Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 29th April 2025

Saluting the fallen

By Mikayla van Loon

Commemorations for Anzac Day were held right across the Yarra Ranges, seeing hundreds turn out to a local services to pay tribute to the fallen men and women who have served Australia over time.

Lilydale’s dawn service was again met with an enormous crowd, filling Ralph Goode Reserve and Maroondah Highway to honour and remember.

It saw local veteran Jason Issac speak on the long term challenges that veterans face in the transition back to civilian life post-service and the immensely positive impact a supportive community can have on ex-service personnel.

In Montrose, a Year 6 student astonished with her speech and reflections as a young person, understanding the importance of carrying on the Anzac legacy.

“It is important that the younger generation like myself realise that our way of life and freedom came at a very high price and cannot be taken for granted and that many thousands of Australians died in warfare,” Jordan said.

At Mooroolbark, local stories of those lost in war were told to highlight the sacrifice made by many people in the community.

The names that fill the plaques in all towns throughout the Yarra Ranges have stories, families and lost potential because of their sacrifice during a war in years gone by.

With 2025 marking many milestones and anniversaries, this carried across all services and was marked by each town in their own significant way.

To see Star Mail’s coverage, turn to pages 8 to 12

Two Girl Guides place the tribute to all nurses who served at the base of the Montrose cenotaph. (Mikayla van Loon: 474267)

An army cadet stands at attention as the Australian flag is carried by the breeze at the Lilydale dawn service. ( 474152)

Do you know how to make your vote count?

Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025

It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.

On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:

• a green one for the House of Representatives

• a large white one for the Senate.

On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.

On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.

Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.

Campaign transformation

By Mikayla van Loon

The influence of younger voters at this election may not only be seen at the ballot box but has already shifted the way campaigns are run, according to Monash University’s head-of-politics.

Political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian said the growing use of non-traditional media in campaigns is a sign of the gradual demographic change, where social media would have once been seen “as a bit of a novelty”.

“The generational shift is obviously the significant thing that’s happening in Australian politics, and it’s going to play out at this general election,” he said.

“We’ve already started to see shifts occur over successive elections, in particular with how the major parties and all candidates really have been campaigning.

“Certainly the use of social media, the use of online platforms, the use of technology through targeted strategic messages, has been the feature of this election, and it does reflect not just a change in the demographic and the voting age population, but also changes in developments in technology.”

Leaders appearing on podcasts and designing strategic social media outputs has evolved into the norm for 2025 because these platforms form “part of everyone’s daily routine”.

Previously this would have been classed as a tactic, “taking them out of their comfort zone in the pursuit of votes”, Dr Ghazarian said.

But as Millennials and Gen Z voters overtake as the dominant voting bloc, comprising 47 per cent of eligible voters, Dr Ghazarian said the diversion from major political party candidates is “really hitting hard in the House of Representatives contest”.

This trend first appeared in the Senate some 40 odd years ago but overtime has diverged into the lower house as well.

“We’re seeing voters open and having an appetite for voting for non major party candidates, and often these candidates are attracting support because they have a very specific policy agenda which they are advancing,” he said.

Dr Ghazarian said research on “what motivates young voters to vote the way they do” shows that it is not linear, that “young voters are not a homogenous bloc”.

“They have different reasons about their voting choices. So there are young people, for example, who will pay very little attention. They have very little time for politics, and will cast their vote, sometimes essentially making a speedy choice.

“But then there are those first time voters who will spend a lot of time looking at what policies are on offer, what values are afflicted by the candidates, and make their voting choice accordingly.”

Released in early April, Monash University’s Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) in partnership with The Y and Redbridge Group conducted a study exploring the top five issues for young voters.

Titled 2025 Federal Election: Insights from the Australian Youth Barometer, the report found that housing affordability ranked number one, followed by employment and finances; climate change; inequality and discrimination; and lastly health and mental health.

“These striking findings should raise alarm bells demanding urgent policy responses in this year’s election,” lead author of the report, Professor Lucas Walsh, said.

“This election is the first where Gen Z and Millennials outnumber older generations in every state and territory.

“Their needs reflect many key concerns of Australians in general, but these Australians are inheriting not only the weight of greater voting influence, but also disproportionate challenges related to affordable accommodation, work and climate change.”

Dr Ghazarian said with “so much emphasis placed on cost of living” he believes “it’s possibly even eclipsed climate change as the top order issue”.

“(Cost of living) has been a hallmark or a characteristic of this campaign, and that’s tied very closely to things such as housing affordability, housing availability, the general state of the economy and how young people in particular are going to be, firstly, buying a house or renting, and how they’re going to be able to afford those mortgage repayments or rent payments into the future.

“So these have been at the forefront of the political debate, and we’ve seen how the parties have responded, the major parties, in particular, as well as other parties, have really been talking about cost of living, housing affordability and housing availability.”

No matter which side of the political spectrum people sit, Dr Ghazarian said “it’s a great power that we have in Australia to vote”.

“It’s really important we consider the different options, the different choices, the different policies, the different promises that have been made to us as voters.

“Ultimately, the decisions we make will have an impact on who forms government and the sorts of policies and laws which they make. So voting is beyond an important matter.”

Engage in all available resources is Dr Ghazarian’s advice, whether in print, online, in person with the candidates themselves or familiarising yourself with the Australian Electoral Commission’s resources as well.

“They are very important. They provide guidance on how to vote, explanations about how votes are counted. So it’s really important to build that confidence when people go to vote, that they can take it and cast a valid vote with confidence.”

A shift in how campaigning has been run and a diversion from the major parties is a sign of younger voters now outnumbering older Australians at the ballot. (Supplied)

Report shows climate risk

By Callum Ludwig

Data released this month by the Climate Council has revealed just how many households are at risk from the after-effects of environmental hazards and climate pollution.

The new report titled ‘At Our Front Door’ analysed the risk faced at a national level and also guided the Climate Risk Map, an interactive map that provides a general guide of the climate risk faced by households in each electorate or suburb.

The Climate Council’s Emergency Leaders for Climate Action Director Sean O’Rourke said climate risks are hitting Australian households hard.

“With disasters becoming more frequent and severe, insurance premiums are skyrocketing, making insurance increasingly unaffordable or even unavailable for many,” he said.

“Already, more than 650,000 homes and businesses nationwide are classified as high risk, these properties face significant challenges in getting insured at all,”

“As premiums climb, more households are forced to under-insure or go without cover altogether, leaving them dangerously exposed to extreme weather events, this isn’t just a localised issue, it’s affecting Australians everywhere and driving up living costs dramatically.”

A number of townships in the Yarra Ranges have concerningly high levels of climate risk, with climate-fuelled flooding, bushfires, tropical cyclone winds, coastal inundation, and extreme wind all considered nationwide:

100 per cent of properties in Mount Dandenong, Ferny Creek, Sherbrooke, Clematis and Selby are at risk

99.7 per cent of properties in Olinda and 99.3 per cent in Kalorama are at risk Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, The Patch, Menzies Creek, Cockatoo and Kallista all had risk levels above 87 per cent

Over three quarters of properties in Tecoma, Upwey, Avonsleigh and Emerald are at risk

Mr O’Rourke said suburbs like Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Sassafras, and Olinda are essentially classified as critical climate risk zones, where nearly every single property faces high levels of risk from climate-fuelled disasters.

“In such areas, widespread damage is highly likely when disasters strike, meaning these communities urgently need targeted support from state and federal governments, including measures to build the resilience of their homes to future climate-fuelled disasters,” he said.

“The data paints a stark picture: without immediate action, these communities face devastating economic and social consequences.”

Despite being more densely populated, Montrose (36 per cent), Mt Evelyn (34.5 per cent) and Monbulk (42.6 per cent) also had relatively high levels of risk

Mr O’Rourke said even in more densely populated areas like Montrose, Mt Evelyn, and Monbulk, having between a third to nearly half of all properties at climate risk indicates significant vulnerability.

“This level of exposure means many residents may be already feeling the pinch of escalating insurance premiums,” he said.

“It’s critical that residents are aware of these risks, and that governments at all levels proactively support measures to climate-proof homes, build community resilience, and significantly reduce climate pollution to prevent these risks from escalating further.”

Over in the Valley, 54.8 per cent of properties in Yering are at risk solely due to the threat of riverine flooding and 19.3 per cent of Yarra Glen households are at risk, mostly due to the same issue.

In the Upper Yarra, Millgrove (19 per cent), Warburton (19.5 per cent), Powelltown (19.4 per cent), Big Pats Creek (26.1 per cent), East Warburton (28.1 per cent) and Reefton (20.2 per cent) are the key risk townships.

Interestingly, despite the sentiment of many residents, all of the Upper Yarra and Yarra Valley, including Healesville and Yarra Glen, are considered to have 0 per cent of properties at risk of bushfire.

Overall, the report found that a quarter of properties in the Casey electorate face climate risk, despite no neighbouring electorate, even ru-

ral electorates to the east, having risk percentages over 15.7 per cent.

Aston has a risk percentage of 3.8 per cent, Deakin 5.5 per cent and Latrobe 9 per cent.

Mr O’Rourke said firstly, residents should assess the specific risks facing their properties using tools like the Climate Council’s Climate Risk Map.

“Armed with accurate information, homeowners can make informed decisions to climate-proof their homes through practical measures like retrofitting to better withstand bushfires or flooding but residents can only do so much at a household level,” he said.

“As the At Our Front Door report finds, we need all governments to stop making this problem worse by prolonging the use of coal, oil or gas, residents can demand stronger climate policies at every government level to address the root causes of these worsening climate risks.”

To view the Climate Risk map, visit: climatecouncil.org.au/resources/climate-risk-map/?

To view the At Our Front Door report, visit: climatecouncil.org.au/resources/escalating-climate-risks-for-aussies-homes/?.

Mr O’Rourke said ultimately, while individual actions matter greatly, addressing climate risk at this scale requires comprehensive government intervention and substantial investment in community resilience.

“The climate risks we face today are the result of decades of inaction—but we still have a choice about our future,” he said.

“The decisions we make now, especially when it comes to cutting climate pollution further and faster, will determine how many more Australian homes and businesses are put at risk.”

Edna Walling cottage and garden makes the state list

By Tanya Steele

A Victorian icon, well known in the Yarra Ranges, has been recognised in a state initiative that highlights women and gender diverse people who have shaped Victoria.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins announced on 17 April that 15 new locations are being added to Her Place Women’s Museum’s Finding Her map, after more than 50 nominations from Victorians.

The Edna Walling cottage and garden commemorating Victoria’s first female landscape architect, Edna Walling in Sherbrooke, is among the 15 new spots on the map.

In other spots in the Yarra Ranges, a memorial stone commemorating beloved local historian Val Sheehan in Coldstream, a dreaming trail and history walk including a commemoration to Aboriginal rights activist, educator and artist Hyllus Maris in Healesville and the Beryl Phillips Reserve named for community leader and environmentalist Beryl Phillips in Mount Evelyn are also now on the map.

Edna Walling’s cottage owner, Dr. Alan Jager, who has been the owner of the heritage-listed property since 2010, said Edna Walling being inclusion is no surprise.

“You’d have to include Edna Walling, because she was such a star,” he said.

Dr Jager had had no prior knowledge of the famous landscape designer before he saw the property before buying it, and said he instantly fell in love with the place.

“I’m a custodian of it and the memory of Edna Walling and her amazing achievements – she was an inspirational vanguard of change,” he said.

Edna Walling was renowned for her contributions to garden design, conservation, writing, and photography.

A highly sought-after landscape designer, she completed numerous commissions across Australia.

Since her passing in 1973, she has been recognised as one of the nation’s most influential figures in landscape design.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said they are bringing women’s stories out of the shadows into our streets – so every Victorian can see and celebrate the trailblazers who helped shape the state.

“Whether you explore the map online or visit the sites in person, you’ll be inspired by the women behind these stories – and how their legacies continue to shape Victoria today,” she said.

Her Place Women’s Museum Board Chair the Honourable Mary Delahunty said women have played a vital role in shaping Victoria, leading the law, schools and universities, creating businesses and scientific breakthroughs, becoming Premiers, ridden Melbourne Cup winners, won Logies and Oscars.

“Now through research and a public nominations process, Her Place Women’s Museum has discovered more stories and sites to celebrate. These additions to the Finding Her Project will make more Women visible and start to

rebalance the history books,” she said.

Finding Her is Australia’s first interactive map spotlighting locations that commemorate women and gender-diverse people across Victoria.

The initiative launched in March 2023 and is part of Her Place Women’s Museum’s mapping of more than 60 women and gender diverse people who have shaped Victoria.

The Edna Walling ia a beautiful heritage-listed property and the large acreage site and now features a QR code so that when the general public strolls by the famous garden, they can look up the history of the famous woman who shaped the area.

Dr Jager said he has enjoyed working on the property, restoring the gardens and said it’s never truly going to be finished.

“I’ve been pleased to have done my little bit in restoring it,” he said.

The cottage now operates as an accommodation, and while the actual garden is not open to the public, Dr Yager said it’s an absolutely wonderful place.

“You can’t see the boundaries and it’s just every, every different colour, every different kind of rare plant,” he said.

The 1936 Edna Walling Cottage sits nearby the Mawarra Manor in Sherbrooke, which was built in 1925. The garden designed by Ms Walling was completed in 1932.( File)

The June 2021 storm remains a reminder of climate risk in the Yarra Ranges. (File)

Townships like Warburton were given a zero per cent climate risk rating from bushfire, despite the sentiment of many in the region.

Flooding constitutes most of the risk in Yarra Glen and Yering.

Looking back on the votes

By Mikayla van Loon

The Casey federal election for 2025 is fielding a candidate pool of eight contenders, some returning to the ballot but most are new faces in the race for MP.

Casey’s ballot is also sporting the highest rate of female candidates since 2016, when three of the six (50 per cent) candidates were women.

For 2025, five of the eight candidates are women (62.5 per cent).

Compared to 2022 and 2019, which saw 11 and 10 candidates run respectively, this year is seeing a lesser number of eight join the contest, from all parts of the political spectrum.

Returning faces include incumbent Liberal MP Aaron Violi and Independent Claire FerresMiles, while Labor’s Naomi Oakley is no stranger to the election system having run in Menzies in 2022.

Previous elections also provide extensive insight into which suburbs are most likely to vote one way or another.

Typically the Liberal Party fares well in the urban centres, Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra, while Labor holds much of the Hills region but some outliers did occur in 2022.

In the Upper Yarra, while the Liberals pulled the majority of the two party preferred vote in 2022, sitting between 50 and 55 per cent, in Wesburn, Wandin, Woori Yallock, Seville, Yarra Junction, Gladysdale, Launching Place and Hoddles Creek, the outliers of Millgrove (55 per cent) and Warburton (63 per cent) backed Labor candidate Bill Brindle.

In the Valley, while places like Healesville and Badger Creek leaned towards Liberal in first preference votes, after the preferential distribution, seeing the Greens and Independent poll well, the townships swung red.

Much of the Hills region supported Labor barring Macclesfield and Silvan who voted blue.

The Greens and Independent Claire Ferres-

Previous elections can tell us a lot about how suburbs vote. (Rob Carew: 473402)

Miles garnered the biggest percentages of votes in the Dandenong Ranges, with suburbs like Ferny Creek, Selby, Sassafras and The Patch leading this.

