Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 23rd April 2024

The power of the stage yet again sees an important topic brought to the fore with the post play conversations just as necessary as the performance.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company brings, in its first Australian showing, Still Alice to the stage for its second season - the story of a university professor who goes through the rollercoaster of early onset dementia.

Starring what the director described as “one of the best casts” he’s worked with, the story is delivered with immense respect, true craft and a hint of laughter.

To read more about the play from director Alan Burrows and lead actress Angela Glennie, turn to page 12

Vandalism anger

By Callum Ludwig

a greater deterrent for those who vandalise, desecrate and damage war memorials.

In recent times, the Mafeking Tree in Lilydale (Anglo-Boer War Memorial), Lilydale War Memorial, Lillydale Lake Militia Camp Storyboard, Seville War Memorial, Mt Evelyn War Memorial, Montrose War Memorial and the Mooroolbark War Memorial in the Evelyn

electorate alone have been targeted and sometimes on multiple occasions.

Ms Vallence who has brought up the question multiple times in Parliament and did so again at the beginning of April said the increase in vandalism of war memorials across the Yarra Valley is devastating and disturbing.

“I have received an overwhelmingly positive response from Veterans and many residents in our community about advocating for stronger penalties for the desecration of war memorials in Parliament,” she said.

“Veterans and community members have told me of the sadness they have experienced in seeing these sacred war memorials being desecrated,”

“I hold grave fears we will see more attacks. These attacks are not just happening here in Evelyn, they are happening all over Victoria, with many public monuments being disrespected and destroyed. Unless the Government takes stronger action against these crimes, I fear these attacks will worsen.”

Attacks in Evelyn have largely included

‘tagging’ and theft;

The Mafeking Tree had a 124-year-old plaque stolen

The Lilydale War Memorial was tagged with Texta, which also happened to the Lillydale Lake Militia Camp Storyboard (also scratched), Mt Evelyn War Memorial (also had flag pole pulled down) and the Montrose War Memorial (also scratched and graffitied with political slogans on the eve of Remembrance Day).

Continued page 3

Alice is both a character and a narrator in the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre production of Still Alice.

Picture: ALEXANDRA CARTER

Ahead of Anzac Day, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and local RSLs are continuing to push for stricter penalties and

Armed children arrested

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Police arrested five children in a high-speed chase on Tuesday 16 April after a stolen car was spotted in Melbourne’s outer east.

Eastern Region detectives are investigating seven violent offences that ended in a highspeed pursuit.

At about 5.45pm, an attempted armed robbery occurred in Belgrave South on Belgrave Road where it is alleged an offender armed with a knife attempted to open a locked front door of a business before fleeing in a stolen BMW.

It is alleged three of the armed offenders entered a store in Glen Waverley on Kerrie Road at about 6.40pm and stole approximately $16,000 in cigarettes before fleeing in the stolen BMW.

An hour later, it is alleged four offenders entered a store on Mount Dandenong Road Montrose, before one offender, armed with a knife, made threats towards staff, stole cigarettes and then fled in the stolen BMW.

The armed offenders then travelled to Doncaster at about 8.20pm, in an attempt to rob a store in Doncaster Road, where it is alleged four offenders armed with knives attempted to access a cigarette cabinet inside a store before fleeing in the stolen BMW.

At about 8.45pm, it is alleged the four offenders were spotted in Diamond Creek on Main Hurstbridge Road, where they tried to open a cigarette cabinet before stealing a cash box with approximately $650 inside before fleeing in the stolen BMW.

The armed offenders were in Wantirna on Boronia Road at about 10.20pm, where it alleged four male offenders jumped the counter inside a business and attempted to steal cigarettes, before being confronted by a staff member and fleeing with five packets of cigarettes.

And just before the armed children were arrested by the police, they were spotted in Boronia on Boronia Road at about 10.25pm, where it is alleged four offenders jumped the counter of a business and stole approximately $13,000 worth of cigarettes and $1000 in cash before fleeing in an allegedly stolen BMW.

The police spotted the allegedly stolen black BMW sedan and began chasing the offenders in Boronia, near Mountain Highway at about 10.25pm.

“It was a successful outcome yesterday evening, it could have been a lot worse,” Detective Inspector Rod Neylan said during a police press conference on Wednesday 17 April.

The BMW involved in this incident was stolen overnight on 8 and 9 April while parked on the street in Footscray.

With the assistance of the Air Wing, police tracked the stolen car as it drove erratically at high speeds across Glen Iris, Camberwell, Richmond, Collingwood, and Melbourne’s CBD.

The BMW allegedly reached speeds of up to 190km an hour on Eastlink and continued to be driven erratically and at dangerous speedscausing significant risk to the public into Melbourne’s CBD.

The five boys arrested, aged 14 from Rowville, 15 from Seaford, 16 from Wantirna and two 17-year-olds from Clyde and Cranbourne East, remain in custody and will be interviewed by police.

“All the risks have been averted, luckily there’s no major injuries to any party,” Det Neylan said.

One of the offenders taken into custody sustained minor injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.

“We’re looking at young children that are

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driving in high powered, stolen vehicles up our eastern freeway, clearly given their age and their experience, we’ve got major concerns - their driving is dangerous and it’s not only placing them but also placing the community at risk,” Det Neylan said

Throughout the pursuit, the driver of the BMW allegedly very narrowly avoided civilian vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity.

A co-ordinated police response, involving police from uniform, highway patrol and the AirWing resulted in police taking action to ram the stolen BMW on Wellington Street in East Melbourne at about 11.20pm to prevent any further serious risk to the community.

The five teenage offenders were taken into custody and were remanded to appear before the children’s court at a later date.

“The police have done a great job last night but it’s not over yet, we’re still investigating the crimes that are going to be alleged, the children are assisting us with inquiries,” Det Neylan said.

“I just want to reassure the community that we’re doing all we can to hold these perpetra-

tors to account.”

Det Neylan said previously the police primarily dealt with teens who were involved in graffiti and committing small crime but now youth crime is escalating to serious armed robberies, and stolen cars with weapons.

Investigators have linked the stolen BMW to seven serious and violent offences that occurred prior to the pursuit on Tuesday where the offenders, armed with machetes, targeted small businesses.

Police said they were investigating up to $30,000 worth of cigarettes stolen in those seven events.

“We’re well aware there is community concern out there, I think it’s well publicised about how our children are out there at night committing these sorts of crimes,” he said.

“We are with the public, we represent the public and we’re here to disrupt that behaviour as best as we can.”

Anyone with information, or who has dashcam footage or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crime

Eastern Region police have arrested five armed children amid investigation over seven violent offences and a stolen vehicle. Picture: SHAMSIYA HUSSAINPOOR

Punish vandals call

From page1

The Mooroolbark War Memorial had a tile plaque stolen off the plinth which was later recovered in a park in Croydon while the Seville War Memorial had two glass panels shattered with a ball bearing.

Ms Vallence said currently the maximum penalty under law was 10 years jail for criminal damage to property.

“In my view, given the sacred nature these war memorials have for our community and country, I consider there needs to be a higher tariff of between 15 to 20 years,” she said.

“Given these attacks are becoming more frequent, the current penalties are not providing an effective deterrent to these crimes.”

Larger war memorials throughout the country have also been targeted in recent times, including the Cross of Sacrifice in Victor Harbor, South Australia in October last year and the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial spray-painted with a message about the ongoing Israel-PalestineWar in March this year.

It’s not restricted to Australia either, with the ANZACs across the ocean also seeing an increase in attacks, including at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch and the National War Memorial in Wellington as well as a plaque in Hawke’s Bay damaged this month.

Ms Vallence said she wishes to acknowledge Yarra Ranges Council for acting swiftly to clean the atrocious vandalism of the Montrose War Memorial on the eve of Remembrance Day last year.

“I hope Council can give more serious consideration to providing improved security in Yarra Ranges parks and gardens where war memorials are, to protect these sacred places that commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country,” she said.

“People who disgracefully desecrate a war memorial do not deserve the freedom that was hard fought for by those valiant Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy democracy and freedom today.”

On 31 January 2019, $440,000 in funding from the Department of Home Affairs was allocated towards the Yarra Ranges Safety Cam-

era Network following an election promise from former Casey MP Tony Smith set to bring a network of CCTV cameras to Seville,Warburton, Montrose, Monbulk and Millgrove.

Despite this and the recent attacks at the Seville War Memorial and the nearby Seville Splash Park, no camera is currently operating in the area near the memorial, nor is there camera surveillance near other memorials.

Local historian and chair of the Seville War Memorial Committee Anthony McAleer said vandalism of war memorials was in the same bracket as vandalising a grave site.

“For a lot of families, a lot of their loved ones who died while on active service, are buried overseas and for a lot of them there was never any chance for their families to get overseas to see the graves of their loved ones so these memorials and tributes serve as a replacement,” he said.

“The Seville War Memorial is probably the example of the worst things that can happen, though it was heartbreaking to see the Mafeking Tree plaque stolen and gone and though we were able to get a new plaque placed at the site, the fact that it had sat in that one spot for such a long time and then for someone to come along and steal it was greatly disappointing,”

“But for something significantly expensive like the Seville War Memorial, it’s an added burden on the community to replace that, just because people are being absolutely mindless or have no concern for the community.”

Teen charged

Multiple alleged robberies across eastern Melbourne, including Kilsyth, have resulted in a young boy being charged for a number of offences, with police still on the lookout for several other alleged offenders involved.

The charges relate to incidents that occurred on 14 and 15 April, where it is alleged a group of offenders who were driving an allegedly stolen white Audi sedan, targeted multiple premises to steal cigarettes.

The offenders targeted Macleod, Doncaster East, Murrumbeena, Burwood, Eltham, Blackburn and Ferntree Gully often jumping the counter of stores and allegedly stealing cash and cigarettes. There was also an alleged burglary in Kilsyth on Canterbury Road about 9.50pm on 14 April, where it is alleged three offenders jumped the counter and stole the cash register before fleeing.

A 15-year-old Carrum Downs boy has been charged with the 14 offences including theft of motor vehicle, four counts of armed robbery, robbery, two counts of unlawful assault, three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and he will appear before a children’s court.

Investigators are still searching for several other offenders in relation to the incidents.

Hooded thief

Mooroolbark Police are seeking assistance to help identify a male involved in a number of alleged thefts in the Mooroolbark and Kilsyth area on the 20 February.

The male is alleged to have been driving a distinctive white Nissan Pulsar with black rims at the time of the thefts. He also has a large tattoo on his left leg.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an anonymous online report at crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 240069764.

Keep burn offs safe and legal

As fire restrictions are lifted across the municipalities of Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Maroondah and Knox and various other locations across the state, the CFA urges residents to prioritise safety when conducting burn-offs on their properties.

CFA and partner agencies will be making the most of cooler autumn conditions to conduct fuel reduction burns to lower bushfire risk for communities, while farmers and private landholders will capitalise on favourable temperatures to ignite stubble burns on their properties. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) work closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep smoke impact as low as practically possible.

Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at firepermits.vic.gov. au or by calling 1800 668 511.

Check and monitor weather conditions –particularly wind.

To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.

Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.

Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading. Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.

If your burn-off gets out of control, call‘000’ immediately.

The replacement Mafeking Tree plaque after the original 124-year-old one was stolen. 236940

The damaged Seville War Memorial. Pictures: ON FILE

MP in push for care clinic

By Callum Ludwig

a petition to push for an Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) to be established in his electorate, specifically in the Yarra Ranges.

With just seven bulk-billing GP clinics and the closest emergency department being the Maroondah Hospital, a UCC in the region would provide fully bulk-billed urgent care, taking pressure off already-strained emergency departments and reducing the potential cost and time waiting for patients.

Urgent care is for illnesses or injuries that require early medical attention but are not life-threatening, such as minor infections, minor fractures, sprains or sports injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lacerations, insect bites and rashes, minor eye and ear problems, respiratory illness, gastroenteritis or mild burns according to the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Mr Violi said all Australians deserve access to reliable and affordable healthcare that is close to home.

“Local residents have little option when it comes to urgent healthcare. Travelling over an hour to a stretched emergency room or struggling to find a bulk-billed GP appointment isn’t good enough,” he said.

“With my petition receiving almost 1,500 signatures in the first three days, it’s time Anthony Albanese listens to the needs of our community and funds a Yarra Ranges Urgent Care Clinic in the upcoming May budget.”

