Thousands of people across the Yarra Valley joined the Anzac Day services to commemorate those who served Australia in different wars. The day started early in Healesville and Seville where people turned up at the dawn service started at 5.45am respectively in each town on Friday 25 April.
The Seville community gathered around the newly-restored Seville War Memorial and the Healesville community rocked up outside of the Healesville RSL building.
Wandin’s morning Anzac Day service commenced at 8.30am at the Wandin Cenotaph led by Wandin Rotarian and former serviceman Brian Hodgson. Mr Hodgson said attendees have no idea how much pleasure it gives the rotary club to see so many people here joining them to cel-
ebrate 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.”
Yarra Glen RSL led the Memorial March through the main street of the town at 10.15am and the morning service commenced at 10.30am at the cenotaph while Warburton and Yarra Junction Anzac Day commemorative marches kicked off at 10.30am respectively heading to the town’s cenotaph where their morning service was held.
Turn to pages from 18 to 21 to read all Anzac Day stories.
The Yarra Junction community march down the highway. (Callum Ludwig: 474258)
By Dongyun Kwon, Callum
Winn
Volunteers share thoughts
By Callum Ludwig
Early voting has opened for those keen to do their democratic duties before election day on 3 May.
Representatives of the potential pollies were out in force at the Darren Honey Centre in Healesville on Wednesday 23 April to plead their case.
With flyers in hand and signs aplenty outside early voting, here’s what local volunteers had to say:
Volunteering for Independent candidate Claire Ferres-Miles, Woori Yallock resident Maria Mithen said this was her first time getting involved in an election but she feels like she’s making a difference.
“I’ve met Claire, and she has a very good background in things like the environment and climate, as well as the fact that she was an engineer by trade, a very capable lady of doing what she wants to do,” she said.
“Some of her policies are to do with integrity in politics and it’s about time we had some sense in parliament and that they learn to speak nicely to themselves, but she’s listening to people in this area,”
“She asks them what they want and she would like to see emergency care for us, which really appealed to me, we’ve got Warburton Hospital sitting up there and Healesville Hospital with no emergency care and in fact, there’s not one in Casey at all, so it’s about time we did something for that.”
Representatives of the Independent candidate, the Greens, the Labor party, the Liberal party and Family First could be found outside the early voting centre in the early afternoon.
Ms Mithen said the local independent movement has done a lot of handing out and letterboxing and knocking on people’s doors this time.
“I think in 2022, she (Claire) wasn’t very well known outside of the Hills, she was very well known in the Dandenongs, but this time she’s widely known, she’s still going to have an uphill
Volunteers were stationed at the Darron Honey Centre in Healesville representing their preferred local candidates. (Callum Ludwig: 473871)
battle but I think she’s going to get a lot more votes this time,” she said.
“Come with an open mind, we’ve had Liberals here for 40 years and people just feel they’re not being listened to and things are not being done for our area, we’re greatly inspired by Indi who are just north of us and they have had an independent now twice,”
“We just feel it’s a better way, if you belong to a party you have to vote for your party, you have to vote the way they tell you, even if it’s something you don’t really believe in, whereas an independent can work with the parties and bring about change.”
A steady stream of early voters was passing through in Healesville, foregoing their democracy sausage for a chance to cast their vote flexibly and possibly quicker than during the rush of election day.
Dr Bob Rich has been volunteering before and since he became a member of the Greens in 2013
and said he does it because he wants the young people of today to have a tomorrow worth living in and he believes the Greens’ philosophy and policies are exactly in line with that.
“This campaign, we’ve been going for over a year and with door knocks and phone calls, we’ve had over 3000 of what we call meaningful interactions where we’ve had a conversation with someone and that’s absolutely incredible,” he said.
“Our team has grown and there’s a terrific young man who is a campaign organiser, and I don’t mind saying, I’m an old fellow but I’ve learnt lots from him and also from our wonderful candidate, Merran Blair, who is just amazing,”
“If people rush by or if they obviously favour another party that’s fine but if they have the time, then I will have a ten-second conversation with them and I reckon I swing quite a few votes because I believe what I say.”
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, other early voting locations open to
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Casey voters include St Patrick’s Parish Community Centre in Lilydale, the Chirnside Park Community Hub and the Old Croydon Community School (which falls just inside the Deakin electorate).
Dr Rich said you can’t ask people who they’re going to vote for but in terms of their facial expressions and body language, he thinks the ones who stop to talk to him, he gets through to.
“I want a better world and it’s almost too late, we’re in the sixth extinction event of Earth because of greed,” he said.
“We need a world that’s ruled by compassion, decency, empathy, generosity and that’s actually part of the Greens’ ‘Four Pillars’, that’s why I’m in the Greens, that’s why I’m working hard.”
Voters can vote at any voting centre, but if you are outside your electorate, you must vote in a separate line for those voting from outside their electorate.
Labor volunteer Sandra said she has been volunteering since the early 1970s when herself and her husband worked at a polling booth in Ascot Vale.
“A lot of the voters there were 90-year-old people who’d been suffragettes and they were so passionate about people being lucky enough to be in a democracy and it was their responsibility to vote, not waste it,” she said.
“I just think it would be nice for the current government to be able to see through some of the policies which could help, particularly those lower socio-economic groups… it’s very much like last time, the early polling back here is very similar,”
“There’s a lot (of people) going in without needing (how to vote) cards, there’s a lot of just going through and saying ‘I’m right, I’m right’ and I think there’s a lot more holiday makers up here this year.”
Family First, represented by candidate Dan Nebauer himself, and the Liberal Party representatives declined to comment.
Hoons trash Mount Donna Buang site
By Oliver Winn
Mount Donna Buang’s cherished natural spring water collection site has been trashed by hoon drivers.
Brian Way said he was visiting the site when he came across large amounts of burnt rubber strewn across the asphalt
“It always has all the burnout marks, but this was the worst I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“It was to the point where if you walked through it, you had to sort of step over the bits of rubber to avoid them, and from time to time there’s often a burnt out car up there as well.”
Hoon behaviour along Mount Donna Buang Road has been happening for a long time now, and Mr Way felt nothing was being done about it.
But the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol acting sergeant Steve Jenner said they were aware of hoon driving at Mount Donna Buang.
“Members of the Eastern Division 2 Highway Patrol Unit – Road Crime Tasking Team, have intensified their efforts to address hoon driving complaints in and around the Mount Donna Buang carparks,” Mr Jenner said.
“Following thorough investigations, a search warrant was executed at a Dixons Creek residence, leading to the identification of a man in his early 20s. He is set to face multiple charges related to hoon driving and will be summoned to appear in court.”
“The investigation also uncovered two additional young males involved in similar offences. They will also be charged and summonsed to attend court later this year.”
Mount Donna Buang’s natural spring water collection site has attracted many visitors over the years - both locals and tourists come to collect fresh spring water, go for a hike or have a picnic as they enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
But Mr Way is worried for the future of the spring water site.
He said his main issue was the disregard for the environment and the spring water site itself.
“But my main issue is all the debris from the burnt out tires - it’s a pristine ecological area,
you’ve got all the beautiful gum trees around you’ve got tree furs and there’s a walk that comes through it.”
Mr Way believed cameras needed to be installed at the site to catch the culprits in the act.
He also reported burnt out car shells in the carpark being left there for months, which lead him to question who was responsible for keeping the area maintained.
“Often the cars are left up there for, in some cases, months at a time. I’m not so sure who’s responsible for retrieving them.”
“So it’s just like no one’s really seeming to address it. It’s just been going on and on and on for a long while,” he said.
IN BRIEF
One more accident on the corner of Melba Highway near Yering Statio Emergency services responded to a vehicle incident about 1.20pm on Friday 25 April on the Melba Highway in Yering.
CFA has three vehicles on scene and confirmed no passengers were trapped.
“No emergency transport was required,“ an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said. The incident was declared under control at 1.31pm and safe at 1.53pm.
The North Face boots recalled due to injury concern
Popular outdoor clothing brand The North Face has recalled their Women’s Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots due to a tripping hazard which puts wearers at “risk of serious injury“.
Enough incidents have occurred to warrant the recall.
An inside hook has been reported to catch on the loose lace on the inside of the other boot.
There is a risk of serious injury if the hook catches on the lace of the other boot and causes the wearer to trip and fall.
The affected units have a style number of A8ADB, and they come in multiple colourways.
These shoes have been sold from 1 October 2024 to 9 January 2025.
Consumers are advised to stop using the boots immediately and contact The North Face for instructions on how to return the boots for a full refund.
Contact The North Face to find out more about the recall on their website: online@thenorthface.com.au or by phone: 1800 863 665. Yarra Glen Police looking for ring owner
Yarra Glen Police are looking for the owner of three gold coloured ladies rings that were left at the outdoor gym in McKenzie Reserve, Yarra Glen, on or about 12 or 13 April. If you own these rings, or know the owner, pleave have them contact the Yarra Glen Police Station on 9730 1296 and quote property number 202504-E-1474
Debris from hoon activity has become an eyesore at the spring water site. (Stewart Chambers: 473882)
Mr Way said CCTV needed to be installed to deter offenders from the site.
The Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Unit are investigating hoon behaviour on Mount Donna Buang Road.
One of the rings that Yarra Glen Police are looking for the owner. (Eyewatch - Yarra Ranges Police Service Area)
TAC woes for resident
By Dongyun Kwon
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is a Victorian Government-owned organisation whose role is to promote road safety, support those who have been injured on roads and help them get their lives back on track.
Despite being clarified about the TAC’s roles on its website, a group of TAC clients have encountered hurdles in getting support from the organisation.
Healesville resident Tamara Tesseyman said she was frustrated by the TAC’s service.
“Having a disability is expensive, and like most Victorians, I felt confident that people who are disabled by an incident involving a car are taken care of very well by the TAC,” she said.
“What I have learnt is that this is far from the truth. TAC clients, sometimes known as TAC victims, have to fight for everything we need.”
On February 25 2013, Tamara was walking into the local Bunnings Warehouse with her family.
She was walking on the footpath holding the hand of her four-year-old son, Angus. Her husband Mike was following them with their two-year-old son, Bram.
Tamara heard a loud revving sound.
Before she could figure out what it was, she and Angus were pinned on the store wall and the car was spinning its wheels.
Both the mum and the four-year-old kid were stuck between the wall and the car.
They could be freed thanks to help from a bystander who reached into the car and turned off the engine.
“My leg was an exploded mess, and I realised the substance on the wall was part of my leg. Gus was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital where he was in and out of surgeries to save his leg,” Tamara said.
“I had my leg-saving surgeries at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. After two weeks, Gus was able to go home with lots of screws, skin grafts and an external cage drilled into his bones on his little brother’s third birthday.
“When I woke in the hospital the next day after my first surgery, I could not believe that my left foot was poking out of the sheets still somehow attached to my body. Five weeks after the day that changed our lives, I was able to return home to my little family to continue my recovery with them.”
Since the accident, Tamara has suffered from permanent foot drop caused by the lack of dorsiflexion.
Her orthotist has made her a custom exoskeleton called an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) to artificially create dorsiflexion and enable her to walk in a safe and consistent manner.
However, Tamara claimed TAC has either denied or delayed approving her claims for her treatments.
Recently, TAC kept delaying making a decision for her claim for a new AFO.
The AFO claim was finally approved on 7 April after she told TAC that her old AFO was completely broken.
The client said she needs to get her AFO maintained every six months and change it every two years.
“Without my AFO, I can’t walk. I can walk around my house but it’s not very safe. I can fall over really easily because I can’t lift my toes, it’s really easy for me to trip over my toes,” Tamara said.
“They have approved my AFO, however, I still have to fight for physiotherapy, exercise physiology and home services. They stopped providing home services, and they’re trying to end my psychology appointments by the end of this year.
“I’m not the only one. It’s happening with a lot of people. I’ve had a lot of people reaching out to me since I posted on Facebook. Some of them are going through even worse than I’m going through. A lot of people are denied the same things I’m getting denied.
“(The TAC) doesn’t go into details about
the reasons (why they denied the claims). Their initial response, generally, is to say, ‘We don’t agree with your GP at some stage.’ And then they say, ‘We’re going to send your requests to the clinical panel.’”
The TAC supports around 45,000 clients each year via a range of different service offerings and may pay for reasonable medical treatment and certain other services that people may need as a result of injuries from a transport accident.
The needs of every person are different, and the TAC looks at each case individually when determining what to pay and for how long.
When making decisions about treatment and services the TAC can pay for, it must follow the provisions of its legislation, the Transport Accident Act 1986.
For an additional resource on how the TAC makes decisions, please visit: tac.vic.gov.au/
“The TAC has supported (Tamara) with (her) recovery journey since (her) accident in 2013 and continues to provide relevant supports,” a TAC spokesperson said.
“The TAC cannot provide any further details on individual claims for privacy reasons but is committed to working work with the client to address any concerns.”
People, who are unsure of the service offerings and supports available by the TAC, are encouraged to contact the TAC on 1300 654 329.
Next week Star Mail will follow up with two other TAC clients’ stories who have similar issues which Tamara has suffered from for a long time.
SES callout to La La Falls ends on a positive note
By Oliver Winn
A La La Falls rescue callout by the Upper Yarra SES resulted in a “really positive outcome” for the patient as they left the ordeal unscathed.
The Hec Sebire Rover Crew were hiking through the popular Warburton bushwalk location on Tuesday 22 April at 9.30 pm when one of its members suffered from a medical episode which prompted the callout.
Upper Yarra SES unit controller Hannah Brunton said the callout was a fairly simple one.
“La La Falls is a pretty straightforward one because it's one-track in, one-track out, so the callers were able to identify where they were, and we set up the mule and walked in.”
“We found them almost at the peak of La La Falls, once AV (Ambu-
lance Victoria) was done doing what they did, the patient was loaded into the mule, and then we headed back to the car park where they could be loaded into the ambulance,” Ms Brunton said.
The outdoors group, based in Lilydale, were doing some geocaching at night when the incident occurred and SES crews were paged for assistance.
Though callouts for La La Falls are quite common for the Upper Yarra SES, these rescues tend to be less complicated due the easily accessible terrain and it being an incline, not a decline.
“We go there quite often, but it is an incline so they're not typically really gory and gruesome injuries,” Ms Brunton said.
“Most of our call outs there are
medical episodes, they're not always proper injuries because the path up there is quite well-maintained.”
Ambulance Victoria (AV) were on the scene and provided medical assistance to the patient.
“Ambulance Victoria responded to calls to an incident in Warburton at around 9:30pm last night (22 April),” an AV spokesperson said.
“No emergency transport was provided.”
After the patient was safe, the Hec Sebire Rover Crew performed the patient’s investiture, establishing them into the Rovery Crew with the presentation of their scarf.
The Upper Yarra SES made a Facebook post and stated they were “incredibly honoured” to be included in the special moment.
Tamara’s family have suffered from a life changing car accident. (Supplied)
Upper Yarra SES often respond to callouts at La La Falls. (Supplied)
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Who’s who
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. (Australian Electoral Commission)
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 individual - and 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?
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?
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 in Casey’s internet and mobile connectivity
• Supporting small business
1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?
• Family focused support- childcare/kinder, public school investment/free TAFE/ HECS debt relief/family violence support (front line workers/social housing), healthy ageing
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.
• 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.
NAOMI OAKLEY (Labor)
Labor’s candidate Naomi Oakley. (Supplied)
MEET THE CANDIDATES
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.
residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?
When most people will call it a day and throw in 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 fiveyear-old 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.
1. What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader?
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 merit-based 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
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.
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.
• 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.
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
PHILLIP COURTIS
(Trumpet of Patriots)
CHLOE BOND (Animal Justice Party)
1. What’s one thing you would like Casey
AARON VIOLI (Liberal)
Trumpet of Patriots candidate Phillip Courtis. (Supplied)
Animal Justice Party candidate Chloe Bond. (Supplied)
Liberal incumbent MP Aaron Violi. (Supplied)
MEET THE CANDIDATES
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 bas-
ket 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.
MERRAN BLAIR
(The Greens)
The Greens’ Merran Blair. (Supplied)
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.
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”.
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
“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.
(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
The Casey federal election for 2025 is fielding a candidate pool of eight contenders, some returning to the ballot but most are
Casey’s ballot is also sporting the highest rate of female candidates since 2016, when three of the six (50 per cent) candi-
For 2025, five of the eight candidates are
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
Returning faces include incumbent Liberal MP Aaron Violi and Independent Claire Ferres-Miles, while Labor’s Naomi Oakley is no stranger to the election system
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
“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.”
swung red.
Much of the Hills region supported Labor barring Macclesfield and Silvan who voted blue.
The Greens and Independent Claire Ferres-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 Upwey, 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.
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)
Tax and housing to the fore
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, whichever 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.
Chloe Bond and Naomi Oakley. (474592)
Attendees wanted to hear policy on housing, cost of living, gambling, tax reform and minister salaries. (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)
Dr Merran Blair and Claire Ferres Miles. (474592)
$75k keeps rescue afloat
By Oliver Winn
A round of Pet Rehoming Grants has covered crucial medical costs for Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) in Gladysdale, ensuring the shelter can keep saving the lives of vulnerable animals for the year.
FFAR founder Saskia Adams said the funding, totalling at $75,000, has made a huge impact on helping the animal shelter operate.
“It’s the difference between survival and not surviving as a rescue organization,” Ms Adams said.
“The biggest cost for any rescue group, any shelter, is the cost of medical care for the thousand plus animals that come in at any given time of the year for us.”