The rest of the Hillside suburbs, like Up-

wey, Belgrave, Tecoma and Kallista saw Bill Brindle haul the majority of the vote of 25 to 30 per cent.

The urban areas, from Coldstream, Lilydale, Montrose, Mount Evelyn and Chirnside Park, have

previously voted strongly for the Liberal Party. With experts suggesting a minority government may be possible, as voters turn away from the major party system, this election will be a watch and see scenario.

CASEY CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Who’s who in Casey

The marginal seat of Casey has been held by the Liberal Party for more than 40 years, bar three occasions when Labor gained the upper hand. Called a battleground by experts, the 2025 federal election has seen eight candidates contest the seat. Incumbent MP Aaron Violi drew the final spot on the ballot, with Trumpet of Patriots candidate Phillip Courtis pulling poll position. One Nation candidate Ambere Livori sits second, Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Bond third, Family First Party candidate Dan Nebauer fourth, Greens candidate Merran Blair fifth, Labor’s Naomi Oakley sixth and Independent Claire FerresMiles seventh.

Each candidate was sent the same list of questions for this final questionnaire before election day. Star Mail received five of eight responses.

NAOMI OAKLEY (Labor)

1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?

I am a hard worker who is straight forward and a passionate advocate for causes. I believe in standing up for what I believe to be right. I also believe strongly in good governance, transparency and acting with integrity. Humanity and charity are so very important to our society.

2. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?

I am a very proud sole parent of 3 adult kids - although some stages of my life have been challenging (living pay cheque to pay cheque working a few jobs including running my business ) these same things have defined me as an individualand also enabled me to be a loving mother and a good role model for my children.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?

• Family related (family violence)/Cost of living (health/education /housing)

• Environment

• Connectivity (NBN: mobile)

4. What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight?

• Family focused support- childcare/kinder, public school investment/free TAFE/ HECS debt relief/family violence support (front line workers/social housing), healthy ageing at home

• Investment of $1 billion for mental health

• Small Business investment- $640 million

• Personally - highlighting how police veterans nationally require support (the same as our diggers)

5. What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures?

There is no simple solution. Effective support requires a range structural actions to be taken by government. Getting inflation and interest rates down. Providing fair tax cuts aimed to help those on lower incomes. Supporting wage increases that keep up with the CPI. Minimising the cost of going to the doctor and the cost of childcare. Reducing student debt and helping young people find an affordable housing and building social housing

6. Why should people give you their vote on 3 May? What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided?

A strong local voice is important- to ensure this electorate receives the support it needs from Federal governments. But in addition to being a local member, the member for Casey will go to Canberra and take part in deciding national programs that will have a profound impact on the people of Casey.

Casey has been in the hands of the Liberal Party for the past 40 years and the current member has been up in Canberra voting against positive programs that would assist the people of Casey and supporting nuclear reactors.

If you elect me, I will be part of a Labor government and capable of advocating for Casey from inside government.

As well as working hard for you locally, I will be in Canberra not voting for nuclear reactors, but supporting programs that our community desperately needs:

• NDIS funding

• Funding for Family violence programs

• Housing for young and first home buyers

• Supporting renewable and our Environment

• Supporting funding for roads and improvement

(Australian Electoral Commission)

in Casey’s internet and mobile connectivity

• Supporting small business

• Supporting programs to assist people with mental health issues

Vote for someone that has worked in the community for 35 years, understands the issues we have here in Casey but who also understands how Federal government policy impacts everyone, including the people of Casey.

PHILLIP COURTIS (Trumpet of Patriots)

1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?

I’m not a career politician. I’m a hardworking Aussie who’s fed up with being ignored by the

people in Canberra. I believe true leadership means listening, acting with integrity, and putting the needs of everyday Australians first. I won’t sugar-coat the truth, and I won’t compromise my values for political favours.

2. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?

I have a family, and like many of you, I juggle work, bills, and the everyday challenges of modern life. I’m actively involved in our community, enjoy camping in our beautiful ranges, and care deeply about the freedoms we’re leaving for our kids. I’m not in this for power. I’m in it because I genuinely care.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?

• Cost of living: From groceries to electricity, prices are out of control.

• Immigration and housing pressure: Casey can’t keep absorbing the impacts of mass migration.

• Local infrastructure, especially our roads, and mobile blackspots: Regional communities are being left behind.

4. What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight?

Locally, we’ll fight to eliminate mobile blackspots and upgrade neglected roads. Nationally, the Trumpet of Patriots stands for:

• Capping immigration at 100,000 per year to protect housing, wages, and social cohesion.

• Protecting free speech and opposing digital ID and censorship bills.

• Introducing a 15 per cent resource license fee on iron ore exports to China, ensuring Australians benefit from our natural wealth.

• Restoring energy sovereignty by investing in coal, gas, and nuclear to lower your bills and end blackouts.

• Calling for a full Royal Commission into the government’s handling of Covid-19.

• Scrapping diversity quotas and restoring meritbased hiring in the public service.

• Axing taxpayer-funded lobby groups like the Climate Council and “Voice” advisory bodies.

• Halting the creeping influence of the UN and WHO on Australian law.

• Protecting children by raising the minimum age for social media to 16 and ending gender ideology in schools.

5. What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures?

Unlocking domestic energy. We have the resources- coal, gas, and uranium—but we’ve been locked into globalist climate policies that drive up prices. We’ll reverse that, invest in affordable, reliable power, and put downward pressure on every Aussie household budget.

6. Why should people give you their vote on 3 May? What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided?

Because the major parties have failed you, whether it’s Labor, Liberals, or the Teals. They all support the same globalist agenda. I’m offering a genuine alternative that puts Casey first, Australia first, and common sense back into politics. If you feel like things are getting worse, not better, it’s because they are. I’m not asking for blind trust. I’m asking for your vote to send a message to Canberra that we’re done with weak leadership, endless spin, and policies that hurt everyday Australians. It’s time to vote for change. It’s time to vote Trumpet of Patriots and bring common sense back to Parliament.

CHLOE BOND (Animal Justice Party)

1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?

When most people will call it a day and throw in

Labor’s candidate Naomi Oakley. (Supplied)

Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Bond. (Supplied)

The Greens’ Merran Blair. (Supplied)

Trumpet of Patriots candidate Phillip Courtis. (Supplied)

Liberal incumbent MP Aaron Violi. (Supplied)

CASEY CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

the towel, I keep going. Perseverance and determination are something I bring to every aspect of my life.

2. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?

When I’m not working, you can find me at my home in Wesburn hanging out with my five-yearold daughter and our twenty-five rescue animals – ranging from dogs, cats, horses, sheep, fish, rabbits, ducks, and chickens. I also write a series of children’s books titled “The Adventures of Bono the Bunny” and a spin-off series titled “Tales of Two Raven Rabbits”. I am also a guitarist and bassist, so you will often find me down the local pub playing or watching live music or just enjoying a beer.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?

Our wildlife is being slaughtered, our residents are being driven out of their homes, and our natural environment is being irreparably damaged by climate change.

4. What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight?

End Cruel Intentions

I stand to not only uphold the ban on live sheep export, but for the immediate end to all live export. I stand to ban factory farming, testing on animals, and all horse and dog racing. Animals are on this earth to be with us, not for us. Protect our Native Wildlife and their Habitat I stand for the immediate end of the commercial slaughter of kangaroos and the logging of native forests.

Affordable Housing

Housing is a basic human right and I stand for ensuring safe, affordable housing for all.

A Fairer Tax System

I stand to stop big corporations dodging tax while you and I are struggling.

End Gendered Family Violence

I stand to invest in frontline services and prevention programs, before victim survivors end up with their file on my desk needing representation.

Veticare

I stand for ensuring nobody must choose between putting food on the table and caring for their pets. This can be achieved by funding for vet care for those on low incomes and for wildlife.

A Sustainable, Climate-Positive Future

I stand for the immediate transition to healthy, sustainable food systems and investment into clean, green, climate-positive energy.

5. What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures?

Our government is taxing the wrong people. Large corporations are dodging their tax responsibilities while the everyday person struggles. I intend to reverse this and lift the burden off every day Australians – even the playing field.

6. Why should people give you their vote on 3 May? What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided?

I stand for animals, people, and our planet. I believe that with determination and perseverance, no goal is out of reach. By adhering to the four core Animal Justice Party values of kindness, non-violence, equality, and rationality, I know we can build a future where animals are protected, people are thriving, and our planet is sustained.

MERRAN BLAIR (The Greens)

1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?

I am a highly empathetic and compassionate leader, and I am resilient, organised, strong willed and committed to my values. As one of our long standing volunteers, Bob (85 years of age), says “She’s a lovely person, and she doesn’t tolerate any rubbish”.

2. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?

I love to go bushwalking, this is my main hobby. I am also a mushroom forager and love to spend autumn looking for edible mushrooms, and posting non-edible ones on iNaturalist. When I have more time on my hands I love to craft, including knitting, crochet and raffia basket weaving. I also love to dance and am currently looking for a swing dancing class. I also love to read and a favourite book that I have read recently was The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?

• Cost of living - everyone is struggling with the cost of housing, groceries and electricity. Casey is in a childcare desert and many families are

struggling to find and afford appropriate childcare to help them get back to the workforce. Accessing affordable medical care is also an issue.

• Climate change - we are the third most likely electorate in Victoria to suffer a climate emergency. This has resulted in increased house insurance premiums; mine have gone up 300 per cent in the past five years. I believe climate change is also contributing to mental health concerns, as we are anxious all the time about when the next event will occur. Storms and bushfires continue to devastate our region, and things are only going to get worse unless the government takes strong action.

• Environmental protections - many of us live in Casey because we love the natural environment, including the trees and animals. There are many well organised and active community groups doing great work in this space. However, the current government has succumbed to corporate pressure and we now have worse environmental protection laws than we did under a coalition government. This is inexcusable. There are no jobs on a dead planet and our leaders need to do much better to protect our environment, in order to protect our health, wellbeing and economy.

4. What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight?

The time to transition from coal and gas is now, not keep opening up new projects, as Labor is doing. By transitioning to renewable energy sources we can lower our global greenhouse gas emissions, lower the cost of electricity and provide better energy resilience for the residents of Casey who too often lose power due to climate related storms and weather events. I have a great policy that includes up to $10,000 subsidies for homes to transition to solar and battery storage so we can all be less reliant on gas and coal.

Currently one in three corporations in Australia pay no tax. So, while you and I are diligently paying our income tax, corporations are getting away scot free. There are 150 billionaires in Australia and over the past five years, during Covid, they doubled their wealth. We are not very good at taxing wealth in this country and we need to do better. By reforming tax and making sure billionaires and corporations pay their fair share, we would have enough money to fund the things we need, like mental health and dental into Medicare. Like more public housing, better public health and education. I think all politicians should be forced to use the public health system and to send their kids to public schools...I wonder if we would see better funding models then.

To combat the housing crisis I want to see the establishment of a publicly owned housing developer that builds quality homes and sells them to first home buyers at 5% above cost. We have relied on the private sector for too long and now we have land banking, developers delaying building until it is most profitable and a housing crisis. Housing is a human right and it is time the government took back some of the control to make sure everyone can afford to have a roof over their heads.

5. What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures?

I have a full suite of policies to tackle the cost of living, but my favourite is as follows:

• Home Keeper - last year the big four banks posted $44 billion in profits at a profit margin of more than 25 per cent. They make around $200,000 on the life of a mortgage. I want to see better regulation of banks and have them offer a Home Keeper product to all owner occupiers where the bank can only charge one per cent above the cash rate (they currently charge around two per cent). This would save the average mortgage holder around $340 per month, which would go a long way towards providing cost of living relief for all mortgage holders.

6. Why should people give you their vote on 3 May? What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided?

The two major parties continue to disappoint and I have spoken to so many voters in Casey who are disillusioned and fed up with the current state of politics. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. The two majors receive large donations from supermarkets, banks, fossil fuel corporations, online gambling companies...the list goes on. How can we trust them to make decisions that benefit us, not the corporations, when they are so reliant on them for funding? Greens do not accept donations from these types of corporations, and all donations over $1000 must go through an ethics review committee. I have a full range of costed policies on my website and I am committed to upholding the values of the Greens, so you can

rely on me to vote in a very predictable way for all decisions that need to be made. I will not be making any snap decisions or going rogue in respect to parliamentary legislation. A vote for me is a vote for putting people before corporate profits. I believe we can change the political landscape so that we all get a better deal and can live our best lives, and I am ready to stand up and fight for the people of Casey.

AARON VIOLI (Liberal)

1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?

I’m a third generation local. I went to school at Yarra Glen Primary School, Mt Lilydale Mercy College, had my first jobs in local Yarra Valley businesses and am raising my children in Lilydale with my wife. Casey is more than an electorate – it is my home, and that is what drives me to work for our community each and every day.

2. Can you tell us about your life outside of work?

I love being in our community. Whether it is spending time with my family, watching the Pies win, going for a run or visiting our local attractions and businesses. This is the best place to call home.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate?

Cost of living is the biggest issue impacting families and businesses across the board. In some areas telecommunications are a huge challenge, in others it is access to healthcare and the need for better local roads. I work everyday to improve each of these things for locals. With an electorate that spans 2,624 sq km, what matters to locals depends on where they live and their individual circumstances.

4. What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight?

I’ve announced that an elected Liberal Government will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Healesville to increase local access to healthcare. We don’t have a single emergency department within our electoral boundaries. Locals deserve access to healthcare that is close to home

and doesn’t break the bank, and I am proud that an elected Liberal Government will deliver this in Healesville. I’ve also announced that an elected Liberal Government will reinstate the program to seal Yarra Ranges dirt roads. Labor’s decision to rip this funding from our community was devastating, and it’s time these roads were sealed to end the days of dust, potholes and mud. Another issue that has been raised with me since I was a candidate is the need for back up on our telecommunications network. I’m proud that an elected Liberal Government will provide $3 million to strengthen telecommunications resilience with increased battery back-up and generators in our community. Nationally, we will increase the number of Medicare funded mental health session from 10 to 20, provide small businesses with $12,000 to support apprentices and trainees in their first two years and get our economy back on track.

5. What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures?

The Liberals have long term and short term plans to reduce cost of living pressures. Our commitment to halving the fuel excise will see local residents save 25c on every litre of fuel. That’s a saving of almost $1,500 in a year for a family with two cars. We will provide up to $1,200 in tax relief to Australians earning under $144,000, which will directly benefit 67,800 locals here in Casey. In the long term, we will introduce the toughest divestiture laws to ensure all Australians get a fair deal at the supermarket checkout, alongside a suite of tax relief measures to support small and family businesses.

6. Why should people give you their vote on 3 May? What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided?

I’ve spent the past three years working and delivering for our community, and together, there is so much more we can achieve. I have a strong local plan to deliver quality healthcare, better local roads, stronger telecommunications and improved local facilities, alongside our national plans to lower inflation, provide cheaper energy, affordable homes and safer communities. You can read more at liberal.org.au/our-plan and on my website at AaronVioli.com.au

ANZAC DAY

Seville residents reflect

By Callum Ludwig

The Seville community gathered at dawn around the newly-restored Seville War Memorial on Friday 25 April to honour those who have served Australia.

