief but also to end the many wrongs he sees in his society: A repetition of what to ring in and what to ring out is an inventory of the ills of the society he was living in. But this could just as well be the New Year wish list of someone writing today and that is unsettling. And although the poem has a religious underpinning its content is all about social justice.

So, whatever New Year Resolutions you have made you can rest assured that those who have gone before you have made the similar promises, and undergone the same struggles to keep them. Let’s hope that at least some of your resolutions will survive through 2024.

tor Peter Wadham.

The group look forward to welcoming back Merran Macs who has led the process of establishing the Labyrinth on this site.

The walk will be followed by activities to involve children, featuring scarves and a parachute, weather permitting. All welcome.

Bring a picnic or join others for a light meal nearby.

Football Association.

craft work from local crafters among many other potential bargains at the market from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday 3,4,10 and 11 February.

Anyone interested in vendor space can contact Melanie Bouck at 0425 831 852 (leave a message) or melaniejbouck@gmail.com

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Walk for Reconciliation and Peace at Healesville Labyrinth A Walk for Reconciliation and Peace will be held on Friday 26 January at the Healesville Labyrinth, which is located at the Healesville Railway Precinct.

Attendees will meet from 4pm to 6pm for a guided meaningful experience led by facilitamailcommunity.com.au

Yarra Valley Soccer Club registration day The Yarra Valley Soccer Club (YVSC) is holding a Player Registration Day next month in preparation for the 2024 season.

The event will be held on Wednesday 7 February 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the newly renovated clubrooms at the Millgrove Recreational Reserve, 20 Moore Crescent, Millgrove.

All welcome of all ages to sign up for the Juniors, Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s teams.

If needed, enquires can be directed to Cheryle at 0492 920 280 YVSC competes in the Victorian Churches

Jeff Long memorial match Come watch a memorial cricket match between local rivals Yarra Junction and Powelltown in memory of the late Jeff ‘Joffa’ Long next month.

Jeff sadly died last year at the age of only 63 and his loss was felt throughout the Upper Yarra, particularly at the Yarra Junction and Powelltown Football Netball and Cricket Clubs, having represented both townships as a footballer or cricketer in his life.

The game will be held at the Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve on Sunday 4 February starting at 9.30am, with a Yarra Valley Veterans game to follow at 12.30pm.

Last Hoorah Bazaar The Last Hoorah Bazaar, a trash and treasure market aiming to encourage attendees to give unwanted items a second life, is back with a new location Held at the Warburton Waterwheel gallery, there will be second-hand clothes, plants and

Youth Scholarship program Applications are closing soon for the Community Bank of Warburton and Yarra Junction’s Youth Scholarship Program for Tertiary Studies.

Whether it’s a first year university course or TAFE, the program is providing financial support to cut the costs of studying, including accommodation, course materials, travel study equipment and tutoring.

The scholarship program is open to those who live, study or work in our Upper Yarra region ie towns with postcodes 3799 or 3797 and are looking to study in 2024.

Applications will be open until midnight Sunday 28 January 2024.

Find out more and apply at upperyarra.net. au/youth Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 15

OPINION

Pressure of Ranges’ living Firstly let me state to everyone in the region that I hope you have all enjoyed the 2023 Christmas holiday period and are ready for the 2024 year ahead. Having said that, an unwanted theme that will no doubt carry over from 2023, is the pressure we are all facing around the ever increasing cost of living.

With inflation and interest rates at high levels this plays out in our grocery bills, at the petrol pump, for all our essential services like power and water, sending the kids to school, medical expenses and payment of our mortgages or rent. Having enough money to make ends meet and provide for the basic services alone can be a struggle for many families on lower incomes.

Post Christmas in particular can be a difficult time for finances. If you are struggling, there are a range of community relief and support agencies that may be able to help. For the

The state of

affairs Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon Yarra Ranges a list of these is available on the council’s website. For the rest of us, let’s make sure we are looking after those in need and offering support where we can, typical of our strong community spirit.

This moves me onto one of the other important aspects of our community and that is the affordability of housing and finding a place to live. The affordability of new housing

is low, particularly for low income earners and first home buyers. This aspect coupled with low rental availability and lack of building development in the region shows we are heading into further housing crisis.

The current Labor government is sprucing its promise to build 80,000 new homes in ten years but the reality is that numbers are on the decline and key industry groups such as the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Association have publicly acknowledged that Labor’s target won’t be met.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data has revealed the number of houses approved for construction fell by 2.3 per cent in November 2023. In the Yarra Ranges only 416 residential building approvals were issued in 2023, the lowest for over 10 years and a drop of over 200 on the previous years approvals.

The Department of Fairness, Families and

CARTOON

Housing figures released until September 2023 show that new lettings in Outer Eastern Melbourne have decreased by 11.6 per cent compared to September 2022 while median rent prices have increased by 15.6 per cent over the same 12 months to $520 per week.