The grant comes from the State Government’s latest round of Individual Pet Rehoming Grants helps to reduce the costs for animal shelters and community foster care networks, so that they can continue caring for the state’s furry friends.
At a total of $1.27 million covering sixty organisations across Victoria, these grants are apart of the Animal Welfare Fund (AWF) Grants Program.
Since 2014, the AWF Grants Program has awarded more than $13 million in funding to not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics to directly improve companion animal welfare in Victoria.
Ms Adams said the average cost per animal for her shelter was roughly $400 each.
“So if we’re saving over 1,000 lives a year, we’re very quickly heading to half a million dollars’ worth of medical costs [per year],” she said.
Ms Adams founded Forever Friends Animal Shelter 14 years ago after witnessing the way how animals were being treated at pounds and shelters across the state.
As an editor at Penguin Books at the time, Ms Adams said she had her career “mapped out for [her]”.
But she knew something had to be done, and so she started Forever Friends Animal Rescue.
“I was just so horrified at what we were doing as a society, that I decided to give up my paid work in publishing and start the charity full time.”
“It is incredibly exhausting and difficult work, but at the same time, it’s the best job in the world and it’s the worst job in the world, all on the same day,” Ms Adams said.
When FFAR was established, Ms Adams and her fostercare network only housed around five animals at a time, but as time went on and demand grew, so did the number of animals Ms Adams had.
“That was when we didn’t have a shelter, we were just using a foster care network. And I laugh when I now think about that, because we’ve got 500 or 600 animals in care on any given day, which is quite a few more than five.”
Forever Friends Animal Rescue are always
looking for more volunteers to help the organisation run.
Those interested in signing up are encouraged to visit their website: foreverfriends.org.au
Ms Adams’ benevolence hasn’t gone unrecognised - in 2021, she was the winner of the Community Hero Award in the 2021 Community Achievement Awards.
Mrs Adams was honoured for her significant contributions to FFAR’s efforts rescuing and rehabilitating over 10,000 animals since its inception in 2011, despite being a volunteer organi-
sation.
To date, the AWF Grants Program has supported the rehoming of more than 6,000 dogs and 12,000 cats.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the animal shelters across the state need adequate support to provide the essential services it does for the community.
“Our rehoming and rescue organisations do an incredible job caring for vulnerable animals, we’re making sure they have the support they need to continue this great work,” he said.
Neighbourhood Policing Forum for Yarra Ranges community
By Dongyun Kwon
Victoria Police is inviting Yarra Ranges community members to its Neighbourhood Policing Forum.
The Yarra Ranges Neighbourhood Policing Forum will cover the following crime themes; current crime themes, family violence, young people, road policing, and drugs and drug related crime.
Mooroolbark Police Station Senior Sergeant Melanie Woods said the Neighbourhood Policing Forums are designed to provide an opportunity for Victoria Police to enhance engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and community members on its priorities and performance.
“It also provides an opportunity for the community to ask questions and provide feedback
to Victoria Police directly on their community safety concerns,” she said.
“With a focus on safety issues that matter most to local communities, Neighbourhood Policing Forums occur in every police service area across Victoria and have received excellent feedback on the value provided by openly communicating and sharing experiences.
“The last Yarra Ranges Neighbourhood Policing Forum was held in August 2023 and was described as a great success in that the community was able to actively engage with their local police members.”
The forum will be led by Divisional Superintendent Stephen White, and local leadership representatives will also attend.
Attendees from the community will be provided with an overview of each crime theme by the relevant Senior Sergeant followed by Q and
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A time in relation to each theme.
“I would encourage the community to come along to the forum to not only have any questions answered but to also meet their local policing leadership team,” Sen Sgt Woods said.
“The Yarra Ranges local leadership team enjoys getting out and meeting the community so I would encourage anyone interested to register and come along on the night. Hopefully, this is a start.”
The forum will start at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 May at Yarra Valley Racecourse on Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen.
To attend, please register by sending your details to LILYDALE-NHP-MGR@police.vic. gov.au
To submit a question prior to the forum, please visit the following link, app.sli.do/event/ ntxDHEsQLRAVxFfe23FYnL/live/questions
Saskia Adams also won the Community Hero Award in the 2021 Community Achievement Awards. (File)
Saskia Adam’s has helped run the Forever Friends Animal Rescue since its inception in 2011. (File)
The forum will start at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 May at Yarra Valley Racecourse on Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen. (File: 218426)
‘High levels’ of climate risk facing Yarra Ranges
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
COMMUNITY DIARY
COMMUNITY
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WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY
Healesville Festival to Light Up Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day weekend, the town of Healesville will come alive with the sights and sounds of its annualcommunitycelebration.
Organised by Healesville Festival Inc., a local groupofresidents,thetwo-dayeventpromisesarich mixofculture,creativity,andconnection.
Kicking off on Saturday 10 May, the ’Venue Hop’ invites visitors to explore seven local venues hosting an eclectic mix of music, dance, and hands-on workshops.
Highlights include performances from blues powerhouse Lloyd Spiegel Trio and Yarra Valley favouritesSmokeStackRhino.
For those keen to dive deeper into global sounds, Saturday also features interactive workshops spanning Hungarian dance, Indonesian percussion, flamenco, and more. On Sunday, the festival shifts outdoorswithafreeFamilyFunDayonGreenStreet.
It’s a weekend designed to bring people together—locals and visitors alike—in celebration of community,creativity,andofcourse,mums.
Meerta Choir Project
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Join in the Meerta Choir Project and perform along side the Badger Creek Women’s Choir with First Nation’s Song Man, Dave Arden on Friday 6
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
rural 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.“
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Join in the one hour rehearsals, to learn two fun songs by Dave Arden at the Memo on Wednesday 7, 14,21,29Mayand4JuneledbyJennyLegg.
Join in this free, inclusive, cultural performance opportunity.
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Contact Catherine on 0417002793 or email venueprogram@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
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If you’re looking for great homemade Mother’s Day gifts,theWHYLDMinimarketistheplacetogo.
The market is an all weather indoor market, with tablespacesavailablefor$10.
For food options, there’s a BBQ by Don Valley Primary School, barista coffee, teas and cold drinks, andmore.Themarketfocusesonlocallyhandcrafted products,seasonalproduceandplantsfromWHYLD, andYarraValleyRedCrosshandmadegoods.
To find out more, contact WHYLD at welcome@ whyld.org.au,orcallon0458594606.
Otherwise, visit whyld.org.au for more information.
RACV’s helmet safety advice
RACV is reminding Victorians about the importance ofwearingahelmetwhileusingactivetransportsuch as bicycles and e-scooters as new data from Victoria Police reveals thousands of riders continue to ignore safetyrules,riskingsevereheadinjuries.
This comes as already two bike riders have lost their lives on Victorian roads since the start of Calen dar Year 2025. Over the last five years, an average of four Victorian bike riders have lost their lives riding eachyear.
AccordingtoresearchcitedbyTransportVictoria, helmets can reduce the risk of serious head injuries byalmost70percent.
Victorian road laws require all bike and e-scoot er riders to wear an approved helmet whenever they ride.
Flooding constitutes most of the risk in Yarra Glen and Yering. (File)
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.
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Yarra Valley Arts closes
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 broad-based 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 show-
cased 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
Two local women featured in Finding Her map
By Dongyun Kwon
Mrs Coldstream and a local Aboriginal rights activist were named among 16 new stories being shared on an interactive map recognising significant Victorian women.
Her Place Women’s Museum’s Finding Her map is Australia’s first interactive map, spotlighting locations across Victoria that commemorate women and gender-diverse people.
Valma Jean Sheehan, affectionately known as Val, was a passionate historian and devoted member of the Coldstream community from 1943 until her passing in 2015.
Due to her contribution to the community, she earned the nickname Mrs Coldstream.
Sue Thompson who worked with Val in Lilydale Historical Society remembered Val as a “gentle, kind and caring” person.
“She is the person who knows so much about the history of Coldstream. She knew the people, she knew the places, and she had a great rapport with the people,” she said.
“She has two passions in her life. Her family always came first, and the history of Coldstream came second.”
Val’s deep love for the Coldstream and its surroundings was reflected in her works on preserving the history of those towns.
Sue said Val had gone through The Lilydale Express newspapers, page by page, to gather historical data about Coldstream and its surroundings which went into her books.
“They’re all based on the newspaper reports of Coldstream and the surrounding areas at that time. That also becomes a point of reference for people doing research,” she said.
“The other thing she did was gather photographs to go into the book, and she got as many photographs as she could because she knew so many people, she knew descendants of the early people.
“She also, at the same time, got them to sign to us the rights to include those photos into our own photographic collection, so we’ve got them in our collection for people in the future who want copies of those photographs.”
Her support of the Coldstream Cricket Club and the Coldstream Football Club led her to compile a record of newspaper articles and photos for the football club’s 25th anniversary in the 1970s.
