Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 3rd June 2025

Storm prep

By Tanya Steele

A township group has jumped at the opportunity to create a series of community education films for their community in the hills and beyond.

The Montrose Township group has brought several community groups in the Yarra Ranges area together to create educational support and preparation films to share online to prepare for big weather events.

Montrose Township Group Chelsey Cooper member said the group are rapt with how the vid-

eos came out and especially pleased to hear how well they are being received both in our community and beyond.

“We have an active social media presence and will be sharing videos at relevant times of the year, when big weather events are imminent,” she said.

The series of short films will help residents prepare for weather-related emergencies and power outages and they are engaging, with a little comedy sprinkled here and there. Locals will recognise people from CFA, SES, local primary

school and more (even the local Montrose butcher appears).

The four short films focused on storms, heat waves, generator maintenance and the towns action plan MAMAM, which stands for Meet at Montrose at Midday.

Ms Cooper said the group on weather events because storms and heat waves are becoming more common.

“It brings with it the risk of prolonged power outages, which can have a significant impact on

us, and especially those who live with vulnerabilities,” she said.

Filming was a lot of fun, and Ms Cooper said a lot of the preparation was nailing down the key messages for each film, recruiting the talent and scoping film locations.

“We deliberately chose a mix of community group and local business representation, working to ensure we captured a cross-section of our wonderful community,” she said.

Read more on page 6

The Montrose Township group has brought several community groups in the Yarra Ranges area together to create educational support and preparation films to share online to prepare for big weather events. (Supplied)

Preparing for high demand

By Callum Ludwig

With the cold and wet weather creeping in as winter approaches, the opening of the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter doors couldn’t come at a more appropriate time this weekend.

Starting in 2017, Stable One has run the Winter Shelter each year since and will be running the program again from Sunday 1 June.

Stable One chief executive Katherine Kirkwood said the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter began as a local, practical response to the increasing issue of homelessness, with multiple churches across different denominations collaborating by opening their venues to provide a meal, shelter and community connection to those without a place to stay.

“It runs just for the winter months, involving ideally 150 plus volunteers who cook, spend time with guests, stay awake overnight, drive the minibus and move the trailer with bedding and other supplies between venues during the week,” she said.

“The shelter hosts up to 10 guests per night – both male and female, some who have been sleeping rough, in their cars or in tents throughout the Yarra Valley, the shelter gives them a chance to keep warm and well fed, engage in positive social interactions, and ‘feel like a human again’, as quoted by a previous guest,”

“Although it is a short-term program, the finite nature of the shelter can motivate guests to intentionally engage with the support provided and take positive steps forward, when someone’s primary needs are taken care of, they are better able to think about ‘what’s next’ or how they can improve their situation.”

Shelter volunteers are on site throughout the winter months to support those who access the shelter while thanks to a grant earlier this year, a dedicated Welfare Coordinator has also been employed to help connect people with local services and provide personal assistance and support.

Ms Kirkwood said they partner closely with Anchor Community Care in Lilydale, who undertake all guest assessments and approvals on their behalf and from discussions with them, understand that there has been a dramatic increase of individuals, couples and families seeking assistance.

“The heartbreaking situation is that there are simply not enough resources to provide assistance for those in need – with limited affordable housing and no other crisis accommodation available in our local area, options are extremely limited, our winter shelter provides Anchor with a chance to say ‘yes, we have something for you’,” she said.

“As our program can cater for only up to 10 guests per night, however, we know that we can’t solve the homelessness crisis by ourselves, but

does that mean that we shouldn’t bother doing anything,”

“Of course no, we are doing what we can, with the resources that we have – and if it makes a positive difference for even just one person, it’s absolutely worth it, that’s why we have a One in our name, we expect to care for approximately 30-35 ‘ones’ across the full three months.”

The Yarra Valley Winter Shelter was the first in Stable One’s Winter Shelter Network, with research by founder Jenny Willetts OAM and the experience of the shelter allowing them to provide consulting advice to other shelters starting out. The Winter Shelter Network now includes shelters in Wangaratta, Frankston, Bendigo, Bass Coast and Benalla in Victoria as well as Toowoomba and Gympie in Queensland, spanning from established shelters to those looking to launch pilot programs this winter.

Ms Kirkwood said their ideal volunteer number is 150, with 1300 shifts to fill throughout the season, and they currently sit at about the 130 mark and would love some more volunteers to help fill the roster with more ease.

“Sharon Jacob has been engaged as our Op-

erations Coordinator this year, and she is doing a wonderful job coordinating the volunteers and making sure shifts are filled in preparation for opening on 1 June, volunteers come both from local churches and across the community,” she said.

“They recognise that by themselves they can’t do much to help with such a huge housing and homelessness crisis, but when working as part of a team in a program such as this, they can achieve great things, we often find that not only does our program provide a sense of community and belonging for our guests, it does this for our volunteers too,”

“The extra special volunteers are our overnighters – those that are willing to stay awake from 11pm to 6am to ensure our shelter remains a safe place for everyone – engaging enough overnight volunteers is always our biggest challenge.”

Whether interested in volunteering or finding alternative ways you can support, more details can be found at stableone.org.

Ms Kirkwood said for people looking to support the winter shelter, there are many ways to get involved.

“Volunteering is the first option of course – and there are a few different roles to suit different abilities, volunteers can do as many or as few shifts as they like – there is no minimum,” she said.

“In order to keep the shelter running smoothly, Stable One is supported by generous individuals and organisations who see the value in our work – both locally, and also as we help others to do what we do though the Winter Shelter Network and if you can’t do either of those things, don’t think that you can’t still make a difference,”

“I would encourage people to consider how they can offer those doing it tough ‘unconditional positive regard’ – by withholding judgement, being interested in them as a person, engaging in conversation or being a listening ear, recognise that until you have walked in their shoes, you can’t understand fully the choices that you see them making, simply offering a smile can change someone’s day for the better.”

Those looking to provide financial support can sponsor one or more bed nights for $42 per night for the local program, or make a financial donation towards the work of Stable One more generally.

Call to consider caravans as a housing solution

By Callum Ludwig

A compassionate Yarra Ranges resident has put forward a plea to Yarra Ranges Council to find a solution regarding using second homes, such as caravans, as a remedy for the housing crisis.

Warburton’s Ivor Wolstencroft spoke at the Tuesday 27 May Council meeting and compared the plight of the homeless to the 41 miners trapped in the Uttarakhand tunnel in 2023 that were rescued by Monbulk resident Professor Arnold Dix, who Mr Wolstencroft recently met.

Mr Wolstencroft said he wanted to start by introducing his friend Charlie, a woman of a similar age to him who lives in a caravan at the Warburton Holiday Park.

“About ten years ago, Charlie experienced an act of kindness, the new owners, David and Simon, instead of kicking the long-term residents out, gave each of the residents a long-term lease, I’m sure that these new leases were not given because of a profit motive, but they were given a lease that looked after the residents,”

“All they feared that was about to happen, awful rumours had abounded at that time, did not happen, it was an act of kindness, let’s turn the clock now on ten years, and suppose Charlie has a sister, Linda, who is in the same situation as Charlie was ten years ago, single, financially vulnerable, but now the caravan park is full,”

“I have a caravan in my backyard, but because it doesn’t meet the building code for a second home, I cannot let Linda stay with me, so today, the Shire of Yarra Ranges allows residents to live

in a caravan park in accommodation that doesn’t meet the building code, but doesn’t allow a resident to live in the same van in a backyard in our Shire and remember, we have a housing crisis with record low-vent rental vacancy rates.”

In a presentation provided to Yarra Ranges Council and the Star Mail, Mr Wolstencroft estimated using council data for registered caravans, population of the shire and the average household size in Greater Melbourne, that if even a quarter of the caravans in the Yarra Ranges could be used for short-term accommodation, as many as 3000 people could have somewhere to live. Mr Wolstencroft compared this to the proposed Cerini Centre Affordable Social Housing Project in Warburton, which he also supports, which would house about 30 people at a time.

Mr Wolstencroft said he thinks we are in a situation akin to the 41 miners and the miners were saved not because Arnold Dix knew the solution, but because his team struggled with all the variables, failed repeatedly, but finally won.

“Thus far I’ve concluded it is all about legal advice…Last Thursday when I had a meeting with Council staff, I was told that the Council legal advisers had said that the proposal that I brought forward could not succeed because the proposed term, that is a three-year permit, would not be considered temporary in law,” she said.

“Professor Dix talks about kindness, and I’ve seen that abundantly in this chamber and in Council staff, we need kindness plus expertise, legal expertise and 41 miners, code for the homeless and those seeking affordable rentals, are

needing rescue,”

“This is urgent, but just like mine rescue, it has to be done carefully, please review Professor Dix’s presentation, it gives me hope, and I hope we can enlist the support of the best legal brains of the land to help us act wisely and give council the legal basis it needs to act, tomorrow if not sooner.”

Professor Dix also provided a supporting presentation for Mr Wolstencroft.

In Mr Wolstencroft’s presentation, he proposes: Allow for caravans to be used as accommodation for 6 months

Longer-term use of Caravans to be allowed, subject to the rental vacancy rate in the Shire eg: if the vacancy rate hits 2.5 per cent, licenses for long-term caravan housing are not available

Caravans for long-term use must be registered, with an annual fee applying and licenses being temporary (Mr Wolstencroft suggested three years but admits one year might be more suitable for a pilot project)

$150.

Licenses are limited to one per title

Caravans must be behind the building line and any exceptions are subject to approval

Once the rental vacancy rate in the previous 12 months falls to an acceptable level, no licenses are then available and the use of caravans reverts to the standard three-month rule for using a caravan as a dwelling on private property

Proposes that triggers for licenses could be implemented based on the vacancy rate eg: three-year licenses available at 0.5 per cent, twoyear at one per cent and one-year at 1.5 per cent.

Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox OAM said it ‘rings like very good advice’ to him and Billanook Ward Councillor Tim Heenan also spoke.

“I’ll echo that too, when every winter comes around, it weighs heavily on me, those people that have not got a roof over their head, there’s enormous frustration on not being able to make things work in the way we should in Yarra Ranges,” Cr Heenan said.

“I know that what you presented tonight has got complications, obviously, but probably tonight’s not the night to talk about it, but I don’t think it will go on deaf ears either, I think we’ll have a fair dinkum chat about that at another time.”

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child requested that the council’s governance team and Director of Communities to liaise with Mr Wolstencroft in regards to his request with a view to ‘come back to an appropriate forum to discuss that outcome.’

Stable One’s Heidi Rickard (Welfare Coordinator), Sharon Jacob (Operations Coordinator), Dr David Wilson (Board Consultant) and Katherine Kirkwood (CEO) at Wandin Baptist Church, (Stewart Chambers: 481057)

Could a greater ability to use caravans for accommodation be a solution to the housing crisis? (Unsplash/Stephan Widua)

Memorial for Elias

By Tanya Steele

Victoria Police from near and far gathered in Belgrave last week with the family of a young police graduate to celebrate one of their own and remember one who they had lost.

A memorial award has been given out for the first time on Friday 23 May in honour of police officer and community member Elias Gerovasilis, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at just 22.

A day of mixed emotions for many, the local tragedy spurred on the establishment of the award by Victoria Police to recognise an individual who has shown outstanding effort and involvement in Road Safety within the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area.

First-time winner of the award, Leading Senior Constable James Savin, hugged Elias’ parents Bill and Janine as he received the award.

The family, along with Elias’ older brother, Joaquim, and younger sister, Poppy, are well known in the Tecoma. In his short time as a police officer at Belgrave, Elias had a big impact and his passing has been felt deeply by family, police and the wider community.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, Winston Churchill said that,” LSC Savin said.

“Elias is not with us, but he lives on in this project.”

