Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 30th January 2024

Upper Yarra

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

Mail

Re’em venue a new hub for local tourism

Steels Creek resident awarded OAM

Warburton RSL president steps down

See Real Estate liftout inside

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Family fun in Wandin

By Callum Ludwig The sun shone on Wandin just in time for the Rotary Club of Wandin’s Australia Day Family Fun Day on Friday 26 January.

Held at the Wandin North Recreation Reserve, the oval was littered with families enjoying the festivities and activities.

Live music from The Deja Vus filled the air, Wandin Fire Brigade held their own Open Day including an eye-catching live rescue demonstration and the Wandin Football and Cricket Clubs helped run the event and had bats and footballs out for future sporting starts to practice their skills.

A variety of other activities and free food and drinks capped off a wonderful day out for many.

Turn to page 11 for more L-R: Mia and McKenzie have a hit with the hammers.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Flooding woes “We were fortunate in a sense that we didn’t have a lot sitting on the ground and everything that we did have sitting on the ground, we were able to get it off the ground the day before,” he said.

“However, it was basically carpet, the MDF skirting boards and the plaster around the building got wet.

“We cleaned it up pretty much that night, got the dehumidifiers in the fans, who tried to get rid of the moisture as quickly as we could to help prevent any further damage.”

The Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) is the owner of the pavilion building.

YRC Built Environment and Infrastructure Director Phil Murton said they are aware of the flooding issue during recent extreme weather.

“Flooding regularly impacts the recreation reserve, but the pavilion has been impacted by floodwaters in 2022 and again in the recent floods,” he said.

“Our insurance company has been out to assess the damage and we are waiting for the insurance assessor to identify the next steps for rectification.”

Turn to page 4 for more

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The Yarra Glen sports pavilion was damaged by flooding once again on Monday 8 January, which was already the second time in 18 months.

Three sports clubs, Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club, Yarra Glen Junior Football and Netball Club and Yarra Glen Cricket Club, share the pavilion as tenants of the property.

Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club treasurer David Ball said mud came through the building with water.

“The old carpet was saturated and muddy

got through the rooms,” he said.

“Our storeroom, which is a little bit lower than the clubrooms’ floor, was totally engulfed in water, so some equipment and things in there got a bit water-damaged.

“The netball courts had mud going across them and water seems to have come up from underneath one of the courts and cracked in the surface.”

Yarra Glen Cricket Club is the main tenant for summer and the club’s president Travis Gloury said they tried to respond to the issue as quickly as possible because they learnt a lesson from the previous experience.

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IN BRIEF

Hoax call concerns “It’’s very disappointing, we were initially paged to go Code One, lights and sirens to the job, especially at that time of night, if we can avoid lights and sirens, it stops the disruption and level of concern within the community.”

Making a call to emergency services within the intention of inducing the belief that there is an emergency when there isn’t, is a criminal offence, and can incur a maxium penalty of three years imprisonment.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said some people fail to see the bigger picture or understand the consequences of their actions when they misuse an emergency service.

“Nuisance calls can place lives at risk as it slows operators down from answering the genuine calls,” they said.

“Every time we answer a nuisance call, that’s 30 seconds or a minute of call-taker time lost to answer a real call that’s next in the queue.”

A shorter term of imprisonment or a large fine could also be issued for the offence.

Ms Brunton said emergency services can’t be everywhere at once and it opens them up to Murphy’s Law (Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong).

“There’s every possibility that we can be called to a hoax in Reefton while there is something we need to attend in Yellingbo and now we’re in the complete wrong place at the wrong time and someone’s life will possibly be in danger,” she said.

“The people who make these prank calls don’t really consider that that could impact somebody else’s life, it’s not just wasting our time but it could have been really real dire consequences for others.”

By Callum Ludwig

Upper Yarra SES and other emergency services were targeted by a hoax call that dragged crews out to Reefton.

Picture: ON FILE house for a while,” she said.

“All of our members make adjustments to whatever it is that they’re doing at the time when it’s necessary, they stop what they’re doing with their kids, they stop cooking dinner, they leave a party on Christmas Day.” Wesburn/Millgrove CFA crews were awoken at around midnight the night of Wednesday 24 January to a call which turned out to be fake.

Wesburn/Millgrove CFA Captain Sascha Grant said it disrupted crew members sleep and potentially their work the next day.

“We spent half an hour trying to contact the caller, locate the incident before we could rule it out as a false alarm, thankfully, we had no other calls at the same time because there’s always the chance we have to respond to more than one incident and work out what’s the priority,” he said.

Motorcycle crash highlights road safety David Batrouney’s weekend getaway turned into a nightmare when a routine motorcycle ride ended in a major collision.

This incident, which occurred on AFL Grand Final weekend along the Melba Highway near Yarra Glen, serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety.

David and his wife Alison Welsby decided to surprise their son, by arriving early for their short break on AFL Grand Final weekend last year.

As Mr Batrouney and his wife rode their motorcycles along the Melba Highway near Yarra Glen, a car pulled out of a side street.

“It’s a 100 kilometre an hour zone and I had the cruise control set on 100,” Mr Batrouney said.

“I had time to react, but not a lot and I tboned he car.“ Mr Batrouney broke his pelvis, fractured a vertebra in his spine and shattered his shoulder and arm and ruptured his bladder, requiring extensive surgery.

He was wearing full leathers, which he believes helped reduce the severity of his injuries.

The motorcyclist said the crash has im-

David Batrouney (left) and his wife Alison Welsby. pacted his whole family.

“My wife was following behind on her motorcycle and when she saw the crash, she initially thought I was dead. It affected her in a big way. Our son came around the bend then minutes later and saw me on the road,“ he said.

“As a motorcyclist we must look out for other drivers, but in this instance, there was no avoiding it.

“This two second lapse of concentration

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has left me facing months and months of rehabilitation.”

The crash has put Mr Batrouney’s work as a transport company supervisor on-hold and he isn’t sure whether he will be able to return to full duty.

Mr Batrouney spent three months in hospital and in rehabilitation at Epworth Hawthorn.

He was able to get home in time to see his son get married just before Christmas.

IKEA charger recall IKEA has recalled a power cable can get damaged or broken exposing users to live parts of the cable.

The dark grey ÅSKSTORM 40W USB charger poses a risk of burn injuries or death from electric shock if a user touches a damaged cable that is live with electricity. There is also a risk of damage to property if the charger catches fire.

Incidents have occurred where cables were damaged and caused electric shock and burn injuries to consumers.

Consumers should stop using the affected product immediately and contact IKEA via phone or in-store to receive full refund.

Proof of purchase (receipt) is not required.

The product had been available for sale from 1 April 2020 to 5 December 2023.

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Volkswagen has recalled 5997 2019-2023 Passat, Golf and Arteon model vehicles due to a defect that could cause a fire.

Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted. As a result, a connection to the brake fluid reservoir could melt. If this occurs, brake fluid may leak onto a hot exhaust there which could lead to a vehicle fire.

Owners of affected vehicles can contact their preferred Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and rectified, free of charge.

Koko Black Premium Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of its A Jar of Stars 54 per cent Dark 140g and A Bon Bon of Stars 54 per cent Dark 200g The products have been available for sale at Koko Black’s independent retail stores including IGA and online in Victoria and Western Australia as well as limited availability elsewhere.

The recall affects products with best-before dates up to and including 31 July 2024.

Problem: The recall is due to the presence of an under declared allergen (milk). Any consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.

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Drivers on the road in the mornings and afternoons are urged to take care as school zone speed limits are in place again this week as Term 1 of 2024 commences Tuesday 30 January.

Drivers are reminded to be patient around school zones as speed limits return and there is an expected increase in road, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.

Some school speed zones are permanent, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays, with reduced speeds of 40km/h or 60km/h in school zones until the end of the school term.

The Star Mail is published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty Ltd ABN 98 238 557 339. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For terms and conditions please visit www.mailcommunity.com.au Print Post Number PP33445700014.

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A pair of hoax calls have frustrated emergency services in the Upper Yarra this week.

The two calls are believed to be unrelated, but each caused disruption to the personal lives of emergency services personnel and local volunteers.

Upper Yarra SES Unit Controller Hannah Brunton said they were paged to reports of a supposed high-velocity car accident as a person struck a tree in Reefton on Tuesday.

“We sent out three vehicles with six members, while our RAC (Regional Agency Commander) was also sent out from Launching Place as support, which happens when a job is expected to be a bad one,” she said.

“The call came in from someone in Queensland saying that they had received a call from this person allegedly driving the vehicle, but the person in question was just asleep at home and minding his own business and knew nothing about it.”

The response to the hoax incident, which also involved Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and CFA cost some responders an hour and half of their time.

Ms Brunton said the incident was really bizarre, as she has been with SES for five years and never previously had a hoax call.

“It’s pretty rough and demoraling considered a lot of us are volunteers, my partner is one of our volunteers as well, he was at home with one of our dogs in the laundry having dinner and he had to call the neighbour and get the neighbour to go and let the dog out, because he was expecting that was going to be out of the

School zones return for 2024

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Flooding hits pavilion again

By Dongyun Kwon The Yarra Glen sports pavilion was damaged by flooding once again on Monday 8 January, which was already the second time in 18 months.

Three sports clubs, Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club, Yarra Glen Junior Football and Netball Club and Yarra Glen Cricket Club, share the pavilion as tenants of the property.

Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club treasurer David Ball said mud came through the building with water.

“The old carpet was saturated and muddy got through the rooms,” he said.

“Our storeroom, which is a little bit lower than the clubrooms’ floor, was totally engulfed in water, so some equipment and things in there got a bit water-damaged.

“The netball courts had mud going across them and water seems to have come up from underneath one of the courts and cracked in the surface.”

Mr Ball said Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club got less damage than that of the previous floods.

“Most of our equipment like football jumpers were all stored away from the affected areas,” he said.

“Fortunately, we didn’t have that damage compared to the previous one.

“In October and November 2022, the place got totally flooded and we had a lot of equipment destroyed in the water.”

Yarra Glen Cricket Club uses the facility during the summer.

Yarra Glen Cricket Club president Travis Gloury said they tried to jump onto it quickly as they learnt from the previous experience.

“We were fortunate in a sense that we didn’t have a lot sitting on the ground and everything that we did have sitting on the ground, we were able to get it off the ground the day be-

“In October and November 2022, the place got totally flooded and we had a lot of equipment destroyed in the water,” Mr Ball said.

Picture: ON FILE

The Yarra Glen sports pavilion was damaged by flooding once again on Monday 8 January.

Picture: SUPPLIED fore,” he said.

“However, it was basically carpet, the MDF skirting boards and the plaster around the building got wet.

“We cleaned it up pretty much that night, got the dehumidifiers in the fans, who tried to get rid of the moisture as quickly as we could to help prevent any further damage.”

The land is owned by Melbourne Water and is leased to the Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) and YRC owns the buildings.

YRC Built Environment and Infrastructure Director Phil Murton said they are aware of the flooding issue during recent extreme weather.

“Flooding regularly impacts the recreation reserve, but the pavilion has been impacted by floodwaters in 2022 and again in the recent floods,” he said.

“Our insurance company has been out to assess the damage and we are waiting for the insurance assessor to identify the next steps for rectification.”

Mr Ball said the council has been quite good with minor upgrades over the years.

“Just before the previous floods and straight after the floods, the council was looking at building a new pavilion and then having it raised so that it wouldn’t actually be impacted by floods if we had floods in the future, But

that’s been pushed back, unfortunately,” he said.

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi came down to the Yarra Glen sports pavilion to meet the three clubs’ representatives to discuss the solutions on Thursday 18 January.

Mr Violi said it’s devastating to see the clubrooms heavily damaged by flooding twice in 18 months.

“Having played junior cricket at Yarra Glen Cricket Club, I know firsthand that flooding has been an issue at the reserve for decades,” he said.

“I’m committed to working with the clubs and all levels of government to try and find both short and long-term solutions to these challenges.”

Mr Ball said he hopes the clubrooms will get fixed before they start tenancy in March.

“In 2023, we didn’t get back into the rooms until August, so we had to play our first half of the season away games,” he said.

“This year, we’re looking forward to a nice and clean start, but the rooms have been damaged again.”

Estate becomes a key attraction for local tourism

By Dongyun Kwon Gruyere-based winery Helen and Joey Estate has become one of the Yarra Valley’s key attractions targeting more visitors and more jobs for locals with a recently completed brand new venue named Re’em.

The project was supported by the State Government with $3.5 million dollars through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

Helen and Joey Estate Business Development and Relationships Stephen Powell said it’s taken about six years from planning permission to completing the build.

“We’ve received funding approval in 2017 and there were a couple of stages to build,” he said.

“The first stage was actually building a new winery so that we could make all the wines that we have basically processed all the grapes that we produce on the farm.

“And then the next stages were the completion of the restaurant and the hotel which in the end, they were all completed together and opened on December the first [in 2023].”

Helen and Joey Estate is working on attracting its two main targets, international travellers and overnight visitors.

Mr Powell said there is a shortage of luxury accommodation in Yarra Valley and Helen and Joey Estate is positioned in it.

“Yarra Valley is one of the four most visited destinations in Victoria and it’s by far the largest wine winery destination in Australia, but there’s just been released a 10-year destination management plan, that has been sponsored by state governments and also by the local council, highlights the incredible number of visitors just doing day trip travel and one of the lowest rates of visitors staying overnight and spending two or three days in the region.”

Mr Powell said the two governments are interested in facilitating tourists to stay longer.

“Like day travellers, they might have an average spend per customer about $150, but 4 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

Re’em accommodation with lake view.

Sunsetting over vineyard. if we can get them to stay in the region and have dinners, that increases to well in excess of $1,000 per customer,” he said.

