Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 24th June 2025

Loving the environment

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Primary School Grade 3 and 4 students gathered at Coronation Park on Tuesday 17 June, to revegetate the area.

Healesville Environment Watch Inc (HEWI) and Healesville Primary School have been planting at Coronation Park and Queens Park for 25 years thanks to the support from Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water.

The rainy weather was not an issue for students to learn how to love the local environment. Students were divided into two groups for a planting exercise and a nature walk.

This was the second time Grade 4 students Zoe R, Zoe C, and Toby participated in the program.

“I found it really nice because I feel like I’m participating in helping the local environment, especially our land and animals,” Zoe R said.

Turn to page 12 for more

Walking for Truth

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges community members, both nonFirst Nations and First Nations people, showed their advocacy in the meaningful event to tell the truth.

The Walk for Truth was part of the final events of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria’s formal truth-telling process and the first of its kind in Australia.

Over the past 23 days, Yoorrook deputy chair and commissioner Travis Lovett led the walk across more than 480km, starting in Portland,

where colonisation began in Victoria in 1834.

More than five members of the Yarra Valley Reconciliation Group participated in the walk across different days.

Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church’s Dale Prentice also attended the event on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Local First Nations people were central in this walk.

Healesville-based Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey represented Wurundjeri people at the walk.

Mr Garvey said truth telling isn’t divisive but is to bring Australians together.

“Truth-telling has been presented as one of the main aspects of healing when it comes to us moving forward,” he said.

“We can’t move forward without the truth being told because you can’t have recognition or a proper understanding without the real stories being told, and we’ve had a big issue with getting the real history across to the wider community.

“Hopefully, this allows us to not just heal but educate people more on why it’s been such a hard time for the Indigenous communities since colo-

Wurundjeri

smoking ceremony and a welcome speech at the Parliament House steps.

“The reason why we do that is because he’s come on Country, as I said to him the day before, he’s walked from many places, and when anybody walks, they do carry spirits with them, and any bad spirits they’ve bought with them, the smoke will move them on to a better place,” he said.

Turn to page 4 to read the full article

nisation started here in Victoria in 1834 .”

elder, uncle Perry Wandin welcomed Mr Lovett through a

Big smiles from Zoe C (left) and Toby. (Dongyun Kwon: 485012)

Crime hits a record high

By Star Mail and AAP

Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in the state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence.

In the Yarra Ranges, criminal incidents rose by 22.1 per cent compared to the year ending March 2024, with stealing from a motor vehicle surpassing the breaching of family violence orders in the top offence group.

Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Kilsyth each saw significant rises in criminal incidents, while Healesville saw the slightest decrease but still rounded out the top five leading offence suburbs in the municipality.

The total number of offences recorded was also up, an increase of 18.1 per cent, the breaching of family violence orders again being the top reported offence in the Yarra Ranges consecutively since 2021.

Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population.

The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago.

There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247.

Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3300 of what Victoria Police described as the “worst youth offenders” arrested.

Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries.

In the Yarra Ranges, the 10-17 age group rivalled the over 45 age group in alleged offender incidents.

Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to “difficult economic times”.

They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per

cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent).

Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months.

The data released on Thursday 19 June was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March.

Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent.

Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable.

“We’ll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters,” he said.

Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break.

Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be.

“We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads,” he said.

“This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives.

He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day.

The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex.

No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle.

A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday.

Victoria Police have seen a record rise in criminal incidents with youth overrepresented in violent crimes. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Quarrel over quarry

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra Valley Quarry’s decision to apply to expand its extraction area has sparked conflict among local residents in Launching Place.

Launching Place resident Andrea White, who lives just 30 metres away from the quarry said the effects of the expansion’s impact would be widespread.

“We moved here knowing there was a quarry there, yes, we co-existed fine for 13 odd years but now suddenly it’s screw the residents, we’re going to do whatever we want,” Ms White said.

The Yarra Valley Quarry is owned by Dandy Premix and its expansion would see its total extraction area increase from 23 hectares to 43 hectares wide and 285 metres deep, while increased activity has already impacted local roads, noise levels and dust.

Ms White, who spoke on behalf of the other residents living near the quarry, also expressed concern surrounding the quarry’s transparency when applying for the expansion.

For 15 years Ms White has lived in her house near the quarry, but she said in the last two years it’d become a problem.

“We’ve been here for 15 years and we lived here fine for 13 of those years,” Ms White said.

But when the industrial construction company Maas Group bought Dandy Premix for $85 million in December 2022, Ms White observed an uptick in quarry activity.

“The most obvious is the trucks and the noise. We are on McMahon’s Road, a very small rural road, it is bitumen because of the quarry, but it’s not a high-level bitumen so it’s already breaking

up at the moment,” she said.

For the 13 years Ms White has lived in her peaceful Launching Place home, the noise of the occasional truck was never a problem.

Yet, the expansion would see a 42 tonne truck exit the quarry every seven minutes - these include six-axle dog trailers and three-axle trucks using loud engine braking which would exceed 85 decibels.

Ms White also claimed the Heavy Vehicle Regulator confirmed the small rural roads used by the trucks aren’t suitable for the amount of pressure it withstands from the trucks.

The trucks weren’t only disturbing the peace - Ms White said there’d been a “number of near misses” as 42 tonne trucks roared around corners.

“We had a lot of issues originally with driver behaviour. We had a number of near misses.”

“Because I drive a Hyundai i30 and when you’re coming across one of them on your side of the road it scares the bejesus out of you,” she said.

But Dandy Premix claimed the expansion was necessary due to the growing demand of quarry produced materials in Victoria, partly driven by the State Government investing over $10 billion annually into new infrastructure projects to meet the demands of a growing population.

Prior to Maas Group’s acquisition, the quarry was family owned and it supplied local projects for the Dandy Premix company, but now, it provides crushed rock, concrete and aggregates for the State Government’s Big Build.

It currently supplies level crossing removals projects at Carrum, Cheltenham, Mentone, Edithvale and Bonbeach, among others. If the

expansion goes ahead, it would do so at a rate of 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes per year.

But Ms White said she understood the need for more resources, especially since she works close to the construction industry and has a good understanding of what’s happening.

“I’m absolutely not opposed to [quarries] and understand that we need raw materials.”

“I know it’s needed, but is this needed here, this one in particular? Because the Boral Quarry in Coldstream, they’ve just done a huge expansion and they also mine hornfels,” Ms White said.

Other quarries in the Yarra Ranges such as the Boral Quarry in Coldstream have also expanded in recent years to accommodate for the growing demand of quarry resources.