The memorial was lit up and a sizeable crowd had arrived by the time the service began at 5.45am.

Chair of the Seville War Memorial Committee

Anthony McAleer OAM welcomed everyone to the service before inviting former reporter and local poet Jim Brown to read ‘A Child’s Story of War’.

Mr Brown said he wanted to explore a lesserknown side of our ANZAC history; what it was like for Australian families and children from the perspective of a friend of his Allan Paull.

“In his book, Allan remembers (his uncle) Mick’s departure, having finished his final training at Puckapunyal, Uncle Mick received orders that he was sailing to the Middle East to join the Australian troops already fighting there,” he said.

“At the end of the night, one bottle of Abbott’s lager remained unopened, with some ceremony, friends signed the label pledging to open this special bottle when Uncle Mick came home from overseas to celebrate his safe return,”

“I recall an American officer coming to our home for dinner one evening… our American guest had already undergone nine major operations for facial plastic surgery and faced another five before he would be fit enough to return to the USA, the reality of war was in our home that evening.”

A free community breakfast cooked by the Seville Cricket Club and sponsored by the Wandin/ Seville Community Bank was put on for the attendees.

Mr Brown said tragedy struck the Paull family on 29 October 1942 when Uncle Mick was reported missing in action in the Sun News Pictorial.

“Our worst fears were realised two days later when in cold, stark terms, along with other sol-

diers, he was listed as killed in action at El Alamein,” he said.

“This affected me greatly, I looked over and over at his serial number, rank and name under the black heading, I couldn’t come to terms with the fact that my happy, jovial and lovable Uncle Mick would never return,”

“Remember the bottle of Abbott’s lager autographed by my beloved Uncle Mick on his last night before he went to war, well it remains to this day unopened, its contents are still intact and will always take pride of place in my study.”

Later, Sergeant Brendon de Schwartz from Lilydale Police read the poem ‘September 1939’, Andrew Butler from the Seville Rural Fire Brigade was invited to do the historical reading of ‘Faded Suits of Green’, a poem written by a Yarra Valley resident and Chandler Ward Councillor from Yarra Ranges Council Gareth Ward read the poem ‘Our Freedom’ by a Seville resident.

Warrant Officer Second Class Jack Brunker read the Seville Roll of Honour for both World War One and World War Two.

Peter Paterson of the Mt Evelyn RSL gave the Ode to the Fallen and Bugler Ian Douglas played The Last Post before Seville Junior Football Netball Club players raised the Australian and New Zealand flags.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Mt Evelyn RSL, Lilydale RSl, Seville Township Group, Yarra Ranges Council, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, incumbent Casey MP Aaron Violi, the Seville Rural Fire Brigade, Seville Primary School, Lilydale Police, Wandin/Seville Community Bank, Seville Cricket Club, Seville Football Netball Club and the Johnson family, descendants of Bruce Bethune who is honoured on the memorial.

President of the Seville Township Group Graeme Black acknowledged everyone who contributed to putting the event together before the service was closed by Mr Brown performing both theAustralianandNewZealandnationalanthems.

The crowd surrounded the newly restored Seville War Memorial. (Callum Ludwig: 47224)

The flags were raised by Seville Junior Football Netball Club players. (47224)

Local poet Jim Brown. (47224)

ANZAC DAY

Drawing on lessons of past

By Mikayla van Loon

As the last of the night sky lingered over Lilydale, thousands gathered at the war memorial to bring in the dawn of Anzac Day.

The dawn service, led by Lilydale RSL treasurer John O’Donahue, marked many anniversaries, including the 110th year since the Gallipoli landing, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, among a host of other significant milestones.

“We come together each year, at this time, to remember and honour the sacrifices that our defence men and women have made over the past 100 plus years, defending the freedoms of not just Australians, but many other nations since World War Two,” Mr O’Donahue said.

“At this time in our history, we face a world that has yet again torn with conflicts and tensions on many fronts, including in our own region.

“Today, we are reminded that freedom, democracy and peace are to be cherished, not taken for granted, that they must be defended, and we must always be ready and willing to once again stand and defend what we have, lest it be lost.”

As the eternal flame burned and the catafalque party stood guard of the Cenotaph, the gathered crowd was silent, paying their respects to all who never made it home from war.

Yarra Ranges Council deputy mayor Richard Higgins spoke of not just remembering these people as a name but as a person with family and friends.

“Each person who took up arms and took part was a person with a family and friends, a history, a community, back at home,” he said.

“They had hopes. They had dreams, things they had achieved, things they still wanted to do. Many had partners back at home waiting for them. Many had friends fighting right along beside them.

“When we talk about the thousands lost…it’s important that we never forget that every loss, every fallen soldier, every fallen service person, whoever never made it home, is a person and part of our community.”

And while 2025 is significant for remembering conflicts of the past, from all over the world, for former Australian Regular Army combat field engineer, Jason Issac, who was medically discharged after injury, the battle for so many continues long after service.

“Defence personnel do not choose their missions. That responsibility lies with the chain of command and our government, but what they do choose is to stand in defence of our freedoms and way of life, often at great personal cost. That cost is something I know well,” he said.

Mr Issac said the transition out of the army came with a “loss of identity, purpose and meaning”, understanding the mental health challenges that come with that.

Over the last three years, Mr Issac said, he has helped and supported seven of his own mates who found themselves in a similar position.

Despite his work with Solider On Australia, Mr Issac said more could and needs to be done to alleviate the transitional challenges veterans and their families face when returning to civilian life.

“We must acknowledge not only that burden today, but also the trauma our veterans continue to carry from their service, particularly paying attention to the growing crisis of defence and veteran suicide in our nation,” he said.

Laying bare the horrifying statistics that came

from the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides, Mr Issac said “since 1985 over 2000 ADF personnel and veterans have died by suicide”.

The risk for male veterans is 26 per cent higher than the national average. It’s even greater for female veterans who are 107 per cent more likely to take their own lives than someone who hasn’t served.

“In recent decades, more of our veterans have died by suicide than were killed in combat,” Mr Issac said.

“Service does not always end when the uniform is removed.”

Mr Issac said the first step to healing was acknowledging and paying respect to all those “who have signed the line to serve”.

It must also be a community effort to support veterans because “it becomes easier when surrounded by a community that values and uplifts them by fostering a culture of inclusion, understanding and practical support.”

“By working together, we can create a community where veterans and families are not only supported but empowered to thrive. Their leadership skills, their experiences, enrich our towns and cities, and by embracing them fully, we strengthen the very fabric of our nation.

“Let us ensure that our gratitude extends beyond Anzac Day, making every day an opportunity to honour, support and stand with those who have served. Lest We Forget.”

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, deputy mayor Richard Higgins and Casey MP Aaron Violi. (474152)

Lilydale Junior Football Club representatives laying a wreath at the base of the memorial. (474152)

Lilydale SES volunteers placing a wreath on behalf of the emergency service organisation. (474152)

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School students. (474152)

Army cadets stood at attention surrounding the Cenotaph. (474152)

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson recited the Ode. (474152)

Army cadets lay a wreath at the Cenotaph. (474152)

Piper Hector played sombre tunes as people laid wreaths. (474152)

Veterans Bob McKay, Tony Walters and Bill Dobson were the first to lay a wreath. (474152)

Lilydale Primary School students. (474152)

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson, treasurer John O’Donahue and Vietnam Veterans Outer East’s Bob McKay. (Mikayla van Loon: 474152)

Veteran Jason Issac and Pastor Miles Fagan stand in a moment’s silence in honour of the fallen. (474152)

Veteran Jason Issac gave an moving speech about the importance of supporting in-service and ex-service personnel. (474152)

Lilydale RSL treasurer John O’Donahue led the service. (474152)

Chirnside Park’s Graeme Henley served in Australia’s Defence Force for most of his life, as a young man through to retirement. 474152)

ANZAC DAY

Young lead Anzac legacy

By Mikayla van Loon

The township of Montrose filled the town square as people from across the community came to honour the Anzacs.

The service paid homage to Gallipoli, World War II, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam, each commemorating significant anniversaries, but it was a message from one young person that carried true.

St Richard’s Primary School captain Jordan captured the essence of Anzac Day in her speech, understanding the importance of young people continuing to uphold the legacy of the Anzacs and the human cost that came with their sacrifices.

“We want to be thankful and remember those that gave their lives so we can live in a free society,” she said.

“It is important that the younger generation like myself realise that our way of life and freedom came at a very high price and cannot be taken for granted and that many thousands of Australians died in warfare.”

The Year 6 student said that if people her own age did not learn the cost of war, there was a risk of it repeating itself.

“It is my hope that as my generation matures into adulthood and become leaders in our society they will know about the horrors and tragedy of war,” she said.

“Let us continue to reflect on and remember the terrible ordeal that our soldiers suffered and the many that gave their lives in giving us our freedom, and not only all those years ago, but also in recent times.”

One of those people who gave their life in return for freedom was Edwin John Britnell, better known as Jack, who at the age of 20 in April 1941 did his duty and joined the war effort.

Trained as a baker he was assigned to an army battalion known as the First Field Bakery Unit.

In September he sailed for Singapore and just after his 21st birthday in February 1942, Singapore surrendered to the Japanese and Jack was taken as a prisoner of war.

Transported to Thailand, Jack was forced to work on the Burma Railway.

“After their arrival, the POWs were spread over several camps where they suffered from harsh treatment, disease and malnutrition,” Bayswater RSL vice president Richard Lamshed told the crowd.

Jack’s family had been informed he was being held prisoner but received no further communication until autumn 1944 when the telephone rang and it was confirmed Jack Britnell had died months earlier.

“Jack never had the opportunity to love, marry, enjoy being a parent…so many dreams not realised, so much potential loss,” Mr Lamshed said.

“Jack Britnell, you did your duty, and the family is proud of you.”

This story of Jack Britnell was just one of thousands but as the uncle of Montrose local Max Lamb and now a permanent name on the walls of Bayswater RSL, he is a reminder of the sacrifice made by so many local people.

Mt Evelyn RSL member and Vietnam veteran Doug Hill laid the first wreath. (Mikayla van Loon: 474267)

Wreaths laid, the catafalque party standing guard and the crowd on their feet for the Ode and Last Post. (474267)

Members of the Montrose Scouts. (474267)

Mike O’Meara represented Kilsyth in placing a wreath. (474267)

Kilsyth Community Action Group chair Mike O’Meara led the service this year. (Mikayla van Loon: 474267)

Bayswater RSL vice president Richard Lamshed told the story of Edwin John Britnell, a prisoner of war. (474267)

Cadets laying a wreath. (474267)

Members of the Montrose CFA. (474267)

The RAAF Cadets of the 408 squadron take up position to guard the Cenotaph. (474267)

Students from Montrose Primary School. (474267)

ANZAC DAY

Saluting Mooroolbark’s fallen

By Mikayla van Loon

Paying special tribute to Mooroolbark’s own and to the significance of 2025 as a major anniversary of wars gone by, Anzac Day was a sombre display of gratitude and solace in Hookey Park.

The midday service saw crowds gather in the central location, surrounding the war memorial, as Mooroolbark Umbrella Group president Randall Bourchier led the ceremony.

Marking the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Mr Bourchier drew attention to the fact that the first world war was meant to be the only.

“It’s interesting that nearly 30 years before the ending of World War Two, World War One concluded, and it was proclaimed this was the war to end all wars,” he said.

“Sadly, our history has been very chequered since. We have a yearning, do we not, for peace.”

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence had the honour of recounting some of the histories but also the local stories of soldiers whose names have been placed on the memorial in remembrance.

Of the 16,000 men who landed at Gallipoli, 2000 were killed or injured by the next morning, one of those men being Private John Metcalfe who was only 19.

“John has no known grave, but his name will be forever remembered on the memorial plaques here in Mooroolbark,” Ms Vallence said.

“Gallipoli was a tragedy that changed our nation’s collective consciousness forever. And from this tragedy grew what has become known now as the Anzac legend. A legend characterised by a commitment to duty, to sacrifice, courage, mateship and selflessness.”

Ms Vallence spoke of the over 2000 nurses who also put their hand up to serve in World War I.

She spoke of the sacrifice of the Second World War, both abroad and closer to home where lives like Frederick Smythe were taken.

“Frederick joined the Royal Australian Navy and served on the HMAS Yarra as a petty officer. With increased Japanese attacks on the Pacific in early 1942 the HMAS Yarra was ordered to escort a flotilla of allied ships from Indonesia back to Australia,” she said.

“En route, unfortunately, they came under heavy attack from Japanese destroyers, and HMAS Yarra was sunk just south of Central Java. Tragically, of the 151 crew members, only 13 survived.”

Not forgetting other major milestones, Ms Vallence focused on the 75th anniversaries of the Malayan emergency and the Korean War.

“Around 7000 Australian personnel served in Malaya during that conflict. And to this day, it remains Australia’s longest continuous military commitment of the 20th century, spanning from 1950 through to 1963 so 13 years of war,” she said.

“Australia was one of 21 countries who fought to defend South Korea over three years, more than 17,000 personnel from Australia’s three armed services served in the Korean War, as well as 153 nurses.”

Reflecting too on the centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, Ms Vallence drew on Mount Evelyn RSL member Major Ken McKenzie’s, OAM, service in the Corps.

“In 1925 the Corps was created to bring together a group of technical specialists who were responsible for the Australian Defence Forces communication systems because, of course, it’s

not all guns on the battle front,” she said.

“Major Mackenzie followed in his parents footsteps. Both his mother and father also served in the Corps during World War Two.

“(He) helped provide our defence forces with vital information in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and he noted that signallers are the glue that holds the army together. Nothing

works without communication.”

To finish, there was a deep sense of gratitude and thanks passed on to all who have served and continue to serve this country.

“As we come together as a community today to reflect on the sacrifices of the past, let us remember that the Anzac spirit lives on in the work of those service men and women currently involved

in operations overseas today,” Ms

“We also pay tribute to men and women who served in past conflicts in

“All of these service

shown

and

Vallence said.

Borneo, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iraq, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan.

men

women have

strength and valour in their service for their country for which we are forever grateful.”

Mooroolbark Fire Brigade’s Ashleigh Bowen and Peter Oliver. (474429)

Senior Sergeant Jefferson Gooden places a floral wreath. (474429)

Mooroolbark Umbrella Group president Randall Bourchier MD’d the service. (Mikayla van Loon: 474429)

Former TV journalist and Mooroolbark local Jim Brown recited his poem called The Anzac on the Wall. (474429)

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence walks to lay a wreath at the base of the memorial. (474429)

Mooroolbark’s Girl Guides. (474429)

Mooroolbark resident and former navy commando Ken sits in the crowd (right). (474429)

Mooroolbark Community Garden volunteer Rhonda. (474429)

Veteran and bugler Tom Steele salutes the memorial in honour of the fallen. (474429)

Peter Giddings bows his head in remembrance. (474429)

A salute was given during the Australian anthem. (474429)

Bugler Tom Steele. (474429)

Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group president and Vietnam veteran Geoff Earney. (Mikayla van Loon: 474429)

ANZAC DAY Wandin pay their respects

By Callum Ludwig

Wandin’s morning Anzac Day service commenced at 8.30am at the Wandin Cenotaph, with plenty of locals gathering to pay their respects to those who’ve served Australia.

