Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 6th May 2025

‘Never in doubt’

By Oliver Winn

Aaron Violi retained the seat of Casey against Labor’s Naomi Oakley amid a Liberal fallout this election.

He said he was honoured that the community has re-endorsed him for the next three years.

“I’m very pleased locally that it looks like I’ve been able to increase my margin, it’s something I’ll never take for granted,” Mr Violi said.

The ABC’s initial election results forecasted Mr Violi to hold the electorate, but a midnight scare saw Ms Oakley briefly in front of the Liberal incumbent by a fine margin.

But Mr Violi said he was confident he’d pull through in the end.

“I was never nervous. I understood the mechanics of, you know, Boronia being a tough prepoll for me. If it had been flipped and the Lilydale pre-poll had been added before Boronia, it would have changed that margin. But I know my booth in areas well enough to understand what was happening.

“So I was confident once the Lilydale pre-poll was added to the count, it would show the true reflection of the result.”

When asked about what went wrong nationally for the Liberal party, Mr Violi said it was too soon for him to tell.

“48 hours after the result, I’m not going to be making an analysis of what went right and what went wrong publicly.”

“There’s lots of lessons that we need to learn and diligently work through, understanding what happened here in Casey. Some areas moved away from me, some came to me strongly, so I want to understand that unique dynamic locally.”

Despite that, he said it was obvious the Liberal party needed to change to ensure it can face Labor in three years.

“Clearly we need to change when you get a result like this, as a party to make sure we can be a strong opposition and a strong government again.”

Mr Violi said there was a number of reasons why he maintained the seat of Casey and that he’d focus on continuing to be a strong voice for the community for the next term of government.

“The constant feedback I got from community members was that they appreciated that I was a genuine third generation local who’s engaged with the community.”

“I will continue to be out there and be a strong, authentic local voice, making sure Casey’s voice is heard. But I do know that for Casey to be strong, the nation has to be strong, and I passionately believe that we need a strong opposition and a strong Liberal government into the future.”

He also thanked the other candidates who ran for the seat of Casey and the members of the community who didn’t vote for him.

“I wanna acknowledge all the other candidates and also acknowledge that while I was lucky enough to get the majority support of the community, there was many that didn’t support me and that’s okay.”

“My role three years ago when I was elected was to represent every community member in Casey, not just those that supported me and I’ll continue to do that.”

Aaron Violi retained the seat of Casey after a late shift saw Labor’s Naomi Oakley in front. (Supplied)

Alternative study pathways

By Callum Ludwig

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) was introduced to all government schools in 2023, replacing the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), and with thousands of students opting to undertake the programs since its inception.

The VM combines four core subjects: Work Related Skills, Personal Development Skills, VM Literacy/VCE English and VM Numeracy/ VCE Mathematics, combined with a vocational education and training (VET) course and three other VCE Unit 3 and 4 classes.

The VM is offered at almost all government schools, but isn’t required to be offered at private schools, so the Star Mail reached out to a number of local private schools to see which schools are offering the option to their students.

Mater Christi College in Belgrave adopted the VM in 2023 and Deputy Principal of Learning Tara Baker said it was to provide students with greater flexibility and choice in their learning.

“While we already had a successful vocational and applied learning program, it previously operated separately from our VCE offerings,” she said.

“By integrating the VCE VM pathway, we now offer a unified VCE certificate that allows students to select from a broader range of VCE, VCE VM, and VET subjects—all within a single certificate, this integration enhances students’s access to relevant vocational education and applied learning opportunities,”

“This approach has significantly benefited our students by allowing them to follow their individual pathways, it also provides an alternative for those not pursuing a traditional ATAR route, enabling them to engage in VCE subjects that genuinely interest them—without the pressure of achieving an ATAR score.”

Mater Christi has students enrolled in a range of VET subjects through the VCE VM and who are completing traineeships as part of their studies.

Mater Christi College’s VCE VM dux Emma Costello chose the VM pathway as it ‘offered a practical, hands-on approach to learning that aligned with my interests and career goals. It provided real-world experience and a clear pathway to further education and work, making it a great fit for my strengths.’

Mount Evelyn Christian School (MECS) also offer the VCE VM, collaborating with Ranges TEC in their Trades Training Centre as well as onsite at the MECS campus.

MECS Head of Secondary Emma Allison and VET and Careers Coordinator Amelia Koole said MECS is committed to providing alternate pathways as society continues to wake up to the fact that the ATAR is not everything and may not be the best way to represent sound understanding of subject matter or suitability for course entrance.

“It is important for us, as a Christian school, to provide choice in students’ senior years as students discover who they are and their gifts and abilities. We believe in preparing students well for their future as well as allowing them to do real work for real people through their learning

now,” they said.

“Offering a senior years program that immerses them in the skills relevant to future careers boosts students’ confidence, enhances their engagement in learning, and helps them transition into the workforce,”

“This choice for students is crucial at this late stage in their education, by this point, students must own their own learning, many parents will appreciate the struggle of trying to force their child to study when the desire or motivation isn’t there. Students who may have ended up withdrawing from school or experiencing school refusal issues, now find that their learning has purpose and relevancy for the workplace, or future TAFE studies, and they are therefore more motivated towards successful completion.”

According to the Victorian Department of Education, enrolments in the VCE Vocational Major grew by almost 20 per cent in 2024. The VCE VM was completed by 8,290 students last year, up from 6,454 in 2023, contributing to the growth in

Year 12 students successfully completing a senior secondary certificate from 91.7 per cent in 2021 to 97.5 per cent in 2024.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said Victoria is the only state to record continued VET enrolment growth in schools for the last four consecutive years – and last year, for the first time, more than 30 per cent of Year 11 and 12 students in Victorian government schools chose vocational education.

“The VCE Vocational Major is the biggest reform to senior secondary schooling in a generation – ensuring that no matter what you want to be when you leave school, Victoria has a pathway for you to achieve it,” he said.

“Thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s investments, more and more students are choosing the Vocational Major, learning in-demand skills in health, construction, engineering and agriculture and looking at careers that help drive the future of Victoria.”

In 2023, the year the VCE VM was introduced,

a total of 22,313 Year 11 and 12 students were enrolled in the VCE VM. 15.530 students were from metropolitan schools, 3635 from schools in a regional centre, 3136 in rural areas and 12 interstate.

In 2024, this jumped up to 26,611 students; 18,304 metropolitan, 4656 from a regional centre, 3636 in rural areas and 15 interstate.

Not all the feedback is glowing however, and the Star Mail understands from conversations with a local government school that wished to remain anonymous that the VM has created timetabling pressures, with classes offered by VET providers impacting other classes offered in the same timeslots. The school has also expressed concern about the impact on resources for other VCE classes.

MECS also pointed to a VCE VM graduate from last year who said choosing the VCE VM was definitely one of the best decisions of their life.

“It allowed me to get my Year 12 pass whilst focusing on an area of passion (creative design) without the stress of exams,” she said.

“There was a lot going on in my home life at the time and the VCE VM helped me cope with that and balance my life better.”

While still in Year 11, this student led the set design team for the MECS school production, coordinating students and staff to design and create multiple sets to a very high standard. This student undertook the VETDSS Cert III in Visual Arts whilst in Year 12 at her local TAFE, and upon completion of her VCE VM, she was accepted into her first preference university course, currently completing a Diploma/Degree of Graphic and Digital Design at Collarts (Australian College of the Arts). She has also been appointed as the Digital Content Creator at her local church.

A spokesperson for Mount Lilydale Mercy College said the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum And Assessment Authority) requires all secondary schools to offer VM as part of the ‘One VCE’ certification launched in 2023 and to be fully implemented by 2025.

“We welcomed this change as it offers broader choices for our VCE students and our VCAL program was highly successful in providing pathways for students so we saw the VM as the right progression for us as a College,” they said.

“We cater to a diverse range of students who are preparing for a wide range of career pathways. it is important that we provide a variety of subject offerings that meet our students’ interests, along with their academic, pastoral and spiritual needs,”

“The rise in VM class sizes is one measure of success, the level of enquiry from parents (current and prospective) is another encouraging indicator, as they can see how this pathway has resulted in actual destination outcomes for their child, this is supported by MLMC VCE Destinations data. We have developed strong relationships with employers and they are keen to take on MLMC students who have managed their learning and wellbeing needs through the VM program.”

Rental crisis hits vulnerable people across outer east

By Tanya Steele

Affordability figures for new rentals released by Anglicare Victoria on 30 April have shown that renters are the real victims of Australia’s housing crisis.

Drastic availability drops on rental housing between 2021 and 2025 have revealed a stressful lack of options for those on low-level wages in Maroondah, Knox and Casey.

Melbourne is moving towards becoming Australia’s most populated city within the next ten years, and if demand for housing continues to outstrip supply, rent rises will see the vulnerable community members suffer for it.

CEO of Anglicare Victoria, Paul McDonald said Anglicare have heard a lot in this election campaign about how both major parties want to enable people to realise the ‘Australian dream’ of owning your home, but there is also an Australian dream that supersedes this, which is actually having a home to live in.

“Neither major party is doing enough for those who are struggling to find somewhere affordable to rent that doesn’t put them immediately into housing stress,” he said.

An annual survey of available rental properties, Anglicare Victoria’s 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot (RAS) measures housing rental affordability for people receiving minimum wage or relying on income support payments.

Competing for properties across a tight rental market in Casey, there has been a five-year decline in affordability shown in the data.

Rental rates have dropped significantly, from 64.7 per cent of properties for those on mini-

mum wage in 2021, to now 22 per cent in 2025.

Those on income support have also had a steady decline from 0.9 per cent in 2021 (Four properties) to 0.2 per cent (one property) in 2025.

“For people getting by on support payments, the 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot shows that private rentals are almost impossible to secure – after decades of under-investment, Victoria has the lowest proportion of social housing in the country,” said Mr McDonald.

“Over 65,000 Victorians are currently on the public housing waiting list,” he said.

In Maroondah and Knox, drops were even greater, with changes from over 30 per cent of rental properties available to those earning minimum wage coming down to 6.5 per cent in Maroondah and 3.4 per cent in Knox.

Mr McDonald also said that the number of young people under the age of 25 on the wait list in Victoria is growing, as is the number of those waiting for housing who are fleeing family violence.

According to this year’s RAS, no available rentals in the state were affordable for singles

on Youth Allowance or JobSeeker.

“Young people leaving state care are at high risk of homelessness, and we need governments to allocate a proportion of public housing exclusively for this group of young people,” he said.

The RAS also found just one property was affordable for a single parent with a child over 14 who relies on Centrelink as their sole source of income.

“The rental affordability situation is so dire, some parents trying to escape violence with their kids have no choice but to head back into the lion’s den. It’s that or homelessness,” said Mr McDonald.

“The real implications of this data we see walking through our doors every day. That’s families and individuals on the brink of homelessness, who can’t afford a roof over their heads as well as food, medication, transport, and all the other costs that keep rising,” he said.

“The fact is, we need at least 60,000 new social housing properties over the next decade to meet demand. Right now, we are seriously lagging, and every day more people are being left behind.”

Mater Christi College’s VCE Vocational Major Dux Emma Costello said the stream was a ‘great fit’ for her strengths. (Supplied)

Housing affordability was named as a major issue facing urban residents leading up to the federal election. (Stewart Chambers: 321951)

Court says no to media ban

By Tanya Steele

Following a failed attempt to prevent media reporting on his case, a man who allegedly beat a dog to death in Kilsyth for over 10 minutes go to trial in what was described as a ‘repugnant crime’ by the judge.

Escorted by a large group of police security on Friday 2 May, accused animal abuser Mark Martinaj, who has allegedly been doxed online and has fears for his safety, appeared before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court in person after failing to attend a few days earlier.

Making a bid for a suppression order, Martinaj’s lawyer, Scott Thomas, brought several allegations to light, asking the court to suppress further details of the case, effectively attempting to stifle the ability of the media to report on it.

Allegedly over a period of months, Martinaj has had two of his motor vehicles vandalised and his front fence at his place of residence both graffitied and set on fire.

Mr Thomas brought CCTV footage and concerns for his client’s safety to the judge’s attention and shared screenshots of death threats and the address and personal details of Martinaj from social media with references to upcoming court events read aloud.

Many of the alleged comments were derogatory and abusive, and said things like ‘better take him through the back door because he won’t make it through the front’ and ‘they should beat him with a metal pole’ and multiple threatening references were made.

With a full courtroom and hundreds of people attending online, family, animal activists and public attendees dressed in white for support of the pet’s family, Magistrate Jennifer Tregent said she accepted it’s an ‘emotive’ issue but it is ‘not up to them’ (the public) to take matters into their own hands.

The prosecution that ‘respectfully opposed’ the suppression order application, argued what

IN BRIEF

Teens charged

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged four teenagers, including two from the Yarra Ranges, following an alleged affray in Endeavour Hills on Wednesday 30 April.

It is understood five teenage girls attended a shopping centre on Heatherton Road just before 4pm.

