Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 20th May 2025 by Star News Group

O’Brien keeps bringing the gold

By Rose Leban

The Olympic gold medallist, Kelland O’Brien who was born and raised in Lilydale has won a Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs) presented by the State Government of Victoria and Vicsport.

O’Brien won the Frank Wilkes award on Wednesday 14 May which recognises a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national or international level in the male category during the 2024 year.

O’Brien started his cycling career at the Lilydale BMX Club before becoming a decorated national cyclist. Being a member of the Australian team Pursuit quartet, and winning gold at Paris Olympics which was Australia’s first track gold since 2012 while also claiming a world record time in the semi-finals.

The VSAs recognise people across individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that promoted participation.

“Being able to recognise and celebrate the grassroots heroes throughout Victorian sport and active recreation alongside those who excelled at an elite level is what makes the Victorian Sport Awards such a special night,” Vicsport chair Jason Hellwig said. Turn to page 27 for more

Aged care crisis

By Mikayla van Loon

Dwindling aged care staff numbers is nothing new with research estimates reporting that tens of thousands of workers will be required to fill the growing need by 2050.

So when the daughter of a resident in her eighties at the Walmsley Aged Care Home in Kilsyth heard that six staff members across both leadership and lifestyle roles were leaving rather abruptly, concern was instant.

Wanting to remain anonymous due to worry of any backlash for her mother, the daughter, who we’ll call Sue, told Star Mail that all the departures

of staff came unexpectedly.

These included three members of the lifestyle team and the community development manager in March, and the general manager in April, all effective within a day or two of a letter being sent to advise residents, staff and family of their resignations.

In a response from Australian Unity, the parent company of the home, on Thursday 8 May, a spokesperson said the reasons for staff leaving included “personal resignations and an internal transfer to another Australian Unity aged care facility”.

Recruitment for a new general manager occurred from 17 April, with communication sent out advising of a newly appointed manager on 5 May, with the position filled from Monday 12 May.

At the time of speaking, Sue believed the remaining positions had yet to be filled but the Australian Unity spokesperson confirmed that recruitment had occurred for all and “all positions have since been filled”.

“Our focus at Australian Unity was on recruiting staff to fill these roles with minimal interruption to our services and care. This was achieved,” they said.

Despite the relatively quick resolution to staff resignations at Walmsley, staffing challenges in the aged care sector have been seen across the country for a number of years, which is only predicted to increase.

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) identified in 2021, through its report Duty of care: Meeting the aged care workforce challenge, that Australia was facing a shortage of at least 110,000 direct aged-care workers within the next decade unless urgent action was taken.

Staﬃng challenges grow

By Mikayla van Loon

Dwindling aged care staff numbers is nothing new with research estimates reporting that tens of thousands of workers will be required to fill the growing need by 2050.

Wanting to remain anonymous due to worry of any backlash for her mother, the daughter, who we’ll call Sue, told Star Mail that all the departures of staff came unexpectedly.

Recruitment for a new general manager occurred from 17 April, with communication sent out advising of a newly appointed manager on 5 May, with the position filled from Monday 12 May.

“Our focus at Australian Unity was on recruiting staff to fill these roles with minimal interruption to our services and care. This was achieved,” they said.

Sue said for the most part the aged care facility has been great but for those couple of months she was concerned the staff reduction was going to be “the new normal”.

“It just feels like you’re walking through a place that hasn’t got the supports in place that it needs and if they are proactively filling those (roles), please let us know what’s going on,” she said.

Choosing the aged care residential home because of its welcoming staff, lifestyle opportunities and modern facilities, Sue said what was most concerning to her was the lack of stimulation and conversation because of the reduction in staff to run activities.

“I’m worried about her boredom and her loneliness and her lack of stimulation, to be quite honest,” she said.

“They’ve still got their half an hour physical group, they’ve got a walking group, they’ve got bingo a couple of afternoons a week, they’ve got

this plan still in place, but the core, relationships and the people, the motivating staff, the ones that were all working there for last year that mum’s been there, are gone.

“You’re just trying to get your head around, ‘well, why did they leave? What’s happening?’ and it creates an element of mistrust now about the facility that mum’s in.”

Australian Unity responded to questions about the activity program, stating there were no changes to the regular running of its daily schedule.

“During this period, there was no reduction in planned activities for Walmsley residents,” the spokesperson said.

“The lifestyle program has continued without interruption, delivered by local and central teams working together to support resident wellbeing.”

Aged care workers, whether management, nurses or lifestyle staff, typically provide a sense of comfort, regularity and connection for residents, so Sue said during the period of change, it was unsettling for her mum who had established relationships with the staff.

“They’re all just in a place of uncertainty and not knowing what’s going on and I think that’s really unfair to have these people just leave abruptly without goodbyes,” she said.

“To just have an official email to all of us to say, ‘oh, so and so’s resigned. So and so is leaving. So and so is leaving’.”

Walmsley employs 180 staff across its facility to care for up to 120 residents.

“Australian Unity acknowledges concerns regarding staffing and lifestyle services at our Walmsley Aged Care Facility,” the spokesperson said.

“We appreciate the unease felt by some residents and their families following recent changes to our staff team.”

“We will need at least 17,000 more direct agedcare workers each year in the next decade just to meet basic standards of care,” CEDA chief economist Jarrod Ball said at the time.

This projection takes into account the longer life expectancy of Australians with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighting that the number of Australians aged 85 years and over will increase from 515,700 in 2018–19 to more than 1.5 million by 2058.

The most recently conducted Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare noted, as at March 2023, over 40,000 vacancies were needing to be filled across nursing, personal care and clinical care manager positions.

“Across all service care types, the main challenges in recruiting employees were the lack of suitable applicants, competition for staff with other providers or industries, and applicants not having suitable qualifications or skills,” the survey summary reads.

Australian Unity’s residential aged care portfolio is said to employ over 2000 people and recruits approximately 600 new team members each year but not without considerable difficulty.

“Staff turnover in the aged care sector is well documented and remains an ongoing challenge for the industry.

“As a result, we continue to invest in workforce planning and support to maintain high standards of care throughout staffing transitions.”

Violi welcomes new Liberal leader as rebuild begins

Sussan Ley will face the monumental task of rebuilding the Liberal Party after being elected its first female leader with nuclear champion Ted O’Brien deputy.

Hailed as a new beginning for an opposition facing years in the wilderness, Sussan Ley has been congratulated by the Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi.

“I congratulate my colleague and friend Sussan Ley on being elected Leader of the Liberal Party and the first woman to lead our great party,” he said.

Mr Violi said Ms Ley has been a strong supporter of the community here in Casey, having visited many times to hear what matters to local families and small businesses.

“Sussan has visited in her capacity as Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business and Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training,” he said.

“I know she understands the industries and issues that matter in our local community.”

The former Liberal deputy under Peter Dutton defeated former shadow treasurer Angus Taylor 29 votes to 25 in a partyroom ballot of 54 members on Tuesday 13 May in Canberra.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Mr Taylor when he tried to enter the party room through a locked door before having to detour

ahead of the vote by MPs and senators.

Outgoing West Australian Liberal senator Linda Reynolds told reporters as she left the meeting that the party had gotten the message from voters and acted.

“Australians spoke clearly and we listened,” Senator Reynolds said, acknowledging that the party had lost the support of many female voters at the May 3 election.

The Liberal leadership will need to contend with the Nationals as they work out the finer details of a new coalition agreement, especially after Nationals leader David Littleproud flagged that party’s commitment to a net-zero emissions target was up for review.

The climate policy clash risks opening up a schism within the coalition, with moderates angry that the party didn’t do enough on the issue and caused it to bleed voters in metropolitan seats.

The coalition holds 42 of 150 lower house

seats, less than half of Labor’s 93, which has all but confirmed they’ll face at least three terms in opposition after losing power in 2022.

Of three seats yet to be called, the Liberals are ahead in two and Labor one, meaning there’s a chance of a slight improvement in the tally, but the coalition faces a Herculean task to win gov-

ernment in three years regardless.

“As a party, we now turn our focus to rebuilding,” said Mr Violi.

“It’s not just on the leader, it’s on us as a party to unify, make sure we support Sussan and put the right policies in place – and that comes about from listening to the Australian people,” he said.

Australian Unity’s Walmsley Residential Aged Care Home in Kilsyth. (Supplied)

Mr Violi and Ms Ley speaking with small business owners in Lilydale in March this year. (Supplied).

Mr Violli and newly elected opposition leader Ms Ley at a Politics in the Pub event in Chirnside Park last year. (Supplied).

Dominic Giannini and Kat Wong, AAP and Tanya Steele

Residents raise petition over speed

By Rose Leban

Christopher Baker, a Mooroolbark resident of 33 years, represented the residents of Bickleigh Vale Road and Edna Walling Lane to request that Yarra Ranges Council reduce the speed limit in the estate.

Currently a 50 kilometre per hour road, Mr Baker submitted a petition with 20 valid signatures to the council on Tuesday 13 May.

Mr Baker states the current speed limit of 50 km/h poses risks in the community due to the lack of footpaths, narrow, unsealed roads, and shared use with pedestrians.

“The roads aren’t straight. So this creates glimpses of views by that nature of (Edna Walling’s) design principles, it creates obscure driveways and entrances and blind corners. So it does create a bit of a safety issue, particularly if drivers are travelling a bit faster than normal,” he said.

Bickleigh Vale Road and Edna Walling Lane

provide access to 16 residential properties. 80 per cent of those residents supported this petition, only two abstained but none objected.

“It’s our goal in which we have strong support for. And what we’re after is to achieve a safe speed limit.”

The preference of the residents would 20km/hour.

Mr Baker also mentioned that since Covid-19, a lot of residents have been ordering online deliveries from multiple companies and that this was a massive concern as some of them are unaware of the speed limit.

“Some of those drivers are good, but there are some who just come in for the first time, and they just turn off a 60km zone road into what they think is a 50km zone road, and they just put their foot down, and away they go.”

Councillor Len Cox agreed with the petition as they understood why they wanted to reduce the speed limit.

“For anyone who doesn’t know, Bickleigh

Vale, it’s a very different area of urban development.

“I can understand why they want to reduce the speed limit if you drove in there carelessly, and with people walking down the road because of the lack of footpaths, then you could easily have an accident or hurt somebody.”

Councillor Peter McIllwain supported Cr Cox’s comments, emphasising the area’s cultural significance and the need for a lower speed limit.

“I support Councillor Cox’s comments.

“It’s an area of cultural significance to the council. I think that the councillors need to understand that it’s rich in architectural and cultural heritage, and I think that comes into our consideration. So thank you for bringing it to our attention.”

The process for speed limit changes involves State Government approval, and the council will assess the request.

IN BRIEF

Driver dies in Lilydale after two car collision

Police are investigating the circumstances of a fatal collision in Lilydale on Thursday evening.

It is understood two vehicles collided on Hull Road about 6pm.

There was a CFA callout for brigades from Mooroolbark, Wandin and Mount Evelyn to attend where it was possible a person was trapped on the corner of Charles Road and Hull Road.

The yet-to-be formally identified driver of the first vehicle died at the scene.

The driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and his passenger was uninjured.

The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Croydon man allegedly caught 90km/hour over limit

A Croydon driver was intercepted by police early on Friday morning after being monitored doing high speeds.

The car was allegedly travelling 90km/h over the speed limit in Wantirna South.

It is alleged the vehicle was detected travelling past an unmarked police car at 190km/h on Eastlink Freeway between the High Street Road and Ferntree Gully Road exits around 1.25am on Friday 16 May.

Officers intercepted the vehicle at a drive-thru a short time later, and spoke to the driver, a 36-year-old male from Croydon.

The vehicle was impounded at a cost of $1016 and will be held for a 30-day period.

The driver to be charged on summons for speed related offences.