The Australian Government established 58 UCCs throughout the country since June 2023, all opened by the end of the year, including 10 inVictoria alone.The nearest UCC to the Casey electorate and the Yarra Ranges is located in Narre Warren.

A spokesperson for Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said it’s fantastic that Liberals like Aaron Violi recognise the value Urgent Care

Clinics are making to communities around the country.

“Medicare UCCs are making it easier for Australians to get the urgent treatment they need from highly qualified doctors and nurses, while taking pressure off local hospitals. Medicare UCCs are open seven days a week, extended hours and offer walk-in care that is fully bulk billed,” they said.

“In December last year, the Prime Minister announced a $1.2 billion package of Strengthening Medicare measures. This includes boosting funding for Urgent Care Clinics,”

“Since this announcement, the Department of Health and Aged Care has been working with state and territory governments on plans to boost the Medicare UCC program.”

A media release from the office of Mr Butler revealed there has been over 250,000 visits to UCCs since the rollout began, with almost 30 per cent of visits being parents and carers presenting for urgent care for a child under the age of 15 and almost 30 per cent of presentations in most areas being on weekends and around 25 per cent being on weekdays after 5pm, notoriously difficult times to find bulk billed appointments at a GP or be seen at the

emergency department of a hospital.

Anyone attending a UCC is asked to bring their Medicare card or number with them.

The Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG) previously campaigned for the Victorian Government to establish a Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) at the Healesville Hospital, or advocate for the Federal Government to include it in the UCC rollout, in 2022 to no avail. Maroondah Hospital hosts the nearest Victorian PPCC to theYarra Ranges.

Casey residents can sign Mr Violi’s petition at aaronvioli.com.au/UrgentCare/

Casey MP Aaron Violi has started

CaseyMPAaronViolihascalledforanUrgentCareClinictobeestablishedintheYarraRanges.

Picture:ONFILE

Fears build for platypus

By Mikayla van Loon

The Australian Platypus Conservancy (APC) made a submission to Yarra Ranges Council expressing the impact the residential retirement village at 375 Swansea Road Lilydale would have on the platypus population currently calling the Creek home.

Geoff Williams, who made the submission on behalf of APC, said in 2019 when the original plans were lodged and ultimately refused by the council and VCAT, APC had raised concerns then about the possible environmental degradation because of the build.

“The APC is highly concerned that the Biodiversity Assessment Report for this project prepared for Lilydale Development Pty Ltd by Ecology & Heritage Partners in March 2023 appears to completely omit any reference at all to the platypus - one of Australia’s most iconic species - and ignores the existence of a population of high conservation significance in Olinda Creek adjacent to this proposed development,” the submission reads.

In the report by Ecology & Heritage Partners, it mentions that “the VBA contains records of 18 nationally significant and 40 state significant fauna species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area” but does not name the platypus.

It also recognises that eight other species have the potential to occur in the locality but

have not been sited before - these have also not been identified.

The environmental report submitted as part of the development application of the land focused mainly on vegetation removal and the impact on native flora, with an offset target of 0.071 general habitat units and six large trees.

Given the nationally‘NearThreatened’ identification by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the 2021 ‘Vulnerable’ listing underVictoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, Geoff said the responsibility of protecting this native mammal falls partly onto Yarra Ranges Council.

“It is important to note that the platypus population in upper Olinda Creek –upstream of Lillydale Lake - has long been recognised as being at particular risk of local extinction,” he said.

A report commissioned in 2009 called A Platypus Conservation Plan for the Shire ofYarra Ranges, authored by Williams, G.A and Serena, M, “noted that the platypus population in Olinda Creek had been declining [and] totaled less than 30 resident animals”.

Geoff also used Melbourne Water’s The Platypus Strategic Management Plan for Melbourne’s Catchments report as evidence in his submission, stating “it listed Olinda Creek as one of three high priority areas in the metropolitan region for protection and enhancement of platypus habitat”.

“Increasing urbanisation of the surrounding catchment was identified as a large concern for the future viability of this population.”

David Road resident Maree said she and her family have witnessed the platypus living in Olinda Creek and she doesn’t want to see anything damage the habitat.

“If you’ve ever taken the time to walk along that part of the Olinda Creek where the estate is, it’s just beautiful,” she said.

“There’s six platypus that live in the creek behind where the development is planned to go ahead and I am concerned their environment is going to be destroyed in some way, shape or form.

“You cross over the bridge and you walk along the little track there and and often we’ve seen the platypus in there.”

Not only concerned about the environmental impacts but living on the road directly opposite the proposed site, Maree said as a parent

taking children to school in Lilydale, she knows the dangers of turning onto Swansea Road.

“The traffic is just going to be horrendous because the entrance to the village they’re wanting to build is going to be Akarana Road. So Akarana Road is Bellbird Park,” she said.

“So they’re wanting to use that driveway of Bellbird Park as the entrance. So you’ll have cars coming out of Akarana Road and cars coming out of David Road which runs directly opposite.”

Maree said the subject site, also being a known floodplain, was another point of concern with the movement of the land to excavate and remove vegetation potentially exacerbating the effects of flooding in the future.

The APC called for the council to exercise the use of other experts before making a decision on the proposed plan to understand the potential impacts to the surrounding area.

“Given that the 375 Swansea Road development is so close to Olinda Creek it is imperative that any potential impact on platypus should be examined in detail and that consideration of approval of this project should give priority to platypus conservation requirements,” he said.

“The APC therefore submits that council should consult with MelbourneWater and DEECA in this regard and commission appropriate experts specifically to assess likely impacts on platypus of this application and ensure that all possible measures are taken to avoid any negative consequences for the platypus population in Olinda Creek.”

Government response disappoints Indigenous educator

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville-grown Indigenous man revealed his thoughts after the Victorian Government tabled its response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s second interim report on 3 April.

Following careful consideration, the Government has accepted four of the recommendations in full, 24 in principle, another 15 have remained under consideration and three have been rejected.

Treaty and First Peoples minister Natalie Hutchins said the Victorian Government thanks First Peoples who participated in the inquiry and appeared before the Commission for their ongoing strength and resilience.

“The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s work is globally groundbreaking. Victoria’s truthtelling process is a historic opportunity to hear the stories of our past that have been buried,” she said.

“These are stories that all Victorians need to hear. Treaty and Truth, led by Aboriginal people, is the best way to deliver improved outcomes and close the gap.”

“Every Yoorrook Justice Commission inquiry allows the Victorian Government to develop a deeper understanding of the dis-

crimination that has been built into state government policies and approaches.”

Swinburne University of Technology Indigenous Studies associate professor Andrew Peters said he’s disappointed to have only four recommendations fully accepted as the vast majority of these recommendations are very reasonable and achievable.

“We can hope that those under consideration will be accepted and involved in further discussion, but when dealing with our parliamentary system, nothing is easy,” he said.

“I understand that the Government has pressures from all angles, but this is a peoplerelated crisis that has been happening for decades, and nothing previously has addressed it adequately.

“It’s been 33 years since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, so it’s long past time that effective action is taken, and that means changing attitudes of our decision-makers and refocusing some priorities.”

Assoc Prof Peters is a Yarra Yarra and Yorta Yorta man who grew up in Healesville and has family connections to a number of other mobs from around Victoria,

Yarra Yarra is a name that emerged from Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve, near Heales-

ville, where they have a very strong family connection.

Assoc prof Peters said it’s a really difficult process as Indigenous People are essentially challenging a political institution that’s been in place, and relatively unchanged, for 150 years.

“However, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be challenged, or shouldn’t be changed,” he said.

“History shows that we need to vastly improve our connection to Indigenous peoples, culture and history, and as a first step, we need the government to hear Aboriginal voices within these discussions.

“In the area of criminal justice and child protection, these voices are absolutely critical to addressing a deep-seated ongoing crisis.”

The Healesville-grown man said there are parts of the Yarra Valley that have always been inclusive of Aboriginal People and other parts not so much.

“It’s clearly a better situation now for Aboriginal people than it was 30 years ago, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

“You’ll be able to find stories of racism and exclusion still exist in parts of our society, and the Yarra Valley is no different.

“There are a number of positive things happening, however, through the council, our schools, and Aboriginal organisations. I always found, through playing sport in the Valley, that I personally didn’t feel excluded from much, and people seemed to accept and respect me as an Aboriginal person.”

The Indigenous studies educator said education is one of the keys to making the region more inclusive.

“Too many non-Aboriginal Australians are disconnected from Aboriginal Culture and History, and in the Yarra Valley in particular, we should all be really proud of our connections,” Dr Peters said.

“Learning about and with Aboriginal people is a great way to build pride in ourselves and connect with each other and our history.

“We are certainly moving in a positive direction, but there’s always more that can be done, especially as the towns in the Valley grow. Healesville is very different now from the town I grew up in.

“My mum, the late Aunty Dot, always used to say that we should all live our lives with respect, caring and sharing. If we all did this, I honestly believe we’d have a much more inclusive and happy society.”

The Olinda Creek runs through dense shrubbery along Bellbird Drive at the back of the proposed development site.

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Feeding our energy needs

Yarra Valley Water is building a second food waste to energy facility that will tackle food waste, generate electricity and slash emissions.

The new Lilydale facility will generate up to 39,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per day – enough to power the equivalent of more than 2200 Victorian households.

Managing director Pat McCafferty said it was great to see the project come to fruition.

“We’ve come a long way since we built Victoria’s first commercial scale food waste to energy facility at our Aurora Sewage Treatment Plant,” he said.

“Today (17 April), we’re proud to announce the start of construction of our second food waste to energy facility, which will be 50 per cent larger than our first.”

Yarra Valley Water has been successfully operating its award-winning facility in Wollert since 2017, which has diverted over 175,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill to date.

Food waste is a growing problem, with Australians generating almost 300 kilograms of food waste per person, according to the Australian government’s National Food Waste Strategy.

“In Victoria, we’re generating over two million tonnes of food waste per year. Almost half of that ends up in landfills – having a devastating impact on our environment,” Mr McCafferty said.

“The good news is that these are figures that can be changed, thanks to innovative projects like this and a change in consumer and retailer behaviours.”

The new $48 million Lilydale facility will start to take commercial food waste from as early as 2025 and is expected to be fully operational in 2026.

The second food waste to energy facility will divert about 55,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill every year.

With the addition of this second facility, Yarra Valley Water is on track to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets to become net zero and use 100 per cent renewable energy from mid-2025.

It will be one of the largest food waste to

energy facilities of its kind in Australia. Unlike some waste to energy plants, it will not use a gasifier or incinerator to burn waste. It uses a natural process to convert organic waste to energy.

The process begins when food waste is de-

livered from commercial suppliers. The organic waste can be anything from fruit and vegetables from markets - to fats and grease from a fast-food restaurant.

“It works just like a human stomach. The waste is fed into digestors, and as it breaks down it generates biogas which in turn powers electricity turbines.

Many sewerage facilities already use “anaerobic digestors” to treat sewage, which makes them well placed to leverage this innovative technology.

Mr McCafferty added that the new Lilydale facility will also benefit local businesses, the environment and the broader community.

“We’ve already started to work with local businesses who could benefit from using our facility,” Mr McCafferty said.

“There are benefits for the broader community too.”

“We heard through our consultation that people would like us to plant more trees in the area. Our project team is working closely with Yarra Ranges Council and we’ll plant around 1,600 trees with the help of local schools next winter.”

For more information about becoming a business partner and supplying waste visit the ReWaste website or contact enquiries@rewaste.com.au

Funding for radar speed display signs at local schools

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council has featured among 40 Victorian councils set to benefit from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) annual Local Government Grant Program.

The program aims to help councils deliver projects to help vulnerable road users, with a focus on pedestrians and cyclists, through upgrades and new projects.

Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Hjalmar Philipp said Council are pleased to announce that we have received $30,000 from the Victorian Government for safety upgrades on roads.

“This funding will be used for four radar speed display signs, which will be installed at Birmingham Primary School in Mount Evelyn and Wandin Yallock Primary School in Wandin North,” he said.

“We believe they will help improve safety for children and pedestrians alike near the schools, and the signs are easily re-locatable and can be moved to other school zones to remind drivers to be aware of their speed.”