Val also immersed herself in researching and documenting the history of Yering Primary School.
As a result, she dedicated herself to publishing a book Memories of Yering: The History of Yering Primary School for its 120th anniversary in 1989.
“She was involved in the book committee on (Memories of Yering) book,” Sue said.
“Because her kids went to the Yering Primary
School, it was a positive link for her.”
This project was the beginning of her collaboration with Sue.
They later worked together on a second book,
Further Memories of Yering, for the school’s 125th anniversary in 1994, and a few more books including a four-book local history series called As It Happened: The History of Coldstream, Gruyere, Yering and Killara.
“It was a huge job she did and we’re grateful for it,” Sue said.
“We’re still selling those As It Happened books now. There are more and more people moving into Coldstream and they want to know about the past of their town.”
Val’s contributions to the community were widely recognised.
She received a Certificate of Recognition from the Yarra Ranges Council in 2005, life membership in the Lilydale and District Historical Society in 2008, and an Award of Merit from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 2014.
A memorial stone was laid in Val’s honour at the Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream, which has been added to the Finding Her map.
Mrs Coldstream passed away in 2015, at the age of 88, after a short illness.
The other location added to the map is a dreaming trail and history walk including a commemoration of Aboriginal rights activist, educator and artist Hyllus Maris in Healesville.
The Worawa Dreaming Trail introduces the general public to a special understanding of the natural world and Aboriginal cultural heritage through the promotion of Aboriginal culture, history and environment, honouring 21 individuals including Hyllus who were change-makers in Aboriginal community development.
Hyllus’ parents, Geraldine and Selwyn Briggs, were prominent Aboriginal rights activists, and Hyllus and her siblings inherited a profound sense of social justice from them.
In 1970, Hyllus relocated to Melbourne, where she became a well-known activist and public speaker.
Together with her sisters and mother, Hyllus was a founding member and liaison officer for the National Council of Aboriginal and Islander Women.
She also helped to establish the Aboriginal Le-
gal Service and the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, and chaired the Victorian Council for Aboriginal Culture.
In 1977, she received a scholarship from the Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs to study social policy and community development in London with the prominent sociologist, Sir Richard Hauser.
It was the first of a number of study trips abroad that included cultural exchanges with First Nation peoples of North America.
Inspired by her experiences overseas, Hyllus returned to Australia convinced of the need for a holistic approach to Aboriginal education.
After intense lobbying of the Victorian Schools Commission, Hyllus finally succeeded in establishing the Worawa Aboriginal College in 1983 focused on three key areas: education, wellbeing and culture.
It was the first independent Aboriginal school in Victoria and remains Australia’s only boarding school for Aboriginal girls.
The Worawa Dreaming Trail is located on the Worawa Aboriginal College grounds and is only open to the public through arranged paid tours.
Yarra Valley Arts is stepping into the next chapter as it closed the door of its gallery on 27 April. (Dongyun Kwon: 473910)
Val Sheehan’s memorial plaque at Margaret Lewis Reserve. (Jesse Graham: 152386)
All smiles for colour competition winner
Local children enjoyed colouring in a page of the Star Mail newspaper over the Easter holidays.
Main Street Quality Butchers and Smokehouse hosted a colour-in competition/raffle.
“We wanted to do something fun for the kids for Easter,” the shopowner Steve Hollis said.
The colour-in competition/raffle was advertised in the Star Mail newspaper, and over 30 kids submitted their colour-in.
The prize was a hamper filled with over $300 worth of products donated by local businesses in Healesville and Yarra Glen.
To give an equal chance for every kid to win, the event host decided to do a lucky draw to choose a winner.
Through the lucky draw, Chum Creek Primary School Grade 4 student Noah Lam was chosen as a winner of the hamper.
Noah was excited to receive the special prize.
“Mum told me that the butchers would let me colour in a newspaper page, so I just did it,” he said.
“I am really happy. I’ve never won anything before.”
The event host thanked everyone who participated and supported the event.
“We’re happy with responses from the community, both kids, who participated in the co-
lour-in, and businesses who donated to the hamper,” Steve said.
“We hope this inspires more shop owners to do something for kids in the community.”
The products for the hamper were donated
2023’s trivia night had 160 members attend. (Supplied)
Upper Yarra SES’s iconic trivia night to return in May
By Oliver Winn
The Upper Yarra SES’s exciting trivia night will make a return this year to raise crucial funds to keep the unit operating.
With around 160 attendees at the last trivia night, SES unit controller Hannah Brunton said this year’s event will promise a good time.
“Last trivia night, everyone was really just there for a good time, it was really high energy and a really fun place to be,” Ms Brunton said.
“We have sold 10 tables so far, so this time we have planned to allow for more, so we still have a few tables available.”
The event will be at the Warburton Golf Club on 17 May, from 7pm to 11pm for $20 a ticket, or $200 for a table of 10 people.
Those interested in buying tickets can purchase them here: tinyurl.com/UpperYarraSESTriviaNight
Local businesses have contributed some great prizes this year, with an overnight stay at Balgownie Estate, signed AFL merchandise and plenty of shop vouchers among the prize pool.
“One of the biggest draw cards of our trivia night is that outside of the trivia we also have silent auction items. Our silent auction items at our last trivia night raised over $10,000 in those sales,” Ms Brunton said.
The category of trivia for this year is a “top secret”, Ms Brunton said, to ensure that all groups have an equal chance of winning the top prize.
“If people want to know that, they’ll have to come along for a night of fun to find out.”
But, she said the style of trivia will be fairly traditional and that there will be minigames between the rounds.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Upper Yarra SES to help raise money for new equipment and other operational costs.
With the opening of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination trail this year expected to increase the volume of call-outs to the area, the Upper Yarra SES is raising funds for new equipment that specialises in these sort of rescues.
To raise money for the unit, the Upper Yarra SES aims to host two major fundraising events per year.
Today at work, something deeply touched me.
One of the residents called me over, and when I asked what she needed, she simply said, “Govinda, will you give me a hug?”
I said yes without hesitation.
As I wrapped my arms around her, I could feel so much in that moment — loneliness, nostalgia for festive seasons spent with family, and the weight of time.
It was as if a lifetime of memories, joys, and losses was quietly shared through that brief, tender embrace.
It’s deeply moving sometimes, seeing how much our elders carry within them.
They hold so many years of experience, some of which are filled with joy, but many others with loss, change, and solitude.
They’ve seen the world shift in ways we may never fully understand.
And yet, a simple act like a hug can be a gentle reminder that they are seen, they are heard, and they are loved.
Working in aged care is a profound experience. It teaches me more about compassion, patience, and the power of human connection than anything else could.
It’s in these small, everyday moments where we truly see how deeply intertwined, we all are.
A kind word, a shared laugh, or even a hug can break through the isolation that often surrounds our elders.
What struck me most today is how often we overlook these moments, thinking they’re just
small gestures.
But they’re so much more.
In the grand tapestry of life, it’s these simple, authentic connections that carry the most weight.
They’re reminders that we are never alone in our journey, and that even in the later years of life, there’s always room for kindness and understanding.
I wanted to share this moment because it’s a reminder that it doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s day.
A hug may not change everything, but sometimes, it’s exactly what someone needs to feel a little lighter, even for a moment.
Moments like these stay with you long after they’ve passed.
- Govinda Puri
“Our goal is to have two major fundraisers per year, so one every six months, but it really depends entirely on what our operational requirements are,” Ms Brunton said.
“So because the same group of volunteers are organising these fundraising events and they’re also attending requests for assistance from the public, if we’re going through a very busy period of time, we’ll have to forego a fundraising event. So we do our best to go every six months.”
“Later this year we are also planning a barn dance that will be held in October, we’ll start selling tickets for that and organising that once the trivia night is done and dusted,” Ms Brunton said.
by Verso Books, Morris et al, Toscano’s, Midnight Flowers, Laneway Cafe, Bendigo Bank, Wild Grains Bakery, Candy Emporium, Village Grocers, Miss Spelts, Yarra Glen Bakery, Glenda’s Candles and Creswick Mills.
Michael O’Neill (left) and Steve Hollis (right) presenting the hamper to Noah Lam. (Dongyun Kwon: 473775)
Over 30 kids entered in the colour in competition/raffle. (Dongyun Kwon: 473775)
By Dongyun Kwon and Felicity van Rensburg
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
ANZAC DAY
Lest we forget: Seville residents gather at dawn
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 lesser-known 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 soldiers, he was listed as killed in action at El Alam-
ein,” 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 Yar-
ra 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 the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
Healesville Jewellers’ Anzac Day window display
By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Jewellers’ front window is once again filled with the heartfelt feeling of Anzac Day.
Shop owner Sally Piper and the Healesville Jewellers team are showcasing the Anzac Day commemorative window display.
Sally said the Anzac tribute window started by honouring her dad, Gerald Flanagan, the Second World War veteran, many years ago.