The financial squeeze on households is pushing more people into the social housing arena but there is little hope there either, with a distinct lack of investment in social housing occurring in our region. Again, despite the current government claims of addressing the problem through new buildings, Department of Health and Human Service reports indicate that social housing availability in the Yarra Ranges has actually fallen to 28 homes fewer than in July 2018.

I am calling on this government to do more in our region to ease the burden on all households.

A B-plus belter to enjoy

The Beekeeper Starring Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman and Josh Hutcherson Rated MA15+ 3.5/5

From mechanics institute to theatre The Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre venue has a history going back to 1888 when it was erected as the Mechanics Institute and Meeting Hall.

It was certainly used by the Lilydale community, as the local picture theatre from 1922 to 1974, it provided a venue for concerts, bazaars, public meetings, roller skating, badminton, volleyball, dances, church services, wrestling, baby sow, chest x-rays and one has heard of a rifle range.

It was also a venue for Dame Nellie Melba who put on performances for the troops funding for WWI. But in 1975 the picture theatre aspect closed, and it lost its attention for other functions resulting in the Hall being in a sad state of repair.

Along came Russell Johnson and Geoff Page who approached the Lilydale council with a proposal to turn the Mechanics Institute into the Lilydale Athenaeum theatre. They promised to restore the theatre to its former glory and make a place that Lilydale could be proud of.

By 1975 Russell and Geoff sponsored two amateur theatre productions in the Athenae16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Kemp’s curtain call um Hall and in August 1975 they arranged a meeting of people interested in forming a Lilydale Theatre Club. This was the foundation of the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre company.

A long process of repairs and refurbishment ensued with the complete rewiring of the building, installation of heating (it can get cold in Lilydale)and the construction of a partition to create a foyer and an intimate theatre atmosphere.

It was not easy and the Company had to overcome obstacles such as the Health Department regulations, severe financial crises and political adjustments and disagreements over the use of the Hall and the right of other groups to use it.

In 1977 the name if the building was formerly changed from the Athenaeum Hall to the Athenaeum theatre, with the next few years refurbishment resulting in the enlargement of the backstage area, construction of dressing rooms and a wardrobe department, widening if the proscenium, installation of new seating, new velvet curtains and a fire safety curtain, and fire escapes. And the official opening on July 7, 1985 by the Minister for Arts, the Honourable Race Mathews.

Now Lilydale has a theatre of which it must be proud and in addition the sub foyer has a great collection of Dame Nellie Melba’s possessions.

The Lilydale ATC is a non-profit organisation, administered by a board headed by Alan Burrows and supported by a large group of volunteers.

The Company produces shows annually – each running for three weeks.

The next production from Lilydale ATC is Emma wood’s Piece of Mind. A funny quirky tale Bookings 9735 1777.

·

The Beekeeper is a good old bonecrunching action movie from director David Ayer. After his neighbour has her life savings stolen in a phishing scam, Adam Clay (Jason Statham), a retired agent from an elite organisation known as Beekeepers, sets out to hunt down those responsible.

Statham delivers his reliable brand of gruff gravitas as Clay, and Emmy RaverLampman offers levity and pathos as FBI Agent Verona Parker, who has a tragic personal stake in Clay’s crusade. The film has strong forward momentum and often beautiful cinematography.

The action sequences are brutal, well-shot and creatively-staged, and The Beekeeper has a stylised tone reminiscent of John Wick, with its near-mythical deadly protagonist, an underground order of enforcers, absurd foes and the sense that the antagonists know they’re screwed once Clay comes after them.

The action doesn’t carry much tension, as Clay demolishes his opponents with little effort, but there is a cathartic appeal in burly power fantasies like these, especially since Clay’s primary target, slimy scammer kingpin Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson), feels like a thinlyveiled allegory for real crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.

The Beekeeper’s one big flaw is its hokey screenplay. Some moments are intentionally funny, but the film is full of clunky lines and forced wit or depth, and writer Kurt Wimmer even fumbles his own hive metaphor. The film also has British actors Jeremy Irons and Jemma Redgrave perplexingly playing American characters, their solid performances marred by unconvincing accents.

A thoroughly entertaining, largerthan-life action movie that needs a better screenplay, The Beekeeper is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY

A HEAVENLY PLACE TO LIVE mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 17

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

A HEAVENLY PLACE TO LIVE SITUATED in the glorious surrounds of the picturesque Yarra Valley this beautiful and enchanting old church standing proudly for around 100 years, rich in history and now ready for the new owners to live, love and enjoy.

Fresh, light and bright throughout with all the charm and character from the early 1900’s and with a warm homely ambience you can’t help but relax, unwind and admire the building.

Set on a colourful block of land overlooking a semi rural vista of just under 1600 sqm and with 2 separate titles there’s plenty of scope to enhance the property (STCA).