But for Ms White and the other residents living next to the quarry, they’ve felt as if Dandy Premix (and Maas Group) have left them in the dark.

“We have told them that we’ll be opposing them because they really didn’t give us any choice,” Ms White said.

After the possibility of an expansion was discussed with residents in a consultation meeting in 2019, no further communication was made and Ms White assumed it wasn’t happening.

But it was only in 2024 when she found out the company had actually applied for the permit already after contacting the quarry on her own behalf.

Currently, the quarry’s application to expand is being assessed by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Dandy Premix and Maas Group were contacted for comment.

IN BRIEF

Person trapped under bin taken to hospital

A person who was trapped underneath a bin on Warburton Highway near Woori Yallock has been taken to hospital.

The incident at around 12.50pm Friday 20 June and saw five vehicles from varying emergency services respond.

“One person was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition after being treated for lower body injuries,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

WorkSafe inspectors are investigating.

Warburton Bike Park warning

A recent increase in activity near the new Warburton Bike Park trails has prompted a reminder to stay off the trails until they’re open.

The Warburton Bike Park Facebook page said in a post they noticed an increase in activity surrounding the unopened trails.

“We know everyone’s eager to ride, but the trails are still under construction and not yet open to the public,” the post read. “The area is under video surveillance and we’ve noticed a recent increase in activity.”

“Riding now is causing damage that is setting us back — potentially delaying the official opening for everyone.”

The first 30 kilometres of the bike park is expected to open mid-July.

CFA paged to Levantine Hill Estate CFA responded to reports of an incident at around 9.18am on Maroondah Highway in Coldstream on Friday 20 June.

Three CFA units from Healesville and Coldstream brigades attended the scene.

Upon arrival, crews found a sprinkler had been hit with a forklift in the basement of the building. Crews declared the scene under control by 9.35am and deemed safe by 9.58am.

Mount Donna Buang snow forecast

Mount Donna Buang will see some snow next week as we head into the latter half of June.

The peak will receive six centimetres of snow on Tuesday 24 June and another six centimetres on Wednesday When driving up the mountain all cars must be fitted with snow chains.

Kinglake boy was charged

A 17-year-old Kinglake boy and one more teenager were charged by Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives following alleged assaults, attempted thefts and attempted armed robberies across Melbourne’s CBD.

It is alleged the two teens approached a male victim near Southern Cross Railway Station, made threats they had a knife, and then assaulted him on Thursday 19 June about 8.30am.

The teenagers allegedly attempted to steal his scooter but were unsuccessful and fled on foot.

A short time later, the two offenders allegedly attempted to steal a vape from another male victim on Bourke Street bridge, near the railway station. They were unsuccessful, allegedly followed and assaulted him, then fled the scene.

The two offenders allegedly attempted to steal headphones from a third victim on St Kilda Road about 9.30am. It is alleged they assaulted him when they were unsuccessful. The three victims all sustained minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

One of the boys allegedly assaulted a police officer during the arrest, damaged a police CCTV camera and assaulted two police officers back at the station.

The expansion would see the quarry moving 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes of resources a year. (Stewart Chambers: 485339)

Ranges joins Walk for Truth

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges community members, both nonFirst Nations and First Nations people, showed their advocacy in the meaningful event to tell the truth.

The Walk for Truth was part of the final events of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria’s formal truth-telling process and the first of its kind in Australia.

Over the past 23 days, Yoorrook deputy chair and commissioner Travis Lovett led the walk across more than 480km, starting in Portland, where colonisation began in Victoria in 1834.

Mr Lovett said he’s incredibly thankful to everyone who joined the journey, whether by walking, volunteering, or learning from Traditional Owners along the way.

“We’ve walked for more than three weeks, across country and through all kinds of weather, carrying the truths of our people with us,” he said.

“This walk is about more than the past.

“It’s about truth, understanding and the future we can build together. It’s about walking side by side, listening deeply with respect and taking steps toward a fairer Victoria for everyone.”

More than five members of the Yarra Valley Reconciliation Group also participated in the walk across different days.

Rod Hysted joined the walk on Tuesday 17 June where he walked about 10km from Footscray Park to Camp Sovereignty in Kings Domain, a site of deep significance, political advocacy and resistance.

“I found it deeply moving. We joined Travis Lovett, who had walked from Portland,” Mr Hysted said.

“We just walked with such a huge group of people. All believed that we need to walk with Aboriginal people in truth and understanding.

“The walk started in the morning with Travis addressing why he was doing this walk, and along the way, we stopped at a number of places of significance to the local Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, and they spoke about the significance of those areas.

“And there was also a local First Nations person Thane Garvey who spoke of each of those places as well. It was just lovely to hear Thane, talking about his story and the story of our local people.”

On Wednesday 18 June, the participants walked from King’s Domain to Parliament House in the morning and had a celebration of Yoor-

rook’s work at Federation Square in the afternoon.

Yarra Valley resident Dale Prentice attended the event on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Prentice said he joined the walk with his wife Libby Prentice as part of the justice group of the Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church and Christians for Yoorrook, an organisation supporting the work of Yoorrook.

“It was the most gracious movement to bring a message to Parliament that I’ve ever participated in,” he said.

“One of the most important points, commissioner Lovett made, is that this document is written by the oppressed rather than the oppressor, which is a very different eye to understanding history.”

Local First Nations people were central in this walk.

Healesville-based Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey represented Wurundjeri people at the walk.

He conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony on Tuesday and Wednesday, spoke on knowledge, culture history and stories

throughout the walk, and did a gift exchange with Mr Lovett.

Mr Garvey said truth telling isn’t divisive but is to bring Australians together.

“Truth-telling has been presented as one of the main aspects of healing when it comes to us moving forward. We can’t move forward without the truth being told because you can’t have recognition or a proper understanding without the real stories being told, and we’ve had a big issue with getting the real history across to the wider community,” he said.

“It’s not just been that we haven’t had the platforms. It hasn’t just been the fact that we haven’t had the opportunities. It’s because it was deliberately shoved under the carpet, and we have had the government give back over 10,000 documents that are going to allow us to look further into some of these stories that have been hidden purposely.

“Hopefully, this allows us to not just heal but educate people more on why it’s been such a hard time for the Indigenous communities since colonisation started here in Victoria in 1834 .” Wurundjeri elder, uncle Perry Wandin was surprised at the turnout.

Uncle Perry Wandin said he did not know how many people were going to attend.

“I thought it would be just a group of about a dozen people, and that turned into about 5000 people. And then, by the end of the event, there were 10,000 people involved,” he said.

“They’re totally involved in Aboriginal politics and the right for Aboriginal people to be told the truth and what the government needs to be said to tell the truth.”

