Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 23rd January 2024

Ferntree Gully Belgrave

Local volunteers ease burden in Queensland

Gembrook RSL stalwart recognised

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

Mail The Basin history preserved in a capsule

See Real Estate Liftout inside

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A Star News Group Publication

PR OP ER TY

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Lake is place to be With the warm weather making some appearances this summer, Emerald Lake has been a popular destination for cooling off.

Star News Group photographer Ljubica Vrankovic headed to the much loved spot to capture all the fun last week.

From catching the historical steam train to playing in the pool, there was lots to see and do.

See a selection of photos on page 17 Jack 6yrs old (left), Luke 3yrs old (right) make a splash in the pool at Emerald Lake.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Pleas for lowered speed limit after another Wellington Road death...

‘It’s two too many’

By Tyler Wright The Rowville community is calling for additional road safety measures after a local man died in a collision on Wellington Road on Thursday 11 January.

It is believed 52-year-old father of two Yunesh Naidu was turning right from Braeburn Parade on to Wellington Road when a truck travelling west on the aterial collided

with his Kia just before 9am.

It is also understood the truck also collided with two other vehicles, before a third vehicle was damaged after a traffic light pole fell on it.

The occupants of the other vehicles were not injured, with the truck driver, a 27-yearold Dandenong man, released pending further enquiries.

Pharmacist Lisa Di Donato, 27, was leaving Wellington Village Shopping Centre when she

was killed in 2018 after a drug driver crashed a borrowed ute into her side door at more than 80 kilometres per hour as she sat at traffic lights.

“How many more lives will be lost before something is done. Come on VicRoads - two lives gone and many near misses - two too many,” Nicole Stanbury wrote on petition platform change.org.

“I shouldn’t fear for my life going to the lo-

cal shops,” Jennifer Coles also wrote.

Wellington Road takes motorists from Clematis through to Clayton. According to state government data, 15,000 vehicles on average travel west bound on Wellington Road between Stud Road and Taylors Lane in Rowville daily.

Of that number, 917 of those vehicles were trucks.

Continued page 3

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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IN BRIEF House fire in Wantirna Triple 000 call takers received multiple calls for a house fire in Wantirna South on the afternoon of Sunday 21 January.

It is believed the calls received prompted an escalated response and the first crews arrived on scene at Lewis Road 4.40pm.

“There was a significant fire in the roof space of a single storey brick dwelling and everyone has safely evacuated,” Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said in a media release. “FRV firefighters donned breathing apparatus and attacked the fire and it was deemed under control by 1654 hrs [4.54pm].”

It is believed five pumpers, one rescue unit, and one aerial unit alongside three other units were used on the scene. 30 firefighters were on the scene, according to FRV. It is believed Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were also on the scene.

Police investigate Scoresby crash

Community members are calling for added safety measures on Wellington Road after a fatal crash at the intersection with Braeburn Parade on Thursday 11 January.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

‘It’s two too many’ From page 1 Local resident Mark Plews, who runs the Rowville Community Group Facebook page, said he has seen “a lot of near misses” with regard to trucks and cars pulling out in front of traffic coming down Wellington Road over the past several years.

“It’s not just the trucks, but what’s happening is you’re coming down a long stretch of road that is very open and you’re all of a sudden hitting a set of traffic lights,” Mark said.

“We regularly get accidents on that intersection, and probably about a year and a half ago or so VicRoads put in a 40k zone during school hours, but it comes from 80, down to several traffic lights back up to 80 and then straight into 40, so it’s a mishmash of speed limits.

“We also have two day cares, a school, a playground, a church, a community centre, a fire station and a medical centre along that stretch of road as well as native wildlife.”

Mark has since launched an online petition calling for the reduction of the 80 kilometre per hour speed limit on Wellington Road from Stud Road to Napoleon Road to 60 kilometres per hour alongside the installation of red light and speed cameras facing both east and west at the intersection with Silkwood Way and Braeburn Parade.

“There’s always roadkill, there’s always accidents, and we’ve now had two fatalities, and I feel that something needs to be done to reduce the speed of the traffic coming down the hill from Lysterfield,” he said.

“There’s just no deterrence through that area...unfortunately this poor man has lost his life because a truck travelled through that in-

tersection and they’re damn scary; they’re 30 tonnes, they’re fully laden with gravel.

“Something needs to be done.”

Mark said “hundreds of messages” flooded the community Facebook page on the day of the accident.

“Over the course of that morning....’this is terrible, this is awful, this didn’t need to happen,’” he said.

“The gut -wrenching feeling that myself and I know a lot of the community had that day because of what happened was just phenomenal.”

The petition on change.org now has close to 2,800 signatures in support.

Commenter Michelle Fernando said she was at the scene of the incident, and the “dual haul truck” hit the street lamp post that fell on her car.

“My two young children were with me, and one metre more would have seriously harmed them or potentially killed all of us,” Michelle said.

“More than one life has been lost at this intersection.

“It is time for the speed limit to be reduced and red light cameras to be installed. Please do something to make a difference before more innocent lives are lost.”

In a statement published online on Friday 12 January, Knox City Council Mayor Jude Dwight said the council “will be following up with the Department of Transport and Planning on what action can be taken”.

“It is important that we let the investigation run its course and determine the likely causes of the accident,” the Mayor said.

“Our community has long expressed con-

cerns about truck movements along this stretch of Wellington Road.

“The safety of all road users is paramount, and everything that can be done should be done to keep everyone safe.”

She also offered her condolences.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the person who died in this tragic accident.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said any death on roads is a “tragedy”.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ll work with Victoria Police to understand the circumstances and to provide support to the investigation where required.”

It is believed the Department of Transport and Planning, when determining safety improvements, consider a range of factors such as the road environment, the types of road users, the site’s historical safety record, and the impact the improvements would have on the surrounding road network.

When safety improvements are under consideration, it is understood the Department of Transport and Planning engages in detailed consultation with stakeholders impacted across the community.

In 2019, the then Liberal-National Coalition Government pledged $110 million for the duplication of Wellington Road between Napoleon Road and Berwick Road.

Funding for the project was not included by the Federal Labor Government in its 20222023 budget.

The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.

CHRIST’S RETURN

Pakenham and Emerald police officers have charged a man after executing a search warrant in Cockatoo last week.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Edmunds Road on Thursday 11 January, following three incidents where police allege that counterfeit money was used to obtain goods from retail stores in the Pakenham area.

Police executed the search warrant without issue and located and seized the following items: seven handmade/manufactured firearms firearm parts including slides, magazines, and a silencer more than 140 rounds of ammunition and cartridges paper and a printer used to manufacture counterfeit money counterfeit notes to the value of $100 blank driver licence and stencil templates radar (anti-speed) detector property allegedly purchased with the counterfeit money.

A 34-year-old Cockatoo man handed himself into police the following day and was charged with 27 offences including prohibited person possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence, obtaining property by deception, utter counterfeit money and possessing instrument used for counterfeiting.

The man was remanded in custody to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 8 April.

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Rowville Police are investigating the circumstances of a three-vehicle collision which occurred in Scoresby on Monday 1 January.

It is alleged a white Holden Commodore station wagon travelling westbound on Ferntree Gully Road entered the intersection of Stud Road against the red traffic signal, impacting two other vehicles and causing one to flip onto its roof at approximately 6.50pm.

It is alleged the occupants of the offending vehicle attempted to flee the scene. Police are appealing for any member of the public who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au The reference number is T20240000051.

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NEWS

Kindergarten demolished The Mount Dandenong Preschool building has been demolished.

The kindergarten building, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, was damaged in the June 2021 storm event.

It was confirmed in early December demolition works had been completed at the site.

Yarra Ranges Council said the site had been a “constant reminder” of the impacts of the storm. “We acknowledge that the demolition may create varying emotional responses from our Hills community,” the council said.

“The kindergarten has been temporarily located at Olinda Primary School since the storm, and will continue to do so until the new building is complete in 2024.

“The new co-located kindergarten building will include a multi-purpose community room and consulting room suitable for maternal and child health or other health services. The kindergarten and community room will also each have their own outdoor play area.”

According to the council, by rebuilding at Mount Dandenong Primary School the new facility will benefit local families by: Making kindergarten programs easier to access.

Making drop-off time simpler and more convenient for families accessing both the school and kindergarten.

Making the transition from kindergarten to school smoother for children.

Providing a consulting room that can be used by Maternal and child Health and other services.

Yarra Ranges Council will contribute $400,000 to develop the co-located kindergarten, with the majority of funding being provided by the Department of Education.

More information on the rebuild can be found at the Victorian School Building Authority’s website - www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov. au/mount-dandenong-preschool

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The Mount Dandenong Preschool building on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road has been demolished.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

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Melinda McLauchlan (Dobson), Peter Dobson, Mayor Cr Jude Dwight, Jim Dobson, Janet Dobson and Lynette Hayhurst at the picnic event at The Basin Triangle Park celebrating the new time capsule being stored away for 24 years.

Picture: ANNETTE DOBSON

Knox City Council Mayor Cr Jude Dwight speaking at the event.

Picture: CATHERINE FOUCHE

Basin history preserved

By Tyler Wright The Basin now has more of its history preserved, with a newly created time capsule put away for 24 years.

Community members met on Sunday 21 January at The Basin Triangle Park to see organiser Lynette Hayhurst place historical items inside a PVC pipe to be put away for locals to find in 2042 on the 175th anniversary of the town.

“The Basin Primary School and St Bernadette’s Primary School, both have children who have briefly written about what’s life like in The Basin now and what it’s going to be in the future,” Ms Hayhurst said.

“A family member from the Dobsons has submitted the history of the Dobson family in The Basin and those who are currently living in The Basin on the same property that was originally bought by David Dobson; the Chandler family have also submitted some history about their family in The Basin.

“One of the local residents made a timeline of world events and Australian events from 2016 to 2024, The Basin Theatre Group has submitted some information about some of the history of their group and what they hope for the future with their future performances.”

A copy of Rick Coxhill’s Fire on the Hill, Flowers in the Valley : The Basin 1868 - 1992 was also placed in the capsule, which is under the protection of The Basin Fire Brigade, who will look after the capsule until a permanent place is found.

Ms Hayhurst said people of “all ages” attended the community picnic, which saw a performances from local band FEX. “Everyone was looking at each other’s faces...some of the older generations would say ‘oh, not sure I’m going to be alive [when the time capsule is reopened],” she said.

“It’s a lost art... you don’t hear about [time capsules] much but I think they’re a lovely thing.

“The time capsule itself is not worth much, probably $20 if you added up all the costs, but its value to draw people together and get the best from the community into that little capsule; I have about 20 contributors to that and from every walk of life in the community from teenagers to artists to respected leaders in the community, so I think it’s a good thing. “ Ms Hayhurst said the “sad and inspiring” idea for a new time capsule came from John Mortimore; the former Mayor of Knox. mailcommunity.com.au

The Basin Time Capsule will be under the care of The Basin Fire Brigade until a permanent place is found.

Picture: CATHERINE FOUCHE

Peter Dobson, a member of the Dobson family, who still owns land in the area.

Picture: CATHERINE FOUCHE

all those advice about building and he actually rebuilt the old monument that we took the original capsule out of and here’s the one he suggested ‘why don’t we get PVC pipe and use that to store it so it would never get wrecked like the last one,’” Ms Hayhurst said.

“We got a very large PVC pipe with caps on either end.

“Lois Dobson has now spent the past week or so in her own inimitable style...she’s also done all the artwork around it in its own style, quite stunning ; It’s got ferns and butterflies and on each cap she has put, the caps are gold and on each end of them she’s got Aboriginal symbols.”

Ms Hayhurst said the new time capsule has

“hundreds” of years worth of history inside it, as well as current things that have happened which will become history.

“The people in the future will be able to look back and go ‘wow, things are similar in some ways, but wow, they’re really different,’” she said.

“I like to bring together, to connect, the best in the community.

“Bringing together the history of The Basin, the people who currently live here and the talented artists and the writers and everybody with all their strengths, it just shows that if we work together we can do some beautiful things.”

“He has Lou Gehrig’s disease...he hasn’t got long to live,” she said.

“Because we put the old capsule in a cabinet at the base of Community House...at that ceremony he looked at me and said, ‘I think we need a new capsule,’ so it was his request that I thought to honour him, this dear man, that’s all he wanted, he just would like another capsule.”

Ms Hayhurst herself discovered a time capsule buried in 1967 inside a cairn at The Basin Triangle It was to be opened in 2017, but was forgotten by the community.

“The previous capsule...was a milk bottle with alfoil on it...we decided with the advice of Richard the renovator from 98 .1 FM; he’s got

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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Back to school cost fears

By Mikayla van Loon As parents across the Yarra Ranges make the final dash to buy school supplies before term starts, the dread of being unable to afford the essentials, let alone the extras, is hitting hard.

A survey by the national children’s education charity The Smith Family of 2200 people found almost nine out of 10 respondents (88.3 per cent) were worried to some degree about being able to afford all the things their children would need for school in 2024.

Over half of the respondents said their children might miss out on the digital devices needed for their schoolwork, while 45.6 per cent said their children would miss out on uniforms or school shoes.

Anglicare Victoria senior financial counsellor Kylie McLoughlin confirmed the pressures parents were feeling right now.