Attendees were generously allowed to gather on the property of Alicia and Ryan Crosby which adjoins the cenotaph, with Wandin Rotarian and former serviceman Brian Hodgson leading the event.

Mr Hodgson said attendees have no idea how much pleasure it gives the rotary club to see so many people here joining them to celebrate Anzac Day.

“Anzac Day celebrates the emergence of Australia as a fighting nation and it recognises the sacrifice made by many since then to secure the freedom we all enjoy today,” he said.

“Our rotary club is proud to be associated with this service, Rotary has long been associated with the quest for freedom, and that’s illustrated by involvement with the formation of the United Nations.”

Incumbent Casey MP Aaron Violi and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence attended the service and were invited to give addresses.

Mr Violi said we gather here today not to glorify war, but to make sure we pay tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, and also acknowledging that while it is now a day where we pay tribute to all veterans.

“Many families, including my own, have a history with war, including my grandfather serving in World War Two, and there are many that have paid that sacrifice, whether physically or mentally, that we pay tribute to and the family pay that sacrifice as well,” he said.

“When I think of Wandin and this community, and I look at this cenotaph and I see names; five Hunter names on this cenotaph, two Clegg names that left Wandin many years ago, to go the other side of the world,”

“They rightly could have said no, they could have said ‘Wandin is my home, a conflict on the other side of the world does not impact what’s happening here today’, but they knew they had a

duty and an obligation to serve our country so that we could continue to enjoy the freedoms that we have today.”

Ms Vallence was next and said she was going to talk about some of the anniversaries of wars and conflicts that we mark this year.

“Today marks the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landing on the Gallipoli peninsula… of those 16,000 men who landed during that first day, Australians and New Zealanders, more than 2000 were killed or injured by the very next morning…tragically, it exacted an enormous human cost with over 8000 Australians paying the ultimate sacrifice at Gallipoli,” she said.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and almost a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War… the Second World War again saw Australians suffer significant losses, with 39,000 Australians never coming home,”

“Another important anniversary we mark this year is the 75th anniversary of the Malayan Emergency and the Korean War, around 7000 Australian

personnel served in Malaya during the conflict and to this day and it actually remains Australia’s longest continuous military commitment to the 20th century.”

39 Australians died in the Malayan Emergency and 339 Australians died during the Korean War.

Wreaths were liad by various community groups and members at the cenotaph before Ruby and Amber from Wandin Yallock Primary School and Lewis, Kaylee, Ryan and Matilda from Wandin North Primary School were invited to present some readings and poems, speaking confidently and clearly.

Peter Paterson from the Mt Evelyn RSL was invited to recite the ANZAC requiem, followed by The Last Post which was played by bugler Meg Benger.

The flags were raised by more Wandin Yallock Primary School students before the Lords Prayer and Australian national anthem to close the service, with attendees welcomed to morning tea courtesy of the Wandin Seville Uniting Church across the road.

The Wandin Cenotaph adorned with wreaths. (Callum Ludwig: 474239)

Plenty in attendance from the Wandin community. (474239)

Peter Paterson of the Mt Evelyn RSL. (474239)

Turn to Treadworx Lilydale

Located in the heart of Lilydale, Treadworx is a family-owned business that’s been delivering top-quality tyre, wheel, and suspension services for over 6 years. Known for their

and

Treadworx

They offer an impressive range of tyres from leading brands like Maxxis, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho, and many more. Whether you’re looking for durability, performance, or a bit of both, you’ll find the perfect tyre for your vehicle here. Their wheel selection is equally extensive, featuring popular names such as Extreme 4x4, Dynamic, Sniper, ROH, PDW, Lenso, and others, ensuring a

stylish and functional fit for any ride.

Treadworx is also proud to be an authorized Fulcrum Suspensions dealer. They provide a comprehensive range of suspension products from Fulcrum, tailored to meet the needs of every type of vehicle.

Owner Nathan Hawkless sums it up well:

“With over 20 years of experience and a knowledgeable team, we’re dedicated to offering a wide range of high-quality products and services at competitive prices,” he said.

For expert advice, exceptional service, and a personal touch, Treadworx Lilydale is your local destination. Stop by and find out why they’re the preferred choice for so many!

Treadworx Lilydale are your friendly local experts for tyres, wheels and suspension. (Stewart Chambers: 426116)

Treadworx owner Nathan Hawkless. (426116)

Tax, housing dominate

By Mikayla van Loon

With less than a week until the majority of Australians cast their vote in the federal election, Casey’s candidates are doing their final rounds of engagement and campaigning.

Heading to Lilydale’s CriBB Cafe on Saturday 26 April four of the eight candidates took part in a meet and greet and Q&A session run by Build a Ballot volunteer Jol Scobie.

While all candidates were invited, Labor’s Naomi Oakley, the Animal Justice Party’s Chloe Bond, The Greens’ Merran Blair and Independent Claire Ferres Miles attended.

As four of the five female candidates running in this election, there were cheers and applause at one point during the event congratulating the women on their intention to make change and be a voice for their community.

First given an opportunity to introduce themselves, it then opened up into questions from attendees, ranging from housing, cost of living, climate change, tax reform, ministers’ salaries to the incel movement online and gambling.

Speaking with Star Mail prior to the event, Jol said this event was about informing voters of all demographics but was particularly trying to target young people.

For one young Casey resident, Bella, 23, housing and the cost of living were at the forefront of her mind when attending the event.

“I wanted to ask people who were representing, particularly the Labor Party, and who want us to vote for the government that’s currently in Parliament again, why exactly I should vote for them,” she said.

“Considering a historic cost of living crisis, considering the fact that I will probably never be able to afford a house in my lifetime as a young renter, and considering the fact that I think that they’ve done absolutely nothing to stand up for human rights in Palestine.”

Studying at university, Bella said the engagement from her peers in politics is extremely broad.

“The spectrum of people who are involved, it’s very mixed. Some people really care about politics, some people don’t at all.

“I think it’s important to do your bit, do what you can to try and talk to your classmates. Do grassroots volunteering on campus, and try and actually politicise people because everyone actually has issues with the way this society is being run at the moment.

“But I think it’s just about drawing the connections to say that things are more powerful when you’re involved.”

Warburton resident Jeff, who just happened to be at the cafe at the time, said it was an important part of the election process, to hear from the candidates themselves on their opinions and policies so people could make an informed decision at the ballot box.

Ms Ferres Miles was asked directly why she ran as an independent and not as part of The Greens considering her policies and stance aligned.

“I’m not part of a party system. So yes, we’ve got some policies that are very similar to The Greens and some policies that are very similar to Chloe (AJP) and the Labor Party, but all of the policies on our website have been co-written with the community,” she said.

In a broad question from the audience, why is everything so expensive and what will you do about it, there were varying answers.

“One in three corporations in Australia is not paying tax. There’s 150 billionaires in Australia who, over the last five years, during Covid, doubled their wealth,” Dr Blair said.

“We are not good at taxing the wealthy. If we were to tax corporations and billionaires adequately, we could raise $540 billion in the next 10 years. With that we could properly fund our Medicare system, our public health system, our public education system and our public housing system.”

Ms Bond said “AJP has the same stance as The Greens on this one, we’re taxing the wrong people”.

For Ms Oakley she drew on the war in Ukraine as contributing to the post-Covid cost of living situation but used the opportunity to point to Labor’s policies that were aiming to address costs, like “reducing HECS by 20 per cent”, “we removed three per cent of inflation. We’ve got

secure jobs” and “interest rates are going down”. Challenged on the idea of tax reforms, Ms Oakley said in her personal opinion “we need to do better”.

Further questions from the crowd asked whether Labor backed this sentiment to which Ms Oakley responded “I’m not going to know until I get in, but what I will say to you is, if I’m in, I’m more likely to get things done with the Labour government”.

Ms Ferres Miles also said tax reform needed to be a top priority for fixing cost of living, as well as focusing on insurance premiums.

“The Federal Government received more money from its beer tax than it did from the petroleum resource rent tax. The fossil fuel companies basically donate to the two major parties. The supermarkets donate to the two major parties. Sportsbet and Tab Co donate to the two major parties. We’re not getting the right decisions,” she said.

“The other big thing I’ve heard in this community is we’re getting hammered by insurance premiums. The cost of living crisis cannot be unlinked from the climate crisis.”

On housing, Bella asked about the knocking down of public housing towers in Victoria and what each candidate would do to support younger people in getting a fairer deal.

“Things like rebuilding Medicare…and having nine out of 10 bulk billing clinics is a big deal because people can actually afford to go to the doctors. Will afford to go to the doctors instead of putting it off and putting their health at risk,” Ms Oakley said.

“Things like the rental subsidy. So there’s been a 30 per cent increase for rental support, things like supporting people to own their first home.”

Dr Blair said in the 1980s the government spent an approximate $100 billion on public housing which has subsequently been reduced over time to about $3 billion. The Greens would focus on this aspect to build more housing at a cheaper cost.

“One of our key policies is a publicly owned housing developer, where, rather than relying on private developers, who are land banking and waiting for when it’s most profitable to build. We’re in a housing crisis. We need houses built now,” she said.

“Establishing a publicly owned housing developer, as we used to have with the Housing Commission, that will build high quality houses and sell them at five per cent above cost, so that the system can regenerate itself and keep moving. And also build houses that are rentals and rent them out to people at 25 per cent of their income or the median rental in the area, which-

ever is cheaper.”

Ms Bond said AJP would look at “changing the laws surrounding alternative dwellings” so tiny homes and caravans could be considered as long term housing.

“We think it should be federally legislated, so you are able to live in a tiny house or a caravan for as long as possible,” she said.

On minister salaries and whether the candidates would vote to reduce these salaries, there was mixed response.

Ms Ferres Miles said she would need to engage with the community on what their expectations were before making a decision, Dr Blair said she would not vote to make a cut but instead hold the current rate to allow other wages time to catch up, Ms Bond said she would absolutely vote to see salaries reduced below $200,000, while Ms Oakley said she would like to see a percentage of minister salaries donated to charity or community organisations.

When it comes to gambling ad bans, there was universal agreement from each candidate that they were opposed or that more needed to be done to tackle gambling advertisements.

Feedback from the community members in attendance asked each of the candidates not necessarily to act but to just be aware of the incel movement and the targeting of young children via video games.

Attendees wanted to hear policy on housing, cost of living, gambling, tax reform and minister salaries. (474592)

Chloe Bond and Naomi Oakley. (474592)Dr Merran Blair and Claire Ferres Miles. (474592)

Four of Casey’s candidates, Chloe Bond, Naomi Oakley, Merran Blair and Claire Ferres Miles attended the Build a Ballot event on Saturday 26 April. (Mikayla van Loon: 474592)

Keep local news strong!

Dear readers,

This federal election, more than 240 independent local newspapers across Australia will do what tech giants and capital city media won’t - shine a light on the issues that matter to your town, your family, your future.

Our journalists live in your communities.

They tell your stories, champion your voices, and celebrate what makes your region unique.

But while we work hard to inform and uplift regional Australians, federal government advertising spend in local news has dropped significantly.

Instead, millions are funnelled to tech giants like Google and Facebook — platforms that don’t employ local journalists, don’t publish local stories, and are often home to misinformation and unchecked content.

We’re not asking for more spending.

We’re simply asking for fairness - for regional communities to get their fair share.

In fact, while the government continues to pour its advertising funds into digital and metro platforms, it recently announced just $3 million per year over two years of advertising spend in regional newspapers through the News Map program — a tiny fraction of what was historically spent and far less than what goes to social and digital media.

That money still hasn’t been delivered. And even if it is, it falls well short of what’s needed to ensure local news survives and thrives.

Meanwhile, our local newsrooms remain dedicated to reporting during fires, floods, and emergencies; holding councils, candidates, and institutions accountable; covering school events, sports, and community milestones.

Providing accurate, fact-checked journalism — not clickbait or conspiracy theories.

We are the first to show up when your community needs a voice. But we’re being shut out of the conversation.

The Victorian Government has already taken action, mandating at least one page per week of advertising in every local paper - a smart, simple policy that helps protect local jobs, journalism, and democracy.

Now it’s time for Canberra to do the same.

Our independent papers employ hundreds of journalists and publish tens of thousands of stories each year. We hold local candidates to account and ensure every voice has a platform.

This election, stand with local news. Stand with your community. Ask your candidates:

Will you commit to fair, equitable funding for local news? Will you ensure regional voices are not left behind?

Because when you support local journalism, you support a stronger, more connected Australia.

Sincerely,

Andrew Schreyer President, CPA

NEWS LifeFlight pilot ‘born to fly’

LifeFlight First Officer Amanda Deed must be ready to fly at the drop of a hat.

The 29-year-old’s career in aviation has taken her into aeromedicine as a First Officer onboard the LifeFlight Brisbane-based Challenger 604 jet.

Beginning her pilot training at the Lilydale Flying School, every day can now take Amanda across the world or to some of the most rural and remote parts of Australia.

“You have to be flexible in this job. When you’re on call, the phone can ring at any time. You’re given the lowdown of where you’re going, put your uniform on and then head to the airport to get the plane ready,” she said.

“The other night, we were called out to Horn Island to go and pick a patient up. We landed at the Island at midnight and got back at 3am.”

Amanda was recently involved in a milestone flight with a record distance covered for LifeFlight “I was very lucky to be part of the team that flew the Dubai to Switzerland return trip of the flight,” she said.

“We managed to see glimpses of the Suez Canal and the Pyramids of Giza on our way across the Middle East. We saw the changing landscape flying across Italy and into Switzerland, including seeing the Matterhorn.

“It was a magical flight to be a part of.”

Amanda’s love of aviation started when she was a kid.

Hailing from South East Melbourne, she grew up with her siblings on 15 acres of land.

“I started to be interested in aviation from a very young age,” she said.

“My dad is a pilot and I’ve grown up very fortunately flying around Australia, visiting all the outback places and towns in a small aircraft.

“Dad started his flight training when I was a baby. He caught the aviation bug and wanted to share that with his family.

“My favourite places to visit were Flinders Island to go camping with fold up push bikes and Coffs Harbour to see my grandpa.

“That’s where it kicked off. I think initially for me the inspiration was to become a private pilot and do the same thing, because that was the way I grew up.

“Once my hands touched the controls on my introductory flight and I started flying, I knew I’d caught the same aviation bug as my dad. I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

Amanda has licenses to fly both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.

She attended Lilydale Flying School, a familyowned business located in the Yarra Valley Victoria.

She received her fixed wing Private Pilots License (PPL) in December 2019 and Commercial Pilots License (CPL) in March 2021.

For helicopters, she gained her PPL in August 2020 and CPL in April 2021.

With a commercial license to fly both types of aircraft, she set off to Uluru to fly tourists around the spinifex studded desert until November 2022.

Along with three other pilots, she took on a challenge to fly and land a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft in every state and mainland territory in Australia to raise funds to support other female aviators

“It’s a competition over in the United Kingdom called the Dusk to Dawn Challenge, and the objective is to complete a notable feat of aviation between those hours. Within a day, basically,” she said.

“Myself and one of the other ladies, Theresa, talked about doing it. She was my instructor at Lilydale for quite a while and does incredible work helping other women in aviation.