“In terms of increased capacity, what we’re also doing now is focusing on eventually in-

Picture: SUPPLIED

The Re’em venue is now being fully operated with its 16-room boutique hotel overlooking the vineyard, a new restaurant and landscaped outdoor space for weddings and events.

Vineyard. creasing midweek visitation rather than being so reliant on peak time.”

More than 80 jobs were created during the construction of the Re’em, with 100 new roles created now the estate is open.

Tourism, sport and major events minister Steve Dimopoulos said the expansion of Helen and Joey Estate would allow visitors to stay longer and explore everything this beautiful region has to offer. mailcommunity.com.au

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Landmark ‘pain-gap’ probe

By Mikayla van Loon The known and often widely felt disparity in female-centred healthcare will now be addressed in Victoria with an Australian-first inquiry into the ‘pain gap’.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced the landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain on Monday 22 January after results from an initial survey confirmed that nearly 50 per cent of women experience difficulties with periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, or conditions like endometriosis, as well as other chronic diagnosis.

Women, health practitioners and organisations across the east will now get to have their say from 30 January until mid-2024 before a final report is released at the end of the year.

Women’s Health East (WHE), the leading health advocacy and promotion agency for the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah, Manningham, Monash, Whitehorse and Boroondara, welcomed the somewhat revolutionary announcement.

“Women’s Health East commends the Victorian State Government on a national leading inquiry into women’s pain, which will explore the systemic issues women face when seeking care and support for pain,” WHE chief executive officer Elly Taylor said.

“By centring women and girls’ lived experiences at the heart of this inquiry, we will better understand where our prevention and healthcare service systems need innovation, trans-

An inquiry into women’s healthcare has been a welcome Australian-first announcement.

Picture: UNSPLASH formation and investment to improve health workforce opportunities. literacy, access and care, and reduce stigma Ms Taylor said it is not uncommon for WHE and shame that is often associated with many to hear of the hardships women face when tryof the health conditions that cause women ing to access treatment or care. and girls’ chronic pain.” “[We] hear from women from a range of The inquiry intends to engage with wom- diverse backgrounds that the medical gender en and girls over the age of 12 with lived ex- bias often leads to their pain not being recogperiences of pain to understand the medical nised or appropriately treated by healthcare gender bias, treatment pathways, barriers to professionals and the healthcare service sysaccessing care, improvements required and tem,” she said.

“Women’s sexual and reproductive health remains a highly gendered and stigmatised area of healthcare.”

The Listening to Women’s Voices survey found that one in three women had an experience of dealing with insensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.

It is Ms Taylor’s hope this inquiry will provide an opportunity to “redesign” female healthcare so it is “women-centred, culturally safe, and inclusive”.

“We know that there is a strong need to focus on place-based prevention initiatives that promote wellbeing and that prevent ill health before it occurs,” she said.

“This inquiry is a critical step to better supporting people’s ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights.”

The pain gap also exists in gaining appropriate pain relief and treatment in other health concerns relating to cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and autoimmune conditions.

“It’s time we stopped treating women’s health like some kind of niche issue. We deserve to have our pain believed and relieved,” Premier Allan said.

The inquiry will be led by a panel of experts and overseen by the Women’s Health Advisory Council.

Victorian Coalition withdraws support for treaty

By Callum Ludwig, with AAP The Victorian Coalition has withdrawn its support of the Indigenous treaty push, having first backed legislation to start treaty negotiations in 2022.

Nationals leader and opposition spokesman for Aboriginal affairs Peter Walsh said the coalition had withdrawn its support in an interview with Sky News on Sunday 21 January, claiming concerns regarding cultural heritage laws as their reasoning.

“We have major concerns, particularly around how cultural heritage is working or not working in Victoria and we want to see those issues resolved before we move on to the next lot of discussions”, Mr Walsh said.

On ABC Radio on Monday, Mr Walsh said claims by the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria that they were blindsided by the decision showed “they were not listening or paying attention”.

“Lots of people would say how can you have a treaty with yourself? Because we are all Australians,” he said.

The Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Bill 2022 passed parliament in June 2022 with an eye to setting a roadmap for treaty negotiations and was supported by the Coalition at the time. Mr Walsh claimed that the party had informed Indigenous elders and members of the First People’s Assembly of the decision, which the party made in spring 2023 Healesville Indigenous educator Thane Garvey has previously told Star Mail of the importance he believes treaty holds for Indigenous Australians, particularly after the result of The Voice referendum, and said it was disappointing but felt inevitable.

“I think it was pretty obvious what their stance was going to be on indigenous issues and it’s always been that way, so it didn’t really surprise me that they withdrew,” he said.

“I don’t want this to be about politics, but at the end of the day, this has been politicized, when it should be about giving back to people, about fairness, about dispossession, about sovereignty,” “Even if you go back to as early as the Batman treaty, one of the first treaties done here in Victoria, it was all about manipulation.”

The Batman treaty was a treaty claimed to have been signed by Wurundjeri elders, brought to them by John Batman, for the 600,000 acres of land in Port Phillip Bay in 1827, then part of New South Wales. It was the first and only documented time Europeans negotiated directly with Indigenous people about their presence and occupation of the land. mailcommunity.com.au

Healesville Indigenous educator Thane Garvey is disappointed by the Victorian Colaition’s decision to withdraw support for treaty.

Picture: ON FILE Batman paid 40 pairs of blankets, 42 tomahawks, 130 knives, 62 pairs of scissors, 40 looking glasses, 250 handkerchiefs, 18 shirts, 4 flannel jackets, 4 suits of clothes and 150 pounds of flour for the land.

Batman’s Treaty was later declared void in 1935 by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke, as he had bought the lands for the ‘Port Phillip Association’, rather than the Crown, and because British colonists at the time believed Indigenous people had no claim to the land.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto said the coalition’s decision was based on discomfort with the possible divisive nature of the treaty, including suggestions there could be separate justice and child protection systems for First Peoples.

He blamed an “element of secrecy” and said the news shouldn’t have come as a shock following numerous discussions around those topics.

“I’m championing a focus on real-life outcomes, making sure Indigenous Victorians can get an education, the support they need and the life opportunities they deserve as opposed to one that will focus on a trea-

ty,” Mr Pesutto said.

Negotiations on treaty began early this year between the state government and elected representatives of Indigenous Victorians.

Rueben Berg, co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, described the opposition’s withdrawal of support as “disappointing, but not surprising” but said there was still a path towards treaty.

“It would be more useful to have bipartisan support so that our issues don’t just become political footballs,” he told reporters on Monday.

“But we are intent on continuing to progress treaty outcomes, regardless of this bipartisan support.”

The approach to treaty has differed throughout the states and territories; The Queensland Coalition also pulled their support for treaty following The Voice referendum last year, with the Queensland Government replying that the treaty would need bipartisan support in the state to go forward.

New South Wales was set to begin a yearlong consultation process this month, but

progress and discussion have slowed following the referendum result.

The Northern Territory has a Treaty unit, South Australia has committed to establishing a state-based voice in parliament, which the Australian Capital Territory already has.

Tasmania is committed to progressing truth-telling, while Western Australia currently has no formal treaty plans.

Mr Garvey said real solidarity is what they need going forward.

“Out of the big parties, I think the Greens are the only ones that have really stuck by us, no matter what, as well as some of the smaller parties as well, but we can’t really do this without the support of politicians at some point,” he said.

“This country is run by an elected government at the end of the day, that’s how things work,” “There is a way back for the Coalition, and I can only imagine that the next people that come through to sit at the table for the coalition will probably have different views.

Whether they choose that pathway or not is another thing, I can only hope and I would like to be optimistic.”

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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Peta’s top OAM honour

By Dongyun Kwon A Steels Creek resident was honoured for all her efforts for Australian orienteering development and devotion to the Steels Creek community.

The OAM was awarded to Mrs Peta Whitford who lives in Steels Creek on Australia Day. Mrs Whitford said she was overwhelmed because she didn’t know she was nominated for it until receiving an official email.

“My husband started the nomination about two and a half years ago, getting things together and I knew nothing about it,” she said.

“I don’t think I’ve done things to get this medal but it’s really nice to be acknowledged.”

Mrs Whitford is a living legend of Australian orienteering history.

She participated in the Orienteering World Championship five times in four different roles; three times as a participant of the Australian team in 1974, 1976 and 1978, once as a captain of the Australian team in 1978, once as a deputy technical coordinator in 1985 and once as a head coach in 1993.

Mrs Whitford said she took the opportunities when she and her husband went overseas to study.

“Soon after orienteering started in Australia, I went along with some friends to an event and I really enjoyed it because I like going out in the bush and I like running,” she said.

“My husband and I went on a study to the UK and the USA for nearly two years, working in outdoor education and during that time, I was able to go along with some of the instructors at some of the places where we worked and they were brushing up on their navigation skills and doing a local orienteering club.

“I went over to Switzerland in the summertime for a multi-day event with them.”

In the event, Mrs Whitford met a man who was just employed as a coach for the Australian orienteering team that they were trying to put together for the first time to go overseas, and he was impressed by her progress.

“I received official notification and had to travel from America through to Denmark, to join the other Australians and went into my first World Championships, which was a huge step to take,” Mrs Whitford said.

“That was the start of going to a number of World Championships and then eventually, through my interest in coaching as an international coach of orienteering, I coached the Australian team.”

For her abundant experiences with different positions, she could help the Australian orienteering community to grow locally and internationally.

“I also helped organise our World Championships that Australia had been credited with and I was one of the people who worked in the field, doing a lot of background work on running courses to see that they were suitable in terrain, so I played quite a big role in the background for Australia to be able to put on the World Championships to the right standard,” Mrs Whitford said.

“I then started developing some of the coaching syllabuses in Australia. We had level one, level two and an international level and I

Checking out Old Kinglake Road and Black Saturday Memorial Seat for The Jolly Thing.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Bush orienteering in 1976.

obviously went through those myself.”

Mrs Whitford did a degree in physical education at Bedford in the UK and went overseas again to study outdoor education with her husband, who’s also a physical education teacher after she married him.

Mrs Whitford said her experience in physical education helped her get into orienteering well.

“When I was training to be a physical education teacher, I was taught to be very organised and it just suited this sport [orienteering] because as a competitor, I had to plan my route and execute it even when people weren’t watching me in the forest,” she said.

“My makeup of me as a person, and I chose the right profession and it’s led me on to really spending a lifetime helping to build orienteering here in Victoria and Australia.”

Mrs Whitford took the position of state coordinator from 1990 to 2003, became a life member in 1993, was a development officer and was also a founder of Mountain Bike Orienteering for Schools in 2004 for Orienteering Victoria.

In Yarra Valley Orienteering Club, she became a member in 1975 and a life member in 1988.

She was also a coach and the president of the club.

Along with her passion for orienteering, Mrs Whitford also had a big passion for her local community.

She was a vice president of Steels Creek Landcare Group and has done some projects for the local environment.

One of the major projects was a deer management project, aimed to solve the problem of damaging tree plantings and crops caused by deer.

well and we’ll go and sort out some walks and I’ll take notes and photographs and write up some of these walks and then presented as an A4 page and I’ll draw the map that goes with it so that people know where they could start or any restrictions on the area like ‘no dogs’, ‘no horses’.

“So I would tie everything and put a distance in and tell people what they needed to take and it’s a really good way to get the feel of this beautiful valley up here, which has so much to offer.”

Mrs Whitford was also one of the contributors to the Steels Creek Exchange Hub. Steels Creek Exchange Hub is a place where people can exchange goods, chatter and local information, as well as enjoy the good company of fellow valley residents held every second and fourth Saturday of each month.

“We have a little market going through many years and it actually looked like it had just been swallowed up, people were busy doing other things,” Mrs Whitford said “So, as a small group of a dozen local people, we said ‘Can we come up with another name?’, maybe it’s not really a market where people can drop in and find 10, 15 or 20 different tables of stuff, we might only have four tables of stuff.

“It’s more of an exchange, so we renamed it Exchange Hub. We’re going to start it in a couple of weeks, we are taking a break over the Christmas time because people are away.”

Mrs Whitford said she is also an active member of the Exchange Hub. “I’m renowned for my rhubarb. I grow rhubarb up here and I pick it the night before and bundle it up and take it up there,” she said.

“I had contacts with the local rangers through my outdoor education work, so I was able to easily contact them, ring them up and invite them down here, run through what the government was doing to support the problem of deer,” Mrs Whitford said.

“Then, they worked on public lands and we worked on private lands.”

Mrs Whitford said they had to carry out the project to protect the vegetation in the area, although it was a little bit controversial and some people didn’t want to do it.

“If you see the damage of the trees and the landscape firsthand, you’ll say we shouldn’t have these animals in our forest,” she said.

“They really damaged the vegetation in the creeks, they loved scratching at the bark of trees and they just loved getting the lovely juicy leaves at the top when the saplings were growing and they put their hind legs up and all the saplings were smashed down.

“We needed to have some program to improve the health of the dam; trying to get the environment working in its best way.”

Another thing that she contributed to Steels Creek was The Jolly Thing, which is a community newsletter published every two months by Steels Creek Community Centre.

Mrs Whitford took advantage of her orienteering experience and wrote GET OUT THERE!, which introduced the local environment and nearby places.

“When I retired from my professional work, I’d had a few people say to me, ‘We can walk around here, we live in a rural area. Yes, there are lots of things online, but sometimes the walks are too long or they get out of this area.’,” she said.

“I thought okay, I’ll foster a couple of my friends around here who’d like walking as

Bruce Argyle’s community service recognised Bruce Argyle received the Certificate of Recognition for many years of community service on Australia Day. Mr Argyle is exceptionally well-known in the Healesville community, and for good reason.

He has an extensive history of volunteering with local groups, the Community Bank, the local radio station and many others.