“We know that the return to school is an expensive time for families, and it’s only getting pricier with growing costs of living. Whether it’s the rent, the mortgage, power bills, food or affording back to school supplies, there’s no doubt it’s tough out there,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“I’d recommend sitting down and making a financial plan for the year ahead, noting any camps or excursions, school photos and graduation ceremonies.

“Parents might also want to check what items they have from last year they could reuse, such as exercise books, or pens and pencils. Lunchboxes, bags, and pencil cases can all be washed afresh for the school year.”

Ms McLoughlin said it was also a good idea to check if a school offered a second hand shop or marketplace or even participated on the Sustainable School Shop website.

When it comes to digital devices, Ms McLoughlin said refurbished laptops and tablets could be just as good without the price tag

but it was worth the research.

Anchor chief executive officer Heidi Tucker said for people experiencing homelessness, affording school items was a common, and often stressful challenge but access to internet and learning devices was “a newer challenge that adds to the parents and carers”.

But despite this initial January outlay in cost for the material items, Ms Tucker said sometimes it was the emotional impact that took a greater toll on families throughout the year.

“Encountering this issue so often led Anchor to partner with Swinburne University in 2020 on a research piece that is exploring the impact on children’s sense of belonging and wellbeing when their parents can’t afford schooling costs,” she said.

“The research has revealed that children are just as likely to take on that guilt and shame. If they bring a payment form for a school camp home and it clearly causes the family stress to be able to cover it, the next time a camp or excursion comes up, they won’t even consider asking their parents about it.

“It may not seem that important, but isolating themselves has an enormous toll on mental health and impacts their social development.”

Ms Tucker said she hoped people would approach this school year with “sensitivity and compassion” because there are a lot of parents who experience “guilt and shame when they are struggling to make ends meet” or can’t give their child what others have.

Ms McLoughlin said there were a number of programs out there offering financial support, it’s just about finding them.

For school supplies, the State School’s Relief website is a place to start, while student scholarships were available through the Victorian Government, as well as bank’s providing saver programs.

“If you’re struggling, make sure you’re receiving the correct concessions and funding. If

you do have a concession or pension card, tell your school, you might be surprised what they can help you with. Reach out to the principal and just ask the question,” she said.

“Your child might be able to access the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund which can be used to pay for extracurricular activities over the school year.

“Some schools have funding set aside to help families who need help, and some have spare uniforms they can pass on. Your school can also help with applications to organisations which can help provide shoes, uniforms, graphing calculators and even glasses.”

The CSEF is a payment of $125 for primary school students and $225 for high school students, paid directly to the school for extracurricular activities.

Anchor also supports its families by supplying books, uniforms and other essentials but takes a child-focused approach.

“Anchor’s support programs allow us to focus on individual needs around children’s access to education essentials,” Ms Tucker said.

“Our child-focused support worker does great work with families to ensure that the individual needs of children experiencing homelessness are met.

“The money that community members donate also allows us a lot of flexibility to pay for things that children experiencing homelessness need, so anyone who donates to homelessness support organisations should feel extremely proud about the impact they are having in children’s lives.”

Anglicare Victoria can also support eligible families with internet access via its School Student Broadband Initiative. To contact Anglicare about school costs or emergency relief, call 1800 809 722.

More families are worried about affording essential school items.

Picture: UNSPLASH

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 74 already gone. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Lilydale Line

Belgrave Line

From 8.30pm 30 Jan to 2 Feb

Blackburn to Lilydale

From 8.30pm 30 Jan to spring 2024

Croydon Station closed

From 8.30pm 30 Jan to Apr

On sections of the line

Road disruptions: Closed lanes and roads Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully

Until mid-Feb

Lanes closed at times between Lightwood Drive and Burke Road

Cave Hill Road, Lilydale

From 24 Jan

Closed permanently at the level crossing

Bedford Road, Ringwood

From 7am 30 Jan to Apr

At the level crossing

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MTIA10341

Clyde Street, McMahons Road and Burke Road closed at times

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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State of basketball art The completion of the new state-of-the-art basketball facility for Victoria will welcome more players and fans, while becoming host to some of the best players from the country.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and tourism, sport and major events minister Steve Dimopoulos visited Victoria’s home of basketball, the State Basketball Centre, in Wantirna South to officially open the new build extension on Tuesday 16 January.

“Victorians love basketball more than any other state, and this investment means more Victorians can take part and dream of emulating their heroes around the world,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

This blockbuster centre will roll out a jampacked program of basketball games at all levels – from NBL and WNBL training and matches to grassroots local basketball competitions.

With 12 new indoor community courts for local competitions, there are now a total of 18 indoor courts at the centre for players and fans to enjoy.

“I’m stoked the 12 new community courts and the new gymnastics hub will serve the Knox community for years to come and be a boon for our local economy,” Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor said.

The centre also features a dedicated highperformance training and administration facility for teams including NBL team South-East Melbourne Phoenix and the WNBL’s Southside Flyers.

These administration facilities will also be used by local sports organisations and clubs to ensure more grassroots clubs have the best facilities and infrastructure to support basketball’s growth in Victoria for generations to come.

Knox Regional Sports Park precinct has also been boosted by a new town square with food and beverage venues, while road upgrades will make it easier and more accessible for locals

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor joined premier Jacinta Allan at the completed State Basketball Centre on Tuesday 16 January. and visitors to access the park.

The new world-class State Basketball Centre was delivered with a $105 million investment from the Victorian Government. Knox City Council also provided an additional $27 million in funding for the $132 million project.

“We are proud to see Knox maintain its reputation as the heartland of basketball in the country. Improving our facilities for basketball and gymnastics means local people of all ages, genders and abilities will benefit from the opportunity to participate in sport and the wonderful role modelling that can come from rubbing shoulders with their elite sporting he-

roes,” Knox City Council Mayor Jude Dwight said.

Development Victoria worked with builder ADCO Constructions to use locally manufactured steel on the build with more than 90 per cent of total construction material coming from right here in Victoria.

More than 500 jobs were created during construction, with more than 100 ongoing jobs supporting the centre’s operations.

Works are underway to upgrade the existing original six basketball courts and surrounding admin and function spaces to further service

Picture: SUPPLIED

the community and sport, due for completion by mid-2024.

Victoria is already Australia’s home of basketball, with participation numbers across the state equal to every other state combined.

Since 2010, basketball participation in Victoria has grown by more than four per cent annually.

The State Basketball Centre will tomorrow host the clash between the South-East Melbourne Phoenix and the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, with the Phoenix preparing for the match in the new high performance areas.

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Enjoy the Community & the Facilities

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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NEWS

Petition calls for rainbow voices in local councils

By Callum Ludwig The Rainbow Local Government campaign is gathering signatures for petitions soon to be tabled calling on councils across the state to instill new community-driven advisory committees .

Petitions have been set up to put before the Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, Knox and Cardinia councils later this year.

Co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government Campaign Dr Sean Mulcahy said an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee could ensure that the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual residents were heard on the issues that affected them.

“Many councils already have advisory committees for diverse communities, including disabled people or Aboriginal people, and an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee would build on this successful model of listening to the community,” he said.

“It’s important to have a specific committee or subcommittee focused on LGBTIQA+ issues because, in a broad diversity or inclusion committee. That focus can sometimes get lost or it is left to one person to speak for an entire community.”

The petition to the Yarra Ranges and Knox councils calls for an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee to be established, while the Maroondah and Cardinia petitions call for changes to existing committees; A LGBTIQA+ sub-committee of Maroondah’s existing Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee and for community representatives to be appointed to Cardinia’s LGBTIQ+ Action Group.

“We’ve seen LGBTIQA+ advisory committees across the state drive inclusion ini-

The Rainbow Local Government campaign is calling on councils across the state to establish LGBTIQA+ advisory committees.

Picture: ON FILE tiatives that benefit the whole community by making facilities more accessible for all, developing innovative new services, and delivering events that boost local tourism,” Dr Mulcahy said.

“The petition will be formally tabled at a council meeting in the first half of the year, which will give the council an opportunity to consider the matter and provide a response.”

All the petitions can be found on the ‘Rainbow Local Government’ Facebook page: facebook.com/RainbowLocalGov A Maroondah City Council spokesperson said the Maroondah aimed to consider the accessibility, social inclusion and equity needs of all population groups in Maroondah in a holistic way.

“This group specifically lists LGBTIQA+ inclusion as a focus area, amongst others, and the committee includes a range of community representatives with relevant lived experience, alongside partner organisations as members who advocate on behalf of their diverse clients,” they said.

“There are a number of marginalised groups that are a focus of this committee, and there is significant benefit in considering the intersectional needs of these groups, rather than establishing specific advisory groups for each,” “Should the need arise, however, a working group may be recommended by the committee members to work on a specific task, theme or project.”

The Maroondah Access, Equity and Inclusion Committee was established in 2020.

A Knox City Council spokesperson said petitions were tabled at a council meeting where they are considered by council.

“Council provides a range of programs and activities to support our LGBTIQ+ community as part of our commitment to ensure a safe and inclusive community for everyone,” they said.

At the last sets of council elections, Rainbow Local Government also asked council candidates to take a local candidate survey and pledge to support their local LGBTIQA+ as well as share their gender and/or sexual identity. The responses can be found at rainbowvotes.com.au/pledgers Director of corporate services at Yarra Ranges Council Andrew Hilson said Yarra Ranges Council was committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing the strength of diversity, and addressing and preventing

any discriminatory or exclusionary practices.

“We have existing and strong relationships with service partners, township groups and community members that support health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTIQA+ residents,” he said.

“Recently, we established a refreshed Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee which includes membership representative of the diverse Yarra Ranges community and is connected to the LGBTIQA+ community.

This is important to ensure council’s work has a positive impact on the wellbeing of all community members,” “Future recruitment practices for existing advisory committees will apply an intersectional lens to ensure membership continues to be representative of our diverse community.”

Yarra Ranges Council also reviews the work of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Access, Equity and Inclusion Reference Group which work within the LGBTIQA+ community in the region.

Mr Hilson said Yarra Ranges Council is currently developing the next iteration of the Equity, Access and Inclusion Strategy and will have direct engagement with community township groups such as Rural Rainbows to advise on this plan.

“Council has dedicated teams and resourcing to continue to work with community members and township groups via an asset-based community development approach, celebrating diversity and inclusion and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community wherever possible,” he said.

Cardinia Shire Council was contacted for comment.

MPs set sights on 2024

By Callum Ludwig This year promises to be a year filled with political debate, with hot topics spanning from humanitarian crises overseas to the cost of living hitting hard across the country to the decrepit state of any roads throughout the state.

The Star Mail reached out to local State and Federal MPs to find out what their goals and concerns are for the year ahead and what legislation they would like to see introduced.

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the cost of living, planned road projects in Coldstream and Montrose and access to healthcare are his focus.

“Those fundamental challenges around cost of living, access to health, energy prices, I don’t think those are disappearing in the next 12 months,” he said.

“We ran an important inquiry last year on food security, looking at making sure that our farms are sustainable and successful and one of the things that came out of that was the imbalance of power in the relationship between the supermarkets and farmers.

“Given I worked in a food manufacturing business supplying supermarkets, I’ve got first-hand experience, so I’m definitely looking to use that to support our farmers and food suppliers by making sure that the duopoly of Woolworths and Coles are engaging in fair practice.”

Mr Violi was a member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture that delivered the ‘Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond’ report in November 2023 which delved into the food security of Australia.

In 2023, the Australian Greens secured support for a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct while a Select Committee on Supermarket Prices is set to release a report by May this year. The Queensland Government has also announced an inquiry into the widening gap in supermarket prices and what farmers are paid for their produce.

On a state level, local MPs in the Outer East are going in to bat for their community projects, pushing for road projects and thinking about legislation that can help crack down on key community concerns.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said one of her key issues of focus is getting potholes and de8 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

Pushing through the upgrades of the Maroondah Hospital is a key focus in 2024 for Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and Croydon MP David Hodgett.

Picture: ON FILE graded roads fixed and making roads safer.

“Including fixing dangerous intersections at Hull and Mooroolbark Roads in Mooroolbark, and Clegg and Wellington Roads in Wandin North,” she said. “(I will be) holding the state government to account to upgrade Maroondah Highway and Killara Road in Coldstream, now that the 2019 funding allocated to this vital road safety project has been re-confirmed,” “After the devastating desecration of the Montrose War Memorial in 2023, as well as a series of vandalism attacks on other Yarra Valley war memorials in recent times, this year I will continue engaging with local RSLs and

police about how we could legislate increased penalties for those individuals that desecrate and damage war memorials and other community assets of significance.”

Pushing the Victorian Government into making progress on the promised upgrades for the Maroondah Hospital was also on the cards for Ms Vallence, a goal she shared with fellow Victorian Liberal and Member for Croydon David Hodgett.

Mr Hodgett said he will be vigorously pursuing the project as well as others.

“We are yet to see any plans or the commencement of works on this project. When you have an emergency and call an ambu-

lance, you expect one will arrive when you need it. Likewise, when you are sick and need a bed in hospital, you expect to be able to be admitted for treatment and care,” he said.

“I am concerned about the centralisation of planning powers, where the government will cut out local community consultation and locals having a voice in the planning process. As such, I will maintain pressure to ensure genuine community consultation on projects that impact the lives of local residents.”