LSC Savin was nominated for the award by his peers and the Yarra Ranges High Patrol officer has shown dedication to and enforcement of road safety strategies, whilst also showing initiative in road safety and road trauma.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of coming up with new ways to make a difference in road policing, whether it be through different operations, or looking at how the Highway Patrol delivers its service,” LSC Savin said.

LSC Savin said the divisional highway patrol, in cooperation with the State Highway Patrol, con-

ducted an operation over four weekends up in the Yarra Ranges.

“This was focused on regular recreational motorcycle riders - and it was an operation based on pulling in the motorcyclists and having a chat with them and seeing that the gear was all up to scratch, and their helmets were up to scratch, and their motorcycles were in good condition,” he said.

Police handed out pamphlets for safe motorcycle riding and also spoke with motor vehicle drivers about being aware of motorcyclists on the road.

“We spoke to over close to 150 motorcyclists during those four weekends,” LSC Savin said.

“This was well received, especially in the Healesville community.”

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said, whilst it is tremendous to recognise the award in Elias’s memory, it also brings that touch of sadness that no doubt his members here feel every day, as does the family.

“I think the ongoing work and highlighting Elias’ memory in the past by going forward with an

award that recognises someone who has committed to providing road safety outcomes in the Yarra Ranges police service area is just such a great synergy,” he said.

“Elias will be honoured for his service and his life.”

Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett reflected on the impact of Elias’s tragedy and the connection between the young police officer and the community.

“The connection was really strong, and so therefore was the trauma, heartache and sorrow,” he said.

Policing in his community for 16 years, LSC Savin was presented with a plaque donated by Malcolm Brownlee from Audio Visual Displays Boronia, with timber sourced from trees in Sherbrooke that fell during the big storm events in June 2021.

A representative from Victoria Police Legacy said on the day that road safety is not just a cause, it’s a calling.

“In support of Elias, we reinforce our shared mission to honour those we’ve lost by preventing future tragedy,” they said.

“This award, which proudly extends across the Yarra Ranges police service area, is more than a plaque, a call to action and a reminder of what one dedicated officer can inspire.”

“We are also incredibly proud to welcome both Bill and Janine as newly embraced friends of Police Legacy.”

A candle was lit in honour of Elias, and Janine and Bill Gerovasilis stood and thanked many of the police officers in attendance who were connected to Elias and who helped to establish the award.

“Thank you to our boy – we love you, miss you, and your legacy is going to continue,” Janine said.

Elias’s family and police came together for a morning tea after the official proceedings.

The Elias Gerovasilis memorial award is peer-nominated and selected, and will now be awarded on 23 May each year.

Coroner calls for better communication

By Tanya Steele

Eastern Health has made a number of changes to communication and safety in their infant delivery processes after the tragic loss of a baby a few years ago at Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully.

Coroner Dimitra Dubrow has handed down findings on 13 May full-term infant who passed away shortly after birth at Angliss Hospital in August 2022.

“I convey my sincere condolences to Baby W’s family for their loss,” said Coroner Dubrow.

First child to his parents, Baby W, died shortly after birth due to complications arising from a long overnight labour which involved the use of forceps, vacuum assistance and eventually an emergency caesarean section.

Officially investigated as a sentinel event — a preventable death as a result of adverse care, Baby W was born in ‘poor condition’, and attempts to resuscitate the infant by staff were unsuccessful.

Findings from the investigation revealed that the obstetric registrar on duty was not accredit-

ed at Eastern Health to independently perform instrumental deliveries and held an unaccredited second-year registrar position, although they were a consultant obstetrician overseas prior to coming to Australia in 2018.

Other issues flagged from the investigation included the lack of documentation around the position of the baby’s head.

“It is clear that the position of the fetal head was not positively identified, which in turn impacted the discussion regarding the birth plan between the registrar and the consultant,” said Coroner Dubrow.

Vaginal examination findings at the birth did not include position and station of the baby’s head and this table was found to be left blank.

The cause of death was classed by the coroner as a subgaleal haematoma and subarachnoid haemorrhage complicating a prolonged labour, or ruptured veins in the scalp, and stroke.

It was explained through the findings that subgaleal haematoma can occur after difficult

vaginal delivery, particularly if there has been a vacuum extractor used.

Eastern Health made a number of changes to its communication, expectations and governance around registrar credentialing and supervision after the sentinel event.

The review panel recommended that all consultants be aware of all the registrars’ current clinical capabilities and the responses required for outside of hours, depending on individual capability, and better awareness in general surrounding employees’ skill set and scope on rosters.

Eastern Health has also referred to a new Safety Bundle for assisted vaginal delivery being trialled at Monash Health which includes a ‘team time out’ prior to assisted delivery taking place and a formal checklist to improve communication as measures to adopt if the trial is found to be effective.

Coroner Dubrow said that this case serves as an important reminder of how critical building and maintaining a safety culture is.

IN BRIEF

Rethinking cat roaming RSPCA Victoria is urging cat owners across the state to rethink letting their cats roam with the launch of a new campaign; Rethink Roaming, highlighting local risks to cat safety.

While letting cats roam might seem natural, they’re up to three times more likely to die, can lose up to 10 years off their life, and cat owners who allow their cats to roam face 400 per cent higher vet bills and visits.

In the Yarra Ranges, there are unique risks to your cat. These include:

The Yarra Ranges has a large amount of bushland and cats are prohibited from bushland reserves to ensure that local wildlife is protected.

On average, roaming pet cats kill more than three animals every week. 85 per cent of the animals killed by pet cats are not brought home.

In rural areas, snakes are common near tall grass, bush and waterways. If a cat encounters a snake, it might try to pounce, strike, or even kill it.

40 per cent of cats bitten by a snake die.

RSPCA Victoria’s head of prevention Rebecca Cook said the campaign prioritised helping people keep their cats safe.

“We know animals make our lives better, and we also know Victorians love their cats, but the reality is, allowing them to roam takes years off their lives,” Ms Cook said.

“From being hit by cars, getting into fights, or catching diseases, the risks are so much greater than people expect.

“It’s why we’ve created this campaign to help cat owners understand the dangers their cat faces and find easy ways to keep them safe and happy at home.“

Yarra Ranges Council have a 24/7 cat curfew in place which means residents must keep their cats within their property boundary at all times.

Handbags stolen Mooroolbark was targeted in the early hours of Tuesday 27 May with three thefts from motor vehicles occurring.

Between the time of 1.30am and 2am, thieves allegedly targeted Orrong Road and Petty Street in Mooroolbark with several items stolen including a black/white bag Mimco Tote and a black leather Kate Spade handbag.

Police would like to find the missing items and the people who took them.

It came as a timely and unfortunate reminder to ensure residents lock their vehicles and don’t leave valuables on display.

If you know more information about the people depicted in the image below or you have CCTV capturing these people, please contact the Mooroolbark Police Station on 9725 9999 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are seeking information after thieves allegedly stole multiple branded handbags from vehicles in Mooroolbark. (Victoria Police)

The Gerovasilis family with LSC James Savin at Belgrave Police Station. (Tanya Steele: 480364)

Strongly anchored locally

By Tanya Steele

Anchor has launched its end-of-financial-year support drive in the outer east and joined forces at the same time, with a local radio station supporting their cause in style with a bit of fun thrown in the mix.

The charity group appeared in the Bayswater Hotel on Friday 30 May as part of Fox FM’s ‘Breaky in the Burbs’, bringing together radio celebrities Fifi, Fev and Nick – along with the surrounding community to a fun filled morning.

Anchor chief executive officer Heidi Tucker joined in the festivities on the day and said the event was packed with people at the Bayswater Hotel and a great boost for her organisation.

“Fifi, Fev and Nick are very real people; they really command a very warm and engaging environment,” she said.

“I thought it was a good morning, and there was quite a turnout.”

The event highlighted Anchor’s cause and specifically the story of a young woman named Ella, who 18, and lives with an intellectual disability.

A strong, young survivor, going through traumatic abuse and bullying, Anchor helps teenagers like Ella to achieve their goals and build a full and thriving life.

Ms Tucker said the fun event was great support for Anchor, who appeared as a team with a table at the hotel to highlight their cause.

“They did several radio grabs talking about what we did, particularly in our My Life Program, which is where Ella’s story comes in,” she said.

Anchor, an outer east charity, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a history of supporting disadvantaged people in Australia for more than 40 years.

“Even though we’ve been around a very long time, not everybody knows about us,” Ms Tucker said.

“What we often find is that when we meet community members, they go, Well, how can we help?”

Highlights on the day included prizes, live performances and a lot of crowd participation.

Ms Tucker said they were fortunate to sell some t-shirts designed by Anchor’s young people, who are in their youth foyer program in Lilydale.

“Youth Foyer is for young people who are homeless, and they can be anywhere between about 16 and 22 – it gives them two years of very low, low rent accommodation,” she said.

“It can really set them back on a trajectory where they don’t become homeless.

“We’ve been running it for 15 years, and we’ve had remarkable results.”

Anchor began collaborating with Fox FM over a year ago to bring the event to life, and

Ms Tucker said the engagement was positive, with lots of the public coming up to talk to them and take brochures.

“There were hundreds of people there that morning,” Ms Tucker said.

“It was about trying to make people in our whole community aware that there are organisations like Anchor, who are assisting in turning the lives around of young people.

“These are people who are in their com-

munity, come from their community, but are not so lucky, or not so fortunate as they have been.”

Community connection shone through the event, and Ms Tucker said she hopes to continue more things like it in the future. Anchor’s EOFY drive continues on and people can find out more about it on their website, anchor.org.au/eofy2025/

By Dongyun Kwon

A Coldstream-based winery recently announced the closure of its restaurant.

Over the years, Oakridge Wines has contributed to solidifying Yarra Valley’s reputation as a top wine region in Australia by winning multiple awards in different stages.

Despite its fame, the winery will shut down its restaurant from Monday 30 June.

The decision was made by Endeavour Group which acquired Oakridge in 2021.

An Endeavour Group spokesperson said the difficult decision was made in light of changing market conditions and in order to focus on and expand the core winemaking and cellar door operations.

“We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has joined us in the restaurant over the years. Pouring our wines and offering out-

standing cuisine with the backdrop of our Yarra Valley estate vineyards has been a great pleasure and privilege. We are incredibly grateful for your support and we want to assure you that this decision was not taken lightly,” they said.

“Rest assured, our cellar door remains fully operational and your favourite Oakridge wines aren’t going anywhere. In addition to our cellar door, wines are available from our website and through our esteemed wine club membership.

“If you hold a current gift voucher this can be redeemed for dining prior to the restaurant closure on June 30 or for cellar door wine purchases and hosted tasting experiences at any time. Should you wish to have this voucher converted to an on-line credit for purchasing wine via our website or if you would prefer a refund then our team will accommodate any of these options.” For any enquiries, Please contact on  03

or email cellardoor@oakridgewines.com.au

Local charity Anchor has launched their 2025 EOFY appeal, highlighting the cause of our vulnerable youth. (Supplied).

Crowds came to Breaky in the Burbs at the Bayswater hotel and Anchor CEO Ms Tucker said it was packed. (Supplied).

The event gave the local charity a chance to connect with locals and highlight their cause. (Supplied).

Worsening tree dieback

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Dandenong Ranges residents and bushwalkers have raised serious concerns after noticing trees turning brown east of the popular Thousand Steps. The tree browning, known as dieback, is becoming more noticeable in the Ferntree Gully section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

The worst of the dieback has been spotted near Devil’s Elbow on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, where some trees have been burnt four times in 40 years, twice by bushfires and twice by planned burns.

The Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group, president, Robert Pergl lives in the Ranges and has seen the changes up close.

“It’s a concern, especially with where we’re heading in terms of global warming,” Mr Pergl said.

“If we can’t directly change the climate, then we need to look at what else we can manage, like how often we’re burning these areas, and whether that’s making things worse.”