Before and during the pandemic, Mr Argyle’s priority was building community capacity and reducing isolation and disadvantage and many local groups have benefitted from Mr Argyle’s thoughts, time, work or support.

A powerful public speaker, Mr Argyle is an instrumental part of the Healesville Toastmasters, where others gain the skills 6 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

and confidence to take a podium or build up their capacity for speaking in front of crowds.

In recent years, Mr Argyle worked with the Lions Club of Healesville to relocate and fit out the new Community Radio Station on Lilydale Road.

He has worked with Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI) to facilitate strategic planning days and bring about their 2028 Strategic Plan and is currently working with the Badger Creek Hall Committee and the wider community to develop a plan for the hall ahead of its Centenary in 2025.

Always delivering expert advice with a smile on his face and time on his calendar, Mr Argyle is an asset to his town and a friend to countless others.

Mr Argyle is working with Badger Creek Hall Committee and the wider community to develop a plan for the hall ahead of its Centenary in 2025.

Picture: ON FILE mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Teen trailblazer is inspiring change

By Callum Ludwig

Lachlan Hudak (far right) with other winners of Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Awards.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG in sustainability contributes to something that we all need to do, and all the support has just made it easier for me to make it more enjoyable and entertaining for people to participate in sustainable practices.”

To help raise awareness, Lachlan designed a video explaining the circular economy during National Recycling Week and participated in an IDLE Off data collection with students from Monash University and the Eastern Alli-

ance for Sustainable Learning (EASL), where he helped gather data on cars idling in school pick up areas, with their findings hoping to highlight the health impacts of exhaust emissions on children’s health.

Lachlan also represented Lilydale Heights College at the Resource Smart Schools Awards in June 2023, where it was awarded Curriculum Leadership School of the Year for Secondary Schools.

By Callum Ludwig The Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG) were busy bolstering their local community in 2023 and their work has not gone unrecognised.

MRAG have been named Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Group of the Year at the Community Awards on Friday 26 January.

MRAG President Maureen Halit said they are very honoured to receive the award. “The three-day muster was a pretty amazing experience, it was hard yakka but very rewarding, we really finished on a high with that and it’s just a shame we didn’t have even more people.”

MRAG has served and advocated for the Millgrove township now for almost 20 years, and in the last year successfully held a Millgrove Muster to tidy up the River Road Walking Trail which they continue to manage alongside the Dee Road Walking Trail.

Community resilience has also been a key MRAG focus, developing a Community Resilience plan alongside their clean-up efforts as well as helping organise an Open Day at Wesburn/Millgrove CFA. The group established a new Avenue of Honour and garden to recognise those who lost their lives in the First World War and continues to maintain the Memorial Reserve gardens.

MRAG saw their lobbying for a new pedestrian bridge come to fruition, with the new flood-proof bridge now built and open to the community.

MRAG also hosted Clean Up Australia Day events, lobbied on behalf of local businesses during the Warburton Highway closure and organised monthly meetings, markets, trivia events.

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Seventeen-year-old Seville resident Lachlan Hudak has been hard at work sharing the important message of sustainability and has been announced as one of Yarra Ranges Council’s Young Environmental Achievers in their Community Awards.

Lachlan is a Sustainability Captain at Lilydale Heights College and spent 2023 working hard to organise events and opportunities for his peers to learn more about sustainability.

Lachlan said he has been pushing sustainability knowledge and actions to students and trying to make it more available for everyone “It makes it more engaging for people to participate in sustainable practices and it makes it more enjoyable, and the activities also can make people realise it’s actually not that hard to do sustainable things,” he said.

“These minor actions can have major benefits later on.”

Some of the activities Lachlan has shared with his school have included a bottle top collection competition for the school houses to compete against each other in, developing a sustainability lesson for Sustainability Week and organising a Sustainability in Art competition.

Lachlan said he is very thankful to Lilydale Heights and Yarra Ranges Council for supporting him.

“Lilydale Heights College has been supportive and have an amazing sustainability team who are all passionate about sustainability,” he said.

“Everyone who supports and participates

Top group

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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NEWS

Apt time for rescue app

By Callum Ludwig A pair of rescues in bushland near the Yarra Valley have provided a prompt reminder to be wary of your surroundings when out hiking, sightseeing or enjoying other activities in remote areas.

The Emergency Plus app can help take out the stress of describing your location in an emergency situation and helps emergency services get to you as promptly as possible.

Ambulance Victoria’s Regional Director of Clinical Operations for the Metropolitan Region Michael Georgiou said an emergency can catch you off-guard in a remote or unfamiliar place which may be difficult to describe, such as a beach, unfamiliar road or bush track.

“We know that emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime so it’s always best to be prepared,” he said.

“We encourage anyone travelling to a remote location to download the EmergencyPlus app, which is free to download and uses smart phones’ in-built GPS functionality to help a caller provide the Triple Zero Victoria (000) with location details.”

A woman in her 20s and a man in his 80s both required treatment and assistance from an air ambulance on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 January respectively.

The woman was winched from a steep and exposed section of the Wells Cave Track on Sugarloaf Peak, while emergency services personnel were also required to provide initial first aid and direct about 20 hikers up a rock climb and off the track to make the scene safe.

The man had fallen 10 to 30 metres from Keppel Lookout, requiring a flight paramedic to winch him to safety and a ropes team to secure the patient, provide first aid and help the man’s family and other first responders retreat back up from the steep ground to a safe spot.

In an emergency, Mr Georgiou said you can open the app and the caller will be able to tell the call-taker their location coordinates, as well as three words that can be used to pinpoint their exact location.

“The ‘what3words’ function works offline, so it can be used in remote areas with poor

The Emergency Plus app can help provide precise location details in an emergency. data connections and can confirm an exact location quickly and accurately using just three words,” he said.

“If travelling to rural and remote regions of Victoria you may also consider carrying a Personal Location Beacon (PLB), known as an emergency beacon. When activated, a

PLB sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services.”

The what3words system has given every three square metres of the earth a unique three-word identifier that can be quickly relayed in an emergency, is as accurate as GPS coordinates and simpler to under-

Picture: ON FILE stand than trying to make sense of longitude and latitude coordinates. A new pin drop feature is also incorporated in the app, where a location pin can be dropped on a person’s location.

The Emergency Plus app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

St John Ambulance’s Yarra Ranges team now recruiting

By Callum Ludwig The Yarra Ranges-based team of St John Ambulance Victoria is seeking new volunteers to join its ranks and help with disaster response and event management in the region and beyond.

St John Ambulance Victoria has been operating since 1883 and currently has over 2200 volunteers in its ranks.

Regional officer for deployment and readiness for the central east region at St John Ambulance Victoria Fillip Pritchett said they had a pretty close-knit team in the Yarra Ranges.

“There’s only about a dozen of us at the moment, so we are looking to expand that out a bit,” he said.

“We look after anything that’s in our local area from local events at places like Rochford Wines through to emergencies such as fires and floods, which can take us out across the state and even interstate sometimes if there’s a bad disaster and interstate teams need help.”

St John Ambulance volunteers include first-aid trained responders and healthcare professionals and are in high demand to help out at popular events like the Melbourne Cup racing carnival, the F1 Grand Prix and music festivals like Beyond the Valley and Pitch Music and Arts.

Mr Pritchett said they train once a week and ask for a minimum of 60 hours of volunteering a year.

“It’s basically six days a year it’s not a huge amount and you can do it in smaller amounts, we provide all the training, so there’s no need to have any former training previously,” he said.

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The Yarra Ranges team of the St John Ambulance Victoria are seeking new members. cates and then we’ll call you through to the first responder qualification, we also have a lot of student health professionals in St John as well and you quite often get to work alongside doctors, nurses, paramedics and students, particularly at bigger events.”

St John Ambulance volunteers can also play an important role in community transport close to home, joining a Community Transport team to help residents with door-

to-door transport, helping them maintain their independence.

Mr Pritchett said it’s great to be giving back to the community and to get all the training that comes with it.

“It’s a great group of people and some of the events you get to go to and see, you never would even think about going to sometimes, but you get there and you get out and it’s a great time,” he said.

Picture: SUPPLIED “I think it’s really important for the community, whether it’s St John, CFA or SES, without those volunteers in the community there’s lots of things that just wouldn’t get done, especially when it comes to disasters.”

An information session for those interested in joining the Yarra Ranges team of St John Ambulance Victoria will be held on Tuesday 13 February at 70 Wray Crescent, Mt Evelyn. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Phone mental aid at hand

By Mikayla van Loon Looking to address the ‘missing middle’ in mental health support, Lilydale’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Local started providing telehealth care in December.

Lead for the Yarra Ranges service, Wellways Australia, said it hopes to see an uptake in the support it is offering this year once it becomes fully operational with its ‘open door’ location.

The Lilydale clinic was one of nine to be announced in October by the State Government as part of its response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

Choosing the Yarra Ranges as a location was based on the high reported levels of psychological distress, sitting at 14 per cent.

During 2023, 25 per cent of the Yarra Ranges population sought support for a mental health-related problem.

“The current waitlists across all mental health services in the region demonstrate the high demand for improved accessibility and coordination of Mental Health Services through a no- wrong door approach where participants can make choices about the type of service they want to receive,” a Wellways statement said.

Lilydale provides a central location, with a transport hub, other essential services and is an employment base for many people.

“The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale will be a service that supports adults to obtain mental health and wellbeing treatment, care, and support closer to home.

“Support is free, and participants do not require a referral from their doctor or health professional.”

It can sometimes be that barrier that may prevent people over the age of 26 from seeking assistance.

“The ‘missing middle’ are people who need more support than they can get from their GP, but do not meet the high threshold for complex care services from a hospital,” the Wellways statement said.

While for the moment, people can only access support over the phone until a permanent clinic is established in town, participants will still be greeted by mental health workers to create a care plan based on their desired out-

Free mental health support is available in the Yarra Ranges over the phone until the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is set up fully.

Picture: UNSPLASH come or needs.

“The worker may ask. “How can we help?” and then focus on listening to and understanding the participant’s concerns.

“The worker will work with the participant, as well as their family, carers, and supporters, if the participant is comfortable with this, to design a care plan that meets the participant’s goals and preferences.”

Collaborating with local organisations like Eastern Health, Inspiro and Oonah, Wellways said goes a long way in being able to provide holistic support through trusted services.

“Our local partners are well-known service providers in the Yarra Ranges area who have earned the trust of the communities they serve.

“They have been delivering mental health

services locally and understand local needs and have relationships and referral pathways with other services in the region that also provide help to people in the community.”

To contact the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local for support, call 1300 000 252. The service is available 9am to 5pm weekdays, as well as on weekday public holidays but is closed on weekends.

Type 2 diabetes Australians ‘need equal subsidy’

By Dongyun Kwon A Healesville resident living with type 2 diabetes asks the Federal Government to expand access to subsidised Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

CGM systems offer continuous monitoring of glucose levels, empowering patients to make timely and informed decisions about their health.

A CGM has a tiny sensor that can be inserted under the skin of a patient, often the skin on their belly or arm and it sends all the information to a software program on their smartphone.

This results in improved glucose control, reduced hospitalisations and increased time in their target glucose range.

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute associate professor Neale Cohen said CGM systems have changed the world for diabetes patients, measuring and transmitting the information every single minute to their devices.

“We used to manage diabetes and blood sugar levels by doing a finger prick testing, we still do of course, but it is something you can do once, twice maybe three or four times a day, that is certainly not an easy thing to do many times a day,” he said.

“But CGM can measure your blood sugar levels every single minute of the day and you wear these sensors for a week or two weeks depending on which sensor you’re using.

“What that means is the fluctuations you can see very quickly and you can do something about extremely high or extremely low blood glucose levels, so you can adjust insulin dosing as you need to and adjust your diet as you need to.” mailcommunity.com.au

Linda Hay (left) who lives with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes wearing her CGM sensor.

People living with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes have similar management needs to those with type 1 diabetes, including administering insulin injections several times a day.

Assoc Prof Cohen said about one in five type 2 diabetes patients also needs insulin to manage their glucose levels.

“Type 1 diabetes is a condition that often comes on in childhood or adolescence and is associated with a complete loss of insulin production from the pancreas and requires insulin injection a lot and there’s no tablet or oral therapy for type 1 diabetes,” he said.

“On the other hand, type 2 diabetes occurs later in life mostly and it’s associated with people who are often overweight or obese, but it’s associated with insulin resistance.

“In other words, the pancreas produces insulin but the body is somewhat resistant to the insulin it produces, so people often need

to control their diet lifestyles to lose weight.”

Australians with type 2 diabetes are not eligible for the CGM subsidy while type 1 diabetes patients currently have access to subsidised CGM devices through the NDSS. Healesville resident Linda Hay said she was disappointed when she knew only type 1 diabetes patients have access to the government subsidy on CGM devices.

“I’m retired now, so financially, it would be of massive help if they were subsidised and funded [for people with type 2 diabetes],” she said.

Ms Hay was initially diagnosed with gestational diabetes when pregnant in her twenties and then she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her early 30s.

Ms Hay said she was like an ostrich and stuck her head in the sand at first.

“I was off the couch and I was active, so I

“I can do things with my grandchildren and go bike riding, having my meter with me,” Ms Hay said.

Pictures: SUPPLIED ews angry that I’ve been diagnosed and I ignored it for a while,” she said.

“But then I had to take notice of wearing the CGM, which is about four years now and my control and awareness have been so much better.”

A CGM lasts for two weeks so users have to reapply it every two weeks.

Ms Hay said it costs her over $50 a week and she thinks it’s expensive but she couldn’t quit it because it improves the quality of her life.

“I can do things with my grandchildren and go bike riding, having my meter with me,” she said.