State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish was on leave and will endeavour to share her response following her return. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Volunteers leap into action

By Mikayla van Loon In the wake of the tornado-like storms that battered the coast of Queensland over Christmas, two local volunteers helped ease the burden as the clean up effort got underway.

Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers Tom Garrett, from Boronia, and Daniel Trim, from Lilydale, were part of the 55 strong member response to help Gold Coast residents get back on their feet.

Heading up to the north eastern state on Wednesday 3 January, Tom and Daniel were part of the interstate crew who relieved local volunteers during the second week of clean up.

“We were tasked with priority one duties in the worst hit areas to clear roads that had been blocked by fallen trees and enable the powerline people to get in and restore electricity,” they said.

Being on the ground, both Tom and Daniel said witnessing the destruction was a whole lot worse than they’d imagined.

“It struck me that it was similar to the devastation after Black Saturday, the tops of trees were stripped,” Tom said.

“The photos and videos just don’t do it justice, it was so much worse. The damage was very severe,” Daniel said.

Buildings experienced extensive damage, sheds were flown into other people’s backyards and numerous animals were killed.

The RRT crews helped clear 3000 cubic metres of debris, the equivalent of 500 truck loads, over five days.

In conversation one day with a tree contractor who had been employed to cut down dislodged trees, Daniel said they were amazed by the response of RRT’s volunteers.

“He said ‘we’re getting paid to do this and you’re all volunteers’. He was shocked.

“He said to me ‘you guys are amazing,

With the help of machinery, RRT were able to be of the most assistance to Gold Coast residents.

Rapid Relief Team volunteers provide manual labour to help clear debris from roads and properties.

Pictures: RAPID RELIEF TEAM you’re doing way more than us.”

RRT director Lester Sharples said the support of local businesses in supplying excavators and bobcats was crucial in clearing the significant amount of debris.

“If it weren’t for the heavy machinery, which was graciously provided to us at minimal cost, the enormous task of the immediate clean-up from these storms would have been far greater and taken far longer,” he said.

“Every tree and branch we clear is a small step on the road to recovery. While there’s a long way to go for communities across the Gold Coast, we’ve made significant inroads in the clean-up which will help people get on with the job of repairing and rebuilding their homes and businesses.”

In between the physical labour of removing fallen trees and debris, RRT volunteers provid-

ed 800 meals to fellow volunteers and emergency personnel from the Australian Defence Force, RFS and Disaster Relief Australia.

“It’s good how everyone works together and it’s interesting how you get along with people you’ve never met before because of this common interest to help, you become knitted together,” Daniel said.

Stationed in the vicinity of the Gold Coast Motor Museum, Tom said what will stick with him is the generosity of those who had been so affected by the storms.

“The impact of how one man opened his property to us to store our machinery even though his house and business had been destroyed in the storm will stay with me,” he said.

For Daniel, he said the visual of the before and after of the carnage this storm left in its path will remain with him.

RRT helped clear 3000 cubic metres, or 200 truck loads, of debris.

Not only that, it will be the people who were so grateful for the help, that they would yell and cheer as they drove past in cars or walked the streets that will stay a solid memory in Daniel’s mind.

While Tom has volunteered with RRT for 10 years, and even prior to that providing catering during events like Black Saturday, Daniel was new to the response.

“I liked the ability to lend a hand really quickly and machinery being my line of work, I felt like I could put my skills to use,” Daniel said.

“It was more than you could ever expect in terms of reward.”

Seeing the appreciation of communities and feeling the reward of helping others, Daniel and Tom said volunteering with RRT will continue to be a big part of their lives.

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722-742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek mailcommunity.com.au

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12660846-JB04-24

“We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, over a quarter of the community in our beautiful new village also came from the Eastern suburbs.

So join us in 2024.”

MAIL 9

Cardinia Shire’s 2024

Award nominees Citizen of the Year Chris White Elizabeth Roberts Garry Oates Graham Cockerell Jarrod Beaumont Patrick Noonan

Senior Citizen of the Year Colin Teese Dr. Mary Cole Dr. Pat Macwhirter Graham Simpson Gwendoline (Anne) Dunn Jagtar Singh Sodhi John Beavis John Glazzard

Young Citizen of the Year Ella Chawkley Lousia Zanin

Community Event of the Year AWBEC – 40th Commemoration of Ash Wednesday Cannibal Creek Landcare Community Planting Day Gembrook Market Pakenham Welcomes 2023 Upper Beaconsfield Village Festival

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for your contributions to our community.

The nominees will be officially recognised and winners announced at an Awards Ceremony on Thursday 25 January 2024.

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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NEWS

Honouring our best citizens The Yarra Ranges is preparing to celebrate some of its highly credited citizens for their contributions to the community and environment with the Australia Day Civic Awards.

When nominations opened in October, then Mayor Jim Child said the annual awards were a great way of honouring and recognising the commitment of many people in the shire.

“We know that there are countless volunteers, community groups and community advocates who work every day to make this one of the best places in the world to live,” Cr Child said.

“These awards are a chance to give some of these wonderful, passionate people some well-deserved recognition – a reminder that we see their work and appreciate it deeply.”

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Achiever of the Year and Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2024 awardees will be honoured in a ceremony on Friday 26 January.

Last year, Lilydale’s Bec Rosel was named Citizen of the Year for her work on the Lilydale

Street Fair and bringing people together postpandemic.

Eleven-year-old Allora Cumming won the Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award for her dedication to protecting the environment and native wildlife in the Yarra Ranges.

The day will also be marked with the shire’s newest members gaining citizenship in what is normally an invitation-only ceremony.

People from across the country will also be named as part of the Australia Day Honours List, receiving an Order of Australia and awards for meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous service.

The Governor General said last year that these people “go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable”.

“These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.”

The names of honours’ recipients will be revealed on Friday 26 January.

Siblings Josh, Jessica May and Joven Mark Mari Crisotomo Athelm received citizenships together.

Last year’s Yarra Ranges Civic Award winners came from various parts across the shire, from all different roles and contributions.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

Happy

a i l a r t s u A AARON VIOLI FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CASEY

110 Main Street, Lilydale VIC 3140 aaronvioli.com.au Each Australia Day, the Yarra Ranges welcomes its new citizens. mailcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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NEWS

Going as high as the trees, the giant swing tested some fears but was rewarding when done.

Archie’s Club camp saw participants take part in activities like archery.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

The giant swing was a fan favourite with the kids.

‘Invisible siblings’ seen

By Mikayla van Loon Two days of bliss awaited the siblings of those with a disability as they embarked on a camp designed to build relationships and offer respite.

Heading to the YMCA Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 January, the 16 participants were greeted by nature, outdoor activities, socialisation and a dedicated support team.

The Archie’s Club Camp, founded by Oscars100 charity organisers Michelle and Andrew Payne, looks to give siblings aged between 10 and 16, who often find themselves in a caring role, the chance to unwind, make friends and have fun.

“Anxiety and stress is really high in siblings, particularly of those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), because of the way it presents itself and a lot of these kids are going to end up being carers or partial carers for their siblings as time goes on,” Michelle said.

“It’s quite an isolating life if you don’t have the support and there aren’t supports around.

That’s the whole reason we’re doing this because there’s limited to no government funding for sibling programs.”

A Siblings Australia survey in 2019 found 84 per cent of adult siblings of a person with disability reported family stress as an issue during their childhood and 66 per cent experienced anxiety.

Partnering with disability support not-forprofit Aruma, community support team leader Will Labas said with the camp only being in its second year, the main aim was to grow participation. “We actually had a really overwhelming response. So we had over 75 families reach out and express their interest in total,” he said.

“I confirmed, including the waitlist, 30 at one point, so we had a really nice number where our max was 24. It was a massive increase from the year before of having 10.”

Reflected in those numbers, Will said, was the tendency for siblings to also be diagnosed with anxiety, with at least half of the 75 initial families identifying anxiety in their child.

Unfortunately, some participants had to pull out because of illness and other reasons but Will said it was fantastic to see so much interest and is a positive sign for 2025.

Aruma, funded through Oscars100, will also be helping facilitate free outings throughout this year for siblings to reconnect with friends from the camp or make new connections.

“We’re going to do outings that the charity will cover so they’ll go either to timezone or they’ll go bowling or they’ll do something and there’ll be eight of those that the kids can then 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

It was all about team work, building friendships and supporting each other at the swing.

Participants gained confidence and independence from giving the activities a go despite it sometimes being challenging.

come and choose from,” Michelle said.

“We’re just trying to make sure these kids have a safe place that actually continues throughout the year and they know they’ve got the camp, and then they’ve got their outings and then they’ve got the camp and we’re hoping this is how it’s going to build.

“We’re really just trying to build a program that just maintains relationships throughout the year, not just for one camp once a year.”

Michelle said for many siblings being able to invite friends over or getting to do family activities is not a reality, depending on what their brother or sister can handle because of their disability.

“If you’ve got a sibling who has a disability, you might have to miss out on things or you get told ‘we’re going to go and do this’ but ‘I’m sorry, they’ve had a massive meltdown, we can’t go today’.

because of this, I constantly battle internally with ‘mum guilt.’ I am so thankful for Archie’s Club and all that it offers.”

Initially starting Oscars100 in 2014 after their son, Oscar, was diagnosed with autism in 2011, Archie’s Club stemmed from recognising the challenges that then presented for their youngest son Archie.

The main fundraising event for the charity is the ultra marathon trail run Hut 2 Hut, which takes place at Mount Buller each year.

This year the event is scheduled for the weekend of 16 to 18 February, with three categories to choose from; 100km, 50km or 10km.

More information can be found at hut2hut. oscars100.com.au To find out more about Oscars100, visit oscars100.com.au. To inquire about joining Archie’s Club, go to aruma.com.au and search for Archie’s Club.

“So you’re consistently disappointed. They might lash out at you. Then your world is not a typical world.”

But by meeting other siblings going through similar situations at home, Michelle said it can make all the difference to their self esteem, confidence and feeling like they’re not alone.

For Mooroolbark local Karen Fleischer, who has two daughters, one with autism and one without, this was the second time her daughter Mia, attended Archie’s Club camp, and Karen has been blown away by the service.

“Mia absolutely loved Archie’s Club camp and came home a different child. Not only has she made new friends that understand exactly what she is going through but she also came home with more understanding of ASD and her sister’s experiences,” she said.

“I have been searching for a program that supports siblings of ASD children for years. Often, it’s the siblings that take a back seat and

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NEWS

Gembrook stalwart Norm recognised

By Tyler Wright A Gembrook stalwart has been recognised for his commitment to the local RSL and to his town.

Norm Smith, at 90 years old is the state’s oldest RSL president.

In November 2023, he was provided a certificate of appreciation from the Returned & Services League of Australia’s Victorian branch for 50 years of service to the Gembrook RSL sub-branch and the local community.

Norm who became a legatee 25 years ago, said it was “great” to be recognised.

“Being born here, the same as Shirley [Norm’s wife], you get to grow with your mates,” Norm said.

“I just like the town and the people in it.

“When dad went into the war, the last time I saw him, he got on the bus up in front of the bakers because that was a bus stop, and 17 years later I took over that bus route.”

Norm was elected to participate in national service in 1952; based at the Puckapunyal Army Base.

His father, Arthur, died in a prisoner of war camp.

Norm recalled seeing seeing his father for the last time as a young boy.

“I still get upset 84 years later,” he said.

“One of my mum’s friends said ‘kiss your father goodbye,’ I said ‘boys don’t kiss men’.

“I’ve regretted that.”

In 1954, he was part of a guard of honour for the queen when she visited Warragul.

With his dad a member of the RSL before the war, Norm said the soldier settlers who returned to the area in 1948, after the war, took him under their wing.

“After we lost dad, mum said ‘well, you’re in a town, they look after you and you look after them,” Norm said.

“Shirley’s parents are probably the same, and that’s where we both got tangled up in most things in Gembrook.”

He was also a permanent bus driver for 42 and a half years; playing a part in the rescue of students from Cooinda Campground.

“Wednesday night I was coming home from the Monbulk High School, my ribs were burning that’s how hot the bus [motor] was,” he said.

“Shirley was with me in the bus when we went out to rescue school students, teachers and part owner Gwen. They were all lined up with their pillows.

“We just got back on the Mt Eirene Road when a fire ball went over the top of the bus and into the out buildings; we were lucky it didn’t take [us with it].”

Norm’s roles at the RSL have spanned from committee member to a stint as treasurer for five years, and most recently assuming the role

Smiles as L2P comes to Monbulk

Norm Smith, 90, has been recognised for his service to the Gembrook RSL sub-branch and the community.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT of president for the past six years.

“The kindergarten [has been] involved in it when they marched, we had them march out of the school, [and] the scouts,” he said.

“Once they made all these paper poppies and they put it on a sheet of paper; they decorate the fences.”

Norm said the RSL gives older members of the community a place to gather with social meetings held on Friday nights; all made by him to sit at one table.

“Sometimes we’ll have 22, but they’ve all sort of mixed in together, and if a couple aren’t there, ‘where are they?’...you come around to that way of thinking,” he aid.

“They’re all 60, 70, 80s, and a couple of 90s, and they’re all quite happy...it gives them an outing too.