Uncle Perry Wandin welcomed Mr Lovett through a smoking ceremony and a welcome speech at the Parliament House steps.

“The reason why we do that is because he’s come on Country, as I said to him the day before, he’s walked from many places, and when anybody walks, they do carry spirits with them, and any bad spirits they’ve bought with them, the smoke will move them on to a better place,” he said.

Healesville High School’s education union members rally

By Dongyun Kwon

Some of the Healesville High School staff participated in the state-wide rally against the government’s funding cuts to public schools.

Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch started a series of rallies to fight against the Victorian government as the recently handed down budget revealed a delay in the state’s commitment to fully fund public schools until 2031.

AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly said that school staff are furious at the duplicity of the Allan Labor government and its funding con job.

“AEU members are rallying today (on Thursday 19 June) to demand the education minister fixes his government’s mess and acts to ensure every Victorian public school is fully funded.  And we will keep campaigning and rallying until the funding cuts are resolved,” Mr Mullaly said.

“Right now, Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country, and our teachers are the lowest paid, with education support staff and school leaders undervalued.

“To deny this funding during a chronic shortage of teachers shows how out of touch the Labor government is. Valuing and respecting school staff through fair and decent pay is a key way to retain existing employees and attract the next generation to our profession.”

The AEU members at Healesville High School wore red in support of the rally, gathering at the front car park during recess time on Thursday 19 June.

AEU Healesville High School president Joanna Yates said Victoria’s public school communities are once again being asked to do more with less, as the state government continues to delay the full and fair funding our schools desperately need.

“Despite clear evidence of underfunding, more than $2.4 billion withheld from our students, education minister Ben Carroll and Premier Jacinta Allan have failed to commit to delivering the funding our schools are entitled to. This shortfall is not just a number; it represents fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and reduced support for the students who need it most,” she said.

“That’s why teachers, support staff, parents, and community members will gather outside Minister Carroll’s office in Niddrie on Thursday 19 June, and again at Premier Allan’s office in Bendigo on Thursday 3 July. Our message is simple: fix the funding mess. Our students cannot wait. Other rallies are planned in the following weeks, all over the state.

“School staff are being supported by the AEU to take local action and demand their state Labor MPs stand up for public education. School councils are also being urged to speak out on behalf of their communities. The stakes are too high to stay silent.

“Every child deserves a fully funded education, no matter their postcode. The time for delays and excuses is over. It’s time the government delivered on its promise.”

The Better and Fairer Schools Funding Agreement (BFSA) Head Agreement was signed in January 2025 by the Prime Minister, the Premier of Victoria, the federal minister for education and the Victorian minister for education, securing 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for Victorian government schools by 2034.

Negotiations are continuing to finalise a bilateral agreement between Victoria and the Commonwealth that will determine the rate of investment and key reform activities.

Education minister Ben Carroll said the government’s priority is and has always been that every child, no matter where they live, has access to a world-class education for free in a Victorian

government school backed by full and fair funding.

“We will fund government schools at 75 per cent of the SRS, delivering increased funding in stages during the term of the agreement,” he said.

“Building schools is an investment in our kids’ future and we have the largest school building program in the country. Our $18.5 billion investment over 11 years has seen 123 new government schools funded and delivered more than 2300 school upgrades.

“The Victorian Government is currently final-

ising these discussions with the Commonwealth. As they are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Theagreementalsobuildsontheworkalready underway in Victoria to embed evidence-based teaching and learning in classrooms, including Victoria’s approach to reading, which includes 25 minutes of daily systematic synthetic phonics instruction for all students in Prep to Grade 2 to be fully implemented by the start of 2027.

Star Mail is aware other schools are planning to participate in the rally.

Supporters join Yoorrook Justice Commission deputy chair Travis Lovett for the final day of the Yoorrook Justice Commission Walk for Truth. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

People gathering at Parliament House to finish the Yoorrook Justice Commission Walk for Truth. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Yoorrook Justice Commission deputy chair Travis Lovett watches on as Indigenous dancers perform ahead of the Yoorrook Justice Commission Walk for Truth. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

The AEU members at Healesville High School wore red in support of the protest, gathering at the front car park during recess time on Thursday 19 June. (Supplied)

Orders protect against DFV

By Callum Ludwig

With family and domestic violence continuing to be a major issue throughout Australia, it’s important to shine a light on different avenues to protection that are available to victims.

One potential option is a family violence intervention order (FVIO), a civil order which can be granted by the Magistrates’ Court to help protect a person, their children and/or their property from a family member, partner or ex-partner.

An FVIO granted to a daughter by the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court was recently upheld in the County Court of Victoria despite an attempt to appeal it by her mother.

The judge who considered the appeal ultimately decided in favour of the respondent and Victoria Police’s submission that the two-year duration of the FVIO was appropriate, rather than the appellant’s proposal that it should be withdrawn.

The FVIO, which was granted in June 2024, will now continue to be in place until it expires next year preventing the appellant from committing a broad range of actions that could be considered family violence.

Director of legal services and principal lawyer at Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) Belinda Lo said intervention orders can protect people if the people who are the subject of that order respect the law.

“They are orders that the court makes either with the agreement of somebody or without that person’s agreement to stop that person from behaving in a certain way towards another person or their family,” she said.

“If you do have an intervention order made against you, so if you’re the one that has been ordered by the court to not commit family violence, if you break that order then the police are empowered to investigate and bring charges against you.

“But it’s not an immediate charge by the po-

lice, there’s a step in between and essentially family violence intervention orders are to protect people from being subjected to psychological, physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse by a family member or somebody who is like a family member to them, so that can include carers or very close people in your life that you would consider your family.”

Under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, family violence can also include being economically abusive, threatening, coercive or trying to dominate or control a family member in a way that causes them to fear for their safety or wellbeing. It can also include when a child hears or witnesses these behaviours, the threat or act of intentionally damaging property, attempting to locate or follow the family member or publishing information about the protected person on the internet.

Ms Lo said everyone has a right to appeal what they believe is unfair, but in order to do so, they have to prove that the reasons for the order being made in the first place are not necessary.

“Sometimes people who have intervention orders made against them think it’s a punishment, it shouldn’t be perceived as a punishment in the sense that the intervention order is really just to stop behaviour that’s against the law in any event,” she said.

“You’re not getting a fine, you’re not going to have some sort of criminal sanction at all if you have an intervention order against you but what you have got is a court order telling you to stop behaviour that you can control.

“For survivors who are really concerned about their intervention orders or those potentially attempting to appeal intervention orders that are made against them, they will have to convince the court of a few things.”