Mr Pergl said while fire is a natural part of the Australian bush, it’s the increasing frequency, combined with hotter and drier weather, that’s proving too much for some species.

“Every time a fire goes through, the trees use their energy stores to push out new growth. That might be okay once or twice, but not again and again. Eventually, they just don’t recover,” he said.

One tree in particular is showing signs of stress - the Tremont Bundy, a naturally occurring hybrid between Mountain Grey-gum and Longleaved Box, which dominates the canopy in this part of the park.

“It’s not just a tree, it’s a key part of the whole ecosystem,” Mr Pergl said.

“If we lose the canopy, we risk losing the structure of the forest. That means changes to the understorey, the wildlife, everything.”

Beyond the environmental concerns, Mr Pergl said the visual and emotional impact of losing these trees shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Imagine coming out to the Dandenongs and seeing treeless slopes, that’s not the place locals or tourists know and love. The forest here is part of our identity, our lifestyle, and it’s what draws people to this region,” he said.

He also highlighted how the landscape is changing more noticeably with each passing season.

“We’re in an exceptionally dry autumn after a very dry summer. It’s the cumulative impact that’s concerning. The trees are trying to respond, but they’re running out of options,” Mr Pergl said.

Mr Pergl believes fire management in public parks must be backed by science, and he wants more transparency and data around prescribed burns.

“It’d be great to actually know how much fuel

is being reduced with each burn, and whether it’s worth the damage it’s causing,” he said.

“We’re not saying don’t burn, we’re saying let’s do it in a way that’s informed and evidence-based.”

He also stressed the importance of community involvement. Earlier this year, the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group organised a site visit with ecologists to take a closer look at the affected areas.

“When local people get involved, it gives the bush a sense of identity, it keeps it in the public eye,” Mr Pergl said.

“These forests need people to care about them, to speak up for them, and to interact with them in informed ways.”

His message to land managers like Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria is act now, and act wisely.

“We’re approaching this dieback as it’s happening, but we need to be proactive. Let’s set up long-term monitoring and figure out how to ease the pressure on these trees before more damage is done,” he said.

Standing in front of recent Tremont Bundy dieback, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Tremont (L-R): Robert Pergl, Montgomery Hall, Amanda Luck and Conor Logan. (Supplied)

Inspecting the canopy health of the Treemont Bundy population. (Supplied)

Dieback on west facing slope, Tremont looking towards Melbourne. (Supplied)

Prepare for disasters

By Tanya Steele

A township group has jumped at the opportunity to create a series of fun and engaging community education films to help people tackle weather events in their areas.

The Montrose Township group has brought several community groups in the Yarra Ranges area together to create educational support and preparation films to share online to prepare for big weather events.

Montrose Township Group Chelsey Cooper member said the group are rapt with how the videos came out and especially pleased to hear how well they are being received both in their community and beyond.

“We have an active social media presence and will be sharing videos at relevant times of the year, when big weather events are imminent,” she said.

Recently, the group shared the storm and generator check videos ahead of high winds predicted.

“It will be a great tool to use to remind people of the things we need to do to prepare for, and recover together from weather events,” said Ms Cooper.

Looking for ways to stay connected and support each other before and after big weather events, Ms Cooper said the resilience committee arm of their group jumped at the chance to apply for an Ausnet grant, taking the opportunity to create the education films.

“When big weather events happen, we’re going to need one another to help navigate through some of the challenges that arise,” she said.

“The icing on the cake was that we were able to engage a fabulous production company whose Co-Founder is a Montrose local - MOOto produce the films.”

The series of short films will help residents prepare for weather-related emergencies and power outages, they’re engaging and have a little comedy sprinkled here and there. Locals will recognise people from CFA, SES, local primary school and more (even the local Montrose butcher appears).

The four short films focused on storms, heat waves, generator maintenance and the towns action plan MAMAM, which stands for Meet at Montrose at Midday.

Ms Cooper said the group on weather events because storms and heat waves are becoming more common.

“It brings with it the risk of prolonged power outages, which can have a significant impact on us, and especially those who live with vulnerabilities,” she said.

Within the films, each topic addresses preparation activities unique to the event and they share key messages.

“Look out for yourselves and each other, check on your neighbours, and stay informed using trusted sources like VicEmergency and AusNet Power Outage tracker, and a reminder that if our community experiences widespread power outages lasting over 24 hours - MAMAM,” said Ms Cooper.

MAMAM was born after the June 2021 storms, when most of Montrose lost power for nearly a week; some areas of town were out for much longer.

“We noticed people gathered at the local shops, even when most of the shops were out of power too,” said Ms Cooper.

“When power is out and telecommunications are down, we need a central point to gather to share information in person,” she said.

“So when our community experiences a widespread power outage lasting more than 24 hours, someone will be at the noticeboard by the bakery at midday to share information updates and collect information to share with relevant emergency services - hence, Meet at Montrose at Midday - MAMAM.”

Filming was a lot of fun, and Ms Cooper said a lot of the preparation was nailing down the key messages for each film, recruiting the talent and scoping film locations.

“We deliberately chose a mix of community group and local business representation, working to ensure we captured a cross-section of our wonderful community,” she said.

Filmmaker MOO got to work, and Ms Cooper said the group thought they did a fabulous job, and we were blown away by the local talent.

“We didn’t know there were so many great actors in our community!” she said.

Community will no doubt see the films shared throughout the year and can enjoy the weather prep and safety messages curated by their very own for years to come.

Quality furniture at ReStore

Melbourne locals are being given the chance to pick up high-quality furniture and homewares at affordable prices all while supporting families in need thanks to a new delivery to Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s ReStore outlet in Kilsyth South from a Melbourne hotel.

The items have been donated by The Ascott Limited, Australia in collaboration with the owners of the former Hotel Jasper as part of the transformation of the hotel into the highly anticipated, experience-led social living hotel, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne.

The 200 pieces of high-quality furniture include a combination of designer armchairs, couches, steel storage cabinets, bar tables with beautiful stools, and a wide variety of occasional seating and desk chairs.

Rather than sending usable furniture items to landfill, The Ascott Limited, Australia has partnered with Project Net Zero, an Indigenous owned Social Enterprise providing national de-fit services with a circular economy model to ensure that surplus furniture is redirected to front-line charities.

Available now at ReStore Kilsyth South, all sales from the items directly support Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s affordable housing programs helping low-income families gain access to safe, stable homes.

Chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Victoria, Justin Simpson, said Habitat for Humanity is very excited to be receiving the donated items and are sure they won’t last long at the ReStore outlets.

“Habit for Humanity is delighted to be receiving over 210 items from The Ascott Limited, Australia and Project Net Zero. These donations bring incredible quality and value to our ReStores, which raise vital funds to build homes and hope for local families. It’s a great opportunity for Melbourne residents to make a smart purchase with real impact,” Mr Simpson said.

The donation forms part of The Ascott Limited, Australia’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility through Project Net Zero, a circular economy initiative helping reduce landfill and support communities across Australia.

“This is a fantastic example of how refurbishment projects can have a ripple effect- giving people access to affordable essentials, supporting charity initiatives, and significantly reducing waste,” Project Net Zero CEO, Aron Kurzydlo said.

The former Hotel Jasper site will undergo a renovation and rebrand into a new hotel under Ascott’s growing ‘lyf’ brand set to open later this year as lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne. lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne is one of several properties in The Ascott Limited, Australia portfolio working with Project Net Zero to embed sustainable business practices into the refurbishment process.

Across the network of properties, thousands of items have already been repurposed, benefitting more than 100 community organisations and diverting over 234 tonnes of waste from landfill.

“Refurbishments are a part of life in hospitality, but the cost of refurbs to the business and the environment is considerable. At The Ascott Limited, Australia, we are constantly looking for more sustainable ways to operate and work with suppliers and partners who can help us do this,” managing director of The Ascott Limited, Australasia, David Mansfield said.

“By rehoming high-quality furniture through ReStore, we’re not only reducing landfill, we’re helping raise vital funds for housing programs that make a real difference in people’s lives before our new hotel is even open.”

The new lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne is set to open in early 2026 in the heart of Melbourne, the third ‘lyf’ property to open in Australia, alongside Bondi Junction and Collingwood.

Locals got involved with the films. (Supplied).

The events focused on preparation for weather events, with local CFA and SES popping into the series. (Supplied).

The Montrose Township Group group are rapt with how the videos came out and especially pleased to hear how well they are being received both in their community and beyond. (Supplied).

Chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Victoria Justin Simpson. (Supplied)

Dr Karl drops in virtually

By Tanya Steele

The kids at Birmingham Primary school got a visit from the famous Dr Karl last week with an inspiring zoom chat which covered everything from artificial intelligence to aliens.

A group of the primary school kids in year six got a full hour to meet up with Dr Karl in an online zoom call and and talk all things science on Wednesday 28 May.

Student Eloise said she liked how he was so educational.

“We got the answers we wanted and needed,” she said.

Ariah said they loved ALL the fun facts.

“Like telling us the different scientists that can help us with different things,” she said.

Dr Karl is a renowned science educator, well known as an author and a science commentator on Australian radio, television, and podcasts.

Birmingham Primary school has a group of kids that are passionate about zoology, technology and all the different sciences called ‘STEAMD’ (science, technology, engineering, arts, math and design) who got to meet Dr Karl, thanks to a session arranged by their specialist teacher Ms Darvell.

“STEAMD do lots of different things– they have a podcast that they develop that goes out every couple of week amd they have a whole bunch of animals in here that they are keepers for,” said Ms Darvell.

“They’re brilliant,” she said.

Long time fan of Dr Karl, Ms Darvell said the day was fantastic for learning and engagement and that the grade six group asked Dr Karl lots of questions about different areas in science and technology.

“They had a bunch of questions about life and animals and life on Earth,” she said.

“Dr Karl has recently been in Italy developing science to AI and they all sorts of had questions about that.”

From asking about self learning AI, to aliens to wondering if water is really wet, the students explored science and technology with their virtual visitor over the hour.

“One of the kids asked, Is water wet? And the answer to that was ‘only sometimes’, and it depends on what surface it’s on – and that just blew our mind,” said Ms Darvell.

Dr Karl also met some of the kids classroom animals, noticing they had a blue tongue lizard as well.

The group spent part of the time exploring why, in fact the lizard’s tongue was blue, exploring chemistry science behind the colour.

Ms Darvell said Dr Karl said there’s a saying in science that ‘great scientists don’t know the

answers, they ask the questions’,” she said.

“I thought that that was wonderful, because here are 20-odd kids sitting around just wanting to learn about the world.” she said.

The STEAMD group will use the recording with Dr Karl now as part of a science podcast they make regurgaly at the school called The Stem Squad podcast.

“We are going to put some of the interview into the next podcast,” said Ms Darvell.

“The next podcast we’re looking at women in science - after that, we’ll be putting bits of our Dr Karl in the next one.”

Emily said he was amazing.

“He knows everything, and he’s the best,” she said.

Josslyn loved how he knew so many things.

“ It was very interesting knowing that he was telling the truth.” she said.

Ms Darvell said after the time finished, the kids stayed in and they debated whether aliens really exist.

“They just were so elated and amazed, I’m very proud of them,” she said.

Science is for everybody and Ms Darvell said one of the main highlights for her as an educator that you don’t need to know everything.

“You don’t need to be the smartest or the best – you just need to be interested,” she said.

“You just want to discover.”

“Dr Karl said, the kids this age, this is the best time – This is when you ask the most questions.”

The lucky STEAMD kids at Birmingham Primary School met up with Dr Karl to talk science. (Supplied).

Frank Carter honoured

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

After more than two decades of quietly helping people navigate life through Buddhist teachings, Frank Carter, a long-time Upwey local, has been honoured with the Dharmachakra Award by the Buddhist Council of Victoria.