Police will allege the group attended five stores in the shopping centre, stealing a number of items from each.

When a passerby attempted to intervene outside the third store, he was struck with a glass bottle.

The 55-year-old Drouin man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Four teens were arrested at the scene and were interviewed by detectives.

A 16-year-old girl from the Yarra Ranges area was charged with attempted robbery, affray, five counts of theft, recklessly causing injury, assault in company and committing an indictable of-

risk does publication create that doesn’t already exist?

Referring to the already well-circulated coverage by many news outlets, the prosecution pointed out that Martinaj had, in fact, arrived safely at court in person that day.

“We are here freely discussing the matter today,” he said.

After a three-hour-long recess, Magistrate Tregent rejected the application and said that while she accepted Martinaj’s safety is compromised, a suppression order would be a ‘step too far’.

She also warned those viewing online against ‘derogatory behaviour’.

Witnesses were then asked to leave the court as a recount of the events leading to Martinaj’s charges was read aloud.

What followed was quite shocking, as the alleged events leading to the death of a family’s pet and service animal were unfolded in detail.

Martinaj is accused of retrieving a metal pole and beating two dogs repeatedly in his yard - a Maltese shih tzu and golden retriever on 3 December.

He allegedly later released the golden retriever and was seen on CCTV placing something in his car and driving away, returning later on foot.

The trial is set to bring at least four and up to six witnesses against Martinaj and will revolve around footage from CCTV at both his and the dog owner’s residence.

Four charges were laid against him and he is set to appear in court on 31 July and 1 August.

A heavy police force escorted him from the courtroom as the crowd slowly dispersed.

Mr Marinaj leaving court escorted by police on Friday 2 May. (Tanya Steele)

A 15-year-old girl, also from the Yarra Ranges area, was charged with robbery, affray, five counts of theft, assault in company, possessing a controlled weapon and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

The pair were remanded in custody and bailed the following day to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old girl from the Greater Dandenong area was charged with five counts of theft, affray, recklessly cause injury, assault in company and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

A 13-year-old girl, also from the Greater Dandenong area, was charged with five counts of theft and affray.

The pair were bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the fifth female.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has

CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Commercial drug quantity seized Police seized a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and an imitation firearm as part of a major drug investigation in Healesville.

The investigation commenced after police received intelligence regarding alleged drug trafficking in the Yarra Ranges area.

Detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit, with assistance from the Dog Squad, Drone Unit, and uniform members from Healesville and Warburton, executed warrants at a Healesville property on Thursday 1 May.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Sullivan said drug trafficking doesn’t just affect those using the substances, “it drives violence, crime and trauma”.

“Our team has been relentless over the past year. We’ve tracked offenders, followed the intelligence, and in turn have removed considerable

quantities of drugs from the streets.

“Our message is clear - if you’re dealing drugs, you can expect a knock at the door — and a trip to court.”

During the search, police seized approximately $7000 of methylamphetamine and $1000 of cannabis, an imitation firearm (revolver), various rounds of cartridge ammunition and prohibited fireworks and knives.

A 45-year-old Healesville man was arrested at the scene.

He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking cannabis, possessing drugs of dependence, possessing proceeds of crime, being a prohibited person in possession of an imitation firearm, possessing ammunition, possessing explosives, and possessing prohibited weapons.

Police are urging anyone with information about drug trafficking to come forward and call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppers.com.au

Voting at Kilsyth PS

By Callum Ludwig

Election day arrived for another year with polling booths opening at 8am and a day full of democracy on Saturday 3 May.

Kilsyth Primary School had been turned into a battleground, littered with signs from representatives of both the Casey and Deakin electorates, with voters from both allowed to join the local line at this polling booth.

Most voters were tight-lipped about what issues and initiatives were driving their vote but a few gave their thoughts:

Viv from the Casey electorate said she was most focused on green energy initiatives, especially any that help with the cost of living and was also disappointed that parties hadn’t campaigned strongly on taking action to prevent violence against women, feeling that was ‘a missed opportunity’.

One anonymous voter said she didn’t know who she wanted to vote for, but did like the Liberal Party’s policy to allow first home buyers to claim a tax deduction for the interest payments on the first $650,000 for the first five years of their mortgage, as well as access their super to help put down a deposit on a home. Despite this, she still felt all politicians are ‘much for muchness’.

Another anonymous voter said he wanted to see politicians take a pay cut and that he felt that was ‘one thing they all vote against’.

As with every election day, the most important people on election day weren’t those on the ballot paper but the hardworking volunteers on the barbecue dishing out democracy sausages. Melanie, Amy and Adam were hard at work in the morning ensuring local voters didn’t leave hungry.

The fence line had been taken over by signs spruiking Deakin independent candidate Jess Ness and Liberal candidate Michael Sukkar while Casey independent candidate Claire Ferres Miles and Labor candidate Naomi Oakley also featured.

Inside the school grounds, Casey Greens can-

didate Dr Merran Blair had a couple of signs while the faces Deakin Labor candidate Matt Gregg and One Nation Senate candidate Wayne Pickering could also be found. Family First, the Greens, the Labor party and the Liberal Party also had signs displaying general support for their party.

In terms of personnel, there were plenty of

coloured shirts of political volunteers. Volunteers for independent for Casey Claire Ferres Miles and for the Liberal Party were the most prevalent, with multiple teal and blue shirts handing out hand to vote cards. The Labor Party was represented by a pair of volunteers and there was a single volunteer holding down the fort for the Greens, Family First and One Nation.

Casting votes at Coldstream

By Dongyun Kwon

Coldstream Primary School was crowded with campaigners and voters for the day of selecting Australia’s future for the next three years.

A democracy sausage sizzle was also located on site to add the election vibe.

The voters at Coldstream Primary School pointed out the cost of living as one of the major issues that influenced their vote for this election.

(L-R) Shaylah, Cooper and Mia helping out with running the Democracy Sausage. (Dongyun Kwon: 475813)

L-R: Melanie, Amy and Adam on democracy sausage duty at Kilsyth Primary School. (Callum Ludwig: 475811)

Decision heartbreak

By Dongyun Kwon

A local senior Aboriginal elder was broken-hearted after a scheduled Welcome to Country ceremony was cancelled at the last minute on Anzac Day.

Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin was invited to Melbourne Storm’s Anzac Day round to perform the Welcome to Country.

Aunty Joy told ABC News she received a phone call from the rugby club’s chief executive officer while driving to AAMI Park.

“His words were, ‘Hello, Aunty Joy, I’ve got a decision made by the board that you don’t do Welcome (to Country) today, but you can join in the cultural performance,” she told ABC News.

“When I got in, he said (the reason for the cancellation) was about the booing that happened (in the morning) and something like protecting or looking after you.

“I said, ‘I don’t need protecting and I don’t understand it.’ but anyhow I asked, ‘Could the board reconsider?’ and he said, ‘No’.”

Earlier that day, Bunurong and Gunditjmara elder Mark Brown was interrupted by a group of people while he was delivering a Welcome to Country at Melbourne’s Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Aunty Joy’s father, Sapper James Henry Wandin, was a veteran who fought for Australia in World War 1.

She arrived at AAMI Park wearing her father’s medals to honour all the service men and women who fought for Australia including her father.

Two First Nations groups were also scheduled to perform, but after the confusion, they all decided to cancel their performances.

“We spoke with Justin Rodski (Melbourne Storm’s chief executive officer) and executives with all of us. They came back after that discussion and apologised, but after reconsidering, we all came to the decision to boycott,” Djirri Djirri dancers and Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said in

a statement.

“We strongly regard this as being totally tokenistic and goes completely against their journey of reconciliation and we feel very disrespected. We stand with and follow the directions of our staunch Elders.

“What we do isn’t a performance, it’s a cultural ceremony and protocol. We strongly feel this action taken by Melbourne Storm was unnecessary and has caused us hurt and disbelief in what we thought was a good relationship.”

The Melbourne-based rugby club acknowledged and accepted the timing and miscommunication caused damage, and apologised for this.

The Melbourne Storm released a statement and said there was a clear misunderstanding between the board and management on Friday which caused confusion with the pre-game cultural ceremony.

“The board asked for clarification about the sequencing of the Anzac Day ceremony, and

we were not aware that a Welcome to Country was to be performed. We had agreed at the start of the year that a Welcome to Country would be delivered at multicultural round and Indigenous Round and would always have an acknowledgment of country when appropriate,” Storm chairman, Matt Tripp, said in the statement.

“Once we understood the programming from management, we gave the green light to progress. By then, it was understandably too late for those who had already been informed of our earlier decision.

“There was some confusion on Friday and we take responsibility for that. I know there were some disappointed groups and individuals involved and we apologise for the misunderstanding and will be meeting with them to clear this up.”

The club promised to continue to have discussions with First Nations and M?ori communities to understand and strengthen their ongoing relationship.

Dual ResourceSmart award nominations for Lilydale Heights College students

By Mikayla van Loon

Lilydale Heights College (LHC) has gained a dual nomination in the 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards seeing students and teachers buzzing with excitement.

The College has been nominated for both School of the Year and Teacher of the Year in the secondary categories, with sustainability leader Shannon Sargeant up for the prestigious award.

“It’s been quite a shock to be honest. It was enough for me to know that the principal team thought I deserved to be nominated, but being a finalist is just wonderful,” she said.

“There are so many teachers and support staff across the state who are doing valuable work in the program and it’s really special to be selected.”

LCH has been working towards a five-star ResourceSmart rating for a number of years but Ms Sargeant said there has been a greater push from the school in the last three years.

In 2023, this was first recognised with the school winning the Curriculum Leadership category.

Since then, Ms Sargeant said being onsite permanently has allowed her to introduce new curriculum, audits, professional learning and build the sustainability team “enabling them to run school wide learning programs and activities”.

Not only that but the Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL) took over the management of ResourceSmart Schools in the area, seeing facilitator Cindy McFarlane be “the most incredible support person”.

“I can’t thank her enough for the guidance she has provided me and the team over the past few years,” Ms Sargeant said.

LHC is now a three-star school, making it eligible for the School of the Year nomination, but Ms Sargeant believes the finalist nomination “may be due to the connections we have made across all year levels”.

“I am really proud of the cross curricular units we have at Year 8 and 9 between Science and Humanities focusing on solutions to ocean plastic waste and climate change.

“We have litter, waste and biodiversity audits embedded in the Year 7 and 9 curriculum so they are completed every year. Teachers have entwined sustainability across other faculty areas as well, including re-use art projects, reducing waste in all technology subjects and as a topic for persuasive writing in English.

“Vocational Major students have also embraced sustainability with the nesting box program they initiated last year.”

The focus this year is all about energy, it’s conservation and improvement across the school campus.

“An energy audit has already been completed by the Year 10 physics class and will be the theme for Sustainability Week that aligns with World Environment Day.

“Our Business Manager is also investigating how we can increase the number of solar panels in the college.”

Ms Sargeant said the engagement and encouragement seen across the student cohort propels herself and the rest of the staff forward in continuing to pursue the best sustainability practices.

“For me it is all about the students. I love working with them to see their ideas come to life,” she said.

“Climate anxiety is real, but the way our sustainability students know that solutions are there and that they, as the younger generation, have the will to make positive change is truly inspirational.”

Four representatives are preparing to attend and present at the June awards ceremony, something Ms Sargeant said is also an amazing opportunity for the students to see how other schools approach sustainability but mostly they are “chuffed at the nomination”.

Around the region, Wandin Yallock Primary School is a finalist in the Container Deposit Scheme Vic (CDS Vic) Excellence Award (Primary) while Croydon Hills Primary School is hoping to take out the title of Campus Infrastructure and Operations School of the Year.

There are 31 schools vying for an award in Victoria’s largest celebration for primary and sec-

Felix opens

By Dongyun Kwon

Over 14 months of hard work finally came to fruition for Holy Fools.

The Felix House, Holy Fool’s new homelessness resource centre, was finally unveiled to the public.

Holy Fools has supported homeless people for over 15 years by hosting community lunches, providing swags and blankets and offering information.

The organisation was dedicated to opening a new drop-in centre to provide a shelter for homeless people with accessible facilities.

Holy Fools founder and chief executive officer Neal Taylor said it’s good to see the massive journey getting done.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, and it’s just really good to feel that it’s open and working now,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of people who have actually started coming in and using the facilities. So, it’s proven itself already within the first two weeks of having the doors open.”

The grand opening of the Felix House was held on Friday 2 May, and dozens of community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishment together.

The Felix House, located at 19 Hutchinson Street in Lilydale, has been equipped with an accessible shower and toilet, laundry facilities, and a kitchenette for homeless people to get off the streets and relax.

The centre was named after a Sri Lankan man Felix who had worked with Holy Fools several years ago.

“He was homeless. He had moved out to Lilydale to escape the city and the drugs that were in the city. He was trying to detox himself from heroin, and he got involved with us when we had our last drop-in centre with the Salvation Army,” Mr Taylor said.

“He became a real central figure of the place. He was always involved in our barbecues, cleaning up or the family nights, whatever.

ondary school students, teachers and school volunteers taking sustainability action.