“It features everything from the Boer War right through to the Vietnam conflict,” she said.
“Each year, there’s been a different feature in the lower section, and this year, we decided to feature the Vietnam conflict.
“Most young people think it was only in the 70s, which was when Australia was involved, but the Vietnam conflict started right back in 1946 and multiple countries were involved in it until such time as the Whitlam government decided there would be no more conscripts going off to the Vietnam War.”
There is also a section commemorating the Aboriginal soldiers who served Australia in different wars.
“Even it took ages to find a replica doll that was absolutely representative of our Aboriginal army,” Sally said.
“There were over 4000 of them who actually fought in those wars.
“We were finally able to put that missing piece into the conflicts of how all Australians served under this one flag, and the different personalities who were involved in that.”
Sally’s dad was a Lancaster crewman who flew over Europe with the British Bomber Command during World War 2.
Sally’s brother Michael Flanagan, who had done the research for the window and added new items each year, said his dad was a wireless air gunner.
“The little memorial that we’ve got there in the front up on the top of the window is his crew, and what happened was his crew was shot down
in March 1945 by a German night fighter ace named Hoffman Dietrich Schmidt,” he said.
“Fortunately for myself and Sally, my father, who was the normal wireless operator on the Lancaster, was in hospital recovering, having one of his kidneys reattached. The gentleman who took his place was Pilot Officer Trotter. He was an Englishman, and he unfortunately was killed.”
Not only their dad but also many family members served Australia in different wars.
Michael, himself, was also conscripted to the national service but didn’t get sent off to Vietnam.
“I was conscripted in intake four of 1971, and by that stage, there were no longer sending conscripts or anyone to Vietnam,” he said.
“I did basic training at Puckapunyal, infantry training at Singleton, and then I was posted back to Victoria doing administrative stuff in the Central Army Records Office.”
Sally and Michael’s great uncle Wilfred Flanagan, on their father’s side, fought at the Western Front in World War 1 as a gunner.
“He wasn’t wounded, as far as I could ascertain from his military record. He came back to Australia and lived a normal life after the war,” Michael said.
Their maternal grandfather, Frank Butler, was
in the infantry serving on the Western Front in World War 1.
“He got a version of the flu and it was so severe, so he was repatriated back to England from France, and he was in hospital in England for at least three months, and they, finally, sent him back to Australia in about 1917,” Michael said.
Jeweller and business partner Bruce Damman’s grandfather served in New Guinea fighting against Japan, and his great-grandfather served in the Navy for both World War 1 and 2.
Sally remembered her dad having lots of nightmares when she was a little kid.
“There were times when I’d asked Dad about war as I grew up, and he said, ‘Nobody wins wars.
We just survive.’,” she said.
Michael said Anzac Day is to recognise the sacrifices that past, today’s and future generations have made in military service.
“It’s something someone’s got to do. If someone doesn’t stand up, you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.
“It’s always not a nice thing and never has been, and there’s no nice way of killing someone, but you’ve got to protect your own country.”
Michael is not a member of any local RSL subbranch.
Although he lives in Mooroolbark, Sally has been trying to persuade him to sign up for the Healesville RSL.
Local poet Jim Brown. (Callum Ludwig: 47224)
The crowd surrounded the newly restored Seville War Memorial. (Callum Ludwig: 47224)
Over 4000 Aboriginal soldiers fought for Australia in different wars. (Dongyun Kwon: 474269)
Healesville Jewellers’ Anzac Day commemorative window display started by honouring shop owner Sally’s dad who was a Second World War veteran. (Dongyun Kwon: 474269)
ANZAC DAY
Warburton pauses to reflect
By Oliver Winn
The people of Warburton gathered at the town’s RSL for the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day.
The dawn service at the Millgrove memorial marked the start of this solemn but meaningful day, before the Warburton parade formed at the Warburton RSL Sub Branch at 10.30am.
Members of the Australian Cadet Unit led the march to the cenotaph, where the morning Anzac Day service was held.
Warburton RSL president Wayne Morgan led the service and spoke of the young ANZAC diggers in high praise.
Mr Morgan said the turnout for this year’s service was incredible, with roughly 250 Warburton locals attending the service this year.
Veterans,theirfamiliesanddescendantsstood in silence during the service with the exception of the collective utterance of “lest we forget”.
The Warburton, Millgrove and Wesburn townships saw 151 of its own men leave their families 110 years ago, yet 47 men never returned.
It is no doubt the souls of those men were in the hearts of the Anzac Day service attendees today.
The haunting melody of the Last Post bugle call could be heard reverberating throughout Warburton.
‘Fighting
By Callum Ludwig
nation’: Wandin community pays respects
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
474239)
we pay tribute to all veterans.
“Many families, including my own, have a history with war, including my grandfather serv-
ing 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:
There was an estimated 250 people in attendance this year for Warburton’s Anzac Day service. (Wayne Morgan)
ANZAC DAY
Proud in Yarra Junction
By Callum Ludwig
The township of Yarra Junction came to a standstill as the community gathered to participate in the annual Anzac Day commemorative march and service.
Gathering outside the Commonwealth Bank, residents lined the street in time for the march to proceed at 10.30am, ending at the Yarra Junction Cenotaph.
Upper Yarra RSL treasurer Geoff Smith led the service in the absence of Covid-stricken Arend Gribbrock, first introducing special guests from the Defence Force School of Signals in Watsonia, who formed a guard around the cenotaph.
Mr Smith then invited Upper Yarra RSL Chaplain Ron Thomas to start the event with the hymn ‘O God, our Help in Ages Past’.
Following that Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) Captains Anna and Madelyn, and Vice Captains Jennifer and Darcie, came forward to give the address.
Madelyn said they recognise the importance of commemorating Anzac Day to pay our respects to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who have served in war and conflict.
“Whether it be at the various dawn services and marches, respecting the minute of silence attending Anzac Day round games held by the AFL or the local football and netball club matches, it all serves as a way Australians can honour and remember those who served our country, they are a way for young and old to keep the memory of those who have served alive,” she said.
“Ultimately, the Gallipoli campaign was a military failure, with allied forces eventually evacuating the peninsula, despite the defeat, the qualities displayed by their soldiers of bravery, ingenuity, endurance and mateship became defining aspects of the Australian character and are commemorated annually on Anzac Day,”
“It is these qualities that have shaped our understanding of the soldiers and helped build the Anzac legend we know today as we stand here today and honor the memory of those who landed at Gallipoli, 110 years ago, we also reflect on the legacy they left behind, one that continues to inspire and encourage us to embody the Anzac spirit.”
Wreaths were laid by Upper Yarra RSL President Barry Powell, on behalf of incumbent Casey MP Aaron Violi who couldn’t attend, Eildon MP Cindy McLeish, Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child and those from various community groups and members. Poppies were also distributed to any and all attendees to be spread over the cenotaph.
After floral tributes were laid, Cr Child was again invited to read the Motion of Loyalty, but also took the opportunity to condemn those at the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and the dawn service in Lilydale who heckled the Welcome to Country and acknowl-
edgement of First Nations servicepeople.
“This morning, I attended the Millgrove dawn service and there was a wonderful acknowledgment of country given by Aunty Bennett and it was so appreciated by the audience that was present,” he said.
“First Nations people have served in Australian conflict and peacekeeping missions for many years and for many years the service and sacrifice of First Nation servicemen and women were not
recognised or commemorated, they just went without mention.”
Cr Child went on to acknowledge Vincent Roberts Peters, an Aboriginal Yorta Yorta man who fought in the Second World War, was a prisoner of war and died on the Thai-Burma railway in 1943.
“Cr Child said like many aboriginal service people at the time, Vincent’s sacrifice went unacknowledged and his family was not awarded
the same compensation as those of other servicemen.
“In 2006, Vincent Peter’s daughter, Aunty Dot Peters of Healesville and also the Healesville RSL sub-branch President Sam Halim held a remembrance service to recognise First Nations men and women… that was the same year the Aboriginal flag was raised at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the very first time,” he said.
“Today I wear a badge, it’s got the two indigenous flags on it, and in the centre of them, the Australian flag and that is true recognition for me of reconciliation, we’re on this journey together, and we’ll do it together,”
“Looking back more than 100 years, we stopped today to honour all those who endured the horrors of war, those who captured the stories of adversity and survival and those who never returned to the communities that waited for them, their courage, sacrifice and stories will never be forgotten.”
Mr Smith also shared the story of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, who were initially only paid one-third of the rate white soldiers of the same rank and service during World War Two. After striking, they were paid two-thirds and eventually, in the 1980s, they were backpaid in full.
Mr Smith read the motion of sympathy before handing back over to Chaplain Ron Thomas to lead the Lord’s Prayer and the Australian national anthem with the help of the UYSC band, who also learnt to play the New Zealand national anthem.