The award, which recognises significant contributions to Buddhist education, was presented at Melbourne Town Hall as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, a special day that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

For Mr Carter, it’s not just an award. It’s an acknowledgment of years of dedication to making Buddhist wisdom accessible and relevant, especially in a modern, often overwhelming world.

“It’s not really about me,” Mr Carter said.

“It’s about the work we’ve done as a team, me, my wife Anita, and so many others, to make the Dhamma available to anyone who’s curious, struggling, or just looking for a better way to live.”

Mr Carter first walked into the Centre back in 1983, seeking something deeper. He found it under the guidance of his teacher, the late John Hughes. Since then, what began as a personal journey has become a lifelong commitment to education and community.

From weekly classes and meditation retreats to international forums and online radio, Mr Carter’s work has spanned audiences of all ages and backgrounds. But perhaps the most wellknown offering is The Buddhist Hour, a community radio program that’s been airing since 1998.

Broadcast every Sunday at 4pm on 3MDR 97.1FM, the show blends traditional chanting with weekly reflections and teachings. Mr Carter has worn many hats over the years - presenter, writer, and until recently, president of the organisation behind the program.

“The show’s about helping people make sense of things,” he said.

“Whether it’s dealing with stress, relation-

OPINION

ships, or just the general pace of modern life, we try to offer something steady, something useful.”

Mr Carter and his wife, Anita have also been at the forefront of taking Buddhism into the digital world. Their podcasts have been downloaded over 16,000 times, their teachings streamed on platforms like Insight Timer, and World Buddhist Radio - launched in 2006 - now plays chants and teachings online 24/7.

Yet, it’s often the quiet moments, the personal stories, that mean the most.

“We’ve had people say things like, ‘If I’d learned this stuff earlier in life, it would’ve saved me so much trouble,’” Mr Carter said.

“That’s powerful. That’s what keeps us going.”

In 2025, Mr Carter and the team are prepar-

ing a new initiative, public wellbeing sessions to be delivered through local libraries or possibly schools, as part of the Victorian Government’s Libraries for Health and Wellbeing program.

“Buddhism has so much to say about wellbeing,” he said.

“Not just in a spiritual sense, but in practical ways, how to deal with anxiety, worry, frustration. It gives you tools to understand yourself, to navigate life with more awareness and less suffering.”

At its core, Mr Carter said Buddhism is about self-knowledge - something he believes everyone can benefit from, regardless of religious background.

“It’s not about converting anyone,” he said.

“It’s about helping people learn how to live

with more clarity, kindness, and peace.”

From building a teaching hall by hand, to coauthoring the Centre’s book Bringing Wisdom to Life, to running free workshops for the community, Mr Carter’s story is one of quiet perseverance, service, and compassion.

And now, with the Dharmachakra Award in hand, the Buddhist Council of Victoria has given voice to what many already knew: that right here in Upwey, something truly meaningful has been growing, steady and strong - for over 40 years.

“Honestly, we’re just trying to offer what helped us. If someone finds a bit of peace or clarity because of something they heard on the radio, or read online, or learned in one of our classesthat’s what matters most,” Mr Carter said.

Don’t look for miracles when experiencing boredom

By Maria Millers

At some time or other we have all experienced boredom whether at work or home or even in a social setting which may not have lived up to our expectations. And those of us who have had to put up with children complaining that they were bored as there was nothing to do, may have retorted with that well known aphorism: Only boring people get bored.

Generally defined as difficulty maintaining attention or interest in a current activity, boredom is commonly viewed as a negative state that we should try to avoid or prevent ourselves from experiencing. Today’s children are perhaps more likely to retreat to a device of some kind than complain of boredom and that in itself is a worrying trend.

Nor is it true that only boring people get bored. Boredom is a universal experience that everyone feels sometimes but your personality traits, mental health and life circumstances may determine the frequency, intensity and triggers for boredom.

Some people are more accepting of monotony, while others find it intolerable and may have the kind of personality that craves varied and complex experiences.

Poet Mary Olive, known for her nature poetry was one who relished moments of quietness As I sit in stillness, Boredom washes like a gentle breeze.

Unburdened by distraction and noise, I find solace in moments of ease

On the other hand in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, T S Eliot’s speaker experiences a deep sense of paralysis and hesitation: a life ‘measured out in coffee spoons.’ Eliot suggests that true creativity can only arise from breaking free of this paralysis. For I have known them all already, known them all—

Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.

– The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Boredom, in the modern age, is treated as a defect—something to be medicated, swept away, or drowned in distractions.

Our attention spans, dramatically shortened by the algorithmic economy, recoil at silence.

A marathon of scrolling through social media, binge watching series they don’t even like, playing video games that annoy, can often leave people feeling exhausted and hollowed out

Anxiety levels are on the rise worldwide, especially among young people.

We are constantly “on”, striving to ensure we are scheduling for every moment.

But in doing so, we are potentially depriving our brains and bodies of the downtime they need to reset and recharge.

So should there be another way to view boredom, as something positive rather than negative?

Could learning to embrace boredom be of beneficial to our wellbeing?

Don’t look for miracles or wonders

In the grandest of events so rare,

Seek beauty in the simplest moments,

For life’s true poetry is found there.

In the Everyday” by Rumi

Rumi’s poem encourages us to celebrate the little things in life.

It suggests that true beauty resides in the mundane and ordinary, urging us to see the world through new eyes.

Boredom has been scientifically proven to be a precursor for creative thinking, which is why

many creatives find that their best ideas come when they’re engaged in mundane tasks, such as doing laundry, raking leaves or taking the dog for a walk. Boredom relaxes the brain and turns off its usual filters, allowing it to explore new ideas without the constraints of usual thought patterns.

We however must not forget that boredom can also be a signal that what you’re doing doesn’t feel meaningful or rewarding — it pushes you to seek engagement, growth, or change.

But in small doses, boredom is the necessary counterbalance to the overstimulated world in which we live.

It can offer unique benefits for our nervous system and our mental health.

This is opposed to long periods of boredom, where increased default mode network activity may be associated with depression.

We need to embrace the pause. It is a space where creativity can prosper, emotions can be regulated, and the nervous system can reset.

Children, left long enough with nothing to do, invent .Artists when surrounded by monotony, often create. After all, what we call boredom may just be as someone once said ‘just waiting for the mind to catch up with the soul’.

Neuroscience provides a fascinating insight into how boredom can trigger creativity.

When we are bored, our brains enter a state called the “default mode network” (DMN).

The DMN is a network of interconnected brain regions that are active when we are not focused on the outside world but rather engaged in internal thoughts and daydreaming.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity provide endless sources of distraction, leaving little room for the mind to wander.

This constant stimulation can inhibit creativity by preventing the brain from entering the DMN and engaging in the kind of reflective thought that fosters creativity, like forming new connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.

Some of history’s most creative figures have

attested to the power of boredom in stimulating their creativity.

Einstein often credited boredom and daydreaming with his creative breakthroughs. He famously said, “Creativity is the residue of time wasted.”

JK Rowlings came up with the idea of a scrawny little boy during a delayed train journey as she sat aimlessly staring out of the train window.

And so Harry Potter was born.

And next time you feel frustration or resentment at being left to clear up after a meal think that Agatha Christie believed inspiration came during such times as waiting in queues, taking long baths or doing the dishes.

We are now seeing how overstimulation whether work, social media, entertainment can lead to mental fatigue, burnout and loss of energy making it harder to be creative.

That said, it’s all about balance. Too much boredom can lead to frustration or a sense of aimlessness, but a healthy dose of it can be like a reset button for your brain’s creativity.

In addition to fostering creative thinking, boredom can also be a powerful tool for problem-solving.

When we are bored, our brains seek stimulation, leading us to explore new ideas and solutions.

This exploration can result in the creative problem-solving needed for innovation.

When you’re not constantly busy, you have time to reflect on ideas and experiences.

This reflective thinking is a huge part of the creative process.

It allows you to synthesize past information and come up with fresh insights, whether for artistic projects, problem-solving, or innovation in general.

Today there are more distractions and stimulations than ever before and we constantly seek more whether it’s a fear of missing out (FOMO) obsessive travel or unbridled consumerism or any other way of staving off fear of boredom.

We forget that there needs to be a balance between a certain degree of monotony, routine and excitement for a life well lived.

Frank Carter (left) receives the Dharmachakra Award from Dinesh Weerakkody (right), president of the Buddhist Council of Victoria. (Supplied)

Frank Carter at the Dharmachakra Award ceremony. (Supplied)

Green links

By Callum Ludwig

A pair of local councils have received grants from the state government to support and maintain the health of local waterways.

Yarra Ranges Council and Maroondah City Council were two of the 10 recipients sharing in $2 million from the Green Links Grants program.

Yarra Ranges Council received $342,229 for their Olinda Creek floodplain restoration project and Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures Kath McClusky said the Olinda Creek Floodplain is central to the Yering Billabongs Project, which has involved restoring a large portion of the floodplain.

“Works that have previously been undertaken at the site include weed control, revegetation and reconnecting Olinda Creek to the floodplain, which all helps to improve water quality and enhance habitat for local species,” she said.

“What this funding will do is help extend capacity to more degraded areas of the 60-hectare site, improving the biodiversity in areas where a greater level of intervention is required, some of these interventions will include things like undertaking revegetation, direct seeding and other associated activities,”

“Recent environmental DNA sampling found some significant species in the local waterways including short-finned eels, black fish and Macquarie perch, highlighting the potential and importance of increasing the biodiversity value of the site.”

Maroondah City Council also received $183,111 for collaborative habitat creation along the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor which extends into Croydon.

Maroondah City Council were contacted for comment.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said our urban waterways are important to our communities’ health and wellbeing, along with providing vital habitat for native wildlife.

“Green Links grants are empowering local communities to protect their local waterways and create greener open spaces in urban areas for more families to enjoy,” she said.

Last year, Eco Warriors Australia also received $102,250 for ‘Planting the Seed’ at Yering Billabong, where primary school students, coordinated by an Indiegnous representative, had the opportunity to collect, propagate and care for native seedlings used to revegetate a 10-hectare site at the billabong, using a data collection tool to monitor afterwards.

Students from Yarra Glen Primary School, Lilydale Primary School, Coldstream Primary School, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Lilydale and Yering Primary School participated.

A Mount Evelyn man was left questioning reality and in sheer disbelief after discovering his second-ever Lucky Lotteries ticket delivered him a sweet $100,000 win. (The Lott)

Local scores the lottery

A Mount Evelyn man was left questioning reality and in sheer disbelief after discovering his second-ever Lucky Lotteries ticket delivered him a sweet $100,000 win.

The Yarra Ranges resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10987, drawn Monday 26 May 2025. He looks forward to a neat $100,000.

When an official from The Lott broke the thrilling news, the stunned man was initially speechless.

“Is this a joke?” he said.

“Oh my god. That’s unreal!”

“You have no idea how good it is.”

“I get so many prank calls these days, so it’s hard to believe this is real.”

“Wow! I’m honestly speechless.”

“I just got home. Oh my god. I’m going to tell the missus now and let her know.”

“I go for a lot of different games. This is the second time I’ve played Lucky Lotteries.”

“I hope I get to hear your voice again someday. Thank you.”

His winning entry of three random numbers was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $6.04 million for draw 1703, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $19.22 million for draw 10988.

In 2024, 147 Lucky Lotteries 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries across Australia won more than $52.2 million.

Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot and Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot are raffle-style games, which means there is a set number of tickets in each draw. As each ticket number is unique there is no sharing of prizes.

Each game has two draws – one that de-

The Yarra Ranges resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10987, drawn Monday 26 May 2025. He looks forward to a neat $100,000.

termines the winning numbers and one that determines the jackpot number. If the jackpot number matches one of the winning numbers, then the Jackpot Prize is won. If the jackpot number does not match one of the winning numbers, the Jackpot Prize will climb for the next draw.