Positioned to please and being just minutes stroll to the ever popular Warburton trail, shops, schools and transport and with the Yarra River and the historic Home Hotel Pub just minutes away it’s the ideal weekender, B & B or a unique and special place to call home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 102 Barak Drive, LAUNCHING PLACE Description: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Price: $630,000 - $670,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

mailcommunity.com.au

P 5966 2530

P 5967 1277

3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton

10 Rupert Road, East Warburton

$650,000-$690,000

2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

11 Old Warburton Road, Warburton

$750,000 - $800,000

Country views on over 1/3 acre

Two homes with a creek and over half an acre

Take the opportunity to enjoy this rural setting with views across farmland and mountains to wake up to. The home is set on almost 1500sqm of lovely flat usable land which is fully fenced for the dogs, duel access & shedding galore with double carport and a large 9m x 7m double garage. Neat and tidy with 3 bedrooms, open plan lounge with new carpet and a cracking fire for the colder months, dining and cute kitchen. Soak up the environment on the outdoor decking, just the place for the afternoon cuppa or evening nightcap, as you gaze over the well maintained established gardens.

Bonus here is the 6.6kw solar which will save on the power bills, ample parking for boats etc and all this just a short stroll to the gorgeous Yarra river! Call now!

This is a serious opportunity not to be missed, very rarely does a property like this become available with 2 dwellings on the one block with the main home consisting of 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and another 1 bedroom cottage complete with garden views. Tucked away in a secluded sanctuary, it offers a serene atmosphere, boasting mature gardens and ample outdoor space, this oasis grants you direct access to the mesmerizing creek at your doorstep. The home itself is charming featuring three bedrooms, an original kitchen, and a simple yet functional layout and a front verandah, perfect for basking in the sunlight with your afternoon cuppa. The second cottage is versatile space can serve a multitude of purposes, whether it’s for a relative, air bnb potential. The location is simply unbeatable, with an abundance of things to cherish in the delightful Warburton township.

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 3.00-3.30pm

5 Lillis Court, Millgrove

3

A

1

B 4 C

$640,000-$690,000

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 12.00-12.30pm

4

465 Douthie Road, Seville East

A

2

B 1 C

$2,350,000-$2,500,000

A perfect blend of modern comfort and quiet country charm

Immerse Yourself in the Glorious Yarra Valley Lifestyle

Experience contemporary living in a serene country setting with this charming home.

Boasting three bedrooms, two of which feature built-in robes, while the master suite pampers you with the luxury of a walk-in robe and a fully updated ensuite. The comfort of plush carpeting and the convenience of two split systems ensure year-round comfort. Generous lounge and dining areas are complemented by an additional living space. The modern kitchen, equipped with high-quality appliances, elevates the overall ambiance. A stylish family bathroom adds a touch of sophistication.

Step outside to a fully fenced yard, a sealed driveway, a firepit area for entertaining, a chook shed, and extensive under house storage/workshop space. Located in close proximity to local amenities, a perfect blend of modern comfort and country charm.

Welcome to 465 Douthie Road, a truly remarkable property in every aspect, situated on just over 17 glorious Yarra Valley acres featuring ever changing picturesque valley views. Showcasing upscale family living at it’s finest featuring 4 large bedrooms all with built in robes plus a luxurious ensuite in the main bedroom and a king size walk in robe. The kitchen is exceptional with quality, premium fixtures and finishes plus a butler’s pantry and prep station. Venture outdoors and be exhilarated and excited, a haven for the horse enthusiast with multiple paddocks, quality fencing and numerous horse shelters plus a riding arena. A large high clearance garage and ‘garaport’ offers plenty of space. A magnificent property showcasing the picturesque and colourful scenery of the Yarra Valley at it’s finest attractive and captivating from all angles, it’s a place you will love to call home.

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 4:00-4:30pm

3

A

2

B

David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection:

By Appointment

4

A

3

B 6 C

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

MODERN HOME IN A FABULOUS LOCATION NESTLED within the serene beauty of its surroundings, this home boasts four generously sized bedrooms, master with walk in robe and ensuite effect, with the upper floor bedroom providing a private retreat.

This space is ideal for a family member seeking a bit of seclusion but has versatile options such as a home office or sitting room.

This flexible floorplan offers a downstairs 4th bedroom or perhaps a teenager’s retreat.

The heart of this home lies in its openplan design, with the soaring cathedral ceilings which not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to a feeling of expansiveness, creating a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

The spacious layout is bathed in natural sunlight and for the cooler months there is a wood fire in the living area which adds a touch of warmth and creates a cozy ambiance.

Enjoy the convenience of modern bathrooms, and updated kitchen with dishwasher and ample storage space, designed to offer both style and functionality.

The home is north facing and has a 6.75kw solar system, a spacious double garage, sealed driveway, fenced separate area for a pony, lovely native gardens on a 2295 sqm block.

This home is just a 5-minute drive from Belgrave central, train station and shops plus close proximity to schools, parks, and reserves. Embrace the tranquility of the surroundings while still enjoying easy access to essential amenities.