The grant announcement comes following the approval of a Birmingham Road Traffic Management Plan by Yarra Ranges Council at a Council meeting on Tuesday 9 April while Wandin Yallock Primary School sits on the corner of the intersection between the intersection of Beenak Road, Quayle Road and Hunter Road, with safety concerns regarding cars coming over the crest of the hill on Beenak Road and the fact that the intersection is not perfectly aligned.

“These signs will display speeds as cars travel by, reminding drivers to follow the signposted speed limits and raising awareness of the school zone,”

“We’re submitting an application in this year’s round of funding for other upgrades near schools, and are hopeful that our future applications will be successful,” Mr Phillip said.

“Thank you to the State Government for supporting our application, and we look forward to working on future road safety projects with them.”

Birmingham Road Primary School parent and local resident Bosa Sofranic-Carter first put forward a petition in October 2022 with concerns about traffic and safety near the school, saying the ‘mismanaged intersection’ had not kept up with the growth of the school or the community and it was only‘a matter of time’ before a tragedy occurs.

Yarra Ranges Council has put forward a pitch to upgrade the intersection with traffic lights, costing around $500,000 and $20,000 annually for maintenance, as well as install the successfully-funded radar display speed signs and zig-zag line marking in the more immediate future to remedy the site.

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 25th and 26th May 2024 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

Organised by the Austin 7 Club, the 47th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Birmingham Primary School is set to benefit from new radar speed display signs after Yarra Ranges Council secured funding. Picture: ON FILE

Yarra Valley Water managing firector, Pat McCafferty, YRC chief executive officer Tammi Rose, Yarra Ranges Council mayor Sophie Todorov and Water Minister Harriet Shing.

Yarra Valley Water managing director, Pat McCafferty, Yarra Ranges Council mayor Sophie Todorov, YRC chief executive officer Tammi Rose, YVW chair Gabrielle Bell, Water Minister Harriet Shing, YVW director Mary Kanavoutsos, YVW director Victoria Marles AM. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Gallipoli sacrifice recalled

By Mikayla van Loon

Over 100 years have passed since the beginning of World War I but the memory of the Anzacs, particularly those who fought and died at Gallipoli remain in the hearts of many.

Remembering the soldiers who both died on the front and those who returned changed, a sunset gathering of the community at the Lilydale Memorial Park on Tuesday 16 April was a sign of respect in an early Anzac Day service.

This was the second time the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) hosted a commemorative service, with eastern region operations general manager Phil Snow thanking all those who recognised the importance of the service.

“Your attendance is a testament to the significance of the Anzac legacy and the ongoing acknowledgement of the sacrifices of the past,” he said.

“Most importantly, I welcome those here today and their families who have served and will continue to serve the name of our country. We say thank you.”

Honouring the stories of those who served in Gallipoli was a large feature of commemorations.

Civil celebrant Tracey O’Conner led the way, speaking of Major Vivien Benjafield who served as a surgeon in the Australian Army Medical Corps.

Major Benjafield was known for keeping detailed diary notes throughout his service and in the days leading up to the Gallipoli landing he wrote, “Apparently there is every prospect of this being a walkover for our troops, but we do not know.

“There may be a surprise in store for us for all we know, but it seems hardly likely that resistance will be very great.”

Treating the wounded and helping lay to rest the dead, Major Benjafield was invalided back to Australia in 1917, where he continued to treat patients and worked as a doctor in New South Wales. He died aged 94.

Several thousand soldiers weren’t so lucky, many succumbing to the rifle fire of the Turks and to the diseases present in the trenches.

“It was reported that one in three soldiers perished that very first day [of landing in Gallipoli]. The stories are only a glimpse into the devastation that our warriors faced,” Ms O’Connor said.

One of the many who died in combat was a Lilydale born and bred young man who, prior to the war, was an impressive scholar at Scotch College.

James Drummond Burns, 20, went to fight to protect his, Australia’s and England’s free-

dom but never made it home.

This year he was not only memorialised in story by historian Anthony McAleer but in knitted poppies, thanks to Sharon Chuck, who again helped organise a display at the memorial park.

A fellow student, Clifford Craig, described him as “a singularly charming and attractive personality. His quiet dignity, his kindly sympathy, his keen sense of humour, endeared him to a host of friends”.

Noted for his “philosophical mind” and “instructive conversationalist”, “the key note of his character was determination”.

Mr McAleer said from letters written about Jim Burns post-death, “he forged for himself a reputation as both an extraordinary student and an outstanding scholar”.

Despite being on the cricket, debating, and rowing teams, as well as leading as a prefect, Corporal Burns would be remembered for his contributions to the school magazine and his poetic prowess.

“The poems he wrote, 22 in number, were published in the magazine. He even composed a number of songs for school such as the boating song that is still sung by the rowing team at Scotch to this day.

“But it wasn’t only his achievements that made him outstanding. It was also his personality and his good nature.”

Completing his studies with first class honours, as well as numerous prizes, in 1914, Corporal Burns was granted a scholarship to Ormond College at the University of Melbourne.

“[But] he knew the Empire was in its hour of need. For him, there was no question as to what he should do. He had to do whatever it took to help England,” Mr McAleer said.

“Instead of going off to study at Ormond College, he decided instead to enlist in the ADF. A few weeks later, he was in Canberra and was allotted to the 21st Battalion.”

He was bid farewell by the congregation of the Presbyterian church in Lilydale where his father was the reverend.

Writing one last poem before he left for overseas, it would be this that would keep James Drummond Burns’ name alive.

“The poem that he wrote, would sum up his feelings for the reason why he had enlisted and would let everyone know, in a very emotive way, the important rationale as to why he believed we needed to be in the war. It was called ‘For England’,” Mr McAleer said.

Spending months in Egypt training before heading to the front at Gallipoli, Jim Burns survived a torpedoed ship attack to eventually land at the peninsula.

On 18 September 1915,“Corporal Jim Burns was on active duty when the enemy sent an artillery barrage down on them. Jumping up onto the top of the trench to return fire, he was

shot in the head by a sniper.”

“He had only been at Gallipoli for 10 days and was the 21st Battalion’s first fatal casualty in this campaign. He was later buried in a makeshift cemetery in Shrapnel Valley.”

Mr McAleer said Jim Burns was just one example of a bright, young man who went off to war leaving behind an immense hole in what could have been an excellent future.

“In reality, though, the stark, tragic lesson of Jim Burns’ story is that of the theme of potential loss. What mark would he have made on Australian society? What further literary classics or scholarly works were we denied because of his death? What instrumental contributions or leadership could the adult Jim have given to his community?

“I don’t think there is any doubt that our nation was diminished as a result of his death. And it’s hard to tell what the full extent of the price we have all paid for the loss of young lives like Jim’s in that conflict.

“Jim was just one of 19,000 Victorians who perished in the FirstWorldWar. All of them and all of us have been robbed but the contributions they could have made for our nation if they survived.”

As the sun went down over Lilydale Memorial Park, buglerTom Steele played the last post and Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson read the Ode.

Letting their hand knitted poppies tell the Anzac story

By Mikayla van Loon

Since 2017 a display of hand knitted poppies has been capturing the attention of Lilydale. Each year it gets more extravagant, with more and more poppies added.

Designed and orchestrated by Sharon Chuck, it is the collaboration of numerous knitters from across the township who bring the handcrafted memorial together each year just in time for Anzac Day.

“Most of those poppies that are there now are still the original ones that we did years ago,” Ms Chuck said.

“It was to start off to remember our local heroes and then it just developed into something larger.”

Ms Chuck said now all it takes is for her to hear a story for her to think “I can put that into poppies”.

The Creative Community Knitters sees Rhonda Burke, Pauline Fritsch, LynnWhelan, Jude Haines, June Buck, Carol Snowden and Gillian Myring supply their skills each year.

The exercise of knitting all the poppies, which add to the story being told, takes the group of ladies the full 12 months.

This year’s display included two different locations: the centre of town at the Lilydale Cenotaph and at Lilydale Memorial Park.

Reusing the Australian flag and Lest We Forget display from last year, Ms Chuck said this year the focus was the story of a soldier who never returned from World War I.

“I heard the story of James Burns from Anthony [McAleer] and he told the story of a local boy that had gone to war and died,” she said.

“His father was a minister in Lilydale and I thought, we need to recognise that, hence why the soldier was done in the first place.”

That soldier alone was created from roughly 4500 knitted poppies, adding to what

Ms Chuck estimates to a quantity of 17,000 in total for the whole display.

“Plus I also added Lest We Forget to Lilydale because I felt that it needed to go into the Main Street of Lilydale and there’s two soldiers holding on to the flag.”

Supported by Sharyn and Max Manning to help purchase the wool for the Main Street poppy collection, Ms Manning said what Ms Chuck does every year says the community remembers and recognises the service of those who died, and survived, war.

“These kinds of decorations and especially in the Main Street, because a lot of people pass through there, to me, it speaks of pride in the township and that there’s people there that love it to do that sort of thing,” she said.

The rolling project means Ms Chuck and the group of knitters have already started on next year’s addition, something she said would be bigger than anything they’ve done yet but of course she’s keeping it under wraps.

“It’s huge and it’s going to be stunning when it’s done because it’s something that’s never been done,” she said.

“It’s lovely to see it developing. I mean my garage is a workshop, actually.”

The reaction from the community each year, Ms Chuck says makes it all worthwhile and keeps her from “retiring”.

“People think it’s just wonderful. It’s the older community that loves it. For some unknown reason, I suppose, because of their fathers and their family, they can remember the war I presume but they seem to appreciate it very much.”

But as with all creative projects, the cost of the wool does add up with each ball costing $3, making 22 poppies and so Ms Chuck said donations of wool or money would be greatly appreciated to help her and the group of knitters finish next year’s project.

Sharon Chuck, with the help of people like Lynn Whelan helped knit majority of the poppies for the installations in the Memorial Park and Main Street. 330598

The legacy of James Drummond Burns was memorialised in story and knitted poppies. Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson laid a wreath and placed a hand on his heart in a sign of respect.

tance month.

Teachers wore a special t-shirt symbolising acceptance of autism and students took part in fun activities playing with colours.

Principal Julie Kugler said it’s part of Lyrebird College’s mission and ethos to continue to grow awareness of autism and to promote acceptance in the local community and wider community.

“We often call this an awareness and celebration, however, it’s really about acceptance and understanding from the community that the children we work with at Lyrebird College do have a profound level of autism and that has a lot of impact on their families and limit the children’s ability to access quality education,” she said.

“We really need to understand that it’s called a spectrum for a reason and we have to be respectful of all levels of autism.

“There’s a growing awareness but people still have a misguided belief that autism comes with a superpower or gift in a certain area. I’m sure all children have gifts in certain areas and all people do have their own personal gifts.”

Lyrebird College behaviour support specialist and teacher SharrynVeto said the school had a whole range of activities to suit all of the kids’ interests and needs.

“It’s always a colour theme for autism awareness as different colours symbolise accepting diversity, so we have everything around colour. We have lots of sensory activities like coloured shaving cream, cloud dough, dot painting and craft activities,” she said.

“We’ve come a long way in terms of as a society how much we know about autism, the incidence of autism in the population.

“But we have a long way to go in creating

acceptance and also to create the understanding that the autism, that people see and that is visible in the community, isn’t necessarily representative of the entire autistic community, so part of our work is to show the whole range on the spectrum.”

Lyrebird College is currently the only autism-specific school in theYarraValley.

Ms Kugler said the college needs more help from the local community.

“We always welcome help from the community.LyrebirdCollegewasbuiltonphilanthropic donations and although we do get some fundings from the government, it requires a lot more money than we actually received,’ she said.

“We’re always actively promoting our school

and looking for philanthropic partners to help us on our mission and to give the opportunity for education to a wider and larger range of students and families.

“The philanthropic funding goes largely to providing human resources within the school setting. We’ve been very successful in gaining grants through the Victorian independent school building grant authority and we’ve been able to get a lot of equipment from lots of other kind donors who have been philanthropic partners.”

Lyrebird College wants to promote the beautiful personalities that its students have and their ability to become contributing members of society.

MsVeto said her students are“engaging, fun-

ny, warm and affectionate”.

“Part of why we’re celebrating is because families of kids with this level of disability hear bad news stories all the time, so they get a really gut-wrenching diagnosis. They’re dealing with behaviours at home, at school and in their community, and it’s really isolating,” she said.

“But this is a chance to actually acknowledge that, with all these challenges that these kids face, there are wonderful things about them and they can learn.