The official home of Australia’s lotteries, The Lott operates and markets Australia’s leading lottery games, customers know and love creating everyday winners, winning every day.

In 2024, more than 195.3 million winners took home more than $4.84 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including TattsLotto, Weekday Windfall, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno (SA), Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant Scratch-Its.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.8 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Caltex Safeway239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK EG Fuelco Service Station Chirnside Park Shopping

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Chirnside Park Country Club 68 Kingswood Drive

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketChuringa SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Woolworths SupermarketCanterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette Unit 7/87 Colchester Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Soul Cafe 8 William Street East

LILYDALE Aaron Violi MP Office 110 Main Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Woolworths SupermarketMarketplace, 33 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale VillageCastella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven LilydaleCnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can't Fly170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious GraceCastella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Point of View CafeLilydale Lakeside - Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE Freda's Cafe2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Barry Plant Real Estate88 Main Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate164 Main Street

LILYDALE Hello Harry245 Main Street

LILYDALE Noel Jones Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Mc Donalds RestaurantMaroondah Highway

LILYDALE Olinda Creek HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown HotelMaroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robyn Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN Bendigo Bank 2/35-39 Wray Cres

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Bendigo BankUnit 19/66 - 74 Brice Ave

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real EstateBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J HookerBrice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Mc Donalds RestaurantManchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale138 York Road

WANDIN NORTH Wandin Newsagency Shop 2 /18 Union Road

The Olinda Creek floodplain is the focus of Yarra Ranges Council’s Green Links grant. (324107)

Reconciliation Week event huge success

The Yarra Ranges Reconciliation Week –Bridging Now to Next event provided the platform for powerful reconciliation themes to be presented and understood at a deep personal level.

Those present and watching the live stream came away with the strong awareness that Aboriginal culture, history and heritage is the culture, heritage and history of all Australians, of all that call this land home, so that it becomes one story, the story of who we all are.

Wurundjeri woman, Stacy Piper, gave a moving Welcome to Country speaking of the strong cultural connections within the Yarra Ranges with the legendary Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, regarded by many as the spiritual home of Aboriginality in Victoria, just a few kilometres up the road.

The Mayor set a powerful tone from the outset of his speech, acknowledging recent poor behaviour across Anzac Day and declaring zero tolerance for racism.

This prompted Ziggy Ramo to adapt his set, delivering the powerful and confronting song April 25th, which draws attention to Australia’s veneration of the Anzacs while Indigenous Australians face ongoing disadvantage.

Courtney Ugle delivered a keynote that left the audience emotionally raw and charged after sharing her deeply personal story.

Displaying extraordinary strength, resilience, and true compassion, she was one of the most inspirational speakers many had ever witnessed.

Many tears were shed as the audience responded with their own accounts of domestic violence – looking towards a future where out children are confident in seeing and calling out the red flags.

The second half featured Nikki from Oonah, who shared insights about vital work happening in our local community.

Nikki spoke to a range of community services provided by Oonah under a reconciliation model that welcomes all non-Aboriginal fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters etc where all people are acknowledged and valued .

The event concluded with a generous, profound and uplifting panel discussion between Elder Uncle Richard Frankland, Ash Dargan, and Dr Andrew Peters exploring “where to from here for reconciliation.”

Uncle Richard and Ash also performed two beautiful musical sets that added cultural

depth to the day. No one witnessing this performance will ever forget hearing about Uncle Richards cat’s challenges with existential angst particularly with the relationship with his human and the occasional tigersnake encounter.

“Riveting. Really amazing what all of you do

Water storage at lowest level in three years

By Callum Ludwig

Following dry conditions throughout Victoria, Melbourne’s water storage levels dropped to the lowest level in three years.

This week’s rain is a welcome respite

Melbourne Water’s Executive General Manager of Service Futures Chris Brace said Melbourne’s water storages are at 73 per cent capacity, down from 87 per cent at the end of May 2024.

“This follows Victoria’s driest summer since 2013-14 and the fourth-warmest summer since 1910, autumn has also been very dry,” he said.

“While we don’t expect water restrictions this year, we urge everyone to keep conserving water and follow the permanent savings rules,”

“The Victorian Desalination Plant has helped us avoid restrictions before, and we’ll continue to rely on it, supported by the recent 50 gigalitre order from the Victorian Government.”

Water storage levels had also dropped by 1.2 per cent from the previous month.

The Bureau of Meteorology put a drought statement back on 6 May, declaring that April rainfall was below average or much below average (in the lowest 10 per cent for April since 1900) for most of Victoria, as well as Tasmania, eastern South Australia, across the south-eastern ranges and inland slopes, and in the western corners of New South Wales and parts of the west coast and the interior of Western Australia.

Positive signs can be found in the Bureau’s winter long-range forecast released on 29 May, with rainfall expected to remain in the usual range during winter for most of Victoria, though warmer minimum and maxium temperates than normal are expected.

This autumn was Victoria’s warmest autumn on record.

Permanent water-saving rules are in place so that we use water efficiently.

To make every drop count, Melbourne Water encourages making simple changes like:

Taking a minute off your shower time.

Brushing your teeth with the tap turned off.

Watering your garden after sunset.

Fixing leaky taps.

When doing laundry, running a full load.

If you have a dishwasher, scraping plates instead of rinsing.

Placing a plug or container in the sink when preparing vegetables, washing fruit, or doing dishes.

Using a broom to clear your driveway instead of a hose.

For more information, visit: melbournewater. com.au/water-and-environment/saving-water/ permanent-water-saving-rules-and-target-150.

behind the scenes. I’ve been coming here for a long time and I was particularly impressed with your AV today,” one long-time attendee said.

“Your entire team all exhibits much respect for our Indigenous community. It’s really great to see,” another noted.

Uncle Richard Frankland and Ash Dargan musical performance. (Kate Baker/The Arts and Life)

Ziggy Ramo performance. (Kate Baker/The Arts and Life)

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Who was Constance

Many locals have fond memories of Constance Coleman, artist, conservationist and teacher. Henrietta Constance ‘Connie’ Coleman was born in Melbourne on 21 October 1903. Her father, William, was a scene painter at JC Williamson’s.

The opening of the railway line from Lilydale to Warburton in 1901 gave Constance’s father William, an ardent fisherman, access to the Yarra River.

William took the family to the Launching Place Hotel for a holiday each Christmas. He bought three one-acre blocks at an auction there in 1920. In about 1928 the family built a small shack on the land. After her father died in 1932, Constance lived in a hayloft belonging to family friends, while she painted, studied art (1927-31), and trained to be a teacher.

When she commenced teaching at the Lilydale Higher Elementary School about 1954, the shack at Launching Place became her home.

Looking back

Paula Herlihy

Mount Evelyn History Group President

Over time, she bought adjoining blocks to create a 10 hectare property she named ‘Wanderslore’ after the garden in Walter de la Mare’s Memoirs of a Midget.

Following the closure of the railway line in 1965, Connie purchased a prefabricated Fettler’s hut from the Launching Place Railway Station, and moved it up the hill to be her painting and writing studio. In 1982 she published her book Bellbirds and other poems, illustrated with her lino cuts. Realising that the property might be broken up on her death, Connie gifted Wanderslore to the Trust for Nature in 1987-8,

as a sanctuary reserve for the conservation of wildlife and native plants.

She also gave $10,000 to the Trust to provide maintenance of the property. The Trust regards Wanderslore as an important remnant of Yarra Valley foothills bushland in excellent condition, large enough to allow plant regeneration and to support fauna.

Constance wrote of Wanderslore, ‘Many years ago, I was met and befriended by a small bushland hillside which, with its two flanking valleys, gave me …thebenevolenceofitstranquillityandcompanionship.More,ithasallowedmetobecomeawareofthe rich tapestry of that interwoven life which it nurtures ….Andthishasbecomealifestructure,afragileweb, that is being fragmented. … What of my hillside, its valleys, its inhabitants? What defences have they against the incursions of the bulldozer, and Man’s business acumen?’

Constance lived alone on her property, continuing to paint until she suffered a stroke.

CPP Community Theatre

Seussical JR

Local entertainment Kemp’s curtain call

Thy cup overfloweth

Seussical Jr takes you into the world of Dr Seuss, where we visit beloved characters such as The Cat in a Hat along with Horizon the El ephant, Gertrude Fuzz, Mayzie La Bird and the Whos, just to name a few.

Come and be transported away to the Jungle of Nool, and the McElligots Pool by the ever-mischievous Cat as they narrate the story of Horton Hears a Who witch with all its twists and turns trials and tribulations.

are interested in presenting an idea to Gemco.

Fill out the proposal form at gemcoplayers. org/production-proposal

Through it all we are shown the powers of friendship, loyalty. family and community always emerge triumphant showing us we are never Alone in this Universe.

• Season: Friday 11 July – Saturday 19 July.

Gemco Theatre

Little Grimley

• Three one-act plays.

• Four slightly dramatic humans.

• Zero chill.

• Welcome to Grimley is hitting the stage in July-and it’s as petty, punchy and painfully funny as ever.

• Directed by someone with nerves of steel (or denial) John Jennings.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Auditions: 7 and 8 June, 10am to 4pm.

• Season: 3 – 19 October.

• Future Productions Meeting.

• 20 July. 11.30 am – 2.30pm.

About the event

All welcome to offer suggestions, discuss and plan any future productions for Gemco Players. Those interested in presenting an idea to Gemco don’t necessarily have to attend the meeting, although you are welcome to if you

1812 Theatre

The Housekeeper

A story of a man who hires a housekeeper but! She is not what he thought.

1812 Theatre had a lavish set of a country home lounge with a central staircase, a desk where Manley worked on audience left and audience right there was a lounge suite.

To the rear was a door with windows all around and indeed a marvellous set.

The owner of the house Manley Carstairs was given a superb performance by Paul Wanis.

His voice was cultured as befitted a writer which he was known as.

His acting was very good and some of the scenes with the housekeeper were a pleasure to watch. The Housekeeper, Annie Duckworth was played by Angela Glennie.

A great contrast to Manley as she was very common, spoke in a common style voice.

She entered looking for a job as housekeeper when we learn that she forged her references and made poor Manley’s life a hell.

A wonderful performance from Angela and a great contrast to Manley.

A wonderful evening of theatre and I could not recommend this play too much.

The Phoenician Scheme Starring Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton and Michael Cera M 4/5

The latest film from writer-director Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme is a surreal, deeply witty historical dark comedy.

In the early fifties, after surviving a string of assassination attempts, business tycoon Zsa Zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) embarks on a madcap quest to fund his final project and appoints Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a prospective nun and his only daughter, as his sole heir.

Del Toro is both shady and endearing as Korda, a businessman who cheats and backstabs with no malice whatsoever; it’s as if he swindles his colleagues because he respects them. Threapleton (who is Kate Winslet’s daughter) is a magnetic figure of pious composure and dry wit, and the dashes of colour in Liesl’s white nun attire symbolise her growing more relaxed while working for her father.

Like the rest of Anderson’s filmography, The Phoenician Scheme features lavish staging and gorgeous cinematography, plenty of surreal charm and portentous themes delivered in emotional low-gear, but also carries a note of calculated futility. There is little substan-

tive tension or consequence for Korda, which the self-aware narrative pokes fun at through how absurdly unkillable he is. With the scheming, counter-scheming, wealth both enormous and fragile, explosive arguments with colourful characters and sombre black-and-white visions of holy judgement, The Phoenician Scheme stresses that the Scheme itself doesn’t matter, building to the conclusion that a simple, good life – with or without faith – is what really matters. I enjoyed the clever irony of so much conniving and bluster for a worthless goal, but the nonplussed way the plot handles the suspicious death of Liesl’s mother feels more lazy than creatively futile. A delight for lovers of irony, intricate dialogue and stunning cinematography, The Phoenician Scheme is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

A brilliant, uplifting read

A review of The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve

The Memory Collectors, by American film and TV producer and author Dete Meserve, is one of Goodreads Most Anticipated Books of 2025. And it does not disappoint. The speculative mystery is told from the prospectives of four strangers who travel in time to spend one hour in the past. Through their narratives we learn the intricacies of time travel, including the most common theories that travelling to the past would either alter the future or create alternative timelines, with unpredictable consequences.