This is not just a home, it’s a lifestyle to enjoy. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 10 Maskells Hill Road, SELBY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $840,000 - $890,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jan Brewster 0409 558 805, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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Ranges EMBRACE MODERN LIvING

SELBY 10 MASkELLS HILL ROAD FABULOUS LOCATION

BEAUTIFUL HOME ON ONE ACRE

$840,000 - $890,000 4A 2B 2C

Nestled within serene beauty, this home with a flexible floorplan features generously sized bedrooms, with the upper floor bedroom providing a private retreat & the downstairs 4th bedroom is perfect as a teenager’s retreat. The heart of this home lies in its open-plan design & features soaring cathedral ceilings, spacious layout bathed in natural sunlight, wood fire, updated kitchen, 6.75kw solar system, spacious double garage, sealed driveway, fenced separate area for animals and native gardens on a 2295 sqm block.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

9754 6111

rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

$920,000 - $995,000 3A 2B 2C

Hidden from prying eyes & surrounded by lush gardens this home is blessed with light, bright ambiance which is rare in the ‘Hills’. Featuring spacious living rooms, open fireplace, high vaulted ceilings, BIR’s in all bedrooms, bespoke timber vanities, central modern kitchen with stone bench tops, Blanco 900mm S/S upright 6 burner stove, Meile dishwasher, spacious laundry and carport. Fabulous location near R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Cloudehill Gardens and you are merely minutes to both Olinda & Monbulk Townships.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

RURAL PARADISE ON NEARLY 5 ACRES

$600,000 - $660,000

Sounds like a dreamy spot! 8797sqm of lightly treed, private land in a serene, quality neighbourhood close to Cockatoo Township, offering that laid-back lifestyle away from the busy buzz of residential living. Quality schools nearby is a significant perk for families.

Only a 20 minute drive to train connections & within an hour via the M1 to Melbourne CBD opens so many possibilities and allows for that perfect balance between tranquility & accessibility. PLANS AND PERMITS are ready and waiting for a two-storey family home.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

OLINDA 1 YURNGA AvENUE IDEAL PRIVATE AND QUIET LOCATION

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

INCLUDES PLANS AND PERMITS

COCkATOO 8 DOONAHA ROAD TWO PLUS SUPERB ACRES AWAITS!

We put you first

Erin Davies 0493 136 937

GEMBROOk 115 COLLIE ROAD $830,000 - $895,000 RURAL LIFESTYLE, WITH EASY ACCESS TO TOWNSHIP 3A 1B 2C

The perfect blend of tranquility and convenience on this picturesque 1.9-hectare property. Nestled amidst a harmonious mix of bush & cleared land, this idyllic retreat offers a rural lifestyle without sacrificing modern amenities. Enjoy the 2.5 dams, spring-fed water sources, a modest home with upgrades to the bathroom and kitchen and a 2-car carport & shedding. Additional 2.4-acre creekfront leasehold provides a further opportunity for grazing, for those looking to keep livestock & embrace a self-sustaining lifestyle.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

‘We Put You First’

Erin Davies 0493 136 937

1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

SOPHISTICATED DESIGN IN PRIME LOCATION WITH a smart, sophisticated and sleek design, this two-storey home has been well presented and built with an eye for detail.

Boasting three spacious bedrooms, the master with walk in robe and full ensuite, there is nothing you wont love about this property. Only a short distance to Eastland, Tintern Grammer, Maroondah Hospital and with quick access to Eastlink, location is an A+ in anyone’s book.

Open living is at its finest with a sun filled lounge and dining area off a modern, contemporary kitchen and indoor /outdoor living is an added bonus with a spacious timber decking. There are two bathrooms in total and three toilets giving this floorplan a big tick of approval for any growing family.

The fully fenced rear yard is great for kids and pets alike and has direct undercover access to the double garage with remote access that can be found at the rear of the property giving safe and easy off-street parking. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Evon Avenue, RINGWOOD EAST Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $895,000 - $985,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rachel Eastwood 0401 117 761 or Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

78-78A Hume Street, UPWEY

$1,650,000-$1,790,000

TWO TITLES AND THREE DWELLINGS IN PRIME POSITION

8A4B3C

FOR SALE

2A Kumbada Avenue, UPWEY

$550,000 - $590,000

NEAR-FLAT BLOCK WITH APPROVED PLANS IN PRIME LOCATION!

This unique property offers an outstanding opportunity for investors and buyers searching for multi-generational space. Boasting a sprawling 8,586sqm (approx.) allotment with 2 tiles, 3 dwellings, and potential to subdivide (STCA), this is a one-off chance to secure a multiresidence property of impressive proportions.

Contact Brad for an inspection today!

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).

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

FOR SALE

28 Grantulla Road, SELBY 78 ACRES OF COTSWOLD VALLEY VIEWS

$2,100,000 - $2,300,000 3A1B8C

Offered for sale for the first time in almost 50 years, one of the most iconic properties throughout the Dandenong Ranges is now available for sale. Situated on the edge of Sherbrooke Forest, stretching as far as the eye can see, the incredible views take in Westernport, Port Phillip Bay and the thousands of twinkling lights in between. The 78 acres (approx.) of mostly cleared, undulating land has beautiful, rich soil and has been part of the Endersby’s daffodil farm since 1974.