“I know I’m not going to have a low because I’ll take a measly bond with me on a long bike ride and I know that I’ll be fine.

“So, my life wouldn’t be as active without the CGM.” Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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NEWS

Calling time on RSL service

By Callum Ludwig A stalwart of the Warburton RSL Sub-Branch is stepping away from the committee to focus on his health and a different volunteer opportunity.

After 15 years which have included stints as president, vice president and secretary, Lindsay Fisher has relinquished the presidency and retired from the committee over the last few months.

Mr Fisher said being part of the RSL helped him a lot and kept him busy.

“I used to sell Anzac Day badges and Poppy badges, down at the Bunnings in Lilydale making money for the RSL because that was our main support because we don’t have alcohol, we don’t have the pokies and we don’t have meals at Warburton,” he said.

“The biggest achievement we had (during my presidency) was the Vietnam March we held in Warburton and the other one was probably building the memorial wall, the big circle wall with poppies all over it.”

Mr Fisher is himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served for a year (and an extra day due to a delayed flight) as part of Australia’s reinforcement strategy. He served six years total in the infantry of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Mr Fisher said not having many blokes from Vietnam in the area once he came home was the hardest part for him.

“I was president at the time we held the march and it felt good to be part of it and also to get (former Deputy Prime Minister and Vietnam veteran) Tim Fischer to come up, he’s a very hard man to catch, but he spoke the truth about Vietnam, saying how much it was rigged,” he said.

“The way we got treated when we got back, that killed a lot of Vietnam vets, because we were told when we got off the plane to take our uniform off and put civic clothes on otherwise we would get bashed up, and we were just doing our job,” “It was years and years and years before I even would walk into an RSL.” Vietnam veterans drew the ire of large parts of the Australian public, including other servicemen and women who had served in the two world wars or Korea previously, upon their return to Australia. Often veterans of the World Wars particularly shared the view that the Vietnam War was ‘not a real war’, a sentiment Mr

Former Warburton RSL President Lindsay Fisher is setting away to look after his health.

Fisher was upset by himself.

Mr Fisher said he walked into an RSL with his World War Two veteran father when an old digger came up to him and asked what he was doing there.

“I told him that I was with my dad John Fisher and he said ‘Oh nice, I know John, he’s a good darts player but what do you do’ and when I told him I’d just come back from Vietnam he said it wasn’t a war and I told Dad that I had to go, and he ended up resigning from that RSL,” he said.

“It was tough, the Vietnam War when you think of it, because it was Australian people knocking Australian diggers. They didn’t do it in the Second World War, they didn’t do it in the first and they didn’t do it in Korea.”

Public resentment against Australia’s involvement in the war had grown due to a common belief shared that the war was against

Australia’s national interests and the country was solely involved in the conflict to serve the interests of the United States, with people also often shocked by the graphic imagery shown in news coverage at the time.

Nowadays, Mr Fisher enjoys heading to the Upper Yarra RSL in Yarra Junction for a meal of his life and volunteering for the Second Bite program and LinC Yarra Valley.

Mr Fisher said volunteering for Second Bite makes him feel good.

“I’ve got a van that I use to pick up food from Woolies in Seville and Yarra Junction on a Thursday,” he said.

“I’m meeting more people coming in, getting thor food and you don’t realise how many people are struggling up in this area.”

LinC’s Fresh Food program operates throughout the Upper Yarra on Fridays helping distribute fresh food and other groceries to

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG members of the community.

Mr Fisher said he would like to see the Warburton RSL retain its identity.

“There’s rumours going around that we might have to merge with Upper Yarra, and if that happens we would lose our ID and I’m against the pokies because I’ve been a security guard once, and I’ve seen people come in and lose their whole pension,” he said.

“We don’t have many young members up here, and if they are young, they don’t want to go to the RSL because they are for old people who just talk about war, but we can offer them friendship, a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit and to have a good sit down and talk to them.”

The Warburton RSL Sub-Branch Committee would like to wish Lindsay well and thank him wholeheartedly for his years of service not only at the RSL but also to all veterans and the local community.

Principal hanging up the boots after extensive career

By Callum Ludwig The Woori Yallock Farm School’s long-standing principal is retiring, wrapping up his teaching career after over 30 years of providing a practical learning opportunity.

Principal of the Woori Yallock Farm School Peter Preuss has worked for over 40 years in education and was there for the founding of the farm school in 1992.

Mr Preuss said it started when he was seconded to work for the Australian Conservation Foundation which was located in an office in the city, but the travel was a bit of an issue.

“Somebody in the education department said ‘you know what there’s a little school that’s shut down and it’s three minutes from where you live, you are welcome to use that as your base’ so for three days a week or so I used what is now the farm school,” he said.

“About seven years into the secondment that ran out and they turned it into the farm school and they got a gig there, it was established by all the secondary schools in the area to cater for kids that were having trouble in their own schools, whether it was academic and behavioural.”

Originally, students would be taken out for a whole term full of learning at the farm school, while nowadays a different group of students attends each day of the week for two terms.

Mr Preuss said the farm school has always acted as a circuit breaker for the students.

“I can remember when I was 14 or 15, you get a bit rebellious, a little bit over it all, you 10 MAIL

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Peter Preuss (left) has retired after over 30 years at the Woori Yallock Farm School.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Peter Preuss (left) hands over the keys to the Woori Yallock Farm School to new principal Stuart Dakin (right).

want to drop out of school and think you’re immortal and all of those things where kids could go down a very slippery path,” he said.

“We would take kids to try and get them back on track, so I think we saved a lot of lives over the years, to be honest, most of them become re-engaged, and start to be a bit more focused, it’s been rewarding, although somewhat challenging, over the years.”

Students complete certificates for Work Safely (Core), Maintain the Workplace (Core), Support Natural Area Conservation, Support Nursery Work, Record Information About Country and Maintain Cultural Places throughout their farm school program.

Mr Preuss said he now meets adults out and about who recognise him from

hands with incoming principal Stuart Dakin.

Principal of the Croydon Community School (which helps run the farm school) Bronwyn Harcourt said Peter’s contribution to the Woori Yallock Farm School is immense and unmatched.

“He has seen and worked passionately with others to drive the development of the site from a vacant, and discarded primary school into a place that has changed the lives of countless young people,” she said.

“He is a passionate member of the local community and shares his knowledge of its indigenous history, white development, and environmental importance. He certainly deserves a long and adventure-filled retirement.”

the farm school.

“I’ve lost count of them, anytime somebody that I don’t recognise comes up and introduces themselves, they say they were at the farm school back in 1995 or whatever,” he said.

“You get chatting with them and they think it was the best term they’ve ever had at school and it made a difference in their lives, that’s what’s kept me going all this time.”

“The education system should have more of these sorts of programs because they do work, a circuit breaker is what kids need rather than not having that safety net.”

Mr Preuss was also very pleased by the succession plan in place for his retirement and believes the farm school remains in good

mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Wandin Rotary’s Gavan McIntyre, Cliff Riseborough, Paul Martin and Heinz Budweg.

L-R: Mia and McKenzie have a hit with the hammers.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Local fire brigades receive a $10,000 donation from the Wandin-Seville Community Bank.

Donations top off fun day

By Callum Ludwig The Rotary Club of Wandin’s Australia Day Free Family Fun Day has once again proved to be a hit among the community.

Families flocked to the Wandin North Recreation Reserve to enjoy the activities and festivities on Friday 26 January.

Sausages in bread, ice creams and free soft drinks were all available, with volunteers from Rotary, the Wandin Cricket Club and the Wandin Football Netball Club all making sure the day ran smoothly.

It wasn’t just a good day out for families either, as the Wandin-Seville Community Ben-

digo Bank had a big announcement to make.

The bank granted $10,000 to each of the Wandin, Seville, Gruyere and Coldstream fire brigades, thanking them for all their efforts to keep their communities safe and to support the upkeep of their equipment and stations.

Plenty of activities were also available; Clambering aboard the fire trucks and getting a feel for what it’s like inside is always popular, There may be some new helpers with DIY projects around the Yarra Ranges, as plenty of kids grabbed a hammer and made light work of knocking some nails deep into a few wooden

stumps, Hard-fought battles were wagered with the tug-of-war ropes, Cricket and footy got their fair share of interest as young sports stars honed their skills with a bit more practice, Adults and kids alike enjoyed the live music of The Deja Vus, with a rendition of ‘Baby Shark’ keenly awaited by a younger audience.

Wandin Fire Brigade also opened up the doors of their station in the morning, giving a tour of the facility, answering questions and concerns of community members and performing a live rescue demonstration.

The Rotary Club of Wandin’s 26th annual

Australia Day Breakfast was also held, featuring guest speakers; Liz Kitchen, originally from North Carolina in America will share her story of coming to Australia from getting a visiting visa to citizenship as well as her work as a ‘Cheese and Butter Scientist’ with New Zealand dairy company Fonterra.

Olinda-based landscape designer Phillip Johnson also attended to talk about his Australia Garden which won Best in Show at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 in London, which has since been transplanted on an even larger scale to Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

A fant-ass-tic day out at Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival The Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival returned to great fanfare, with crowds flocking to see the many mules on show.

Such was the demand for donkeys, there were traffic troubles on the Warburton Highway near Wesburn Park.

Nonetheless, attendees were eventually able to find a spot to park and enjoy the events and activities.

Guest speakers also attended and shared their donkey expertise with the crowd.

The event was the only edition since the first in 2015. mailcommunity.com.au

The Yarra Ranges Donkey festival was a big success.

Pictures: KRISSY FLACK

Having a sniff.

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NEWS

February will be ‘funtastic’

By Callum Ludwig There will be a slightly different creative offering at the Warburton Waterwheel in February, with artists and exhibitors throughout the Upper Yarra encouraged to give their feedback.

‘Funtastic February’ will aim to use the gallery differently, offering individual places throughout the space to fill the room with works from many artists.

Coordinator at the Warburton Waterwheel Michele Osterhoudt said not every artist has a large enough body of work to fill the entire gallery space, so she had been wanting to try out selling individual walls.

“It is similar to a group exhibition, except there is no particular theme and each artist gets to choose what they wish to exhibit. I have even made it possible to rent just a wire – essentially a 1-metre wide space – for those who have smaller works or only one piece they want to showcase,” she said.

“I have been longing to host other activities in our gallery space, it’s a pretty large space with great acoustics and light, so why not hold workshops and other activities here.”

Throughout February, eight different artists will be hanging work, with textile artists also set to exhibit on the floor. There are currently no workshops booked in yet, but anyone can call 03 5966 9600 to express their interest.

Ms Osterhoudt said this new way of exhibiting is giving more artists access to a beautiful exhibition space that otherwise they might not be able to afford.

“I am hopeful that our creative community will start to look at the Waterwheel Gallery a bit differently and see new ways they could use

New ways to utilise the Warburton Waterwheel Gallery will be explored in February.

Picture: ON FILE the space,” she said.

“There are so many possibilities, and I know the Upper Yarra Valley has plenty of creatives

who could benefit from what the Waterwheel Gallery space has to offer,” “If nothing else, this unusual set-up in Feb-

With a plot full of twists and turns, The Sting is a delight even if you have seen it before.

Following the film, afternoon tea will be provided and lucky door prizes from local businesses will be drawn.

Small Business Bus

ruary is giving us a chance to try some new ideas and see how they work, both from the perspective of our coordination and from the artist’s perspective.”

One offering in February that will certainly be new to the gallery space is the return of the Last Hoorah Bazaar. Relocating from the Koha Community Space, the second-hand market will be on from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday 3,4,10 and 11 February.

Ms Osterhoudt said when they expanded the Gallery space at the beginning of 2022, they hoped it would offer new opportunities for larger exhibitions and larger pieces of art.

“We are seeing the need to find new formulas so that we don’t lose those artists with smaller works and numbers of works,” she said.

“We have received a great deal of positive feedback about the look and feel of the Gallery as it is today and we are always looking for new ways to ensure it is a great space that meets the needs of our local creatives and offers a beautiful space for visitors to come visit and experience that creativity.”

“While February is the month we are currently focused on, that’s not the end of the story. The Gallery is currently booked for April through May, but after that, I am quite open to more opportunities such as this, but I need to hear from the creative community that they are interested in us pursuing this model.”

All wall and art space is booked out for the month of February, but exhibitors are welcome to reach out to organise workshops or events.

These events can be during or outside of the gallery’s 10am to 4pm open hours.

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY March for servicemen WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Free screening of The Sting Yarra Ranges Film Society presents a free community event with a special screening of The Sting at 1pm on Saturday 3 February in the Arts Centre in Warburton.

Fifty years ago this award-winning film was released in Australian cinemas to great acclaim.

Robert Redford and Paul Newman shine in what is arguably one of the best heist films of all time.

February 11 sees the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Annual March at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

The march commences at 11.30 am and there will be a flyover from the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, which will be at 11.35.

The music will be supplied by the Royal Australian Navy Band, with the Royal Victorian Pipe Band playing The Lament.

Any person who served in the National Service between 1951 and 1972 is most welcome.

Peter Kemp PR for the NSAA contact publicity@pktheatre.com or 0427 859 549.

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

Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus is stopping by Yarra Junction on Monday 19 February.

Business Recovery Advisers will be on hand and will offer one-on-one tailored advice to help strengthen your business and position you for recovery.

Sessions will run for up to 45 minutes and are free of charge. Bookings for these sessions are recommended.

The Bus Concierge service, which provides general information about the support available from Business Victoria, will also be available for walk-ins.

It will be located at the Community Link and Upper Yarra Family Centre (2444 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction) from 10am-4pm To book in a one-on-one session or for more information, visit the Business Victoria website.

Online kids anxiety sessions Outer Eastern Councils are partnering up to

host an online information session on how to help support anxious children.