“We’re about to send one of our oldest students off out into the workplace later this year, which at this level of disability is so super exciting, and it shows how much worth our kids have despite their disabilities.”

Easton (left) and Etana enjoyed making cloud dough. Pictures: DONGYUN KWON Logan is good at welcoming new people.

Ted’s smile.

Bird watchers’ joy at find

A sewage treatment plant may not seem like the best place to set up a home, but for a group of displaced birds, it is proving to be the perfect place to start a family.

A group of Tawny Grassbirds have been discovered in the grasslands nearYarraValleyWater’s Lilydale Sewage Treatment Plant, marking one of the first sightings of this species in Victoria.

Tawny Grassbirds are typically found in northern New South Wales and are rarely seen in groups of more than one or two, however, it’s thought that five of these birds have been breeding in the area for the past two months.

Yarra Valley Water’s Biodiversity Officer Chris Farrow said it was too early to know why the birds have migrated so far south.

“With rising temperatures in the northern states, and the shifting weather patterns, we think the birds are basically climate refugees looking for a more suitable home,” he said.

The Tawny Grassbird is roughly 20cm in size, with brown flecked feathers and a long, graduated tail.

“It’s incredible to think that a small enclave of them has gathered, migrated, and are now showing mating behaviours, they’re quite small, so they can’t fly too far.

It’s likely they’re being moving further south each year until they ended up down here,” Mr Farrow said. Mr Farrow said the Lilydale Sewage Treatment Plant site is perfect for breeding due to the climate, long grass, and proximity to a water source.

“Grasslands have a wonderful cooling effect. If it’s getting too hot in other areas, or if grasslands in their previous habitat are being destroyed, then sites like this become very attractive for species like the Tawny Grassbirds.”

“The birds are insectivores, which mean they primarily eat insects, the site has an abundance of food for them and any new hatchlings.

“We’ll continue to care for them during the breeding and hatching period by protecting the area and minimising human interference.

“Once the mating season ends, we can go in and have a closer look and see what else we can do to help this little colony thrive.

“Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the site for conservation and make sure they don’t need to migrate elsewhere,” Mr Farrow said.

The birds were initially discovered by local birdwatchers and Associate Professor Dr Rohan Clarke from Monash University’s School of Biological Sciences, followed up the sighting to confirm a minimum of five Tawny Grassbirds were present.

“Sewage treatment plants provide important refuges for wetland species, attracting water birds to the treatment ponds and various reed-

loving songbirds to the wetland fringes.”

“Lilydale Sewage Treatment plant is an excellent example of this –attracting numerous bird species, it even has a viewing platform for birdwatchers.”

Dr Clarke noted there have been fewer than 10 records of this species from the Greater Melbourne area. This recent sighting of a group of Tawny Grassbirds is unprecedented in Victoria; most other recorded sightings are of single birds.

“Tawny Grassbirds are a very rare species in Victoria, with just a handful of records to date,” he said.

“The five Tawny Grassbirds found at LilydaleTreatment Plant over summer is the largest group ever observed in the state.”

“It’s possible that these recent Tawny Grassbird sightings around Melbourne are part of a range shift where the species will establish a permanentVictorian population.”

“The Tawny Grassbirds frequented an area of tall grassland adjacent to the treatment ponds because Yarra Valley Water site managers were able to set this aside for the birds, there is an excellent chance the species was able to breed,” Dr Clarke said.

The Tawny Grassbird breeding season will conclude in April/May.

Tawny Grassbird is roughly 20cm in size, with brown flecked feathers and a long, graduated tail. Picture: SUPPLIED

Rare flock discovered by bird watchers.

Kid gloves in Coldstream

By Dongyun Kwon

A former heavyweight boxing champion is happy to share his talent with local kids in Coldstream.

Hayden ‘H-Bomb’ Wright won the championship in three different competitions; Western Australia Champion, South Queensland Champion and Australian Journeyman Champion.

Wright is originally from Wandin and has travelled around Australia to win the titles along with teaching kids.

The former champion finally came back to his hometown and started to run the free boxing class four times a week in March.

Wright said he’s been having a great number of kids from four years old to 17 years old.

“We do fitness, exercise and mentor kids to give them a positive outreach in the community,” he said.

“The class is on every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, which is about an hour to an hour and a half, sometimes.

“We make it like a community place where parents can come and have a coffee. We might watch a movie one night and do some social activities.”

His talent donation has been ongoing for about 15 years, starting in Perth.

“Now I moved back for my family because all my family are in Coldstream, Lilydale and Wandin,” Wright said.

The coach said he has a passion for youth.

“I like to volunteer in the community and give my time and resources,” Wright said.

“I want to see kids do great and I want to be a part of the community. I like to do it for free.”

The free boxing class could happen thanks to the venue donation by the Coldstream Football and Netball Club (FNC).

Coldstream FNC vice president Ryan Kerr said it’s fantastic to help the Coldstream Boxing Club.

“We just saw on Facebook about what he’s doing and we’re more than happy to support someone helping the local community and kids,” he said.

“With the cost of living pressure, it’s obvious that kids can’t afford to do any sport and we’re happy to help give them a fantastic option.

“If he needs some gear and stuff, we’ll look at that.”

The former champion still doesn’t give up his professional career while he is teaching the

kids.

Wright is currently rated top 15 Victorian heavyweight boxer.

“I hope to fight for the Victorian heavyweight title on 11 May,” he said.

“The kids have been helping me as well. They hold the pads for me and help train me.

“Any money I make from the boxing match, I’d like to donate back to the club so we can build a boxing ring.”

From formation to now: 86 years of Montrose CFA

By Mikayla van Loon

The CFA has a long, embedded history in Montrose dating back over 80 years, something that will be explored by town historian Eddie Tichelaar next month.

Invited by the Montrose Library to speak about the early beginnings of Montrose Fire Barigade and how it developed over time, Mr Tichelaar said he would be presenting his research on Saturday 4 May.

Delving into the formation of the brigade 86 years ago, the changes seen particularly in fire fighting equipment and the ongoing importance of CFA firefighters in the community, Mr Tichelaar said were just some of the topics he would cover.

Experiencing a particularly bad fire season in 1932 and again in 1938, Mr Tichelaar said it triggered a community desire for a local firefighting service to be established.

“A public meeting was held in the Montrose Public Hall on 29 March 1938 with the intent of forming and registering a local‘Bush Fire Brigade’ for Montrose with the Country Fire Brigades Board (CFBB),” he said.

“Thirty-eight local residents attended this initial meeting, and the Montrose Bush Fire Brigade was formed.

“A constitution was soon drafted, boundaries agreed, and a membership fee of £1 per member was imposed. It was also agreed to use a gong for assembling the brigade and the church bell for raising a general alarm.”

Much of the documentation relating to the history of the brigade was collated throughout the decades with one member particularly keen to preserve it.

“Life member Jack Verity was instrumental in saving the history of the early days of Montrose CFA,” Mr Tichelaar said.

“In Jack’s brigade archives, he saved original letters and information relating to the approval by the Shire of Lillydale of our first fire station to the design of our brigade logo that still exists today.”

With much of the early years of the brigade recorded already, Mr Tichelaar said he was able to pull the full 86 years together from his own time with the brigade.

“I was very fortunate that a number of our forefathers within the brigade collectively recorded our first 45 years,” he said.

“Fortunately, I have been a member of the brigade since 1977 so adding the next 40 plus years has been relatively easy. I still engage with many past and current members so recording information can be cross checked for authentication.”

As “one of Australia’s most fire-prone areas”, Mr Tichelaar said Montrose and the broaderYarra Ranges are communities deeply connected to their CFAs.

Mr Tichelaar noted this as the biggest change seen within the brigade, going from

Throughout those 86 years, Mr Tichelaar said the brigade moved from “rudimentary equipment” to “advanced firefighting equipment”, with Montrose “the first brigade in the district to have a motor powered appliance (fire truck)”.

“very basic trucks with a water tank, pump, knapsacks and beaters to fully equipped appliances of today that include safety features from full truck sprinkler systems to breathing apparatus to the latest water conservation apparatus to make water go further”.

“If you are interested in how and why your local Fire Brigade came about, let us start by telling the Montrose Fire Brigade story.”

To attend the event, book via events.yourlibrary.com.au/event?id=54131 or calling 9800 6490.

Eddie Tichelaar will be presenting the Montrose Fire Brigade’s history on 4 May. 318540

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Coldstream Boxing Club is located at Margaret Lewis Reserve. Anyone wishing to learn boxing for free is encouraged to contact Wright through his email, haydenwright2011@hotmail.com

Coldstream FNC donated its hall to the Coldstream Boxing Club.

The Coldstream Boxing Club offers free boxing classes for kids from four years old and 17 years old.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Hayden H-bomb Wright won the championship in three different competitions; Western Australia Champion, South Queensland Champion and Australian Journeyman Champion. The Coldstream Boxing Club is located at Margaret Lewis Reserve.

YARRA VIEW CAR PARK SALE EVENT

Plant sales grow dreams

By Mikayla van Loon

The Yarra View Bushland Nursery (YVBN) car park sale is back for another year, showcasing an array of plants ready for the garden.

For the second year in a row, YVBN will be opening up the car park on York Road for a week to sell a “huge variety” of plants, while also welcoming the community into the nursery to learn about employment and the social enterprise.

“We mainly have natives, grevillea, callistemons and eucalypts but then we’ve also got camellias going in this year, a different range of exotics and hedging plants,” sales manager Amelia Cabret said.

“We’re also going to be doing some super specials in the actual garden center as well for tube stock, just to bring the buyers in through once they’ve gone through the carpark sale into the actual garden center. So there’ll be a lot of different varieties of plants available.”

Having seen the success of the June car park sale in 2024, Amelia said this year the team decided to bring it forward to autumn because that’s when everything is at its peak.

“Autumn is generally when we hold the most amount of stock. We’re coming off the peak growing season for the year and the nursery is quite full, and then heading into winter it slows down,” she said.

“So we’ve got all this a lot of premium stock available this year and we’d like to sell it through but it’s also a really great opportunity to get new customers down and into the retail section that may not have shopped with us before and introduce them to what we do.”

General manager Scott Buckland said not only is the sale about the financial benefit for the nursery but about engaging with the broader community about howYVBN works to

support people with a disability.

“We’re starting to get a lot more active in promoting what we do to the general public. There is a demographic that doesn’t quite understand exactly what employing people with disability means,” he said.

“So we’re now becoming far louder and prouder about what we do and that connection of selling plants actually then generates employment opportunities for the people we support.”

Scott said while some “mystery” still remains behind whatYVBN does for many in the community it’s important to try and change that.

With a few nurseries along the York Road strip, Scott said “our main point of difference is the fact that we’re a social enterprise and there’s a purpose behind that spend”.

As the nursery grows, so too does the ability to support more workers.

Adapting to flexible lifestyle changes over the last few years, Scott said “we’ve probably got more people working for us” but the hours are still the same.

“One of the big changes though, is our support structure. We’ve now got 10 dedicated training staff, so they fully qualified, trained up support workers,” he said.

That allows staff members to broaden their

skill sets, whether learning the point of sale system or driving machinery because of the additional resources helping to educate onsite.

The holistic approach to learning means Scott and the team are seeing “a real uplift in skill sets” meaning staff can work across various parts of the nursery, if they choose, and feel comfortable in doing so.

Employment coaches have been an integral part of the support structure, setting goals for employees and finding dedicated training that suits each individual.

Externally, YVBN has partnered with the Nursery Garden Industry of Victoria (NGIV) to provide horticulture training through the Grow You Future Program, which provides on the job opportunities to people from “the long term unemployed to refugees and other vulnerable or disadvantaged groups” which has seen three new staff members be employed.

The growth, support structure and new opportunities, Scott said, means YVBN has employment places needing to be filled. To find out more, go to yvbn.com.au or call 9737 0400.

Native plants like callistemons will be on sale over the week of 3-11 May.

Yarra View Bushland Nursery supports people with disabilities to find employment and every plant sale counts. Pictures: SUPPLIED

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Powerful, profound play

By Mikayla van Loon

Powerful, captivating performance paired with the real life complexities of a dementia diagnosis has been brought to life by the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company.

For its second season, the Company has produced the first Australian showing of Still Alice, an adaptation of the Lisa Genova book.