But the story cleverly draws from the work of Dr Fabio Costa at the University of Queensland – yes, a real physicist. In the author’s words; “[Costa’s] researchonclosedtime-likecurves(CTCs)proposed that time travel could occur without paradoxes... If someone tried to change the past, the timeline would adjust to prevent any lasting impact on the future.” So what is the point of travelling to the past if the future cannot be changed? For Elizabeth, it is to spend one precious hour with her son before his senseless death. For Andy, it is to find his soulmate who vanished without a trace. For Logan, it is to reclaim his freedom after an accident rendered him paraplegic. And for Brooke, it is to have one hour’s relief from the shame and guilt of an unforgivable mistake.

Then the plot twists when one hour becomes days, and the four characters find themselves stranded in the past, their paths unexpectedly intertwined. They cannot help but wonder if this is an opportunity to make a difference – to find answers to desperate questions, to examine past and present relationships with fresh eyes, to grasp those lost and hidden parts of themselves, and to

PASSION FOR PROSE

right the wrongs that forever changed their lives and those of their loved ones.

To say there is impressive character growth is to undermine the story’s complexity and depth. All four characters are well-developed, their beliefs, desires and intentions consistent, and their decisions and actions convincing. Instead of infodumping, the author skilfully reveals their backstories little by little, confidently and seamlessly weaving the individual threads together to present a rich tapestry of human emotions and life’s dichotomies. Ultimately, when the mystery is solved near the story’s end, we find ourselves cheering for these characters and their fearless pursuits. The precious lessons they have learned are uplifting and inspiring, prompting us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those seemingly insignificant aspects and moments of our lives.

The Memory Collectors is a story about loss and grief, but it is also about hope, love, courage and discovery. More importantly, it is about never taking things for granted. It is about seizing the day before it becomes a memory. Highly recommended.

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Constance Coleman, self portrait, undated. (G. Davies)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Local heathcare partner

and Mount Evelyn, our family-friendly clinics bring together trusted GPs, visiting specialists, and allied health professionals – all under one roof.

Under the leadership of principal GP Dr Binay Kumar, the clinics are evolving into a central health hub, supporting patients with both chronic disease management and preventative care. Our goal is to provide easier access to a full range of services tailored to meet the growing healthcare needs of the local community.

Our general practice offers comprehensive care across all life stages, including immunisations, children’s and women’s health (such as IUD insertions and pregnancy care in collaboration with local hospitals), iron infusions, and travel vaccinations. We place strong emphasis on preventative care, offering thorough skin checks, lung function testing, and health assessments.

As winter approaches, we encourage all patients to protect themselves with a seasonal flu vaccine. We offer flu shots for all age groups, including bulk-billed appointments for eligible patients. In addition, our clinics continue to serve as a Covid and flu vaccination hub for the Yarra Ranges and Knox regions.

For those seeking aesthetic care, our cosmetic services include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and other treatments designed to help you feel confident in your skin. We also run the WaistWise weight loss program, which supports healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes under medical supervision.

QHealth is proud to provide in-house access to a range of visiting specialists. These include Dr Abhijit Bidwai for adult ADHD assessments, Dr Hema Grover for women’s health and gynaecology, Dr

Kade Collins for orthopaedics, Dr Anuj Bohra for gastroenterology and endoscopy services, and Dr Shireen Sarejloo for cardiology consultations and diagnostics.

We also offer bulk-billed cardiology investigations such as echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, along

with bulk-billed home sleep studies. Our allied health team further strengthens patient care with access to psychologists, a social worker, physiotherapist, podiatrist, dietitian, diabetes educator, and chiropractor. Nurses Kirsten Truskett (Lilydale) and Sonia Hamilton (Mount Evelyn) provide vital support to our medical teams.

At QHealth, we believe that taking control of your health should be easy and accessible. By becoming a patient, you’re choosing compassionate, personalised care that puts your wellbeing first. For more information or to book your appointment, visit lilydaledoctors.com.au or mtevelyndoctors.com.au.

Protect

Look

Specialist

Care Close to Home

Come see the QHealth team. (Supplied)

Tuesday 17th June 2025 - 11am to 3pm

SENIORS LIVING

Vibrant retirement living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Centrally located near essential amenities, including medical practitioners, supermarkets, and the train station – all within walking distance – Lilydale Valley Views provides a seamless blend of convenience and tranquillity. The nearby Warburton Trail offers residents the op-

portunity for scenic walks or bike rides, while a thriving veggie/flower garden on-site adds to the communal spirit.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy some quite time with a book from the extensive library collection.

Meet and mingle with friends in the community centre.

SENIORS LIVING

Proud to sponsor club

Tudor Village in Lilydale is very proud to once again be a premium sponsor of the Lilydale Bowling Club.

In announcing the partnership, Tudor Village’s Sales Manager Kate Abdulovski said how delighted they were to enter into this partnership for another year.

“We have already enjoyed a long association with the Lilydale Bowling Club over the years and now that we have renewed this partnership we can see many opportunities to support the Club and its members and also raise awareness of our amazing village Tudor Village in Lilydale,” she said.

President of Lilydale Bowling Club Len Cumming said he welcomed the renewal of the sponsorship with Tudor Village.

“The Lilydale Bowling Club values the longstanding relationship they have with Tudor Village, the support provided has assisted the club maintain and develop our facilities which have not only benefited members but also our community,” he said.

There are a number of Tudor Village residents who are club members and we would welcome any resident who is interested in joining our club.”

Tudor Village is the ultimate in retirement living renowned for its friendly and welcoming community spirit and established homes. The state-of-the-art community centre offers a heated indoor pool, gym, private theatrette, bowling green and undercover outdoor barbecue and entertaining area. There’s always a full calendar of social activities and events to take part in, including gardening, art and craft classes, photography, and woodworking in the fully equipped Residents Workshop.

Kate has over 17 years professional sales experience and she brings an incredible wealth of knowledge to her role. Kate understands the needs of her residents and works hard to ensure

everyone experiences a quality lifestyle surrounded by a supportive and friendly network of neighbours. Working every day amongst the residents, Kate is able to share her insights into village life and ensure prospective residents are going to thrive in their new environment.

“I’ve seen how apprehensive people can be when considering the move into retirement living,” she said.

“I like to find out more about their lifestyle and how living here can give them enormous benefits

of social connection, ease of living and a safe secure environment.”

Kate’s ability to generate positive client feedback solidifies her passion for retirement living and customer service – Tudor Village Lilydale is her dream job!

Contact Kate Abdulovski to arrange a personal inspection at Tudor Village.

• Tel: 1300 757 027

• Email: enquiries@tudorvillage.com.au

• Visit: tudorvillage.com.au

Tudor Village is once again proudly sponsoring the Lilydale Bowling Club. (Supplied)

Tudor Village welcomes any new residents. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Peppy (4)

3 Thin spaghetti (10)

10 Firm in purpose (7)

11 Sellers (7)

12 Very small amount (8)

13 Greek letter (5)

14 Beaten track (4)

15 Jarring (10)

18 Event (10)

20 Hideous (4)

21 Those entertaining (5)

23 Mark left by walking (8)

26 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

27 Emit (7)

28 Restriction (10)

29 Burden (4)

DOWN

1 Male deer (4)

2 Believable (9)

4 Substantial (9)

5 Film (5)

6 Frankness (7)

7 Dissolute (5)

8 There and then (9)

9 Absurd (4)

14 Predictive (9)

16 Particle accelerator (9) 17 Total (9) 19 Esteem (7) 22 Faint (5) 23 Wildlife (5) 24 Flank (4)

25 Tidy (4)

No. 272 No. 240

IMMACULATE FAMILY LIVING IN THE HEART OF MONBULK PROPERTY

IMMACULATE FAMILY LIVING IN THE HEART OF MONBULK

PERFECTLY positioned on the high side of the street and showcasing exceptional presentation, this beautifully appointed fourbedroom, two-bathroom residence, offers the very best in Hills living. Designed with comfort, style and functionality in mind, this home is ideal for families seeking space, warmth, and a touch of country charm—all within walking distance to Monbulk’s vibrant main street.

Step inside to discover stunning timber floorboards that flow seamlessly throughout the home, setting the stage for the sundrenched, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family zone. The country-style kitchen is a standout feature, bathed in natural light and overlooking the spacious family area that leads effortlessly to a fabulous covered entertaining deck. With treetop vistas and year-round usability, this deck is the perfect spot for relaxed alfresco dining, especially with the convenience of the servery window, fabulous when hosting friends and family in a serene setting.

The generous master suite offers a peaceful retreat, complete with ensuite, wall to wall robes, while the remaining three bedrooms all with built in storage, are serviced by a beautifully finished central bathroom. Year-round comfort is assured with gas ducted heating, a split system, and a cozy Coonara fireplace in the loungeroom, perfect for chilly evenings.

Downstairs is the spacious living area which provides versatile living options and includes extensive under-stair storage and direct access to the carport, which boasts multiple storage solutions for all your lifestyle needs.

Set behind a remote-controlled gate, the sealed driveway offers plenty of off-street parking for a caravan, boat, trailer or multiple vehicles.

With all the practicalities taken care of, this property truly delivers both charm and convenience. Located within walking distance to public transport, local schools, shops, the aquatic centre, and only a 10-minute drive to Belgrave Central and train station, this home is the complete package for modern Hills living.

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

HOME FOCUS

ACREAGE LIFESTYLE AWAITS –FLEXIBLE FAMILY LIVING

OFFERED to the market for the very first time, this quality-built brick home—crafted by its original owner in 1988—presents a rare lifestyle opportunity on a gently rolling 3.2-acre parcel in the peaceful Yellingbo countryside.

Designed with family comfort and flexibility in mind, the home welcomes you with a wide foyer and sunlit living area, leading to the staircase framed by towering windows. Upstairs, a private parents’ retreat offers a generously sized master bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite, and access to the balcony. A second bedroom or home office also connects to a balcony, alongside a peaceful sitting nook ideal for reading or relaxing.

The main living hub downstairs brings everyone together with its open-plan layout, tiled flooring, and woodfire set in a charming brick surround. The spacious kitchen is both stylish and practical with granite benchtops, gas cooktop, dishwasher, and large windows capturing garden views.

Perfect for extended families, guests, or dual living arrangements, the rear wing features its own kitchenette, living/dining area, central bathroom, laundry, and three carpeted bedrooms—all with built-in robes and independent access.

Outside, you’ll find everything you need for a semi-rural lifestyle: a double carport, storage shed and woodshed,1 a powered 9m x 7m shed with concrete floor and its own toilet, four fenced paddocks (one with a dam), and a 4000L water tank for external use.

A much-loved, one-owner home with room to grow, space to breathe, and endless potential to make it your own.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office.

HOME FOCUS

A COASTAL HAVEN

NESTLED in the heart of Rosebud, where the gentle whispers of the sea meet the vibrant community life, stands a meticulously renovated coastal retreat at 4/27 Seventh Avenue.

This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit exudes a blend of modern comfort and seaside tranquillity, offering a coveted lifestyle within walking distance to the beach.

As you approach the property, a sense of serenity envelops you. Stepping through the front gate we are welcomed with a low maintenance patio area and once we step inside, we are greeted by an interior that seamlessly marries contemporary design with practical living spaces complete with brand new flooring.