If you would like to gain a greater understanding of anxiety and learn some helpful strategies to support your child, join the free online information session on Tuesday, 13 February.

Learning to cope with anxiety, stress and fear is a normal part of a child’s development, however it can be deeply challenging not only children, but also for parents an the family unit as a whole.

This session will cover: the role of anxiety and nor· Understanding mal childhood development · The signs and symptoms in your children · Types of anxiety disorders · What’s helpful and not helpful and strategies to support your chil· Methods dren

Where to go for more information/help Bookings are required as this session will not be recorded. To book, please visit trybooking.com/COEUO A link to access the session will be provided to you once you have registered.

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

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

It’s from the Earth

By Dongyun Kwon YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub Healesville’s latest exhibition ‘From the Earth’ includes the thoughts of local artists on the earth.

One of the artists for the exhibition Clare James said she thinks the earth being is the most precious thing that exists in the universe for animals, humans and all living things.

“A lot of my art connects deeply to nature and everything is derived from the earth,” she said.

“I am intrigued, fascinated and inspired by wild places and animals and I have always been someone who looks closely at the natural world.

“So it felt like for me From the Earth, looking under a log, being a gardener or being a citizen scientist.”

James works equally in painting and sculpture but all of her works in this exhibition are sculpture pieces.

James said two of her sculptures in the exhibition are playful and naive.

“They’re made to look like anyone could have made them, there’s almost like a steampunk look to them,” she said.

“You can see the wire, you can see the fake fur or the insects, you can see that there’s wire and tape and I wanted to have that sense of wonder of making something bigger than it really is or make it almost like a childlike wonder of how cool a slater or stick insect is.”

The idea for her kaleidoscope sculpture came from her sense of wonder for the natural world and things that might not look immediately like what they are like.

By Dongyun Kwon

Clare James with her two-and-a-half metre kaleidoscope.

“Many children have a little kaleidoscope when they’re little and I just thought kaleidoscopes are amazing, they’re almost magical, and I thought I want to make a two-and-a-half metre kaleidoscope to bring that sense of wonder,” James said.

“When people put their heads in and turn the handle of my giant kaleidoscope, nearly everyone is really excited by it, there’s a real sense of wonder.”

The journey of art for James has never been stopped since she was very little.

James was always drawing, digging up clay and making ceramic things.

James said art was her language.

“It was much easier for me to express something in a drawing than it was as a written language or even as a verbal language because I was good at art and I also loved it,” she said.

“I went straight from high school to Victorian College of the Arts and did an undergraduate in drawing fine arts and I became a high school art teacher because I didn’t know how

Picture: DONGYUN KWON

to be an artist and make any money.

“When I was 27, I had babies and by the time my babies started school, I was about 35 and then I got stuck into my studio and I’ve been working every day in my studio for the last like nine years.”

James had a solo exhibition at YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub Healesville in 2021 during one of the long Covid lockdown periods in Melbourne.

“My show got locked down the day it opened. We went into a three-month lockdown,” James said.

“Finally after we came out of lockdown, they let me keep the exhibition up for another two or three weeks, which was really nice, but I didn’t get an opening or anything. It was all my work and it was so disappointing.

“So It’s really an honour to be invited as a guest artist for this exhibition.”

From the Earth is on until 25 February from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm at YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub Healesville.

Author hopes to help people struggling

By Gabriella Vukman In efforts to tackle mental health head-on, local photographer and now author David Eastham has undertaken the task of writing and publishing a book on mental health strategies.

Based on his own experience coping with mental breakdowns, David hopes his book will help people who are struggling as well as provide tips for and raise awareness around preventative measures for mental breakdowns.

The book, currently available for purchase, is called ‘Shooting the Black Dog’ and reveals how David overcame his own mental health struggles through animal photography..

“Going back a number of years I had a pretty significant mental health breakdown and I went down the typical medication and psychologist route,” David said.

“Whilst these traditional measures got me back functioning, I still didn’t feel like myself.

“I started doing a bit of research and saw that getting a hobby and involving a bit of creativity into your life can help with your mental health.”

Turning to photography as his therapeutic and creative outlet, David discovered a tool he could turn to in order to battle mental health flare ups.

“I went and bought a camera and had actually never done photography before,” David said.

“I found that photography was my silver bullet for mental health and then, coming from a science background, I went ‘okay, why is this the case and why is it that photography is so good for my mental health and well-being?’”

Sparked by intrigue, David began researching creativity and its connection to mental health.

“I was going to write a blog or an article, and then it just got bigger and bigger,” David said.

“I thought’ hang on,’ why don’t I turn this into a book and that was about four years ago.”

David is scheduling his book launch event along with the release of a program that is also tailored towards beating mental health issues, for late March.

Whilst David’s book began as a research undertaking, it also depicts his experience with mental health.

“I started mentioning why creativity and mailcommunity.com.au

Family fun event for local kids

Yarra Valley Local David Eastham publishes ‘Shooting the Black Dog’ a book on dealing with mental health.

Picture: DAVID EASTHAM specifically photography was so good for my mental health, and then when I decided to actually turn it into a book, I thought, ‘well the first chapter really needs to be about my own experience, what I went through and my story.’

“After that I brainstormed what chapters people would benefit from.”

For David, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health involves being able to talk freely about it. ”The biggest misconception surrounding mental health is that people think that they are immune to it,” he said.

“I was the exact same, I thought that I was immune to it and I’d seen other people around me battle depression and anxiety and I just thought that I would never get it but my mental breakdown absolutely changed my life.

“For me, what we should be aiming for is being able to talk about our mental health like we talk about any other injury.”

Mental illness prevention is another of David’s priorities and preventative tips are also featured in ‘Shooting the Black Dog’.

“One of the biggest issues is that we’re trying to deal with the problem a bit downstream, but if you were to try and go to your doctor or ring up to see a psychologist, the wait times are astronomical, the cost to actually see someone is off the charts with the cost of living at the moment,” he said.

“We need to try and treat the problem upstream, before people have a breakdown and before people get to the stage where they have to meet and see a psychologist and get on medication and so on.

“Whilst people do still need to access medication etc, there is much more work we can do in the preventative space.”

For David, preventing people from having a breakdown rather than “throwing resources”

at people once they have already had an episode is the way to go.

“Each person will experience the warning signs of a mental breakdown quite differently,” he said.

“For me, I start to sleep intermittently, my energy levels are low and I get irritated very easily.”

“One of my final mental breakdown indicators is getting pins and needles all over my back.”

David’s book highlights the typical symptoms that people will have and also outlines the need for each individual to realise their own symptoms early and be attuned to them.

The book covers not only David’s mental breakdown experience but also delves into the science behind therapeutic photography and the role of creativity.

There are over 20 exercises in the book compiled by David through not just research, but word of mouth and trial and error.

“A whole range of exercises where you might read the book and find five that work for you and the other fifteen don’t which is absolutely fine,” David said.

“Everyone can grab a few takeaways out of it, to me it’s just like having more tools in the toolbox to battle depression, anxiety and benefit our mental health.”

Writing about his experience, though a little challenging, was therapeutic for David.

“I found that the actual process of writing, whilst divulging my own breakdown and experiences with mental health was quite tough and confronting at times, it was also therapeutic at the same time.

“I’ve had some people ask if I will write another book at some stage and I think that I definitely will.”

Whilst David admits that different tools work for different people and that photography might not be everyone’s “silver bullet”, he emphasised the importance and functionality of creative outlets when combating mental health issues.

“For me, if it resonates for even a few people to pick up the book and read it, to me that is success.

“As much as photography is my silver bullet and may not be for everyone, it’s all about getting another tool in the toolbox to help people with their own mental health journeys.”

A family fun event will be held in Healesville next month.

Ode to Story organised by Wild Ridge Community aims to build a connection between local children and nature as well as giving an opportunity for homeschool, community school and unschooled kids to showcase their talents.

Wild Ridge Community is made up of a few different enterprises.

Valley Wildlings, which offers local nature-based programs for children, is one of the groups involved in Wild Ridge Community.

The event will be divided into mainly two parts, natureplay and bushcraft workshops from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and storytellers and performers on stage from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Valley Wildlings founder Samantha Levy said the Ode to Story was originally started in Northern Rivers by Luminous Youth.

“We’re collaborating with them [Luminous Youth] to bring the events down south and one of the values that Luminous Youth upholds is to honour the youngest gifts and their need to have a safe nurturing space,” she said.

“That’s why we’ve wanted to create a storytelling performance and permaculture puppet show for the whole family and it also gives the children a chance, especially for the homeschool and community-skilled school children who don’t usually have the chance to perform for a group.

“We still actually have spaces available for children to perform if anyone wants to do that and they’ll receive a $50 gift for their efforts as we really like to have the children up there.”

Valley Wildlings is going to lead the natureplay workshop.

Ms Levy said the natureplay workshop would have a storytelling element.

“We’re going to be using clays and materials to make characters that the children can get into the storytelling spirit and then we’re going to weave the stage and gather materials from the land to create little shelters for our characters to play on,” she said.

“So they start to make a story themselves and then they can take that with them into the second part, their actual performance.”

A bushcraft workshop will run simultaneously, facilitated by Leafy from Leafy Adventures.

The workshop will focus on primitive skills and a tour of the bushcraft site.

The actual performances will start at 5pm emceed by Chris James from The Dreaming Space.

Mr James will bring his magical presence to the event and present a Permaculture Puppet Show.

Local children aged 18 or younger are welcome to perform singing, playing music, dancing, magic tricks, storytelling and secret talent shows.

Performers can invite up to three of their immediate family members to come along for free.

Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Anyone wishing to perform at the event or having questions could contact the event organiser at kate_cole@outlook.com.

Tickets are purchasable at the website, events.humanitix.com/ode-to-story-or-family-performance-night.

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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OPINION

Rising costs hitting home I hope you all had a great Christmas and found some time to relax.

It is great to be back and ready for a busy 2024.

There is plenty of unfinished business from 2023. I’ve spent a lot of time out chatting to locals and know that the cost of living continues to be the number one concern for local families.

I will continue advocating for action on the cost of living, improved local roads and better access to quality healthcare for our community – among other issues.

The high cost of groceries, mortgages, energy bills, rents and insurances are leaving many families without adequate food on the table.

This is something I heard firsthand in my role on the Standing Committee on Agriculture during our recent Inquiry into Food

From my

desk Federal Member for Casey Security in Australia.

As the National Farmers’ Federation told the committee, Australia produces enough food to feed 75 million people each year – both here and overseas through exports.

Local farmers in the Yarra Valley produce high quality fruit and vegetables that put our community on the world stage.

CARTOON

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

prevent future supply chain disruptions.

We also heard evidence of the duopoly, Coles and Woolworths, leaving Aussie farmers short-changed for their produce.

The stories of farmers getting $1.50 for pumpkins that the duopoly sell for $20 a piece is just the tip of the iceberg. The implications of this power disparity between hardworking farmers and the duopoly creates serious concerns for future food security. To maintain our production capacity both locally in the Yarra Valley and as a nation, farm businesses must remain profitable and be able to operate in competitive environments.

The ACCC inquiry into supermarket price gouging is long overdue. Not only for the sake of local farmers and our national food security, but for all Australians struggling to afford to put food on the table in these tough times.

Salty about the snubbing of darkly funny Saltburn

Comedies and auditions Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Piece of Mind is a comedy by Emma wood (an award winning, internationally produced playwright based in Melbourne) Piece of Mind is a quirky, funny tale about two long-suffering nurses and best friends opening a rather unique new therapy business.

The idea is that you and your partner spend an hour or two reflecting on your relationship... while one of you is lying in a coffin playing dead.

Season: Thursday 8 February - Sunday 24 February.

Bookings: 9735 1777 Mondays, Tuesday or Fridays between 10am and 2pm.

Eltham Little Theatre Audition Notice The Peppercorn Tree This is a moving drama set in Melbourne in 1993.

Auditions will be by individual appointment at 15 minute intervals.

Audition candidates will be asked to read specific sections of the script against other actors. There is no need to memorise these

But as the 188 written submissions and many public hearings made clear, food security isn’t just about supply. It’s about ensuring all Australians have access to affordable, nutritious foods.

I know from my recent visits to Holy Fools, The Mustard Tree in Lilydale, Outer East Food Share, Discovery Community Care Mt Evelyn, LinC Yarra Junction, ADRA Warburton, Foothills Community Care and Soupees in Upwey that local food banks are under more pressure than ever to support families in need.

The committee made several recommendations, including that a Minister for Food be established with the responsibility of addressing food insecurity in Australia. It was recommended that a National Food Plan be created that maps out the entire supply chain - from paddock to plate - including transport routes, so governments and community can act to

Kemp’s curtain call for the audition.

Please arrive 10 minutes early so you can fill out an audition form. Rehearsals will be held Monday and Wednesday 7.30pm and Sundays at 2.30pm – 5pm.

Audition Dates are Sunday 4 February and Monday 5 February at 7pm – 10.15pm To contact ELT ring 0411 713 095 REMEMBER: 1812 Theatre, Mother & Son. February 22 – March 16. Bookings: 9758 3964.

The Basin Theatre, Hatched, Matched and Dispatched Season: Thursday February 22 – Sunday March 3. Bookings: 1300 784 618 Eltham Little Theatre, Yes Prime Minister Season: February 16 – March 2. Bookings: 9433 3111

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Revealed on January 23, the 2024 Oscar nominations had some surprises and one big snub that left me fuming.