“We came up with the idea to enter this competition and we thought why not raise funds to put towards one of the scholarships for the Australian Women Pilots Association?”

The team started the journey at Flinders Island in Tasmania, at “stupid o’clock” in the morn-

ing, after a night of excitement and final checks of the plan.

“We took off and flew to Mallacoota in Victoria, and then off to Canberra,” she said.

The crew stopped in at Cootamundra New South Wales to refuel, and again at White Cliffs before heading to Moomba South Australia.

“We stopped at Birdsville in Queensland for more fuel and then across to Uluru for the Northern Territory,” she said.

They then flew to their final destination at Forrest, Western Australia.

“I think we landed 20 minutes before last light, just before dusk,” Amanda said.

“We were very excited to make it. Big smiles all around.”

The team amassed 13 hours of flying and travelled 1905 nautical miles.

They won second place in the Dawn to Dusk

Challenge and also clinched the award for longest distance, presented in London in January 2024.

“We ended up raising $6000 for the Australian Women Pilot’s Association scholarship. It assists in helping any woman in aviation to achieve the next goal in their career,” she said.

“We were able to spread the funds to support doubling the scholarship for a few years.”

Amanda’s career at LifeFlight has taken her far and wide across the sky, including her first international flight from Sydney to Singapore.

Along with an enviable view of the heavens, one of her journeys put her in the ideal spot to see a comet streak across the sky during a trip from Hawaii to Melbourne.

“I absolutely love looking out the window at night at all the stars,” she said.

Whatever mission comes next, it’s safe to say Amanda is more than up to the challenge.

Council on the lookout for Community Changemakers

Yarra Ranges Council is excited to invite residents to express their interest in being part of its Community Changemakers Program for 2025.

This free community leadership program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections necessary to drive positive change within their communities into the future.

Mayor Jim Child said the program, now in its third year, has helped launch many projects and initiatives around the Yarra Ranges that have greatly benefited the local community.

“We’ve had previous graduates of the program go on to lead a range of community projects, like community gardens, mentoring young people in radio programming, not to mention the personal development that each of them has walked away with,” Cr Child said.

“We’re really proud of the program and the success stories that have come out of it, and we’re committed to continue supporting initiatives that promote community connection, health and wellbeing, and leadership.

“Community Changemakers is ideal for anyone who is ready to learn, grow and explore new opportunities, and no prior experience is required.

“So if you are passionate about your local

community and want to create some positive change, I strongly encourage you to apply.”

The program is delivered over eight sessions, including four online sessions held on weekdays and four in-person sessions on weekends. The proposed course dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, 23 July (Online)

• Saturday, 2 August (In person)

• Wednesday, 6 August (Online)

• Saturday, 23 August (In person)

• Wednesday, 3 September (Online)

• Saturday, 11 October (In person)

• Wednesday, 22 October (Online)

• Saturday, 8 November (In person - Graduation)

The program will be facilitated by a partnership between Liminal by Design and Hatrick & Co, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise.

Expressions of interest are open until Sunday 11 May 2025.

For more information or to express your interest, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/ Events/Community-Changemakers-Program, email the Skill Building Team at skillsbuilding@ yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call on 1300 368 333.

Become a Yarra Ranges Changemaker. (Supplied)

Amanda and fellow pilot Theresa, with Dawn to Dusk crew members Jessica and Gail.

LifeFlight pilot Amanda Deed, 29, started her training at the Lilydale Flying School. (Supplied)

LifeFlight can take Amanda across the country and even the world.

Find sustainable solutions

By Felicity van Rensburg

People interested in sustainable building and construction are encouraged to attend the annual ‘Sustainable House Day,’ an event which showcases Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and some of which are in the local suburbs of Ringwood, Upwey and Belgrave.

These houses are highly efficient and brimming with renewable energy technology.

The Green Home Build located in Ringwood East has won many awards for its light-filled, contemporary, and architecturally superb construction, making it “amongst the best for recent Australian Sustainable builds.”

Libby and Howard Elston, owners of the Green Home Build, discuss the many benefits of using these sustainable methods and appliances.

“It’s how you build using sustainable materials, sustainable building methods and then you top that off with solar panels, so that the energy you do get, most of it is coming from the solar panels,” Mr Elston says.

“The passive design, if you start there, then your energy usage is really reduced.”

Highlighting the efficiency of their ‘green’ home to control temperature during the different seasons, the couple confirms it “is all done by the house” and that “we’ve got the slab to heat that up, that’s our thermal mass.”

On board with this stylish and efficient passive design, is Ringwood’s Laneway fully electric home, which features a dynamic heating system with double-glazed windows and doors.

“The roof of the deck has a clear polycarbonate roof. In winter we retract the blind which is on the upside of the roof and in summer we have it down a lot to make it shadier,” says the owner.

“In winter we get a good northern sun here that reflects on the floor. This helps to heat up the living space without having to use power.”

Up in the Hills, Belgrave’s dynamic hempcrete home takes on an impressive passive solar design,

impacted by orientation and material choices.

“The main material choice for us was obviously the hemp, which is a really amazing product. It looks beautiful but it also performs really well in terms of insulation, air quality and dealing with the moisture in the air and humidity,” says the owner.

Praising the placement, insulation and energy efficiency of their home, the owner-builders reveals, “this house is all-electric, but our electricity usage here is less than the last house.”

Proving that young families can in fact afford

to renovate their home in the Dandenong Ranges, Upwey also showcases its sustainable and refurbished home, completed within a tight budget.

The owners state how they “wanted to prove that any family on a modest budget could build a sustainable house at no extra cost” and that it could be achieved by “making smart design choices that don’t cost any extra.”

Adopting the energy-efficient design of the Belgrave hempcrete home, the owners suggest maximizing “solar access to the house” are among the first steps to succeeding in a sustainable build.

“It all starts with good solar passive design and that meant completely orienting the house to suit our block,” they said.

With the option to engage either online or in person, ‘Sustainable House Day’ provides an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, gather insights about renewable buildings, and receive trusted expert advice on renovating sustainably.

For more information or to book tickets, visit the website: sustainablehouseday.com/about/

Upwey’s sustainable house shows how big impact changes can be made on a budget. (Supplied)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Comedy meets dark thrills

By Felicity van Rensburg and Mikayla van Loon

Described by the director as a dark fantasy and sitcom, Haunted is yet to be another local sensation at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre.

“It’s a bit of smoke and mirrors,” director Nicholas Ryan says with “a lot of different twists and turns.”

A play that incorporates elements of the historical poet and playwright, Lord Byron, Haunted revolves around the story of Nigel Burke, a neurotic and “agoraphobic” character with “a lot of fears and phobias.”

“It runs at a good pace,” the director says.

“It’s not really a belly laugh, laughing comedy, it’s like a sitcom, more of a situation comedy than a comedy comedy.”

The director speaks about the theatrical elements used to create a ‘ghostly’ and illusory feel onstage, stating he “must take the audience’s sightline away from what’s happening, to make them focus on something else.”

“It’s enjoyable and it’s a good story line with different plot twists to it, which keeps it interesting,” he says.

Embarking upon the theatrical journey once again, lead actor, Feliks Woltersdorf, who plays Nigel Burke, says the show is “not a heavy-set dra-

ma or anything, where these very raw emotions have to be bubbling at the surface constantly,” rather “on the outset, it’s quite funny.”

Woltersdorf concurred with the director and praises the play’s technical aspects, such as the set design and lighting, which enhances the ghostly effect of Lord Byron and the overall mood of the play.

“With everything we’ve put together with all of the guys in terms of the set design and what they’re doing to their technical elements in order to, as Nicholas said, draw the attention away, to introduce him onto the stage, I think it’ll be a lot of fun for the audience when he does make that appearance,” he says.

“And that’s probably the most technical part of the whole show, is the ins and outs of him as a character, because we can’t get a real ghost, we have to pretend.”

The lead actor discusses his attraction to the role of Nigel, as well as describing the character’s depth and complexity which adds to the full scope of the story and “how the narrative is weaved.”

“Looking more at the character, I was like, ‘Oh, this is a fantastic part’, just the scale of what is involved as well as where the characters are introduced and it’s almost me and another person sort

of on rotation,” Woltersdorf says.

“I think people will just enjoy having a famous literary figure present before that time, and the playful eccentricities that he exuded through his lifetime, helping to push the story across.”

“The more I’ve been able to read it and discover the character, the more nuanced and more interesting I find him, and there’s always something new to find.”

Woltersdorf reveals how he thrived upon the challenge of quickly shifting focus between different characters, stating there “is a constant relationship change that you have with everyone that you’re communicating with onstage.”

“I thought it was a really fun little test of my own skill in how you have to quickly shift your focus, depending on who it is that you’re talking to. And then I guess, the challenge of doing that was probably the most appealing thing to me.”

Woltersdorf is confident the audience will delight in these shifting aspects of the show and in “the dynamic relationships” which consist of “a constant rotation of characters on stage.”

“I think people will enjoy just seeing those relationships and how each of the conversations and relationships do intertwine with the other relationships,” he says.

Working with an active and dynamic cast, director Nicholas Ryan highlights the work that has been put into “building up all the characters” to prepare them for the eventful and exciting storyline.

“It’s been great, and they’re all different,” the director says.

But more than this, Woltersdorf wishes to pay homage to the collaborative effort, as well as the professional and creative dedication of the team, who brought this phenomenon to stage, despite a short six-week rehearsal period.

“Nicholas’s vision for it, and the collaboration he’s had with all of the people behind the scenes has really brought it to life to help suspend the audience’s disbelief,” he says.

“I think the show is really exciting. It’s a really beautiful combination of collaboration, where everyone has had a chance to express themselves in a way that helps serve the story. So, I think there’s this really beautiful connection between everyone that’s been working on it, and the result on the stage is quite exceptional.”

Don’t miss the second season of this phantasmic, adventurous and comedic show. The season begins on Thursday 24 April and runs to Saturday 10 May at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre.

Not an end, it’s a new beginning for Yarra Valley Arts

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Valley Arts closed the door of its gallery on 27 April while wrapping up its last exhibition Newcomers.

YVA president Linda Carlin said it’s not the end but “a new beginning”.

“We’re a not-for-profit arts organisation, and it is just too expensive for us (to pay commercial rent),” she said.

“We also feel there are so many opportunities out in the community for other places that we could exhibit.

“We’re quite excited for the new beginning because we have a good board and committee with lots of ideas.”

Rather than being sad about the decision, YVA is looking forward to connecting with the local community in different places across the Valley.

With new board members, the organisation is taking some time to refocus on the direction and planning.

“We’ve still got all the things that we love doing, like our open studios and sculpture awards,” Linda said.

“The other thing that we’re really focusing on now is making sure we have a very broadbased arts to include all of the arts that our

members cover like literary art, performing art, emerging art and youth art.

“So when we’re looking at all our new projects, we are trying to be all-encompassing with those.”

YVA opened its home in May 2019.

With six years of operation, the YVA showcased incredible talent, connection, and community through a number of exhibitions at the gallery.

“There have been some fabulous memories, fabulous exhibitions that have gone on, and we will be going through those on our final night with our members,” Linda said.

In less than a year after the opening, the gallery met the big hurdle ‘the Covid-19 pandemic’ where it had to close its door.

The organisation dealt with the unexpected challenge wisely, putting on online exhibitions to keep communicating with the local arts lovers.

“I think through that time, the staff were fantastic and put a lot online,” Linda said.

To prepare for the new chapter, YVA is looking for locations in different areas for future exhibitions.

Anyone with any idea or spare space is encouraged to contact Yarra Valley Arts via email, info@yava.org.au

Yarra Valley Arts is stepping into the next chapter as it closed the door of its gallery on 27 April.

(Dongyun Kwon: 473910)

Feliks Woltersdorf plays the neurotic and “agoraphobic” character of Nigel Burke, while Bob Bramble plays the role of Potter. (Alexandra Carter - Wanderling Photography)

Michael Fenemore plays the historical, ghostly figure of Lord Byron in Lilydale’s take on Haunted.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Powerful works to come

By Tanya Steele

A collection of multi-disciplinary works by 30 recent VCE art graduates from schools throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is set to take centre stage at the 2025 Creative Showcase at the Burrinja Gallery in Upwey in early May.

Providing a platform for new voices and perspectives, the exhibition includes Emerald Secondary College, Lilydale High School, Little Yarra Steiner School, Mater Christi College, Monbulk College, Upwey High School and others.

The exhibit celebrates the region’s most promising emerging visual artists and will launch on Friday 2 May at 6pm.

Former graduated art students are given the

chance to show their work professionally and work with a curator, taking the next steps in their early careers.

Burrinja Community Visual Arts Producer CJ Baxter said the exhibition also gives other art students a glimpse into what’s possible.

“It’s also a way for current students to be able to see what’s possible and to feel inspired about what they can potentially create for their VCE,” said CJ.

CJ said they would invite any level of artist to come along and be inspired by what’s on show.

“Come and see what young people are saying, what they are capable of,” she said.

The exhibition offers a thoughtful and articulate display of what young artists are up to, and CJ

said she has found it deeply moving.

“Young people have unique things to be saying right now – this is their future,” she said.

From themes like sexual violence, body image and the degradation of the environment, CJ said working with the group of young artists to bring together the display has been quite emotional.

“It’s so important in an art context to be able to just stop, listen and look and respect what respect their perspectives,” she said.

The curation will feature a range of media from sculptures, to photography, light and electricity - there are even some sculptures with dynamic moving elements.

“There was such an interesting and diverse

range of work and different mediums,” said CJ.

The official launch on 2 May and promises an evening of inspiration and connection, with guests invited to RSVP and support the next wave of visual storytellers.

The opening will see former showcase artists talking on the night and will offer connection and collaboration opportunities for art students across the Yarra Ranges.

“It’s some deeply personal work as well, and bold and brave for these young people to put themselves out there,” said CJ.

For more information or to RSVP for the launch, head to: https://events.humanitix.com/ creative-showcase-exhibition-launch

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to clean energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

This year the young artists have taken on some intense themes. This piece is called ‘Wounded’ by Ted Hughes.

Hell’s paradise by Kody Gates.

INdia Christie’s untitled work and many more will be one show. (Supplied)

Where to pick up your FREE Star Mail

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service StationChirnside Park Shopping Cr Little

Chipping Drive, 241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

Have copies of the Lilydale Star Mail or Mount Evelyn Star Mail in your business as a service to the community. We

The leading questions

By Maria Millers

This week we saw the funeral of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of approximately 1.406 billion Catholics across the world.

An event that was attended by many world leaders who came to pay respect to a man who often displayed moral courage on some contentious issues.

And at home we have had daily images of our political leaders on the hustings across the country as we gallop into the home straight to the Federal Election next Saturday.

This turns our thoughts to what traits we are looking for in a leader and what are our expectations.

There is now inordinate emphasis on the leaders of the parties. Of course, only a handful of us, those living in their electorates, will be voting for the leaders directly. Most will be casting votes for their local representative. Still in the end our votes will determine who will be our elected Prime Minister. It’s not too far-fetched to say that there’s a growing element of cynicism about politicians at large, as conveyed in the following poem: Politics Today USA by Sandra Feldman which equally applies to us.

They’re out for the kill!

The raw savagery of politics

Gives no thrill

To some observing citizenry.”