The heart of the home is the thoughtfully crafted living area. The layout effortlessly connects the living room to the dining area and kitchen, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for both relaxation and entertaining.

The kitchen, a chef’s delight, boasts sleek cabinetry, modern appliances, a dishwasher and ample countertop space, offering a perfect setting for culinary adventures. Whether preparing a quick breakfast or hosting a dinner party, this space promises functionality without compromising on style.

The two bedrooms are havens of comfort, each adorned with plush brand new wool carpets and generous closet space. The master bedroom provides a peaceful retreat after a day spent by the shore, while the second bedroom offers versatility, ideal for guests, kids or a home office.

The bathroom, fully renovated to reflect contemporary tastes, features floor to ceiling tiles, a sleek vanity, and both a luxurious

HOME ESSENTIALS

bath and shower, ensuring both style and convenience. This unit also featuring an updated separate laundry complete with external access.

Outside, the property continues to impress with its private single garage and a compact yet charming outdoor area, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or warm evenings. The 193sqm land parcel, though modest, is a testament to efficient use of space offering low-maintenance living.

Location is paramount, and 4/27 Seventh Avenue excels in this regard. Situated mere minutes from Rosebud Beach, residents enjoy the luxury of strolling along sandy shores, soaking in the sun, and relishing the coastal breeze at their leisure. Nearby amenities, including cafes, shops, and schools, further enhance the appeal of this vibrant community.

Whether you’re seeking a permanent residence, a holiday retreat, or an investment opportunity, 4/27 Seventh Avenue, Rosebud, promises a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. Immaculately presented and perfectly positioned, this property invites you to embrace the essence of seaside living.

Address: 4/27 Seventh Avenue, ROSEBUD Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price:

Contact: Daniel Steen 0434 979 142, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

Tworareleaseopportunities intheDandenongRanges.

Bring your vision tolifeinoneof Victoria’smostvisiteddestinations.

ParksVictoriaisseekingexperiencedoperatorsfor twouniquelong-termleaseopportunitiesinthisiconic location.Welcoming5.8millionvisitorsannually,the DandenongRangesisoneofVictoria’smostvisited destinations.

Expressionsofinterestarenowopenforthesetwo locations:

GrantsPicnicGroundCafé-EOIcloses18June2025

MountDandenongObservatory-EOIclose4July2025

ScanQRformore information

GrantsPicnicGroundCafé

MountDandenongObservatory

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,

CharmingCottagewithRoomtoLive,Work& Play!

Tuckedawayon a¼ acreblock,thischaracter-filledcottageofferstheperfectblendofcharm, space& versatilityforfamiliesoranyonecraving alittleextrabreathingroom.With4 bedrooms &2 bathrooms,thehome’slayouthasbeenthoughtfullydesignedforbotheverydayliving& entertaining.Warmth& personalityshinethrougheverycorner—fromthecharmingcottagefacade &highceilingsthroughouttothe2 ambientlivingareas,1 withanopenfire &theotherwitha wood fire,whereyoucanunwindorhostfamilymovienights.Outside, aseparatestudio,idealforartists, remoteworkersorweekendhobbies,while apoweredworkshop &a gamesroommeanthere’s somethingforeveryone.Thefullyfencedblockisprivate& secure,withplentyofspaceforpets, gardens,orsimplyenjoyingthefreshair. Adoublecarportcompletesthepackage.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

SpaciousCedarHomeon3,889sqm,WalktoTown& PrimarySchool. Nestledina peacefullocation,thisspaciouscedarhomesitsonnearlyanacre,offeringtheperfect balanceofcomfort &lifestyle.A sealeddrivewayleadstotheundercoverentrance,welcomingyou into awell-equippedkitchenfeaturinggenerousbenchspace,integratedovenwith agascooktop &largepantry.Overlookingtheopen-planlounge/diningarea,thisinvitingspaceiswarmedbya strikingopenfireplacewitha stonesurround, asplitsystem &GDHthroughout.Slidingdoorsopen to alargereardeck.ThemasterbedroomwithdoubleBIR,while 3additionalwell-sizedbedrooms, eachwithBIR. Acentrallylocatedfamilybathroomincludes aseparateshower& toilet. Aspacious deckextendsalongtherearofthehomeoverlookingthefullyfencedbackyard,idealforchildren& pets.A doublecarport& smallgardenshedcompletestheoutdoorspace. 14ChurchStreetEmerald$900,000

AaronDay M 0407365994 BrennanMileto M 0422996451

ImmaculateCountryRetreatonApprox 6Acres-Private &ClosetoTown! Thissolid4-bedroom,2-bathroomfamilyhomeissetonapproximately6 acresofnaturalbushland, offeringbothserenity &plentyofspaceforthekids &petstoplay.Featuringa spacious 4bedroom/ 2bathroomfamilyhaven,withzonedbedrooms&2separatelivingareas,thishomeisidealforfamily living.Whetheryouwanttoentertainintheformallounge &diningroomorwatchTVwiththefamily whistpreparing afeastinthewell-appointedkitchen,youwillstaycozyineveryseasonwithGDH throughout,plusthecharmofa woodfire.Outside,keepyourvehiclesprotectedunder adouble carportprovidingundercoveraccesstothehome. Agardenshed& plentyofflatareafortheshed ofyourdreams(STCA).

HistoricCharminGembrook. Thischarming2-bedroom,1-bathroomweatherboardhome,builtintheearly1900s,isoneofthe fewremainingoriginalhomesinGembrook.Seton aspacious1239sqmblock,itcombinesperiod characterwithmoderncomfort.Theloungefeaturesoriginaltimberfloors,10-footceilings &a baywindow,whilethesecondlivingareaoffers awoodfire &split-systemairconditioning.The masterbedroomhasa BIR& thekitchenincludestiledbenchtops,a gasstovetop&adoublesink overlookingthebackgarden.A sunroomconnectstothebathroom &separatetoilet.Thefully fencedbackyardisperfectforkids &pets,with apavedentertainingarea &undercoverstorage. Alargesinglegarage,3-phasepower& proximitytothePuffingBillytrainstationcompletethe package. Apeaceful,well-appointedhomewitha uniquehillslifestyle.

‘ALL ABOARD!’ A UNIQUE TWO BEDROOM HOME ON 3/4 ACRE

‘MANY of us will reminisce about the ‘Red Rattlers’, a Tait Train that were the class of train we rode to school and work in. Doors open, wind in our hair, great memories!

The trains were introduced in 1910, history lovers will enjoy this ‘482M carriage’, which was part of the 470-473M (double ended Motor cars) series. This full carriage still highlights original fixtures, ornate pressed tin and timber work, guards/driver fittings and much more.

Today it is a functional home comprising front deck, two bedrooms, a spacious open plan living/dining room, a fully renovated bathroom/laundry combined with a luxurious deep bath (with a view), a shower, connections for a washing machine, also a separate toilet. A central kitchen with electric stove, rangehood and cosy meals area with original bench seat.

Outdoors the entire carriage is protected by a full-length roof, there is a garden shed (station house), a double carport, two separate entrances and parking for a boat/ caravan. Minutes to Cockatoo township.

This wonderful home would surely be a talking point amongst family and friends, you may even like to investigate the suitability for AIRBNB (subject to council approval).

The setting here is peaceful and private and you occasionally hear the iconic ‘toot’ of Puffing Billy chugging along nearby.

Call Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 or Margie Lawn 0494 175 410 to arrange a viewing.

BUSHBARGAINWITHSTUNNINGVIEWS

It’shardtobelievethereis18acres(7.28ha)ofvacantlandavailableinUpwey.Spanning overTHREETITLESwithallnecessaryservices,threeroadfrontagesandbrimmingwith potential,subjecttocouncilapproval(STCA).CapturingstunningruralVIEWSoverthe Lysterfield valleybydayanddistanttwinklinglightsbynight.Enjoythetranquilityofmother natureinthisPRIVATEbushland slopingsiterunning downthehillsidetothetricklingsound ofFernyCreekatthebottomoftheland.NOWisyourchancetoinvestinyourfuture!

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

Charmingcharacterhomeina peaceful,centrallocation,isfilledwithlightandlifestyle appeal.Offering awarm interiorwithhighceilings,leadlightfeatures,a Blackwood kitchenwithsolidtimberbenchtops,andfreshlysealedhardwoodfloors.Separatelounge withanopen fireplace,spaciousopen-plankitchenanddiningareaareperfectfor entertaining.AllthreegenerouslysizedbedroomshaveBIR’s,Largegaragesuitablefora workshoporextrastorage,a cubbyhouseandestablishedvegetablegardens.

JanBrewster 0409558805

PERFECTFIRSTHOMEORDOWNSIZER

Setonjustovera¼acre,thishomeisfullofwarmth,charm,andpersonality.Frenchdoors throughoutinviteinfreshcountryairandnaturallight,open-plankitchen,dining,and livingareaflowsoutto asun-drenchedreardeckthatlooksacrossa leafygarden,with a quaintconcretebridgeandspacefora veggiepatch,petsorkids. Anewlyconcreted drivewaywith auniquepatternadds astylishtouch,andplentyofoff-streetparkingtoo. JustminutestoEmeraldTownshipanda straightrunontoWellingtonRoadforthecity

MickDolphin 0429684522

MargieLawn 0494175410

AGreatStarter,Especiallyfora Tradie!

Atypical‘hills’cottage,thisoneisripeforrenovationorevenanidyllicsiteforyournew home(subjecttocouncilapproval).Sittingon auseable,sunkissed¼acreallotmentthat isminutestoMonbulkTownship,youwouldbehardpressedtofind abetterpositionthat offersbothconvenienceandprivacy.Featuring: 2bedrooms,updatedbathroom,central originalkitchen,andloungewithspiltsystem.Outdoorshasseveralsheds,anoutdoor laundry,vegiebedsandgatedrearyard. Apleasingpricepointandplentyofpotential!

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

HOME FOCUS

EXQUISITE ELEGANCE IN A PRIVATE GARDEN SETTING

OFFERING a seamless blend of style, space, and serenity, this stunning four-bedroom family residence is positioned on approximately ¾ of an acre in a highly sought-after and peaceful Monbulk location. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and open space, this home has been thoughtfully designed for exceptional family living and effortless entertaining.

Beyond its timeless brick façade, discover a light-filled interior where high ceilings, timber finishes, large windows, and skylights create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every detail has been carefully considered, showcasing quality craftsmanship and a refined contemporary style throughout.

The heart of the home is a striking main living area featuring a rendered fireplace with a grand timber mantle, enhanced by timber tones and expansive proportions. Sliding doors open to a spacious rumpus and games room with a builtin bar, offering flexible living zones perfect for entertaining or relaxed family living.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area seamlessly connects to a show-stopping alfresco deck with a pitched roof-perfect for year-round gatherings or enjoying the serenity of the lush, private garden views. The gourmet kitchen is both elegant and functional, boasting quality appliances, gas cooktop, double wall ovens, island bench with breakfast bar, and sleek glass splashback.

The sumptuous master suite is a private retreat with garden views, a walk-in robe, and a stylish ensuite. Three additional bedrooms are generously sized and serviced by a spotless family bathroom with bath, shower, and separate toilet.

Additional features include:

• Gas ducted heating, split systems and ceiling fans.

• Dedicated laundry.

• Double garage with internal access.

Sealed U-shaped driveway for easy access and ample off-street parking.

• Side gates providing access to the rear yard –ideal for parking boats, caravans, or trailers.

Perfectly positioned for those seeking a premium hills lifestyle, this home offers a rare combination of space, comfort, and tranquility, just minutes from Monbulk’s town centre, schools, and local amenities.

A truly special offering-inspection is a must.