Mr Powell read the Ode to the Fallen before The Last Post was played by bugler Wally Dunkley and bagpiper Amelia Gemmill.
The flag was raised by Mike Boxell and the service was closed with a blessing and the dismissal of the guard.
The Yarra Junction community march down the highway. (Callum Ludwig: 474258)
Wreaths and poppies aplenty left at the Yarra Junction Cenotaph. (474258)
Don’t forget the cavalry. (474258)
Not all needed to march down the street. (474258)
ANZAC DAY Services in the Yarra Valley
By Dongyun Kwon
Hundreds of people gathered to commemorate Anzac Day at dawn services, marches and daytime services on Friday 25 April.
The day started at 5.45am in Healesville with the dawn service.
The service was started with a welcome and acknowledgement by Healesville RSL president Colette Shaw, followed by wreath laying.
After the wreaths were laid, Ms Shaw gave an Anzac speech, explaining the Gallipoli landing and the purpose of Anzac Day services.
“Before dawn on 25 April 1915, the first soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula … Some 2000 Australians were killed or wounded on 25 April. It was a day of confusion and fear,” she said.
“Anzac Day has been one of the most important dates on Australia’s calendar since 1916. At first, it gave people a chance to honour the original Anzacs, the Australians and New Zealanders who fought on Gallipoli, then it became a day for those who had served in the First World War.
“With Australians experiencing the Second World War, and wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations that have followed, Anzac Day has become an occasion to honour all who have worn our country’s uniform in service.”
The guest speaker was Eildon MP Cindy McLeish who spoke of her trip to Gallipoli last year.
Two Healesville High School captains were invited to the stage to recite In Flanders Field and Remembrance respectively.
After the Ode and one-minute silence, flags were raised.
The dawn service was wrapped up around 6.10am with the poppy laying.
Attendees were invited to stay for the Healesville RSL’s Gun Fire breakfast and to attend the morning march and service.
In Yarra Glen, the Memorial March took place through the town’s main street from 10.15am.
The Yarra Glen Anzac Day service started at 10.30am with the opening address by Yarra Glen RSL past president Stephen Shortis, followed by an invocation by Edward Bartosh, the secretary of Yarra Glen RSL.
Rosemary Bowling read aloud a letter from the front, written by Lance Corporal George Benjamin Muir.
Yarra Glen Primary School Choir sang Lest We Forget in front of the crowd.
This year’s student guest speakers were Tayah Davis and Jessup Williamson from Yarra Glen Primary School, and Cara Bourne from Yering Primary School.
Cara spoke about her thoughts on war and Anzac Day by introducing the story of her family members who served Australia in different wars.
Yarra Glen RSL vice president Goerge Miller OAM read an Anzac Day poem Mates and Mr Shortis recited the Ode followed by a minute silence.
Wreaths were laid on the cenotaph by local community groups before the community was invited to lay poppies.
Yarra Glen Memorial March took place through the town’s main street from 10.15am. (Dongyun Kwon: 474236)
Cara Bourne from Yering Primary School speaking about her thoughts on war and Anzac Day. (474236)
L-R: Yarra Glen Girl Guides Naomi, Evelyn and Mia handing out poppies. (474236)
Yarra Glen Primary School Choir singing Lest We Forget in front of the crowd. (474236) Healesville High School Band playing Abide with Me. (474236)
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
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 jump-scares and slow, eerie build-up, with fantastic practical effects and sparse, crisp sound
is like the game after all
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
painter Vincent van
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.
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.
Dutch
Gogh famously
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.
Time for a home loan health check!
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!
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.
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)
LINGO
Jam-packed action
By Alex Woods
Round 3: ANZAC Day
Our second game day of the year has finally approached after two weeks off.
A busy day of four football games and four netball games hosted at Warby.
The morning started off with D Grade netball (17’s had a late bye).
The game began strongly in Warby’s favour, ending the first quarter with a 13-3 score.
They limited Yarra Junction to just two goals in the second quarter while adding another 12 to their total.
They maintained their momentum right to the end, finishing with a total score of 48-11.
Players of the match included Tiahn Syme, Courtney Godenzi, and Mel Hancock.
Women’s Footy kicked off the morning on the oval, taking on Wandin.
The first quarter was a close one, ending eight all at quarter time.
Warby managed to keep Wandin scoreless in the second quarter and went into half time with a lead of 5.3-33 to 1.2-8.
The second quarter continued to go Warby’s way, as they maintained their skills and secured another 7.3 to Wandin’s 3.4, resulting in a final score of 12.6-78 to 3.4-22.
Emerson Woods came home with the ANZAC Medal.
Lily Pagels, Sally McIntosh, Katie Ruehmer, Maddi Andueza, and Madi Ward also had great games.
Lily Pagels secured two goals for the game, along with Emerson Woods, Gabby Woods, and Jas Enever. Maddi
Andueza secured one goal, while Madi Ward kicked three for the game.
Reserves took the field and secured four goals straight in the first quarter to Yarra Junc-
tion’s two.
They kept YJ to one point in the second quarter and went into half time with a lead of 7.3-45 to 2.1-13.
The second half was positive for the burras, finishing with a total of 18.10-118 to YJ 2.2-14.
Burras’ goal kickers were Mikey Read, Dave Bedggood and Ash Bremner all with one.
Brayden Ferguson kicked two, whilst Josh Read snagged six and Matt Sidari with seven.
Matt Sidari, Josh Read, Brayden Ferguson, Jackson Blake, Jamie Nelson, and Mikey Read were all top performers for the game.
Senior Footy finished off the day, in what you could say was an impeccable beginning.
Two weeks off and they came out firing.
A 9.6-62 to 0 first quarter showed the boys’ skills and fitness.
The next two quarters were much the same, keeping YJ to one goal and one point, whilst
securing another ten goals and 17 behinds for themselves.
The last quarter was one of the biggest the Burras had seen.
A massive 17 goals were kicked in the last quarter, along with five behind, keeping YJ to only one point secured.
Tom Baker took home the ANZAC medal in a mega 36.30-246 to 1.2-8 win.
Tom Baker snagged seven goals, Bailey Humphrey in his 50th game with four, Brock Caneva with three, along with Jack Farrugia.
Lachlan Hewiit, Nelson Aldridge, Liam Westlake, Brayden Woolridge, and Jake Upton all had two each.
Dylan Walker, Pat Huynh, Tom Marr, Jack Lee and Caelan Flynn all secured one goal each.
Top performers were also Tom Barr, Nelson Aldridge, Jack Farrugia, Jack Lee and Brock Caneva.
Horse Talk
By Anita Prowse
Upper Yarra Pony Club were honoured to participate in the RSL Anzac Day Parade in Yarra Junction again, as it’s such a wonderful experience for the kids to be a part of.
Saturday saw Yarra Glen and District Pony Club host their Dressage Jackpot and Combined Training Day, the PC Dressage winners were:
2.2 - Charlotte Thorpe on Rervi Fishers Ghost from Kangaroo Ground PC, Charlotte also won the 2.3 and Grade 2 Jackpot.
3.2 - Isobelle Beard on Ashton Park Taylor Made from Yarrambat PC, Isobelle also won the 3.3 and Grade 3 Jackpot.
4.2 - Georgia McKinnon on Valley View Shogun from Yarra Glen and Dist PC, Georgia also won the 4.3 and Grade 4 Jackpot.
5.2 - Billie Chapman on Bowie from Yarra Glen and Dist PC, Billie also won the 5.3 and Grade 5 Jackpot.
6.1 - Bella Hios on Harrington Park Pride from Doongala PC.
6.2 - Zoe Gessaroli on MP Be My Diva from Lancefield PC, Zoe also won the Grade 6 Jackpot. Pony Club Combined Training winners were:
3 - Lillian Trevorrow on Kendalee Levitate from Lilydale and Moorooolbark PC.
4 - Elana Bowden on Gypsy Madam from Yarra Glen and Dist PC.
5A - Billie Chapman on Bowie from Yarra Glan and Dist PC.
5B - Harper Falls on Oriana Puzzle from Ringwood H and PC.
6A - Zoe Gessardi on MP Be My Diva from Lancefield PC.
6B - Harriet Elston on Charcellor from Pearcedale PC.
This Anzac round was packed full with exciting match-ups. (Supplied)
Wandin crush Monbulk in 100 point 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 ten 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 transi-
tion 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 Upwey-Tecoma 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 Mutschler, Aaron Smith, Thomas Berman, Kieren Galloway, Nicholas Heron and Dylan Werts.
Yarra Valley offered too little too late
By
On a cloudy and rainy Saturday, the Yarra Valley team travelled to Narre Warren for their round three game against rivals Berwick.
Last season, a 1-1 draw at home was the catalyst in derailing Berwick’s title challenge, so the stakes were high for this encounter.
Berwick started the better of the two teams, with energy and attack down their left hand side resulting in an early corner.