Man left with lacerations after alleged assault

A man in his sixties was allegedly assaulted by a group of teens in Lilydale, leaving him with head wounds.

Mooroolbark Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an alleged assault in Lilydale on Thursday 27 March 2025 between 9.15pm and 9.45pm.

The assault occurred within the vicinity of the toilet blocks at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve.

The victim, a 60-year-old male, was approached by approximately 10 youths, consisting of both female and male, aged between 15 to 17 years.

The youths verbally harassed the victim before hitting him on the head causing lacerations to his scalp and face.

If you witnessed the incident, have CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage, please contact Mooroolbark Police on 9725 9999.

The meandering style of Bickleigh Vale Road, the narrowness and the unsealed nature have been highlighted as a safety issue. (Stewart Chambers:

Contribution cap increased

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council has refreshed its Special Rate and Charge Scheme policy at the Tuesday 13 May council meeting.

Special charges have become more important for local residents since the Roads for Community funding was slashed in 2022.

Notable changes in the policy are an increase in the contribution ceiling for landowners and factoring in a $18,888,059 boost split over five years from 2024-2029, thanks to grants from the Federal Roads to Recovery program.

Monbulk resident Jordan Brown attended the meeting to speak to the policy and said he is in favour of the increase in the ceiling and recognises that costs have risen, but had a different concern.

“One thing I have noted in the policy is that it is somewhat mute on the aspect of road safety when assessing particular roads in terms of funding to have improvements on unsealed roads,” he said.

“Where I live in Monbulk, improvements to the roads in the area with this policy have improved drainage and other things in the area but it’s more properties or roads that fall outside of built up areas that are less impacted by this policy due to the prohibitive costs borne by the residents,”

“It would seem that there would be a need for greater access to funding from other stakeholders outside the Roads to Recovery program from the federal government in order to see greater improvements on the outskirts to the Yarra Ranges.”

Mr Brown also raised a question as to whether speed limits, particularly on unsigned roads where the limit is 100km/h, are considered in prioritising road projects, with Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister putting this to question to the Director for Built Environment and Infrastructure Hjalmar Philipp and Manager of Infrastructure Services Kim O’Connor.

“Road safety is absolutely a priority and for ex-

ample, the Special Charges Scheme can consider things like speed and some other treatments as part of the package, so the short answer is yes,” Mr Philipp said.

We also look at a lot of data in terms of crash stats and other reports on those particular roads as well so it’s not just one case by case scenario, we look at the details,” Mr O’Connor said.

“In particular there’s a lot of roads like connector roads where we have advocated for funding over and above some of the special charge scheme processes that we’ve had, so we’ve looked at agrilinks, to emergency management roads or similar roads that have been presented tonight, so it’s all part of what we can seal.”

The cap on landowner contributions has been set at $15,500 per Development Unit since 2016, which was an increase from the base $10,000 when it was established in 2000.

To come to the decision to raise to a new cap, set at $20,000, Council considered Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, which has risen about 16 per cent over 6 years, increases in construction cost measured by Producer Price Index for Road Construction which is considered to be about 22 per cent over 6 years and a review of Council’s tendering process which has found an increase from an average of $1100 per lineal metres in 2019 for an urban construction to between $1350 to $1900 per lineal metres by 2024.

Further questions were put to Mr Philipp about how visibility of the policy could be improved by Cr McAllister as well as why community consultation on the policy wasn’t done, which was a question from a community member communicated by Chirnside Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor Richard Higgins.

Mr Phillipp said he thinks the easy answer to the questions of visibility is in the content on that website that explains what the scope of the policy is.

“As we talk about road improvements in the policy, we can potentially include an insertion that might expand on that but I think the easier

approach is to keep the road improvements in the policy and add some words around when we communicate what this is and how this could be accessed,” he said.

“It’s effectively a refresh of the existing policy, but importantly, the policy is simply explaining how the legislation will be implemented for Council, so putting words around Section 163 of the Act, which prescribes what Council must do in relation to administering special charges and schemes, with two additions that Council include on top of the Act, which is the ceiling, which we’ve spoken about, and also the reference to greater than 50 per cent level of support to proceed, that’s to really help positive engagement around anything we do around special charge schemes and finally, I’d note that every single scheme is subject to consultation under the Act in any case, so it goes through a legislative process to consult.”

Mr Philipp also addressed a typo in the ‘Financial Analysis’ section of the policy which states the uplift is permanent, when it should be over the span of five years.

Cr McAllister moved the motion and said the special charges scheme is of huge interest to the

community.

“As we refresh and in some ways, reinstate it following shifts in funding, which we’ve all spoken about probably very frequently, this is important, we know roads are very front of mind for our community, every kind of survey and poll and conversation reminds us of this,” she said.

“It’s important that we review it, particularly looking at financial impacts on community, and trying to build enough flex into it, and I know we’ve all had a lot of conversations about this with enough specificity, but enough legs that recognising that there are circumstances where council needs to lean in.”

“It’s not a short journey, intentional pun, but a really important one because in Yarra Ranges we have hundreds of kilometres of road, many of which are unsealed and whilst we would love to have the money to be able to seal them all, or the ones that community want us to seal, we don’t and this is a critical governance document that ensures there is transparency and a very robust process that’s followed.”

Councillor Gareth Ward seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.

State Memorial upcoming for Dr Race Mathews

A State Memorial Service to celebrate the life of The Honourable Dr Race Mathews will be held at 11.30 am on Friday 23 May at the Arts Centre Melbourne, The Leaper Family Pavilion.

Race Mathews lived a rich and fulfilling life as a family man and politician who served in all three levels of government (local, state, federal), academic, author, social reformer, and champion of the arts.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Race Mathews has left an incredible legacy and will be remembered for his kindness, passion for social justice and fairness, both inside and outside of his political career.

“Race helped shape the early design of Medibank – laying the groundwork for Medicare and helping build a health system that treated care as a right, not a privilege,” Premier Allan said.

Joining the Labor Party in 1956, he went on to serve as Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Community Services.

During his time as Principal Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, he most notably contributed to the early design for what would later become Medicare – marking the beginning of a transformative healthcare system for Australians.

As a Minister, Race strengthened child protection, led reforms in gun control, modernised Victoria Police and improved emergency management responses following the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.

Race also left a remarkable legacy promoting accessibility in Victoria’s arts and cultural scene. He served on the boards of the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and helped establish the Arts Centre and the Melbourne Writers’ Festival.

The State Memorial will be open to the public, and for those unable to attend, the Service will be live streamed.

At the request of the Mathews family and in lieu of flowers, tributes may be made in the form of a contribution to Alzheimer’s

Research Australia or The Australian Fabian Society. To donate, please visit alzheimersresearch.org.au or fabians.org.au. Further details about how to attend or how to view the live stream will be shared in due course, with the most up to date information available at vic.gov.au/RaceMathews

Yarra Ranges Council has updated its Special Rate and Charge Scheme Policy. (File: 312687)

Former Casey MP Race Mathews died on

May at the age of

(Iola Mathews)

Crucial funding to expire

With the Victorian budget set to be released on Tuesday 20 May, Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) are highlighting a critical funding program that needs to be preserved and expanded.

The Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) has contributed $440 million to “critical local infrastructure” in Melbourne’s “diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs” since its establishment in 2015, according to the government.

Its led to the delivery of dozens of community projects across the outer ring of Melbourne’s municipalities including Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.

In the Yarra Ranges this includes projects like the Chirnside Urban Park, Wesburn Pump Track, Morrison Reserve Youth Activation, Yarra Valley Trail, Monbulk Recreation Reserve Skate and Scooter Park, Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and The Ridgewalk (ngurrak barring).

By any public policy standard, the Growing Suburbs Fund is a well-designed and effective community infrastructure delivery program. It meets a clear need, it leverages co-investment, it provides tangible outcomes for communities and has a very positive benefit-cost ratio.

Councils have used this fund to develop and improve local parks, build playgrounds, upgrade community centres, install skate parks, and make public toilets more accessible.

The fund was topped up by $5 million last year — but no funding has been allocated for future years.

“Meeting the needs of Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs is not a year-to-year proposition,” OMC spokesperson and Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzick said.

“$5 million, even leveraged with co-investment from councils, doesn’t go far across the great swathe of Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

“The ‘big build’ might steal the spotlight, but building better neighbourhoods helps us where we live.”

OMC would like to see the fund retained and increased, with funding guaranteed over subsequent years to support the growth and liveability

of the outer suburbs.

“Single year extensions and small ‘drip funding’ top-ups don’t provide the certainty our sub-

urbs need.”

“We need to see this program retained and extended over the long term.”

Projects likes the Chirnside Urban Park were funded through the Growing Suburbs Program. (File: 420399)

CCTV funding in focus

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) is going to investigate funding the auditing, replacement and ongoing maintenance of existing CCTV cameras in Healesville.

Healesville resident Penelle walked through the Star Mail door with a petition in hand in December 2024 to raise the need for action to maintain the CCTV system in Healesville, installed through funding from the Federal Government.

It inspired the Star Mail crew to conduct a sixweek Capturing the Yarra Ranges campaign earlier this year, which ended up getting a response from YRC, saying the council couldn’t fund the CCTV network.

Despite the frustrating response, the Healesville resident didn’t give up the hope of making the community safe.

Penelle brought up the issue again to the councillors at the latest council meeting on Tuesday 13 May.

She requested that YRC provide the funding for the auditing, replacement and ongoing maintenance of the existing CCTV cameras in Healesville, to ensure the Healesville community and traders can feel a stronger sense of security and safety, with 140 valid signatures.

At the meeting, Penelle said when talking to other members of the community and traders, she found that she wasn’t the only one who needed well-operating CCTV cameras.

“The traders were desperately in need of extra support for their businesses,” she said.

“I’m feeling quite nervous talking about this, because it’s been a little bit of a complex situation, given people want their privacy as well. This is a very small community, and people want to feel safe here.

“We’ve always felt safe here, but there is a change in policing, there’s a change in laws, there’s a change in the community. There are so many different changes here, and we need the extra support. We need these cameras out here to feel safe.”

Cr McAllister said it’s an ongoing issue, and the council’s position is absolutely to support community safety, and to try and find a more universal model for ongoing funding.

“What’s playing out at the moment for communities is not great, and whilst it’s reassuring that the local government has been looking to fund that, the next steps for this one are trickier.

Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister supported the petition submitted by Penelle to get funding for the maintenance of the CCTV network.

“Funding is often given for CCTV cameras to be installed in our communities, with the onus or the burden on the community to maintain them, and the funding typically comes from the Federal Government,” she said.

“If you’re going to fund infrastructure like this, you absolutely have to fund maintenance. It’s not fair to let it sit with the community, and then it disappears into a non-maintained ground that leaves the community feeling unsafe.”

Almost $600k in grants on oﬀer for community projects

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges councillors discussed the guidelines for the 2026 Annual Grant, which will be open for application on 2 June, closing mid-July.

Each year, Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) offers an Annual Grants program to not-for-profit community groups and artists.

Thesegrantsprovidefundsforcommunity-led projects which build stronger communities.

The council meeting report recommended minor changes to the Monthly Grants, consolidating two separate budgets into one program that supports vibrant and connected communities, with grants for not-for-profit traders incorporated into that program.

The report sought YRC’s endorsement of the 2026 Annual Grant Guide, and the draft budget allocation in the 2025-26 financial year of $575,000 for the Annual Grants and $150,000 for the Monthly Grant program.

Wendy Wright was a registered speaker in objection to the recommended guidelines.

Ms Wright said the grant guidelines should be updated to cover certain topics in more detail for community trust, given its significance as an investment of ratepayers’ money.

“There are a number of topics I feel need to be covered better, or at least covered in the guide that don’t seem to be covered,” she said.