So what then are the qualities we are looking for in a leader who will have to respond to the challenges of the 21st century world: a world facing climate crises, inequality, conflict, rapid technological change, and deep social fragmentation.

Would the advice about stoic personal integrity expressed by Rudyard Kipling in his 1910 poem If suit the leadership we need today?

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too...

Or is the kind of leadership we need not just about being effective or popular, but also about being deeply human, grounded, and future-focused.

In many ways the qualities for leadership are eternal. Over the ages philosophers have had a lot to say about leadership. Some saw it as a moral duty, others as a form of power, and some as a balance of both. In The Republic, Plato argued that the best leaders are philosophers. Only the wisest should lead, not the wealthiest or most popular. For Aristotle, good leaders govern for the whole community, not for personal gain.

On the other hand for Machiavelli in The Prince, effective leadership should focus on results and the means may sometimes need to be ruthless.

Moving into the modern age for thinkers like John Locke leadership was a social contract. A leader’s authority comes from the people and if power is abused people have the right to revolt.

Karl Marx saw true leadership (in a communist society) as classless and stateless, where people govern themselves.

James McGregor Burns in 1978 put forward The Transformational Leadership Theory, which focuses on how leaders can inspire and motivate followers to go beyond their own narrow self-interests for the greater good. He distinguished between transactional (basic exchange) and transformational leadership — the latter inspires and uplifts followers to achieve greater goals themselves The leader and followers grow together through this process. He encouraged dialogue and critical thinking, even among those with opposing views.

Long before the term transactional became commonly used particularly in describing President Trump’s style, Ralph Waldo Emerson in Ode to Beauty (1847) criticised the transactional nature of politics. Emerson suggested that political systems often commodify values, reducing them to mere transactions.

To buy iron and gold; All earth’s fleece and food For their like are sold.

But a fairer prize, A better gain, The love of the eyes Lighteth the brain; Lighteth the whole Influx of soul.”

He’s contrasting material wealth (gold and iron) with the deeper, more enduring value of beauty, perception, and love. It’s a call to remember that not all value is transactional or has a price.

Perhaps it’s timely to revisit Donald Horne and his iconic phrase: “Australia is a lucky country, run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck.” Horne argued that our prosperity was largely due to natural resources and geographical isolation, rather than the result of visionary leadership or innovation. He observed that Australia’s elites often lacked the ambition and intellectual curiosity necessary to propel the country forward, relying instead on the nation’s inherent advantages. By challenging the complacency of the nation’s leaders Horne encouraged a more critical and engaged citizenry, urging Australians to demand more from their leaders and to cultivate a political culture that values foresight and integrity.

Ultimately we need leaders who will do what is right for the common good, not what is popular or in the interests of a few; be ready to face uncomfortable truths make tough calls and be prepared to pay politically.

Someone once said: ‘‘A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.’’ People want to be inspired, but not with hollow slogans. We need bold visions for the future, grounded in real plans and shared values. Today’s leaders must be listeners, coalition-builders, and facilitators of collective intelligence. This means elevating marginalised voices and truly sharing power.

Our world’s problems: climate, poverty, health are interconnected. Leaders must think in systems, understanding how sectors, communities, and global forces interact. It’s not enough to fix one problem without seeing its ripple effects.

The problem is that over the past few decades there has been a retreat from the leadership in the non-political areas such as economics, science and religion leaving politicians dealing with both global and domestic issues without this broader institutional support.

These specialists are often relegated to working behind the scenes or ignored and, worse, politicised. This means that politicians are now expected to not only be moral leaders, but also solve problems, across all those other areas.

It’s a huge burden and, arguably, one that politicians alone can’t carry without broader support from civil society, academia, and spiritual institutions.

Our part is to remain informed, supportive and engaged and when needed openly and constructively critical. Maybe then and only then we will have the kind of ethical leadership expressed by Seamus Heaney in The Cure at Troy

Once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

Often quoted by politicians Heaney’s lines call for leaders to act when history gives them the chance to bend it towards justice.

The future of democratic leadership will depend a lot on whether emerging leaders can rebuild trust, address real inequalities, and adapt to a fast-changing world without losing core democratic principles.

FTG CFA keeping busy

By Ray Peace

This year’s bushfire season is more or less over.

But work never stops for the volunteers of the Ferntree Gully CFA Urban Fire Brigade, which is approaching its centenary early next year.

Knox Historical Society president Ray Peace has been delving into the archives since 2023 to assemble a suitable history for the event.

“It’s been a marvellous experience,” he said. “The brigade has documents going back almost one hundred years. It’s a little treasure trove for research.”

A bush fire brigade was formed in 1926 at what was then Lower Ferntree Gully (the name was changed in 1962) and Upper Ferntree Gully. This was in the wake of the devastating bushfires that year. In February and March 1926, fires swept

CARTOON

large areas of the state including the Dandenong Ranges. Sixty people were killed; hundreds of homes, sawmills, and public buildings were destroyed.

The Ferntree Gully Bush Fire Brigade was absorbed into the Urban Fire Brigade in 1942. The brigade takes its founding date from this point, and marked its 80th anniversary in 2022.

Aside from the written records, Ray has been interviewing former and current members of the brigade on their recollections of past events.

“The spoken records add a whole new dimension to the story,” Ray said. “Without those, we wouldn’t know half of what happened.”

Brigade members attend bushfire and other emergencies both throughout Victoria and sometimes interstate. The brigade has been on the

front line on dates seared into history and memory: Black Saturday on 9 February 2009, fire on One Tree Hill on 21 January 1997, and Ash Wednesday on 16 February 1983.

The CFA provides extensive training for its volunteer members, including how to deal with structure fires as well as wildfires, situations such as road accidents, and miscellaneous duties such as search and rescue.

Ray shares the respect of the community for the volunteers of the CFA. “They do a fantastic job,” Ray said. “I’m awed by the dedication and professionalism that has held the brigades together for the past hundred years.”

The brigade hopes to have the publication ready by February 2026, marking one hundred years of fire services in Ferntree Gully.

Clever movie is like the game after all

Until Dawn Starring Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino and Peter Stormare MA15+

4.25/5

If A Minecraft Movie is a great video game adaptation but a poor movie, Until Dawn is both an excellent horror movie and and a great spin on the 2015 game.

On the trail of her missing sister, Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends find themselves trapped in a time-loop and murdered over and over again. Until Dawn’s horror is a solid mixture of jumpscares and slow, eerie build-up, with fantastic

practical effects and sparse, crisp sound design to really put you on edge. The well-developed characters are flawed without being hateable (you

want them all to survive, which is rare for a slasher-type movie), and balances their helplessness with a sense of discovery (and just a dash of morbid comedy), as they explore their death-loops and myriad terrors and try to overcome them.

At first, the Until Dawn movie seems to have nothing to do with the game, which is about college friends being hunted by wendigos (monsters from Native American folklore) in the snowy mountains. With the main characters trapped in a house and dying on loop, the trailer looked more like a Sims movie.

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, Until Dawn is a creepy, clever horror film and one of a growing number of good video game movies.

Get on a book crawl PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh famously said: “So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.”

American comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld put it more bluntly: “A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking.”

The idea of a “book crawl” is to explore a (new) place via the bookstores there. Such a trip is often curated by individuals or small groups seeking to connect with books and each other, but it’s also great to fly solo.

Bookstores, like people, have their unique characters, so book crawls are personalised and first-hand experiences of different shops and their staff of diverse backgrounds, as well as the distinct communities they belong to. These are cultural and intellectual experiences never to be replaced by shopping online. Even better, they enrich our relationships with books and inspire meaningful and fulfilling reading journeys.

By the time this article is published, the first Global Book Crawl (April 21-27) will have just concluded. This annual celebration of independent bookstores opens a window into the passion for books shared by readers, writers and booksellers.

Coordinated by three indie booksellers in Spain, Ireland and Brooklyn, the Global Book Crawl invites each participating city or town to organise a book crawl tailored to its unique community, “requiring only creativity and local collaboration, while benefiting from the global reach and shared excitement of a worldwide movement”. As of this writing, the Global Book Crawl website lists 64 cities and towns across 17 countries joining forces in the international initiative – from Argentina to Austria, from Iceland to Italy, from Malaysia to Mexico, and from Switzerland to Sweden, just to name a few.

In Australia alone, over 60 bookstores participated in the global event across cities and regions such as the Blue Mountains, Hobart, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Newcastle, North East Victoria, and Sydney. More bookstores in other areas are expected to jump onboard in the years to come.

Commenting on the event, legendary Australian bookseller Mark Rubbo said: “Australia’s independent bookshops play a leading role in showing people how great our own writers are...Australian creatives now tend to stay and develop their work in Australia, because there is demand for their work and they are appreciated.”

However, these days, with books competing against screens for people’s time and interest, and with physical bookshops competing against online booksellers, it is a challenge to get people back into bookstores – and that’s what book crawls are all about.

Theatre and music aplenty in Hills entertainment list

The 1812 theatre

The Housekeeper

Floundering after the death of his mother, Manley Carstairs, a self-styled literary artist, employs a housekeeper, Anne Dankworth, to look after his large Victorian house (and himself).

When Anne first arrives, wearing sneakers and carrying her belongings in a grocery cart, Manley is taken aback, but she seems eager to please that he relents – after which their relationship progresses rapidly from initial reserve to active hatred.

Anne is one of the world’s great oddballs. She insults her employer, denigrates his writing, admits she forged her references, accuses Manley of lusting after her, in general makes his life hell. Eventually, Manley can take no more, but when he

advances on Anne with strangulation in mud, he trips, falls into her arms, they embrace, and the rest is history.

Season: 22 May – 14 June. Bookings: 9758 3964

Burrinja Theatre DRMC Showcase

Celebrating Music in the Hills.

The ensembles of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council are performing at Burrinja. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the local musicians and to consider joining the CRMC groups. Covering a diversity of styles, from Classical to Jaz, the performance will showcase The Dandenong Ranges Big Band, the Dandenong Ranges Orchestra, the Hot Jazz Orchestra, the Happy Wanderers singers and the Col our Notes Choir.

Season: Saturday 10 May at 2pm.

The Round Theatre Victorian Opera The Lyrebird’s Voice

Have you ever heard a lyrebird’s call? You may have but mistaken it for something else these ornate

birds are expert copycats, mimicking all sorts from kookaburras to camera shutters.

In this family-friendly opera, one trickster lyrebirdgoesasteptoofarandgetsintotroublewiththeir friendsintheflock.Theotherbirdsbanishthelyrebird and curse them: never again will the lyrebird be able tousetheirownvoice.Fromnowon,it’smimicryonly. Alone in the bush, the lyrebird meets a quirky assortment of Australian animals, where they discover the power of being.

With performances in the outer suburban ring of Melbourne, audiences will meet beetles, a wombat, a kangaroo, a ringtail possum, a jittery emu, all manner of native birds, and a cunning cat.

Season: Thursday 8 May at 6.30pm. Friday 9 May at 1pm. Saturday 10 May at 2pm.

PUZZLES

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.

ACROSS

1 Scholarly (8)

5 Practices (6)

10 Breakfast favourite (5)

11 Divide into parts (9)

12 Jolly (6)

13 Squirm (7)

14 Ways of speaking (8)

15 Capital of Czech Republic (6)

18 Bring into being (6)

20 Haughty (8)

21 Sloping type (7)

24 Unfold (6)

27 Bewitch (9)

28 Whinny (5)

29 Lengthy list (6)

30 LAN network (8)

DOWN

1 French abbot (4)

2 Alaska’s largest city (9)

3 Boredom or lethargy (5)

4 Rude (8)

6 More irridescent (7)

7 Current (5)

8 Most heartfelt (9)

9 Sketch (4)

14 Dishonest (9)

16 Subtle change by degrees (9)

17 Debate (8)

19 Coaching (7)

22 A useful quality (5)

23 Wound-mark (4)

25 Flinch (5)

26 Informal conversation (4)

CHARMING & SERENE RETREAT IN KALLISTA

CHARMING & SERENE RETREAT IN KALLISTA

NESTLED in a quiet pocket of Kallista, just moments from the iconic Kallista Tea Room and local cafes, this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and tranquility.

Bathed in natural light, the elevated position ensures fantastic sun all year round, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The expansive decking area is ideal for relaxing or entertaining, surrounded by an established garden that provides privacy and a peaceful backdrop.

The spacious open-plan living and dining areas are the heart of the home, with a cosy fireplace to enjoy on cooler nights. Whether you’re unwinding with family or hosting guests, this versatile space suits all occasions.

Additional highlights include a large double garage, gas ducted heating,ample storage, and the soothing sounds of nature, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle.

This property embodies the essence of peaceful living in a fantastic location. Don’t miss your chance to secure this slice of Kallista paradise.

HOME FOCUS

SPECTACULAR, STYLISH AND SPACIOUS

ON a near flat 1783m2 block, this sundrenched home has been tastefully renovated to create a stunning home that you can move in and enjoy. Thoughtfully designed, the home offers a family friendly floorplan ideal for those who appreciate quality and style. You are welcomed inside into the spacious lounge and dining area, where vaulted ceilings create a wonderful sense of volume. There is a cozy wood heater for those cooler evenings and direct access to the decked outdoor entertaining area to allow for a seamless indoor/outdoor living zone. The adjoining kitchen offers a stunning modern design, ideal for the chef of the family the kitchen boasts stone benchtops, black appliances including gas cook top, wall oven, and dishwasher, a huge island bench with a breakfast bar and a walk-in pantry to solve all your storage needs. To cater to growing families there are four spacious bedrooms, the master suite is complete with a fitted walk-in wardrobe and impressive ensuite bathroom, whilst the secondary bedrooms all have built in robes and are serviced by the stylish family bathroom and separate powder room. Throughout the home, there is a light and neutral colour scheme; plush new carpets, stone benchtops throughout, new curtains and hybrid composite flooring complement each other to create a harmonious feel. For year-round comfort, there is ducted heating and evaporative cooling. An additional studio space under roofline is accessed externally, offering the perfect art studio or work from home space if required.

Outside, the decked entertaining area is the ideal spot to host your friends and family through the warmer months whilst you watch the kids run and play. A separate covered balcony is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy your morning coffee. For the toys and tools there is a double garage as well as fantastic off-street parking for additional cars, boat, trailer, caravan or all of the above along with dual road access with a drive-through driveway for your convenience. Surrounded by low maintenance landscaped gardens with brick edging and established shade trees.

Located in a quiet and peaceful pocket of Emerald just a short stroll from Emerald Lake Park and Wright Forest, the lifestyle you have been dreaming of is right at your fingertips. Positioned within a short drive to both the Emerald and Cockatoo Townships; schools, sporting facilities, public transport, cafes and restaurants are all within easy reach. This impressive property offers everything you have been searching for and more, inspect today!