This year, Sustainability Victoria is marking 16 years of the ResourceSmart Schools Awards with the theme, ‘Working Together’.

“We can achieve so much more when we work together, whether that’s with other students, other schools, other teachers, or the wider community beyond the school gate. By working together, our efforts combine to build the future we need,” Sustainability Victoria regions and community action director Katie Pahlow said.

“Unfortunately, he passed away several years ago from a heroin overdose. But he had such an impact on our lives, we wanted to honour him and to say if this had been around for him, it would have made much more of a difference in his life.”

Yarra Ranges councillors Tim Heenan and Casey MP Aaron Violi gave a speech to congratulate Holy Fools’ achievement.

Mr Taylor said Holy Fools will start trying to get other groups involved in the drop-in centre’s future programs.

“We’ve been talking with the veteran group to maybe get someone from them to come down,” he said.

“We’ll probably get a nurse to come down at one stage.

“We’ve got Anchor maybe coming down to work with people.”

Holy Fools is run by volunteers and the organisation is asking for support from the community.

“We need help with keeping it running, so we need volunteers but we also need financial help because it does cost us money to run the place for all sorts of things from power to water, and even the drinks and stuff like that.

“We’re looking for some key sponsors to maybe jump in on board with that.”

For more information regarding sponsorship or volunteer, contact Holy Fools on 1300 133 889 or info@holyfools.org.au

Back row Lilydale Heights College sustainability leader Shannon Sargeant, Mitch and Ella. Front row Lily, Anastasia, Gracie and Clover. All are excited about the nomination.

(Stewart Chambers: 475252)

(L-R) Cr Heenan, Mr Taylor and Mr Violi cutting ribbon. (Dongyun Kwon: 475780)

Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin was broken-hearted after the scheduled Welcome to Country ceremony was cancelled at the last minute on Anzac Day. (Damjan Janevski: 305847)

Vet turns 100

By Mikayla van Loon

In 100 years of life, Eddie Ham has travelled from country Victoria to fighting from the air in World War II and back again, fallen in love twice and had four beautiful children.

Born 6 May 1925, Mr Ham celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday.

Growing up on a farm about 10 miles west of Rochester and attending high school in Echuca, Mr Ham remembers as far back as 1928 when his father bought his first car, something Mr Ham would learn to drive at just 13-years-old.

By the time he was 18, Mr Ham had joined the Air Training Corp as the war in Europe intensified and it was gaining momentum closer to home shores.

Starting at the Royal Australia Air Force training camp in Somers, he then headed to Mount Gambier to carry out the remainder of his training.

Mr Ham finished 13th out 33 in his cohort, graduating from Leading Aircraftman to Officer in 1944.

“I was the youngest one. At the end of 19 September 1944, it was about a year and three months, I had the equivalent of three university degrees, in navigation, meteorology, photography and mathematics,” Mr Ham said.

Carrying out the remainder of his training in Newcastle, Mr Ham became a navigator in 22 Squadron alongside his pilot Dick Scott.

“He was about five months older than me, he was born in January of 1925,” Mr Ham said.

The pair flew in a Beaufighter, while others flew in Bostons, but “soon, we were in the action against the Japanese”.

Mr Ham was based at Morotai in what was then the Dutch East Indies and the years of the war were spent fighting and escaping death, navigating unknown territories and waters.

“We were raiding a lot of Japanese forts still holding out in various parts of the Dutch East Indies,” he said.

Eventually, Mr Ham said the Squadron moved from Morotai to a place called Sanga Sanga in the Philippines just off the north west corner of Borneo ready to join the allied invasion.

But the Japanese were crafty in their attack and sought to dismantle the strength of the airforce by tampering with the aircraft.

“Would you believe they didn’t have proper guards on the airfield, and the Japanese actually were able somehow to get inside the airfield and tamper with the aircraft.

“And that happened two or three times, and we were taking off over the sea or land and what would happen, was you’d be taking off and you might get off, or the engine might fail.

“If you’d taken off over land, you were dead because if you crashed on land, you had a full tank of fuel, you had bombs and ammunition onboard, you had no hope of stopping anything.”

On 10 June, the date of the allied invasion, Mr Ham and his pilot, Mr Scott, were preparing for flight.

“We were to take off over the sea, one of the aircraft already crashed taking off the other way but luckily, the engine failed before they got off the ground. It was on fire but the pilot and the navigator got out before it blew up,” he said.

“We got into the air and I think my pilot knew that he was going to be in trouble. He said to me a

few times, ‘let’s get it over with’.

“The engine failed. There was a reef around the island and it wasn’t so deep there. We crashed inside the reef. It was a violent crash. I couldn’t see anything on the ground until I woke up after I got knocked out.”

Mr Ham suffered from the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae being crushed from the impact and a few abrasions on his arms.

Sadly, Mr Scott didn’t survive. He died at the age of 20.

Mr Scott diverted the aircraft away from the nearby island, avoiding crashing into people and residences there, hitting the water at an estimated 140 knots.

“I was picked up by an American PT boat and taken to the hospital,” Mr Ham said.

“There was no plane and no pilot so I transferred to 34 Squadron, which exists today and as far as I know, I’m the only survivor of both squadrons now.”

Noting his service as “necessary” Mr Ham said there were so many times when he “shouldn’t have come back” and “at least twice I should have died”.

Mr Ham served as part of 34 Squadron until the end of the war, helping transport cargo, men and supplies across the pacific.

He was tasked at the end of the war by General Gallagher to bring prisoners of war being held in Singapore back to Australia.

It was during this time Mr Ham met Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lady Edwina Mountbatten who were organising the repatriation of the Royal Air Force.

When it came time to come back home, Mr Ham had to navigate the mountains of New Guinea, a treacherous task, flying at height capacity for the aircraft.

“If you didn’t have a big load on, you could fly high. Anyway, when we went across, I made sure we were flying as high as we could go, flying at 22,000 feet, with no oxygen, freezing cold.

“(One aircraft didn’t make it) and years later, they found this aircraft, the alpha metre was stopped at 17,388 feet. So the mountain that was supposed to be 15,000 feet or something like was at least 17,388 feet.”

Making it home in 1946, Mr Ham was discharged from the airforce and found a position at the National Australia Bank as a senior general clerk at local branches from Kew to Healesville and eventually ended up in head office.

He married Daphne in 1951 and went on to have four sons, Christopher, Darryl, Calvin and Lindsay who all built incredible careers for themselves, something Mr Ham speaks highly of.

Spending over 40 great years together, Mr Ham’s first marriage came to an end in the 1990s but love was found again.

At the ages of 72 and 71, Mr Ham married Phyllis at the Church of England in the Dandenong Ranges. They joined the Dandenong Ranges RSL together.

The pair moved to Donwood Aged Care in Croydon in 2015 but sadly Phyllis died not long after the move.

Mr Ham remains actively engaged in politics and finance, writing research papers and noting down thoughts, keeping his mind strong.

The 100-year-old celebrated his birthday with friends, family and members of the RSL.

World War II veteran Eddie Ham served in the Royal Australian Air Force as a navigator, pictured here with the Beaufighter he and pilot Dick Scott flew in (Mikayla van Loon: 476072)

Mr Ham joined the war effort at age of just 18. (476072)

Survival against all odds

By Mikayla van Loon

The tale of Joseph Leslie O’Rourke, a veteran of both World Wars, is one of luck, determination and a will to survive against all odds.

From the shores of Gallipoli to the battlefields of France, and then on home soil, Joseph spent many years of his life serving his country and eventually settling in Montrose for a little more than a decade.

Born in 1897, Joseph was no stranger to hard work, nor hardship, in the early part of his life.

At just 15 years old in September 1912, Joseph and his father were travelling by train to Coburg when it collided with a special showground train bound for Spencer Street Station.

Newspaper articles at the time said “several passengers were pinned by the wreckage” requiring extrication by rescuers.

Riding the train up near the engine, Joseph was “jammed by the leg and he groaned with pain”. Rescuers “hacked with vigour and skill” freeing him from the wreck.

Refusing ambulance care, just battered and bruised, he said “I’m alright. See where my father is”.

His father “had to be cut out of the splintered woodwork”, both legs were severely injured and he “was bleeding profusely”. He later lost one of his legs from the injuries.

This was Joseph’s first stroke of luck in life. He worked as a labourer and helped his father in monumental masonry. By the time he was 17, the First World War had begun and he attempted to join up then and there.

Refused at 17, as soon as he turned 18, Joseph was back at the registry, signing up for the regular army in December 1914.

“He was sent over to Egypt and he did his training in Egypt. They thought, ‘Oh, well, this is good, we’ll have a good time here’. Then they were told ‘you’re going on a ship’ but they didn’t say where,” Joseph’s son Barrie O’Rourke said.

“When they got there, it was Gallipoli. He and his two mates that went through all the training together and everything, they went to Gallipoli.”

Joseph served under the Australian Imperial Force’s 14th Battalion, fighting in Gallipoli for the entirety of Australia’s campaign.

Surviving through illness and the horrors of Gallipoli, Joseph was reassigned to the 46th Battalion in 1916 with the rest of the remaining veterans of the 14th Battalion, destined for France and the Western Front.

Despite the awful conditions of warfare and living in the trenches with only black tea, bread and jam to live on, there was a moment of pure delight for some lucky Australian soldiers.

Barrie recalled a story of his father’s, one of few told, about the discovery of an underground cellar still stocked with wine and cheese.

“They were all starving in the trenches because they couldn’t get supplies through or anything like that,” he said.

“To keep the trenches clean, and being Aussies, they’d go for a walk in the bush or something like that (to do their business).

“On this day, the night before, there was a bombing, and they came across this hole. When they looked down in the hole, it was a cellar of a house that had been already demolished, and the cellar was full of wine and cheese. So they got all their mates and they went there for a few weeks.”

It wasn’t long, however, before Joseph’s first major injury.

In a close-quarters battle with enemy soldiers, Joseph was pierced by a bayonet in his left arm seeing him hospitalised in February, 1917 at the London General Hospital.

Barrie said once they “patched him up” they “stuck him back (on the Front) again”.

A little over a year later in April 1918, correspondence was sent home to Joseph’s mother informing the family that he had been hospitalised with a gunshot wound to the left hand.

A visit to the hospital, however, wasn’t so bad for Joseph this time because it was where he met his soon-to-be wife Kate, who had been working as a nurse.

Defying the wishes of their parents, coming from different churches, Kate and Joseph married in England in December 1918.

The left side of his body was again battered when he was hospitalised with another severe gunshot wound to his left ankle in September 1918.

His ankle was pretty much shattered from the

gunshot wound, requiring a brace for the early part of recovery.

“He was shot in the ankle about two months before the end of the war and the cruel part about that, it’s the only thing he’d always say to us, ‘oh, I missed out on the march’ because he was still in hospital in England,” Barrie said.

“When that happened, by the time they fixed him up and got him on the boat and got back, the marches were all over.”

Joseph was officially discharged as a Private on 22 May 1919 in Melbourne at 22 and a half years old after 1611 days in service and 1415 days abroad.

First calling a soldier settlement home, Joseph and Kate eventually moved to the Mallee region to run a chicken farm for some time, before heading out east to Montrose in the early 1920s.

Their eldest children, Desmond, Leslie, Edward and Laurence, attended Montrose Primary School.

“They used to tell us about when they got older, they’d get this old bus and it would run from Montrose to Lilydale. They’d hop on the bus and go down to Croydon, to the hall there, they used to have a big dance there on Sunday night. Other nights they’d go down to Lilydale, to the pictures,” Barrie said.

Living in Montrose, Barrie said there wasn’t much work around and so to make a living, Joseph and Desmond shipped T-Model Fords from Geelong, pulled them apart to fix up at the local garage.

In the late 1930s, the family shifted to Mitcham.

By the time the Second War began, Joseph was prepared and ready to serve yet again, signing up in 1941.

“He’s one of the lucky ones. He went all through the First World War… we can’t get over it. He signed up again,” Barrie said.

This time, he served on home soil as a Sergeant at Mangalore providing a key role of looking after the messenger pigeons but unfortunately, Barrie said, much of his work remains classified.

Barrie said the family really had no idea of his father’s involvement with the pigeons during the war and it wasn’t until afterwards that he mentioned a couple of things and the pieces fell into place.

Joseph then went on to set up the Bayswater

Nunawading Pigeon Club after he was forced into retirement in 1952.

Kate and Joseph welcomed 10 children into the world, seven boys and three girls.

Desmond and Edward also served in the Second World War. Desmond in the airforce in Singapore and Edward in New Guinea in the signals corp.

“Before he went off to war, dad said to (Edward) a few things about how he was wounded and we never knew anything about it. He just said, ‘keep your head down and don’t take any risks’,” Barrie said.

“When he came back from New Guinea, he had to talk to dad, and then dad opened up for the first time, and that wasn’t until near the end of the Second World War. We got bits and pieces but we still haven’t got the full story.”