Oppenheimer received a whopping 13 nominations across writing, directing, acting and technical fields, including Best Picture. Past Lives was nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, and stands a very good chance of winning the latter through its rich, literary yet natural dialogue. Poor Things, a quirky, uplifting gender-flipped spin on Frankenstein, was nominated for eleven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Yorgos Lanthimos and Best Adapted Screenplay, being adapted from the novel by Alasdair Gray. Lily Gladstone became the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress for her powerful performance in Killers of the Flower Moon (which, surprisingly, was not nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay). In one of cinema’s biggest glow-ups, as the Godzilla franchise has long been mocked for its use of men in rubber suits, Godzilla Minus One was nominated for Best Visual Effects, and the stunning sci-fi war character study The Creator was nominated for Visual Effects and Sound.

Barbie received eight nominations, including Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Production Design and two Best Song spots, but Greta Gerwig was not nominated for Best Director and Margot Robbie was not nominated for Best Actress, despite Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera receiving Supporting Actor and Actress nods (respectively). Robbie flawlessly portrays the archetypal ditzy blonde Barbie, but delivers a nuanced, moving performance as Barbie grows more human and learns the importance of sadness and negative emotion. If Gosling was nominated as Ken, it’s only fair that Robbie be nominated for Barbie, and some online commenters have humorously observed that Ken being recognized over Barbie is effectively the plot of Barbie.

Barbie is in the same position as Argo from 2013: a Best Picture candidate with a snubbed director (though in fairness, Gerwig and Robbie are both listed as producers on Barbie).

The most galling snub for me was writer-director Emerald Fennell’s darkly funny psychological thriller masterpiece Saltburn.

Star Barry Keoghan’s lead performance is just as nuanced as Robbie’s, as Oliver

The 2024 Oscar nominations were revealed on 23 January.

Picture: ON FILE Quick’s manipulative, scheming true self slowly emerges from his unassuming fishout-of-water persona, and Keoghan fearlessly commits to the film’s more risque or grotesque sequences.

At the very least, Saltburn deserved a Best Cinematography nomination for its lavish, painterly shots and elaborate long-takes, but I wholeheartedly believe it should have been nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Saltburn is just an exploitation movie – more Caligula than Parasite – but despite its graphic content, Saltburn’s narrative is witty, wellpaced and surprisingly subtle. Saltburn is extremely effective at challenging our assumptions: we initially warm to Oliver as a shy, reserved college student who comes out of his shell through Felix’s (Jacob Elordi) friendship, but our view of Oliver slowly sours as he lies and pushes boundaries.

Felix’s weird family proves not as sinister as they first appeared, and the climax gives us the grim satisfaction of the plot’s many dastardly clues coming together.

I acknowledge that Saltburn might be too gross and deranged for the Academy to touch, as the same was true of Possessor.

The second feature from Brandon Cronenberg (son of body horror pioneer David Cronenberg) and my film of the year for 2020, Possessor is richly-layered, deeply intriguing, superbly-paced and shockingly graphic but never gratuitous. Stars Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott were robbed of Oscar nominations at the 2021 Oscars, and if I had my way, I would have given them a special shared Oscar, as their performances are so intensely complementary.

Maybe Saltburn is too much for the Academy to stomach.

And yet in its subversive notes, bursts of violence and themes of infiltrating the upper-class, Saltburn isn’t too far removed from Parasite.

If Parasite could win Best Picture in 2020, the Academy can stretch their horizons and give Saltburn its screenwriting due.

- Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY

KILLARA HOMESTEAD mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 15

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

“KILLARA HOMESTEAD”: 3.2 ACRES, POOL IF privacy is your ultimate desire, you will fall in love with this country style home with all you need for a large and growing family and an abundance of extras that deliver lifestyle allure in spades.

Poised on 3.2 acres of picturesque countryside with breathtaking Yarra Ranges vistas, “Killara Homestead” embodies rural charm and character in an exclusive address, yet you are just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Lilydale and at the gateway to the Yarra Valley.

The home unfolds with a grandeur that includes secure gated entry, a circular drive and so much parking you could even house a bus!

A haven of comfort and style, with interiors that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics and country charm, large picture windows and French doors frame panoramic vistas, allowing natural light to dance throughout the living spaces.

Framed by a lush landscape, the property is a private oasis where space, serenity, business potential, and natural beauty converge in perfect harmony.

Beyond the residence a sparkling inground pool invites you to bask in the summer sun amidst breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley.

For those with equestrian passions, a fenced arena and stables provide the perfect environment, and the property also boasts extensive garaging/shedding, offering not only ample storage space but also the potential for a thriving business.

You’ll Love: the classic timber kitchen with stunning views, stainless steel 900mm Smeg cooker, walk-in pantry, and breakfast bench overlooking a spacious meals area warmed by a hearty Coonara style wood fire. You’ll never tire of the views from the kitchen sink! a flexible dining space at the front of the home with bay window and gas log fire ideal for large gatherings or a second living zone. two bedrooms privately positioned off a hallway serviced by a family bathroom including one with a lavish walk-in robe. a retreat/TV room/home office/library/ third living area near the bedroom zone – the choice is yours! stunning family bathroom with twin vanity and deep soak bath. the luxurious upstairs master retreat featuring a lavish ensuite with his/her vanity

and bath for relaxing at day’s end, a walkin dressing room, make-up station and enough space for a sofa. Dreamy views will be sure to enhance your Zen! enjoying a morning brew and watching the hot air balloons glide over the valley as the sun rises. breathing in the fresh country air on the all-season deck. Entertain in style with the built-in outdoor kitchen perfect for summer barbeques or easily supervise the kids splashing in the pool or riding in the arena. a separate studio/retreat with bedroom and ensuite perfect for teens, in-laws, home business or a man cave. enormous 12.4m x 18.8m shed with double height dual roller doors, office featuring split system, 3-phase power, vehicle hoist, powder room and mezzanine ideal for a home business.

At a Glance: “Killara Homestead” – 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home on 3.2 acres incorporating nearly one acre of fenced pastures.

Stunning views of the Yarra Valley Ranges.

High ceilings, polished hardwood flooring, tessellated tiling, ceiling roses, picture windows and French doors create character allure.

Entrance foyer, generous lounge/dining with gas log fireplace and open plan kitchen/family room (warmed by the wood burning heater) opening onto a large covered entertaining deck with outdoor kitchen.

Renovated family bathroom.

Study or retreat/TV room.

Spacious laundry with built-in hamper and drying cupboard.

Inground solar-heated pool.

Fenced horse arena plus two stables.

Triple garage with attached studio/retreat with bedroom and ensuite perfect for teens, in-laws, home business, Airbnb or a man cave.

Huge 12.4m x 18.8m shed with mezzanine, powder room, 3-phase power, office and hoist.

Reverse cycle air conditioning for seasonal comfort.

Secure gated entry with intercom, a circular drive and abundant parking.

Tesla battery for Solar storage.

Rainwater tank.

Solar panels.

2 minute drive to Coldstream Brewery, 5-minute drive to Coldstream Primary School and 10-minutes to Lilydale station, shops and supermarkets. ●

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HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 43 Killara Rd, COLDSTREAM Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 study, 6 garage Price: $2,300,000 - $2,500,000 Inspect: Saturday 11 - 11.30am Contact: Ryan Bell 0417 052 297 or Michael Robinson on 0418 505 635, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277 16 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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HOME FOCUS

PRIVATE AND QUIET WITH BEAUTIFUL HOME WHEN thinking about buying a ‘hills’ home, locals will tell you, ‘Make sure it has abundant natural light’. It is the best advice you can take.

Whilst hidden from prying eyes and surrounded by lush green gardens this home is blessed with a light, bright ambience.

Orientation - East facing with North/East Deck – perfect for brunch or enjoying the serenity.

Spacious living rooms, one with an open fireplace, high vaulted ceilings, the perfect blend of character with a touch of contemporary. Positioned to look amongst the treetops, exhale and unwind. Look over the one-acre, terraced gardens filled with established camellias, rhododendrons, maples, Dicksonian tree ferns and azaleas.

If you are fortunate, you may hear the elusive Lyrebird mimicking you nearby.

The residence features 3 bedrooms, all with built-in robes, the ensuite and bathroom feature bespoke timber vanities. The central modern kitchen has stone bench tops, a Blanco 900mm SS upright 6 burner stove and a Meile dishwasher. There is also a spacious laundry and carport.

The location is fabulous, right in the heart of the hills, near to the R.J. Hamer Arboretum and Cloudehill Gardens. You are merely minutes to both Olinda and Monbulk Townships. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Yurnga Avenue, OLINDA Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $920,000 - $995,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Jan Brewster 0409 558 805, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111 mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

FAMILY LIVING ON ¼ ACRE - CLOSE TO TOWN THIS two-storey home offers a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and aesthetics, making it an ideal setting for family life and entertaining guests. The emphasis on outdoor/indoor living with the fantastic screened in deck incorporating outdoor ‘kitchen’ with BBQ and custom cabinetry, a big TV screen zone and even a separate viewing area to enjoy those perfect sunsets.

The connection between indoors and out is seamless and the layout of the residence offers three separate interior living areas, one being open plan kitchen, equipped with modern appliances and ample storage, which caters to the practical needs of daily living with the dining area adjoining. There are 4 bedrooms, the main with full ensuite and WIR. The main bathroom has a soaking tub (with a view), and the 4th bedroom is downstairs and is ideal if you need a space to work from home.

The home is accessed by a sealed driveway, with a single remote garage, is positioned on just over a quarter acre of established gardens and is just minutes to Emerald Township, shops, schools, sporting clubs, restaurants and much more. Call Erin Davies 0493 136 937 or Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 to arrange an inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 50 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $950,000-$1,045,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Erin Davies 0493 136 937, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL - 9754 6111 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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Ranges PRISTINE MOUNTAIN RETREAT

SASSAFRAS 9 WOODlANDS AVENUE oNE ACRE gARDEN WoNDERLAND

We put you first

CROWNING TRADIES DREAM THE WORKSHOP RIDGE IN All ITS GlORY

$1,135,000-$1,245,000 4A 2B 4C

Discover a meticulously maintained four-bedroom home with triple garage and secluded setting. Open-plan living, formal lounge with a log fire, vaulted ceilings, and large windows create a welcoming ambiance. The kitchen features an island bench, dishwasher, and ample storage. The master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe, with the study serving as a versatile space. The lower level includes a triple garage/ workshop, carport, and storage.

grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

BELgRAVE UPWEy 36 bElMONT 25-27 COlOMbO AVENUE ROAD Escape to PRIVATE HILLS yourRETREAT exclusive haven

$1,399,00-$1,499,000 $799,000 4A 1 3 2B 2 5C

Outdoortoentertaining Escape a 2,000 sqmwill garden be a dream paradise from with the breathtaking huge deck offering views. This privacy renovated & a backdrop fourof bedroom approximately home features 3,015 sqm. a chef’s of mature kitchen, gardens in-ground and pool, woodlands. and covered Featuring alfresco spacious dining. open plan With modern living, wood amenities fire, ducted and sustainability gas heating,features, split system it’s conveniently cooling, polished located floornear boards, the train walls of station glassand windows, Upwey updated town centre. kitchen Make and36 dual belmont living zones, Avenue and Upwey for the your tradie home! a MASSIVE workshop and double carport. The home has just been restumped with provision to reinstate rooms underneath. There is also a second road frontage to Carramar Crescent.

grant Skipsey 0418 528 102

6 GlORIOUS ACRES

RURAl PARADISE ON NEARlY 5 ACRES

AVoNSLEIgH 18b MARGARET ROAD $1,300,000-$1,430,000 CHARMINg RESIDENCE WITH STUNNINg gARDENS 4A 1B 5C

gEMBRook 115 COllIE ROAD $830,000 - $895,000 RURAL LIFESTyLE, WITH EASy ACCESS To ToWNSHIP 3A 1B 2C

This wonderful 1950’s built 6-acre (mainly flat) property is offered for sale for the first time.

The gardens are glorious, bursting with summer colours and the residence offers French door access onto the covered patio, spacious timber kitchen, light-filled living with stone accented fireplace, hardwood floors, grand-sized bathroom, a second shower ‘room,’ WC, large laundry, covered entertaining area with open fireplace, 4 paddocks, an old tennis court, woodshed, stable, garage, workshop, covered store and another shed.

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

9754 6111

rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Erin Davies 0493 136 937

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

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

‘We Put You First’

Erin Davies 0493 136 937

1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

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

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

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

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

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

with the BBQ and Wood-fired Pizza oven. The home is serviced by gas hydronic ducted heating, wood heaters and split systems.

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

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

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

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

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 35 Ferngully Rd, Don Valley VIC 3139 Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Price 0438 795 190, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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P 5966 2530

P 5967 1277

3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton

1916 Don Road, Don Valley

$850,000 - $935,000

2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction

11 Old Warburton Road, Warburton

$750,000 - $800,000

Unique, Stylish Home with Don River Vista

Two homes with a creek and over half an acre

This modern three bedroom home boasts one of the most beautiful backdrops in Don Valley. Relax on your generous balcony while listening to the soothing sounds of the river. Set on approx half an acre on title, with benefits of enjoying the delights of the adjacent river reserve. The home offers cathedral ceilings in the main living area, and all the modern features you’d expect including two well-appointed bathrooms, ensuite with twin basin and walk in robe to the master. A delightful modern kitchen offers plenty of cupboards & drawers, dishwasher, gas cooking and overlooks the living and meals zone.Extras include mains gas ducted heating, reverse cycle air conditioning, mains water, double lock up garage/workshop with backyard views and further shedding. A great floor plan with abundant light, surrounded with a quaint garden, this home will delight all who visit.

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

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190 Inspection:

By Appointment

80 Rosella Road, Wesburn

3

A

2

B 2 C

$1,800,000-$1,980,000

Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection:

By Appointment

95 Milners Road, Yarra Junction

4

A

2

B 1 C

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

‘WARREEN’ – A Craftsman Masterpiece on 47 acres

130 acres of magnificence!