HOME FOCUS

ENTERTAINERS PARADISE ON FIVE ACRES

SITTING pretty on a peaceful and private 5 acres, this property offers a relaxing lifestyle for the whole family (literally!). There are two residences on the property (the second is a dependent relative unit) that offers flexibility for families. The main home has been lovingly renovated throughout to create an impressive and stylish family home. You are welcomed inside into the expansive family lounge, vaulted ceilings and huge double glazed windows that flood the room with natural light creates a grand entrance. In the heart of the home, the modern kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances including a Smeg oven and Asko dishwasher, stylish stone benchtops and a huge island bench. The adjoining dining room complete with a cozy wood fire for those cooler evenings, is the perfect spot to host your friends and family. French doors opening out to the expansive paved and covered outdoor entertaining area that overlooks the private bush scenery, this is a true indoor/ outdoor entertaining space to be enjoyed yearround. If that wasn’t already enough, there is an additional family room with a bar that also opens out to the outdoor entertaining area so you can host larger groups comfortably.

For growing families, there are four spacious bedrooms, the master suite is complete with an ensuite bathroom and walk in wardrobe, whilst the secondary bedrooms all have built in robes and are serviced by the family bathroom. Year-round comfort is assured with a large wood heater to keep you toasty and ducted heating/cooling throughout. There is also a double carport under roofline for your convenience and an additional 6 x9m double lock up garage. The second residence is a perfect addition for families, boasting a huge living space with a well-appointed kitchen, three bedrooms two with robes, a sizeable bathroom and laundry. For year-round comfort there is a split system and wood heater. The decked and covered entertaining space is a welcomed addition, offering the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee and the serenity. There is fantastic sundry shedding on the property for storage of your wood and all the toys and tools. Perfectly positioned just a short drive from Emerald, you truly get the best of both worlds here – the peace and privacy you have been searching for with all the modern amenities just a stones throw away. Opportunities like this one are hard to find!

CHARMING COUNTRY LIVING WITH SPACE, STYLE AND A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA

WELCOME to a one-of-a-kind Gembrook gem, where character meets convenience and the iconic Puffing Billy steams past your front fence like a scene from a postcard. Set on an expansive 1900sqm (approx.) fully fenced block with rare dual access via Station Road and Main Street, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility and semi-rural serenity — all within walking distance to town.

Step inside via the undercover entryway and you’re greeted by polished timber floors, soaring 10ft ceilings and a warm open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area bathed in natural light. Year-round comfort is guaranteed with gas ducted heating throughout and a split system, keeping things cool in summer and toasty in winter. The heart of the home is the well-appointed kitchen, featuring an island bench, gas stove, dishwasher, large pantry and ample storage — all framed by a window overlooking the rear entertaining deck, making cooking a joy and entertaining effortless.

The carpeted master bedroom is privately positioned at the front of the home, complete with walk-through robe and ensuite. Down the hallway, three additional bedrooms (two with built-in robes), a central family bathroom, a

functional study nook and a separate laundry with a third toilet ensure plenty of space for the whole family. A second lounge — or potential fifth bedroom — with a gorgeous bay window and toasty woodfire adds even more versatility.

Outside, the space continues to impress. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a tradie, or simply need storage for all the toys, you’ll love the array of sheds including a 3-bay open-style shed, a second 3-bay shed with concrete floor, power and plumbing, a barn-style shed, and a double carport — all easily accessed via dual driveways.

With a scenic walking track to town at your doorstep and Gembrook’s charming main strip just a short stroll away, this is a property where lifestyle and location align — all wrapped in a uniquely nostalgic package.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - CALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION TODAY! Call Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Bethany Sullivan 0438 844 968.

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.

Nature,Privacy &Peace –A TimelessBushRetreaton5.7AcresinEmerald Seton5.7gentlyundulatingacreswrappedintrees &birdsong,this4-bedroom,2-bathroombrick havenblendstimelesscharmwithnaturalbeautynearEmerald.Floor-to-ceilingwindowsfloodthe homewithlight &lushviews,while 2livingareas—1with aheattransferwoodfire,theotherwith splitsystem& deckaccess—offercomfortyear-round.Thekitchenfeaturesa walk-inpantry,electric stove,dishwasher &outlooktotheentertainer’sdeck.Themasterincludes awalk-throughrobe& ensuite; 2morebedroomshavebuilt-ins &desks,servicedbya centralbathroom.Outside,enjoya fullyestablishedveggiegarden,circulardriveway,drive-throughcarport,extra-heightbayforvansor boats,under-houseworkshop& trailerstorage.Withwildlife,spacetoroam& everythingreadyfora self-sufficientlifestyle,thispeacefulbushretreatisthetreechangeyou’vebeendreamingof.

ExpansiveCountryLivingwithEndlessPotentialon16Acres. TuckedawayinMacclesfield,this5-bedroomhomeon16acresoffersa rareopportunitytoembrace apeacefulrurallifestylewithroomtolive,grow& explore.Anundercoververandahwelcomes you,openingintoa flexiblefloorplan.Atthefrontofthehome,3 carpetedbedroomsprovide comfortableaccommodation—1easilyadaptableasa secondlivingarea.A centralbathroom, separatetoilet& handykitchenette.Themainlivingzoneattherearofthehomefeaturinga spaciouskitchen& diningareawith alargeislandbench,generouspantry& abundantstorage. Theadjoiningloungewithwoodfireheater,ceilingfan &s/s,creatinga spacetorelaxyear-round.2 bedroomsatthebackofthehomeenjoylargewindowsthatfilltheroomswithnaturallight.Outside, awell-establishedorchard,expansiveundercovershedding,additionalstorageshed &a dam.

FAMILY HOME ON A FLAT SUNNY BLOCK

TUCKED away in a sunny, flat location, 35 Mahony St offers a spacious and solid family home set on a generous 1104m² (approx.) block. This impressive property features four large bedrooms, providing ample room for the entire family. The master bedroom comes complete with an ensuite, while the other bedrooms are bright and well-sized, each equipped with ceiling fans for year-round comfort.

The home boasts two recently updated bathrooms, offering modern finishes that combine both style and practicality. The heart of the home is the open-plan living space, where bi-fold doors open up to an expansive entertaining area and a flat, sunlit backyardideal for outdoor living and relaxation.

For those who enjoy cooking, the kitchen is complemented by a butler’s pantry, offering plenty of storage and workspace. The home is equipped with both ducted heating and a Coonara wood fire for warmth, while a split system provides cooling in the warmer months, ensuring a comfortable environment no matter the season.

Additional features include a large shed, perfect for storage or as a workshop, and plenty of off-street parking, with space to accommodate a caravan or boat. The property is ideally located close to the town centre, with easy access to all essential amenities, making it a perfect choice for families looking for both space and convenience.

THIS solid family home offers the perfect combination of modern living and outdoor space, all in a highly sought-after location. Don’t miss your chance to make 35 Mahony St your forever home!

GLORIOUS ACRES WITH A FANTASTIC LIFESTYLE

A stunning and unique property, a rare opportunity to secure a beautifully presented small acreage property with commanding views in peaceful surroundings. Sitting on almost 7 sensational acres ( 2.77 Ha) with 2 separate residences and offering the ideal relaxed lifestyle the whole family will love and enjoy. The main home is spacious, beautifully presented and offers 4 good size bedrooms all with built in robes including a king size master bedroom with a walk in robe, ensuite and parents retreat. Expansive living, lounge and family rooms provide ample space for the growing family and entertaining. The kitchen is superb with quality appliances and fixtures with plenty of cupboard and bench space with a separate meals/dining area and feature windows with an abundance of natural light and overlooking the picturesque and colourful grounds. In addition to the main home there is a separate well presented 3 bedroom home with multiple living and family rooms, spacious kitchen and meals area it’s the ideal place for extra family members or the extended family. Everyone will love the outdoors with beautiful established gardens surrounding the home, double carport plus a true classic old style barn with ample car accommodation and workshop space with upstairs games room or extra accommodation. A beautiful property in glorious rural surroundings offering a fantastic small acreage lifestyle that offers something for everyone.

CharmingCharacterHomeonOverHalfanAcrewithMountainViews

Setonover1/2acre,thischaracterfilledhomeisbrimmingwithwarmthandpotential.Offering 3bedroomsand 2fullywheelchairaccessiblebathrooms,it’sidealforthoseseekingcomfortand spaceina serenesetting.Therearetwogenerouslivingareaswithlightfilledpicturewindowsthat bringtheoutdoorsin.Outsidea sunny,oversizeddeckwith ashadesailanidealspottorelaxwith acooldrinkandsoakinthemountainviews.Thepropertyalsoboastslargepoweredsheddingwith concreteflooring,greatforvehicles,tools,orweekendhobbies.There’snoshortageofoutdoor space,withexpansivelawnsforkidsandpetstoplay,multiplewoodsheds,andampleexternal storage.Enjoythepeaceandquietofcountrylifewithvalleyviews,freshair,andspacetogrowall withineasyreachoftownconveniences. Arare& affordableopportunity!

FamilyComfortWithConvenienceandViews Agreatfamilyhomein aconvenientandpicturesquelocationwithfantasticeverchangingviews toadmireallyearround!Thehomeisspacious,neatandverywellpresentedoffering 3goodsize bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesplusanensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Thekitchenis spaciousandwellappointed,withamplebenchandcupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/dining area.Sitback,admireandenjoythepicturesqueviewsfromthemainliving/familyroom.Venture outsideandentertainallyearroundwitha covereddeckarea- it’stheidealspottorelaxandenjoy thecolourfulvistaandestablishedgardenswithanarrayofshrubsandtrees.A greatfamilyhomein aconvenientlocation,situatedjust ashortstrolltolocalschools,shopsandtransport.

NatureLoversParadisewithPeaceandPrivacy Thishomeisbeautifullypresented,fresh,modernanduptodate,offering 2spaciousbedrooms,with thelargeopenlivingareasaretheidealspottositbackandadmirethecolourfulbushbackdrop. Thekitchenisfresh,modernandoffersplentyofspacewithqualityappliancesandfixtures.Entertain allyearroundwithcoveredverandah’sanddeckingaroundthehome,alfrescostyleserveryoff thekitchenareaistheidealspotforoutdoormorningbreakfast.Enjoytheoutdoorswithover 2400sqmoflandtoexploreandenjoywitha mixtureofscatteredtodensebushwithamplecleared areasforthewholefamilytoenjoy,plusextraalternativeaccommodationforweekendguestsor theextendedfamily.Thispropertyboastsfantasticoffgrid,selfsustainablelivingwitha qualitysolar systemandlargecapacitybatterybank.A greatpropertyoffering apeacefullifestyle.

GreatValuewithPlentyofSpaceandConvenience Lightandbrightwithloadsofspacetoenjoy,thisgreatfamilyhomeoffersplentyofpotentialto improveon.Theoriginalfamilyhomeoffers 3bedroomswitha largefamilysizeliving/loungearea boastingdistantmountainviews.Thekitchenisspaciousplusa separatemealsarea.Enjoythe outdoorsandofferingendlesspotentialsittingonwellover1/2anacre( approx.2480sqm)and bathedinnaturalsunlightwithestablishedgardens,carport,gardenshedandloadsofspacetoadd yourpersonaltouchesallround. Afantasticlocationattheendofa quietcourtandboastinggreat viewsandjust ashortwalktopublictransport,shopsandtheWarburtontrail. Agreatfamilyproperty lovedandlookedafterforover45years,it’stheidealplacetocallhome.

DavidCarroll

SPORT Tight victory for Lilydale

By John Thomson

There was no level play competition this week due to the Easter Monday Public Holiday.

On Thursday, the Lilydale handicap team travelled down Maroondah Highway to take on the Ringwood Croquet Club.

Lilydale’s team this week comprised of Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Drew Pawley and Mark Edgell.

Mick Crawley was first to play. Mick was starting with a two-hoop disadvantage while his opponent had a one-hoop advantage. Mick has been in good form of late and he carried this form into this game. Mick made up his deficit quickly and had soon taken the lead in the game to go on to win 7 hoops to Ringwood 4 hoops.

In the first of the doubles, Drew Pawley and Mark Edgell played. Lilydale had a one-hoop advantage while the Ringwood team had a two-hoop disadvantage. Unfortunately for Lilydale, it was the Ringwood team who controlled this game and were the stronger combination and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops. In the next singles game, it was Drew Pawley to play. Drew was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. The Ringwood player got off to a good start and had Drew 6 hoops to 4 down, then Drew started to find some form and evened the score up to 6 hoops each, so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner, which Drew eventually won, 7 hoops to Ringwood 6 hoops.

Mick Crawley and Mark Edgell played in the next doubles game. Lilydale had a one hoop advantage while the Ringwood team had a two-hoop disadvantage. This was a close-fought game all the way, but in the end it was the more experienced Ringwood team that were the winners, 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

At the lunch break, it was all tied up with both teams on 2 games 24 hoops, with a singles and a doubles game to play. Drew Pawley played in the singles game. Ringwood were starting with a onehoop disadvantage. Drew started this game where he left off his last game. Drew played the game of his life, setting up, clearing his opponent’s balls and running hoops and generally controlling the game to win 7 hoops to Ringwood 0 hoops.

Murray Howlett and Michael Crawley played in the last doubles game. Lilydale were starting with a two-hoop disadvantage. Ringwood started well, while Lilydale struggled and could not make up the two-goal disadvantage with Ringwood going on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. The final scores were going to be close with both the captains checking and double checking the scores, and, in the end, the final scores for the day were Lilydale 3 games 34 hoops to Ringwood 3 games 31 hoops, a 3 hoop win to Lilydale.

This win puts Lilydale into second position on the ladder. Next week will see the four top teams play off in a round robin to decide the overall winner for the season. Drew Pawley played ‘the game of his life’. (Supplied)

Late Healesville win spoils Mt Evelyn’s clean sweep bid

By Steve Ebbels

Anzac Round and all Healesville Football and Netball teams made their way to Mt Evelyn looking forward to both checking out Mt Evelyn’s new facilities and also the next challenge in their journey into Premier Division.

In B-grade netball, Mt Evelyn were leading by 30 goals at quarter time. Healesville managed to reduce Mt Evelyn’s scoring rate for the last three quarters. Mt Evelyn won with a score of 101– 3.

The Rovers’ best were Georgia Marsh, Keeley Humphris and Salena Johnson.

In A Grade netball, Mt Evelyn led early and were ahead by 17 goals at half-time. Healesville fought hard and won the final quarter, but Mt Evelyn prevailed 59-35. Mt Evelyn’s best were Kaila Swindell, Ella Bayliss and Ava Upton.

First up on the football front was the Senior Women’s team. In their first season back in the Outer East competition for a number of years, Mt Evelyn showed Healesville why they are such a powerhouse in women’s football in Outer East.

While Healesville women battled hard all game, Mt Evelyn were just way too strong, winning every quarter. Final score 16.12.108 to 0.2.2.

The Rovers’ best were Jessica Hoskin, Kiara Simons, Taylah Schmidtke, Maddie Cameron, Mackenzie Adams and Sherice Oliver.

The first quarter of the U18s footy was a lowscoring, tight battle with Mt Evelyn just managing tocomeoutontoptolead1.3.9toHealesville1.2.8.

Beyond this though, Mt Evelyn took control of the game and managed to win all the next three quarters of football. Final Score Mt Evelyn 14.11.95 to Healesville 3.3.21. Mt Evelyn’s best were Jace Hamilton, Blake Cherry, Dane Cherry, Harry

from the first bounce. Half time saw Mt Evelyn 9.11.65 to Healesville 1.3.9.