The only time Barrie ever saw him in full uniform was when a convoy of army vehicles travelling up Whitehorse Road in Mitcham stopped by his school and who happened to hop out but Barrie’s dad.

As Joseph’s story has come together over the years, thanks to some research from one of Barrie’s aunts, he has a different view and understanding of his dad.

“We thought he was domineering and a bit rough but when you see what he went through, how he ever held that in check, we don’t know because he never fought with anybody, he never got into trouble.”

After all the luck Joseph seemed to have in his life, just 10 years after exiting his service, he suffered a heart attack and died before reaching the hospital aged 65 years in 1962.

Kate and Joseph Leslie O’Rourke. (Mikayla van Loon: 475561)

Joseph photographed in uniform somewhere in Melbourne (left) and while stationed at Mangalore during the Second World War. (475561)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The posture

numbers of patients with postural-related back and neck pain. As society continues to shift towards working-from-home, with longer screen time and less incidental movement in our day, it means posture is as important as ever.

The reality is, having a good posture – especially whilst sitting at a desk or a computer – is really hard. To put it straight, the human body is simply not designed to sit at a desk for eight hours a day. Yet, for so many of us we are doing just that. Not only are we working from home and online more than ever before, we’re still sitting on the couch watching tv, playing video games or even worse...crouched over our phones checking Facebook! No wonder I’m treating so many headaches, back aches and muscle tightness issues.

The best cure for poor posture is, quite simply, to get up and move around. Our bodies are designed to move and be active. Interestingly, there is a growing body of scientific research that suggests a slumped or slouched posture isn’t actually linked with pain any more than a “correct” posture. However, what is linked with pain is how long we’re in that posture for. We need to break up

long periods of sitting – so go for a walk, get into the garden, head to the gym. Even just changing your posture regularly can help to reduce the risk of back pain and headaches from sitting.

Now, this doesn’t mean we forget all that we’ve learned in the past about posture – a good work station set-up is still important. Obviously, we can’t avoid sitting altogether – so when we’re relaxing, studying or at work we need to ensure that our desk-set up is correct. That can include things like a lumbar cushion, quality chair and ensuring an appropriate height of computer screen. It might be helpful to get an expert like a physiotherapist to check out your desk set-up. Learning appropriate stretches to manage tight muscles is helpful as is strengthening your postural muscles through specific exercises.

So remember, it’s not so much what posture you’re in, it’s how long you’re in it for that’s most important. Get out there and keep moving!

Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park. His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health. Find out more at formandpractice. com.au

Seeing a physiotherapist can improve postural concerns. (Unsplash)

Having correct desk posture can prevent ailments like headaches, back aches and muscle tightness issues. (Unsplash)

Celebration of volunteers

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

It was a day full of heart and energy at the Knox Community Arts Centre on Tuesday, 29 April, as volunteers and community groups gathered for the second annual Inclusive Volunteering Awards and Conference.

Hosted by Eastern Volunteering (EV) Strengthening Communities, the event recognised the inspiring individuals and organisations from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – spanning Yarra Ranges, Cardinia Shire, Knox, and Maroondah – who are dedicated to making volunteering inclusive for all, regardless of background, ability, or age.

From the tennis courts of Ferntree Gully to the shelters of Ringwood and community kitchens in the hearts of Melbourne Eastern suburbs, volunteers have been busy making a real impact.

Their work tells a powerful story of connection, empowerment, and compassion.

One standout story came from Ann Bailey, treasurer at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club.

A familiar face in the local tennis community for over 40 years, Ms Bailey has seen the club evolve in remarkable ways.

Her recent involvement in the club’s All-Abilities program, which allows children with disabilities to take part in tennis, has filled her with a new sense of pride.

“When we started, the idea of an inclusive program seemed like a dream,” she said.

“But over time, the club embraced diversity, and now the All-Abilities program is one of the things I’m most proud of. The kids come in, light up, and start building confidence and skills. It’s amazing to see them engage and connect with everyone.”

The program has been a huge success, bringing joy to kids from all over the Dandenongs creating lasting memories through inclusive tournaments, and making sure that everyone has a place to belong in the world of sport.

Meanwhile, in Ringwood, the Croydon Hills Community Care (Maroondah Winter Shelter) has been providing vital support for rough sleepers for nearly a decade.

Founded by Scott Hawkins and a dedicated group of volunteers, the shelter offers a warm bed, meals, and essential services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

“We run on volunteers,” Mr Hawkins said.

“About 400 people help us each year, and it’s their generosity that keeps us going. We rely on local churches and community support to make it all happen.”

Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, when restrictions made it harder to provide traditional support, the shelter adapted and became a vital food distribution point in Melbourne’s east.

Mr Hawkins is proud to see the community shift from viewing homelessness as a problem to seeing it as something that can be solved together.

“Back in the day, people would avoid rough sleepers. Now, they know their names, and they understand their stories. It’s been an incredible change,” he said.

In the Yarra Ranges, Feed One Feed All (FOFA) founded by Lillie Giang, is also making waves.

What started as a response to the 2021 storms in the region, which left many without power and shelter, has now become a thriving charity.

Ms Giang and her team prepare and deliver thousands of meals each week to people in need,

relying entirely on volunteers.

“We produce up to 1200 meals a week for 21 agencies in the area,” Ms Giang said.

“But every day is a challenge. We’re constantly looking for food, volunteers, and transportation.”

However, with the help of a local businessman, Nick Kritikos who was moved by the cause, FOFA is gaining more support.

Mr Kritikos who initially donated and later became more involved, has been using his platform to raise awareness of food insecurity in the region and rally support from others.

“The contrast is stark,” he said.

“While some people are stressing over land tax, others are struggling to feed their kids. We have to connect the dots and share these stories – volunteering makes a difference, no matter how small.”

Mr Kritikos’s involvement is a perfect example of how people from all walks of life can come together to make a difference, whether through financial support or by giving their time – or both.

FOFA is a community food project that not only provides meals but also offers a sense of belonging.

The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed that 3.4 million households across Australia have experienced food shortages in the past year.

“Many Australians are falling through the cracks in a national emergency, hiding in plain sight. We’re facing a food insecurity crisis. Last year, we cooked 43,000 meals, but even if we cooked 200,000, the need would still be there,” Mr Kritikos said.

“Our meals go to all kinds of people – Aboriginal communities, the elderly, those recovering

from illness, mental health struggles, and people who’ve temporarily fallen out of work. Many can’t afford to lose their mortgage or car, so they cut back on food.”

“One story that really stuck with me was about a guy from Monbulk driving a BMW. The volunteers were surprised to see him at the food pantry. When they asked, he said, ‘I’ve just lost my job. Food is always the first thing we cut. I can’t feed my kids.’ For two or three months, he came back for food. Then, one day, he showed up with his trunk full of groceries and said, ‘Thank you. You saved my house, and you saved my family.’”

Abby Haynes, a volunteer at FOFA, spoke about how the organisation changed her life after a tough period with her mental health and dealings with Centrelink.

“Here, I’m not just ‘the girl with bipolar’. I’m Abby. I can be myself, ask questions, and still feel valued,” she said.

“It’s given me a sense of purpose.”

Then there’s Mervyn Lim. Retired and feeling a bit adrift, Mr Lim was invited along to FOFA by a mate.

“I started with a bit of cooking,” he chuckled.

“Now I’m doing logistics, training – you name it – what began as a hobby turned into a second family.”

“It’s a safe space. No one judges you. You feel like you belong.”

The conference wasn’t just about handing out awards – it was about sharing these kinds of stories that show how inclusive volunteering really can transform lives.

For Ms Haynes, Mr Kritikos, and Mr Lim, FOFA isn’t just a volunteering gig. It’s where they found connection, purpose, and a place where they’re

embraced for who they are.

As Mr Kritikos put it: “You don’t have to be rich or a big-shot to make a difference. Just get involved. If I can do it, anyone can.”

The stories shared that day really highlighted how volunteering can make a difference, not just for individuals but for the whole community. Whether it’s at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, the Maroondah Winter Shelter, or FOFA, volunteers are creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong and are genuinely supported.

At the awards, the chairman of EV Strengthening Communities, Ranjit Gajendra, emphasised that sustaining such initiatives requires more than just passion – it requires long-term funding and support.

“Collaboration and celebrating great work are key. This second year is just the beginning of showcasing the positive impact happening in our communities,” he said.

“We need long-term commitments, not just year-to-year uncertainty.”

“Volunteering is in our DNA, but to continue these efforts, we need stable resources and funding.”

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that these volunteers and organisations are creating a more inclusive, compassionate world.

They’re not just offering services – they’re offering hope, dignity, and a place where people can truly feel like they belong.

For anyone looking to get involved, the message was clear: there’s always a way to give back. Whether at local clubs, shelters, or community groups, volunteering doesn’t just make a difference – it connects us all, and that’s something everyone can be part of.

The Inclusive Volunteering Awards and Conference also acknowledged the contributions of a wide range of community organisations that are making a difference across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

These included Baptcare, Caladenia Dementia Care, Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (Eastern Region), Community First Responders Foundation Ltd, Croydon Hills Community Care (Maroondah Winter Shelter), EACH, Feed One Feed All, Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, Interchange Outer East, Knitted Knockers Australia, Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts, Manningham Australian Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Manningham Whitehorse L2P program, Maroondah Volleyball, Melbourne East Disability Advocacy, Mitcham Charity Knitters, Mooroolbark Community Garden, Mountain District Radio Inc

3MDR, MVC Boxing, The Boroondara Family Network, Underneath My Umbrella, Women Support Incorporated, Women’s Federation for World Peace Australia, and Yarra Valley ECOSS.

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club treasurer Ann Bailey and secretary Rebecca Redfern at the Inclusive Volunteering Awards. (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 475401)

L-R: Ranjit Gajendra, Scott Hawkins, Deepak Joshi, and Raju Adhikari. (475401)

People from various organisations came together to celebrate the powerful impact of community volunteering at the Inclusive Volunteering Awards. (475401)

The second annual Inclusive Volunteering Awards was a great success, celebrating the contributions of local volunteers. (475401)

FOFA volunteers making a real impact in their community. (L-R): Mervyn Lim, Lillie Giang, Nick Kritikos, Lay Hoon Tan, Abbi Haynes, and Veronica Yong. (475401)

SENIORS LIVING

Vibrant retirement living

In the heart of Lilydale, where the lush Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, stands Lilydale Valley Views – not just a retirement village, but a thriving community where residents relish every moment of their golden years. For the past 15 years, we have meticulously crafted an environment that goes beyond providing accommodation; it’s a place where the essence of retirement living is fully embraced.

Our village boasts an array of accommodation options, from stunning homes with valley views to cosy terrace living. With 139 homes, including semi-attached 2/3 bedroom units, each designed to ensure a family-like atmosphere, we prioritise creating a space that fits the unique preferences of every resident.

What sets Lilydale Valley Views apart is the commitment to offering a comprehensive retirement experience. Picture a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, providing residents with an oasis for relaxation and exercise. Imagine weekly Tai Chi and dancersize sessions, tailored to keep both the body and mind active and engaged. Our village bus takes the hassle out of shopping, offering a convenient door-to-door service, freeing residents from the need to drive and park.

One of the key pillars of our community is the vibrant social committee. This dedicated group organises a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring residents always have opportunities for connection and enjoyment. From outings to social events, our calendar is brimming with activities that cater to diverse interests, creating an enriching experience for everyone.

Yet, the true magic lies in the residents themselves. A wonderful group of people with a wide range of interests, they form the beating heart of our community. The warmth and genuine sense of camaraderie that have flourished over the years are truly heartwarming. Newcomers quickly find themselves embraced by the community,

invited to various activities and social occasions, allowing them to tailor their level of engagement.

At Lilydale Valley Views, we recognise the importance of social connections for overall health and wellbeing as we age. Our environment is curated to facilitate an active and connected lifestyle, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the village.

Centrally located near essential amenities, including medical practitioners, supermarkets, and the train station – all within walking distance – Lilydale Valley Views provides a seamless blend

of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the opportunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit.

As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we are proud to have built a retirement village that has evolved into a close-knit community. Lilydale Valley Views is not merely a place to live; it’s a place where people flourish, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished moments.

In celebration of our journey and the joy of vibrant retirement living, we invite you to explore Lilydale Valley Views. Come and witness firsthand the beauty of terrace living, stunning views, and the warm embrace of a community that defines the essence of retirement living.

For more information, contact Lilydale Valley Views at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with Rosemary Seymour our manager. Our doors are open from 9am to 4.30pm, welcoming you to a new chapter of vibrant retirement living.

Breathtaking views await residents at Lilydale Valley Views. (Supplied)

A Happier, Healthier Future for Mum

Affordable Living at the Gateway to the Yarra Valley

You want the best for your mum—a place where she’ll stay active, connected, and truly happy. At Tudor Village, she’ll live longer, healthier, and a more fulfilled life in a vibrant community designed for independence and wellbeing. With an indoor pool, gym, bowling greens, and a calendar full of activities, she’ll stay engaged and socially connected—because an active lifestyle helps keep both body and mind strong. Better yet, she’ll enjoy the warmth of a friendly neighbourhood with real community spirit, where new friendships come easily and support is always close by. Help her make the move to a lifestyle she’ll love.