“We’re still making a couple of dollars out of it, not as much as these other clubs, but to me, our club is more of a social club, as well as return.”

With eyes set on stepping down as presi-

dent, Norm’s legacy at the RSL will still be ever present in the town as new members join.

“There was another Navy fellow here about 12 months, and he came up and joined. And we got a young couple both out of the Navy, but they’ve got children, so they come when they can,” he said.

“They reckon it’s great because they take the kids in... and one little bloke came up and said ‘Norm have we ever had snow in Gembrook?

“I said ‘yes’...back in the ‘20s and ‘50s, we’ve got a couple of little photos to show him.”

Norm has also been involved in the Gembrook-Cockatoo Football Club, serving in roles including player, goal umpire and trainer.

He also played a key role in starting up the junior football club, was the secretary of the youth club and an active member of the local fire brigade.

“Mum brought me home to Gembrook on Puffing Billy,” Norm said. “[I] have lived here ever since.”

Bendigo Community Bank Monbulk & District in conjunction with Yarra Ranges Council and Tribe Monbulk Youth are bringing the TAC L2P Program to Monbulk.

L2P is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.

Volunteer mentors are an integral and highly valued part of the L2P program, providing a unique opportunity for young people to interact with positive adult role models, gain confidence and move towards social independence.

One to two hours a week can make a big difference.

This program utilises a vehicle dedicated to the L2P program, you do not need to use your own vehicle.

A free mentor workshop will be held in Monbulk at the Community Hub on Saturday 3 February from 9am until 3pm.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor and help create the next generation of safe drivers, please register your details with L2P@yarraranges.vic.gov.au, scan the QR code or contact the Yarra Ranges Council L2P team on 0417 534 945.

The L2P program helps young people get on the roads who may not be able to otherwise. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Bendigo Bank Monbulk will be assisting the L2P Driver Program in the suburb.

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Mail

AVONSLEIGH Avonsleigh News & General Store 445 Belgrave Gembrook Road BELGRAVE Belgrave Newsagency 1704 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE Woolworths Supermarket 1629 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Bell Real Estate 313 Main Street FERNTREE GULLY Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagents, 1202 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY Glenfern Road Milk Bar , 83 Glenfern Road

MONBULK Monbulk Newsagency & Officesmart 76 Main Street OLINDA Monbulk Bowling Club, 11 Moores Road OLINDA Olinda Cellars Shop 7/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE IGA 151 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE Chandler & Co Real Estate 1689 Burwood Hwy

FERNTREE GULLY Coles Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Woolworths Supermarket Mountain Gate SC

OLINDA Ranges at Olinda 5 Old Main Road OLINDA IGA Supermarket 1526 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1660 Burwood Highway Belgrave BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road

Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Mountain Gate Newsagency & Lotto Mountain Gate SC 9b Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY IGA Ferntree Gully, 107 Station Street

OLINDA Bell Real Estate 11 Main Road SASSAFRAS Sassafras General Store 391 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road SILVAN Shell Princi Motors, 275 - 277 Monbulk Road

COCKATOO Ranges First National Shop 2, 24 McBride Street COCKATOO IGA Cockatoo 34 McBride Street

TECOMA BP Service Station 1524 Burwood Highway TECOMA Bon Ton General Store 1537 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Kaye Charles RE 12a Kilvington Drive EMERALD Ritchies SUPA IGA 342 Belgrave-Gembrook Road EMERALD Emerald Village Newsagency 4 Kilvington Drive

FERNTREE GULLY Shell Service Station 1140 Burwood Highway FERNY CREEK Ferny Creek & Post Office 195 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road GEMBROOK Gembrook Post Office& Newsagent 72 Main Street GEMBROOK IGA Supermarket 83/85 Main Street

EMERALD Woolworths Supermarket Belgrave Gembrook Road EMERALD Auto Plus More Petrol Station 365 Main Street

KALORAMA Post Office 1209 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONBULK Best Repairs & Accessories Monbulk - 26 Main Road

TREMONT Caltex Service Station 100 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road UPWEY Newsagent 18 Main Street

EMERALD Shell Service Station 336 Main Street EMERALD Barry Plant Real Estate 1/ 321 Main Street

MONBULK Food Express 128 Main Road MONBULK Woolworths Supermarket Main Road & Moores Road

UPWEY IGA Supermarket 62-64 Main Street UPWEY Yarra Ranges Shire Council 40 Main Street

12652353-AA48-23

TECOMA O’Brien Real Estate 1567 Burwood Highway TECOMA McDonald’s Restaurant 1529 Burwood Highway THE PATCH The Patch Store and Post office 16 The Patch Road

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 13

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

House backs community The Emerald Community House (ECH) advances social and public welfare by providing benevolent relief to members of the hills community. The centre creates programs that respond to identified needs and interests, providing support to those who are affected by crises or displaced by disruptive events and providing services with learning and development outcomes for disadvantaged individuals.

ECH activities help to alleviate hardship by operating community food resources for those suffering financial distress, not-for-profit childcare and adult education. Our enterprises include the Emerald Community Market (3rd Sunday), the Dig In Community Grocery and a short course program. ECH operates two solar power arrays including battery storage to increase operational sustainability and resilience.

The Dig In Community Grocery operates totally off the grid. ECH auspices the Hills Creative Alliance and the Hills Community Focus (HCF) magazine, a volunteer-run local publication for the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire hills area. HCF started in 2023 and was created in response to the June 2021 hills storm disaster.

Volunteer positions are available for leading editors, writers, proofreaders and graphic designers. Other specific volunteer opportunities may be available from time to time at ECH. Tertiary placements and Centrelink job seekers are also considered for volunteering positions to develop workplace skills. Employment for qualified childcare educators is currently on offer.

ECH office hours are from 10am to 3pm Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Free nonperishable food purchased by ECH is available 24/7 from our front verandah and also available in the Dig In Community Grocery. Food donations within use-by dates are also appreciated.

Reach out at emhouse@iinet.net.au, at www.echvic.org.au, market@echvic.org.au or 03 5968 3881.

Enjoy pottery at Emerald Community House.

L-R: Short course ACFE award finalists Donna Asling and Dianne Edwards.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Dig In Community Grocery.

Mountain District Learning Centre 15 The Avenue, Ferntree Gully

WHERE CONNECTIONS ARE MADE AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE REALISED

•emerald community house

Registered Training Organisation: 3969

The Cottage Program An education re-engagement program for young people

Term 1, 2024 Short Course Program Fired Arts Courses: Ceramics/Pottery - create functional and sculptural clay based art Friday daytime, February 2nd - March 22nd, 1:00-3:00pm, $330 Monday evenings, February 5th - March 25th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, $330 Children’s Fired Arts Courses: Mixed Media - clay hand building, glass fusion and jewellery making Wednesdays, February 7th - March 27th, 4:00-5:30 pm, $22 Garden to Plate - Food for all, increase cooking skills, use local produce, support local food needs Mondays, February 5th - March 25th, 9:30am-1:30pm, $80 Introduction to Permaculture - improve your garden design, sustainability and lifestyle Wednesdays, April 17th - May 1st, 9:00 am - 3:00pm, $250

Term 1 Community Course Guide – Mountain District Learning Centre The Cottage Program, introducing the Younger Years Pilot Program.

The goal of this targeted program is to provide a model of collaborative early intervention and prevention strategies to improve outcomes for young people, through providing a safe and supportive learning environment where young people can thrive.

The Cottage Program operates during Victorian school terms to provide individualised learning programs in a class of twelve young people. Young people attend the program for 5-hour sessions (9.30am – 2.30pm), three days a week. This program is delivered in partnership with the student’s enrolled school utilising a Department of Education Y7-10 Re-engagement Contract and is delivered over 6-12 months. The student remains enrolled at their school for the duration of the program. The intention of the program is to successfully transition the student to their enrolled school.

The Cottage Program is focused on building literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills through the following nationally accredited courses: • • •

22472VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults 22473VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults 22474VIC Certificate III in General Education for Adults

Call MDLC for further information 9758 7859 www.mdlc.org.au

Successful Gardening - improve your garden yield, planting expertise, farm excursions Wednesdays, March 6th - March 20th, 9:00am-3:00pm, $250 Introduction to Herbalism - enhance general health and wellbeing with herbs, make herbal products Wednesdays, May 8th - 22nd, 9:00 am - 3:00pm, $250 Emerald Wellbeing Group - fun gathering, develop friendships and support network Thursdays, February 1st - March 28th, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Free Yoga - regular yoga practice for beginners to experienced, improve your health, increase flexibility Fridays, February 2nd- ongoing, 10:30 - 12pm, 10 sessions for $250 First Aid - Provide CPR and Provide First Aid Expressions of interest, CPR, 9:00 - 10:30am, $70, First Aid, 9:00am - 1:00pm, $150

Emerald Community House Inc. 356 - 358 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald Call 03 5968 3881 Email: emhouse@iinet.net.au to sign up.

Office Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am - 3 pm or by appt (Office closed during school holidays) ‘Find us’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/emeraldcommunity house

Emerald Community House – Where connections are made and opportunities are realised (echvic.org.au)

Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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mailcommunity.com.au

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

Something for all at Olinda Embrace the New Year with a plethora of possibilities at Olinda Community House in 2024.

Seize the chance to live, evolve, and enrich your life through engaging classes, workshops, and activities.

Term 1 boasts a diverse array of opportunities, from exciting additions like Watercolour and Drawing and French for Travel classes, to adult offerings such as Burlesque and Ballroom Dance. Junior Dance Club and ACRO cater to the younger crowd, while perennial favorites like Tai Chi and Yoga classes continue to inspire well-being. For those who find joy in singing, the Olinda Choir, under the guidance of Lady Shaula, returns on Tuesday evenings.

Additionally, the lighthearted Kalulu Ukulele Group will be strumming and laughing on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at the Olinda Hall.

Explore one-off workshops, such as Introduction to Turkish Cooking, Vegetarian Mediterranean Cooking, and Basket Weaving.

Music enthusiasts can enjoy a Music and Com-

posing Talk with local musician and composer Jacqui Rutton on 28 February 28, followed by Open Stage sessions starting 20 March.

Prepare for unexpected situations by attending Paediatric First Aid training on 27 March, suitable for parents, grandparents, and anyone caring for young children. This comprehensive training covers first aid education and injury prevention strategies to ensure the safety of little ones.

Calling all theatre enthusiasts to get involved in 2024 by expressing your interest in joining a new community theatre group. With the installation of new lighting, sound systems, and curtains in 2023, Olinda Community House eagerly anticipates the Hills Theatre Group making the most of these outstanding community resources.

With so many opportunities to learn and grow, don’t miss out—bookings open from 22 January. Explore the complete Term 1 Program at www.och.org.au and embark on a journey of discovery and personal development.

All are welcome to book their place in the array of activities.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Find out what might interest you at the Olinda Community House.

Picture: ON FILE

OLINDA COMMUNITY HOUSE TERM 1 2024 CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES

Your community our passion

Watercolour & Drawing for Beginners

Yoga

With Jingru Li

With Sam Moore

Tuesdays 6th Feb-26th March 10am-12pm $175 (8 wks)

Mondays 5th Feb-25th March (8 Wks) 7.15-8.15pm $144

French for Travel With Niroshini Ginasekera (Senior French Professor)

Mondays 12th Feb-25th March 10.30am-12.30pm $75+ $15 for ingredients Vegetarian Mediterranean Cooking With Arzu Yilmaz

Wednesday 20th March 10.30am-12.30pm $75+ $15 for ingredients Intro to Turkish Cooking With Arzu Yilmaz

Ballroom & Latin for Beginners With For The Love Of Dance

Thursdays 7-7.45pm 5th Feb-25th March (8 wks) $136 Enrol: www.fortheloveofdance.com.au

Open Stage: Music & Performance

Tai Chi

With Jacqui Rutton

With Jeff Davis

Wednesdays weekly from 20th March 2-4pm $10 per session or donation

Wednesdays 7th Feb-27th March ( 8 Wks) Beginners 5-6pm Advanced 7-8pm $112

Junior Dance Club- for children With For The Love Of Dance

Mondays 2-2.45pm 5th Feb-25th March (8 wks) $136 Enrol: www.fortheloveofdance.com.au Burlesque for Beginners With For The Love Of Dance

Saturday 9th March 10.30am-12.30pm $75+ $15 for ingredients

Thursdays 8-8.45pm 8th Feb-28th March (8 wks) $136 Enrol: www.fortheloveofdance.com.au

Basket Making Workshop

ACRO: Acrobatics & Dance -for children

With local artist: Monika Poray

With For The Love Of Dance

Saturday 16th March 10.30am-12pm $45 per workshop

Mondays 1.30-2pm 16th Oct-11th Dec (8 wks) $80 Enrol: www.fortheloveofdance.com.au

Check our Term Program for more at www.och.org.au For Class, Workshop & Activity Bookings Phone: 9751 1264 Email: contactus@och.org.au

Paediatric First Aid With Emergcare

Wednesday 27th March 9.30am-12.45pm Enrol: www.emergcare.com.au $110 Olinda Choir With Lady Shaula

Tuesdays 6th Feb- 26th March 6.30- 8pm Info & bookings: shaulasalathe@bigpond.com

Your community our passion

12657283-AA04-24

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 15

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Force of Nature screening to raise funds for CFA A screening of the Australian movie Force of Nature, that features Victorian emergency services, will be held at the Cameo Cinema in Belgrave in an effort raise funds for the CFA. The movie, set to premiere in early February, is based on Australian author Jane Harper’s second book, will also be screened at the Lorne Theatre.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the movie helped to highlight the importance of emergency services and was a great opportunity to raise funds for the CFA. “Our volunteers work tirelessly every year to help protect and support their communities and events like these are a great way of highlighting the work CFA does,” Mr Heffernan said.