“Some of those things are, ‘Are grant applications and acquittal reports available to the public?’, and ‘If so, where are they published?’, ‘Are the funds that grant recipients receive provided up frontoronareimbursementbasis,orisitdifferent on a case-by-case basis?’, ‘What are the acquittal requirements in terms of timing and content?’, ‘What are the obligations on grant recipients who fail to provide an acquittal in the required timeframe?’, and ‘What are the implications if a grant recipient fails to implement their proposal, either by perhaps advising council that they are no longer proceeding, or just simply by omission of not proceeding, and are the funds returned to the program and the new recipient identified?’”

Cr Fiona McAllister said having them in the guide is a good suggestion from a transparency and reassurance perspective.

“We do get groups that can’t deliver or all of those scenarios, I’ve probably heard stories from communities,” she said

Cr Mitch Mazzarella also agreed with Ms Wright.

“I do agree with what Ms Wright has said in

regards to having these important points about what happens if a community group doesn’t do this and have that in the guide,” he said.

“I think that’s the important thing that probably needs to be put into the document,” he said.

Despite feeling the need for clear indications for the points that Ms Wright raised, councillors passed the motion unanimously.

Cr Peter Mcilwain moved the motion as recommended in the council meeting report.

He said, as a practising artist, he’s received a number of grants from the council, and he’s witnessed, first-hand, the benefits that the grants bring to the community.

“The economic impact that we get from these grants far outweighs the expenditure by many factors,” he said.

“We are from a relatively small expenditure, we’re able to mobilise a very large part of the population to achieve all kinds of outcomes, not just artistic but social engagement.

“We are able to achieve many more times what we spend, so I thoroughly support the motion.”

Seconder Cr McAllister said she was pleased to see a 15 per cent increase in the grant bucket.

“I think all of us know of community groups that have done pretty phenomenal things with incredibly small amounts of money, and it can support groups to stay viable although these grants are typically for a specific project,” she said.

“As a direct example, we have a trader group now in Healesville, which we were really able to hit the ground running. And I think they’ve just signed up their 100th trader member.

“So again, a really practical example of not huge amounts of money, less than $10,000 that actually just generates such incredible community activity.

“I will continue to keep pushing for us to put more money in our grants budget, because I do think we get a huge return on investment for the community in often simple and very surprising

ways.”

Closing the motion, Cr Mcilwain advised to put all the relevant information in the grant guideline document.

“When you receive a grant, there is an extensive agreement document that grantees go through, and I just would like to counsel that putting all of that information in a grant document,” he said.

“The grant guideline document is somewhat onerous, and I’m not entirely sure how we can do that practically, because there are many different streams of grant funding, and to be able to put those requirements in any meaningful way is not a simple task.

“So I think that it is useful to have indications as to the responsibilities of the grantees, and I’m certainly happy to support putting that into the guidelines, but I think a more wide-ranging explanation of that needs to be at the grant agreement level.”

Healesville resident Penelle raised the need for action to maintain the CCTV system in Healesville to Yarra Ranges councillors. (Unsplash)

Yarra Ranges councillors endorsed the 2026 Annual Grant Guide. (File)

Maria Bast bids farewell

By Oliver Winn

In Wandin, many locals are familiar with the sight of a lady selling jam outside the WandinSeville Community Bank.

Known affectionately as the jam lady, 87-year-old Maria Bast had sold jam to support Leprosy Mission projects for five yearsbut now, she’d decided at the end of June, it would be time to call it quits

Ms Bast said she wanted to thank everyone who’s supported herself and her husband, Joe Bast as without them, they couldn’t have done what they did.

“The most important thing to us is to thank all the people who helped us over the years,” Ms Bast said.

Farmers generously donated their strawberries and tradies tipped their cash consistently, while others offered coffees for sleepy mornings, hot potato cakes for cold winters and refreshing drinks for warm summers.

“I’m so grateful for all the people who’ve donated their fruit and jars, and for all the kindness I’ve received.”

She’d raised over $78,500 from the stall with her husband which provided crucial funding for projects they’ve supported through the Leprosy Mission, a christian organisation dedicated to combatting leprosy.

Leprosy is a chronic infection which affects millions of people around the world and when left untreated, can lead to permanent disability, physical deformities and social isolation.

It’s now curable and within 48 hours of being treated, the patient is non-contagious.

But a lack of understanding about the disease has resulted in a strong stigma that’s rooted in history and can often cause more harm mentally to the victim than the physical symptoms.

Ms Bast said when she and her husband visited India in 1999, they witnessed the widespread damage of leprosy and ever since

they’ve dedicated their lives to raising funds and awareness for the cause.

“When I visited India I saw more than just visiting children’s homes and stuff like that - I saw misery, so much misery.”

“Young lads… they had their legs amputated, farmers who had no income anymore. Families that were suffering,” she said.

The harrowing sight was the catalyst for the couple’s first project, where they raised money to support daughters of leprosy victims to become nurses, as leprosy’s long-reaching limbs also hindered relatives by association.

“The first project was to raise money to have girls from parents affected by leprosy become nurses and midwives. Because they don’t have a chance,” she said.

This is when Ms Bast decided to draw upon an old trade she learnt when she had a farm in the Yarra Ranges - making jam.

“We did have a farm for 20 years and I looked after six children, so I needed a lot of jam. I like making jam, so that’s why I did that (to raise money).”

The second project was establishing a mobile clinic to provide care to leprosy victims, as they often couldn’t travel due to their injuries and stigma.

Now, they’re close to finishing their third and final project, which is to provide rehabilitation services and artificial limbs to leprosy sufferers in South India.

She said her faith played a big role in her want to spread love among the people of Wandin and to help those suffering from leprosy.

“I am a Christian, you know, and I really, you know, like to encourage people, you know, that there is faith and that there is hope and that there is love.”

Though Ms Bast wanted to focus on the generosity of the Wandin community, her presence as a friendly face in the town has undoubtedly left a positive impact on everyone who’s interacted with her.

“Sometimes I feel like a hairdresser. They tell me all sort of things, and I’m there to encourage people. I’m there to love people. I’m there to be happy. And that’s why they come and talk,” she said.

“It is really my connection day, every Friday, and that’s really what I will miss.” If you’d like to get in touch, call Joe and Maria Bast on 5964 4536.

A better retirement lifestyle from $590k

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities

Maria Bast at her jam stall in front of the Bendigo Community Bank Wandin-Seville. (Supplied)

Free 24/7 urgent healthcare

Video call from your mobile or computer anywhere, anytime

Connect to highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses from Victoria’s Virtual Emergency Department

No GP referral, Medicare card or appointment needed

Scan the QR code to register now or visit: vved.au/self_registrations

National Reconciliation Week

By Dongyun Kwon

The theme of National Reconciliation Week this year is Bridging Now to Next.

Yarra Ranges Council also invited First Nations guests to The Memo, Healesville, to join the national movement to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide Australians.

The Yarra Ranges National Reconciliation Week event will be held from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 27 May.

Star Mail interviewed two out of four guests who will share their stories and performances with the audience at the event.

Ash Dargan is a Larrakia musician and storyteller from Darwin, Northern Territory, who is one of Australia’s premier performers and recording artists on the yidaki (didgeridoo).

Professor Richard J Frankland is an elder and Gunditjmara man, whose multi-faceted career spans justice, arts, and advocacy.

Mr Dargon said he’s been playing the yidaki for around 35 years as a storyteller and also in different bands.

“I used to tour with Coloured Stone and have done a lot of different presentations around the country, and I still do,” he said.

“I was also part of a wonderful collection of artists coming along to support Richard Franklin’s album, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, and we’ve done a few concerts together as well. So this is two of the artists from that album performing together again.

“I’m looking forward to this duo, this opportunity to play again together, and to revisit some of those songs which have powerful messages for reconciliation and also for where Australia, as a country, is currently at.”

Prof Frankland said he’s honoured to support the event.

“When you have art, you have voice, and with voice, you have a semblance of freedom, and with freedom comes a responsibility, and so I practice art in that regard, whether it’s in

music, film, theatre, spoken word, poetry, or novels,” he said.

“It’s really exciting to be playing with Ash and promoting this album. The songs represent a whole range of things, from veteran suicide to perceptions of culture, exceptions of law, law and lore, and the representative or facilitating the voice of marginalised people, and some of them are just good fun.

“It’s going to be an interesting and fun gig. We’ll be doing two 20-minute sets, and there’ll be a bit of a yarn in between, and I’ll tell a few stories.”

The Larrakia musician has performed at The Memo in 2021 and 2022, however, unfortunately, both of them were live-streamed events where he couldn’t meet the audience due to the Covid pandemic.

“It’s really great that we’re able to have an open concert and a public concert,” Mr Dargan said.

He was a firsthand witness to Corroboree 2000, which brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation.

He could never forget that feeling on the day and has tried to recapture that feeling in groups during National Reconciliation Week every year.

“That launch event with so many Australians walking hand in hand together, that’s what reconciliation is. That’s the spirit of it,” he said.

“That spirit has been continuing with us and it does today joined by every conversation we have, every moment that we come together to remember the history of Australia, to tell the truth about it but also to rejoice the fact that we’re a country of togetherness.”

Two more guests for the event were Ziggy Ramo, a rapper, changemaker, award-winning musician, producer of Wik and Solomon Islander heritage, and Courtney Ugle, a VFLW star, proud Noongar woman from Bunbury, Western Australia, who is a leading voice in the fight against domestic violence.

Prof Frankland said while reconciliation is

hard work, it also has to be a joy, and that joy can come through breaking bread together, music, having a yarn, and listening to stories.

“For many people, it’s about letting go, but it’s to reconcile a nation and it begins with individuals,” he said.

“One of the ways to do it is to truly acknowl-

edge the past, so that we can grapple with the contemporary happenings, the here and now, so that we can have a united vision for victory for the place where we can all call home.” The event is free but registration is required. For more information: yarraranges.vic.gov. au

Get a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy at our free Open Home events. Explore our communities, inspect our display homes, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.

you.

Cherry Tree Grove

67-81 Maroondah Highway, Croydon Wednesday, 28 May (10-11am)

37-43 Victoria Street, Doncaster Thursday, 29 May (10-11am)

Professor Richard J Frankland is an elder and Gunditjmara man, whose multi-faceted career spans justice, arts, and advocacy. (Supplied)

Artist’s Impression

THEDISCOVER YOURCOUNTRY SIDE BIT

English tutors here to help

By Mikayla van Loon

For migrants and refugees looking to learn not only English but also the intricacies of Australian culture, the Melbourne AMEP volunteer tutor scheme program does just that.

Pairing volunteers with eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants, the program ensures they can enhance their English language skills and settle into life in a new country.

Interested volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and better understand the program with an information session at Croydon Library on Monday 26 May between 10am and 11am.

The AMEP, or the Adult Migrant English Program, is funded by the Department of Home Affairs allowing the service to be provided for free.

An added layer of support under the volunteer tutor scheme (VTS) matches a volunteer with a student for one to two hours per week for one-on-one sessions.

Melbourne AMEP VTS coordinator Kelly-Ann Maughan said volunteers make the program possible.

“Volunteers receive free training and are matched to AMEP learners to support them in their English language learning and help them integrate better into Australian life,” she said.

“We recognise the enormous contribution our VTS volunteers make in welcoming and supporting migrants and refugees as they build their lives in Australia.

“If you talk to our volunteers, they say that they get as much out of this experience as they put in. It really is a rich mutual exchange, and the benefits continue for the community at large.”

While learning and teaching English is the primary goal, benefits in the form of friendship, culture swapping and the telling of unique stories all come together in the program.

VTS tutor Vivian went the extra mile to support her student by not only preparing her learner to take the citizenship test but by driving her learner to the test itself. Being successful, the pair celebrated over lunch together afterwards. Stories of friendships sprouting are common for volunteer tutors but so too are the mutual rewards.