CLASSIC WARBURTON HOME WITH VIEWS

STEP back in time with this classic Warburton home, boasting all the period features of the early days gone by , mostly original throughout and featuring high ceilings, decorative cornice and floorboards.

Offering 2 good sized bedrooms and a separate downstairs optional 3rd bedroom, study or games room plus a separate lounge/ living room.

Head outdoors and enjoy the beautiful established gardens and the picturesque location with fantastic mountain views bathed in sunlight and situated on a large family size block of approx. 1000 sqm with plenty of space for everyone.

Convenient rear yard access and with ample parking and a lock up garage and bonus solar power, a great location just a short stroll to the Yarra river and Warburton’s main street eateries and attractions, it’s a great spot to be.

SuperbHomeon aHugeBlockin aSensationalLocation

Thisbeautifullypresentedpropertyistheidealplacetocallhome,positionedtopleaseandboasting greatspaceforthegrowingfamily.Thehomeissuperb,freshmodernanduptodatethroughout with 3bedroomsand aluxuriousmainbathroom.Largefamily/loungeareaand aseparate mealsareawithanopenplankitchenwithqualityappliancesandfixturesplusamplebenchand cupboardspace.Headoutsideandentertaininstyleallyearroundwitha coveredentertaining areabigenoughtocaterforthelargestoffamilygatheringsit’stheidealspottositbackrelaxand unwind.Thekidsandpetswilllovethehugebackyardonjustunder1200sqmandwithdualaccess it’sperfectforextracaraccess,caravansandtrailers.A sensationalpropertyin aconvenientand picturesquelocation,situatedjust ashortstrolltolocalschools,shops,transportandwalkingtrail.

M 0419539320

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

StylishlyRenovated &MoveInReady! In asuperconvenientlocation,thisbeautifullyupdatedhomeisa truehiddengemgreatforfirst homebuyers,downsizers,orsavvyinvestors.Stepinsidetodiscovera stylishrenovation,featuring threegenerouslysizedbedrooms,eachwithcozycarpetandmatchingblinds.Thetastefully updatedbathroomincludes asleekwalkinshower,contemporaryvanity,andtheadded convenienceoftwotoilets.Thespaciousloungeoffers arelaxingretreatwithlovelyviewsoverthe frontdeck.You’lllovethekitchenanddiningspaceit’sanabsolutestandout.Outside,theproperty continuestoimpress: alargedoublecarport,entertainingareas,lowmaintenancegardens,a fully fencedyard,handystoragesheds,andthebonusstudiospace.Don’tmissyourchancetoinspect thisstandouthome!

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

A 2 B 2 C

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

SPORT

Trouble for Mustangs

By Geoff ‘Joffa’ Newstead

It was a tough day for the Mooroolbark Mustangs on Saturday with three losses from three games. The Senior Women hosted the strong Blackburn team at The Heights Reserve and with both teams being undefeated so far this season, it was always going to be a great game.

Unfortunately for the Mustangs, the Blackburn girls proved too strong, going down by 34 points. Bella McMaster was again named as Mooroolbark’s best.

Final Score: Blackburn 8 – 6 – 54 d Mooroolbark 3 – 2 – 20

Goals : McMaster, Brown, Pirouc 1 each Best Players : McMaster, Beer, Lech, Brown, Freene, Maki

The Reserves and Senior Men travelled up the hill to take on the strong South Belgrave sides. With South Belgrave reserves sitting second on the ladder and the Mustangs second bottom, it was always going to be a big ask. The Saints got away to a great start kicking 5 goals to nil in the first quarter and never looked back, going on to record an 82-point win. Mason Sheedy continued his good form and was voted Mustangs best. Cal Toner put in his best game of the season with a solid performance in defence and Billy Toleman also got plenty of the ball.

Final Score : South Belgrave 14 – 15 – 99 d Mooroolbark 2 – 5 – 17

Goals : Tom Batten 2

Best Players : Sheedy, Toleman, Toner, TeBoekhorst, Logg, Kist

The Mustangs Seniors also faced a mammoth task with South Belgrave sitting on top of the ladder undefeated but our boys got away to a great start, matching it with their taller and stronger opposition in the first term. However, the Saints then got into top gear and kicked away putting their superior strength and skills on show and running out comfortable 93 point winners. For the Mustangs, Harry Keeling worked tirelessly in defence all game and was given the nod as best player. Skipper Kane Noonan, returning from injury, was solid in the centre and Marcus Hamilton never stopped trying all game. Sam Gerbert made the most of limited opportunities down forward and booted 3 goals.

Final Score : South Belgrave 19 – 18 – 132 d Mooroolbark 6 – 3 – 39

Goals : Gebert 3, Gilbee, Symonds, Downie 1 each

Best Players : Keeling, Noonan, Hamilton, Batten, Monteath, Gebert

The weekend wasn’t all gloom and doom for the Mustangs as the Veterans Men travelled to

Cheong Park on Sunday where they kept their unbeaten record intact against South Croydon. Our boys never looked in danger with Michael Cardamone, Andy Cultrera and Marc Mollica helping themselves to 4 goals each.

Final Score : Mooroolbark 17 – 12 – 114 d

South Croydon 2 – 1 – 13

Club celebrate season

By John Thomson

On Monday 26 May, South East Metro Croquet

Competition held their presentation day for the Autumn season.

Although it was a cold start to the day there was a very good turnout of players from all six competing clubs, Mornington, Sandringham, Monash, Ringwood, Lilydale and Kew.

The morning was spent playing social games of croquet followed by a magnificent lunch put on by the organising committee and then followed the all-important, presentations to the winners and runners-up.

The winners and runners-up were Division One - first Ringwood, second Kew Division Two – first Lilydale, second Monash Handicap – first Sandringham, second Lilydale

Congratulations to these teams and well done to all the clubs that took part in the Autumn competition.

Lilydale had a very good season finishing first in Division Two, second in the handicap and third in Division One.

A special thank you to the organising committee for putting on another well-organised and smoothly run competition. All the clubs can now get in plenty of practice over Winter and be ready for the Spring season.

One win, one loss for Lilydale Eagles over weekend

By Callum Ludwig

The Lilydale Eagles celebrated Club Day on Saturday 31 May, with the junior and senior sides coming together throughout the day to support each other.

Once the activities had wrapped up and plenty of lollies had been handed out, the senior sides were set to take the field up against Healesville.

The Reserves were up first and looking to get back to winning ways and got off to a bright start, immediately getting on top in general play.

Healesville had the first real chance, however, a shot from their left wing which struck the outside of the post.

The deadlock was broken early with Trent Scott-Elsley putting the Eagles 1-0 up in the 13th minute with Lilydale up and about and thinking it could be a big day in front of goal.

Despite continuing their dominance on the ball and creating plenty of chances, Lilydale would be frustrated.

The Eagles had three goals all in the first half, ruled out for offside, including the chance for a first club goal for new recruit Josh Zmegac. Lilydale had lots of play down their left-hand side with Mark Vanderkolk, Marcus Salvitti, Theo Georgiou and Scott-Elsley combining beautifully but Lilydale lacked a clinical edge or the right movement in the box to finish off their abundance of chances.

The Eagles went into the halftime break with the lead but in disbelief as to how it wasn’t more.

Keen to atone for their first-half woes in front of goal, the Eagles came out and looked like they might have put it behind them when poker extraordinaire Byron Loveless finished a chance to make it 2-0 and a more comfortable lead for Lilydale.

The status quo would soon resume however, as the Eagles created to create and push forward for attack after attack, only not to put them away.

In a day full of gilt-edged chances, there was still a clear miss of the match when right back Dylan Donovan snuffed out a long ball from Healesville

and played a terrific pass through the guts for Scott-Elsley drifting in from the left. Scott-Elsley’s touch just in front of the keeper was good, putting him out in front of the open goal with nothing but grass and the net in front of him. Scott-Elsley took the shot on the turn and he could only watch on in despair as it kept rising up and over the bar, in a moment that summed up the day for the Reserves.

The Eagles were able to see out the game without any scares but the same could not be said for the referee, departing the pitch with five minutes left in the match due to some tummy troubles. Lilydale’s attackers weren’t the only ones making runs in behind it seems.

Plenty of players had chances they would like to have again but the Eagles will be pleased however, to not have been challenged too much the other way, keeping a clean sheet with the final score 2-0. The Reserves are fourth in the table with three wins, two draws and two losses.

The Firsts stepped up next, looking to continue their good form in the league with our wins on the bounce, but faced a stern challenge from ladder-leading Healesville.

The Eagles were on the back foot early, with Healesville getting on top and striker John-James O’Connell needing to be denied one-on-one by the right arm of keeper Callum Ludwig.

Healesville’s pressure would continue to mount however, as they earned a corner after Ludwig could only tip a curling cross around the post. The ball would be played in and Healesville would direct a lobbed header towards goal, with O’Connell making amends by getting in front hi marker and volleying home from close range.

Only five minutes later and another corner would the undoing of Lilydale, this time with the outswinging delivery met first time on the volley by Daniel Tadesse and fizzing into the roof of the net.

Two disappointing goals to concede for Lilydale who had been strong from their own attacking set pieces so far this season but with work to do on their defensive structure.

Things would settle for the most part for the rest

of the half with Healesville’s only big chances being denied by the offside flag and Lilydale growing into the game without threatening the opposition goal.

That was until the 43rd minute when Helaesville’s John Caloutas would go on an impressive run, evading a couple of Lilydale challenges to make his way to a dangerous area on the left wing. Caloutas was held up but given too much space to cut inside and put in an inswinging cross to O’Connell who got in front of Lilydale centre back Lachy Hamling and put a perfect glancing header into the far corner to make it 3-0 just before halftime. At halftime, Lilydale looked to be more physical and solid at the back and worked their way into the game.

The second half was a much cagier affair than the first, with neither side creating many chances of note early on.

Lilydale thought they had a claim for a penalty when playing coach Daniel ‘Dicko’ Dickson went down in the box but the referee waved it off and let play continue, something he couldn’t manage in the Reserves when nature called.

Lilydale were much stronger in the tackle and at the back in the second half, keeping Healesville’s chances minimal but were unable to make a breakthrough down the other end, only managing to get off a few shots that either went wide or over the top.

The scoreline remained the same at full-time with the Eagles’ unbeaten run in the league coming to an end. The Firsts sit fifth in the league with four wins and three losses.

No game this weekend due to the King’s Birthday public holiday, with the Eagles to return away from home against Dandy Casuals on Saturday 14 June.

Harrison Keeling was Mooroolbark’s best in their loss to South Belgrave. (Supplied)

The Lilydale handicap team Mick Crawley, Kerri McCracken, Drew Pawley, Murray McLean, captain Murray Howlett and Mark Edgell. (Supplied)

Gilbert Harries (right) ensures teammate Braden Zammit was ready to go ahead of the clash against Healesville. (Supplied)

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Q&A

Cindy McLeish MP

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

Geelong – I rebelled against my father and brother who assumed I would barrack for Carlton, so I chose my maternal grandmothers team instead!

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

….seriously I work almost every weekend going to community events. I also play hockey, drive around the paddocks and walk the dog which are all great ways to relax.

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

In my role I get to see the best of communities which is always inspiring. Being able to help communities and people in need and make a difference is very satisfying.

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

Thai… and I can vouch for a number of Thai restaurants in the Yarra Valley!

5. What are 3 words that describe you best? Energetic, curious and happy

6. When you were little, what did you think you were going to be?

PE Teacher

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

Dame Stella Rimington – Former head of MI5 and a woman in a key leadership role who is bound to have loads of interesting stories (I read her autobiography ‘Open Secret’, which was fascinating)

The late Mark Colvin – Long time ABC journalist and former presenter of PM on 774. He had a wealth of global knowledge and current affairs through his extensive international experience (I read his autobiography too)

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or take a chance