The standard for a successful appeal is very high, with the appellant having to either prove an error of law (an error regarding the application of a law), fact (an error regarding the evidence of a trial) or discretion (an error regarding

Small acts make a big impact.

the judge’s actions in preciding over the trial).

Ms Lo said for anyone experiencing family violence, the first thing they suggest is to contact police, who have specialised family violence liaison officers trained to support survivors and who can make an application for an intervention on their behalf.

“You can also talk through what has happened to consider whether or not criminal charges may need to be laid as well, they are two separate situations, but they often go hand in hand, as you can imagine, because family violence as we know can have some really horrific situations that occur,” she said.

“You will often see that somebody who might have criminal charges laid against them also

have an intervention order, at least a short-term one, until the criminal charges are heard and applied against them as well to stop them from continuing to behave in the violent way towards the family violence survivor and the family members if there are children.

“I would also really always recommend that people seek the support of family specialist services, we have them all across the region and they’re all extremely skilled, they are extremely compassionate and non-judgmental to be able to also help you if you want, if you’re worried about going to the police station by yourself or you don’t know where to go first and, of course, you can always contact your free community legal centre as well.”

LEADING HAND CARPENTER & CARPENTRY POSITIONS

Come and Join our Team!

E-waste cannot be put into any of your household bins.

E-waste cannot be put into any of your household bins.

E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working. E-waste contains hazardous materials which can be harmful to the environment, but they also contain valuable resources that can be reused.

E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working. E-waste contains hazardous materials to they contain valuable resources that can be reused.

Hedger Constructions are Victoria’s multi-award-winning custom home builders. With industry leading sustainable building practices, we create unique, energy efficient and innovative homes with outstanding craftsmanship. Based in Alexandra, our expanding client base covers regional Victoria, the Yarra Valley and Melbourne.

Find out more: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/ Waste/Electronic-Waste-E-waste

Find out more: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/ Waste/Electronic-Waste-E-waste

We are looking for a full time Leading Hand Carpenter and Carpenters as part of our growing company and become a valued member of our construction family.

Hedger Constructions are Victoria’s multi-award-winning custom leading building we create unique, energy efficient and innovative homes with Based our expanding client Yarra Valley and Melbourne. are time Carpenter Carpenters as part of our growing company and become a valued member of our construction family.

This position requires a minimum of 5 years industry experience and is based in the Alexandra & North East.

This position requires a minimum of 5 years industry experience and is Alexandra

The successful applicants need to be passionate about the building industry; can communicate well in a team, coordinate work in a team

The successful applicants need to be passionate about the building industry; can communicate well in a team, coordinate work in a team environment or work individually.

Please email your resume and/or a letter of interest to jobs@ hedgerconstructions.com.au or use the QR code below to apply by Friday, July 4th 2025

Please email your resume and/or a letter of interest to jobs@ hedgerconstructions.com.au or use the QR code below to apply by Friday, July 4th 2025

The County Court of Victoria recently upheld an FVIO granted by the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court. (File: 481350)

Fruit Fly Strategy ends in days

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government’s Fruit Fly Strategy 2021 to 2025 is expiring at the end of the month, leaving the onus on local growers, from large commercial enterprises to home gardeners, to remain informed and prevent the spread of the pest.

As a result of the strategy expiring, local efforts such as Agribusiness Yarra Valley’s Fruit Fly Free Yarra Valley are set to now no longer be funded and will operate in a reduced capacity, with most of the responsibility for reporting, prevention and trapping left to growers.

Bronwyn Koll has been the regional coordinator for Agribusiness Yarra Valley’s Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) efforts for numerous years and said it is vitally important that all gardeners, hobby farmers and commercial fruit growers stay informed about the occurrences of QFF in the local areas.

“The Yarra Valley is in a critical stage of pest prevention and pest management regarding QFF, we are experiencing QFF in some locations, yet not others, and only in low population numbers so far, this makes the decision for a land manager to invest in control actions very difficult,” she said.

“QFF can attack anyone’s fruit, take it as a compliment if you are host to QFF, it because your fruit is the tastiest in the district, be aware that this is still a pest in its emerging phase here, not everyone will have experience it yet, and it may not happen every year, although statistically, it is a greater chance of QFF attacking fruit if you experienced it the year before,”

“Good QFF prevention and management is really a series of improvements to your production system, it will take more time to plan your fruit garden layout, or put in a netting structure, but this can have additional benefits of protecting the fruit from other pests and even birds too, better pruning and tree shape can go a long way to improved fruit quality and size.”

Growers are advised to take early precautionary measures to protect against the QFF, as management options are cheaper and have less impact on other insects when populations levels are low.

Ms Koll said most fruit growers (domestic and commercial) in the Yarra Valley are in favour of adopting a management style that uses the least amount of chemicals and the most assistance from biological predators.

“Options preferred for low-pressure QFF management are the use of crop hygiene, male annihilation stations and regular protein bait applications over the season, these treatments are all very specifically targeted at the QFF species and the off-target harm to beneficial insects in a production system is very minimal,” she said.

“If a land manager waits until the QFF population is larger and the fruit damage is increased (economically significant), hygiene, baiting and mating disruption can only make a dent in the QFF population,” she said.

“The tool that is often used in high QFF pressure situations is a program of broad-spectrum insecticide cover sprays (applied over the whole crop), and this can be harmful to beneficial insect predators often used in integrated pest management (IPM) systems to manage crop damaging pests, we don’t want to pressure good

IPM by relying on QFF cover sprays to solve an increasing QFF issue.”

While proactive QFF project coordination will end, the fruitflyfreeyv.com website will remain and the ‘Keep Yarra Valley fruit fly free’ Facebook page will remain for now. On the website, growers can find a free e-learning tool, QFF information and report suspected QFF detections via the link to ‘My Pest Guide Reporter’, where the Agribusiness Yarra Valley team can confirm if it is likely to be QFF and confirm the detection, uploading it to a map where detections can be monitored via postcode.

Another advised action after detecting QFF is to inform neighbours, family and friends, a local garden centre or agronomy store, a local garden club or community garden, or a commercial fruit grower who may be able to share information.

Any concerns about unmanaged land or neglected fruit trees should be reported to your local council and for commercial fruit growers, Agriculture Victoria can also offer support to implement changes in pest management.

Residents living along waterways in the re-

gion may also be able to contact Melbourne Water for support which is available for the control of weeds like blackberries on recognised creeks in the region.

Ms Koll said the QFF program has proven to have increased people’s awareness and knowledge of QFF issues in the Yarra Valley and when it started in in 2017, many people had never heard of QFF and denied its existence or risk in the Yarra Valley.