“It’s a very, very satisfying thing to be doing, to be working with people, making new friends, and also learning myself as we go along. It is indeed a two-way street,” VTS tutor Adrian said.

Volunteers don’t require a background in teaching and are given the appropriate training before starting.

The learning programs are targeted to each individual learner’s goals and objectives, whether that be conversational English, Australian employment processes like working on resumes or practicing interviews, connecting with local services or sharing information about Australian culture.

“A volunteer tutor offers students a connection to their local community and a safe and encouraging space to become confident using English.”

The Melbourne AMEP services five regions across Melbourne and Bendigo and is actively seeking volunteers across all these regions.

Croydon falls in the North East Region where

there is a high demand for volunteer tutors, particularly from the Chin community.

At the information session, attendees will hear from both learners and tutors in pre-recorded interviews about the importance and benefits of the program.

Anyone interested in attending the in-person session in Croydon can book by visiting: eventbrite.com.au/e/hear-about-the-volunteer-

Netball club rejoices over court upgrades

By Rose Leban and Mikayla van Loon

Morrison Reserve’s netball courts located in Mount Evelyn have recently been upgraded with new lighting, fencing, and resurfacing.

Sarah Kleverkamp, president of the Mount Evelyn Netball Club, says this is a huge win for the facility especially as wet weather is expected soon.

“It’s definitely safer, because we don’t have the dips and bumps that we did and I’m hoping it means it’s a little bit easier when it is wet,” Kleverkamp said.

Not only are the improvements good for the teams, it’s also a massive improvement for the community as people use the facilities regularly for recreation purposes.

“We have schools that use it when they do the round robins and things like events.”

“It’s such an amazing facility to have in this community,” said Kleverkamp

Having four well lit netball courts in one location, Kleverkamp said is a rarity and hopes it will “lift the profile” of the sporting complex.

Originally the lighting was a big issue because the reserve hosted 20 teams for training each week.

They had been looking to upgrade the lighting beforehand, as they saw the issues it created especially in winter times when after past 5pm it was dark.

“We only had the old tennis lighting from

years ago. It was the tennis club, so we just had that original lighting there, so it was only on the front two courts. So it was a bit tricky trying to fit all our training in.”

The asphalt surface was also upgraded with an acrylic coating, as Kleverkamp said less and less people nowadays want to be playing on asphalt and they aren’t being used as much anymore.

“I don’t expect we’re going to have the grazed knees and band aids anymore,” she said.

The netball court revamp was part of Yarra Ranges Council’s master plan for the reserve.

All the replacements happened progressively over a few months starting in December, with

tutor-scheme-through-stories-at-croydon-library-tickets-1148811469029

An online session will also be held on Wednesday 21 May from 6.30pm which can be booked via: eventbrite.com.au/e/melbourne-amep-volunteer-tutor-information-session-4-tickets-1324719775509

To find out more about the Melbourne AMEP, visit melbourneamep.com.au

construction going smoothly with minimal impact on training.

“It all actually went really smoothly with the construction. The communication during the construction was great. So we didn’t actually have too much impact with our training.”

Morrison Reserve is used by many, these upgrades were essential for a safer and happier environment for recreational activities.

“We feel like we’re a bit more up to date now, a little bit more attractive.”

The Melbourne AMEP will be running an information session on its volunteer tutor scheme in Croydon. (Unsplash)

The Morrison Reserve’s resurfaced courts viewed from above. (Supplied)

Mount Evelyn Netball Club’s courts at Morrison Reserve have been resurfaced, a welcome upgrade to the facility. (Stewart Chambers: 478207)

Childcare in modern age

By Maria Millers

“If you want to understand a society, look at how it treats its children.” Tim Winton, author of Cloudstreet

Many readers will recall being a stay at home mums while their children were young.

Perhaps this was a choice or having married they were no longer eligible to stay in their jobs.

For some undoubtedly this would have meant a break from their professions which often led to them never returning.

This was still at a time when one wage was enough to house, feed and educate a family.

Today most families find it almost impossible to exist on one income.

Professional women are loathe to lose out by taking time off caring for their babies, then finding it hard to renter the workforce and catch up with developments in their chosen professions.

There has also been a shift in attitudes towards women who choose the traditional, role of homemaker and primary carer of children.

It is now accepted that women have an equal right to pursue careers and dreams, and taking time off inhibits progress in career paths.

There is almost a stigma attached to the woman who chooses to be a full time stay at home mum.

And despite shifts in social attitudes this role still primarily falls to women.

Hence the growth of an industry aimed at providing for the needs of a new generation.

Today across Australia approximately 1,423,979 children aged from 0- 12 attend some form of child services such as long day care, family day care, and pre and after school care.

While there is no mandated age it appears that babies as young as six weeks are accepted by some providers.

But many mothers still find t hard to place a baby into the care of strangers as the following poem captures the raw feeling of being apart from a loved one.

Separation” by W.S. Merwin

Your absence has gone through me

Like thread through a needle.

Everything I do is stitched with its colour.”

COMMUNITY DIARY

Memorial rededication

The South African Soldiers Memorial Rededication Sunday 25 May at 12 Noon, at 31 Albert Road South Melbourne. The Memorial is part of the Anzac Station Precinct.

The granite obelisk South African Soldiers Memorialadornedwithbronzeplaquesandawreath with four sandstone lions, one of Victoria’s earliest War Memorials, was erected and dedicated on 30 November 1924 through public subscription to honour the Australians who served and fell during the South African War. This memorial is the only one built in Victoria to commemorate all Australians in the war.

This significant occasion will commemorate the sacrifices made by 23,000 Australian’s soldiers and nurses and the sacrifice of 1000 Australian’s killed in action, died of wounds, in accidents, or from disease in the South African War (1899–1902). This memorial reaffirms the enduring importance of this historical landmark. Your presence would greatly enhance the event and highlight its importance to the community and the State of Victoria.

A march will be led by the 4th- 8th Light Horse Troop, the Historical Re-enactment Society of Australia in Boer War uniforms, Banners and Flags. Distinguished guests, descendants, local school students, Scouts, and Girl Guides will step off from the path south of the Memorial at 11.45am, the Service will commence at 12 noon at the Memorial. The ceremony will conclude at 1pm.

Lilydale pop-up blood donor

One in three people in the Yarra Valley will need blood during their lives — and without amazing

WOORILLA WORDS

Raising children in institutional settings is nothing new, with many examples of societies where children spent time away from family.

Go back to ancient Sparta, renowned for its militaristic and highly disciplined society which sought to develop citizens who were not only physically strong but also mentally tough, loyal, and highly committed to the state.

Similarly in the Soviet Union and in Kibbutzes of Israel where children were moulded for the needs of the emerging societies:

Perhaps the early sending of English upper class boys to boarding schools was also to create a certain type of Englishman suited to the needs of the then Empire This then begs the question: what kind of citizen are we hoping to produce?

The experts would say the system is designed to produce citizens who are independent, critical thinkers, socially responsible, inclusive, environmentally conscious, and emotionally healthy.

In essence, the modern child care system aims to nurture individuals who will thrive both personally and in their communities, balancing individual rights and freedoms with a strong sense of responsibility to others and the environment.

Whether early childcare is truly in the best interests of the child or primarily serves the needs of a market based a society is debatable.

Apart from the need of parents for extra income many argue that children in preschool learn valuable lessons in socialising, sharing and other social, emotional and cognitive skills which sets them up for later life.

Others point to the lessening of the mother/child bond and possible long term traumas.

The problems we are seeing with our youth may question whether we are laying the right

foundations in emotional intelligence and social awareness necessary for living in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world.

Programs with well-trained, consistent, and caring staff can like Australia’s E4Kids deliver high-quality early learning that improves later education, employment, and wellbeing.

But when profit becomes the primary driver, corners can be cut in ways that put vulnerable children at risk.

Recently there have been increasingly disturbing reports of mistreatment, neglect, and even abuse in some Australian childcare facilities.

These cases have raised serious questions about oversight, regulation, staff training, and whether the current system — largely composed of privately operated centres adequately protects children.

While many centres provide excellent care, the fragmented and market-driven system is clearly failing in too many cases.

For the last eight months, ABC Investigations led by Adele Ferguson has exposed deep, structural problems in the $20 billion childcare industry, including a rising number of serious incidents at some of the country’s large for-profit providers, which now represent three-quarters of long day care centres.

From a child strapped into a high chair as a means of control till welts appeared on his buttocks or hitting a visibly distressed child, filming the child’s response for amusement, and posting the images online to substandard food lacking in nutrition, so vital for body and brain development.

Early childhood is a critical period for emotional and brain development.

Exposure to trauma, neglect, or fear at this age can have lifelong consequences.

As Indigenous poet and Miles Franklin winner Melissa Lucshenko said “Trauma doesn’t leave you — it weaves itself into the fabric of who you are.”

The revelations — across the sector — have sparked a parliamentary inquiry in NSW, and prompted widespread calls for reform, including the creation of a national early childhood commission to oversee standards and enforcement in the sector.

Working families — face a painful dilemma between needing care and fearing for their

children’s safety.

This anonymous poet reflects this feeling: The First Goodbye”

I leave you in a room of soft light, tiny coats hung like sleeping birds, your name taped to a cubby as if that makes it safer here.

You look up, a crumpled dawn behind your eyes— confused, curious, your fingers still sticky with morning. There’s a moment— a quiet click— when my hand unhooks from yours. That is the sound of everything shifting.

Children need stable, nurturing, predictable. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and safe.

Anything less is a failure of adults, not children.

The recent cases highlight a deep and urgent problem in parts of Australia’s childcare sector.

The situation has reopened the discussion about whether childcare should be considered a public good — like health or education.

As Justice Margaret Nyland said: Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and safe. Anything less is a failure of adults, not children.”

Philip Larkins “This Be the Verse” is a blunt, darkly humorous poem about how parents — despite their best intentions — inevitably pass on emotional damage to their children. With many having to outsource parenting the emotional damage may be not genetic but equally devastating.

Free public transport for kids and seniors

The Victorian Government has made a pair of public transport announcements ahead of the 2025/26 Victorian Budget.

From 1 January 2026, kids under 18 will travel for free with a new youth myki card, while Seniors Card holders will also have free public transport travel on weekends.

Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams said this will save so many struggling families thousands of dollars a year.”

“Cheaper school runs, cheaper weekends at the footy – and one less thing for families to worry about," she said.

locals like you, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment. A donor centre will pop up at the Lilydale Baptist Church Complex, corner of Hull and Swansea Roads.

• Monday 9 June, 10 am – 3pm

• Tuesday 10 June, 12 – 8pm

• Wednesday 11 June, 12 - 8pm

• Thursday 12 June, 8am – 3.30pm

• Friday 13 June 8am - 3pm

• Monday 16 June, 12 - 8pm

• Tuesday 17 June, 12 - 8pm

• Wednesday 18 June, 12 - 8pm

• Thursday 19 June, 8 am – 3.30pm

• Friday 20 June, 8am - 3pm

“We’ve added hundreds more weekend services and now we’re making it free for seniors to travel on the weekend – making public transport an even better option, whether it’s for a trip to see family or to explore Victoria.”

The new youth myki can be used like any other myki, to tap on and travel through ticket gates at stations and when getting on a bus or tram.

The card will stay valid until the child turns 18.

Children living in non-myki areas will also be eligible for free travel.

The free travel will be available on all forms of public transport including trams, trains, buses and coach services in metro, regional and rural areas.

“Whether it’s travelling to the city, to regional Victoria or just around the corner to see family –we’re making it free for every child," Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said.

Passengers with a senior myki will need to

carry their Seniors Card while travelling and use their Senior Myki to touch on and off as usual –but myki cards won’t be charged.

Cardholders will continue to be eligible for a 50 per cent discount off the full fare on weekdays.