The locations were chosen because the

movie Force of Nature was filmed in Victoria around the Lorne and Belgrave areas.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $20 each plus the booking fee and all funds will go toward the CFA Public Donations Fund.

The CFA Public Donations Fund is administered by the CFA board and all donations go directly towards supporting the volunteers, including volunteer development and equipment.

The Belgrave fundraiser will be held on Sunday 4 February at 2.30pm and tickets can be purchased at trybooking.com/COLEN The Lorne fundraiser will be held on Monday 29 January at 5.45pm and tickets can be purchased at trybooking.com/COLDJ The Cameo Cinema is located at 1628 Burwood Highway in Belgrave.

Force of Nature will be screened in Belgrave on Sunday 4 February at 2.30pm.

Turning heads and pages

By Gabriella Vukman Coming up in February, new local author Kylie Orr will launch her second novel ‘The Eleventh floor’ at the Miller’s Homestead.

Having achieved great success with her first novel, Kylie has chosen to share her work with her local community in her own stomping ground.

This free event, though fully booked out within one week of opening, will surely pose a spectacle for Hills library-goers and bookworms alike.

Author of ‘The Eleventh Floor,’ Orr said, “I want to celebrate my new novel with the people who showed such kind support of me in the Hills and also, Miller’s Homestead is beautiful”.

“I would live there if they let me. It’s such a gorgeous setting.”

Orr described considering multiple book launch options.

“I had lots of different ideas - should I find a bar that’s on the 11th floor and launch the book from there, seeing as a significant portion of the book takes place in a hotel?”

“I really wanted to celebrate and thank local people for supporting my book by having the launch somewhere locally so that we could also celebrate where we live because it’s beautiful.”

The launch at Miller’s Homestead is scheduled to kick off at 2pm on Saturday 3 February.

Orr is a down-to-earth mother of four with a wry sense of humour; albeit her books are not dedicated to the comedy section.

Encompassing a range of trying topics and spinning webs of dark, contemporary fiction, Orr’s new book tackles the challenges of parenthood, the expectations on new mothers, all with a twisted thrill and sprinkle of crime.

The novel’s synopsis focuses on ‘struggling’ first-time-mum, Gracie who books a night away from her family at the Maxwell Hotel.

Awaking in an unfamiliar room, a thrilling turn of events sees Gracie “trapped in a maze of lies”, involved in a crime and gripping onto the threads of her marriage and the safety of her baby.

Oor said her inspiration, whilst “certainly not biographical”, was seeded from her own four children.

“All of them were terrible sleepers and I used to dream of just having one night off, by myself in a hotel where I wasn’t responsible for anyone else and I could just sleep,” she said.

“I took this seed and asked ‘what if something terrible happened to Gracie on that night in the hotel?’

“What if she woke up in another man’s room and she can’t remember how she got there?”

“What if she witnessed a crime, but she can’t report the crime because she’s in someone else’s room?’”

Themes Kylie aimed to tackle in ‘The Eleventh Floor’ also touch on postnatal depression 16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

Local Hills author launches second novel in Boronia. and the social expectations placed on women to, as Orr said, “love every minute of motherhood”.

According to Orr, there is a “pretty strong commentary” on how women are perceived in society in the book.

“Even though I didn’t suffer from postnatal depression, I was around lots of people who did and it’s just a really stressful, dark time for many women and I wanted to write something to show that it’s okay to not enjoy new motherhood because it is a massive shift and identity change,” she said.

“I was always very career-oriented and a nerdy perfectionist, but that didn’t change the fact that my babies would not sleep no matter how hard I tried.

“I found that a massive shock to my system because what I understood was that when you work hard at some things you get a result and that doesn’t work with babies.”

Orr expressed the wholesome and supportive role that the Hills community played in her journey as an author, even for her debut novel, ‘Someone Else’s Child’, which also reflects her commitment to ‘dark’ and ‘twisty’ contemporary fiction.

“I think it’s always nerve-wracking putting out a book. You don’t know how people are going to receive it,” she said.

Picture: KYLIE ORR

“I actually loved sharing my first novel with my community and because locals in this area were so supportive of my first book, I have deliberately decided to launch my second at Miller’s Homestead because I just wanted to thank and celebrate the community that we have that are so good at supporting each other.”

Orr noted that the Belgrave Book Barn has been an excellent support to her over the years.

“I actually had some children’s books come out way back in 2017 and had to do that awkward, walk into the bookshop and say “Hi, I’m a local author and here are some books I wrote, would you like to stock them?””

“It’s great to support local authors but also independent book shops when you can because if you don’t buy books from them, they wont exist.”

Describing her first novel as more of a ‘slow burn’, Orr noted that divergently, ‘The Eleventh Floor’ “will hook readers right from the start”.

“I feel like readers will be right in the action for this one so it is a little bit different to my first novel in that sense,” Orr said.

When it comes to writer’s block, Orr reaches to the nature-rich environment of the hills for inspiration and rejuvenation; sometimes leaving her desk to walk among the trees and allow her brain space to wander.

“For me I treat writing like a job because it is a job. As soon as my kids go to school, I sit at my desk and I try to write,” she said.

“If I have days where it’s not flowing I will do something else related to writing that uses a different part of my brain.

“I might go back and edit a chapter which is more structured rather than trying to conjure creativity when it’s not there.”

Orr’s tips for up and coming writers are to join writing groups or complete short courses.

“I went to a writer’s group at Belgrave Library years ago and those women were a huge support for me,” she said.

“They’d read sections of my writing and give feedback and that feedback is really valuable.

“I also did a local competition years ago up here in the hills and I think I came third and I was so excited that someone else thought my writing had merit because otherwise you are just sitting at home at your desktop and maybe you get friends and family to read what you’ve written and they say ‘yeah that’s good,’ but are they going to say that anyway?”

Whilst a novel based in the Hills region is not yet on the plans for Orr, her experience growing up in Monbulk and living in different areas in and around the Dandenongs has influenced her writing.

“My first novel, ‘Someone Else’s Child’ was set in country NSW but it relied heavily on the idea of supportive community and that’s exactly what we have here in the hills so I drew a lot on those traits of the community from my own lived experience here in the hills, and just applied it to my own, fictional destination.

“I think that we have a very unique community up here.

“We really celebrate creatives in all their forms and I think it’s just a really beautiful place to live and when I sit and look out my window, at the trees and the view and listen to the birds, I feel like I am amongst my people.”

“I love living in a community where creative arts are celebrated.”

For some bookish chats and a cover signing, Orr is also celebrating her second book launch with Dymocks at Knox City in a ‘Books in Bars’ style event on Thursday 8 February.

The event commences at 6.30pm at Urban Alley Brewery in Knox.

Orr emphasised the need to support locals.

“All big authors have to start off small somewhere, so those who are looking for new authors, have a chat to local bookshop owners who can often recommend new works by local writers,” she said.

For more information on this and other Knox Library events visit the Your Libraries events page at yourlibrary.com.au/whats-on/ To support local author Kylie Orr’s appearance at Books in Bars, head to eventbrite. com.au/e/books-in-bars-with-kylie-orr-tickets-796482028187 mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Father-and-son Dhiraj and Atharv, 5, Goel on a paddleboat. 383960

Emerald was a popular place to be. 383960

Emerald Lake - hidden gem From taking a splash in the wading pool to hiring a paddleboat or hanging your legs out of Puffing Billy, Emerald Lake was the place to be on Tuesday 16 January.

With the mercury rising above 30 degrees, Star News photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out and about capturing all of the action, from keen fisherman casting a line into Lake Treganowan to visitors enjoying a simple stroll.

For more information about what to do in Emerald, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/elp

Paul Anderson and Jackson, 13 had a line in hoping for a bite or two. 383960

Jack, 6, and Luke, 3, keeping cool in the pool. 383960

Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

French backpackers Agnes Vergas and Kevin Beslim enjoyed a walk through Emerald Lake Park.

383960

Tiger Lily, 6, enjoying the cool water at the Emerald Lake Wading Pool. 383960 mailcommunity.com.au

Puffing Billy passengers getting ready for the trip. 383960 Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 17

OPINION

Horror film unfairly hated Night Swim Starring Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon Rated M 3.25/5 Night Swim is an average but unfairly-hated horror film about a family that discovers the

swimming pool at their new house is haunted.

Night Swim features skilled actors playing likeable (if thinly-developed) characters and several scenes of effective, creeping eeriness.

Many of the scares are predictable, but predictability can be a virtue in horror, as you sit on edge waiting for a dreadful eventuality to happen. The chilling opening sequence employs erratic lighting and tight, low camera angles to play with our fear of what we can’t see, and yields a clever twist later on.

Night Swim has some silly or illogical moments, but even the best horror movies can be contrived to some degree. Since the film’s supernatural force is largely confined to the pool, you could argue that the movie would be over if the family just doesn’t use the pool, but social pressures, such as a neighbourhood party or water therapy for father Ray’s (Wyatt Rus-

Australia Day reflections

sell) multiple sclerosis, keep the family around the pool. To me, the critical condemnation of Night Swim’s contrivance feels overblown.

Less excusable is the rushed plot and lack of subtlety. Ray’s MS lacks room to breathe in the 98-minute narrative, and the film shows its ghostly threat too often and too blatantly, which dents the suspense, especially after such a mysterious intro. The plot has the theme of sacrifice for your family, but this theme coexists uncomfortably in the climax with the implication that Ray’s disability makes him expendable (and I had a similar issue with, oddly enough, Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey last year).

An insubstantial but decently scary horror film, Night Swim is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Film Review of Night Swim.

Picture: ON FILE

CARTOON

WOORILLA WORDS Once again it’s that time of the year when public discussion erupts on whether we should hold our day of national celebration on that vexed date: January 26th or move it to another date.

Australians, above all, love a holiday and more so if it should fall on a Monday or a Friday, giving them that hallowed of all institutions, The Long Weekend. And particularly one in January that stretches that summer holiday vibe even longer.

Undoubtedly, most Australians are looking forward to next weekend, but not necessarily with the fervour that accompanies national celebrations elsewhere.

And coming after a spell of winter like weather, the fact that Friday is Australia Day, appears to be of secondary concern to a growing number of people.

More likely it is a chance to catch up with all those outstanding chores, to start getting the kids ready for school or to relax on a beach (weather permitting) or watch the tennis or cricket.

And while we are becoming, in a way, less attached to January 26, for many indigenous Australians this has always been a difficult and traumatic day: Many regard this as Invasion Day, a day of mourning.

Many countries around the world do observe a national day. National days are special events that celebrate national identity and bring its citizens together as a nation, usually around some event of significance in its history.

But while the US, for instance on the 4th July, celebrates its independence from Britain, Australia celebrates the founding of a British penal colony.

And a brutal one at that.

Some would agree with Professor Bronwyn Carlson, an expert in indigenous affairs at Macquarie University: ‘This day does not reflect a day that is worthy of celebration even for those on board the First Fleet who were either British military or prisoners of the Crown’ For national holidays to be successful there must be agreement among citizens on what we are celebrating and whether the chosen date is the appropriate one Regrettably, some politicians instead of leading a national debate about an alternate date persist in making comments that don’t necessarily reflect a growing public sentiment.

The unedifying outrage against supermarkets and Woolworth in particular by Peter Dutton is almost ludicrous.

The fact that they will not be stocking 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

Controversy on Australia Day. Picture: ON FILE Australia Day themed merchandise must surely mean there is little demand for it and maybe we are just not a flag waving nation, especially a flag made in China.

Tellingly, the management at K Mart made the point that even if the date of Australia Day was changed they would still not be stocking such merchandise.

Moreover though the concept dates from July 15th 1915 as a war fund raiser for the Red Cross and was adopted on different days in different states, it was only in 1994 that January 26th was agreed on. Many Local Councils across the country have shifted citizenship ceremonies to other dates and even more significantly a growing numbers of employers are honouring workers’ requests to not take a holiday on Australia Day and allowing them an alternate day off.

It seems that the date has evolved and undoubtedly can evolve more.

And, moreover, should we not look at other less divisive dates. For instance, the day that the colonies became the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January,1901 or the sitting of the first Parliament in Melbourne on 9 May, 1901. And another date worthy of considering is 13 February, 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s Apology to the Stolen Generations for the injustices and mistreatment of the past.

Recent polls have shown an overall decline in those supporting the retention of January 26th as Australia Day, but most significant is the decline in support among the young.

Today Australia is a very different country, slowly but surely facing up to its geographic reality.

Immigration has brought changes to the population and significant and growing numbers of Australians have ancestry from Europe, Asia, The Middle East and other regions.

While Australia has a lot to be proud of it has also avoided facing up to the wrongs of the past.