“Education sessions and exceptional trapping programs have aided people to better look for QFF and identify it correctly, as the Yarra Valley QFF risk has increased with more fruit movement, more suitable habitat and climate, and the QFF’s resilience to cooler climates, more people have experienced catching QFF or crop loss due to QFF damage,” she said.

“Monitoring for QFF involves both the use of traps specifically designed for QFF, and performing regular fruit checks, anyone producing fruit of any crop size should be observing QFF trends both in their crop and in the local area, so actions can be taken early,” she said.

“As this project is no longer government funded, this area-wide trapping grid isn’t providing the region with information about where QFF is an issue at a given time, we will now need to rely on land managers trapping QFF themselves, and even better - sharing the information so we can all be forewarned of an increased QFF risk near to us.”

Advice for those who bring seemingly good fruit home which turns out to be infested should always process it in a clean and secure area such as the kitchen, freeze the scraps as a general practice, burn or wrap and bin the packaging the fruit came in, especially corflute cardboard where QFF larvae and pupae can hide. Any infested fruit should be boiled (brought to the boil over a period to get all the fruit to temperature) or frozen (placed in a bag in the freezer until frozen solid all the way to the middle). Never use the cardboard packaging as garden mulch or compost and do not compost infested fruit. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, which also manages Agriculture Victoria, was contacted for comment.

Queensland fruit fly larvae in infested fruit. (Agribusiness Yarra Valley)

Roo control permit accelerated

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Government is set to speed up the process of landowners receiving Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permits to kill kangaroos in response to drought conditions being experienced in parts of the state.

Premier Jacinta Allan said on the ABC’s Victorian Country Hour on Friday 13 June that the government would aim to bring the process to under a week, with kangaroos putting ‘extra pressure on farmland.

“We’ll be looking at offering some rebates to help manage this,” she said.

“We’ve got to do it humanely, we’ve got to look at how it can be done through non-lethal control mechanisms, but it’s got to be done.”

The Victorian Government will spend $1.8 million to speed up the provision of both lethal and non-lethal permits for kangaroos and other wildlife through the Conservation Regulator and the kangaroo management rebate.

The kangaroo management rebate is eligible to primary producers statewide and linked to the provision of an ATCW permit.

The Conservation Regulator will fast-track assessments of permit applications that are believed to be low-risk, with the aim of bringing processing times to less than five days on average.

In a media release, Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the move to enhance measures to improve the management of kangaroo populations and streamline the Authority to Control Wildlife permit process was also welcome.

“These updates reflect growing concern across rural and regional communities about the impact of overabundant kangaroos on pasture availability, animal welfare, in the light of a sustained drought across Victoria,” he said.

“Farmers need more practical and timely solutions to control kangaroo numbers and this decision by the government gives producers the means to control kangaroos on farm.”

The Star Mail sought to find out whether the

Outer East, which is significantly less drought-affected than other areas of the state, would be included and can confirm that the permit process will be sped up statewide, with drought-affected areas further prioritised.

The announcement has drawn criticism from kangaroo advocates, with financial incentives for the harvesting of kangaroos already available through the commercial Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP).

Under the KHP, authorised harvesters can control kangaroos on private land and sell the carcasses within an annual quota set by the government. ATCW permits allow landholders to

Plan to reduce fire risks in Healesville and surrounds

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council recently announced the successful completion of its Place-Based Resilience Planning Project which was done in partnership with four local communities.

Healesville was one of the four communities involved in this project.

As part of this project, Healesville Community Emergency Group (HCEG) launched the final version of its Bushfire Impact Mitigation Plan last November.

The Bushfire Impact Mitigation Plan’s purpose was to develop a community-led and supported landscape management plan, based on the latest science on fire behaviour and ecosystem responses, to encourage individual and cooperative actions by land-owners and managers to reduce the severity of the impacts of bushfires on the communities of Healesville and its surrounds.

HCEG volunteer Graeme George said HCEG’s focus was different from other groups who worked on bushfire plans under the same project.

“The others were looking at fuel reduction as their priority,” he said.

“According to the latest science, the fuel loads in bushfire areas are only one of the factors that influence the severity of a fire and the risk of losing life or property.

“Our plan was focused on the sorts of things that landowners can do to mitigate the risks of fires starting in the first place, intensifying and spreading. And that’s things apart from fuel reduction.”

Mr George said some of the main features in the plan are about the fire shields which modify the wind speeds.

“Other things we want to address are things like modifying the wind speeds on open landscapes by planting trees to form shelter belts and windbreaks to slow the wind down and to plant green fire breaks of vegetation that’s not highly flammable, again, not ignite quickly and to slow down fires but also to trap embers,” he said.

“And that gets more important as you get closer to assets. Those green fire shields very close to assets reduce the radiant heat, trap embers and slow down the wind.”

It took two years for the HCEG to put everything together in the plan.

The plan is now available for the community on Yarra Ranges Council’s website, yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/ Climate-and-environment/Emergencies/ Resilient-Yarra-Ranges/Place-based-Resilience-Planning

Mr George thanked Yarra Ranges Council for the support.

“The council was very supportive of us going in that direction, even though it was a little bit different to what the other groups were doing,” he said.

“They were very helpful in providing resources, mapping for the council’s resources, accessing to other agencies, getting our final plan formatted and printed for us as well as facilitating our meetings.”

control a specified number of a certain wildlife and sets the method of control, with carcasses unable to be sold.

Founder of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance Alyssa Wormald said it is 2025, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was 1925, or even 1825, when learning that Jacinta Allan’s idea of drought relief is making it faster and easier for landholders to kill kangaroos.

“Not only is it deeply unethical, it is totally irresponsible during an ecological and biodiversity crisis where wild mammals make up just 4 per cent of the world’s mammalian biomass,” she said.

“Clearly the real issue is the millions of introduced herbivores, not the wildlife that is perfectly adapted to this landscape, there are an abundance of sophisticated wildlife coexistence strategies that the government should be implementing, but instead all we get is this archaic brutality,”

“It is simply a pathetic cop-out from our intensely disappointing and terrifyingly ecocidal leadership.”

Primary producers can register their interest at drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au to receive a notification once the program is open for applications, with more information to be available soon at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

Small acts make a big impact.

Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks to your property and to the people who collect your recycling and waste.

Putting and drop-off location to keep harmful materials out of your bins and the environment.

Take used batteries to your local drop-off location to keep harmful materials out of your bins and the environment.