To be eligible for a Seniors myki you must have a Victorian Seniors Card. Victorian Seniors Card holders must be permanent residents of Victoria, aged 60 or over and work less than 35 hours a week.

“Free public transport for every child, every day, everywhere, families are doing it tough and I’m on their side," Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“Costs can add up – especially for seniors –and I’m on their side, that’s why we’re making public transport free on weekends for seniors, saving them more than $360 every year.”

Children will travel on public transport for free and seniors will travel free on weekends from 1 January 2026. (File)

Father defrauded

Ray, a 78-year-old retired tradesman and business owner, never imagined he would become a victim of elder abuse at the hands of his own son.

The abuse began in 2011 when Ray asked his son Peter for help dealing with a stolen credit card.

Peter offered assistance, using the opportunity to take control of his father’s finances, including acting on Ray’s behalf with the bank.

Given Ray was not familiar with computers, Peter offered to set up a MyGov account in Ray’s name.

He then redirected Ray’s pension payments into his own bank account.

Peter listed his phone number as a contact and nominated that all correspondence be sent online.

Over seven years, Peter systematically stole more than $152,000 in pension payments and fraudulently obtained an additional $78,000 through loans taken out in Ray’s name.

During this time Ray had been convinced that the “meagre” allowance Peter gave him was all that remained after his bills had been paid.

To substitute his income, Ray relied on repairing discarded furniture which he would sell for income.

The emotional toll was profound; Ray’s financial situation made it difficult for him to go out, and he was reluctant to admit the truth of his situation to his friends.

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

Despite several years of unpaid bills, Ray’s electricity and phone services were never disconnected, giving no reason for Ray to be alarmed.

This was because Peter had submitted falsified documents claiming his father required connection to life-saving equipment and needed a phone line for emergency purposes.

Peter’s manipulation extended to creating fake letters and making deceptive phone calls, impersonating government officials and politicians to falsely reassure Ray that his missing funds, unpaid pension and frozen bank account issues were being addressed.

In 2020, Peter was sentenced to a jail term for unrelated fraud charges.

This inadvertently led Ray to contact his local MP’s office, and with the assistance of Ray’s daughter, Peter’s deception began to unravel.

Centrelink has since denied Ray’s claim for

compensation, arguing their systems were not at fault because Peter had authenticated access through MyGov.

ECLC lawyers and advocates worked with Ray to help him understand his rights and options, and the Centre supported Ray to gather evidence and navigate the legal system.

Paul Were, Managing Lawyer for Elder Abuse at ECLC, called it an “absolute no-brainer” that institutions should check directly with the pension recipient before paying their money into an account held by someone else who isn’t entitled to it.

“In Ray’s situation, Centrelink did not go back to Ray and ask if he wanted the money paid into Peter’s account,” Paul said.

“There have to be more safeguards in place so this doesn’t happen again,” Paul added.

Peter was eventually convicted and sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding his father.

Ray, now protected by an intervention order, hopes sharing his story will help others: “You don’t expect your own children to do this”.

Sadly, Ray’s experience is not unique.

Elder abuse, especially financial abuse, is a growing problem in Australia, and is often perpetrated by trusted family members.

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact ECLC for confidential advice and support on 1300 32 52 00 or use the online form at eclc.org.au/help for an appointment.

Not just possible – a certain good time

Impossible: The Final Reckoning

M 4.5/5

The direct sequel to Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning from 2023, The Final Reckoning is an outstanding thriller and a great finale for the three-decade Mission Impossible series. Elite agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must reunite with his team to prevent the Entity, a runaway AI, from triggering nuclear armageddon. Like Dead Reckoning, The Final Reckoning is nearly three hours long but feels quick and compelling, maintaining an apocalyptic tightening suspense.

Cruise gives a grounded, vulnerable (but still badass) performance as Ethan, Hayley Atwell

stuns once again as the heroic pickpocket Grace, and Esai Morales returns as the incredibly charismatic villain Gabriel.

With much of the character development having taken place in the previous film, The Final Reckoning can concentrate on amazing action

Film fest

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

It may seem strange for this book column to discuss movies, but the forthcoming Melbourne Taiwan Film Festival is a highly recommended event.

Taking place at ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) on May 22-24, it features the work and creative processes of some of Taiwan’s best filmmakers.

The festival’s four films and accompanied Q&As open a window to the past and present of Taiwan as a modern democracy. They also showcase the diverse ethnic and cultural identities that combine to make the Taiwanese society vibrant and dynamic.

The event begins with the award-winning art-house film A Journey in Spring (2023), a sensitive and nuanced depiction of grief and family relations through the lens of aging couples.

It tells the story of an elderly man trying to grapple with the unexpected and overwhelming loss of his wife of many years.

The festival’s second film, Hunter Brothers (2024), is a poignant exploration into the ways of Taiwan’s indigenous community.

Yuci and Siring are brothers whose lives were profoundly changed by a hunting accident that took their father’s life in the mountains.

Years later, their world collapses, torn apart by the opposite pulls of modernity and tradition.

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples account for 3.4 per cent of its total population, similar to the figure of 3.8 per cent in Australia.

The film’s director, Su Hung-En, is of mixed indigenous/Taiwanese heritage.

Constant switching between these two identities allows him to see the world from different perspectives, a unique experience that is not uncommon across our own nation.

The third film featured in the festival is the iconic A City of Sadness (1989), one of the must- see masterpieces probing the multifaceted and intersectional history of Taiwan.

It follows the Lin family from 1945 to 1949, the period after the end of fifty years of Japanese colonial rule and before the formal establishment of Chiang Kai-Shek’s Nationalist Government in Taipei.

The Lin brothers suffer different fates, but the film focuses on the youngest, a deaf-mute photographer played by renowned Hong Kong actor Tony Leung.

The character is arrested during the infamous February 28 Incident in 1947, where thousands of Taiwanese people were killed by Nationalist troops.

The incident marked the beginning of over forty years of “White Terror”, the political repression of Taiwanese civilians and political dissenters by the ruling Nationalist Government.

and a clever plot blending high-tech gadgetry with low-tech cunning.

The action is thrilling and inventive as ever: a second-act scuffle brilliantly cuts between two fights according to similar moves, and the climactic chase may be the coolest action scene involving bi-planes in cinema history. The submarine scene, with the rotating vertigo of Inception and the falling perils of the cliff scene in The Lost World, is the film’s nervewracking centrepiece. The Final Reckoning also features plenty of satisfying callbacks tying together the rest of the franchise.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is a superbly-crafted, enthralling action movie, and I hope it does far better at the box-office than its predecessor.

This dark chapter in their history is a reminder for present and future generations of Taiwanese people to cherish their hardearned freedom and unity.

Finally, the festival’s fourth and last film offers much light relief while tackling social issues with humour and heart. The horror comedy Dead Talents Society (2024) tells the story of a rookie ghost trying to find self-worth in the afterlife.

The ghosts here have to work hard scaring the bejesus out of the living in order to become rich and famous “influencers”.

Please note: All four films are free, but booking is essential.

For details, visit the ACMI website: acmi.net.au/whats-on/melbourne-taiwan-film-festival-2025/

Mission

Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and Esai Moralles

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 State funds (8)

5 Bug (6)

10 Small natural hill (5)

11 Ostentatiously splendid (9)

12 Without order (6)

13 Raffle (7)

14 Evoking sadness or regret (8)

15 Plaster artwork (6)

18 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)

20 Month (8)

21 Make better (7)

24 Flowering shrub (6)

27 Deadpan (9)

28 Group of lions (5)

29 Thanksgiving bird (6)

30 Light (8)

1 Grab (4)

2 Pathological self-admirer (9) 3 Greens (5)

4 Military unit (8)

6 Examiner of accounts (7)

7 Smog (5)

8 All (9)

9 Collapse (4)

14 One who assumes the worst (9)

16 Across the region (9)

17 Depraved (8)

19 Peek (coll) (4-3)

22 Document (5)

23 Revise (a piece of writing) (4)

25 Generous (5) 26 Spool (4)

A

MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING ON 5 ACRES

STEP into a world where elegance meets thoughtful design, and every corner of the property tells a story. Set on five beautifully landscaped acres just moments from the heart of Emerald and a short drive to Beaconsfield & Berwick, this rare, multigenerational estate offers a unique lifestyle opportunity that blends privacy, charm, and grandeur.

From the moment you enter the tree-lined driveway, flanked by white cherry blossoms, you are transported to a place where nature and architecture exist in perfect harmony. At the base of the drive, the solid brick two-storey Gatehouse welcomes you. Hedged, paved, and complete with an outdoor entertaining area, it offers two spacious upstairs bedrooms, a study, a galley-style kitchen, bathroom, and cozy living spaces with reverse cycle heating/ cooling and a wood fire - a perfect blend of comfort and character.

As you ascend the driveway, the Main Residence reveals itself in spectacular fashion. Crafted with precision and pride, it boasts an unforgettable entry - a towering custom door sets the tone for what lies beyond. Soaring sixmeter ceilings and solid timber floors laid on the diagonal, huge solid timber custom made doors throughout lead you through elegant living and dining zones into a stunning family kitchen. Outfitted with Smeg appliances and granite benches, the new kitchen opens to a serene, glass-enclosed room - and at the back of the pool there is a little oasis for relaxation or meditation, overlooking a private pool area.

Framed by towering hedges and lush plantings, the resort-style area is flanked by underground rooms - one housing pool equipment, the other a bathroom. A clever design feature includes a wisteria-covered wall that offers cool summer shade while allowing warm winter sun to stream through the windows warming the home in winter.

The Main Home continues to impress with a luxurious master retreat, complete with a walk-through robe and spa ensuite. Two additional bedrooms are generously sized with built-in robes, plus there is a separate study and a children’s retreat/games area that opens to a designer bathroom fitted with modern European tapware. Climate comfort is guaranteed with reverse cycle systems and a commanding wood fire that heats the entire home with ease.

To the other side of the main home, wander into the European-style solid brick courtyard,

with hedging, fruit trees, outdoor kitchen, an imported pizza oven from Tuscany - an entertainer’s dream. The Merbau-timbered utility rooms and expansive veggie gardens are thoughtfully tucked away nearby, along with a fire pit area and protected wood storage close to the home, down to a underground extra large double carport that leads up to the back of the main dwelling under a covered walkway.

Opposite the main residence, the Coach House is another solid brick structure, currently serving as a workshop and additional accommodation. With a double carport, three stables (all with automated watering systems), and space for a future transformation, this

building could easily become a two- or threebedroom temporary accommodation subject to council approval. It boasts a magnificent red ironbark staircase by Slattery & Acroffe, and split-level living potential.

The property has two separate driveways - one off a sealed road from EmeraldBeaconsfield Road, and another leading to the rear, offering ease of access and privacy. The land itself is stunning: three paddocks, two large flat playing or riding areas, extensive plantings of established ornamental trees, and a bountiful harvest of fruits and nuts - including citrus, walnuts, quince, figs, apples, hazelnuts, and more. Herbs grow in

abundance across the garden beds, and the steel-structured outdoor zones ensure longlasting, low-maintenance living.

• Main Residence – 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Toilet, Study Gate House – 2 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Toilet, Study Coach House – 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Toilet This is more than a property – it’s a lifestyle, a sanctuary, and an opportunity rarely found. Ideal for extended families, self-sufficient enthusiasts, or anyone seeking space, style, and soul in one unforgettable estate.

• Lana Maher 0408 535 075 Barry Plant Emerald 5968 4522

HOME FOCUS

REIMAGINING COMPACT LIVING WITH MICRO HOMES GROUP

WITH years of design experience and a deep understanding of modern housing challenges, Micro Homes Group is changing the way Australians think about compact, movable living. Purpose-built for comfort, longevity, and safety, every Micro home is a fully customised home on wheels—designed to offer a dignified and permanent living solution without the red tape associated with traditional builds.