135 ST AMBROSE GROVE, LILYDALE

$550,000 - $610,000

49B SALISBURY BEND, LILYDALE

$630,000 - $693,000

Your Tranquil Oasis Awaits.Renovated and ready to move in!

Escape the hustle and bustle to this delightful 2-bedroom haven in a tranquil, leafy pocket of the village. Step inside and be greeted by an open-plan living area bathed in natural light thanks to the charming bay windows in both the lounge and master bedroom. Relax in your private courtyard under the shade of a pergola, perfect for morning coffee or al fresco dining. Convenience is key with gas heating and reverse-cycle air conditioning for year-round comfort, plus a single lock-up garage with internal access.

A stylishly renovated two-bedroom home, ideal for a single or couple. Enjoy open-plan living, a sparkling new kitchen with electric cooktop and ample storage, a modern bathroom with separate toilet, and timber floors throughout living areas. The main bedroom and lounge feature new carpet and bay windows. Stay comfortable year-round with a split system AC and heating unit. Includes a private rear courtyard and single garage with internal access. Bright, low-maintenance, and ready to move in.

TO DISCOVER TUDOR VILLAGE, CALL KATE ABDULOVSKI ON 0417 001 577 TO ARRANGE A VILLAGE TOUR. 520 Maroondah Hwy, Lilydale | www.tudorvillage.com.au

SENIORS LIVING

Make, mend, talk at Tudor

Quietly working away in a leafy corner of Tudor Village retirement village, there’s a group of residents who like to get on the tools to fix things and make beautiful handcrafts and homeware.

With a fully equipped workroom full of power tools and every possible hand tool you could imagine, the Residents Workshop is an important part of village life and the wider community.

The Tudor Village ‘Heritage’ Men’s Shed Group, the appointed custodians of the Residents Workshop, was originally formed in 2013 with 13 members and has grown over the years to now include more than 90 members and a fully operational committee. Initially working from residents’ garages and workrooms, the Group moved in January 2024 into a dedicated workshop which was built from village funds provided by the Manager of Tudor Village, TV Mews Management Pty Ltd and equipped by the Men’s Shed Group.

The Men’s Shed Group has worked hard on the design and layout of the space to allow for multi-functional projects to be undertaken in the most efficient way and this has grown to include woodworking, household repairs and fix-it jobs. Safety and adherence to OH&S practices is strictly applied and everyone is inducted when they walk in the door of the workshop, then inducted further on the equipment they are using. All power equipment is ‘Test andTagged’ and certified annually.

So what exactly do these active retirees do? No skills are needed. Many of the men don’t do woodworking or use any tools, they like to just drop in for a chat and a catchup. Other men are very skilled and have specialised their skills since joining.

The range of wood items regularly produced out of the workshop include bird houses, platters, serving trays, salt and pepper shakers, fruit bowls and other household items. Most items are produced from recycled timber that is sourced from fences that are replaced, old crates from factories nearby, random timber from the community and from the cutting of fallen trees etc. These woodturned items are keenly in demand amongst the Tudor Village residents and can be purchased for a nominal amount.

They also collect and repair medical and health aids like walkers, wheelchairs, walking sticks, and toilet/shower aids and these are made available free to residents for short-term use.

Group members also offer a Bob-A-Job service to the village residents and can assist around the home with minor repairs, fix-it jobs and even minor electrical, plumbing and painting assistance. Residents pay a basic fee for these services to cover costs and a donation to the Workshop towards running costs.

Whilst current members are men, the women also like to drop in on Ladies Demo Days to see how the woodworking items are created, and the recent addition of a potter’s wheel has opened up opportunities for all interested residents to learn how to make pottery items.

Plans are underway to invite women to join as members and learn how to use the tools if they wish.

One legacy project that took more than two years of intensive manhours and painstaking repair work was the restoration of the Tudor Village site’s historical Apple Press and Buggy, now located on the lawn near the Community Centre. Tudor Village is built on the site of the former Mac’s Lilydale Cider production plant and orchard which operated from 1934 until the mid-60s. In 2016 the Group started work on the complete res-

toration of the barrel, cart and mechanism for all to appreciate the historical importance of the site of the former orchard and production plant.

Apart from the satisfaction of creating things, the real benefits of the Men’s Shed Group are the camaraderie, social interaction and support network. Over a cuppa, many of the men share stories of their lives that they might not share elsewhere. One of the group’s eldest members has made the Workshop his home away from home. His wife recently passed, then he also lost his little dog. He now goes down to the Workshop every day to tinker away and to have a chat, and it’s given him a whole new lease on life.

Committee President Haydon McDonald said anyone who walks in that door should feel welcome and included but most importantly, that they are safe.

“We like to keep it friendly and informal and to sum it up, I would say the Men’s Shed Group is a group of good people who are fun to be around,” he said.

Through this shared network, the Men’s Shed Group has broadened its scope of activities to include regular special interest day trips and social outings. Recent trips include the Puffy Billy maintenance workshops, the motorcycle museum in Cheltenham and tours of the Kenworth Trucks and Jayco factories. Tudor Village management donate the use of the village bus for these day trips.

The Group also hosts visits from various motor groups including the Morris Minor, Daimler and Jaguar Car Clubs and the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Owners Group, who kindly donated funds to buy the comprehensive first aid kit and safety equipment required for the Workshop.

Social gatherings include regular breakfasts and barbecues at the Tudor Village Community Centre and once a month the Group’s “Toucan Club” invites a special guest speaker to talk to the members over a few drinks (two-can club!).

Haydon said the Men’s Shed Group would not survive without the solid backbone of a well-run committee and good financial support.

The committee meets monthly and abides by tight professional standards of management. They are careful to remain non-political and work closely with the village management.

The members like to give back to the community and regularly fundraise for causes like koala recovery at the Healesville Sanctuary, the Guide

Dogs Association, the CFA, the Village ANZAC Day ceremony as well as assisting with the ongoing maintenance and funding of the village transport buggy.

The Men’s Shed Group is very grateful for the generous support of their major sponsors Heritage Auto Group Lilydale and United Petroleum. Other generous sponsors include Lilydale/ Widetread tyres, Burdens Plumbing Lilydale, Battery World Lilydale and the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Owners Group (Yarra Valley chapter). For more information about Tudor Village please contact Kate Abdulovski on 0417 001 577 or visit www.tudorvillage.com.au

Toiling away.

Hard at work.

Handing over the cheque to Healesville Sanctuary.

Fruits of the workshop’s labour. (Supplied)

Upwey artist stitches grief

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Upwey textile artist Natasja van Wyk has spent years stitching red thread through fabric - not just as a form of art, but as a way of surviving. Now, her work has found a powerful public voice in ‘Threads of Violence’, a raw and deeply moving exhibition on display at The Memo in Healesville from Thursday, 17 April to Sunday, 6 July, 2025.

Using torn red cloth, delicate stitching, and unspoken memory, Ms Van Wyk’s work invites viewers into a space of vulnerability and reflection. But behind the striking visuals, lies something much more intimate - the lived experience of trauma, grief, and the slow, quiet process of healing.

“This started as something very private,” Ms Van Wyk said.

“I didn’t set out to make an exhibition. I was just trying to make sense of what was living in my body.”

Much of the work was born out of Ms Van Wyk’s early life in South Africa, where she grew up amid instability and violence. But one moment, in particular, marked her deeply: the loss of her brother during a violent robbery in July, 2024.

“He was shot while trying to protect someone else,” she said.

“He was my big brother. My anchor. After he died, no one in my family really knew how to speak about it. So we didn’t.”

The silence of grief and survivor’s guilt never truly left her - it settled deep in her bones, quiet but unrelenting. In the stillness of a new country, that silence resurfaced with sudden force, awakened by the news of her brother.

It pulled back the veil on everything she had tried to outrun in South Africa: the fear, the violence, the unspoken traumas that had never found a voice. In that moment, the past and present collapsed into each other, and the weight of what was lost became impossible to ignore.

It was only when she picked up a needle that the memories began to take shape. Stitch by stitch, the fabric became a place to pour what words couldn’t hold - a way to survive when si-

lence threatened to consume her.

“Sewing gave me time. Space. It was slow, and quiet, and I could sit with what I was feeling without having to explain it,” she said.

“Every stitch became a sentence I couldn’t say out loud.”

One panel in the exhibition is dedicated to her brother. Made of dark red cloth, stitched roughly with jagged lines, it’s not pretty - and that’s the point.

“It’s not supposed to be tidy,” she said.

“Grief isn’t tidy. Trauma isn’t tidy. That piece holds the mess.”

The exhibition as a whole is stitched from similar pieces, fragments of red cloth, embroidered words, torn seams. Some panels whisper with sadness; others shout. All are part of a wider story - one that isn’t just Ms Van Wyk’s.

Alongside her solo work, Threads of Violence includes Threads of Connection - a growing, communal artwork that invites visitors to add their own fabric, messages, or stitching.

“People walk in thinking they’re just here to look,” Ms Van Wyk said.

“But then they read something that reminds them of their own story - and suddenly they’re stitching. Or crying. Or just sitting quietly, holding a piece of cloth in their hands.”

One visitor brought in part of an old uniform she wore during a violent relationship. Another stitched the name of a child she lost. Others contribute colours, patterns, or just a few quiet words. Each addition is woven into the larger tapestry.

“There’s no wrong way to participate, it doesn’t have to be ‘art.’ It just has to be honest,” she said.

The gallery space reflects that honesty. It’s warm and gentle, with chairs for people to rest, boxes of donated fabrics, and small bowls of thread and needles. It’s less of an art show, and more of a shared space for reflection.

Ms Van Wyk said the process of making, and sharing, has been unexpectedly healing - not just for her, but for the people who visit.

“I think we’re all carrying something,” she said.

“And we don’t always get the chance to speak about it. This exhibition gives people permission. It says, ‘Your pain matters. Your voice matters.’ Even if it’s only whispered through a needle.”

Despite the heavy themes, the exhibition is not without hope. In fact, hope is sewn through every single piece.

“It’s about survival,” Ms Van Wyk said.

“About what happens after the worst thing. And how we carry it. Not perfectly. Not bravely, always. But with care.”

For her, the work continues to evolve. She still stitches every day, still adds new pieces, still holds space for stories - her own and others’. And while her brother is gone, he is everywhere in the exhibition.

“He’s in every thread. Every moment of silence. Every act of courage I’ve taken to keep going,” she said.

“This is for him. And for anyone who’s ever had to find a way to keep living after everything has fallen apart.”

Threads of Violence is showing at The Memo in Healesville until Sunday, 6 July.

Free premiere screening for Black Saturday survivors

By Dongyun Kwon

Although it’s been more than 16 years since the Black Saturday bushfires drove the region to fear, the trauma has remained in the survivors’ daily lives.

The documentary film, Portraits of Regeneration, will reveal the challenging ten-year journeys of four groups of survivors following Black Saturday at the free premiere screening in Healesville.

Filmmaker Matthew Cairns said the screening was originally set for May 2020.

“At that time, there was what’s now known as the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires,” he said.

“That was one of the reasons why the screening was delayed because of the emergency situation, and then Covid came in.

“I feel really happy and relieved that the film is going to be finally screened in public thanks to the support of the Yarra Ranges Council.”

After experiencing two major bushfires, the 2003 Canberra bushfires and the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the local filmmaker was motivated to work on the film project Touch By Fire.

Cairns said he got an initial grant from Regional Arts Victoria to start documenting stories

of people who’d gone through the fires.

“That expanded to a larger film project in conjunction with the Yarra Ranges Council, particularly the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale,” he said.

“From 2009 to 2012, I documented stories of residents, emergency services, some media and also the former Premier John Brumby at that stage, and that resulted in a film screening in

2012 and a DVD.”

In 2019, the 10th anniversary of Black Saturday, Cairns decided to make a follow-up film to see how the survivors went through the past 10 years.

He contacted four groups of previous project participants and was also successful in receiving the Victorian Government 10-Year Anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Community Arts Grant from Regional Arts Victoria to make another film.

The filmmaker said he’d chosen the four groups because each had been affected by the disaster slightly differently.

“They had different stories, and I wanted to bring those stories to the film and see how they had gone after 10 years,” Cairns said.

“I think it’s really important to try and show how people’s lives are affected, what the ongoing issues are, and how they live with those issues.”

The four groups were Paul Crowe with his involvement with the Callignee Hall reconstruction, the Draper family and their hopes of rebuilding their dream Callignee home, Kinglake’s Mountain Home Road residents who

created a memorial recovery garden, and the Skinner family with their immense challenges with PTSD.

The premiere screening will be launched by the former Victorian Premier John Brumby AO at The Memo, Healesville on Saturday 17 May. Cairns said the film participants will have the opportunity to speak to viewers through either short talk or musical performances in between segments of the film.