There has been a reluctance to face up to these wrongs in a ‘a conspiracy of silence’ or as anthropologist William Stanner put it: a cult of forgetfulness.

And it’s not just about the treatment and attitudes to our Indigenous First Nation people but also to recent treatment of vulnerable refugees.

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

Picture: DANNY ZEMP

Feel the music energy rising Kemp’s curtain call Burrinja Cultural Centre The Black Sorrows in Concert Join Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows for a very special afternoon.

Joe Camilleri has been at the forefront of the Australian music scene for decades as leader of Jo Jo Ze & The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, and as a writer of radio anthems Hit & Run, Shape I’m In, Chained to the Wheel, Harley & Rose and Never Let Me Go. He is the consummate entertainer constantly honing his craft, an ARIA Hall of Famer and a rock n roll lifer.

Joe fronts The Black Sorrows, one of Australia’s most prolific and enduringly popular bands, renowned for their high-energy shows, musicianship and infectious, roots-soaked blues rock. They’ve sold more than two million albums to date and won an ARIA Award for Best Group.

The joy of live music, the excitement of watching great performers playing off each other and feeding off the room, and the thrill of never knowing what is coming next but knowing it will be incredible is what The Black Sorrows are all about.

Season: Sunday 11 February at 4pm.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Piece of Mind is a quirky, funny tale about two long-suffering nurses and best friends opening a rather unique therapy business. The idea is that you and your partner spend an hour or two reflecting on your relationship while one of you is laying in a coffin playing dead.

Season: Thursday 8 February – Saturday 24 February.

Bookings: 9735 1777 State Theatre Arts Centre Melbourne Rent Step into the vibrant streets of New York’s East Village, where dreams are born, friendships are tested and the power of love prevails against all odds. Featuring the iconic songs Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Boh?me; this ground-breaking phenomenon is more than a musical, it is a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit.

Season: 17 February – 10 March.

REMEMBER: The Basin Theatre Hatched, Matched & Dispatched Season: Thursday 22 February – Saturday 3 March Bookings: 1300 784 668 The 1812 Theatre Mother & Son Season: Thursday 22 February – Saturday 16 March.

Bookings: 9758 3964. mailcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY

EXQUISITE LIFESTYLE RETREAT WITH VIEWS

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

EXQUISITE LIFESTYLE RETREAT WITH VIEWS INDULGE in the pinnacle of opulent rural living across this sprawling 5-acre estate, seamlessly fusing modern comforts with the serene allure of the countryside.

Step into a meticulously designed fully renovated 5-bedroom residence that beckons you into a sanctuary of refinement and repose.

The master bedroom, complete with an ensuite and walk-in robe, stands as a testament to both style and functionality, accompanied by four additional bedrooms featuring built-in robes. Addressing every need, the home boasts a well-appointed main bathroom, a dedicated study, and a second living area.

At the heart of the home lies a contemporary kitchen, adorned with stone benchtops and enhanced by the convenience of a butler’s pantry, alongside the timeless elegance of floating timber floors.

Electric ducted heating and cooling plus an inbuilt fireplace guarantee year-round comfort, while the practicality of a ducted

vacuum system simplifies maintenance.

Descending to the lower level reveals a fully equipped salon, offering versatile space for work, guest accommodation, or a teenage retreat. The double garage seamlessly integrates under the roofline, providing secure parking.

Step outside into an outdoor haven featuring an inviting alfresco area leading to a refreshing plunge pool. From the deck, soak in the breathtaking bay views, creating an oasis of relaxation amidst natural beauty.

Explore the rural delights of this property, complete with a generously sized chicken coop for fresh eggs, a large shed with 3 phase power also boasting a man cave, and expansive paddocks at the rear – ideal for horses, cows, sheep, goats, or your preferred livestock. This residence beckons you to relish the best of both worlds, where modern luxury converges with the tranquility of the countryside. Seize the opportunity to make this dream retreat your own. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 193 Belgrave Hallam Road, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 8 garage Price: $2,250,000 - $2,450,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Dave Reilly 0437 347 665 and Sue Colic 0421 772 610, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

mailcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY THERE are so many features with this outstanding property! There are two completely separately metered, and independently fenced homes with their own driveway access to both homes. There is also a fantastic studio space and a large 4 car garage with workshop area.

Residence 1 is located at number 82.

This modern home is accessed through an electric gate and has a fully fenced boundary for your four legged friends. The home has an asphalt driveway that leads up to an outdoor entertaining area with a built-in barbecue or could be converted back to a 3 bay carport.

Internally the slate floors welcome you into the fully equipped kitchen with a walk in pantry, split system air conditioner, and electric stove. The home is light and bright featuring a wood fire in the loungeroom for cosy nights in, whilst there is ducted air conditioning for keeping cool in the summer.

There are 4 bedrooms plus a study, two with built-in-robes. There is a second loungeroom with another wood fire that opens out to the rear entertaining area. The external entertaining area features an inbuilt eco fuel fire feature. At the rear of the home is a concreted basketball practice area, a large water tank, miscellaneous shedding, and the large 4 car garage plus workshop area (12m*7m) with concreted floor.

Residence 2 located at number 84 is a charming weatherboard cottage that although is in need of some TLC to restore it to it’s former glory is as cute as a button.

Situated well back from the road behind an electric gate in a fully fenced area, is this cottage with double carport. Relax on the front verandah as you look over your parklike front yard or wander inside to the loungeroom with attached front sunroom, flooded with light. The cottage contains 3 bedrooms plus a study/office space.

The kitchen is original with a free standing electric oven and space for a kitchen table.

This home has two water tanks, and a chicken coop.

This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 82-84 Monbulk-Seville Road, WANDIN EAST Description: 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 7 garage Price: $1,450,000 - $1,595,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Bethany Day 0438 844 968 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

LUXURY TRANQUIL RETREAT ON OVER 1 ACRE SITUATED in a secure and picturesque locale, in close proximity to Monbulk Secondary and Primary School, numerous local sports clubs, shopping hubs, and charming cafes, this exceptional residence is poised to meet all your family’s needs and capture your heart. A tranquil and private driveway, adorned with a vibrant array of hydrangeas, leads to an inviting country-style facade, and impeccably maintained front garden, creating an impressive introduction to a home that not only promises but surpasses expectations.

Upon entering, be captivated by the grandeur of soaring cathedral ceilings, bay windows, and a striking central kitchen adorned with luxurious stone benchtops, ample cupboard space, and stainlesssteel appliances. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the kitchen to the expansive meals area and family room, enhanced by the warmth of a charming coonara fireplace, perfect for embracing the cozy ambiance during colder months and facilitating comfortable entertaining.

The well-thought-out floor plan effortlessly flows, featuring a second living zone with an inviting open fireplace, providing a relaxing space to unwind.

Nestled in a dedicated wing down the hall, the bedrooms, all complete with built-in robes, are serviced by a spacious family bathroom featuring a deep soak bath, shower, and a stylish stone vanity surrounded by floor-to-ceiling tiles. The generously sized master bedroom boasts a walk-in robe and a fully equipped ensuite with a double marble vanity and shower.

Extend your entertainment options beyond the interior, as the main living area seamlessly extends to the rear wrap-around veranda. The terraced yard optimizes space and includes a built-in pizza oven, eliminating the need to venture into town on takeaway nights.

Luxurious extras abound, including splitsystem cooling, gas-ducted heating, elegant timber floors, ceiling fans throughout, a three-car garage with vehicle inspection pit and a lock-up workshop or gym, and a semipaved driveway – all situated on an expansive 4,250m2 parcel of land.

Properties boasting such an array of features are in high demand and swiftly claimed. Act today to secure this dream home that perfectly combines style, functionality, and a coveted lifestyle. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 20-22 Allandale Road, MONBULK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,230,000 - $1,350,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Riley Nicholas 0488 501 218, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

mailcommunity.com.au

28 Sycamore avenue EMERALD

33 Beaconsfield emerald road EMERALD

11 BILOCLA AVENUE COCKATOO

PERFECTLY PRESENTED

CHARACTER FILLED HOME ON OVER 1.5AC

TIMELESS COUNTRY CHARMER ON 1,373M2

4A

5A

3A

2B

2D

FOR SALE $950,000-$1,045,000 OFI By appointment

LANA MAHER 0408 535 075 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

3B

4D

FOR SALE $1,480,000 - $1,570,000 OFI By appointment

JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

2B

2D

FOR SALE $850,000 - $895,000 OFI

By Appointment

JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

14 Belvedere Court GEMBROOK

34 Pakenham Road COCKATOO

128 EMERALD MONBULK ROAD EMERALD

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION

SOUGHT AFTER COCKATOO OPPORTUNITY

MODERN UPDATES AND COUNTRY CHARM

4A

3A

4A

2B

2D

FOR SALE $1,100,000-$1,200,000 OFI

By Appointment

JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

1B

2D

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

JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

1D SUE COLIC 0421 772 610

FOR SALE $870,000-$950,000 OFI

By Appointment

BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

4 Woodlands avenue COCKATOO

5 Kitchener Parade COCKATOO

65 BEENAK EAST ROAD GEMBROOK

MODERN ENTERTAINER ON HALF AN ACRE

YOUR FAMILY HAVEN WITH VIEWS

PREMIER COUNTRY RETREAT

4A

4A

4A

2B

2D

FOR SALE $970,000-$1,040,000 OFI By appointment

mailcommunity.com.au

DAVE REILLY 0437 347 665 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

2B

2D

FOR SALE $820,000 - $860,000 OFI By appointment

SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

3B

C

FOR SALE $1,500,000-$1,600,000 OFI

By Appointment

2D JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 23

HOME FOCUS

OFF GRID MUD BRICK ON 19 ACRES THIS picturesque mud brick home is nestled in the heart of Gembrook Forest, offering the new owners a peaceful place to be at one with nature.

The home offers a gorgeous cathedral ceiling lounge room with large wood fire to keep you cosy. Continue your way up the stairs to the loft to find an enormous master bedroom flooded with daylight.

Downstairs there is a second bedroom and office/second lounge area serviced by a bathroom with both a bath and shower and separate toilet. This flows through to the open plan dining/kitchen area. The kitchen enjoys the lovely view across the front paddock and is complete with a gas stove/oven and wood fired stove. Add to this a separate self-contained retreat under the same roofline (that could be accessed internally with the installation of a door) with bathroom with toilet and shower, kitchenette, lounge area, laundry area, bedroom and two storage rooms/potentially bedrooms/offices and its own fenced yard for your precious fur baby - perfect as the home office, teenage retreat, or B&B potential.

There are 2 fully fenced paddocks perfect for a pony, or a goat. There is also a double carport conveniently located next to the home, and continuing along the gravel pathway is a free-standing room perfect as a craft room or office space and there is also a large 3 car lockable barn/workshop with power and concreted floors to complete your storage and tinkering requirements.

This lovely home is totally off grid, with a 5.5kW solar system and battery set up, supported by a generator. There is approximately 55,000L of tank water stored in three large water tanks and a septic system in place. If you are looking for a sustainable lifestyle to escape the rat race and to reduce your footprint on this amazing planet of ours - this is a must see.

Call to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Currawong Drive, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,5 garage Price: $845,000 - $895,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 and Karen Peele 0419 430 950, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD 24 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

27 McBride Street, Cockatoo

$920,000 - $1,000,000

5 Belvedere Court, Gembrook

$850,000 - $920,000

This is a Rare Opportunity Not To Be Missed! Home & Business (STCA) Available!

Style, Comfort & Exceptional Location Await in the Heart of Gembrook!

This property has a modern & stylish 2 bedroom apartment on the top floor with a long verandah.

Whilst also encompassing the shop space currently utilised by the ‘Black Cockatoo Pizza café’ & the ‘Black Cockatoo Bar & Bistro’ on the ground floor. The apartment is conveniently located on ground level on the Belgrave Gembrook Road, while the bar and pizza cafe are on street level on McBride Street. There are 2 decks, & an 8 space car park, & the carpark doubles as a beer garden. Inside the home has a spacious open plan kitchen/living/dining area with a split system AC. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances & the bathroom is freshly renovated. Both bedrooms offer BIRs. There is off street parking at the rear of the apartment & a SLUG & workshop. The businesses are for sale separately and details will be made available upon request.

This character home features 4 spacious bedrooms, all with BIRs, & 2 large living areas, with great outdoor entertaining spaces. Features include high ceilings, quality light fittings, & polished floorboards throughout. This home also offers a swim spa. The Master Bedroom has a WIR & ensuite.

The formal living/dining room awaits your next dinner party. When it comes to relaxing, snuggle in by the wood fire in the loungeroom. The kitchen has white cabinetry including a rangehood, stone benchtops & features a SMEG gas cooktop & electric oven, stainless steel dishwasher, & generous walk in pantry. Outside is an undercover entertaining area & there is a great rear deck in the fully fenced rear yard. Add to all this mains gas ducted heating, & 5kW of solar. There is a large double lock up garage with work bench area and two garden sheds to enjoy.

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

2

365 Macclesfield Road, Macclesfield

A

1

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

B 1 C

$850,000 - $920,000

4

200 Soldiers Road, Beenak

A

2

B 2 C

$980,000 - $1,060,000

Exceptional Opportunity! Almost 4 Acres in Macclesfield with a Family Home!