Each micro home is unique, just like its owner. We start every project with a one-onone consultation to understand our customer’s needs, budget, and long-term goals. From there, we design a home that isn’t just liveable but enjoyable—purposeful, beautiful, and built to last generations.

One of the biggest advantages of a micro home is its ability to bypass the usual planning hurdles.

Many Australians are unable to get permits for a granny flat due to zoning restrictions, overlays, set backs, covenants, or other council-imposed limitations. That’s where Micro Homes Group offers a game-changing solution. Our micro homes are the widest registered caravans in Australia. Because they are legally classed as caravans, they don’t fall under the building code—making them ideal for people facing council restrictions but still needing extra, self-contained living space.

Unlike conventional tiny houses, micro homes are specifically engineered to mitigate the risks often associated with those builds. With our homes, there are no lofts or ladders— just a smart, all-ground-floor layout designed for comfort and accessibility.

Standard features include:

A flushing toilet with our proprietary easy connect system, capable of pumping sewage uphill to a legal point of disposal.

Built to BAL29 bushfire resistance standards for added safety in fire-prone areas.

An exclusive suspension system that folds up after installation, lowering the micro home to just 10 cm above ground level.

An innovative landing leg system that bears the entire weight of the home, making it incredibly stable and rock-solid to live in.

No land preparation needed—thanks to adjustable landing legs with a 55 cm range,

Homes can be installed even on sloped terrain.

Micro Homes Group backs every project with a fixed price, a guaranteed timeline, and a dedicated project team to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Each micro home comes with a five-year warranty, offering peace of mind with every build. And with sustainability at the heart of what we do, our homes are constructed using

environmentally conscious materials and methods.

In a world where housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable and difficult to secure, Micro Homes Group delivers a practical, legal, and long-term solution— without compromise. Built to move, built to last, and built just for you.

Micro

ACREAGE WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

A private and picturesque location, this rustic farmhouse on small acreage offers a fantastic lifestyle. Boasting 4 bedrooms and loads of space for the growing family, with a flexible floor plan of upstairs and downstairs living. Spacious family/living and lounge areas give everyone plenty of space to spread out. The kitchen is spacious with an open feel and ample bench and cupboard space. Get outside and enjoy the outdoors with the wide open space with just over 2.5 acres to explore and enjoy, a kids and animals paradise with a fenced off play area. For the horse enthusiast, separate paddocks, plus a riding arena and stables. Open machinery shed and a high clearance carport for floats and caravans, plus the king of sheds with a huge lock up garage/workshop big enough to accommodate large trucks and trailers. Entertain and enjoy the summer weather with a covered entertaining area and an above ground pool with decking all round - it’s the ideal spot to relax and unwind. A fantastic small acreage property in a great location that has so much to offer!

APrivateCountryEscapeon1.3Acres

Experiencethebestofa prestigiouscountrylifestyleonthisbeautifullypresentedproperty. Situatedonoveranacreandquarter(approx.5330sq.m),thisidylliclocationenjoys amixoftreed landscapesandclearedpaddockareas.Thisclassicwell-designedhomefeaturesfourbedrooms, includinga fullmasterensuite,andtwolivingareas.Theheartofthehomeboastsa wellequipped kitchen,family,anddiningarea -witha generouslysizedandseparatelivingspace.Stepoutside to astunningoutdooralfrescoareacompletewithBBQoverlookingtheopenspacesandallunder cover.Thesparklingingroundpoolallowsentertainingandenjoymentinsummer. Adoublecarport offersamplespaceforvehiclesandeventhecaravan,thereisseparatelockupgarageaswelland withYarraJunction’stowncentrejustfewminutesdriveaway,convenienceisn’tcompromised.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Wed4:00-4:30pm,Sat12:00-12:30pm 4 A 2

3BedroomHomewithMountainViewsandOutdoorEntertaining Adelightfulbrickhomesetona generousblock,greatforfirsthomebuyersoryoungfamilies. Offering 3bedrooms,a brightandcheerfulinteriorwithvibrantdécorandplentyofnaturallight.A neatandfunctionalkitchenboastsamplecupboardspace,makingmealprepa breeze,whilethe splitsystemensuresyearroundcomfort.Stepoutsidetoenjoya coveredentertainingareacomplete with abuiltinBBQidealforweekendgettogethers.Thefullyfencedbackyardfeatureslushlawn space, agardenshed,anda versatilestudio,providingflexibilityforhobbies,work,orstorage.Move inreadyandwaitingforthenextchapter,closetotheYarraRiverandwalkingtracksandgreat accessforpublictransportandshops.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Sat11:00-11:30am

averyspecialWarburtonpropertywith alittlebitofmusicalhistoryatthis wellknownaddress,simplystunninglocation,thisbeautifulhomeistheidealplacetosecureyou littlepieceofWarburton.Walkoutyourbackgateandyou’rerightonthewalkingtrailandin Warburton’smainstreetwithinminutestoenjoyallthemainstreeteateriesandattractions.The classicweatherboardhomeisverywellpresented,wellmaintainedandlovedandcaredforfor years,offering 2bedroomsplusa separatebungalowidealfortheB&B ortheextraweekendguests. Thelounge/familyroomisjustthespottositbackrelaxandenjoythecolorfulviewsandsurrounds andideallysituatedwiththeYarraRiverandgolfcoursejustovertheroadit’stheidealplacetocall home.

ClassicWarburtonHomewithFantasticViews

StepbackintimewiththisclassicWarburtonhome,boastingalltheperiodfeaturesoftheearlydays goneby ,mostlyoriginalthroughoutandfeaturinghighceilings,decorativecorniceandfloorboards. Offering 2goodsizedbedroomsand aseparatedownstairsoptional3rdbedroom,studyorgames roomplus aseparatelounge/livingroom.Headoutdoorsandenjoythebeautifulestablished gardensandthepicturesquelocationwithfantasticmountainviewsbathedinsunlightandsituated on alargefamilysizeblockofapprox.1000sqmwithplentyofspaceforeveryone.Convenientrear yardaccessandwithampleparkingand alockupgarageandbonussolarpower, agreatlocation just ashortstrolltotheYarrariverandWarburton’smainstreeteateriesandattractions,it’s agreat spottobe.

230BritanniaCreekRoad,Wesburn

YOUR OWN WELLNESS RETREAT ON 2 ACRES

WELCOME to 13 Maisie Road, Emerald — where a creative soul and thoughtful spaces collide. Once a 1-bedroom old farmers cottage now a 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been lovingly transformed into a peaceful, private sanctuary set on a generous 7,321m² of usable land, tucked away on a serene nothrough road.

Inside, character beams, spotted gum flooring, stylish design elements are beautifully crafted together, including a striking wrought iron handrail in the living area, an enclosed outside kitchen and skylights with retractable solar shutters that flood the home with natural light while offering energy-efficient climate control.

The home has been meticulously crafted with all finishes – big and small – carefully selected to ensure functionality and that importantly looks visually stunning.

• 4/5 bedrooms, the Zen master suite with calming bath and own deck

• Several living spaces, indoors and out. Gather in the kitchen to cook and converse. Well-appointed, custom fitted throughout.

Stay comfortable year-round with a large

split system, ducted heating and wood fire and enjoy the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

Host unforgettable gatherings in the spacious outdoor entertaining area, complete with blinds and a heater, or unwind on one of two decks overlooking the tranquil surrounds. The property also boasts a plunge pool, huge barn with sound-proof room inside, and a chook, goat accommodation, a greenhouse, fruit trees and vegetable/berry gardens for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.

Set among thriving wildlife, birdlife and native bush, but with plenty of usable clear land, the home feels like a private wellness retreat—peaceful, restorative, and totally unique.

You can easily walk into Emerald Township, schools, shops, eateries and parklands nearby. Rail connections to the CBD in Belgrave or it’s a 1-hour commute by car, access via Wellington Road.

This is more than a home; it’s the perfect yin to your yang.

Be quick to inspect as lifestyles like these don’t become available very often.

IMMACULATEHOMEINTHEHEARTOFMONBULK

Thisbeautifullypresentedhomeofferstheperfectblendofcountrycharmandmodern comfortsetona sunny1089sqmusableblock.Featuringstunningtimber floors,a sunlit country-stylekitchen,and open-planlivingthatflows to afabulous coveredentertaining deck withtreedviews.Enjoyyear-roundcomfortwithGDH,splitsystem,and aCoonara fireplace.Sealeddriveway,remotegate,andampleparking.WalktoMonbulk’smain street,schools,transport,andtheaquaticcentre -just10minutes to BelgraveCentral.

JanBrewster 0409558805

MickDolphin 0429684522

Areyoudreamingof atreechange?Characterrichlogcabin,originallybuiltover90 yearsago,blendingtimelesscharmwithmoderncomfort.Lovinglymaintained,featuring ductedheatingandsplitsystemair-conditioning,invitingopenfireplace,instanthotwater andgascookingappliances,anexpansivedeckwithstunningviews,nearacreofflat landscapedgrounds,wherea gentlecreekwindsaroundthebottom,anorchardwith seasonalfruitandanabundanceofparking.Thisismorethana home,it’sa lifestyle!

DavidStewart 0411655611

LUXURIOUSRESORT-STYLELIVINGWITHVIEWS

Luxuriousprivatelylocatedhome,offeringamazingviews,CBUSsystem, floorheating, marblebathrooms,Jarrahcabinetryinthekitchen,Glemdoubleovens,Mieleinduction cooktops,andCaesarStonebenches.Library,multiplelivingzones,inbuiltbar,games room,homecinema,hugeundercoverdecking,ingroundpool,changeroom,toiletand outdoorshower,sauna,largedecking.Fullsizedarena60 x20withviewingplatform.4 stables,tractorandHayshed, 2Dams,Billabong,10paddocksandsomuchmore!

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

GrantSkipsey 0418528102 CHARACTERANDCHARM

MickDolphin 0429684522

AVIEWTOA BETTERLIFESTYLE

TotalprivacywithviewstoSilvanDam,WarburtonRanges,ThePatch &Monbulk Entertainingareaadjacenttotheswimmingpoolwithspa.Wallsofglassinside &blue stonefeatured firesidefamilyroomplus astunningnearnewkitchenwithislandbar.Four orfivebedroomsincl.themasterbedroomwithensuite &WIR.Downstairshasa rumpus room &threeadditionalbedroomswithbathrooms,spas,& toilets.Outdoorentertainingis poolside orlazinginthespa.Dblecarport,MASSIVE opengarage& workshop/storage

HOME FOCUS

SCENTED GUMS ESTATE – ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE ON 2.8 SERENE ACRES

POSITIONED privately in a no-through-road, Scented Gums is a masterclass in scale, design and impeccable presentation. This striking five-bedroom, three-bathroom doublestorey residence unfolds across 2.8 acres (approx.) as an estate that blends architectural refinement with effortless family comfort.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s grand façade and commanding presence hint at what lies within. Step inside and be greeted by soaring voids, and expansive light-filled interiors that bring the outdoors in at every opportunity. The intelligent floorplan seamlessly zones formal and informal living, with a choice of lounges, a dedicated dining area, and a stunning central kitchen that anchors the home.