“Given that the film was (done) in 2019, I felt that the participants’ lives, (now) six years later, have changed even further. So rather than just screening the film from start to finish, I felt some sort of contemporising is needed so that the participants, who were involved, are given an opportunity to speak to the viewers,” he said.

The screening will commence at 1pm but the door will be open from 12pm with light refreshments.

For more information about this free premiere screening or to book a ticket, please visit the following website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Experience/Events/Portraits-of-RegenerationPremiere-Film-Screening

Neon Gun: Neon-stitched pistols shimmer over florals and heirloom fabrics, collapsing comfort and threat into one uneasy surface. The violence is quiet, but stitched in.

Upwey artist, Natasja van Wyk at her ‘Threads of Violence’ exhibition at The Memo, Healesville - using bold textiles to explore trauma, memory and tough conversations. (Cathy Ronalds)

Dancing People: Made from Natasja’s everyday tablecloth in South Africa, this work layers ghostly figures with stitched words of sleepless fear. Blood-red appliqué wounds mark the lingering violence etched into memory and midnight dread.

Hijack Hot Zone: A domestic quilt echoes state road signs, warning of everyday violence. Drawing on South African danger zone symbols, it reframes public trauma as personal - stitched into memory and masked as safety.

The premiere screening will be launched by the former Victorian Premier John Brumby AO at The Memo, Healesville on Saturday 17 May. (Stewart Chambers: 271901).

New tax hits farmers hard

In 2014, Victorian Labor promised no new taxes.

After 10 years in power, with net debt growing by $59.6 million per day, forecast to reach $188 billion by 2028, the Allan Labor Government introduced its 60th new tax to Parliament.

Labor’s latest proposed tax – the Emergency Services Levy – will replace the Fire Services Property Levy and will cost Victorians an additional $2.1 billion in tax over the next three years, in a cost-of-living crisis.

Rather disingenuously, Labor is spruiking this new tax as supporting volunteer services of the State Emergency Service (SES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).

State of Affairs

Bridget Vallence Evelyn MP

In fact, Labor has refused to quarantine tax collected for the SES and CFA, instead confirming money raised from the levy will fund back-office operations of agencies including Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

This comes after Labor cut $38 million from Triple Zero Victoria in its last budget.

These public service agencies have always been funded from consolidated revenue; Labor now plans to double-tax Victorians for these core services.

I’ve long advocated for increased funding for

Entertainment set locally

Karralyka Thjeatre

Songs of Bon Jovi – Sang by Rob Mills.

Featuring a band of some of Australia’s best musi cal backing Aussie superstar of stage and screen, Rob Mills began his career in the spotlight as a fi nalist in the first season of Australian Idol (2003), and then toured his certified Gold Album Up All Night.

The following year he made the move into musical theatre as the original Fiyero in Wicked (2008).

Rob entered our living rooms as bad boy Finn Kelly in Neighbours in 2017 and left a lasting impression on our TV screens.

Rob has also appeared on Dancing With The Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, and is fixture on Channel 9’s Carols by Candlelight every year.

Let us take you on a journey from the 80’s to now! Dust off the leath4er and denim, cut your sleeves off, and let’s belt out these classics together on a night you won’t forget.

• Season: Saturday 7 June. 8pm.

Eltham Little Theatre

Cross roads – A Series of One Act Plays. The Face of Angels

The deepest wounds of war are not always visible … and it’s the greatest horrors can be most personal.

Napoleon in Exile

Evelyn is a single mother sick with cancer. Corey, her low-functioning son with Aspergers, has always been under her care. Evelyn must prepare him for life after she has gone.

Woman of the World

Ready to take on the world, three young women in their first share house celebrate their independence before an uninvited guest upsets the party. Red

A woman has amnesia resulting from an accident. Her children have different feelings about her memory.

• Season closes Saturday 17 May.

Kemp’s curtain call

Haunted

Playwright Nigel Burke is neurotic, agoraphobic and hasn’t written a word in months.He is fascinated by Lord Byron and is given a cup that belonged to Lord Byron, his writing improves but then the ghost pf Lord Byron appears but only Nigel can see him.

The play opened with a great set, Nigel’s desk on audience left, a lounge suite on audience, a door to the right and a central door to the rear.

There were windows across the rear with the door having glass window.At the rear outside was a parge tree filling the exterior, in fact one thought it was a view out the back of the theatre looking at the park to the rear of same.

Your review a little was a little disappointed in the voice of the actors, they did not project their voices to the full capacity to suit the matinee audience which were fairly old to middle-aged. There was one exception, Michael Fenimore who played Lord Byron.

His voice filled the theatre andh is acting was very good. Nigel Burke was played by Feliks Woltersdorf., a good performance of such a character.

Mary Burke, Nigel’s wife, was given a stirling performance by Sheona Gregg.

Potter was well handled by bob Bramble and Nigel’s she we say, a bit of fluff was wonderfully played Rosy Leonardi.

Nigel’s agent, Turner Gould was given a good performance by Hamish Walker.

Overall a good production but the sound did leave your reviewer a little unsettled.

the SES, including the Lilydale and Emerald SES Units who do tremendous work protecting our community, and the Liberals and Nationals do not oppose the SES receiving funding under the levy.

But, when we asked the government how much money raised from the levy will support SES or CFA volunteers, they flatly refused to answer.

Frankly, it’s outrageous Labor is no longer reserving funds raised by this levy exclusively for frontline emergency services and instead is increasing the tax to cover previous budget cuts to public agencies.

Further, and astonishingly, despite promising SES and CFA volunteers they would be exempt from the levy, the government has admitted volunteers will now be required to pay the levy upfront, then fill out a form for a reimbursement from the government at a later date.

Crazy!

Every Victorian will pay more under this new tax, with farmers being hardest hit.

Residential and commercial property rates will double, the industrial rate will increase 64 per cent, and the primary producer rate will increase a whopping 189 per cent.

By taxing Victorian farmers significantly more, Labor has forgotten that farmers are the very people that help with bushfires and storms in the first place, often using their own equipment. The new tax will cause extreme financial strain on local farmers and will result in higher prices for fresh produce at the shops for all Victorians.

Victorians deserve tax relief, not more taxes, in a cost-of-living crisis.

Imposing its 60th new tax is further evidence of the Allan government’s financial mismanagement, and it is Victorians that are paying the price.

MCU gets Suicide Squad

Thunderbolts

Starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Lewis Pullman

M 4/5

Effectively the Suicide Squad of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts follows Yelena (Florence Pugh), an elite assassin, who joins a band of antiheroes against their powerhungry boss as a godlike new threat emerges.

The ensemble cast has fantastic chemistry as bickering misfits who look out for each other.

Pugh anchors the film as a killer with a good heart, David Harbour provides levity and paternal pathos as her adoptive father Alexei, aka Soviet supersoldier Red Guardian, and Bob (Lewis Pullman), a gentle, unassuming man with a dark past and devastating powers, has a deeply moving arc about dealing with depression.

Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) have less to do in the plot but are still engaging characters.

The fight scenes are thrilling and easy to follow, blending the characters’ diverse styles, and unlike Captain America: Brave New World, in which Falcon has no superpowers and battles fighter jets and Red Hulk with barely a scratch to show for it, Thunderbolts’ action balances superpowers with substantial

tension and vulnerability.

Thunderbolts also feels cohesive and moves at a steady pace, whereas the disjointed Brave New World reeks of reshoots.

Thunderbolts plays with unsettling dream imagery at several points, and the main villain’s design is chillingly effective in its simplicity.

As for flaws, Thunderbolts unceremoniously dumps a major character early on, the impeachment hearings against corrupt CIA director Allegra de Fontaine (a delightfully devious Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) dip in and out of relevance, and the ending feels abrupt and too clean.

An exciting and often touching characterdriven superhero movie and one of the best MCU films in quite some time, Thunderbolts is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Magical thinking for readers

Renowned American author Stephen King once said: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

Veronica Sullivan, director of the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival, says books possess a special kind of magic: “They transform our understanding of ourselves and others. They animate divergent ways of seeing. They immerse us in fantastic worlds that blur the line between the real and the imagined, and offer pathways towards new possible futures.”

More importantly: “Reading equips us to navigate the world with empathy, curiosity and imagination – to dream big and take a leap of faith. Storytelling is a transformative force –a way to not only understand the world but to change it, one story at a time.”

To celebrate magical thinking – the power of imagination and connection through storytelling and reading – this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival (8-11 May) invites some of Australia’s and the world’s most brilliant writers and thinkers to tackle issues spanning literature, politics, philosophy, history and psychology. Some of the international highlights include Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time), Colm Tóibín (Long Island), Asako Yuzuki (Butter), and Bora Chung (Your Utopia).

Irish novelist Marian Keyes will converse with our own bestselling author Jane Harper, while Argentine author Mariana Enriquez will discuss her latest collection of short stories A Sunny Place for Shady People.

Equally eye-catching are American author

Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword, a reimagining of the King Arthur legend, and Dutch author Yael van der Wouden’s The Safekeep, which was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. Meanwhile, some of the local highlights include Kate Grenville (Unsettled), Emily Maguire (Rapture), Josephine Rowe (Little World), Jimmy Barnes (Highways and Byways), and Hannah Kent (Always Home, Always Homesick).

Particularly noteworthy is the event “Cultural Vultures”, whose panelists will consider “digital versus real-world artistic spaces, the hyperreality of the information age, and making art in the age of algorithms”. For serious thinkers, the panel “Drawing the Line” will explore how comics and graphic art can “drive change, amplify urgent voices and challenge injustice”.

More details and ticketing information about these and other events can be found at the Melbourne Writers Festival website: mwf. com.au

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ON JUST UNDER1 ACRE

THE birds eye view above shows the gum leaf shaped roofline, this alone intimates that quite an extraordinary residence could be yours. Curved and sophisticated this ‘one of a kind’ home excites the senses and invites those who like to minimise their carbon footprint in a residence displaying artistic innovation and thoughtful inclusions.

The residence:

• 3 bedrooms, the private master suite with bathroom and WIR

• 2 further bedrooms serviced by a central bathroom.

• Central kitchen with quality appliances, dishwasher, oven, and induction cooktop Two separate living areas, one the ‘Great Room’ with 4.5m ceilings warmed by a Euro fireplace, also a TV room.

• There is a spacious laundry.

• Polished concrete Hydronic floor heating operated by Stiebel Elton heat pump with 6 thermostat-controlled floor sections.

• Double glazing, walls and roof insulated. Two split-systems

Connectivity:

The indoors and outdoors have a fluidity between the two spaces, moving from one to the other, retreating to a certain favourite place in the garden to rejuvenate the mind. Taking in the plants that have changed since yesterday, the sublime view that looks a little different in the todays light. So much to see and discover.

Outdoors:

3,546 sq metre allotment

The front yard shaded by magnificent oak.

• The rear yard a tapestry of ever-changing seasonal colours

• A covered patio

• Views that will take your breath away.

• Established fruit trees and vegetable produce.

Access via remote gates

Double remote garage

Studio/wellness/work/arts and crafts/ playroom: this building has double glazed

Inclusions:

HOME FOCUS

DUAL ACCESS WITH HIGH CLEARANCE BARN

THE home immediately makes a statement of class, its Edwardian façade, framed by a charming front veranda and a water fountain in manicured cottage gardens. Step inside to discover high ceilings, polished timber floors, and light-filled spaces that exude timeless elegance. The heart of the home is an open plan living and dining area, effortlessly connected to a contemporary kitchen adorned with stone benchtops and premium European stainless steel appliances. French doors extend this space onto a covered alfresco deck, complete with an outdoor kitchen— perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding while overlooking the resort-inspired backyard.

The accommodation includes three spacious bedrooms, each with fitted robes, while a beautifully appointed travertine bathroom offers a deep soaking bath, a walkin shower, and bespoke cabinetry. A dedicated home office provides an ideal work-from-home setup, and a second light-filled living space, also with French doors, enhances the home’s sense of openness and connection to nature. Additional conveniences such as a wellequipped laundry, a second toilet, and ducted heating ensure year-round comfort.

Beyond the home, the property unfolds into an extraordinary private oasis. Lush, tropical gardens embrace a stunning sandstoneframed saltwater pool, evoking the ambiance of a secluded retreat. A magnificent chestnut tree provides the perfect setting for a cubby house and fire pit, while a charming chook shed completes the idyllic backyard. Practicality meets lifestyle with dual access to a huge 10m x 13m barn featuring highclearance access and a wood heater—a dream space for tradies or those in need of exceptional storage. A double carport, secure fencing, and ample off-street parking add to the home’s appeal.

Set within a peaceful and welcoming community, with Emerald and Monbulk Townships nearby, this is a home designed to be lived in and loved. A place of privacy, beauty, and effortless comfort, where every moment feels like an escape. The Avonsleigh Store, Bam Bam restaurant and the public bus stop all within walking distance.

MULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS AWAIT

SITUATED on approximately 129 acres this amazing opportunity for a complete lifestyle change features an amazing private & quiet location amongst it to many attributes along with its amazing views.