Escape to a serene paradise where family, both human and equine, thrive amidst pristine nature. This architect-designed home, nestled privately, exudes warmth with Californian Redwood doors, French doors, and timber accents. Immaculate wool carpets, top-notch insulation, and fittings showcase quality. Three bedrooms with robes, a fourth as a home office, offer ample space. The master suite boasts timber-lined raked ceilings and a spa bath. The spacious kitchen with a Jarrah bench top is the heart of the home. Equine enthusiasts will appreciate the six paddocks, bushland, and quality infrastructure including tanks, dam, stables, and machinery sheds. A unique property offering complete privacy and tranquility.

A mind blowing, gob smacking majestic mountain vista is what you will experience from this special land holding. Of the 130 acres, approximately 30 are of cleared pasture with 2 dams and the balance being beautiful lightly forested areas, all providing something pretty exceptional for you to plan your new lifestyle property. Imagine the kids being able to have their horses in the paddocks and then explore either under saddle and/or motor bike or mountain bike the tracks at the back to have loads of fun, whilst you relax and gaze at the mountains to the north. With only a 4 minute drive to the main township of Yarra Junction, and 2 minutes to a primary school and a high school, this property gives you the delights of a rural existence, yet the convenience of a bustling township so close. The ultimate lifestyle is on offer here, just start planning and realize your dreams.

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190 Inspection:

By Appointment

4

A

2

B 2 C

Samantha Price M 0438 795 190 Inspection:

By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

ARCHITECTURAL APPEAL ON LUSH ALLOTMENT AWASH with natural design elements and abundant windows, this exquisite residence feels at one with its lush Dandenong Ranges surrounds. Featuring a unique split-level pole house construction clad in the warmth of a Western red cedar exterior creates the zenlike feel of a tranquil forest retreat. Primed for new owners to immerse themselves in this private 1,321sqm (approx.) allotment with parking for 4 vehicles and a large garden shed, a wonderful lifestyle is waiting.

The interior of this impressive home is a feast for the senses. Beautiful limewash timber ceilings, rich Blackbutt floors, and strategically placed windows and Velux skylights draw the landscape inside. From the sun-filled entryway with glass ceiling and leadlight accents, the floorplan flows into the lounge with wood fire, dining area, and kitchen with gas cooker, stainless steel dishwasher, and inviting peninsula seating.

With 2 decking areas off this zone to choose from, this home is certain to inspire entertaining.

In addition, there are 3 comfortably

carpeted bedrooms on offer. The main bedroom boasts a private balcony and enviable ensuite. The family bedrooms share a generous bathroom with glass ceiling and soaking tub.

With an extensive list of extra features including gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling, a picturesque paved patio, and a perfect position near Birdsland Reserve, Burrinja Cultural Centre, and Upwey and Tecoma schools, shopping, and train stations, this is a one-of-a-kind home to be proud of. Inspection will impress, so join us for a tour today.

1,321sqm (approx.) property rich with natural flora and fauna Exquisite pole house construction with vaulted timber ceilings Rich Blackbutt flooring, Velux skylights, and floor to ceiling windows 3 spacious bedrooms including main with ensuite and private balcony Several outdoor entertaining areas and ample parking for 4 vehicles ●

· · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 34 Centre Road, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $780,000 - $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 or Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 22 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 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

$820,000 - $900,000

13 Johns Crescent, MOUNT EVELYN CHARACTER HOME WITH HOBBY FARM POTENITAL

3A2B2C

FOR SALE

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

85 Terrys Avenue, TECOMA

4A2B C

ENVIABLE HOME IN EXCLUSIVE POCKET POSITION

Set on a fully useable, half acre block, this spacious property provides the perfect opportunity for any family looking for a hobby farm lifestyle change.

Spanning over two levels, this charming home, that was first built around 1952 by the then Mount Evelyn Station Master, has an abundance of space with two large living areas, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Held by the same family for decades and now refreshed for new owners to enjoy, this enviable home’s legacy is all about family. With plenty of space for everyone and outdoor areas that will inspire gatherings, this 1,354sqm (approx.) property captures the essence of the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle.

Sharyn Chandler

Suzie Brannelly

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

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

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

$650,000 - $690,000

34 Thompson Road, UPWEY YOUR PEACEFUL HILLS LIFESTYLE STARTS HERE!

3A2B1C

Overlooking a peaceful half acre of land with a trickling creek and a beautiful array of colourful birdlife that flitter by, this three bedroom, split level cedar home will enchant you with its beautiful location and stunning scenery. Within an easy walk to Upwey’s Main Street, train station and local schools, this property is the perfect Hills escape where you can enjoy nature at its very best along with the convenience of being close to all local amenities.

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

Sharyn Chandler

Daniel Steen

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

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

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

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 23

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 170

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

easy

3 6 7 9 2 5 6 7

9 6

2 4 5 7 6 2 3

3 5

7 9

DOWN

Heavenly girdle (6) Ancient Irish language (6) 'Not on your –' (5) Grant (9) Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9) Whinny (5) Concurred (6) Border (4) Give for temporary use (4) Designate (6) Fish (5) Midwestern US city (9) Device used to increase volume (9) Wild dog (5) Sibling (6) Interfere (6)

1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 170

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

Semi-autonomous region of Tanzania (8) Tardy (8) Whenever (7) Better (7) Boy’s name (6) People of the Czech Republic (6) Video storage discs (abbr) (4) Candied citrus peel (7) Waitress who serves drinks (7) Revulsed (8) African deer (8) Network of crossed strips (7) Wrap a baby tightly (7) Takes by theft (6) Body (Lat) (6) Fat (4)

4 5 medium

3 7 4

9

1

DECODER

No. 170

6 3 1 5

6

2 6 7

6 1

8 6

4

2

9

8 2

1 8 5 hard

23

24

25

26

9

10 11 12 13

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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

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

I

Today’s Aim: 20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

O

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4 LETTERS ACHE ARCS CESS DEBT HATS INTO LAPS LAWS MASS MELT SECT URNS UTES WETS 5 LETTERS ABETS

No. 170

6 2 / ' , ( 5

ADAGE ADEPT ADORE AGAIN ALONE AORTA ARISE BABES CRANE DIETS DITTO DOTES EATEN EAVES EDGES ERATO ERROR EVADE EXTRA GENUS GROSS

HEEDS HELPS INANE IRATE LASER LOATH MAXIM NOTED PERIL PROVE RAVEL REAMS REGAL RESET SABRE SASSY SEEDS SIDES SLEWS SNOBS SONES

airs, also, lours, lousy, oils, rails, rays, rivals, roils, rosily, rosy, sail, sailor, salvo, salvor, sari, saviour, savour, savoury, savoy, silo, slay, slur, soar, soil, sola, solar, soli, soul, sour, sourly, soya, surly, various, VARIOUSLY, virus, visa, visor, visual, yours

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

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

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

5

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4

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3

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2

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1

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3 LETTERS ADS ALE ATE BAR CAP CUB DEN DEW EEL EGO ERA EVE EYE IDS IOU MRS NOR ODE PUN ROE SUE TEA TOP TOT

L WI U G Z PM J K C HX

5

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

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WORDFIT

SPEAR TENET TORSO TRACE TRIOS WADED WELTS

7 LETTERS DENSEST EARBASH LEERIER NEEDING RUMMAGE SOLDIER

6 LETTERS EBBING OBSESS RESALE SENILE

8 LETTERS DISASTER ENTITLES REPAIRED SILVERED

6 3 ( $ 5 + ( ( ' 6 / 2 $ 7 + , 5 $ 7 ( $ * $ , 1 $ ' 2 5 ( 7 2 5 6 2 3 ( 5 , / ' 2 7 ( 6 ( 9 ( $ ' 6 % $ % ( 6 7 2 3 6 ( 1 , / ( 6 $ 6 6 < 0 $ 6 6 ' ( 1 6 ( 6 7 ( 5 $ / $: 6 $ & + ( ( ; 7 5 $ ' ( % 7 5 ( 3 $ , 5 ( ' $ / ( 6 2 / ' , ( 5 5 8 00 $ * ( ( 1 7 , 7 / ( 6 8 5 1 6 & $ 3 , 1 7 2 0 ( / 7 5 ( 6 ( 7 7 2 7 / ( ( 5 , ( 5 $ 5 & 6 ( $ 9 ( 6 2 % 6 ( 6 6 : $ ' ( ' & 8 % 5 2 ( % $ 5 ( 9 $ ' ( $ 5 , 6 ( , 1 $ 1 ( * ( 1 8 6 1 2 7 ( ' 7 ( 1 ( 7 6 / ( : 6 ( ' * ( 6 * 5 2 6 6

2 1 8 3 5 6 4 2

02-02-24

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

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

24 MAIL

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Contact us on 0493 099 984 for a free quote Fully insured 12659425-HC51-23

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mailcommunity.com.au

C1047556-KG35-12

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR • DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL DULUX ACCREDITED PAINTER

12528239-CG02-22

12660700-SM03-24

Phone Dean 5962 1090 Mobile: 0412 086 471

Ph: 0400 627 644

V Painters/Decorators

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

WE ARE HERE TO HELP PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND HOME FROM PESTS

Over 20 years experience in all aspects of Roof Tiling.

• Roofing Repairs • Leak Detection • Re-Bed and Point • Roof Restoration • Re-Roofs • Extensions Call Ross now for a no Obligation free quote.

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SPECIALIST IN TERMITE CONTROL

RIDGELINE GLASS & GLAZING

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀

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

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

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Ph Tim 0435 543 096

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SPORT

Peluso’s half-century Knock of

140 sets up day two

By Bryce Edwards Wandin 1st XI vs North Ringwood 3rd XI at North Ringwood - written by David Thorne Wandin would lose the toss with North Ringwood choosing to bat.

Wandin’s Jarrod Dobson and Mitchell Kogelman would open the bowling and they would bowl well with Mitchell Kogelman picking up the first wicket in his third over and closely followed by a nice run out from Leigh Curwood.

It was tough bowling from then on with wickets hard to come by with North Ringwood batting well.

At the main break, North Ringwood would be 2/89 but after that, they would put the foot down with the bat and started to score more rapidly and it wasn’t until the last 20 overs that Wandin would get a few more wickets, which were shared around between most bowlers.

The final score after 80 overs was 9/252.

Jarrod Dobson 2/28 off 16 overs Mitchell Kogelman 2/46 off 21 overs Leigh Curwood 1/49 off 14 overs Lachlan Alderman 0/49 off 12 overs Joel Galvin 0/18 off 5 overs Rory Vallance 3/54 off 11 overs Tim Thorne 0/0 off 1 over.

Wandin batters will need to bat well next week to chase down North Ringwood’s score on a big and slow ground.

Wandin 2nd XI v Kilsyth 3rd XI - written by Rick Painter With all the one-day games now complete, Round Tweeve would start with Wandin winning the toss and electing to bat first in perfect conditions. The opening pair of B Edwards and R Painter would battle through some tight bowling and build a hundred-run opening partnership before the fall of Painter (40) which

· · · · · · · ·

By Chris Handasyde

Kirwan Peluso raised the bat for her maiden half-century for Wandin. would see Wandin in a strong position at tea, just two wickets down and 120 on the board.

With B Edwards once again holding up an end and building small partnerships through the middle order the scoreboard would continue to tick along around some tight bowling before Edwards fell for 126 in the 68th over. It would be left to the tail to wag and build a real competitive score and they did, batting around P Bruzzese (32) to reach 10/288 in the final over of the day. Kilsyth bowlers M Untanarer 3/31 J Booth 2/19 and M Young 2/30 would be the main wicket takers with a lot of tight overs bowled from the spinners J Smith and A Smith.

Wandin Womens vs Bayswater Park at Wandin - written by Olivia Edwards Bayswater Park won the toss and elected to bowl. C Edwards (6) and G Burgi (19) opened the batting, kicking off the innings with a strong partnership. However making her

Picture: SUPPLIED

maiden half-century, it was K Peluso (68*) who stood out within the innings, alongside J Lowrie (12) and O Edwards (10), and finally K Friend (22) before Peluso retired. The motherdaughter duo of A Peet (1*) and K Peet (0*) wrapped up the batting innings. Wandin were able to make 188, with Bayswater Park needing 189 to win off their 30 overs.

Bayswater Park came into the bat with O Edwards (2/15 off 6) and E Curwood (0/21 off 4) tackling the strong bats. With some key dismissals early, key wickets were taken by N Lowe (1/24 off 5) and C Edwards (1/10 off 4), and debutant J Friend (0/10 off 1) had a bowl too, getting close to her first wicket. With the sun blazing, the keeping of G Burgi didn’t go unnoticed, and Wandin’s fielding confined Bayswater Park to just 140 after their 30 overs.

It was another win for the Wandin Women’s side, ready to take on next week.

Friendly rivalry rolling on the green

By Ian Milgate Tuesday’s Team 1 played rivals, Warburton at home and the Team 1 expected a close game as Warburton were sitting second on the ladder and they were fifth but a win could catapult them into third.

They started off slow as Warby got the jump on them but they chipped away until the half time break when they went in 2 shots up 27/25.

After the break, the team kept in touch with Warby and with only two ends to go and 4 shots up, they dropped a 5 giving Warby a 1 shot lead with one end to go.

With only two bowls to come, Warby were holding one but as per usual Steve Graham spun his brilliance and put last shot down closest to the jack.

All level at the end of the game, well for 20 minutes until a discrepancy was picked up and in fact Warby finished up winning by 1 shot 52/53.

It was great to see the Warby boy’s stay back and enjoy our company, regardless of the win.

Healesville’s most valuable player award went to Bob Brown.