FOR SALE

57 The Crescent, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

$980,000 - $1,070,000

FAMILY HOME WITH GARAGE, WORKSHOP, AND SHED

4A2B4C

This idyllic family home on a generous 1,435sqm (approx.) allotment offers a wonderful way into this premier position. Designed for a lifestyle of abundance within an easy stroll of Belgrave Heights Christian College and picturesque Birdsland Reserve, this is a forever family home.

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

Glenn Chandler

Suzie Brannelly

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

M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

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

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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MAIL 23

PUZZLES No. 168

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

5

5 3

1

8 3 5 7 2 9 2 7 8 4 3 2 9

7 3

medium

3 6 9 8 2

7 2 4

4

4 5 6 7 8 13 15

ACROSS Conspiracy (5) Falls; gives way (9) Female name (7) Foozle (7) Matured (8) Specify (6) Insect (3) Form before butterfly (11) Technology devices (11) Muscle contraction (3) Fuel oil (6) Half-hearted (8) Someone who has stopped working for a living (7) Truancy (7) Learning; erudition (9) Give way; surrender (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24 25 26 27

16 18 19 20 22 23

No. 168

Link (10) Citrus fruit (4) Hired killers (9) Having three dimensions (7) Polish (5) Form words (10) Principal church of a diocese (9) Endorse (9) Modern music genre (7) Neophyte (7) Male name (5) Theme (5) Honey drink (4)

DOWN Fellow student (9) Capital of Northern Ireland (7) Looped rope (5)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 168

3

6 1 6 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

5 7 3 9

3 5

3 9 4

9 6 8 7 1 hard

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

T L 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

L

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good 23 words: Excellent

B

U

D

E

C E

3 LETTERS AIL ATE BYE DEW DRY EAR EEL ELM ERA ERR FED ICY IMP LIE NOR OIL ONE ORE OVA RUE SEW SPY

1

D

I

cede, ceded, club, clue, clued, cube, cubed, cuddle, decibel, decide, deduce, DEDUCIBLE, deuce, deuced, dice, diced, educe, educed, educible, iced, lice, lucid, ludic

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

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

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

5

18

hard

4

17

medium

3

16

easy

2

15

3

1

14

2

6 4 8 7 1 9 6 5 8 9 4 7 5 8 7 1 5 4 8 7 9 4

KU R DV F A S G P Y EW

9 6

6

Q C X I O BMN J H Z T L

9

WORDFIT

4 LETTERS DYES EDGE FLEA GETS OPAL SEAR SETS SILO SLID YARN 5 LETTERS ABIDE ACTED ARISE ASHES

No. 168

/ $ 9 ( 1 ' ( 5

AVERT BOGUS CANOE CHEAT CHESS CLIFF DANCE DEATH DELIS EASEL ELDER EVADE EVENT FAUNA FOALS GEESE GENES HEART HOTEL IDLER INNER

LASER LEERS LEVEL LIBEL NEEDS OLIVE OVERS PEARS PLATE RESTS RIVET ROUTE RULER SCALE SHIRE SLEWS SLING STAIR STEMS STRIP TIARA

UNCLE UTTER

INERTIA ITALICS RIPPLED STERILE

6 LETTERS BEDLAM DESERT FLOWER MASSES REBELS THIRDS

8 LETTERS IDEALISE ITEMISED LAVENDER LOVELIER

7 LETTERS DIETARY IMITATE

10 LETTERS DETERRENTS REMORSEFUL

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

SUDOKU

19-01-24

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au 1157336-CB40-14

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networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

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RIDGELINE GLASS & GLAZING

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INTERIOR/EXTERIOR • DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL DULUX ACCREDITED PAINTER

Jake Harris 0402 913 197 Email: info@harrisandcopainting.com.au www.harrisandcopainting.com.au V Pest Control

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

Jason 1300 644 698

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Call: 0409 336 327

.00

• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Lilydale Star Mail Run my advert in: 2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00.

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MAIL 25

SPORT

Sanders rides Dakar Rally

By Callum Ludwig

The 2024 Dakar is Daniel Sanders’ first race since a leg break in May 2023.

Picture: MARCELO MARAGNI/ RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Sanders sits in seventh overall as of Monday 15 January.

Picture: FLAVIEN DUHAMAL/RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Daniel Sanders is again taking on the Dakar Rally this year.

Picture: FLAVIEN DUHAMAL/ RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Starting on January 11, riders had 48 hours and over 600km to cover in the Chrono stage (Stage 6), where on the first day they had until only 4pm to reach one of eight bivouacs (a temporary camp without tents or cover) for the night. Upon arrival with minimal kit and supplies, riders have two hours to make any repairs before bedding down for the night in

time to rise and ride again at 7am the next day.