The main home built in an ‘arts and crafts’ style is approximately 40 years old and features beautiful second-hand red bricks and timber believed to have been cut off the site. Every room affords magnificent views to the Warburton ranges in the distance. The Featuring 3 bedrooms and a study, with the main bedroom featuring a renovated ensuite plus a central renovated bathroom upstairs whilst downstairs has a powder room, large kitchen with timber benchtops and dishwasher, separate lounge room and fomal dining room with an attached observatory framing the whole.

In addition, there are three cottages that can be operated as a bed & breakfast accommodation, 2 with their own entrances off the road & each once again offering magnificent views. Each of the cottages contains 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and living space with outside verandah. Approximately 30-40 acres of the land is cleared, and the remaining bushland offers privacy to the surrounding neighbours.

The property currently operates as Paintball Cockatoo with the business generating income for the owners for many years. The property can be sold with the business or without the business. The business has its own separate access from the main road and its facilities cover 15- 20 acres and is predominantly operational on the weekends and public holidays, but this is the purchase is discretion as to wish they would like to do.

There is also a track surrounding the property which the owners also utilize to hire out to ATV bike group hires as well.

The opportunity here is phenomenal! Not only an amazing lifestyle but the ability to earn significant income of one property. Properties like this do not come for sale very often, so you should really make the move now whilst this opportunity is still here!

escapethecityandembracea serenelifestyleintheheartofthedandenongranges ‘Fernbrook’isa fullyrenovated,modernhomeon2,213sqmnestledamongthegum treesjustminutesfromcockatoo’scharmingtownship.Thehomefeaturesanopen-plan kitchenwithcaesarstonebenches, awood fireplace/pizzaovencombo,GdH,spacious outdoorlivingwitha tree-topdeck,firepit& landscapedgardens.also adoublecarport, woodshed &under-housestorage.Surroundedbystunningwalks& Tymonroadreserve

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

DavidStewart 0411655611 NOTHINGTODO!MOVEINREADY!

ModernUnitwithPrivateCourtyardinSmallComplex modernunitclosetoshops,cafés,andtrainstationintheheartofFerntreeGullyVillage Generousopen-planlivinganddining,stylishfloorboards,sleekmodernkitchencomplete withstonebenchtops,breakfastbar,stainlesssteelappliances,anddishwasher.Both bedroomshaveBIr’s,centralbathroomthatalsoincorporateslaundryfacilities.Upstairs aversatileloft-styleretreat/ livingspace /work-from-homezone.additionalfeatures;split systemheatingandcooling,privatecourtyard,gardenshed,singlecarport

MickDolphin 0429684522

OVER55’SUNITIN ACONVENIENT,QUIETLOCATION

LocatedwithinaneasystrolltoTecoma’sshoppingvillageandpublictransport,this spaciousfullyrenovatedover55’slifestyleunitwithnortherlyviewsofthenearbyrangesis nestledina unitcomplexoffourlovely,well-keptunits.Spaciouskitchen/mealswithnew gascooking,anup-to-datemainbathroomanda good-sizedlaundry/utilityroom.open plandesignwithfreshneutralcolourschemeandnew floorcoverings,gaswallfurnace, frontdeck,lowmaintenancerearcourtyardandsingleremotegarage

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

PrimeLocation.MainStreetFrontage.RearAccess. Thispropertyisofferedforsaleorlease.currentlycomprising,16m x5.5m= 88m2 (approx.)openspaceintotalwith oneoffice,rear kitchenetteandtoilet.Shared parking facilitiesoff FairbridgeLane.Youmayliketoinvestigate openingthatnewbusiness opportunityyou’vebeen thinkingof– the optionsareendless and subjecttocouncil approval.I’m sure thelocals wouldloveto supportyournewventure.Ifyou’vegotthe vision,we’vegotthe property!Theowner is alsoopentorentingthe property@$450 p/w

0493136937

HOME FOCUS

COMFORT, SPACE AND LIFESTYLE

SET on a fully fenced 4,063sqm (approx.) block, this spacious four-bedroom, twobathroom brick home delivers the ideal combination of modern family living and relaxed outdoor lifestyle in a peaceful Cockatoo setting.

A double carport leads to the front verandah and main entry, where you’re welcomed by a tiled foyer, soaring 9-foot ceilings, large windows, and brand-new carpet that flows throughout. At the front, a carpeted lounge and adjoining study area provide flexible space to work or unwind, while the master bedroom enjoys a garden outlook, double corner built-in robes, and a private ensuite complete with a skylight.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and second living zone sits at the heart of the home, warmed by a woodfire and seamlessly connected to the outdoors. The kitchen is well-equipped with an integrated oven, gas stovetop, raised dishwasher, fridge recess, excellent storage, and generous bench space. Step outside to the expansive undercover entertaining area, where tree-lined views and winding garden paths create a private and tranquil escape.

Down the hall, three additional bedrooms — all with built-in robes — are serviced by a central family bathroom, separate toilet, and a large laundry with external access. Comfort is guaranteed year-round with gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout, complementing the home’s bright and thoughtful design.

Outside, the lifestyle extras are plentiful. A fully powered 8m x 7.5m shed with concrete floor, gas heater, woodfire, air conditioning, the perfect man-cave set up! A lean-to offers superb functionality for trades or hobbies, with extra lock-up storage behind. There’s also a fire pit with seating, a built-in woodfire BBQ, gazebo, kids’ playset, woodshed, water tanks (10,000-litres approx) — all wrapped up in a private, family-ready setting among the trees.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - CALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION

TODAY! Call Bethany Sullivan 0438 844 968 or Aaron Day 0407 365 994.

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

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Seton2 acresnearGembrook,Loftalongis acharmingA-frameWesternRedCedarhomeoffering sustainablelivingwithstyle.Solarpanels,batteries,andsmartphonemonitoringensurereliable,ecofriendlypower.Inside,enjoyopen-planlivingwithBlueGumtimberfloors,colonialwindows,woodfire heating,anda splitsystem.Thekitchenboaststimberbenchtops,gasstovetop,oven,anda walk-in pantry.Dineindoorsoralfrescoontheverandahorsunnypatio.Upstairshoststhreespacious bedrooms, apowderroom,and aseparateshower.Thepropertyfeatureslushgardens,veggie patches,chickencoop,animalpaddock,andshedsforeverypurpose.A doublecarport,four-car garage,andextrastoragecompletetheoffering.A blendofcomfort,charm,andsustainabilityina trulyidyllicsetting.

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Two Lilydale teams on top

By John Thomson

On Monday 28 April, the Lilydale Croquet Club Division 1 level play team played host to the Mornington club. This week’s team was Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett.

First game as normal was the doubles. Craig and Murray started well and were taking their opportunities to run the hoops and controlled the pace of the game to go on and have a comfortable 7 hoops to Mornington 2 hoops.

Murray Howlett played in the first singles game. Mornington started well and had the first three hoops on the board before Lilydale got off the mark. Murray slowly worked his way into the game and eventually took the lead and went on to win 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops.

Craig McCracken played in the next game. Craig got off to a good start and was able to put his opponent under pressure which caused his opponent to make some crucial errors, Craig went onto win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops.

At the break, the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Mornington 2 games 10 hoops. With two games to play Lilydale had already won the day. Murray Howlett played in the next singles game. Murray got off to a good start and controlled the game with some steady well thought out plays and went on to have a comfortable 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops win.

Craig McCracken played in the last game. This game was possibly Craig’s best for the season so far, everything Craig did from running hoops, clearing balls or jumping balls all came off and he had a dominant 7 hoops to 0 win. The final scores were Lilydale 5 games 35 hoops to Mornington 0 games 13 hoops.

With two weeks to play, Lilydale are in fourth position two wins behind the ladder leader in Kew, so it is going to be a close finish to the season.

The Lilydale division 2 level play team of Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley travelled to Kew Croquet club.

Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley played in the doubles. This was a very close game with both teams going hoop for hoop and after the twelfth hoop had been played the scores were 6 hoops each with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Both teams set up reasonably well but it was the Kew team that was able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Alan Jones played in the first singles game. Both teams started ok but then Alan missed a couple of hoops that he would normally have run which let in his opponent and Kew went onto win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops.

Mick Crawley played in the next singles game. Mick got off to a good start but the Kew player started to peg him back a bit, then Mick steadied and took the win 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops.

At the lunch break, the scores were Kew 2 games 18 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 16 hoops. With two games to play, both teams still had a chance of winning the day.

Kerri McCracken played in the first game after lunch. Kerri got off to a flying start and really did not let her opponent settle into the game at all and in the end had a comfortable 7 hoops to Kew 2 hoops win.

This win to Lilydale put both teams on 3 wins each with Lilydale holding a 3 hoop advantage, so it was all down to the last game to decide the winner on the day.

Alan Jones played the last game. As you would expect for a deciding game things were tight, with both players not giving an inch and after twelve hoops had been played the score was six hoops a piece, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. The thirteenth hoop, like all the rest was a close affair but in the end it was the Kew player who came out on top. Kew 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

The final scores for the game were Kew 3 games 27 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 29 hoops.

With two weeks to play, Lilydale sit on top of the ladder from Kew, both on 5 tests each, but Lilydale hold the lead by 7 games and 33 hoops, so the run home is going to be close.

Thursday saw the start of the Round Robin between the four top teams and the club that finishes on top after the round robin will be the season’s winner. Lilydale was playing at home this week against the team from Sandringham. The last time these two teams played one another,r it was a marathon match that did not finish until 5pm, hopefully this will not be a repeat of that day.

This week’s team for Lilydale was Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken, An-

drew Pawley and Murray McLean. Mick Crawley played in the first singles game, both players were on the same handicap so neither player had an advantage. Mick started strongly and had the first three hoops on the board before his opponent was able to run his first hoop. Mick continued to control the game and went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops.

The two Murrays, Howlett and McLean, paired up for the doubles. Lilydale were starting with a one-hoop disadvantage while Sandringham had a one-hoop advantage. Lilydale had made up their disadvantage at the first hoop, then it was just a matter of clearing their opponents away from the hoops so that Lilydale could set up and run the hoops. Lilydale 7 hoops Sandringham 4 hoops. Drew Pawley played in the next singles, Drew was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. The game was close all the way with both players

playing some good and not-so-good croquet, but in the end, it was the Sandringham player who came out on top 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

Mick Crawley and Kerri McCracken played in the next doubles game. Both teams were on the same handicap, so neither team had an advantage. Mick and Kerri quite often team up well in their doubles and this game was no exception as they controlled the game to go on and have a comfortable 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops win.

At the break, the scores were Lilydale 3 games 27 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 15 hoops. Sandringham have their work cut out for them if they want to win with just two games to play. Kerri McCracken played in the last singles game. Kerri was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. Kerri unfortunately missed a couple of hoops she would normally have run and this was all it took for the Sandringham player to win

7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops. Again, it was the two Murrays, Howlett and McLean that teamed up for the last doubles game. This was one extraordinary game. Lilydale were starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage. Sandringham got off to a quick start, while Lilydale just could not buy a hoop. At one point, Sandringham were 5 hoops and Lilydale still had 1 hoop in disadvantage, then a complete transformation in the game happened and Lilydale then just controlled the play and scored the next 8 hoops to go on and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops. The final scores for the day were Lilydale 4 games 39 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 27 hoops. This win puts Lilydale on top of the ladder by one game with two games to play. There is no games next week due to the Australian Open competition at Victorian Croquet Centre at Cairnlea.

Mick Crawley hitting off to start the game. (Supplied)

Mustang women victorious

By Geoff ‘Joffa’ Newstead

The Mustangs hosted Park Orchards at the Heights Reserve on Saturday while their loyal sponsors enjoyed the annual Sponsors Lunch.

The Senior Women started the day with a trip to Berwick where they recorded a solid win. Our girls got the jump on their opponents with an 8-goal to zero first quarter and were never headed, with winners all over the ground. The final margin was 120 points. Ella Brown was on fire down forward, booting 5 goals, and was voted best player, but once again it was a great team effort.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 22 – 7 – 139 d Berwick 3 – 1 – 19

Best Players: Ella Brown, Sarah Haberfield, Jordy Forrest, Jordy Doevelaar, Ruby Haberfield, Tayja Maki

Goals: Brown 5, Smith-Anderson 3, McMaster 3, R. Haberfield 3, Carrucan 2, Maki 2, Falzon, Lech, Forrest, Doevelaar 1 each

Back at the Heights, the Mustang Reserves took on the undefeated Sharks and struggled against their stronger and more skilful opponents, going down by 105 points. To their credit ,the boys never gave up and will hopefully be back on the winners list in the coming weeks.