An Outstanding Approx. 9 Acres, with Abundant Shedding & a 2 Storey Home!

There is a lounge room with built in fire place, large windows, & an open plan kitchen/dining area with a free standing wood fire. The kitchen has spectacular views & a gas stove/oven. The master bedroom enjoys a walk through wardrobe to an ensuite with toilet & shower. The home has a large laundry, & then 3 further bedrooms & the family bathroom. The main bathroom has a shower over the bath, & there is a separate toilet at the end of the hallway. To the rear of the home is a large 4 car garage with workshop area, concrete floor, power & lighting. There is also approx. 12 poultry sheds/coops of varying sizes, as well as a dog yard/pony paddock with a small shed/coop. There is a large open grassed area, and then the rear of block offers established bushland. The property also has a circular driveway & a double carport.

Offering approx. 9 acres of flat to gently sloping land with an area of bush & then large cleared & well fenced paddocks with electric fencing. There is a round yard, & a scenic dam. The home is conveniently laid out, with a double car port at the front entry & then a cosy wood fire heater in the lounge room. There is a built in bar in the loungeroom & the lounge has a vaulted ceiling & is open plan with the kitchen. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs, & the family bathroom. Upstairs discover a large master bedroom with exposed rafters & Juliet balcony overlooking the well maintained paddocks. Externally is a DLUG with glass sliding doors & 3 internal rooms, one with a wood fire heater. There’s also an outhouse & numerous miscellaneous sheds & fenced dog yards. This home has mains electricity & tank water.

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Bethany Day M 0438 844 968

3

A

2

B 6 C

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

3

A

1

B 2 C

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 25

HOME FOCUS

LIVE THE DREAM ON YOUR 6 ACRES THE 6.2 acres (approx.) property is unique in its location and possible uses.

Being only 4 minutes from Belgrave, 20 minutes to Eastlink and 20 minutes to two major shopping centres you have all the facilities and amenities of the city but with the feel and function of a rural property.

The property can be used for a logistic/ machinery or an earth works company base or as a premier lifestyle property with amazing mountain views and space. This light filled brick home has had a masterful and well thought out complete renovation.

Keeping the themes of period and warm beauty with the use of colours and correct fixtures and fittings along with high quality carpets and polished hardwood floor.

The house flows beautifully from one end to the other. The main living areas are separate from the other 3 bedrooms making it ideal for families or as a great entertainer.

House consists of: Large master bedroom with ensuite and private balcony. Living room with built in one off fireplace and wood fire heater where you can relax and enjoy your uninterrupted views Large modern entertainer kitchen, large island bench and plenty of cupboard space.

Dining area large enough to easily fit a 12-person dining table. TV room to enjoy a movie night with the family or couples.

Further 3 great size bedrooms all with built in robes. Family Bathroom. Large well equipped laundry. High ceilings.

Verandah for you to enjoy views of some of the most beautiful landscapes you will find.

Large 9m x 6m carport.

Property Features: 6.2 acres (approx.) Large water storage over 3 tanks. Landscaped rear yard. Fully paved and landscaped pizza oven area.

Large 12m x 8m shed with built-in workbench, mezzanine floor, 3 phase power and concrete floor. Crushed rock driveway.

Any astute buyer will clearly see that is a very rare opportunity and must act fast to secure this fantastic property. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Batesleigh Road, SELBY Description: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 10 garage Price: $1,550,000 - $1,695,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 or Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 23 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

1 Batesleigh Road, UPWEY

$1,550,000 - $1,695,000

LIVE THE DREAM ON YOUR 6 ACRE HOBBY FARM

4 A 3 B 10 C

The 6.2 acres (approx.) property is unique in its location and possible uses. Being only 4 minutes from Belgrave, 20 minutes to Eastlink and 20 minutes to two major shopping centres you have all the facilities and amenities of the city but with the feel and function of a rural property.

FOR SALE

$980,000 - $1,070,000

57 The Crescent, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

4A2B4C

FAMILY HOME WITH GARAGE, WORKSHOP, AND SHED

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.

Brad Conder M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

Daniel Steen

Suzie Brannelly

M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

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

FOR SALE

28 Grantulla Road, SELBY 78 ACRES OF COTSWOLD VALLEY VIEWS

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

FOR SALE

$895,000 - $985,000

7 Evon Avenue RINGWOOD EAST SMART, SOPHISTICATED DESIGN IN A+ LOCATION

3A2B2C

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.

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.

Sharyn Chandler

Rachel Eastwood

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

M 0401 117 761 | E rachel@chandlerandco.com.au

Glenn Chandler

Sharyn Chandler

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

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

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

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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MAIL 27

PUZZLES No. 169

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

7 1 2

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Sweet egg and milk creation (7) Burning beacon (7) Spotted feline (7) Wash (7) Tinge deeply (5) Australia’s capital (8) Using analysis (10) Unwrap (4) Finishes (4) Battle (10) Coffee (8) Stifle (5) One who flees for safety (7) Island in the North Atlantic (7) Mollusc (7) Cut (wool) (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 22 25 27 28 29 30

No. 169

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 17 20 21 23 24 26

Grows (10) Used to slide downhill on snow (9) Professional school (7) Subtraction (9) Breakfast favourite (5) Family members (6) Part of a target (5) Parts of face (4) Not supervised (10) Comparisons based on similarities (9) Extinct flying reptile (9) Defecate (7) Economical; sparing (6) Female name (5) Woolly mammal (5) Limbs (4)

DECODER

No. 169

hard

9 5 3

6 7

5 4 8

1 7 6

1

5

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

8

4 6

1 5 4 2 8 6 7 9 9 1 3

G

P

N O WMQ E K T C D U G P 14

15

16

17

18

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22

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25

26

A X J V L R I B S F Y H Z 2

3

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medium

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”.

O

Today’s Aim: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good

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

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

21 words: Excellent

hard

P

E

M

R

R

defer, deform, feed, feme, ford, fore, form, formed, former, free, freed, freedom, freer, from, perform, PERFORMED, prefer, reef, refer, reform, reformed

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

E

F D

3 LETTERS ACT ADO APT ARE ASH ATE AVO AYE EAR ERA GEL HER LAB MOB NET OIL PIE RAM SEA SET SOW SUM TAR UFO

1

9-LETTER WORD

easy

WORDFIT

4 LETTERS ARCS ARTS AURA BIDE CLAW CUTE DAFT FETE HEIR MARS MERE SEEP USER WEPT 5 LETTERS ABYSS AFOOT

No. 169

8 1 , & 2 5 1

ALIVE ARENA BRIDE CAPER CEASE CORGI COULD CRUSH DREAD DUCTS ELECT ENSUE ENTER EVENT EXTRA FATES FORTY HORDE INNER LATER LINER LYRES

NESTS OASIS OWING PATTY PORTS REBUT RISEN SENSE STAGE STATE STEEP STEPS STOMP STUNT STYLE SUGAR TERSE THROB TONAL TORSO TOTED TOXIC

PARSNIP RENEGES UNICORN

ULTRA UNITE USAGE YEARS 6 LETTERS DEEPLY NEBULA PLASMA SCRAMS

8 LETTERS EGOTISTS EMERGENT LEVERAGE SCHEDULE

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

SUDOKU

26-01-24

William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22

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HANDYMAN SERVICES

Be cool this summer

• Trade Qualified • For All Your Home Maintenance Repairs • No Job Too Small

Grow your business with

Call Dario 0424 313 052

TRADES & SERVICES Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

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0488 816 557

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12619623-ET28-23

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

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

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MIKE FERNLEY | Mob: 0488 158 556 12451591-NG25-20 V Plumbing

A.G & E. WILLIAMS

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Lic No. 29938 General Plumbing Gas Fitting Hot & Cold Water Roof & Spouting Pumps & Tanks Farm Water 3 Ton Excavator Septics & Sand Filters Sewer Connections

Mob 0418 176 159

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. Plumbing & Gas Fitting, Excavator Hire, Water Renewals, Metal Roof & Gutters, Hot Water Unit Repair & Replacement, All Sanitary & Stormwater Drainage, Septic, Sewer & Treatment Plants, Pumps & Rain Water Tanks.

Call 1300 666 808

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BRUSH STROKES PAINTING SERVICE

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

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REC 22362

Email: daniel@topcatdriveways.com.au Visit our website at: www.topcatdriveways.com.au

HILLS ELECTRICIAN

CARPENTER Call Joseph - 0420 422 263

Local, Honest and Reliable • Senior Discounts • Upfront Pricing • All Electrical Work

$55 OFF

CALL JACKSON 12562316-SN32-22

Mountain Views Star Mail

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Rec: 34611

0480 022 406

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Leak detection & repair Rebeding & Pointing High Pressure cleaning

Solar Skylights Skylight resealing Pensioner discount

Call Chris 0412 099 142 24 years in roofing leaks

Jason 1300 644 698

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Specialist in Gutter Cleaning / i`ÊÀ vÊÀi«> ÀÃÊEÊ i> ÃÊUÊ,i i`ÊEÊ* ÌÊ vÊ, và 25 Yrs Experience Call Matt for a free quote

S&V RELIABLE EARTHWORKS • Excavator 5 Tonne and 15 Tonne • Bobcat Hire • Tip Truck Hire • All Types of Excavation Work • Holes Augered • Site Cuts • Driveways • Blocks Levelled and Shaped • Retaining Walls • Trenching • Free Quotes • No Jobs Too Big or Too Small

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$

29

.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.

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MAIL 29

SPORT

Bowlers at the pointy end Saturday Pennant resumed for bowlers after the Christmas break. It’s now the pointy end of the season - only four more home and away matches and then it will be finals.

On Saturday it was warm, no jumpers needed, and hardly any wind, perfect for bowling.

Monbulk 1 travelled to Mooroolbark who have been on top of the ladder for most of the season. Monbulk was sitting fifth and a good win could have pushed the side into the top four. But it was not to be. On the day, and on their home green, Mooroolbark showed their class by out drawing the Monbulk bowlers on three of the four rinks and even scoring some blowout results.

Eric Markham’s team won eight ends and picked up a good three and four shotter. However, in the ends they lost, they gave up three threes, a four and a six. With five ends to go, Monbulk trailed by just six shots, but Mooroolbark steadied and won the race home. Eric’s rink lost 16 to 27.

Jim Bras’ team had their toughest showing for the season, winning just five ends for the day. On several ends, they were holding some good multiples, but the Mooroolbark skip was able to draw off the shot with accurate line and length. At the break Monbulk trailed by just three shots and a comeback seemed possible.

But, after the break, Monbulk didn’t win an end and struggled to contain the losses to single shots. Monbulk lost the rink six shots to 25.

Brian Smith’s team also struggled to get on the scoreboard, winning just six ends for the day. Mooroolbark’s wins were mostly multiples, so the scoreline moved along quickly, leaving Monbulk with an overwhelming challenge. Monbulk lost the rink nine shots to 27.

Tony French’s rink had the close match, with scores level several times. Both sides won a similar number of ends and both sides picked up some multiples. Going into the last

end, the scores were 19 shots all, and the Monbulk skip was able to grab a single shot with his final bowl of the day. Monbulk won the rink 20 shots to 19.

Overall Monbulk lost 51 to 98. It was a convincing win by the ladder leaders. Monbulk is still fifth on the ladder and still with a chance to play finals. But time is running out and some good wins are needed. Next week the side travels to Boronia. This is a must win match.

Monbulk 2 played at home against the local Cockatoo side. Cockatoo have had a strong season so far and have the highest score difference of all the sides in their section. But on Saturday they were facing Monbulk on Monbulk’s home green.

Andy Smith’s team had a strong front half and led by eight shots at the break. In the back half, it was Cockatoo who won most of the ends and gradually reduced the margin. Going into the final end Monbulk led by just a single shot, so the game was up for grabs. Monbulk steadied and took the end with one shot, to win the rink 18 shots to 16.

Graeme Goller’s team had a day out. They dropped just six ends for the day and picked up several good multiples. They kept up the pressure and won the rink 27 shots to eight.

Case Broekhof’s team struggled in the front half, winning just two ends and trailing by 11 shots. After the break, they came back a bit stronger, even picking up a four shotter on the last end. But the Cockatoo lead was too great and Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 24.

Don Barnetson’s team had a close match all day. Even though they didn’t win as many ends, they did manage to pick up three threes and two fours. With just three ends to go, scores were 17 shots all. Monbulk managed to win the race home and win the rink 22 shots to 19.

Overall Monbulk won 81 shots to 67 with three rinks up. Monbulk is now on top of the ladder, nine ladder points beyond second

place. They are in a good position to play finals if they can maintain their form.

Monbulk 3 also played at home. They faced up to Healesville who are above them on the ladder and proving difficult to beat on the green. But on Saturday, it was Monbulk’s day, and they won on all three rinks.

Graeme Godkin’s team won a similar number of ends to Healesville but they won some great multiples to edge their score along at a fast rate. Monbulk won the rink 29 shots to 21.

Mike Harris’ team won more ends, and they also won some good multiples. After the break, Healseville picked up the pace, but the Monbulk bowlers managed to stay with them and maintain the margin. Monbulk won the rink 27 shots to 14.