Features of the property include:

• 2.8 acres – a combination of landscaped gardens and natural bushland with an abundance of sun

Stunning Architectural Home with verandahs on all sides and multi-generational living options

• 2 spacious, robed bedrooms, a stunning bathroom and a powder room upstairs +

• Master with private views, his and hers robes, private balcony access and a stunning ensuite with access to the outdoor bath on the verandah

• 2 large living areas upstairs

• Direct access from the central living area through glass stacking doors to the undercover entertaining area overlooking the rear garden and natural bushland

Study/Home Office

Cathedral ceilings in the central living area and 10-foot ceilings or higher throughout the remainder of the home

• Double glazing throughout

• 2.4m doors throughout creating the feeling of space and style

Ducted reverse cycle heating and refrigerated cooling with App Control – My Place

• 2 further robed bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 2 living areas downstairs with separate access – offering multi-generational living potential

• Hydronic slab heating downstairs

Double sided wood fire adding to the impact into the formal entry

Huge entertainer’s kitchen with 4m concrete island bench, abundant storage and walk through pantry to laundry

• 4.6kW solar to offset the bills

10m x 15m (150m2) lined shed with concrete floor, power, ducted heating and cooling, a laundry, lighting, numerous electrical outlets and a contemporary bathroom – perfect for the home-based business or Man Cave

Additional 100m2 garage with room for all your toys

• Perimeter fencing • Abundance of parking and

• Grand entry gates that welcome you to arguably one of the most stunning homes in the Hills!

This one-of-a-kind property oozes quality, comfort and style and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated!

• This property has it all so don’t miss outCALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION TODAY! Call Samantha Scott 0438 680 032. 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.

“Lou-Mar”– QuietCountryLivingwithGreatShed!

Tuckedawayattheendof ano-throughroad,“Lou-Mar”offerspeaceful,practicallivingonjust underanacreinGembrook.Thischarmingthree-bedroom,two-bathroomhomefeaturesTassieOak floors,gasductedheating,a woodfire,and alight-filledkitchenwith900mmgasstovetop,island bench,skylight,andamplestorage.Themasterenjoysgardenviews,built-inrobes,and arenovated ensuite,whiletwoadditionalbedroomsshare acentralbathroomandEuropeanlaundry.Outdoors is atradie’sdream,witha huge9m x9mshedcompletewithpower,mezzanine,hoist,andconcrete floor,plusdoublecarport,hothouse,garden/woodshedsandplentyofparkingforcaravansor trailers.Whetheryou’retinkeringintheshedorrelaxinginthegarden,“Lou-Mar”deliversspace, lifestyleanda wholelotofcharmjustmomentsfromtheheartoftown.

LifestyleonanAcreinCockatoo. Tuckedawayon afullyfenced4,063sqmblock,thisspaciousfour-bedroom,two-bathroombrick homeblendscomfort,functionandoutdoorcharminpeacefulCockatoo.Inside,enjoyfreshcarpet, 9-footceilings,a flexiblefrontloungeandstudy,anda masterbedroomwithensuiteandgarden outlook.Theopen-plankitchen,diningandsecondlivingareacentresaround atoastywoodfire, withslidingdoorstoanexpansiveundercoverentertainingspaceframedbylushgardenpaths. Threeadditionalbedrooms,gasductedheating,evaporativecoolingand alargelaundrycomplete thepicture.Outsideis adreamforfamiliesandtradiesalike—apowered8m x7.5mshedwithgas heater,woodfireandaircon, alean-to,woodfireBBQ,gazebo,firepit,kids’playzoneand10,000-litre watertanks.A truelifestylehaventhat’sprivate,practical,andreadytoenjoy.

150KirkRoadCockatoo

$940,000 -$1,030,000

INCREDIBLE STYLE AND VERSATILITY

DESIGNED for sophisticated and harmonious family living on a superb 2,101sqm (approx.) landscape, this exceptional property stands out for all the right reasons. Boasting immense versatility, incredible quality, and idyllic outdoor entertaining areas, fortunate new owners will discover a fabulous lifestyle here.

When it’s time to gather with family and friends, the entry level features a formal lounge with wood fire and charming window seat that steps up to a bright family room and meals area with bamboo flooring. This zone then flows out to the expansive open and covered deck with skylights, ceiling fan, and heating for year-round enjoyment. Servicing these spaces is the exquisite chefs’ kitchen with stone benchtops, subway tiles, high quality appliances, and servery window that connects this space seamlessly with the deck. Additional living space can be found on the upper level mezzanine that overlooks this luxurious residence.

When it’s time to retreat for the day, there are several beautiful bedrooms on offer. The entry level features 3 bedrooms plus 2 magnificently renovated bathrooms that feature rainfall showers, floating vanities, and one with a relaxing soaking tub. With an additional bedroom on the mezzanine level and a lower level office/bedroom, this is a home you can grow into. In addition, 3 of the bedrooms are adorned with blackout blinds for complete comfort.

Furthermore, this stellar property also features gas ducted heating, split system heating/cooling, a lined double garage, 2 large sheds, raised veggie beds, and a charming gazebo that overlooks Monbulk Creek.

Guaranteed to impress, this property won’t remain on the market for long. Join us for a tour today.

AdventCare is a ‘not for profit’ organisation offering aged care that embraces Christian values. Yarra Ranges is a 42-bed facility nestled between the Yarra River and picturesque mountains making it a popular tourist destination all year round. Yarra Ranges offers a boutique feel while providing personalised care and emotional support to people and their family and friends. We are seeking applications from Personal Care Assistants who desire to support people to achieve their optimal function and independence.

Yarra Ranges has increased care minutes and therefore finds itself in the unique opportunity of having AM and PM shifts available. If you would like to work close to home while making a difference to someone’s else day, then this may be the opportunity for you!

On offer:

• Casual and +Permanent Part time positions

• Immediate start

• Salary sacrifice

The successful applicant/s will have:

• Experience in residential aged care.

•Knowledge of Aged Care Standards and Accreditation requirements.

• Valid police check or current NDIS Check.

• Work effectively within a team.

•Possess a compassionate, care and supportive nature.

Please email yarra.ranges@adventcare.org.au or call (03)5966 4400 for a position description or if you have any queries

O’Brien reaps more awards

By Rose Leban

The Olympic gold medallist, Kelland O’Brien who was born and raised in Lilydale has won a Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs) presented by the State Government of Victoria and Vicsport.

In the 2024 Paris Olympic games, O’Brien alongside his teammates Sam Welsford, Conor Leahy and Oliver Bleddyn, completed the pursuit race in three minutes and 42 seconds to claim gold over arch-rivals Great Britain.

“It was a heated battle as it always is, hats off to those guys they rode an amazing race, and we just stuck to our process and nailed it,” O’Brien said.

Tom Reynolds, the St Kilda Cycling Club president, said at the time that the 26-year-old showed his dedication and focus.

“Winning a gold medal has been one of Kell’s dreams since he started his cycling career, and his success on the track and on the road inspires all of us.

“His gold medal is the highlight of an incredibly busy year for Kell. He’s raced in more than a dozen international stage and one-day races this year, with more to come.”

The VSAs recognise people across individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that promoted participation.

Close games for Lilydale Croquet Club keep competition hot

By John Thomson

On Monday 12 May, the Lilydale Division 1 team played at Ringwood. These two teams are fairly evenly matched so it should be a good close competitive match.

The Lilydale team as usual is Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett. The first game was the doubles and both teams started well but the further the game went Ringwood were able to build a slender lead and win the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops. Murray Howlett played in the first singles game. Ringwood ran the first hoop but from then on Murray was able to take control of the game and hold the lead to win 7 hoops to Ringwood 4 hoops. Craig McCracken played in the next singles game. The Ringwood player has been in some very good form in recent times and has just returned from playing in the Australian Open competition. The Ringwood players’ good form carried over into this game as he went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 2 hoops. Craig McCracken played in the next game after the break, Craig had put his last game behind him and was focused on his current game and built a good lead to go on and win 7 hoops to Ringwood 3 hoops. This win by Craig levelled the scores at 3 games and 21 hoops each with one game to play. Murray Howlett played in the next game. This game was a battle between the top players from both clubs and the calibre of croquet that was played lived up to their rankings. The game went hoop for hoop and after twelve hoops had been played the scores were tied at 6 hoops each, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Both players set up well and the Ringwood player tried to run the hoop but he could only sit his ball in the hoop, Murray had a ball in front of the hoop but a fair distance from the hoop, the only option he had was to play a jump shot. The shot was good, it got off the ground and was going through the hoop but unfortunately on its way through it clipped the Ringwood player’s ball and put it through, game to Ringwood 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops. The final scores were Ringwood 3 games 28 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 27 hoops. This certainly was a great match between two very good sides. This week, the Lilydale Division 2 team played at home against Monash Croquet club. This week’s team was Alan Jones, Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley. Alan Jones and Kerri Mc-

Cracken played in the doubles. Lilydale were slow to get started and unfortunately their Monash opponents had built a good lead and were able to hold that lead winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. Mick Crawley played in the first singles game. Mick has had a very good season and his game is improving every week. Both players started reasonably well. As the game went on Mick was able to build a slender lead and win the game 7 hoops to Monash 5 hoops, Alan Jones played in the next game. Alan came out really focused in this game determined to make amends for the doubles. Alan played some great croquet, clearing balls, running hoops and had a comfortable 7 hoops to Monash 2 hoops win. Kerri McCracken played in the first game after the break. This was a tight game with both players playing well and taking their chances when they were able. After the twelfth hoop, the scores were six hoops each with the thirteenth hoop to be played. The Ringwood player was first to the hoop and set up well and when her time came to play that ball again was able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops. Mick Crawley played in the last game. Mick had obviously been saving his best for the last game as he came out and completely controlled this game and did not put a foot wrong and won 7 hoops to Ringwood 0 hoops. The final scores Lilydale 3 games 30 hoops to Monash 2 games 21 hoops. This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder with one week to play so they should be able to take out top spot this year.

This week the Lilydale handicap team played

at home against Ringwood. This week’s team consisted of the complete Lilydale handicap squad, Murray Howlett, Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken, Andrew Pawley, Murray McLean and Mark Edgell. Mick Crawley played in the first singles game. Mick has had a very good season so far, but the consequence of that is that his handicap has come down and in this game he was starting with a two hoop disadvantage. The Ringwood player got off to a good start and it took a while

for Mick to make up his disadvantage and get into the game, but by then it was too late and Ringwood won 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops. Murray McLean and Mark Edgell played in the first doubles game. Neither team had an advantage in this game. The game was close for the most part of the game until late in the game Ringwood were able to get a break and go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops. Drew Pawley played in the next singles game.

Kelland O’Brien was named as the winner of the Frank Wilkes award. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Murray McLean and Mark Edgell discussing their next move. (Supplied)

Drew Pawley playing his ball to the next hoop. (Supplied)

Mustangs take on Beacy

By Geoff ‘Joffa’ Newstead

After weeks of fine, sunny conditions, typical footy weather finally arrived on Saturday as the Mooroolbark Mustangs hosted Beaconsfield at the Heights Reserve on a cold, rainy day.

The Senior Women opened proceedings, managing to hold off the Beaconsfield girls in a tough encounter. Bella McMaster showed her class and skill once again, booting 2 goals and being voted best on ground. Ella Brown and Jane Pirouc also contributed with a goal each.

Final Score: Moorooolbark 4 – 8 – 32 d Beaconsfield 2 – 2 – 14

Goals: McMaster 2, Brown, Pirouc 1 each Best Players: McMaster, Brown, Lech, Delaney, R. Haberfield, Forrest

The Reserves took on the strong Beaconsfield combination and, after a slow start, managed to match it with their opponents in the second half, eventually going down by 58 points.

Max Batten put in his best game for the season so far and was rewarded with best player honours. Mason Sheedy again showed his class with another good performance and newcomer to the club, Jett Blumeris, also showed what he is capable of with a number of quality possessions. There were a lot of promising signs which will hopefully be reflected on the scoreboard in the coming weeks.