Director Alan Burrows and lead actress Angela Glennie have both been touched by dementia in their personal lives, with Glennie saying “it’s been a bit of a passion project for the two of us”.

Bringing it to the stage now, Burrows said he would like to see the audience walk away with a “greater understanding” of the reality of dementia.

Having wanted to perform this play in 2020, the Covid lockdowns prevented the Company from doing so but it was also a time when it was quite “raw” for Burrows and Glennie.

Burrows’ wife Christine had, at the time, only just been diagnosed with dementia and Glennie’s father had died not too many years before from the disease.

“We put it aside and it was a bit raw at the time. But with the progression of time, I’ve come to come to terms with the situation,” Burrows said.

After just the opening night on Thursday 18 April, Glennie said the profoundness of the play became evident, not only as an actor but for the audience as well.

“[Alice] says to her daughter in the second scene, ‘I love speaking, you know, all the concatenated moments, teaching, telling a story provoking debate, the adrenaline of performance’,”she said.

“Obviously you can see what an actor would pull from that because that’s why we do it. We love to tell our stories.We love speaking in front of people and there is always an adrenaline rush when you’re performing. It’s quite addictive.

“Not necessarily does it provoke debate, but the show has provided discussion among audiences. Also I had audience members wanting to share with me their stories of similarity, of connection of their experiences with people with dementia.”

Glennie said the play is another attempt at bringing the conversation around dementia into the light.

“Dementia, Alzheimer’s is not a happy topic, but it’s often kept in the dark and in silence, and

often not spoken about or only spoken about when you’re living it, when you’re supporting someone,” she said.

“People are now comparing stories, and building connection and support and healing because of what the play has done.”

Not only is it the words, actions and experiences presenting what dementia looks and feels like for the individual and family members but Burrows said in working with set designer David Dare, the production “exemplifies what happens with a person who has dementia”.

“Everything is in shades of grey, going to black. There’s no colour on the set, except for the actors’ costumes,” he said.

“As the play progresses, the set gradually disappears. So in the end, when we get to the final scene, there is only Alice and her husband and herself, and two chairs on the stage, otherwise, it’s completely blank.

“So it gives that feeling, hopefully, of a world closing in around a person who actually suffers with Alzheimer’s.”

Despite the shades of grey, Glennie said “there’s laughter and these typical family dynamics in the play and there are some really beautiful moments”, it’s a “hopeful play”.

In yet another special onstage appearance, Glennie and her son Lachlan are performing as mother and son, in what she described as a sometimes challenging partnership but with their experience of dementia in their own lives, “it’s almost a comfort that there’s a commonality around”.

As director, Burrows said everyone involved in the play has embraced the importance of its subject, especially the cast.

“The cast is terrific. It’s one of the best casts I’ve ever had in a play at Lilydale. They’re all right for the parts,” he said.

For an hour and a half non-stop, Glen-

nie said the role of Alice has been “a journey” to learn and perform, particularly in working with Audrey-Maeve Barker who plays Alice’s thoughts as a narrating character.

“We’ve had to be synchronised not in a forced way but there will be head turns that happen on a particular cue. There will be looks and we don’t look at each other necessarily, she’s shadowing me, but she’s aware of what my body is doing,” she said.

“That adds another very interesting element and something I’ve never done before.”

A complex show of important discussion but also of actor ability, Still Alice is being shown until Saturday 4 May.

Information on dementia and care has also been supplied by Caladenia Dementia Care which will be situated in the foyer of theatre each night.

To book, go to latc2020.sales.ticketsearch. com/sales/sales or call 9735 1777.

Actors from the east take to the Wicked west stage

By Mikayla van Loon

Theymightbeperforminginoneoftheworld’s most popular and renowned stage shows but these two actors hail from the outer east.

Adam Murphy, from Eltham and Andrew Kroenert, from Croydon, can currently be seen in the latest rendition of Wicked, being brought to audiences in Melbourne until 30 June.

The spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz was a bit of a bucket list item for the two esteemed actors who have performed in some of the best plays and musicals going round.

Attracted to unusual characters, Murphy has been cast as Dr Dillamond, a goat and teacher of life sciences and a philosopher at Shiz University, as well as the secondary Wizard, when not played by Simon Burke.

Kroenert, cast as part of the ensemble, also steps into the Dr Dillamond role when not played by his counterpart Murphy.

For the pair, who are both triple threatssingers, dancers and actors - their love of the stage was formed early.

“My cousin was in the ‘92 Jesus Christ Superstar with John Farnham and Jon Stevens and I went and saw that when I was eightyears-old, and I have this vivid recollection of watching him singing with Kate Ceberano and having that little fire lit inside me,” Kroenert said.

“I was like, ‘that’s what I want to do and that’s what I want to be when I grow up’.”

While still young Murphy was 14 when he knew being on stage was a career he wanted

to pursue.

“I don’t really have a theatrical family background but I do remember at school putting my hand up to be in school productions, I got a taste of what it was like to rehearse something or perform something in front of people and get a reaction,” he said.

“It can be hard work because you have to reproduce something at an energy level and at a professional level and performance level each night and it’s not always easy because life happens but I just developed a love for that feeling of what it gave me to perform and to get a reaction.”

Each taking different paths to get to their ultimate goal, Kroenert performed while at Maroondah Secondary College before heading off to do a degree in music and drama, landing various roles like those in Frozen, Fiddler on the Roof and School of Rock.

Murphy on the other hand, went from school productions to amateur theatre and

then to semi-professional theatre productions, saying “I feel like my whole career I’ve trained on the job”.

Always drawn to weird or unique characters in musicals and plays, Murphy said that’s something that formed in him from the beginning.

“When I was a kid, I liked playing characters. I don’t think I was really the young love interest. I was always some sort of character. I was always dressing up as an old guy. Or just something different from myself,” he said.

“I really enjoyed stepping into someone else’s shoes, seeing things from a different point of view. That’s probably been good for me as a career because I’m 51 now, and I’ve got to play such a range of different roles.”

From playing Jafar, the villain, in Aladdin to Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, “a ridiculously over the top character”, Murphy said that’s the joy of what he gets to do as a career.

“If you lay those characters side by side, they’re all completely different and that’s what I’m proud of and it’s a highlight of my career being able to play a wide variety of different characters.”

Growing up admiring and listening to AnthonyWarlow, Kroenert said for him getting to perform alongside an idol of his in Fiddler on the Roof was a “dream come true” and would always be a career highlight but so too was performing a brand new production.

“I swung with a group called Dream Lover with a bunch of really great performers, David Campbell and Marina Prior and that was just

the happiest company I’ve ever been part of.

“The show itself was brand new, so we rehearsed it, and put it on from scratch and Simon Phillips directed it. So that was just a really, really great experience all around.”

Both experiencing a bit of jealousy when friends performed in Wicked when it came to Australia last time, the chance to be a part of it was not something either Kroenert or Murphy wanted to pass up.

“It’s like a huge amusement park ride. It’s so fun with so many dark and wonderful twists and turns so it’s definitely been on my bucket list,” Kroenert said.

“My dreams of being in it, I never thought I’d be covering the Wizard and Dillamond and doing the tracks that I’m in. Covering those tracks is a dream. I love doing it. It’s easily like the biggest and most exciting musical I’ve ever been in.”

Although a returning show, Kroenert said “it’s a really beautiful rendition” embodied by each of the actors in a different way to those who played the roles in earlier performances.

“The cast of the show is really unique this time around, I think they found really great performers who weren’t just carbon copies of the people to play the roles previously and I really think that everyone brings a real uniqueness to the show that really helps tell the stories,” he said.

“And there’s something about Wicked in the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, that’s where the show started and where it took off in Australia in 2008…it really feels like the shows at home.”

Wicked tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, the witches of Oz. Picture: JEFF BUSBY

Angela Glennie as the leading lady, Alice. Pictures: ALEXANDRA CARTER

Alice is both a character and a narrator.

Phil Lambert and Angela Glennie star as husband and wife in Still Alice.

Come and feel sheepish

By Dongyun Kwon

Gulf Station is hosting a fun event as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.

The National Trust is inviting community members to explore Fleece, Fibre and Fancywork on Sunday 28 April.

National Trust Gulf Station coordinator Fiona Leadbeater said it’s a showcase of all things about sheep.

“We’re going to celebrate the history of sheep at Gulf Station but also to introduce a new breed of sheep that is new to Australia which is originally from Switzerland,” she said. “They’re known as the cutest sheep in the world. They’re called Valais Blacknose sheep and they’ve been gaining popularity in Australia.

“As well as those, we’re gonna have black and coloured sheep and some Babydoll sheep, all different rare and unusual breeds of sheep.”

There’ll be a shearing demonstration, working dog demonstration, market stalls and traditional handcrafts.

“The shearing demonstrations are actually going to be traditional blade shearings, so that should be very interesting to people,” Ms Leadbeater said.

“The lace guild and the embroidery guild are coming for the handcrafts.

“We’ve got people who will be selling fleece and wool. There’ll be food trucks and some activities for children as well.”

Gulf Station is a historic property which was originally part of a 25,000-acre piece of land from Yarra Glen to Toolangi.

It was established in the 1850s and farmed for nearly 100 years by the Bell family.

Gulf Station is one of the oldest and most intact examples of a pioneer farm complex in Australia which supplied produce to gold miners of the district.

The National Trust acquired stewardship of the property in 1976 and restored its buildings and cottage garden.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to join the festival and invite people along to learn about this property and the new breeds of sheep,” Ms Leadbeater said.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office on the day or online anytime at the National Trust website, nationaltrust.org.au/ahf_event/ fleece-fibre-fancywork

Gulf Station. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Valais Blacknose sheep.

New teen reading research

By Christine Yunn-Yu Sun

In September 2023, we reported the findings of the Australia Reads Research Review to help readers understand contemporary reading trends.

A non-profit organisation, Australia Reads promotes “the positive impacts of books and reading on our society”. Its mission is to “get more people reading more books, more often”.

Australia Reads recently released a new report from the “Teen Reading in the Digital Era” research project at Deakin University, which offers “insights into book discovery and reading for pleasure in Australian teens”. Here, “reading for pleasure” is defined as reading that “makes us happier, healthier, and more empathetic” and “helps us to make sense of ourselves”.

The “Discovering a Good Read” report is based on a survey of 13,217 Australian teenage readers from acrossVictoria, New SouthWales, Queensland and Western Australia between March 2022 and June 2023.

CARTOON

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Its findings show that those surveyed engage extensively with social media and video games.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, reading ranks low in the hierarchy of leisure activities for Australian secondary school students, with 25% not engaging it on a typical weekday during the school term.

When asked about the frequency with which they read for pleasure in a typical week during the school term, 29% of teenag-

A truly great horror movie

Late Night With The Devil

Starring David Dasmalchian, Ingrid Torelli and Ian Bliss

MA15+

4.5/5

Late Night With The Devil is an enthralling, ingenious horror film from Australian brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes.

In 1977, TV host Jack Delroy (David Dasmalchian) invites Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), a young girl supposedly possessed by a demon, and her doctor June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) onto his late-night talk show.

Late Night With The Devil superbly recreates the rowdy, sensational vibe of seventies late-night television, and Dasmalchian is fantastic as Jack Delroy, a charismatic showman who figuratively sells his soul for ratings. Torelli conveys a sweet, vulnerable yet subtly sinister persona as Lilly.

Ian Bliss is the rude voice of reason as Carmichael the Conjurer, a magician turned skeptic based on James Randi; not just a source of snarky commentary, Carmichael is a major player in the ever-worsening situation.

Late Night With The Devil features plenty of dry humour and a steady escalation of dread and intrigue.

The first act immediately catches us and Jack off-guard with startling turns, and the clever screenplay has you constantly ques-

tion whether Lilly’s demonic possession and other spooky phenomena are real or delusions, right until the ghastly climax.

This is a much better demonic possession-themed film than last year’s The Exorcist: Believer, but also the stylistic antithesis of Asteroid City (this is a weird comparison, but hear me out).

Like Asteroid City, Late Night With The Devil has layers of artifice, including a documentary framing device and the juxtaposition of colour and black-and-white behind-the-scenes footage, but still strives for realism and genuine tension, instead of Asteroid City’s self-sabotaging admission of fakeness.

A chilling, taut and tightly-written horror film, Late Night With The Devil is playing in mostVictorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

ers admit they don’t read books in their free time.