Chris Sullivan’s rink seesawed through the front half and were seven shots all at the break.

After the break the two teams still paced each other. The difference came when Monbulk managed to grab a big four shotter to build a margin from which Healesville couldn’t recover. Monbulk won the rink 17 shots to 13.

Overall Monbulk won 73 shots to 48 with three rinks up. Monbulk is now sitting inside the top four. Next week they play the top side Mitcham, but it will again be on Monbulk’s home turf. This will be a great opportunity to cement that finals position.

Andy Smith playing in one of the winning teams.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Public Notices and Event

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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

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Dangerous roads named around Yarra Ranges

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Emergency medals handed out to CFA

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rades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808 A Star News Group Publication

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

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

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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 Call Luciano Marcuzzi on 0423 181 161 luciano@atrealty.com.au I www.lucianorealty.com.au 12610836-KO26-23

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

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

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WANTED General Gardeners for Cockatoo Area

Mount Evelyn

Tuesday, 25 July, 2023

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

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

Positions Vacant

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SPORT

Strong start to new year This week saw the return of three out of four of Monbulk Cricket Club’s junior teams, as well as the club’s veterans for the first time in 2024.

Both the Fast 9s and U16s had great wins to kickstart the year in style, but the U12s just fell short.

Well batted Will Meyer and Ethan Knight (both 50 retired) in the U16s before James Thornton took 3/6 and Grace Hourigan 2/1.

It also saw the first weekend of two-dayers for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI. The 1s have a target of 286 vs St John’s Tecoma, with Aaron Powell the pick of the bowlers with 4/42. The 2s are in a strong spot, bowling St Johns Tecoma out for 132, and in reply are 2/35. The 3s are in a tough spot, but will continue to fight hard next weekend. The 4s had a bye, while the 5ths unfortunately just fell short.

Finally, Monbulk’s veterans started the year strongly, with a 14 run with over South Belgrave. Travis Selby (retired 42*) and Dave Anderson (39) were strong contributors with the bat, while Chris Defina took 2/11 with the ball.

1st XI - Monbulk vs St. John’s Tecoma 10/286 (A. Powell 4/42, C. Haworth-Hooker 2/70, K. Storey 2/47) 2nd XI – Monbulk 2/35 (B. Trinnick 20*) vs St. John’s Tecoma 10/138 (J. Santini 3/20, E. Blenkiron 3/35) 3rd XI – Monbulk 6/93 (C. Heppell 19, A. Gillard 17, M. Winzenried 16) vs The Basin 3/189 (T. Noonan 1/20, T. Rickard 1/29, D.

· · ·

Grace Hourigan 2/1 & James Thornton 3/6 U16s.

Rowe 1/53)

· 4th XI – Monbulk - BYE · 5th XI – Monbulk - Scores TBC - Monbulk 9/170 (T. Selby 42*, D. · Veterans Anderson 39, M. Cutler 23) def South Bel· · ·

grave 9/156 (C. Defina 2/11, B. Haack 1/25, T. Scholes 1/31) Under 16s - Monbulk 3/168 (W. Meyer 51*, E, Knight 50*, W. Blenkiron 21) def Mountain Gate 7/15 (J. Thornton 3/6, G. Hourigan 2/1, J. Fraser 1/1, S. Blenkiron 1/1) Under 12s - Monbulk 10/66 (J. JenningsSykes 20, A. Selby 6*) def by Eildon Park Panthers 5/79 (T. Brodie 1/3, F. Ratten 1/11, J. Wragg 1/11) Fast 9s - Monbulk 3/94 (A. Arnott 27*, H. Watson 18*, M. Demant-Roddy 14*, H. Grigg 13*) def St. John’s Tecoma 5/37 (A. AnoopNechikottli 2/11, H. Grigg 1/0, M. DemantRoddy 1/0, H. Watson 1/0)

Ethan Knight 50* - U16s.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Tigers ground Eagles in push towards championship

By Sean Talbot In the first full slate of games since the Christmas break, the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers travelled to Barclay Reserve in Albion to take on the Sunshine Eagles with the Tigers looking to secure a 3-0 series sweep against the hosts. Sending ace Jarrod Turner to the mound after his brief starting appearance in the Tigers 9-4 on Tuesday, the right-hander was simply outstanding, holding the Eagles to one run over 8 innings, surrendering zero walks and only four hits, two of which came after the first innings as the clamps were firmly applied by the Tigers ace.

On the offensive side, six Tigers hitters posted hits, with Peter Schroeders, Wade McConnon, Jordan Elliott, coach Donavon Hendricks and Staci Rogers all posting multiples with McConnon and Schroders putting extra base hits on the board.

The Eagles jumped Upwey in the bottom of the 1st inning with Jordan Young lining a single to centerfield, Jeremy Young laying down a picture perfect sacrifice bunt to move his brother to second base. Young then stole third base before Jamie Young grounded sharply to Rogers at third base to pick up the opening salvo. From there Turner settled into his work while adjusting to the Mount Kosciuszko-style mound, sitting the Eagles down without scoring without much pushback as he proceeded to induce a series of groundballs and weak fly balls to ensure the visitors spent the majority of the game on offense.

Rogers in particular was absolutely outstanding as he knocked down anything that came his way and kept runners off the basepaths.

The Tigers tied the game in the 3rd with Schroeders hitting a hard single to second base before McConnon tripled to right field into the swirling winds before they were unable to find a way to bring McConnon home as Jamie Young struck out both Josh and Donavon Hendricks and avoiding a potentially huge inning.

The Tigers were kept off the board until the 7th inning when a pitching change saw Je. Young relieve Ja. Young which the Tigers took complete advantage of, with Schroeders doubling to left field, McConnon reaching on an error, Elliott singling, a pass ball, an intenmailcommunity.com.au

tional walk to J Hendricks, D. Hendricks singling and Rogers lifting a sacrifice fly to right field saw the visitors now in possession of a 5-1 lead they would not relinquish. The Tigers struck again in the 9th inning after Connor Hughes was called upon in relief, with J. Hendricks walking, D. Hendricks reaching on an error that put runners at second and third and Rogers lifting a second sacrifice fly for the afternoon to push the score to 6-1.

Having reached his team-imposed pitch count, Turner gave way to veteran left hander Wes de Jong to close the game out and seal the series sweep, which is exactly what he did. Despite surrendering a one-out single to winter teammate Jo. Young, de Jong responded by getting the remaining Young brother to ground out to put a bow on the game which sees the Tigers now on a 4-0 dating back before Christmas. The win sees them sitting clear in third place on the Premier League ladder, a half a game behind Essendon in second and 1.5 games behind Waverley who remain in first place. The Tigers look forward to a midweek clash against Essendon at Boeing Reserve before heading back out on Sunday to face the Bombers again at The Hanger in what promises to be two outstanding games of baseball.

In the 2nds, some late line-up changes were necessitated by planned starting pitcher Ryder Wilson being unavailable and seeing Daniel Smith taking the ball for the Tigers who were caught uncharacteristically flat-footed by the home squad who capitalized on a lead-off walk and two groundballs to take a 1-0 lead before exploding for five runs in the 3rd inning, taking Smith to task and capitalizing on some sloppy defense and walks to stretch the lead to 6-0 before the Tigers called on flamethrowing reliever Josh Yung to stem the tide. To his credit, Yung was outstanding, throwing 4 1/3 innings, giving up two hits, zero walks and racking up seven strikeouts. It was too little too late though, as the Tigers could only manage a single run in the 5th inning to avoid being shutout and save face. Looking to regroup after the eventual 7-1 loss, they young Tigers team look forward to an acid test against third placed Essendon next weekend as they look to recreate the momentum,they found themselves

benefitting from before the Christmas break.

The 3rds hosted the Eagles at Kings Park and were too big, too fast, and too strong as they waltzed to an early lead and held onto it as they ran away with a comfortable 14-2 win against the last placed Sunshine team which has been on the receiving end of some less than favorable results this season. The Tigers scored early and often as they put the undermanned Eagles side to the sword and ran away with the points, ensuring that they retain their stranglehold on 2nd place on the Premier League Thirds ladder. The team will host the fifth placed Bombers outfit at the Tiger Dome this weekend as they look to avenge their 7-1 loss before the Christmas Break.

The PL 4ths also hosted the Eagles on Sunday as they plated multiple runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th innings whilst holding their opposition to a paltry four hits and one run.

Six of the Tigers starting nine recorded hits, with Steve Williams and Russell Ferguson being the pick of the hitters with three apiece.

Oscar Monagas and Dan McGrath shared pitching duties as the former made his first start for the year, while the wily veteran McGrath closed out the game in an effective appearance. The 11-0 Tigers will host the second place 11-1 Bombers next week in what promises to be the game of the season as the visitors will look to wrestle the stranglehold the Tigers have held on first place all season long.

In the Regional Metro East 5ths, the visiting Research Gold Roadrunners were handed a belting to the tune of a 15-3 result as they were outplayed at every facet of the game by an Upwey team looking to recreate the momentum they had at mid-seasons end. Never allowing the visitors a chance to breath or a lead, the Tigers led at the end of every inning as they capitalised on all of their opportunities to inflict maximum damage on an outgunned and undermanned Research team.

The result sees Upwey now share fourth place on the ladder with Research Maroon as they look ahead to a clash with the Maroon Roadrunners next weekend.

The Regional Metro South 6ths travelled to Wadsworth Field at Sir Zelma Cowen Park

to take on Malvern, however the hosts had no intention of being welcoming as they posted an 11-3 result to send the Tigers back to the eastern suburbs with another loss to their name. A surprising result to say the least given Malvern’s 1-9 record coming into the game, the Braves took full advantage of an underprepared Tigers team to inflict a loss that sees Upwey drop from third to fifth on the ladder with work to do to catch up to Chelsea Blue and Moorabbin who now occupy third and fourth respectively. The Tigers will play host to the Panthers from Moorabbin next weekend in a game that will surely have major implications on ladder positions coming into finals.

The Lady Tigers travelled to Springvale looking to start 2024 continuing their epic win streak and did just that, jumping the hosts for the maximum seven runs in the 1st inning to put the game out of reach before the Lions even had a chance to breath before holding them scoreless in the bottom half.

Scoring another four in the 2nd innings and staring down the barrel of an 11-0 scoreline, the Lions were again held off the board while conceding a further two runs in the 3rd inning before finally finding their way onto the scoreboard with the score now showing 13-1 to the Tigers. Finally holding the Lady Tigers scoreless in the 4th innings, the Lions plated 6 in the bottom half as they looked to claw their way back into a position to make the game interesting and potentially pull off an upset against the ladder leaders.

It was not to be however, as the visitors pushed a further four runs across the plate to balloon the score to 17-6 to ensure there would not be sufficient time for the Lions to score the required runs for a win given the seven-run maximum per inning. Chelsea Mosbey again led the way for the Lady Tigers both her start on the mound and three RBIs, while Jess McDonald continued her purple patch of form with three hits as Zienna McCulloch also chipped in with three hits and four RBI’s. The Lady Tigers host Pakenham Black next weekend as first meets seventh in what will surely be an uphill battle for the Pumas as they visit the Tiger Dome while attempting to become the first team to hang a loss on the Upwey squad for the season.

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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Ring Terry Miller direct for the the best best prices prices

BEST PRICE, BEST TANKS WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE It’s time to catch it, order and build your concrete tank NOW!!!

Ph. 0419 462 814 Concrete tanks built correctly will last a lifetime!

Terry Miller from Terry Miller Concrete Tanks has been in the concrete tank building business for nearly 30 years. Being from country Victoria himself, Terry realises the importance of good water storage systems.

Concrete water tanks built correctly will last a lifetime. They keep your water cool, clean and algae free. This is because our tanks have 130mm walls and a 300mm base, and are poured with 40-mpa strength concrete not 25 or 30 mpa. We also use plasticiser to keep up the strength in the tanks instead of water. And after 28 days of curing the strength of the concrete will be between 48 and 52 mpa. And each tank is poured individually on site. These tanks come out white, which is a sign of the strength in the tanks. The MPA is a measure of how much concrete there is as parts per 1000. The walls of the tank are vibrated all around to ensure that there are no air bubbles and that the concrete is compacted down. Terry generally builds tanks in three sizes, 50,000, 105,000 and 120,000 either with a silo (metal) roof, concrete top or open top tanks.

The tanks will not blow away or fall apart, and this is particularly important in areas where there is high wind, or in fire prone districts. In the event of a fire, a large tank (120,000 litres) can supply water back up to the main house. By setting up a petrol powered generator and pumping water up onto the house directly, via a reverse water sprinkler system, you will keep your home cool and wet. Or if need be, you can jump into the tank to keep cool and be protected from flames and radiant heat.

Water is our most important resource, and we cannot have too much of it! So for all your water storage needs when you are thinking of installing your next tank, please call Terry for a quote on 0419 462 814 or 02 6026 7021 or check out our website, www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au.

Nearly four years ago, we suffered our own fire here, in Barnawartha, and we were lucky. But it made me realise how important good water storage is. We are in for a long, hot, dry summer, and fire restrictions are in. Having an ample supply of safely stored water is imperative. So why not contact Terry now about your water supply needs, BEFORE, the heat builds up and water scarce. There is nothing more refreshing than your own cool, clear, clean water!

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Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

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