Sanders has continued his resurgence, finishing fourth in Stage 6 and sixth in Stage 7, and is now in touching distance of the top five overall, currently seventh in the overall standings and 37 minutes and 41 seconds off of race leader, American Ricky Brabec.

well as staying on the pace,” he said.

“At the refuel point, I lost my rear fuel tank cap, so there was fuel leaking all over the back of my legs.”

This year’s event also featured a new element added to the rally in place of the old Marathon stage, called the Chrono stage.

Trades & Services V

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Massage Therapists

12543759-AI14-22

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

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AND REMOVED • WOODCHIPPING AND STUMPGRINDING • QUALIFIED ARBORIST FREE • PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE QUOTES • EXCELLENT RATES

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DIN TREE SERVICE WA•N TREES PRUNED, LOPPED, FELLED

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

FULLY INSURED

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

PAGE 9

Scam stings club -

y’s with the indeleted that email from taken to Uganda, where details, the bank name and then resent the in,” Mr Lane said. e recalled the money, and obviously 14 days, the baddies had already taken away and we were $120,000 down .”

Continued page 3

y.

Kay Kimmitt, Jeff Blastock, Les Lane, Jim Pearce, Jackie Bramwell and Mick Kimmitt from the Upwey-Tecoma Bowls Club. 348284 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

For a no-obligation valuation on your home

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Call Luciano Marcuzzi on 0423 181 161 luciano@atrealty.com.au I www.lucianorealty.com.au

Approved Dealer for

F E R N T R E E G U L LY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Highway (towards Belgrave)

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

MEDIA SALES POSITION About us Star News Group publishes 20 weekly news media titles, specialty publications, websites and social media.

We are seeking an advertising sales executive to service existing clients and to sell to new clients based in Healesville.

We need an individual that has: • Experience in media or a previous sales role is preferred but not essential; • Confidence in your communication skills, oral and written; • Comfortable with computers, email, data entry, new software; • Desire to succeed and eager to learn; • Seeking out and meeting new clients; • Working with local business to meet their goals; • Understand relationship management and customer service; • Able to interact with people face to face and on the phone; • Full training provided if required; • Have a Current Driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

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To apply please send resume and cover letter to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au

section of Network Classifieds.

section of Network Classifieds. |

Emergency medals handed out to CFA

the man, wanting to e about him and hear . After meeting him just a few years ago, Ms Klemm now es photos and stories on the acebook page ’The Baba Desi , which has now amassed over wers. ead about her interaction with Baba Desi on page 11

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Professional

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Dangerous roads named around Yarra Ranges PAGE 5 rades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808 A Star News Group Publication

12610836-KO26-23

Australia Day

Thursday 25th January at 3pm

Tree Lopping/Surgery

Mount Evelyn

Tuesday, 25 July, 2023

PAGE 2

nuff said!

Call Chris 0412 099 142 24 years in roofing leaks

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Monica Kellalea’s sentence d increased A Star News Group Publication

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Three Bridges rally bike racer Daniel Sanders has returned to Saudi Arabia for the starting event of this year’s World Rally-Raid Championship, the Dakar Rally.

Sanders is currently traversing the desert after the race began with the prologue on Friday 5 January and is set to conclude on Friday 19 January. It is his first race since breaking the femur in his right leg in May last year.

“It was rough with so much traffic in front,” Sanders said after the first day’s racing on 5 January.

“I tried to follow the roadbook and just made one mistake near the finish.”

As of Tuesday 9 January, racers had completed the first three stages of the 12-stage race, with Sanders finishing ninth, 12th and 13th in each.

“It was rock and roll out there, mate. I loved it. I definitely wish I set the bike up a little different for today. It’s punishment out there,” Sanders said on January 6.

“It’s a good way to knock us around the first day of the Dakar. It feels like we’ve done five days already. Anyway, for me to come off the injury and straight into that was brutal, but I just didn’t want to crash. So that was the priority. And I finished in a not too bad spot,” “I’m happy to make it to the finish line without any scratches. So that’s good. I would have preferred nice and easy, but it’s good to know where the bike is. We’ll make some changes tonight and try and adapt it for the rest of the race.”

The race covers a total of 7891km of which 4727km is against the clock.

In a tough day’s racing in Stage Four of the 2024 Dakar Rally, Three Bridges’ Daniel Sanders has dropped back a few places in the overall rankings.

“We struggled a lot with the navigation as

Trucks /Commercial

FORD F600 TRUCK 1960 tipping tray, 292 V8-Y block motor, 5 speed gear box 2 speed diss, good clean truck, colour red, good tyres all round, a lot of work been done all round.

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SPORT

Almost $3k raised · T.Thorne - 24 with one four and one six 5-36 off 8 · J.Shaw 0-25 off 8 · W.Macklin

By Bryce Edwards Wandin Cricket Club have celebrated a wildly successful Pink Stumps Day on and off the pitch.

Having set a fundraising target of $1000, the club were thrilled to have raised a total of $2861 for the McGrath Foundation, which will help place McGrath breast care nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast health awareness.