Find out more: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/ Waste/Hazardous-Waste-Disposal

Permits to control kangaroos on farmland will be made quicker to process by the Victorian Government. (File)

Graeme George, Daniel Casullo from Yarra Ranges Council, Evelyn Feller and Penny Richards. (Derek Schlennstedt)

Racecourse ready for more

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Valley Racecourse has been equipped with a weather-proof flooring area thanks to a grant from the Victorian government.

The area will soon have a marquee set up to host more people at year-round events.

Yarra Valley Racing chief executive officer

Brett Shambrook said they used the funding to install the concrete slab.

“It’s 51 metres by 23 metres. And the marquees will be put over the top of the concrete slab, so it provides a safe footing for all the public when they come here to use it,” he said.

“From our perspective, we won’t have trip hazards with uneven ground and so forth.

“Heading into an event, if we had wet weather, it just gives us a little bit of security and we’ll still be able to proceed. Customers can come along, still have a good day and be out of the mud or the water.”

Up to 100,000 people attend the racecourse located in Yarra Glen annually, including for racing, markets, rodeos, car shows and school cross-country meets.

This upgrade is anticipated to attract an extra 2500 people to racing events and many more for other events.

The nearly $100,000 worth of government grant under the Regional Customer Facilities Program covered half of the cost of the project, and the local racing club contributed the same amount to increase the capacity and improve the event experience for visitors.

“Without the government assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to proceed with the project,” Mr Shambrook said.

“So I want to expressly thank them for their contribution.

“The state government and the minister for racing, Anthony Carbines, have been very helpful for this club.”

The concrete slab construction was completed in March and the marquee is scheduled to be put up in spring between September and October.

The new multi-functional marquee space also features five draining pits, which will allow the club to recover quickly from any floods.

Racing minister Anthony Carbines said the racing industry generates more than a billion dollars for regional Victoria’s economy and helps sustain more than 9000 local jobs.

“These upgrades will bring more of the community together more often — boosting the number of local events and economic activity,” he said.

Mr Shambrook thanked the government’s support for Yarra Valley Racing. (Stewart Chambers: 485342)

Period products in library

By Oliver Winn

New period product dispensers were installed at the Yarra Junction Library and the Yarra Centre, ensuring free access for women across the Yarra Ranges.

Your Library chief experience officer Sarah Hopkins said public libraries already had other basic amenities and that free access to pads and tampons was a basic human right.

“There are other things that you expect to get when you go to a public library: toilet paper, soap, hand towel, a working hand dryer, things like that,” Ms Hopkins said.

“So I think that putting these toiletries in a place where people might need them for free is just part of being a female human.”

The new machines were installed in the public toilets at the Yarra Junction Library, while in the Yarra Centre they’re located in the stadium change rooms.

It came from the State Government’s free

pads and tampons program, which has already saved women thousands of dollars in the first six months of the program.

Periods are a part of life yet it’s still shrouded in stigma - pads and tampons are a necessity, not a luxury.

One in five women and girls have reported struggling to afford period products and those who can’t afford period products are left feeling embarrassed and excluded.

Lack of access can significantly impact one’s wellbeing and affects one’s attendance at work, school, sport or other activities.

Other locations in the Yarra Ranges are set to have the machines installed, with Healesville Library marked to receive its free period product dispenser in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, public libraries in Belgrave, Ferntree Gully, Montrose and Mooroolbark have had their machines installed already.

The machines have a range of pads and tampons available, offering two packs of regular and

super pads, and two and six packs of regular and super tampons.

Insights from 50 trial machines across 30 Melbourne sites helped inform the broader rollout and feedback from community members has already shown the difference the program is making for people doing it tough.

Yarra Ranges Council director of communities Leanne Hurst said sanitary pad and tampon dispensers were installed at the Yarra Junction Library earlier this month.

“We’ve been working with Your Library Limited and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to roll out free pads and tampon vending machines across all of our libraries, and at the Yarra Centre.”

“In Share the Dignity’s Bloody Big Survey last year, 65 per cent of respondents in Yarra Ranges said they’ve struggled to afford period products, which is slightly higher than the national average of 64 per cent,” Ms Hurst said.

Women’s Minister Natalie Hutchins an-

nounced the next 90 venues across Melbourne on Thursday 8 May.

“Period products are a basic necessity – and we’re making sure women and girls can get them for free, when and where they need them,” she said.

“This is about dignity, equality and making sure no one misses out on school, work or community life because of their period.”

Ms Hopkins said the presence of the free period product machines would potentially have an impact on the ingrained stigma that exists.

“I think that it might [help], that historically periods would be something that are kind of shameful and you don’t talk about them, you don’t want to know about them, and they’re quite hidden.”

“That is changing because 50 per cent of the population is going to have a period.”

“No periods, no babies, no life, no future. So yeah, I think getting rid of stigma is always a good thing.”

Rides for two: Bicycles donated to Millwarra Primary School

By Oliver

Two lucky Millwarra Primary School students will receive a bike after the ADCare Op Shop generously donated two bikes to the school.

Millwarra Primary School principal Melanie Hancock said ADCare Op Shop normally donates every year to help support the extracurricular hands-on learning experiences for the students.

But this year, due to already having six fleets of bikes from previous years, the donation was simply to give to a student to take home.

“It’s just really nice. The generosity of everyone is just really amazing in this community,” Ms Hancock said.

ADCare Op Shop have donated to the Millwarra Primary School every year for the past 10 years.

Ms Hancock said the donations were crucial for ensuring these hands-on learning activities are properly resourced for the students.

“Even just the maintenance and the upkeep of those can get expensive as well, we have those for gardening as well. We have veggie gardens at both campuses and we use those to do cooking as well. So it all helps to the upkeep and getting everything fresh and ready to go.”

It helped the school bridge the gap in the curriculum between classroom knowledge and practical skills which provided students with a more interactive ways of learning.

“So it’s really good because these are hands-on activities that are linked back to the curriculum and are an engaging way for our students to learn,” she said.

“We’re linking the community with curriculum which is really good, so really engaging the students and to be given the money to support that program is really great.”

The donation reflected the spirit of the Upper Yarra, which Ms Hancock said has helped the community thrive by having each oth-

er’s back. “We’re all open-minded, we work together and have great respect, we have so many volunteers come

L-R: ADCare Op Shop team leader Kathy Kearns, a Millwarra Primary Student and principal Melanie Hancock. (Supplied)

Winn

Rotary wraps up big year

By Dongyun Kwon

The Rotary Club of Healesville wrapped up the tumultuous 12 months at the celebratory changeover dinner.

Rotarians and other community members rocked up at the Healesville RSL on Monday 16 June.