Final Score: Park Orchards 18 – 13 – 121 d

Mooroolbark 2 – 4 – 16

Best Players: Collins, Stares, Bates, Fraser, Argus, Walker

Goals: Toleman 1, Collins 1

In perfect conditions, the Seniors came up against the strong Sharks team and found themselves with a 6-goal deficit at the first change and, ‘though never really looking a chance, never gave up the chase. The Mustangs welcomed Lachie Monteath back from Essendon VFL side and he added height and strength to the ruck division. Another ex VFL listed player in Jak Ryan was a live wire at ground level gathering many possessions

and driving us forward. The defenders were up against it all game but battled their hearts out, ably led by Shane Kennedy. Unfortunately we couldn’t match it with the strong Sharks outfit,

going down by 52 points. Hopefully the boys will bounce back against Bayswater next week.

Final Scores: Park Orchards 16 – 12 – 108 d

Mooroolbark 8 – 8 – 56

Barkerettes held at Berwick while Barkers salvage a draw

By Peter Stephenson

A chilly night at Berwick’s Jack Thomas Reserve saw Barkerettes cross swords with old rivals Berwick for the first time in 7 years. Berwick had won 16 of the 19 previous meetings, but after a solid 1-1 draw with Collingwood, and Berwick’s 0-4 loss at Melbourne Uni, there was reason to believe that Barkerettes could turn the tide. The Barkers were unchanged except for the absence of Miranda Jackson.

The first 10 minutes saw Barkers have most of the territory. There was a half-chance in the first minute, a close range shot straight at Berwick keeper Katrina Carmody. Then on 11 minutes Berwick’s first threat came when Hayley Malgioglio turned and shot narrowly wide. Within a minute, Barkers had the best chance so far, when a strong shot from Charlotte Martin forced Carmody to parry the ball round the post. Barkers finally drew blood on 20 minutes. The ball was put through to Emily Stokes , who hit a low ball from the right and it was Martin who tucked the ball home for her third of the season and 1-0 Barkers.

Within a minute, though, a long ball put Berwick’s Nadine Jambo in the clear, and she steered the ball wide of keeper Ash Fraraccio for the equaliser at 1-1. Three minutes later, a through ball to Stokes saw her put the ball in the net, but she was offside.

It got worse for Barkers on the half hour. Jambo was in a dangerous spot in the penalty area, but she was fouled and won a penalty, before being stretchered off. After a lengthy delay, Nargis Naderi took the spot kick and hit low to Fraraccio’s left. The keeper got a hand to the ball, but as time seemed to stand still, Naderi got to the rebound first and put the ball in for 2-1 Berwick. Barkers continued to attack, and on 37 minutes Alizah Jones left the defence for dead, but with only the keeper to beat, shot wide. Then she skinned the left back and crossed, the keeper couldn’t hold on to the ball, and Eleanor Ridley hit the rebound wide. Half-time Berwick 2-1 Barkers, but Barkers could have put the game to bed by now. The start of the second half was relatively quiet. Then on the hour, Barkers won a corner on the right. Martin hit the ball into the goal area, and Kelly Butera rose like a salmon to head home to make it 2-2. Surely now Barkers would go on and win? No. On 72 minutes. Amy D’Ortenzio played a nice through ball from midfield for Stokes to run on to. She crossed for Char-

lotte McCullough, whose stuck a leg out and put the ball wide. Then 6 minutes later, Butera tried her luck from distance, but the ball went over. A goalmouth scramble saw a Barkers shot blocked just before the end, but the score remained at 2-2. Barkers will view this as 2 points dropped, as they certainly had enough chances in the first half to win the game. As the second half wore on, Barkers still looked the more likely to score, but the Berwick defence held out. Next up is what should be an entertaining encounter at home to Endeavour United, kick-off 8pm on Friday at Esther Park. The women’s State 4 side lost 1-2 at home to Eastern Lions, with the goal being scored by Charlotte Jacobs. Next, they play away to Doncaster Rovers, kick-off 7.30pm on Friday at Anderson Park.

An unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon at the Kennel saw Barkers have their first home game for over a month. Fourth-placed Barkers hosted Bentleigh United Cobras (9 th ), making one change to the side which beat Doncaster 5-2, with Sean Perrin replacing Sean Baeko. Barkers had never beaten Cobras in 4 attempts – would they finally do so in the Year of the Snake? As events transpired, it was more like the Day of the Ross. Barkers began brightly, and on 4 minutes, Marcus Watson ran down the right and crossed for Danny Aye, but the angle was too tight to threaten Sam Dabinett in the Cobras goal. Then Aye released Watson, who made space for himself to shoot, but it was blocked. Watson then combined with Aye again, but Aye couldn’t wriggle free of his marker.

Just for a change, Barkers capitalised on this early possession. A loose ball out of the Cobras defence fell to Ross Clark. He drove through the centre and played the ball out to Watson on the right. Watson put a low ball in to the far post, where Clark had continued his run and tucked the ball home for 1-0 Barkers.

Five minutes later came Cobras’ first threat. Ethan Emmons curled a free kick towards goal, and Miguel Anderson flicked a header which caused keeper Vladi Velikin to dive spectacularly to push the ball round the post. The ensuing corner from the right was cleared, and when the ball was driven back in, it struck Ryan Smith’s hand, and Cobras had a free-kick in shooting range. The free- kick was tipped onto the bar by Velikin, but Ross Day followed up to score from close range to make it 1-1. On 17 minutes, Ray Markley won a loose ball and played out to

Porcaro on the left. He flew down the wing and crossed for Watson, whose first-time effort was blocked by Dabinett. Then Tristan Walker robbed his opponent and played Watson in, but his flick-on was deflected wide Just before the half-hour, a Cobras corner on the right from Colby Parton was cleared. Parton got the ball back and squared to Charlie Khan, whose firsttime shot fizzed past the near post. This was an end-to-end game, and next up it was James Barber trying his luck with a long ball from the right which almost fooled Dabinett, who punched the ball over the bar. Walker took the corner on the left and an inswinger was cleared off the line.

The last few minutes before the break belonged to Cobras. First, a Parton free-kick was cleared out to Marcus Fernandez, who sent the ball into somebody’s garden in Esther Crescent. Then a long clearance from Dabinett saw Emmons turn and hit a screamer against the post. Half-time 1-1 with both sides providing an entertaining contest.

Cobras almost took the lead within 40 seconds of the restart. They spread the ball from left to right and found Anderson, whose shot flashed across goal and narrowly wide of the far post. In a rousing start, Markley put the ball through for Clark. He took the ball too far and played back to Walker, but the defence blocked his progress. Then Clark played a one-two with Walker which sliced open the Cobras defence, but Walker’s re-

turn ball was overhit.

On the hour, Barkers fell for a sucker punch. Cobras won a corner on the left and it was sent in by Daniel Maiorana. Nobody picked up Day, who strolled in to poke the ball home to make it 2-1 Cobras. For the next 10 minutes, the game looked to be slipping away from Barkers, but they then produced the best move of the match. With less than 20 minutes to go, Perrin began a sweeping move down the left, finding Aye. Aye played on to Porcaro, who in turn played an inviting ball to Clark. Clark was calmness itself as he stroked the ball into the opposite corner of the net for 2-2 – this goal was so composed that it looked like a training drill. Both sides pressed hard for the win. Watson and Chris Potter had chances late on, and Clark went on a long run and almost nabbed his hat-trick. In stoppage time, another dangerous corner from Maiorana was punched clear from Velikin, and that was that. In the end, a draw was a fair result between two well-matched sides. Indeed, the whole league is tightening up. Every other result went Barkers’ way, but they could not capitalise. Only 3 points separate the top 7, and that will stretch to a top 8 if Berwick beat North Caulfield. Next up for Barkers is a home game against Noble Park United, kickoff 3pm on Saturday at Esther Park. The reserves took the lead through Chris Barber, before going down 1-2, and host Noble Park United next Saturday at 1pm.

Best Players: Ryan, Monteath, Kennedy, Keeling, Noonan, Gebert Goals: Wright 3, Gebert 2, Peacock, Noonan, Ryan 1 each

Mooroolbark Football Club results. (File)

Christian

Mooroolbark Soccer Club results. (Supplied)

Eagles land a pair of wins

By Callum Ludwig

Saturday 3 May was a great day for anyone wearing red shirts as the Lilydale Eagles picked up two comprehensive wins away at Croydon Ranges.

In perfect conditions, the Eagles’ Reserves quickly got to work dismantling their opponents, pressing effectively and particularly finding joy down the left-hand side through Trent ScottElsley.

They would have to wait a little while for a breakthrough, however, but eventually it came in the form of centre back James ‘Becks’ Laine, bundling the ball home following a corner and seemingly having put his goalscoring yips behind him.

The Eagles were largely on top in proceedings, only giving away a few half-chances to Croydon’s tricky left-winger while getting shots on goal in dangerous areas themselves.

It was another unlikely goalscorer who would double Lilydale’s lead in the 43rd minute as underlapping left back Theo Georgiou marauded forward and getting off not one shot, not two shots and not even three shots, before getting the ball into the back of the net despite some desperate defending from Croydon at his fourth attempt. It was the first goal for the newly-bald barber in some time and might mean he has to keep the chrome dome for good luck.

The Eagles weren’t done there, however and could sniff the chance for another goal on the stroke of halftime as Scott-Elsley was played completely through down the left-hand side with the keeper left in front of him and a wide-open Lucas Cordedda to his right. Unselfishly playing the pass across goal to his cheesemonger colleague, Cordedda had the goal at his mercy and proceeded to put it wide of the right post, much to the disbelief of everyone on the pitch.

Croydon Ranges managed to muster their first meaningful shot on the stroke of halftime, but it was smothered by keeper Callum Ludwig and it remained 0-2.

Early in the second half, there was to be redemption for Cordedda, however and this one he really couldn’t miss, tapping home from the shortest range in the 53rd minute to put Lilydale 0-3 to the good.

Perhaps a bit of complacency set him from here, as Lilydale continued to create chances at their attacking end but also allowed their opponents some opportunities on the break. Croydon’s left winger Christian Yusti broke away down his wing and fired off a shot that had to be quickly palmed over by Ludwig. Croydon Ranges mustered up some more chances, with Lilydale forced into some big blocks and Ludwig needing to make a couple of saves and claims.

The Eagles would pick up the last remaining goal of the game, courtesy of Byron Loveless’ trusty left boot to make it 0-4 in the 82nd minute and other than a last-minute trivela attempt from a Croydon Ranges midfielder with the last kick of the game, Lilydale saw out the match comfortably. The Reserves are now fourth in the table.

The Seniors were up next, looking to pick up their first win of the season.

Looking to keep the ball on the deck and build from the back, the Eagles immediately looked

more comfortable and assured than in previous weeks, with some nice interplay and good looks on goal, none more than when Jasper Blair, playing in a new position up front, was played completely through one-on-one but almost had too much time, sending his shot wide to the right.

Similar to Reserves striker Cordedda, it wouldn’t be long before J Blair would have his redemption, wiped out in the box while chasing a ball across the box that was seemingly going nowhere. Stepping up to take the penalty, J Blair tucked it away to the left and the Eagles had a lead for the first time this season.

The Eagles were well in control throughout the half but hadn’t managed to turn their dominance into more goals, though they did snuff out all of Croydon Ranges’ attacks. There was a sense of deja vu when in the 44th minute, Lilydale winger Christian ‘Flik’ Lindner-Mark was fouled in the box going after a ball that didn’t look to be an immediate threat to the Croydon goal and winning

another penalty, which he dispatched this time to the keeper’s right to give the Eagles a 0-2 halftime lead.

Going out into the second half intent on scoring from open play this time, Lilydale managed just that with a nice move eventually falling to the feet of Ethan Emmett who made it 0-3 early in the half.

Nothing seemed likely to threaten the Eagles’ control of the game until the 51st minute, when a dubious penalty was awarded to Croydon Ranges, which was tucked into the bottom right corner to make it 1-3 and to add insult to the injury, Lilydale fullback Braden Zammit was given a yellow card for the crime of asking a question about the decision.

This seemed to rattle the Eagles for a moment, as shortly after Croydon Ranges broke through with a long ball over the top, with the attacker putting it through the legs of keeper Ludwig before the Lilydale defenders could get back and clear, even celebrating the clearance a little prematurely while the ball was still in play.

The Eagles regained their composure, however and got back on top in the game, eventually restoring their lead with a towering header from J Blair from a corner because scoring goals from open play is overrated anyway.

Things quietened down for a few minutes but Croydon Ranges looked to find joy through long passes in behind the Lilydale defence and eventually got their second, with a deflected effort bouncing off Lilydale defender Lachy Hamling falling to the feet of John Hnialum who finished and was awared the goal despite the Eagles’ protests for offside.

Frustrated, Lilydale upped the ante and aimed to finish the game strongly, with midfielder Gilbert Harries eventually adding a fifth goal in the 88th minute to restore the comfortable cushion which the Eagles held until full time.

A 2-5 win away from home for their first of the season, and an ‘unofficial clean sheet’ according to Hamling, put the Eagles seventh in the table.

Both Lilydale sides will play Monbulk at home on Saturday 10 May.

Trent Scott-Elsley stands over a free kic. (Kaiden Deany-Smith: 476090)

Ethan Emmett turns on the break for Lilydale Eagles. (Samantha Moller: 476090)

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