A special thanks was given to the McGrath Foundation’s guest speaker who reminded all attendees of the importance of looking after their health, teaching them about the role of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and their ethos that no one should go through breast cancer alone. Ange Robinson and Donna Cleeland are also thanked for bravely sharing their stories in the hope they may help others.

Wandin 1st XI vs Mt Evelyn 2nd XI Mt Evelyn hosted Wandin for a one-day clash, with the Dogs greeted by their opponents’ fantastic new club rooms and ready to take on the challenge of the day.

Wandin lost the toss and were sent to have a bowl. Mt Evelyn got off to a slow start, however, didn’t lose their first wicket until the 12th over with Eden Vanbeek getting B.Westaway caught on 23. In comes L.Jones with a contribution of 17 before going out. Next, C. Morrow who struck big from the first ball, smoking a quick 69 from 57 balls and to top that off, D. Westaway made 50 from 50 balls, seeing Mt Evelyn finish their innings, 3-212 from 40 overs.

L.Alderman - 1-25 off eight overs with wto maidens, E.Vanbeek - 1-38 off eight overs with one maiden.

Wandin made a solid start with T.Thorne and J.Elliot putting on a partnership of 52 before J.Shaw secured the departure of T.Thorne, with the quick and successive loss of J.Elliot and Wandin were 2 for 53. It wasn’t long before Wandin were 4-70 and things looked pretty challenging until the likes of J.Oakley and

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Wandin Cricket Club held a successful Pink Stumps Day. Picture: SUPPLIED L.Faulkingham arrived at the crease. Wandin went on to add the runs with the next wicket not falling until they were 5-180 with a strong partnership of 110 coming to an end. E. Vanbeek came to the crease and steadied the ship whilst L. Faulkingham smashed them around.

E.Vanbeek was dismissed for a strong yet very important 6. Next in saw, L.Senti faced out a whole over so his mate down the other end, L.Faulkingham could rack up a big milestone. Finally, D.Heaphy comes into bowl and L.Faulkingham grabs the single to bring up his hundred. And with that hundred now secured, Wandin defeated Mt Evelyn by 4 wickets.

L.Faulkingham’s spectacular innings did get Wandin over the finish line.

L. Faulkingham - 100* with 13 fours and three sixes J. Oakley - 36 with two fours and two sixes

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Wandin 2nd XI vs Healesville 2nd XI - by Bryce Edwards Wandin took on Healesville in a crucial match at Wandin North Oval.

Healesville won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions and got off to a solid start helped by some sloppy fielding from Wandin. Wandin got the breakthrough of M. Wallace (26) at 1-66 and shortly followed the important wicket of B. Damrow (41) to have Healesville 2-70. In stepped J. Heywood who made a commanding 96 off just 70 balls. With a very wet ball Wandin struggled to contain Healesville but when we got the important wicket of Heywood at 4-222 the momentum came back to Wandin with a great performance with the ball from Jason Kneebone taking 4-29 off 6 overs. Healesville in succession would go 5-225, 6-228, 7- 235 finishing on 240 runs. For the other bowlers J. Galin 2-30, M. Kogelman 1-39 and D. Trembath 1-42.

The chase began well for Wandin reaching 37 in a quick fashion until G. Gosland was caught at 1-37 shortly followed by B. Edwards 2-37. Not long after R. Vallence was dismissed making Wandin just 3-47 and looking in trouble. In stepped Daniel Trembath to bat with Joel Galvin who put a great partnership together until Galvin (39)was dismissed making the total 4-117. In stepped the big bomber Miles Rayner who lifted the tempo taking us to 5-166. M. Rayner (27 off 14 balls). Daniel Trembath was the rock of the innings making his maiden half-century while the rest of the team played their role. David Marshall was amazing under duress making 25 off 25 almost bring it home with Daniel Trembath. He was dismissed at 7-226 to make a nail-biting end but the tail held firm passing Healesville 8 down and keeping our finals hopes alive and well.

Daniel Trembath was a standout with the bat with 74 not out and the victory showed a great team effort on a difficult weather day.

Thrilling tie for Healesville Cricket Club

By Chris Handasyde Seniors 1st XI: Healesville 9/173 tied with Norwood 173 In what was expected to be a close and important game, the Bloods, sitting third on the ladder, hosted Norwood who were second on the ladder. Norwood won the toss and chose to bat in a 40 over one-day game.

Norwood’s openers were solid but when the score was on 0/33, Luke Chandler captured the first wicket with a catch taken by Liam English. Healesville toiled away and picked up wickets regularly as Norwood kept scoring at about 4 an over. Mitch Tampaline 2/23, Josh Handasyde 2/27, Luke Chandler 3/30 and Dermott Fry 2/42 captured the majority of Healesville’s wickets as the side bowled Norwood out for 173 with the last ball of the innings. Healesville’s innings didn’t start well with Luke Chandler out for 2. Kris Anderson played an aggressive innings that got the runs flowing but was run out for 35 off of 37 balls. Ash Hamer (31) and Ryan Webster (58) put on a 60-run partnership before Ash was trapped LBW. Needing 44 of 54 balls Josh Handasyde was then dismissed and a

Healesville Cricket Club results.