Meanwhile,amongthosesecondaryschoolers who do read, 73% mainly read print books, compared to 18% who read print books and ebooks equally and 10% who prefer using ebook readers.

In terms of genre, 58% prefer fiction, compared to 9% for non-fiction and 29% who enjoy both equally.

Interestingly, based on the frequency and time spent reading, as well as feelings about reading books for pleasure, the report identifies seven distinct reading clusters – Book Abstainer (33%), Casual Dabbler (16%), Fiction Fanatic (12%), Regular Bookworm (10%), Holiday Browser (10%), Sparse Reader (10), and Rushed Fans (9%).

A Book Abstainer is characterised as one who “doesn’t read books at all”, has “neutral to negative feelings about reading” and “rarely reads articles or blogs”.

Understandably, Book Abstainers are the

most active on social media.

They are also most likely to report that their friends’ reading habits closely match their own lack of engagement with books.

Indeed, important lessons may be learned from the reasons that Book Abstainers give for not reading.

These include: “I prefer doing other things”, “I don’t like reading”, “reading is not fun”, “it’s hard to find anything good to read”, “I read at school so I don’t want to read at home”, “I’m not very good at reading”, and “there are not many books about people like me”.

Finally, Australia Reads recommends seven ways to support teenagers in reading for pleasure, starting with allowing them to choose their own reading material.

While parents can help invest in school libraries and librarians, they themselves can also start reading and make it a social activity among family and friends. Parents can further carve out time in their busy life schedule for young people to read, especially during the holidays.

Comedy coming to Upwey

Burrinja Theatre

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Australia’s premier comedy roadshow is coming Upwey.

Australia’s biggest and best comedy spectacular is setting off on its 26th annual road trip around the country. Showcasing the finest talents from the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering a dose of laughter right on your doorstep.

Get ready for a well-deserved blast of comedy when the Roadshow hits the Burrinja stage! Season: Friday April 26 at 7.30pm.

Lilydale Athenaeum theatre

Still Alice Alice is a university professor on the verge of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The play takes the audience through such a deliberating time for the whole family until there is no hope. A very good production of such a subject.

The director, Alan Burrows has done wonderful job in the direction and co-design of the set, which consists of six square archways along each side ad at the stage rear, surmounted by black curtains.

The balance of the stage is furnished as a normal house but as Alice moves further along with Alzheimer’s the stage empties like her mind.Very effective.

Alice was played by wo ladies. As ;Alice Angela Glennie gave a stunning performance capturing the full fall throughout Alzheimer from the very beginning to the final scene.

A wonderful portrayal. Herself was played by Audrey-Maeve Barker, as Herself she was behind Alice answering some of the questions and telling Alice some of the answers.

A good performance. Kohn, Alice’s husband, was given a very good performance by Phil Lambert.

In his role he had to understand what Alice was going through, keep his own job while trying out for a new position, helping his adult children understand the reason that their mother id how she is.

A very good portrayal. Lachlan Glennie gave a great interpretation of Alice’s son Tom and also played Dean.

Not easy having two roles but Lachlan handled the characters with expertise. His sister Lydia, a budding actress, much to her mother’s discontent.

Francesca Carl t gave a very good performance in both roles as Lydia and as Beth. Fiona Carter was Alice’s Doctor Tamara. Fiona captured the character as envisaged adding to the high standard of the production. Ian Frost was Dr Davis, who found that Alice was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Ian caught the feel of such a character giving a good portrayal in the role.

A wonderful evening of theatre which closes April 26. Don’t miss it.

The Basin Theatre

Berlin

Tom is an Australian abroad, Charlotte is a Berliner through and through.

After meeting in a bar, sparks fly between

Kemp’s curtain call

them and she invites him to spend the night at her place.

The Basin set was audience left a kitchen and audience right was the lounge room with a central sofa. There were stairs up to the bedroom and on the wall of the staircase was hanging a painting.

A two hander with Charlotte played by Anatasia Sidorova andTom played by AaronWilson.

Both actors gave credible performances but sometimes it was a little hard to hear. Tom was stabbed in the arm but unfortunately, he carried on the rest of the play as if nothing happed.

A little disappointing as it appeared to be a severe wound but there was no blood (which could have been added) and he did not appear to suffer greatly.

Overall it is an interesting play and was enjoyed by the Friday night audience.

Eltham Little Theatre

The Peppercorn Tree Set in 1993 suburban Melbourne, The Peppercorn Tree tells the story of Jonah Clarke who during an early morning raid inWorldWar iiTobruk, makes a split second decision with repercussions that grew to overshadow his life and future relationships.

ELT had its foyer decorated to suit the play with many Rembrance day poppies across the wall with a peppercorn tree in the middle surmounted by a digger’s hat.

The stage was set as a lounge room of a house suiting the period.

The furnishings were an hospital bed, Behind it was a window looking out to a wonderful reproduction of a peppercorn tree. Audience right was the entrance door and on the side was a door leading to the kitchen.

There was some shall we say off language which suited the character and the role.

Jonah Clarke was played by Rowan Francis who really captured the soul of the character. A wonderful portrayal and one not to forget.

His second wife, Grace, was given a stirling understanding performance by Genevieve Ryan. Genevieve caught the essence of the second wife and worked well with Rowan Francis.

Zoe Pilgrim played by Hannah Bolt was the biographer trying to write Jonah’s story. A good and sympathetic portrayal.

Michael Clarke, Jonah’s son by his first wife was played byWarrick Smith.

Another great performance adding to the high standard of the production. |Then through the window we had Evelyn (Evie) Clarke, Jonah’s first wife who appeared as a ghost, great makeup and costuming with a good performance.

A good evening of theatre with a few laughs, poignancy and memopries.

GORGEOUS CLEARED FLAT ACRE WITH DUAL ACCOMMODATION PROPERTY

GORGEOUS CLEARED FLAT ACRE ACCOMMODATION

THIS outstanding property with wrap around verandah is bursting with potential. Bring the whole family with the dual accommodation, perfect for the older parents or teenage children. Or consider the Bed & Breakfast (STCA) or income potential (STCA) from the second dwelling.

This home is ideally positioned in the heart of Avonsleigh on a flat acre with manicured established gardens. Within a fully fenced block with electric gates, is this much loved home that has recently been painted externally, and cleverly updated internally in both the main home and second residence.

The main home offers period charm with polished floor boards, dado paneling, brick fireplace, as well as an inset wood heater, 900mm gas stove, farm sink, and modern conveniences of ducted gas heating and split system air conditioning. There are three charming bedrooms in the main residence and 3 living areas or 2 living and a fourth bedroom option to enjoy. The master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe, ceiling fan, and ensuite with walk in shower and toilet, whilst the further two bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom complete with a shower over the bath.

Then access the second dwelling from the wrap around verandah to find a fully self-contained home. Step inside to discover an open plan kitchen and living space. The kitchen is equipped with stone benchtops, corner pantry, and stainless steel dishwasher. There is a master bedroom with a ceiling fan & built in wardrobe & direct access to the deck. There is a handy European laundry and then a bathroom with walk in shower and toilet.

Externally there is plenty of storage and carparking, with a double carport, a shed, and then a double garage with a single carport. There is also a large fully lined American barn (7m*11m) with remote roller door entry, insulated roof, mezzanine, concrete floor, power and lights. Added to all of these features is 1.6kW of solar and this property is walking distance to the local school and public bus stops, Avonsleigh General Store and Bam Bams restaurant. This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

CLASSIC 1920’S ARCHITECTURE, CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCE

THIS beautiful reimaging of a classic 1920’s home on 1/4 acre creates a synergy of past and present with architectural elements as a backdrop to modern family design. From the front porch to the back deck and everything in between has been designed and remastered with purpose and to a high standard.

As you enter 10 ft ceilings give you the grandeur of days gone by, then you take in the sophistication of the contemporary interior and know this home is something special.

Featuring:

· 4 bedrooms or 3 and a formal lounge

· The master – private and spacious – full rain shower ensuite and BIR’s Luxurious bathroom – soaking tub - rain shower – stone topped dual vanitycustomized lighting, heated towel rails and auto fans

· A state of the art, white and bright kitchen awaits and will delight the avid chefs of the family. Abundant cabinetry and quality appliances. The living and dining room, with wood fire will be the ‘meeting place’ of the home, family comes together to eat, relax, and chat about the day.

· An attic is a fabulous ‘extra’ space, gaming room, theatre, office, yoga/meditation, even a library the choice is yours.

· A huge laundry completes the home. Oak laminate flooring, new carpets, NBN, data networked, ducted heating, wood fire, split system

Outdoors: Useable and fenced 1051m2, established gardens and lush fernery

· A four-car remote garage, rear access, and interior access into the home

· Sealed driveway

A front porch, perfect for morning coffee Spacious covered rear deck with views across Gembrook Shed, power and wood store

Location:

· Perfect location, just opposite the Primary School, walk into town for a coffee and cake, dinner, also bush walks and trail rides nearby, also 15 minutes to Pakenham rail connections, a bus stop nearby.

Country lifestyle in contemporary splendour. Nothing left to do except unpack, this home offers the ultimate convenience for busy buyers seeking a hassle-free transition. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

WALK TO GEMBROOK AND ENJOY THE GARDEN

THIS lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is positioned just a short stroll from the main street, yet is private and low maintenance. With the Puffing Billy Train Station, playgrounds, primary school, restaurants, IGA and other amenities just moments away.

With a welcoming flower filled front garden, and two separate driveway entries, there are plenty of possibilities with this home. Bring your caravan and enjoy the off street parking between adventures.

The home is well designed with an open plan kitchen/lounge/dining room that enjoys views out to the back garden and has a split system air conditioner. The kitchen is well equipped with a gas stove, oven and a butler’s pantry.

The master bedroom enjoys its own split system air conditioner, built in wardrobes and ensuite. There are two further bedrooms both with built in wardrobes. There is a welcoming family bathroom with a shower and a separate bath. Whilst there is ducted heating throughout the home and plenty of natural light.

Outside is delight in the fully fenced backyard. The manicured garden and lawn is tranquil with an array of fruit trees. There is also a security system with alarm and cameras, and sensor lighting at the front of the home.

This home is a must to see.

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

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

2BellbirdCrescent,Emerald$900,000 -$980,000

SunfilledFamilyHomeonapprox.2/3ofanAcre!

Thishomeoffers 4bedrooms, 2livingareas,anopenplankitchen &diningarea, astudy &a doublecarport!Thehomesprawlsoversplitlevelliving& offersgasductedheatingthroughout.The loungeroomhasitsownentry& thereare 2bedrooms&astudytotherearofthehome.Thekitchen isafloodedwithlight &hasplentyofroomfora diningtable.Thereisanotherbedroom &thefamily bathroomadjoiningthekitchen/diningarea.Continuedownstairstothestunningloungeroomwith woodfireheater,plentyofstorage, &viewsouttothegreenery.Themasterbedroomwithfloorto ceilingglasswindows,WIR, &anensuite,flowsfromtheloungeroom.Thelounge &masterbedroom haveaccesstothedeckwhichhasviewstoWrightsforest.Thispropertyislocatedjustover5mins drivetotheheartofEmeraldtownship.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

430Belgrave-GembrookRoad,Gembrook $1,450,000 -$1,550,000

SolidBrickHome,Views, &Over35AcresofClearedLand!

Thispropertyoffersthepurchaser afantasticopportunity!Anidealsizefor aboutiquefarm,hobby farm,orjusttoenjoyprivacyasyousoakinthegorgeousviews.The3 bedroom,2 bathroomsolid brickhomeispositionedwellbackfromtheroadandhasanidealviewinglocationforthePuffing BillyRailwayLine.TheMasterbedroomhasanensuite,whilstthefurthertwobedroomsareserviced bythefamilybathroom.Thereis alargekitchen,withspaceforyourdiningtable,andthekitchen flowstotheloungeroom.Thereisalso ahandymudroomtotherearofthehomewithit’sowntoilet. Externallyis agreatshedwithtwoopenbays,andthenanenclosedshedwith3 phasepower.There isalso asinglecarporttotherearofthehomewithconcreteflooranda light,aswellas afurther shedtotherearofthehome.