The third quarter saw Healesville a bit better

with Mt Evelyn only having one more scoring shot but with much more accuracy (4.1 to 0.4) to extend their lead. Healesville really struggled in the last quarter with Mt Evelyn powering on to win 20.14.134 to 2.8.20.

The Rovers’ best were Darcy Travis, Coby Smith, Jamie Shaw, Cooper Beckwith, Zacary Capuano and James Wolstencroft.

After a great Anzac service, which saw all netballers and footballers from both clubs come together to pay their respects to all those that have served our country, it was time for the main event.

After a great first two weeks in Premier Division, Healesville boys were confident but prepared for the strong physical game that they knew Mt Evelyn would bring. This proved to be the case but Healesville stuck to their game style, winning the first two quarters to go into the main break leading 7.8.50 to 2.6.18.

The third quarter saw things tighten up a bit with Healesville only managing to outscore a hard-fighting Mt Evelyn by a single point. Healesville stuck to their plan and went on to win the last quarter and the game. Final score Healesville 12.15.87 to Mt Evelyn 5.11.41. Mt Evelyn’s best were Jack Hourihan, Jason Want, Matt Gordon, Justin Hale, Daimon Kift and Jackson Fellows.

Collyer, Brodie Hood and Tyson Cooper. In the Reserves, Mt Evelyn proved to be way too strong

After a great first two weeks

(Supplied)

Barkers back on the trail

By Peter Stephenson

A wet Friday night at Anderson Park saw Barkers (7th) travel to bottom side Doncaster Rovers for their third away game in a row. Barkers made two changes to the side which drew 1-1 at Berwick, with Daniel Aye and Ray Markley coming in for Ben Cooper and Christian Sapardanis.

The game was a high-intensity affair from the off. Early on, Marcus Watson’s pace was too much for the Rovers defence and he crossed for James Barber, whose shot was comfortably dealt with by Rovers keeper Gabriel Vallese. Rovers replied on 18 minutes with a quick free-kick, but the shot went over. A few minutes later, though, Rovers built a quick passing move, leading to a goalmouth scramble and the opening goal from Luc Misenga against the run of play – 1-0 Rovers. Barkers didn’t panic, though. On 36 minutes, Sean Baeko scored his first goal to equalise at 1-1. Then six minutes before the break, a neat pass from Watson found Aye. He whipped the ball in for Ryan Smith, who hit the ball home for his first senior goal - half-time: Doncaster 1-2 Mooroolbark.

The second half began with Rovers’ neat passing game stifled by Barkers’ defence. Barkers in turn pressed relentlessly and created chances, but it was Rovers who next drew blood. A counterattack saw Daniel Piazza equalise for Rovers2-2. Could Barkers bounce back again?

The answer came quickly. Just before the hour, Barkers’ pressure forced Rovers into a careless clearance, Barber won the ball and found Aye. Aye played out to Watson, who slid the ball across for Ross Clark to restore Barkers’ lead at 3-2. With 20 minutes to go, good pressure on the right wing forced a Rovers turnover, allowing Smith to score and make it 4-2 Barkers – no goals in 33 games, then two come along at once. A few minutes later, Barkers hit Rovers on the counter, leading to Tristan Walker scoring the best goal of the night to make the final score Doncaster 2-5 Mooroolbark.

This was a performance marked by strong displays throughout the side. In goal, Vladi Velikin proved as expert at snuffing out attacks as he is at deflecting praise to his teammates. Smith’s high work- rate didn’t give the Rovers defence a minute’s peace, while Watson’s pace and distribution were key to the win.

After 5 rounds, Barkers lie 4th, two points behind leaders Chisholm and Skye. The reserves had a convincing 6-0 win and move up to 6th, the goals coming from Sean Perrin, Mario Rivera (2), Nathaniel Turner, Harry Rushton and Declan Williamson. Next Saturday sees the men’s sides at home to Bentleigh United Cobras, kick-offs at 1pm and 3pm at Esther Park. See you down the wwKennel!

After being knocked out of the Nike FC Cup by a top-class Avondale side last week, it was time for Barkerettes to regroup and focus on the brave new world of State 2, beginning with a home game against Collingwood City. This match was a repeat of last year’s Round One and saw the top two sides from last season’s State 3 East face-off

Wandin crush Monbulk in 100-point seniors victory

Wandin seniors hosted Monbulk for the Anzac Day round, and showed their prowess in a convincing victory.

There was a solid crowd attendance for the match as the players rallied behind the shouts of support from their fans.

The highlight of the match was Wandin’s Aaron Mullett.

Kicking 10 goals, the forward cracked double figures and finished off the work of a polished Wandin midfield which proved too difficult for Monbulk to navigate.

The Monbullk side dug in and tried their best to withstand Wandin’s advances.

The Hawks fought hard throughout the game but were exposed by the skillful transition of play when Wandin won the ball.

Monbulk last defeated Wandin in Round 16, 2012, and will no doubt look to bounce back against their traditional rivals UpweyTecoma next round.

Monbulk’s best players were Campbell Evans, Lochlan Beecroft, Lachlan Sheppard, Ryan Burleigh, Josh Rak and Mitchell Dekker.

Wandin were clinical for the most part with their ball use and took advantage of the opportunity to play on a one of the bigger grounds in the competition.

The best players for Wandin were Aaron Mullett, Macauley Beckwith, Cayden Black, Joel Garner, Chayce Black and Patty Bruzzese.

The final scoreline was a mighty 147-43 win for Wandin.

The reserves’ fixture ended up with opposite results however, with Monbulk comfortably cruising by Wandin with a final scoreline of 57-14.

Though Wandin kept scores close for the first two quarters, Monbulk found their rhythm in the last legs of the game.

Wandin reserves’ best players were Thomas Leech-hines, Alexander Ferguson, Daniel Bailey, Darby Huggins, Hunter Coghlan and

Blake Chrisfield.

Meanwhile Monbulk reserves’ star performers were William

at a drizzly Esther Park. Barkers could have taken the lead after only 36 seconds when they fashioned a chance from the left side of goal, and a forward chipped the ball beyond the far post from close range. We didn’t have to wait long for the opener, though. On 4 minutes, a loose ball fell to Charlotte Martin in space on the edge of the box, and she belted the ball over City keeper Sophie Nisiforou into the roof of the net for her second of the season, and 1-0 Barkers.

Barkers forward Alizah Jones was having a tremendous tussle with City’s left-back Hannah McLeod. However, Jones’s pace often got the better of her marker. Go to sleep for a second and Jones will have you on toast. So it was that on 27 minutes, hesitancy in City’s back line saw Jones race to the byline, then lay the ball back for Martin, who shot over. The rest of the half saw two very well-matched sides basically repeat their previous encounters. Defences had the upper hand as what few chances were created, were snuffed out. Final passes fell short or were misdirected. Right on half time, Jones made it to the by-

line again, dribbled to goal unchallenged but her shot was blocked by Nisiforou without too much trouble. Then a loose ball fell to Amy D’Ortenzio, who shot over. Half-time: Barkers 1-0 Collingwood. Both sides tried to impose themselves without success. Barkers had a couple of chances to increase their lead, but Collingwood tended to counter by breaking quickly and stretching the Barkers defence.

The second half saw Collingwood threaten more as they sought an equaliser. Barkers received two yellow cards as the two sides went at each other like a pair of boxers with a grudge. Just after the hour, Collingwood finally hit a shot on target. It came in from the right, and to Barkers’ relief it hit the post and rebounded to safety.

A few minutes later, however, they again cut through the defence on the right, and this time Victoria Barkas steered the ball beyond Barkers keeper Ash Fraraccio into the far corner of the net to make it 1-1. Incredibly, this was the first league goal Barkers had conceded at home for almost a year. With 20 minutes to go, Jones was in the clear but put her shot wide in a good opportunity to restore the lead. Both sides continued to go at each other, and it was clear that neither team would be happy with a draw – these two wanted bragging rights. Chances were created at both ends, and again Jones could have won the game, but an enthralling encounter in the rain ended all-square. Once again there was very little to choose between these two sides, who both look like they’re good enough to thrive at the higher level. The return fixture in round 10 will be one to savour. Meanwhile, Barkerettes, after four home games in a row, finally get to spread their wings, and renew a longstanding rivalry with Berwick City next week, at Jack Thomas Reserve, Friday 7.30pm. Barkers’ second women’s team made their State 4 debut at East Kew, but it was a baptism of fire. Barkers lost 1-11, with the consolation goal from Matilda Steele. They play their first home game next Friday, when they host Eastern Lions, kickoff 6.30pm at Esther Park.

Four local roller hockey players ready to represent Australia

The Lilydale Lions Roller Hockey Club is beaming with pride, with four of their own players selected to represent Australia in the Under-19 national teams this year.

This incredible achievement is a testament not only to their talent and dedication, but to the growing strength of roller hockey in the local hills communities.

With local players Tiger Myres from Emerald, Lexie Kaye from Upwey, Lachlan Carlisle from Mount Evelyn and Lachlan Milikins from Monbulk, the hills are certainly growing some talented players.

Roller hockey is fast becoming the sport that hills kids thrive in. It’s fast-paced, inclusive, and fun—with boys and girls of all abilities playing together and developing real confidence on and off the court.

“This is such a proud moment for our club. These young players have worked so hard and shown what’s possible with passion and determination. I feel very excited about discovering how they will grow as people and hockey players,” coach Miguel Martinez said.

Miguel started coaching in 2017 in his home country of Spain, with his teams competing in several international championships. Most re-

cently in Australia, he’s taken Australian teams to international Championships in Italy, China and now to South Korea.

The Aussie team is now training hard with their sights on competing in South Korea in July. Representing Australia is a dream come true for these young athletes.

“I still can’t believe it—I’m so excited to play for Australia. I’ve made lifelong friends through this sport, and it’s amazing to think where it’s taking us,” Lachlan Milikins, a student at Monbulk College said.

The entire Lilydale Lions community is rallying behind them as they prepare to wear the green and gold on the international stage. Whether you’re familiar with the sport or just curious, the club encourages locals to come down, check out a game, or even give it a try—because in the hills, roller hockey isn’t just a game, it’s a movement.

The Lilydale Lions are hosting a Come and Try Day on Sunday 4 May. An open, friendly session where all ages, genders, and abilities are welcome. With experienced mentors on hand, fun games, and no pressure to compete, it’s the perfect way to discover this exciting, fast-paced sport. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and give it a go!

The Lilydale Lions will be represented by four players in the Australian Rink Hockey U19 Junior Men Development Squad. (Facebook)

Mutschler, Aaron Smith, Thomas Berman, Kieren Galloway, Nicholas

Kai Linde (Monbulk Reserves) marks ahead of teammate Dylan Werts against Wandin. (Anthea Heagney)

Mooroolbark soccer club results. (File)

Coldstream battle it out

By Hannah Chappell

Coldstream’sweekendkickedoffwithallitsfootball teams hitting the road, with the men’s sides facing off against Donvale, and the women’s teams challenging the Eastern Devils at Mulgrave Reserve.

After a commanding win in Round 1, Coldstream women’s team arrived with confidence and a clear intent to build on their strong start to the season.

Their hard work at training was immediately evident, with the team bursting out of the gates and setting the tone early.

Clean ball movement and relentless pressure saw Coldstream women dominate early possession.

The forward line looked sharp, capitalizing on opportunities and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

The midfield was particularly dominant, winning clearances and linking up seamlessly across the ground.

While the Eastern Devils fought back with grit, the Coldstream team held their composure.

A disciplined defensive line absorbed pressure in the second half to secure a well-earned victory and back-to-back wins to open the season.

Ella Herrmann was named the Coldstream Brewery Player of the Round for her outstanding performance.

In contrast, both Coldstream men’s teams had tough days at the office against a strong Donvale outfit.

The Reserves battled hard in a physical contest, showing patches of quality football, but ultimately couldn’t match Donvale’s consistency across four quarters.

Ben Thomas was named Coldstream Reserves Player of the Day for his effort across the ground.

The Seniors faced a similar challenge. Donvale applied consistent pressure from the outset, making it difficult to find clean passages of play.

Despite this, Coldstream boys showed fight throughout the match, with periods of competitive footy and standout efforts from Darcy Carrigan, Sam Figg and Cam Shield. Captain Darcy Carrigan led from the front in a dominant display, finishing with two goals and earning himself The Yarra Valley Steel Player of the Round.

Seniors:

• Coldstream: 4.6.30

• Donvale: 13.14.92

• Goal Kickers: D Carrigan. 2, D Versteegen 1, M Edmonds 1

Women:

• Coldstream: 10. 16.76

• Eastern Devils: 4.4.28

• Goal Kickers: M Stark 3, S Stark 3, G Byrne 1, T O’Kane 1, C Morris 1, A Broughan 1

Reserves:

• Coldstream: 2.2.14

• Donvale: 28.20.188

• Goal Kickers: R Dickson 1, R White 1

Mustang women produce the goods on the field

By Geoff ‘Joffa’ Newstead

With Mooroolbark Seniors and Reserves having a bye and the Vets Men receiving a forfeit, all eyes were on the Senior Women and Vets Women over the Anzac Long Weekend.

The Senior Women took on Kilsyth at Pinks Reserve on the Friday, jumping to an early lead, and were never headed. The Mustangs had winners all over the ground and showed the benefits of a solid pre-season with great skills and strong tackling. Danielle Carrucan was dominant down forward with 5 goals and Ella Falzon chipped in with 3 majors but it was a great team effort overall. Jordy Forrest was awarded the Anzac Medal.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 15 – 8 – 98 d Kilsyth

2 – 2 – 14

Goals: Carrucan 5, Falzon 3, Vaughan 2, McMaster, Brown, S.Haberfield, Doevelaar, Trotter 1 each

Best Players: S.Haberfield, McMaster, Carrucan, Brown, Beer, R.Haberfield

The Vets Women hosted GembrookCockatoo at Kiloran Park on the Saturday and also got away to a flyer with a 4 goal to nil first quarter and, while the scoring slowed during the middle part of the game, another 4 goals in the final term saw the girls record a comfortable win. With a bit more accuracy in front of goal the margin would have been even greater.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 9 – 16 – 70 d Gembrook-Cockatoo 2 – 0 – 12

Goals: Nguyen 2, Still 2, Taylor, Wilson, Kall, Mitchell 1 each

Best: Wilson, Henn, Hoare, Still, Nguyen, Hanna

L-R: The 2025 Mooroolbark Mustangs Senior Women’s leadership group Ruby Haberfield, Jordy Doevelaar and Jordyn Forrest. (File)

Both Coldstream men’s teams had tough days against Donvale. (File)

FOOTY TIPSTERS

Q&A Cal Ludwig

1. What made you barrack for the AFL team you follow today?

I support the Hawks because of Dad but he supported them because he had a friend named Shane Hawthorne growing up.

2. What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

Playing footy or soccer on a Saturday and then out with friends after that

3. Do you enjoy what you do for a living?

I do and I am not being forced to say this

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine? Croation or Indian

5. What are 3 words that describe you best? Friendly, determined, fun

6. When you were little, what did you think you were going to be? A Sports journalist (close enough)

7. Who would you like to have dinner with and why (could be anyone, dead or alive)?

My family in Croatia so I can see them again and taste more of their cooking

8. What advice would you offer to your younger self?

Be proud of yourself and don’t feel you have to change who you are