The Valley defence fell asleep as Berwick took it short, dribbling to the edge of the area and rocketing a shot into the top right corner 3 minutes in to open the scoring.
Valley rallied together, and battled out the next 15 minutes as a team to try and get back on level terms.
The game closed up a little, with Berwick still looking the more likely to score but Valley created a few problems for their opposition too.
Splendid tackles and a marauding run from Oscar Lyons reminded the home team that Valley meant business, but an unfortunate error at the back lead to a missed header, and Berwick got a tap in for their second 24 minutes in.
It was always going to be a big effort to go away to the team with the most resources in the competition, and the disparity was evident to see between the two starting 11s. Despite that, Valley dug deep and tried to
play our way.
RightbackJoelRyanwastaskedwithkeeping Berwick’s Liam Wolstenholme at bay, and it’s this effort that earned him the Player of the Game, with Ryan’s first foul coming in the 70th minute against and NPL quality player.
This sort of grit was what got one back for Valley before half time.
A free kick from Atanasov floated into the box from far out, with several Valley players and opposition players contesting, but ultimately unable to stop it soaring straight in.
Berwick capitalised on some sloppy defending once again to make it 3-1 at half time.
The second half saw the rain pour down, and it changed the game in Valley’s favour.
The youngsters up front in the form of George Lyons, Gus Vukman and Alex Ronald’s relieved the experienced Tomlinson and Rinke of their role to try and combat the Berwick midfield, and Valley went for it.
The game turned into an open encounter, with chances at either end.
Some great defending from Serci, Ryan and Abela kept Berwick at bay, but it was keeper Aden Kerridge who kept his side in the contest with several last grasp saves.
The final goal of the game came from a Valley free kick, headed on by Kinsella to Baya Litchfield at the back post, whose volley found the head of Vukman and set up a grandstand finish.
It was just too little too late, and the game ended 3-2 to the hosts.
Women fight tooth and nail against Belgrave
Round three footy started on Anzac Day with our women’s fighting tooth and nail for a narrow loss against Belgrave at Belgrave.
The weather was forecasting a rainy Saturday, but the morning ended up being quite mild, giving the Woori Yallock woman’s team better then expected conditions.
Unfortunately they weren’t able to clinch the win, losing 28-17 against a strong Belgrave side.
In the footy the youngsters had a tough start to the day against a strong top age opponent, Officer, who took on Woori with strength.
The match-up proved to be too difficult for the young Woori side, coming out of the game at a whopping 96 point deficit.
They lost 106-10.
There are lots of good lessons to learn there for the Woori side, and they’ll want to bring that into their next match.
On a day where neither team had access to the changing rooms, it was a much improved Valley performance, who lost to the same opposition by over 12 goals last season
The Yarra Valley Thirds got their first point of the season in a hard-fought 4-4 draw with Vic Harbour.
After conceding first, the ‘Thunderthirds’ scored three goals in quick succession, as young Rei Muramatsu put away his first senior goal for the club before player-coach Thomas Langmaid added 2 more goals through a penalty and a trademark free kick.
With a late goal to the opposition making the score 3-2 at half-time, the Thirds knew they would need to come out hard to begin the second half, and they did exactly that as Nicolas Bingham took advantage of a defensive error and calmly slotted it past the keeper to make it 4-2, although the twogoal margin didn’t last long as Vic Harbour rebounded immediately to score their third after a fortuitous bounce.
Sadly, with only one sub for the second half, the Thirds ran out of legs and an equaliser 15 minutes from full-time meant that they could only settle for a point.
Next week, all Junior, Women’s and Men’s team play at the Millgrove Recreation Reserve, come on down to support.
Juniors from 9am.
Seniors from 1pm and 3pm.
In the reserves, it was a much improved performance with three really good quarters against a top three side from last year, just those little moments that cost the boys in the third quarter, but overall it was a much better performance from the boys.
In the seniors the boys got off to a strong start and set up the day with some great teamwork and defence.
There has to be credit to given to the Officer side - after half time they came out and played some good footy, and put up a good fight.
But, Woori fought through a weakening Officer defence, and managed to claim the game as their own, manoeuvring the ball quickly down the field and scoring a flurry of goals.
In the end it was a comfortable win for the senior men’s team, the scoreline sitting at 12050.
In the netball, it was mixed results.
The u17s experienced a tough loss, losing to ROC Blue 43-12.
The D grade got over the line in a nail biter to continue their good form.
It was a wildly entertaining match ending at 23-22, with Woori beating the ROC D grade side.
C grade came up against a tough ROC Blue side but couldn’t quite get going, and the score difference only grew by the end and they lost 26-51.
B grade also struggled against quality opposition going down by 13, losing 54-67 to ROC’s B grade side.
However it was great to see the A Grade get their first win of the season in a strong performance, winning 55-45 against ROC’s A grade side.
Kai Linde (Monbulk Reserves) marks ahead of teammate Dylan Werts against Wandin. (Anthea Heagney)
Tervel Atanasov and Thomas Langmaid
Woori had mixed results in the netball this week. (Unsplash)
Healesville footballers and netballers did their best
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 Evelyns new facilities and also the next challenge in their journey into Premier Division.
The B grade netballers faced challenging opponents with Mt Evelyn 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. Best players for Healesville were E Roberts, A Biddiscombe, and A McMaster.
A grade faced last year’s runners-up. 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. Best players for Healesville were K Ryan, M Erickson, and B Erickson.
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 womens battled hard all game Mt Evelyn were just way to strong winning every quarter.
Final score 16.12.108 to 0.2.2.
A lot to like about the young Healesville team though and now they have seen the benchmark they will learn and get better.
Best for Healesville M.Cianci, S.Frazzetto, M. Cameron, C. McMurray, B. Watson, I. Stock. Coming off an extended break, with a bye round 2 and Easter break, Healesville’s U18’s were looking forwarding to getting back out there playing.
First quarter was a low scoring tight battle with Mt Evelyn just managing to come out on top to lead 1.3.9 to Healesville 1.2.8.
Beyond this though Mt Evelyn took control of the game and managed to win all the next 3 quarters of football.
Final Score Mt Evelyn 14.11.95 to Healesville 3.3.21.
With several of Healesville’s U18’s out of the side and playing Senior Footy, and several youngsters from the junior club stepping up to fill their spots, Healesville were really excited about this group of players coming through.
Best for Healesville C.Bradford, T. Dunne, M. Holland, Gabe Houlihan, C. Hammond, H. Green.
Next up Reserves looking to get their first win for the season.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t to eventuate with Mt Evelyn proving to be way to strong
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.
Best for Healesville B. Rutley, M. Jones, D.Plozza, D. Ebbels, K.Barclay, T. Tweedie.
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 know 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 sawthings tighten up a bit with Healesville only managing to out score 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.
Best for Healesville N.Mende, T.Biddiscombe, C.Bradley, H.Munn, J.Newsome, A.Rouse.
Next week sees all games, netball and football, at home up at Don Road Complex against Woori Yallock. It is also Healesville’s past players day so Healesville netballers and footballers are looking forward to a great crowd to watch some cracking football and netball games.
Women make it two from two as men grit through tough contests
By Hannah Chappell
Coldstream’s weekend kicked off with all its football 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
After a great first two weeks in Premier Division Healesville Seniors were confident but prepared for the strong physical game against Mt Evelyn. (Supplied)
Both Coldstream men’s teams had tough days against Donvale. (File)
Victory the order of the day for Healesville sides
By Sarah Bailey
Strong wins were an exciting start to the season for Healesville’s junior teams.
Healesville U16s 6-2 Berwick
Away in Berwick, Healesville kept the pressure up from the start.
Gordon K scored at the third minute, followed by Pip M in the nineth minute and Hamish M at 17th minute.
Berwick scored twice in two minutes to keep the game alive before Hamish M struck again in the 32nd minute to go into half time 4-2 up.
The second half was more of an arm wrestle, but Max J scored a beautiful volley at 54th minute and Pip scored his second not long before the final whistle.
Healesville U14 Red Devils 5-0 Blackburn North
The team’s confidence was high off the back of a successful Maccas Cup campaign in the preseason.
In the first half Georgia C and Ava H bossed the midfield and Healesville peppered the Blackburn goals, converting twice with two well-taken goals by Evie T.
Healesville dominated the second half, with Sia M scoring one and Evie T adding another two.
Healesville U14 4-2 Yarra Valley
Healesville dominated in the first half. Louis G scored the first goal, with Iggy C creating opportunities on one wing and Cooper, Tom Q and Liam providing great structure from the back.
In the second half fatigue set in, but Dylan moved out of goals to play in the outfield, bringing an injection of energy.
The team deftly switched formation in the second half from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 to add defensive structure.
Louis G banged in three more.
Pepe and Julian also had opportunities in the last 10 minutes as Healesville reasserted their dominance.
A big thank you to Ryder, who added reinforcements to Healesville’s squad before he went to his own game.