AaronDay M 0407365994

9SeaviewStreet,Emerald

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

NestledinEmeraldisthisDelightful &SpaciousHomeonapprox.3.5acres! Thishomeis adelightwithit’scirculardriveway &grandlobbywith abifurcatedstaircase.This homehasa formaldiningroom,& expansivekitchenwithnaturalgraniteisland &semi-integrated dishwasher,1200mmDoubleFalconOven&awalkinpantry.Thereisa bedroomnearthefrontof thehomewitha WIR& BIR.Thereisalsoa familybathroomwith acornerspabath& shower.On thisflooris acosyloungeroom,witha woodfire &a splitsystemACenjoyingviewsouttothewrap aroundverandah.Downstairsisa kidsrumpusroom &storagearea.Upstairsare 3largebedrooms(2 withBIRs).Themasterbedroomhasa WIR& ensuite.Thishomehasductedheating,a semi-fenced paddock,a gardenshed,establishedgardens,andlovelynaturalbushareaincluding aseasonal creek!

BethanySullivan M 0438844968

39MainStreet,Gembrook

$780,000 -$850,000

Opportunity,ViewsandIdealLocationAwaitWithThisCharmingCottage! ThismixedzoningpropertylocatedontheGembrookMainStreetisdirectlyoppositetheGembrook PrimarySchool &offersviewstotheWarburtonRanges.Renovatethe2 bedroom,1 bathroomminers cottagewithwelcomingfrontverandah,ordemolish& buildyourdreamhomeorbusiness(STCA)on this1051sqmallotment.Situatedbehind amaintainedhedge,therearetwodriveways,allowingfor plentyofoff-streetparking.Thehomeitselfhas acosyfrontverandah& leadlightfeaturefrontdoor. Enterthehometodiscoverthefrontloungeroomwithopenwoodfire.Thereis amasterbedroom andthenflowthroughtothekitchenwithfreestandingwoodfireandelectricstove/oven.Then discover asecondbedroom.Totherearofthehomeisa generouslaundry,bathroomwith ashower overbath,andmudroom/secondsittingarea.Externallythereisa shedinthefullyfencedrearyard.

KarenPeele M 0419430950

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE ON YOUR 6 ACRES

IF you have been dreaming of that rare small acreage holding (25,124 sqm approx.) close to town, this could be the one.

A large family home that offers huge living rooms, feature fireplace and combustion wood fires. A real chief’s kitchen with central island bar, dishwasher, 900 stainless steel cooker and ample cupboard space. Four or five bedrooms or home office/kids toy room. All well serviced by three bathrooms. Outside has been ideally set up for the contractor seeking massive parking and shedding as you can even drive right around the house with ease for trucks/excavator and machinery parking. A high span 15m x 9m barn - (with loft storage plus secure safe room), a 9m x 4.2m garage and an 8.7m x 3.7m workshop will cater for all your needs and more! The land is approximately half cleared and divided into several paddocks, two dams with resident ducks and the balance being a beautiful backdrop of natural rainforest with visiting bush wallabies, echidnas and of course native birdlife that love to be fed on the deck. Also, there is a three-pen chook house or it could be used for sheep and goat shelter if you wish. Land is suitable for farm animals but not a horse or pony. With a location that feels like you’re in the country, yet Belgrave township and train station are only a 5 minute drive away via a made road. With an easy commute to the city with Wellington Road not far and yet still enjoy the sweet sound of Puffing Billy’s whistle through the ‘Hills’.

If you have dreamed about your ‘Tree Change’ enough, now you can make it come true. ●

4.5ACresOFYOUrLIFesTYLedreAMAWAITs!

Thispropertyissuretopiqueyourinterest.Accessedbya sealedroad,hasgoodfencing, ashedand adam.Thegentleslopinglandwhichismostlyclearedhas asmallpocket ofbush -readyandwaitingfora ponyortwo.Theresidenceisfullofcharacterwith highceilings,polishedfloorboards,sashwindows,a lovelyveranda, alight &bright contemporarykitchen,lounge/dining,ductedheating,wood fire,splitsystem,underfloor insulation,mainswaterandgas.hasroomandscopetoextendforfuturerequirements.

JanetHawkins 0409117432

ErinDavies 0493136937

Featuringa flat ½acre (2,353 sqm)blockwith anortherly aspectcaptivatingall-day sunshine.This fabulous location hasbeautifulvalleyviews,issurroundedbyqualityhomes, andcanaccommodate off-streetparkingfor multiple cars.Theopportunity exists to renovate andoffersgoodfoundations withnewsteel& concretestumps andother features include A/C, awood fire,downstairsunit/livingpotential,walkingdistance to a primaryschoolandbusstopwitheasyaccessto shops,trainstationandservices. 3

JanBrewster 0409558805

Thisdream‘Getaway’offersyoucompleteprivacyandstunningsunsetsonthehorizon. Theearthymudbrickhomesitson3,591sqmandhasbeencompletelyupdated/ renovatedandfeaturestwolivingrooms,modernbathrooms,qualitykitchenappliances central combustion woodfire&twosplitsystems.hugeterracedoutdoor livingspaces, veggiegarden,doublecarportandthreestoragesheds.Only aminute’swalktothebus stop, 7minutedrive toUpperFerntreeGullytrain,shoppingcentre&the ‘1000steps’walk.

studynook,twolargefencedpaddocks,doublegarage,3 bay7.5mx 10.5mshedwith mezzanine &power.MinutestoGembrookTownship,a shortdrivetoPakenham& rail connections,trailrides,hikes& adventurestobehadexploringthebushandsurrounds.

20 ACRES, HOME AND HORSE FACILITIES

WELCOME to your own slice of paradise, nestled on a picturesque 20-acre property, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. This is much more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for the discerning buyer seeking tranquility and space.

Embrace the beauty of nature with sprawling pastures, majestic gums and serene landscapes; float in a picturesque spring fed dam nestled in the light bushland, where the wildlife freely roam and enjoy their own peaceful life as well.

The charming 3 bedroom farmhouse showcases a newly renovated kitchen, bathroom and laundry, that perfectly blends contemporary style with rustic charm. And you will experience the delight of rural living with a spacious verandah and large undercover decked entertaining area, ideal for hosting gatherings or simply unwinding amidst the tranquility of nature.

Calling all horse lovers! This property boasts a 50 x 20 arena and round yard providing ample space for training and riding. Additionally, there are multiple paddocks for grazing and the spring fed dam ensures a constant water supply. Your equine companions can also be pampered with a hot wash and a rest in the stables ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.

Get your hands dirty in the workshop and shed, perfect for housing all the tools and farm equipment, and you can get a glimpse into the property’s history with the original Circa 1915 barn, providing endless possibilities for restoration or repurposing.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a hobby farm, or a haven for your beloved horses, this property is set to tick all the boxes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own your own piece of paradise where you can let your dreams unfold in this idyllic countryside setting. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

7MargaretCourt,Millgrove

GreatViewswithSpaceandPrivacy

$540,000-$590,000

Perchedaboveandoverlookingthepicturesquevalleyandmountainviewsthisneatfamilyhome isjusttheplacetobe.Boasting3 goodsizedbedrooms,freshmodern,openplankitchenwith amplebenchandcupboardspace,thespaciouslightfilledlounge/livingareawithlargewindowsis perfectlysituatedtotakefulladvantageandadmiretheeverchangingviews.Outsideoffersample spacewithestablishedgardens,workshopandstorageareaandeasyaccesswithplentyofspace forcars,trailersandcaravans.Ideallysituatedon ahugeblockofjustover900sqmthere’splenty ofroomtoenjoyandexplore, aneatfamilyhomein apicturesquelocationwithgreatspacefor everyonetoenjoy.

DavidCarroll

6ParkRoad,Warburton$600,000-$660,000

CharacterlivinginParkroad,thelocationtobe!

Thischarmingweatherboardhomeisanidealchoiceforweekendgetawaysordownsizing. Boasting 2bedroomsplusa study/ 3rdbedroom,itoffersflexibilitytosuityourlifestyle.Theopen plankitchenfeaturesamplenaturallight,a spaciousgasoven, acozywoodfire,andceilingfans throughoutforyearroundcomfort.Themainbedroomoffersgenerousstorage,whiletheupdated bathroomincludes avanity,showerandtoilet.Thecharacterhomecomeswiththecomfortof recentrenovationsincludingnewroof,weatherboardsreplacedjusttoname afewofthemajor improvements.Outside,thehighlightisthedeckwithcafeblindsandbreathtakingmountainviews. With afullyfenced,lowmaintenanceyardandconvenientaccesstothemainstreet,waterpark, Yarrariverwalk,andallthedelightsofWarburton,thishomeoffersbothcomfortandconvenience.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection:

12BrettRoad,Warburton$740,000-$800,000

EnchantingHomeon ½acrewithMountainViews

Thistwostorycharacterhomeboaststhreebedroomsandtwobathrooms,offering adelightful retreatamidststunningmountainvistas.Nestledon ageneroushalfacreblock,it’sideallysituated. Thegroundlevelhoststwobedroomsalongside amainbathroom,gracedwithhighceilingsand decorativecornices.Theupdatedkitchenis aculinaryhaven,boastinga stylishbreakfastbar,ample benchspace,and adelightfulwindowoverlookingthelushgarden.Stepoutsideontothegorgeous deckarea,perfectforalfrescodiningwhilesoakinginthepicturesquesurroundings.Downstairs, aspaciousrumpusareaawaits,andmainbedroomcompletewithanensuiteandbuiltinrobe. Outside,themeticulouslylandscapedgardensburstwithcolour,adornedwithcharmingshadetrees scatteredthroughouttheproperty,creatinga sereneoasistocallhome.

19ReeftonDrive,McMahonsCreek

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$600,000-$660,000

Nestledonoverhalfanacreofpicturesqueland,justa short15minutedrivefromthevibranttrendy townofWarburtonandboastingfrontagetothesereneMcMahonsCreek,thischarming,solidmud brickhomeofferstheultimateweekendescapeorrefugefromthehustleandbustle.Therustic kitchen,completewith astunningwoodburningstove,ensureswarmthandcomfort,complemented byaninvitingopenfireandefficientwoodheater.Additionalhighlightsinclude aspaciouslaundry area,a quaintbathroomwithshoweroverbath,and alargeundercoverentertaining/storagespace attherearofthehome.ThehighlightisundoubtedlythebreathtakingviewofMcMahonsCreek, whetheradmiredthroughtheexpansivewindowswhilerelaxingbythetoastyopenfireorsavoured fromtheshadeofthefrontveranda.Seizetheopportunitytoownyourownsliceofparadise!

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8HardyStreet,SELBY

$620,000 -$680,000

NestledontheedgeofSherbrookeForestwithbeautifulwalkingtrailsclosebyandthe soundofPuffingBillyintheneardistance,thisbrickveneer,threebedroomhomeis positionedperfectlyforboth apeacefullifestyleandeasyaccesstobothBurwoodHwy andWellingtonRoad.Completewithlargeshed/garageandsealeddriveway,the propertyiswelldesignedwithgreataccessforanytradieandwithyourgreatideas.

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1689BurwoodHighway,BelgraveVIC3160

www.chandlerandco.com.au

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PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

SPORT

Monash out-hoops Lilydale

By John Thomson

On Monday 15 April the Lilydale Croquet Division 1 Level Play team hosted the team from Monash.

The morning started out with a bit of patchy fog, but it wasn’t long before the sun broke through and dried the dew off the court making for a perfect day for croquet.

This week’s Division 1 team consisted of John Thomson, Murray Howlett and Craig McCracken.

The first game was the doubles and John Thomson and Murray Howlett teamed up. The game fluctuated back and forth with Lilydale getting a slight break only to see Monash come back and even up the game. At the twelfth hoop the score was six hoops each, with the thirteenth to be played to decide a winner. This hoop was hard fought with both sides intent on clearing their opponents balls away, eventually Lilydale got a break and ran the hoop. Lilydale 7 hoops to Monash 6 hoops.

Craig McCracken played in the first of the singles. This game was extremely hard fought with both players going hoop for hoop. Again, as in the doubles after twelve hoops had been played the scores were even at six hoops a piece, so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide a winner. The Monash player set up better and was able to run the hoop to win the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

In the next singles it was Murray Howlett to play. Murray unfortunately got off to a slow start and was having trouble settling into the game, his Monash opponent took full advantage of this and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop.

At the break it was Monash 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 14 hoops. With only two singles games to come, Lilydale had the job in front of them.