Steve Graham, Rob Broadhurst, Hilda Gurney, Gerda Otto 19/14

The result of Healesville Bowling Club’s four teams last week.

Picture: SUPPLIED Steve Bulled, Damian Key, Bob Brown, Ian Milgate 25/14 Effie Laban, Rob Ayres, Gerry Gommers, Judy Veerman 8/25 Tuesday’s Team 2 played away at Bayswater.

Healesville were sitting third on the ladder and with a win today would put us into second position. Unfortunately with a few late withdrawals, it was going to be a tough ask.

To their credit the team was able to win two out of the three rinks but unfortunately went down by 12 shots 52/64.

Fitzy’s most valuable player award went to someone who has been out of the game for

quite a while due to illness, but came out to day and played a cracker, Wally Mays.

Saturday’s Team 1 played away at Heathmont and this was going to be one big challenge as they were sitting on top of the ladder with Heathmont sitting second, on the same points.

The team knocked Heathmont off the top the week before after they lost to Ringwood, so they will be mighty hungry to get top spot back.

Most rinks started off well on a very slick green, and by the half time break, they were trailing by 8 shots. After the break, Healesville put the pedal down and eventually broke away for a 4 shot win, 89/85. Adrian Beales rink were the best winning rink with Adrian Beales getting Steve Graham’s most valuable player award.

Great effort by everyone which keeps our finals chances alive. Saturday’s Team 2 played at home against Donvale, and will be trying to redeem themselves after the loss to Monbulk the week before.

Healesville has the opportunity to go to second place on the ladder if we get over Donvale.

Healesville came out to play and by the half time break, had a comfortable break. It continued on after the break with some good bowling from John Fitzpatrick, Tino Micari and Mike Adams to finally beat Donvale by 28 shots 65/37.

Freshman’s event a big success

By Anita Prowse Thank you to everyone who came along to the Upper Yarra Pony Club’s Australia Day Freshmans on Friday, a little persistent drizzle, but cleared to a nice day.

The UYPC’s next freshman is scheduled for Cup Day in November, but the club will try and find some free Saturdays on the Calander throughout the year.

Tanya French from Holistic Horse Education is holding a trimming workshop on 25 February at Wesburn Park, please contact Tanya if you wish to attend or require further 26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

information.

Another reminder that with the amount of rain and humidity this summer has brought, we are still getting growth of grass more like spring, so please be aware of the richness in pasture currently, and keep an eye on those prone to sugar/feed-related issues. It just hasn’t dried out yet at all, with new growth continuing to shoot up everywhere.

The Upper Yarra Pony Club held an Australia Day Freshman’s event.

Picture: SUPPLIED

U12-4: Healesville 69 defeated by Mooroolbark 6/104 Healesville won the toss and bowled. A good opening partnership by Mooroolbark had Healesville on the back foot but brothers Reggie Morcombe 2/5 and Angus Morcombe 1/10 took wickets along with Ahren Wicker 1/3. Mooroolbark made 6/104 from their 23 overs. A bad start to Healesville’s batting innings has us 3/14 and dashed most hopes of chasing down the total. Ryder Hudson 19 and Ahren Wicker 14 batted well on our way to 8/69.

U14-3: Healesville 114 v St Andrews 1/31 (Day 1 of 2 day game) Batting first, Healesville lost an early wicket but Aiden Senti 24 and Sam Keath 37* put on a great partnership. Regular wickets fell as no other batter made more than 3 except for Endo Gotch who made his highest score this season with a well-made 20. After being bowled out for 114 from 32 overs, Healesville took to the field and bowled 10 overs. Sam Keath 1/3 captured an early wicket but a steady partnership formed and St Andrews are 1/31 heading into next week.

U14-7: Healesville 6/123 v Ainslie Park 6/65 (Day 1 of 2 day split innings game) Ainslie Park batted first and are 6/65 from their first 25 overs. Taylor Caldicott 2/3, Louis Keath 1/5, Mika Kerst 1/6, Alex Simmons 1/3 and Tully Ellis 1/7 are Healesville’s wicket-takers so far. With 25 overs to bat this week and another 25 next week, Healesville scored heavily to be 6/123 and leading at the halfway mark of the game. Monty Forbes opened and made his highest score of 28* from 50 balls. Mika Kerst made 20 and Summer Caldicott is 25 not out with 28 balls remaining before she needs to retire.

U16-4: Healesville 2/114 v Eastfield/ Mooroolbark 7/83 (Day 1 of 2 day split innings game) Bowling first, Healesville kept Eastfield / Mooroolbark to 7/83 from their first 25 overs. Bailey Rutley 2/7, Wyatt Coleman 1/6, Eli Prentice 1/16, Lucas Frazzetto 1/14 and Leonard Robinson 1/9 are the wicket takers. With 25 overs to bat, Healesville put the foot down and are 2/114 with good contributions from Eli Prentice 20, Lucas Frazzetto 21*, Denzel Parsons 19* and Bailey Rutley 24*. With 25 overs to bat next week, Healesville will be looking to post a big score.

Seniors 1st XI: Healesville 330 v Wonga Park (Day 1 of 2 day game) Winning the toss captain Kris Anderson had no hesitation in batting on a small Wonga Park oval. A solid opening partnership from Mark Powell 22 and Tom Handasyde 53 plus Josh Handasyde’s 23 set a solid platform for the middle order to thrive. Ash Hamer had a day out making his highest score in cricket with 140 from 125 balls to boost our score up to 330. The ever-reliable Ryan Webster got 30 and Mitch Tampaline topped off the innings with 18 from 23 balls.

Seniors 2nd XI: Healesville 5/37 v Lilydale 144 (Day 1 of 2 day game) Healesville elected to bowl first which proved to pay off rolling Lilydale for 144 in 58 overs. Riley Cameron had a day out capturing 6/18 from 13 overs including 6 maidens. With 22 overs to bat we were hoping to make some of the runs without losing many wickets. This plan hasn’t quite worked as Healesville is 5/37. With Ben Wallace and Michael Davern currently at the crease a big partnership is required to ease the pressure on the remaining batters.

No games for the Seniors 3rd and 4th XI mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Warburton Bowls 2 enjoyed the wonderful weather despite their loss to Vermont South.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Warburton falls twice

By Garry Lewis Mixed results for the Yarra Junction Bowling Club.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Big win, narrow loss

By Peter Brennan The Yarra Junction Bowling Club midweek team resumed their season after the Christmas break and travelled to Monbulk, to play on a fast synthetic green, not unlike their own in a last-ditch attempt to keep their season alive.

For most of the day, it was a close game that could have gone either way, a see-sawing affair where the initiative kept changing and the lead kept swinging back and forth. At the break, Junction held a one-point overall lead. It was not until the last few ends that Monbulk managed to open up a break, and ultimately won two of the three rinks, consigning Junction to another defeat. The season has been tough for the midweek team, despite the closeness of many results. With four games remaining next week looms as a crucial away match against

Heathmont on the grass, a bottom-of-the-table clash that may have a huge bearing on the looming question of relegation. A win will lift them off the bottom, a loss will make it very difficult. The only way to go is up.

The weekend team hosted Eastwood Golf on a warm occasionally overcast day with a slight breeze. On the nearby oval, the cricketers were playing, occasionally erupting into noise when something happened, in the trees the kookaburras were enjoying themselves, passing ribald comments back and forth. The green at Eastwood and the green at Junction are diametric opposites, one slick and fast, the other heavy and slow. But for Eastwood, their green is the norm, and Junction is a fearsome green with no friction, where bowls do not stop but slide past and disappear into the distance, creating much frustration. And so it

proved to be. Despite Eastwood putting up a good fight Junction opened up an immediate lead. Although Eastwood challenged at various stages the lead grew, and at days end Junction held a commanding lead on all four rinks, winning by a considerable margin and all but cementing second spot on the ladder. Next week however will be a different kettle of fish, with a trip to Mitcham to play the undefeated ladder leaders in what is possibly a finals preview.

Time will tell.

Barefoot Bowls continues to exceed expectations, with a large turnout of people and a festive atmosphere. The club is looking beautiful thanks to the work of a dedicated few, and it is well worth a visit. Equipment and free coaching is available to anyone wishing to try this ancient and popular sport. Yarra Junction Bowling Club welcomes all visitors.

More than 120 turn out for golf club event

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 24 January, Stableford: The best result posted on this day came from David Lever, with a solid 38 points, which was good enough to take home the A-Grade prize. Well done ‘Pup’. The A-Grade runner-up was Paul Kennedy. P.K. is always very consistent and his 36 points attest to that. The BGrade winner was Trevor Porter, who posted a 37-point round, followed by Alan McDonald with 35 points. The ball rundown, in both grades, reached 33 points. NTP winners were Tom Barr (3rd), Ken White (5th), David Wappett (9th), Paul Osbourne (12th) and David Lever (15th).

Twilight: With only 8 Twilight chances left, the top ten battle is hotting up. But the hottest player this week was Danny Fox, who recorded a sterling 19 points; although he only won on a countback, because James Campion took home the runner-up voucher, also with 19. Balls extended down to 17 only. NTPs went home with Danny Fox (10th), James Campion (12th) and Peninsula Kingswood guest, Jane Schendzielorz (15th).

Australia Day 4-person Ambrose: Well, folks, what a day that WGC put on, hosting its biggest field for a long time. 128 eager players paid for the privilege of a round of golf on a beautiful course, with very pleasant golfing conditions to boot. The meal afterwards was very eagerly accepted, and the conviviality was very much in evidence. The results on the day were as follows; With a Nett score of 50.87, the regular foursome of Lincoln Wilson, James Stewart, Pat O’Regan and Troy Veenker took home the fabulous Titleist prizes on offer. Unbelievably, the runner-up team of Mick and John Daniher, Deanne Rasmussen and Howard McDonald finished on exactly the same score but lost on a tight countback. The NTP winners, and there were plenty of them, were Brad Gwyther (3rd), Jake Drummer (5thbut no $10,000 for the hole-in-one), Brad Gale (9th), David Lever mailcommunity.com.au

Warburton Golf Club results.

(12th) and Ben Lever (15th). The extra winners were Meredith Nursey ( for the longest Ladies’ A-Grade drive), Georgie Houniet (longest in B-Grade), Michael Batten (Longest Men’s AGrade drive), Dean Cerveri (B-Grade) and finally RickStaggard (Straightest drive). The Committee would sincerely like to thank the Match Committee for their diligent preparation, the Clubhouse staff for their great presentation of lunch (under pressure too), and Paul and Andrew, as usual for presenting the course in immaculate condition. Happy Australia Day to all involved.

Saturday 27 January, Stableford: After the big Australia Day event the day be-

Picture: ON FILE fore, it was no surprise that a reasonably moderate field turned out on this day. Clearly, the best score on the day was returned by Dave Wappett with 38 impressive points. Well done, Wapp. That was easily good enough to earn him the A-Grade prize because Josh Hin collected a runner-up prize with 36 points. The B-Grade voucher went home with Tim Jones for a solid 35 points. The runner-up here was Warren Sheargold with 33 points. Welcome back, Wazza. If you returned 33 points, you have won a ball. Finally, the NTP winners on this day were Darryl Ward (3rd and 12th, good work Darryl), Peter Whitehead (5th), Paul Osbourne (9th) and Craig Staggard (15th).

Superb weather conditions were enjoyed by all bowlers for the weekend Pennant games.

However, despite giving their all, both of the Warburton weekend sides were defeated overall.

Warburton 1 suffered a home loss against a very good top side in Mooroolbark 1, 69 shots to 82. Two rinks performed well and had convincing wins, but the other two were comprehensively beaten in a high-standard game.

Rink scores were as follows: S. Lord 10/ 26; T. Appleton 26/ 11; S. Lee- Tet 8/ 27 and C. Neale 25/ 18.

Finals still beckon for the Burras, but the next two away games will test the resolve of the players. They play Monbulk 1 away this week.

Warburton 2 travelled away to play top-four side, Vermont South 2, on their superb green.

After a good start to the game, the Burras were still in with a chance at the break being only 10 shots down. Despite trying their hardest and winning one rink and drawing another, they went down 63 shots to 83 in another vastly improved overall performance.

Rink scores were as follows: P. Summers 17/ 17; G. Wynd 9/ 28; G. Lewis 26/ 13 and D. McConachy 11/ 25.

They return home this week to play Croydon 3.

The Midweek side played Healesville 1 away and in a one-point thriller the Burras won 53 shots to 52, after both sides thought it was a draw at the finish.

Healesville dominated the game for much of the match with two rinks well on top. However, Steve Lord’s rink was on top for the Burras finishing 25/ 8.

Dean Thomas’s rink lost 14/ 25.

Fortunately, Rod McKail’s rink scored 6 shots in the last two ends, despite going down 14/ 19, to edge ahead in the overall score.

Due to a mistake by one rink, one shot was not recorded on the last end and both teams thought it was a draw.

Back in the clubrooms, it was realised that Warburton had actually won by one shot after an exciting match.

The Wednesday Night Barefoot Bowls Triples Competition re-commenced last Wednesday with most games extremely close in a bright start to the second half of the season.

David McConachy, from Noel’s Crew, won the prize for being the first person to touch the jack during the evening.

After 8 rounds the Pensioners are still on top with 14 points, closely followed by Can’t Remember on 13 and the Burra Boys on 12. On 10 points are the Wessie Wonders, Thomos and Bolters with the Bowls to the Walls on 9. Giddy Gout, Gunners and Sheep Assist are all on 8 points. They are closely followed

by Bee Gees, Noel’s Crew, Three Amigos, Bowl Movement, 50 Shades of Green and Three Stooges in a tight group with 7 rounds to go before the finals.

Social Bowls continues to be played on Mondays from 12 midday with everyone includingnew and beginning players encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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MAIL 27

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