Healesville U13 Heelers 4-0 Knox Strikers
Away against Knox, Dominic G led the boys out as captain. Oscar P opened the scoring with a clinical strike from range, putting Healesville on the front foot.
second half.
Cooper S moved into the midfield, scoring two goals after playing the first half as keeper.
Another goal came from a great passing play, with Max M putting the ball in the back of the net.
The hard work of the backline players kept Knox from breaking through.
Healesville U12 Panthers 10-0 BSSC Hammerheads
In their first outing on a full-sized pitch, the Panthers made a big statement with a 10-goal victory.
Captain Sem K put on a show with his damaging left foot, slotting home five goals.
Louis used his speed and agility to set up many chances as well as scoring two goals himself.
Ryan dazzled early with his footwork, netting two goals before being moved to the midfield.
Flynn brought plenty of drive, finishing a slick volley from a quality cross from Louis.
Ben worked tirelessly in attack and helped out in defence.
Defensively, Sam and William were rock sol-
id, cutting off most of the Hammerheads’ forward moves.
Ash, Jackson and Leon were all very dependable when called upon.
In goals, Sol and Ash combined well to keep a clean sheet and round off a near-perfect team performance.
Healesville U12 White Wolves 7-1 BNFC Crocodiles
With new corner flags and sensational sponsor banners, the home ground at Don Rd was in fine condition for the Wolves to graduate to a fullsized pitch.
The home side struck the first blow through a fantastic dribble from Zach C.
The visitors upped the ante in the second half, quickly scoring the opening goal.
From here the scoring opened up, with contributions by Robbie K, Evan K, Alex P (hat-trick) and Flynn F.
Healesville U11 Ninjas 5-0 Knox Churches
The Ninjas kicked off the season at Knox Park, led by captain Max H, who was best on ground, also scoring two goals.
More importantly, his work rate was excellent, consistently helping out in the back.
The Ninjas led 3-0 at half time, with everyone on the team present and involved.
Leroy, Ollie and Leo caused a lot of problems for the Knox defensive line.
Leo also helped out in defensive midfield in the second half.
In defence, Percy played very tidily in the central position.
Hayden and Jackson didn’t allow much on the wings.
Healesville’s goalies had a quiet day but neatly picked up the few balls that came their way.
Sealing the deal for the team in red were two goals from outside the box (mercy rule).
Healesville U10 Falcons 5-3 Lilydale
The team started on the front foot with Kai scoring in the first few minutes.
Ethan soon doubled the lead, scoring a nice finish in the far corner.
The Falcons kept up the hard work and were rewarded when Kai scored again. They went 4-0 up after Conor scored not long after coming on.
Lilydale had a few chances, but some great keeping from Grey kept them out.
The referee awarded Lilydale a dubious penalty, which they scored from.
In the second half Lilydale scored a few quick goals to get back into the game, but the Falcons kept their heads up and Max scored their fifth to finish strong.
Healesville U9 Rangers 4-2 Northern Eagles
The Rangers went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to goals by Logan S and captain Ryder A and a clean sheet by Zach DR.
Logan S scored again to start the second half, but a defensive lapse and an unlucky goal had the Eagles coming back.
A nice goal by Milos K iced the game for Healesville.
Other results:
U16G Hurricanes 3-3 Berwick Blues (goals Mia K 2, Evie T 1)
Healesville Women’s Premier 4-0 Rowville Eagles (goals Kiah 1, Tess 1, Breony 2) Healesville Seniors 3-1 Dandy Casuals (goals Johnny C 2, own goal 1) Healesville Reserves 2-4 Dandy Casuals Reserves (goals Pip M 2)
Yarra Glen netballers’ winning mentality turns on
By David Ball
Yarra Glen travelled to Yea as the rain cleared in time for the Under 18’s to start the day.
Having narrowly beaten Yea in their previous encounter the boys were primed for a tough Anzac week battle.
With Callum Sanders dominating in the middle and Kobey Jarvis stopping everything on the half back line, the River Pig colts were continuously forging forward.
In a great all round team effort, Yarra Glen were able to go into half time leading 5.3 to 1.1.
Yarra Glen were able to continue to with everyone contributing as they kept Yea to just the one point for the half whilst adding four goals themselves.
The River Pigs were a little wasteful up forward, kicking 4.9 for the half to run out winners, 9.12 to 1.2.
Goalkickers were: Callum Sanders 3, Lachlan Rutherford 2 and singles to Alex Toscano, Bradyn Stewart, Kobey Jarvis and Lachlan Carter. Best Players; Callum Sanders, Kobey Jarvis, Alastair Lowrie, John Pavic and Lachlan Rutherford.
The Yarra Glen Reserves were primed for a big effort against Yea and started well to be leading 1.4 to 0.4 at quarter time.
Having more of the ball, they could have been further ahead if not for some missed opportunities up forward.
In the second quarter, Yea lifted their intensity and with more run were able to go into half time four points ahead.
Yea dominated in the third quarter as the Yarra boys were beaten in contests all over the ground.
If not for some wayward kicking, Yea could have been further ahead as they added 2.8 whilst Yarra Glen failed to add to their half time score.
The River Pigs lifted in the last to be more competitive but eventually went down 3.6 to 7.21.
Goalkickers were Matt McKenzie 2 and Nick McKenzie 1.
Best players were: Dylan Jarvis, Matt McKenzie, Max Murphy, Keithy Gerovasilis, Callum Tucker and Ethan Murdock.
The Yarra Glen seniors got off to a flyer against Yea with Max DePina snapping a goal in the first 30 seconds, followed by another soon after.
Losing ruckman Dan Wilson to a dangerous tackle concussion made things difficult with Yea being well served with their two big ruckman.
Caleb Surplice, however, provided great opposition and with Aussie Smith in the midfield and Ben Ashton off half back the River Pigs were able to take a two goal lead into half time.
The game continued to be a tight tussle with goals hard to come by.
Yarra Glen missed three straight forward set shots only to see Yea burst forward to nail two quick goals late in the quarter to narrow the gap to just five points at three quarter time.
Yarra Glen scored an early goal only to have Yea quickly respond.
A desperate touch on the line from Trent Russell prevented Yea from taking the lead.
Following a goal from Josh Hawkins to stretch Yarra’s lead to 12 points, it was Yea’s turn to miss a couple of set shots.
In a great team effort with all the Yarra boys playing their roles they were able to seal the game with three late goals to run out 18 point victors, 8.12 to 5.12.
Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 4, Max DePina 2 and singles to Aussie Smith and Marcus Kikidopolous.
Best Players –Aussie Smith, Ben Ashton, James Brereton, Caleb Surplice, Chris Webber and Marcus Kikidoplolous.
In A grade netball Yarra Glen took on Yea and got off to a good start to be 18 to 8 up at quarter time.
They stretched the lead to 20 at half time.
In third quarter, Yea lifted and started connecting better as they went forward and matched Yarra Glen with 11 goals for the term.
The last quarter was also quite even as Yarra Glen ran out comfortable winners, 60 to 38.
Best players were Jasmine Evans, Maddie Hargrave (45 goals) and Elsie Dobson.
Also playing Yea, Yarra Glen’s B Grade had a battle on their hands but were able to take a two goal lead into quarter time.
In the second quarter the Yarra girls took control and added 19 goals to 5.
Yea fought hard in the third to retain posses-
sion better and kept up with Yarra Glen in a goal for goal contest.
The last quarter saw Yarra dominate with a 16 to 4 quarter to finish with an excellent 59 to 26 win.
Best players were Tiah Large, Georgia Crugnale (26 goals) and Kayla Collins.
C Grade faced a determined Yea and had to work hard for a two goal quarter time lead.
They took control in the second with better ball control and great conversion in goal to be 11 goals up at half time.
As Yea lifted in the third, they kept up with the Yarra girls as they both added eight goals for the quarter.
With a good final quarter Yarra Glen were able to extend their lead to finish with a comfortable 37 to 22 victory.
Best players were Ashley Shanks, Annie Dietrich and Noeline Davidson.
Yarra Glen’s D Grade started the day at Yea and took an early four goal lead only to see Yea fight back in the second to narrow the difference to just one goal at half time.
As Yarra Glen’s defence worked well together they kept Yea to just one goal for the third quarter whilst adding seven to be seven goals ahead at the last break.
In a solid last quarter Yarra Glen were able to hold on to a five goal victory, 20 to 15.
Best players were Lily Dove, Phoebe Boot and Annabelle Forsyth.
Next week Yarra Glen plays at home against Yarra Junction in the Senior and Reserves football and all the netball grades with the Under 18’s playing against top of the table Pakenham.
The Vets have a bye.
The boys kept the pressure on the Knox defenders in the
Healesville’s U16s line up ahead of their 6-2 victory against Berwick on Saturday 26 April. (Supplied)
All four Yarra Glen netball teams collected win against Yea. (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