Despite many challenges including the relocation of the regular meeting place three times, the local rotary club has thrived with the theme of Beautiful Town for 2024-25 under the leadership of president Sally Piper with support from the dedicated board.

From producing the inaugural Healesville Business Guide, decorating lamps on the main street with wreaths for the Christmas season, to hosting the Diwali Festival and Marvellous March Cabaret Ball, along with presenting Ron Goding Excellence Award and Pride of Workmanship Award, the Healesville Rotary Club has achieved a lot in one year to serve the community with joy.

The rotary club displayed all of its achievements on a ‘brag table’ and distributed its annual report for the sake of transparency at the meeting.

With the fabulous leadership in her first tenure, the rotarians decided to extend Ms Piper’s presidency for one more tenure.

President Piper spoke of her vision for 2025-26 by introducing the three Rs remedy.

She said the vision is to look back at the past traditions for a better future.

“Part of the future for any group is to look at what we achieved in the past and how we did that, and it’s through people power. So people power is number one, and to actually continue to do that, I had a very simple, little remedy for how you deal with things,” she said.

“So I had this basic three Rs. The first R is to retain the very people that are there as best as you can. And I think I can do a lot better than that.

“The second R is to re-engage. Over the years, members just drifted off for various reasons. There are a whole lot of reasons, but don’t forget them. So re-engage with those who’ve been part of the history and the success of the club.

“And the third R is to recruit … And when we talk about recruiting, it’s not just about numbers, it’s about having a look at the people who have something really special because it’s all about service above self.”

The three Rs remedy was launched on the day by inducting new members as well as re-inducting the past members who’d left the club for a while.

Lauren Richardson was elected to membership of the Rotary Club of Healesville.

Robert Chippindall and Ian Vine were re-inducted as rotarians.

Two different awards were presented at the meeting as well: the Community Service Award and the Paul Harris Award.

The inaugural Community Service Award was given to people, who dedicated their time to helping the rotary club services.

Pam, Lauren and Brett Richardson, Andy Ives, Cheryl Chippindall and Andrew Kwon took the honour of being the recipients of the inaugural Community Service Award.

The Healesville Rotary Club also amended its constitution to introduce Friends of Rotary to those who can’t commit to the rotary club on a permanent basis but are still available to support with rotary matters consistently.

Cheryl Chippindall and Pam Richardson were the two of the first Friends of Rotary inductees.

The highest recognition from Rotary International, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, was given to Cheryl Chippindall who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for over 20 years.

When her name was announced unexpectedly, Ms Chippindall was overwhelmed with emotion and could only muster a single “thank you” before passing the microphone.

After Ms Chippindall’s short speech, vice president Terry Hills announced one more Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient out of the blue, which was Ms Piper.

“I have learnt so much in the last 12 months, I wasn’t expecting to learn quite as much as I did,” Ms Piper said.

“But for me, it’s all about how you can give

back, and how I got to work with the most extraordinary team.

“I’m so grateful that I see a very bright future for the club.”

After the awards presentation, Mr Hills asked Mr Violi to come forward so he could ask him a few questions.

The last question was ‘What do these people have in common - John F Kennedy, Pope Francis, Don Bradman, King Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and Aaron Viloi?’

Mr Violi was trying to find a correct answer.

“I was going to say Italian but that isn’t for Kennedy or King Charles,” he said.

“I’m not sure. They’re all humans.”

Mr Hills welcomed the Casey MP as an honor-

ary member of Rotary International.

“I can tell you that these people have in common with you that they are all honorary members of Rotary International,” the vice president said.

“It’s with great pleasure that I offer you honorary membership of the Rotary Club of Healesville.”

The meeting was wrapped by introducing the new board members who will officially take action from 1 July.

The new board is made up of president Sally Piper, vice president Terry

director Ben

vocational director Clifton

Del

and international director

Hills, secretary

Brown, treasurer Lauren Richardson, community

Lancaster, youth director Barba Dickson,

Maberly

Vinay Kumar.

The inaugural Community Service Award winners with Ms Piper and Cr McAllister. (Michael Hardinge: 485328)

Friends of Rotary inductees Pam Richardson (left) and Cheryl Chippindall (right). (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Mr Violi has become an honorary member of Rotary International. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Lauren Richardson was elected to membership of the Rotary Club of Healesville. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Paul Harris Fellow Award winner Cheryl Chippindall (left) with Healesville Rotary Club president Sally Piper and vice president Terry Hills. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Mr Hills announced one more Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient out of the blue which was Ms Piper. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Robert Chippindall (left) and Ian Vine (third from left) were re-inducted as rotarians. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

2024-25 board members. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Healesville Rotary Club’s celebratory changeover dinner was held at Healesville RSL on Monday 16 June. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Brag Table showcased all of the rotary club’s achievements over the past 12 months. (Dongyun Kwon: 485328)

Family’s smart solar savings

By Oliver Winn

A Wandin North couple have cut their energy bills significantly through new smart solar technology.

Trying to cut energy costs amid a cost of living crisis, Kevin and Nicola Johnson started generating solar energy, but grid limitations meant any extra clean energy they generated would go to waste.

Through Solahart’s Smart Home Energy Project (SHEP), they were able to ensure that extra clean energy would be utilised through a Solahart PowerStore hot water system.

Mr Johnson said the PowerStore was great as it used algorithms to learn when the household used hot water which enabled it to be much more efficient with how it used its energy.

“If you use this much hot water typically, and you’re going to have sun tomorrow, according to weather forecast, the PowerStore won’t do any heating on the grid at all, because there should be enough sun tomorrow to bring it all up for free,” Mr Johnson said.

He explained how the unit draws upon forecast information to predict how much solar will be generated ahead of time, to ensure there’s always enough hot water heated.

“It has an element just up at the top inside the unit, and it heats up enough hot water to keep us going until we can get some more solar.”

SHEP is a part of the Solar Victoria’s Residential Electrification Grants Program (SVREG), which offers eligible Victorian homeowners up to $2400 off smart solar technology and heating solutions.

Mr Johnson said since he’s had the PowerStore installed, he’s “probably spent about five dollars in hot water heating”.

He noted the difference between a solar hot water system and Solahart’s PowerStore hot water system.

“A solar hot water system doesn’t think in advance to work out when you’re going to have solar and look at what water you’ve got. It just says, ‘oh, the sun’s out, I’m going to heat up water’. “ When the sun isn’t out however, and the household doesn’t have any hot water, a solar hot water system will then draw on the grid to heat water - even if the household doesn’t need it.

Baker said the SVREG’s eligibility criteria for the water heater now has expanded to rental properties.