Final Score: Beaconsfield 14 – 13 – 97 d Mooroolbark 6 – 3 – 39

Goals: Walker, Blumeris, Wolf, Kowalski, Tewksbury, Storm 1 each

Best Players: Batten, Sheedy, Blumeris, Argus, Lutgens, Jack Kist

By the time the Seniors ran out, there had been a few showers of rain and the ground and the ball had become slippery, but that didn’t detract from the fierce contest that was to follow. Skipper Kane Noonan led from the front, providing plenty of drive from midfield while defenderHarryKeelingtookarguablythemark of the year and was voted the Mustangs’ best. Harry’s mark even featured on the Channel 9 Footy Show on Sunday morning. Billy Batten played his best game of the season so far while Connor Riley also showed us what he is capable of in defence. With the same number of scoring shots as our opponents, the Mustangs’ accuracy in front of goal again let them down. Coach Ben Wheat, in his after match address, praised the playing group for their endeavour against quality opposition and is confident his players are on the right track. This week, Mooroolbark host arch rivals Montrose at the

Heights in what should be an enthralling encounter, so if you can, get down to the ground and cheer on the Mighty Mustangs.

Draw for Barkers, loss for Barkerettes

Barkers draw again:

A dull day, but an unprecedented one at Skye Recreational Reserve. For the first time, the Barkers’ men and women would play the same team on the same day, an initiative for which both clubs should be applauded.

Barkers’ men (fourth) faced Skye (second), making two changes to the side which drew 5- 5 with Noble Park United, with Ray Markley and Ryan Smith replacing Sam Gommers and Christian Sapardanis.

Skye began better, then on six minutes, Markley had a free header to Tristan Walker, who hit a low shot wide.

Then Ross Clark played a one-two with Smith before shooting wide.

The hosts’ first chance came on 18 minutes, when Jason Nowakowski’s cross was blocked, he crossed again to Daniel Attard, and his shot was held by Vladi Velikin.

Eight minutes later, a long ball from the left saw Shameit Sharma with only the keeper to beat, but Velikin prevailed.

On the half hour, Skye threatened when Attard played wide to Sharma, but Chris Potter intercepted well.

Then a long shot from Alexandro Boisseranc was well held by Velikin.

In a game of few chances, Barkers won a free kick taken by Clark.

It was cleared to Markley, whose long shot was comfortable for keeper Steven Hadjikakou.

Just before the break, Sharma crossed for Varmah Ngoneh to shoot wide, and the sides went in scoreless at the break.

Just 10 seconds after the restart, a Skye attack was cleared, and a long ball to Marcus Watson

saw him beat off challengers, but he took on one too many, with support for the lone ranger sorely lacking.

Next, Skye’s Ngoneh broke quickly on the left, but James Barber’s pace saw him chase his man down and tackle.

Barkers had a good period around the hour mark.

Smith played to Watson, who found Danny Aye on the left, and he hit a long shot over.

Then Aye had a shot blocked, and he squared the rebound to Smith, whose first-time shot went just over.

Skye replied with a long ball to Ngoneh, who cut in from the left but was blocked by Velikin.

Skye had the better chances towards the end, with Barber laying a very good saving tackle on Tapiwa Kufakurowa, but the sides cancelled each other out, and Barkers had played their first goalless league game for an astonishing 11 years.

The Barkers’ reserves lost 0-2, and next for the men is a home game against Casey Comets (Saturday 1pm/3pm).

Barkerettes in luckless loss;

After the men played out a goalless draw, the evening turned chilly.

Now the Barkerettes (seventh) faced Skye (eighth), with both sides looking for their first win of the season.

The unusual kick-off time meant that Eleanor Ridley and Alexis Sketchley were unavailable.

In an open start, Barkerettes almost took the lead after nine minutes.

A free kick from 25 yards saw Kelly Butera crash the ball against the bar.

The rebound seemed to be bundled over the line but the flag was up for offside.

Skye’s first threat came on 25 minutes, when Charlotte Martin chased back and tackled to thwart the danger.

Alizah Jones now came on as a substitute, and within seconds, she raced down the right and crossed for Laelah Gundry, who forced a pointblank save from Cadence Vakacavu.

Then controversy. Skye pumped the ball long for Nilab Mohammadi to chase and she ran on to score.

The linesman had failed to spot that the striker was offside, and Barkers found themselves 0-1 down.

Barkers piled on the pressure, with Jones and Amy D’Ortenzio creating chances, but not troubling the keeper.

Then Barkers’ night took another wrong turn.

Barkers played the ball back to the keeper, but she, thinking the ball had come off an attacker, picked the ball up.

The referee gave an indirect free kick on the

edge of the box to Skye.

The ball was squared to Abby Johnston, who hit an unstoppable shot into the net to make it Skye 2-0 Barkers at the break.

The second half saw Barkers pin Skye in their own half.

Charlotte McCullough had a shot saved, then a Skye backpass went unpunished.

Then the Skye keeper made a superb double save.

On the hour, Gracie Touliatos crossed for Butera, who shot past the far post.

Then disaster. Utterly against the run of play, Mohammadi broke quickly, held off a defender, made space for herself and hit a sweet shot into the net for 3-0.

A well-taken goal, but most unexpected. Barkers threw everything at Skye once more.

D’Ortenzio set up McCullough, Jones bamboozled the left back and shot, D’Ortenzio shot wide, Martin hit a fizzer of a free-kick past the post.

A physical game eventually saw Skye’s Amba Tennant go for an early bath, but Barkers could not break through – full time 3-0 to Skye.

Frustrating doesn’t begin to describe this night. Barkers have only 3 points from 4 games, but some time, somewhere, if they take their chances, some unsuspecting opponent is going to get absolutely leathered.

On Friday, Barkers’ Women’s State 4 side won 2-0 against Bentleigh United Cobras, with Indio Pensa grabbing both goals.

Next for the senior women is a home game with Seaford United (Friday 8.30pm) while the State 4 side travel to Croydon City (Dorset Recreation Reserve, Sunday 6.30pm).

Final Score : Beaconsfield 8 – 5 – 53 d Mooroolbark 4 – 8 – 32

Goals : Gebert, Neal, Monteath, Symonds 1

each Best Players: Keeling, Noonan, Batten, Hartman, Crossley, Riley

Greg Maki received life membership of the Mooroolbark Football Club. (Supplied)

The Barkers have only three points from four games this season. (File)

Eagles knocked out of shield

By Callum Ludwig

It was a busy week for the Lilydale Eagles Soccer Club with two midweek matches and a cup tie on the weekend.

Both the Reserves and Seniors took on Maroondah United at home on Wednesday night while the Seniors played Dandy Casuals in the Parry Shield on Saturday, with the Reserves having to forfeit their cup tie due to injuries.

Playing under lights, the Reserves looked comfortable on the ball but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Their task was made more difficult in the 10th minute when Maroondah United got a breakthrough goal scored by Sam Martin who slipped in behind the defence and finished off the move to make it 1-0.

The Reserves toiled and tried throughout the half but their frustrations began to boil over, committing unnecessary fouls and losing the ball needlessly.

Playing on the larger pitch at Morrison Reserve also seemed to play into the Eagles’ weakness so far this season with space in behind for attackers to exploit and run into.

The Reserves went into halftime still 1-0 down and looking to get back into the game.

This wasn’t to be, however and again, the Reserves found themselves conceding a sloppy goal at the back, failing to cut out another chance in the 50th minute for Maroondah United which was scored by Eden Coombes.

The Eagles looked down and out and struggled to make any meaningful inroads for the rest of the game, resorting to long balls that were just off-target and flashing any shots they had high or wide.

The match ended 2-0 and ended the Reserves’ unbeaten start to the season, though they remain fourth in the table.

Rumour has it that Reserves’ scouts have identified new recruits from South Korea and Germany who will join the side in the coming weeks to bolster the defence.

For the Seniors, they looked to continue their good run of form in the league and rise up the table.

Things got off to a positive start for the Eagles with most of the play going their way and chances aplenty.

The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute by playing coach Daniel ‘Dicko’ Dickson who was on hand to tap home a simple finish in the box to give the Eagles an early lead.

Maroondah United rallied afterwards and tried to get back into the game, with Lilydale centre back giving away a free kick in a dangerous area and receiving a yellow card after he tumbled over and was judged to have handled the ball.

The resulting free kick was taken by a left-footed Maroondah United midfielder and had to be palmed over the bar by keeper Callum Ludwig.

The corner was easily dealt with and the Eagles sprang a counterattack and won a corner, which was whipped in and nodded home by the towering shiny head of captain Kaiden Deany-Smith to put paid to the uplift of Maroondah United in the 28th minute.

Within the next minute, the captain struck again, this time bundling home after a second ball came back in following another Lilydale corner and it was brace for the big bald defender.

Maroondah United were rattled and it only got worse from there as in the 31st minute, the Eagles had another as Sam Van applied a simple finish to another incisive Eagles’ move.

Maroondah United did once again pick up from there as Lilydale slicked off a little. The visitors had a penalty shout waved away for another potential handball by Lachy Hamling who got away with it due to the ref deeming his arm was not away from his body.

United did peg one back in the 35th minute through Niphitphon Khongwutthikanon and this scoreline remained at halftime.

The Eagles were delighted with their performance so far and went back out in the second half full of confidence.

It showed with tricky winger Christian ‘Flik’ Lindner-Mark earning a penalty early in the second half to restore the four-goal cushion, dispatching his shot straight down the middle.

In the 66th minute, Bailey Hone would go on to make it 6-1 and put any hopes of a Maroondah United comeback to bed.

Maroondah United did get another consolation goal in the 70th minute, when an attempted switch of play by Ludwig was cut out on the left wing and was beaten by Ronald Lyan’s looping

and curling finish.

There was to be one more notable highlight with right back Braden Zammit seemingly forgetting which code of football he was playing and getting up for a ‘hanger’ of a header on his opponent and giving away a fould in the process.

The match would finish 6-2 and the Eagles Seniors are now also fourth in the league table, with both sides facing Waverley City away next in the league.

An undermanned Seniors outfit, struggling with illness, injury and other unavailability, travelled to Mulgrave in cold and wet conditions on Saturday 17 May for the Parry Shield.

Dandy Casuals were yet to pick up a win in the league but were looking to enact a ‘cupset’ over the Eagles at their home ground.

The small pitch with lopsided goals and tough conditions presented a challenge for the Eagles who struggled early to string their usual passes together.

Dandy Casuals defended deep and looked to hit on the counter, absorbing any pressure the Eagles threw at them and doing well to prevent any dangerous shots on target.

Thefirsthalfremainedlargelyuneventfulwith no particularly dangerous chances for either side other than a header from a corner put over the crossbar by Lilydale’s Kaiden Deany-Smith.

The Eagles tried to regroup at halftime and make the most of their possession but frustration again proved a point of struggle with Dicko giving away a free kick in a dangerous area after giving in to some niggle from an opponent. Thankfully, the free kick did not trouble Eagles keeper Ludwig.

Things simmered along until the 67th minute when Dandy Casuals won a corner on their right wing which was whipped in and lost by Ludwig in the slippery conditions. Ludwig got in front of the first shot and kept it out but it fell to George Vergakis who volleyed home through a crowd of

Eagles players. Lilydale Eagles turned and tried to get back on top, continuing to dominate general play but struggling to break down the stubborn Dandy Casuals rearguard.

Disaster struck in the 81st minute when Dandy Casuals dealt comfortably with a Lilydale corner and sent a long ball forward which Hayden Llewellyn pursued. Llewellyn got past Jake ‘Digga’ Dioguardi on the halfway line and pushed forward towards the right-hand side, hitting a curling effort before Digga could recover and the shot caught out backtracking keeper Ludwig at his near post. The Dandy Casual’s home pitch proved advantageous as the keeper struggled to get a read of his goalmouth with the goals at either end poorly aligned. Lilydale Eagles tried with the remaining time to get numbers forward and get back into the game but to no avail and the match finished 2-0 and their cup run was over at the first hurdle.

One strong win and two disappointing losses this week for the Lilydale Eagles. (File)

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...