In the first game after the break, it was John Thomson to play. This game again was close, then John got a bit of a break only to see the Monash play come back again and level the scores. After twelve hoops the scores were six hoops a piece so again the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner. Both players were intent on clearing one another’s balls away from the hoop until John made a mistake and the Monash player ran the hoop. Monash 7 hoops Lilydale 6 hoops.

In the last singles Craig McCracken was playing. Craig got away to a good start and was able to build a lead early in the game and then not let his opponent settle into the game. Lilydale 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops.

The final scores for the game Monash 3 games 31 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 27 hoops.

In Division 2 this week, the team travelled to Monash. Although this game was scheduled as a home game for Lilydale they could not play at home as Lilydale only has the one court and the division one team were playing at home, so Lilydale division two team had to play away. One day hopefully the Lilydale Croquet Club will have more than one court and this anomaly will be a thing of the past.

The Division 2 team comprised Alan Jones,

Kerri McCracken and Drew Pawley.

In the doubles Alan Jones and Kerri McCracken played. Alan and Kerri started slowly trying to adjust to the vagaries of the Monash court. The Monash pair using their home ground advantage were playing well and went onto win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

In the first of the singles Alan Jones was playing. This game was tight with both players playing well and after the twelfth hoop the scores were six hoops each. The thirteenth hoop was played with Alan Jones prevailing to win 7 hoops to Monash 6 hoops.

In the next singles Drew Pawley was playing. The Monash player started well and built up a buffer, Drew was trying to fight back but the early break that the Monash player had

built up was just a bit much. Monash 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Monash 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 14 hoops. Lilydale needed to win the remaining two singles games to win the day.

Kerri McCracken played first. Once again, the vagaries of the Monash courts were coursing the Lilydale players some problems. The Monash player was making the most of the home court advantage and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

Monash had now won the day with one singles game to be played.

Drew Pawley took to the court in the last game. The Monash player took an early break and was able to build on this during the game. Monash went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop.

Final scores were Monash 4 games 34 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 18 hoops.

There were no games in the handicap competition for Lilydale this week as Lilydale had a bye.

Clarke and Rice perform at Australian Championships

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes were in action at the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships in Adelaide last week. Events for athletes from U13 through to U18 age groups made for a busy week of athletics.

Zoe Clarke competed in the U16 Girls 800m. Zoe ran a fantastic race in a very tough heat, missing qualification to the final running 2.26.06.

Brigette Rice was competing in the Women U18 3000m and 1500m finals. Brigette ran a brave race in her 3000m to record 10.41.98. She backed up the following day in the 1500m running a solid race to record 4.49.22

Our Saturday morning cross country season got under way on Saturday morning. Heavy fog over Lilydale Lake made for an interesting start to the day. A good turnout of athletes and parents made for a fun morning of cross country. Results will be available later in the week.

This coming Saturday will be at Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream for round 2.Warm up at 8.45am with the first event starting at 9.00am. Anyone able to help with course set up (from 7.30am), timing, recording or pack up please contact the club on info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or let us know on Saturday.

Opening round of the Athletics Victoria XCR season is this coming weekend. YRA has entered several teams and look forward to opening the season with some good results.

Cross country training for all club mem-

bers us on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic. org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics. org.au for information about events and registration. Cross Country is here!

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

Brigette Rice competing for Victoria.

Lily and Adele finishing their race at the opening round of YRA Cross Country.

John Thomson played a strong singles game against Monash but the final hoop gave the opponent the win. 337352 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Alan Jones took the 13th hoop against his Monash opponent winning his singles round. 337352

Barkers win derby

By Peter Stephenson

Knoxfield’s Egan Lee Reserve was the venue on Saturday as Barkers (7th) visited Knox City (10th) in round 4 of State 2 South-East. JohnPaul Cooper, Christian Porcaro and Ryan Smith replaced Nick Andrejic, Ahren Angulo and Sean Perrin from the side that lost 1-5 at home to Peninsula Strikers.

Barkers were quick out of the blocks, Ross Clark and Daniel Aye set up Geordie Scott to hit a neat opening goal, to keep up his record of scoring in every game he’s played this year. Knox hit straight back as they cut through Barkers too easily, allowing an unmarked Anton Nardella to equalise – 1-1 with less than 5 minutes on the clock.

This unsettled Barkers a little, and a Clark tackle on Peter Koskos won Knox a soft freekick at the edge of the penalty area. Koskos took it himself and hit a low shot which Mark Naumowicz held. The hosts kept Naumowicz busy when a Nardella shot was blocked with his chest, then Knox were clear again, but Smith laid a great tackle to clear. On 25 minutes, a long Knox ball was chased by Koskos, but Naumowicz was out quickly to clear.

Having survived Knox’s best efforts, Barkers gained the upper hand. Ben Cooper sprayed the ball to Clark, who eventually beat his marker and squared for Scott, who was closed down by a defender. Then Scott dribbled the ball across to Aye, who cut in and had a shot blocked by Knox keeper Matthew Krstina. The ensuing corner from the left was played out to Clark, who drilled a peach of a shot into the bottom corner to restore Barkers’ lead at 2-1. Barkers now dominated until the break. Aye went on a mazy run beating at least 3 men. His shot was cleared to Steve Nittoli, whose shot ballooned into the stratosphere. Knox replied with a cross from the right to the far post, where a forward’s shot curled wide. Just before the break, Clark, Aye and J-P.Cooper combined to set up Scott, whose far post shot was blocked. Half-time: Knox City 1-2 Mooroolbark.

Four minutes into the second half, a Knox throw on the left was worked across to Nardella. He had time to line his shot up, but it went over. Knox had more possession for a while, but then Barkers broke when B.Cooper calmly

booted the ball upfield to Aye. He fed Scott, who in turn put the ball through for Clark. Clark went down in the box, and after the assistant’s intervention, Barkers had a penalty. Scott took the kick, but Krstina saved well. The ball rebounded to the onrushing Scott, who comfortably hit the ball home for 3-1.

Barkers then had to soak up more Knox attacks, before Aye and J-P.Cooper built a lovely passing move, though no shot ensued. Next, Clark rifled in a cross from the right. Scott controlled the ball well and laid back for Aye, who hit a low shot just wide. On 70 minutes, Aye brought the ball out of defence to J-P.Cooper. He hit an absolutely gorgeous first-time ball into the path of Scott, who just lost out in a foot race with a defender.

By now, Brett Tronconi had got his calculator out and realised Scott’s 31 career goals had eclipsed his own 30. Something had to be done. J-P.Cooper hit a corner from the right, and you know the rest. Tronconi – leaps like a

salmon – goal – 4-1. Knox tried in vain to get back into the game, but time ran out after Mateusz Kurzeja hit a long shot over the bar. Fulltime: Knox City 1-4 Mooroolbark.

Although they took an early lead, Barkers’ start was a bit shaky. Once they built confidence, the result wasn’t really in doubt. Smith had a very assured game at the back, probably the best of a number of good displays on the day.

The reserves ground out a 0-0 draw, while men’s thirds and over 35s lost. Junior winners on the first day were boys under 14B (3-0 v Malvern), boys U14D (7-4 v East Kew), boys U13B (3-0 v Manningham), boys U12B (14-0 v Doncaster), girls U14 (13-4 v Darebin) and girls U13 (5-3 v Manningham).

Next week, the men visit Greater Dandenong (WJ Turner Reserve, Noble Park North, Saturday 1pm and 3pm) and the women host Albert Park (esther Park, Friday 8.30pm). See you down the Kennel!

Women’s Cougar fever rains over Ringwood

KILSYTH SENIOR WOMAN

Round 1

Kilsyth v Ringwood

Final scores: Ringwood 0.2.2, Kilsyth 8.21.69

After what feels like the longest preseason ever the Kilsyth Football Club’s woman’s team headed across to Jubilee Park on Saturday to take on Ringwood for their first game in Division 2.

Fair to say there was a lot of nerves in the change rooms as the new look team prepared for their first game together. The team worked hard with Maya George playing an outstanding four quarter game to kick them off with a great first win.

The game was an evenly balanced team effort with hard tackling and great numbers around the ball, Kilsyth’s new players contributed effectively with Broady marking strongly at half forward.

Shae Dale continued her solid efforts through the midfield and up forward and Hayley Jackson and Emily Van Veen contributed through the middle.

The Ringwood girls worked hard all day and never gave up so the team looks forward to some good games against them this season. Great start to the season and plenty to look forward to for the Kilsyth Cougars.

Congrats to Abbey Bentley playing her 50th game.

Best players: Maya George, Harley Jackson, Shae Dale, Emily van Veen

KILSYTH SENIOR MEN

Round 3

Kilsyth FC v Nunawading FC

Final scores: Nunawading 11.11.77, Kilsyth 13.22.100

On a difficult ground to play on, Nunawading were up for the contest in what was a great day to play football. It was great to see our

group’s resilience and to once again respond when challenged, it gives the group great belief moving through the season.

For the second game in a row Jacob Moschetti led from the front with his contested ground ball and creativity, along with Ryan McNay’s explosive run and energy at the stoppages.

The defensive group held strong on the small ground and Cooper Foley kept to his task

holding one of Nunawading’s key forwards to a small return for the day.

Mackinley Ayton was once again providing great drive from the middle, with Sean Currey turning the clock back and presenting a headache for Nunawading when forward of the footy.

Missing far too many opportunities in front of goals and having 40 scoring shots to 20 for the day, coupled with Nunawading’s ability to run both offensively and defensively, certainly challenged the group’s commitment to the contest. But Kilsyth showed even when things don’t seem to be working and going their way, they can still find a way to win. That is truly the mark of a good team.

Best players: Ryan McNay, Sean Currey, Mackinley Ayton, Jacob Moschetti, Cooper Foley, Declan Lamb.

Barkerettes stage solid comeback

By Peter Stephenson

A mild Friday evening at Esther Park saw the start of Barkerettes’ State 3 East campaign, and the first-ever visit of Collingwood City. Alizah Jones replaced Simone Otto in a youthful starting lineup.

Barkers began on the offensive, but were caught napping after only three minutes when a long shot from Brianne Buckingham gave City an early lead. Five minutes later, City conceded a freekick well within Kelly Butera’s range, but she hit the ball over. On the quarter hour, City broke quickly and Hannah Robinson executed a good lob from distance to make it 2-0 to the visitors. The balance of play, though, was such that you felt Barkers were down, but not out.

Sure enough, halfway through the half, Barkers’ pressure won a penalty for a push. Captain Butera dispatched the spot kick comfortably to pull Barkers back to 2-1 down and it was game on. The introduction of Amy D’Ortenzio from the bench posed a new challenge for City keeper LeRae Sandy, but one which she met well, making good saves from D’Ortenzio and Rebecca Brown before the break. Half-time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Collingwood City with all to play for.

The second half was mostly oneway traffic as Barkers pummelled City without breaking through. Around the hour mark Barkers created chance after chance. Brown and Jones set up D’Ortenzio, who hit a shot narrowly wide. Then D’Ortenzio turned and shot, forcing a good block from Sandy. Next it was Emily Stokes going on a solo run to shoot past the post. Barkers were winning a lot of corners, but were shooting from too far out to trouble Sandy.

Meanwhile, the clock was ticking down – would Barkers come back? There were only 13 minutes left when, after a brief period of Collingwood pressure, with which the Barkers defence coped well, Stokes again raced away down the right and hit the ball from an acute angle, finally beating Sandy to make it 2-2. Surely now only one team was going to win it?

Seven minutes from time, Barkers won yet another corner on the right. Butera crossed, and the ball fell to Brown, who hit a crisp first-time shot into the net to complete what seemed an inevitable comeback. The game wasn’t over, though – more than once keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio had to be decisive and race off her line to clear, but Barkers saw out the game to grab the points in an exciting start to the season.

Full-time: Mooroolbark 3-2 Collingwood City.

Abbey Bentley played her 50th game for the Cougars in the opening round of the season.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Kilsyth’s senior men took on Nunawading in round 3 seeing them win by 23 points.

Barkers saw out the game to grab the points in an exciting start to the season.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Next week, the men visit Greater Dandenong (WJ Turner Reserve, Noble Park North, Saturday 1pm and 3pm) and the women host Albert Park (esther Park, Friday 8.30pm). See you down the Kennel! Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Sam Failla ...............................................................36