Picture: ON FILE few more wickets fell amongst a couple of 20-run partnerships including Ryan Webster who looked set to guide us home. Needing 3 to tie and 4 to win in the last over, Healesville managed two singles in the first three balls.

The last three balls were wicket, run, wicket that saw the game end in a tie. Next week Healesville plays Lilydale at home on Past Players Day.

Seniors 2nd XI: Healesville 9/239 defeated

by Wandin 7/240 Playing at Wandin, Healesville won the toss and batted. Healesville’s top order was solid with Max Wallace (26), Brenton Damrow (41), Jonny Heywood (96) from 70 balls and Ben Wallace 32 off 31 balls getting the majority of the runs and building a formidable total of 239 from 40 overs. Jack Drummond opened the bowling and was by far Healesville’s best bowler capturing 2/17 off 8 overs when all other bowlers went for 6 and over or more. Wandin’s middle order of J Galvin (39) D Trembath 70* and M Rayner 27 kept the runs ticking over as Wandin chased down the runs to win the game.

Past Players Day All past players and supporters are invited to join the club on Saturday 20 January from 1pm onwards at Queens Park where the first XI take on Lilydale. Finger food will be supplied and drinks at bar prices. Robert “tojo” Nolan has dug up some memorabilia and been contacting our past players so it’s going to be a great day to catch up with old team mates.

Conditions and scores improve

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 10 January, Stableford: Ok, loyal readers, we had a lovely golfing day, weatherwise, to compensate for the ‘big wet’ a few days before (100+ mm and still the course was in A+ condition, true credit to Paul and Andrew). So, as expected, the scores were well above average.

Tom Barr was definitely above average on this day, as he took home the top voucher with a superb 38 points. Although, it was a photo finish, via a countback, because Mick Eldridge returned to his best form, also with 38 points but having to be content with the runner-up prize ( And, based on Trish’s score, he certainly has bragging rights in the household, at least for a week). Balls reached 34 so of course, your Loyal Scribe managed 33. NTPs went home with Peter Whitehead (3rd), regular visitor Chris ‘Fuzzy’ Fall (5th), Timothy McKail (9th), P.K. (12th) and Trevor Porter (15th).

Twilight: As the weather continued to improve, so did Rodney Kempton’s score proving he has his older brother covered. Rod’s 23 points were outstanding, given it is only a 9-hole comp. The next best was one of the Patrick patriarchs, Glen, who returned a creditable 21 points to claim second prize. With these scores being posted, the ball rundown only crept down to 19.

The three NTP winners on the day were James Campion ( for a great approach on the 10th), Robert John Hendy (12th) and Shane ‘Bomber’ Campbell (15th).

Saturday 13 January, Stableford: Perfect weather conditions were reflected by the size of this day’s field of 50+, a great ‘fillip’ for the Club. And, also filling up was Sam Dennis, who returned the most Stableford points for the day, a respectable 38. Good work, Sammy. The A-Grade runner-up to Sam was David Wappett, just losing a really tight countback, so also scored 38. Balls in this Grade reached down to 36 only. The B-Grade winner was Kyle Ferguson, with 37 wellcompiled points. The multi-talented Ryan Wilson had to be content this week with the runner-up voucher for his return of 36 points. Oddly enough, in this Grade balls extended to 34. The five NTP winners for this event were as follows: the ageless Ossie McClay (3rd), Clint Toohey (5th), Josh Hin (9th), Peter Fox (12th) and Matt Wappett (a future golf visitor, on the challenging 15th).

Warburton Golf Club results.

Picture: ON FILE

Hopes for weather to hold out for events

By Anita Prowse Another week of weird and wonderful weather, still lots of fungal skin conditions floating around and rich feed causing havoc. The founder-prone horses and ponies are still really struggling with such incredibly rich grass on hand, usually, it would be over the worst of that by this time, but don’t be fooled.

Reminding everyone again that all memberships for Pony Club activities need to be paid before attending any rallies or events. On mailcommunity.com.au

that note, always make sure anyone around horses is relevantly qualified and experienced in their respective fields, there are always people popping up here and there offering services, do your homework and find the one that’s right for you.

Fingers crossed for good weather for the Donkey Festival at Wesburn Park, starting at 10am, a great school holiday activity for the kids, hoping to see everyone there for a really fun day.

The Second round of Midweek Dressage at Shirley Heights in Gladysdale is on January 17 2024 Prep to Adv - .2 tests FEI tests by request, with the third and final of the series on February 14 Prep to Adv - .3 tests FEI tests by request Entries close on 9 February available at Event Secretary.

If you are looking for a fun and horsey Australia Day, don’t forget to come down and support your local Club at UYPC Freshmans, entries on the day, see you there. Happy Riding everyone.

All memberships for Pony Club activities need to be paid before attending any rallies or events.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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