“For the first time, this grant, the water heater portion, covers residential rental properties and for holiday home dwellings.”

Solahart eastern ranges dealer principal Mark

“I think that’s quite important, especially for

cutting on energy costs, it’s passing on savings, for landlords to pass on to the tenants as well.”

Mr Johnson said he believed most homes will have new smart solar technology like the PowerStore in the future.

“It will ramp up. I honestly believe it will ramp up.”

in a stunning bushland setting. This year’s event helps Healesville Sanctuary rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife.

L-R: Victoria’s Minister for Climate Action, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP and Kevin. (Supplied)

Planting love of community

By Dongyun Kwon

Even bad weather couldn’t stop the Healesville Primary School students from putting their love for the local environment into practice.

Grade 3 and 4 students gathered at Coronation Park on Tuesday 17 June, to revegetate the area.

Healesville Environment Watch Inc (HEWI) and Healesville Primary School have been planting at Coronation Park and Queens Park for 25 years thanks to the support from Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water.

Students were divided into two groups for a planting exercise and a nature walk.

HEWI secretary Karen Garth led the nature walk.

“We’ve found some local birds, we’ve seen where we can go back looking for platypus, and we’ve seen some ringtail possum nests in the trees,” she said.

“A lot of what we’re doing is to protect all that habitat for those animals.”

Despite the rainy weather, students enjoyed the activities.

This was the second time Grade 4 students Zoe R, Zoe C, and Toby participated in the program.

“I found it really nice because I feel like I’m participating in helping the local environment, especially our land and animals,” Zoe R said.

“It’s really good, we’re helping all the birds and insects here,” Toby said.

“It’s really fun to help the environment by growing more trees and creating fresher air for animals,” Zoe C said.

Over 70 students participated in the program. Among those students, there were a few whose parents had also been involved in the same program when they attended the school.

Grade 3/4 teacher Marlene Williams said it’s a wonderful thing for the children to be involved in the environment which helps raise a sense of belonging and pride in their own community.

“It is their local environment. They have to live here, and they can be proud of it,” she said.

“And the students in the past have come back, and they’ve had a look at the trees and the bushes that they’ve planted to see how they’re going, and they do know that it helps the wildlife and the bird life.”

Big smile from Zoe C (left) and Toby. (Dongyun Kwon: 485012)

Grade 4 students Nevaeh (left) and Amber.

Grade 4 student Toby.Grade 3 students Lyle (left) and Aston.

A nature walk led by Ms Garth.

Grade 4 student Zoe C.

Grade 4 student Zoe R.

Zoe C’s hands getting muddy.

Warmth of the winter market

By Oliver Winn

Upper Yarra residents weathered the wintry winds and gathered at the Yarra Valley ECOSS Winter Twilight Market on Friday 13 June for a night of food, stalls and music.

Yarra Valley ECOSS executive officer Chelsea McNab said the night went well and was successful in bringing everyone together.

“Even though it was cold, it felt really beautiful and warm, and it was a great opportunity for people to just gather around the fire with live music and lots of great stalls,” she said.

The murmur of the crowd coupled with the serenading open mic performers set the soundtrack for the night.

The market stalls were packed with locally made products, which included mulled wine, chai, and various meals from Mexican and Indian cuisines.

A clothes swap stall saw people copping new clothes and grabbing a gift or two.

People could attend the market free of charge and Ms McNab said a lot of work was put into organising the event.

Yarra Valley ECOSS community engagement, market and events coordinator Leanne Hall designed the flyers for the event and distributed them to potential stall holders.

Ms McNab spoke highly of Ms Hall’s efforts as she did the preparations for the event.

“Leanne does all of the preparation and kudos to her for having the energy to make it happen,” Ms McNab said.

It was the first time the Winter Twilight Market had an open mic too, which was led by commu-

nity members.

“I think this was the first time we ran an open mic at the Twilight Market and we had some other community members take charge of that.”

“There’s a big fire circle around the fire. So it felt like people could come in and get a bit cozier, with that and then we had a little bit of a jam as well that anyone could join in with. So it feels like a very inclusive space.”

Yarra Valley ECOSS reached out to members of the community to host the open mic and hand-

Wandin Senior Citizens Club to celebrate first 50 years

By Oliver Winn

Wandin Senior Citizens Club will celebrate 50 years on 26 June as it marks a new era for the organisation.

The birthday celebration will take place at the Wandin District Senior Citizens Centre in Wandin North and goes from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Wandin Senior Citizens Club president Clare Gothard said they’ve gone “a bit all out” on the food with pork, beef and chicken on the menu, plus desserts and the birthday cake.

“We’ve got music, we’ve got a couple of people coming in and singing that we haven’t had for a while,” Ms Gothard said.

“Afterwards we’re going to have the lunch, we do a big lunch. It’s a freebie lunch for the people for the birthday.”

Having only stepped into the president role recently, Ms Gothard planned to lift the club up and make it more social and exciting which will inject new life into the club established in 1975.

“Since I’ve become the president… we’re trying to lift the club up from 50 years ago and make it more fun and stuff. So we’ll get dressed up… it’s a lot more exciting, social,” Ms Gothard said.

“I’m definitely not your nice lady president. I’m your funny president.”

Ms Gothard said more members had joined since the start of the year than it has in the past four, with the total now sitting at 70 members on the books.

ed the responsibility to them on the day.

Ms McNab said it was nice to expand the organisational role to the community.

“We just asked if they would take the reins on that and we had some brilliant performances and

it was just nice to expand that out into the community hands a bit more.”

ECOSS is an environmental and educational not-for-profit community hub and its events are organised by volunteers.

Healesville Probus Club learns astrology

By Dongyun Kwon

The Probus Club of Healesville invited a special guest to its monthly June meeting.

The guest speaker was Alex Deans, who has studied astrology for over a half-century.

flames surrounded by coffins.

After the brief explanation, Mr Deans introduced his chart which he uses for his predictions. The astrologer said, in astrology, there are 10 planets including the Moon and Pluto.

Her plan to bring the fun energy to the club had already inserted a newfound sense of life and energy into the mood.

It’s the little things which have sparked more joy and laughter in the club, like a day where everyone dressed up in purple, or even a galah day, where Ms Gothard dressed up as a “naughty galah”.

“I said, ‘where are those things you wouldn’t be seen dead in.’ You know, the things at the back of the cupboard,” she said.

It’s gotten the men involved more too, who Ms Gothard said never used to engage as much as the women would.

“The boys are getting involved, where they never did before.”

“I’ve noticed it. They’re enjoying it and they’re laughing, either at me or with me, whatever. I’m okay with that,” she said.

But it’s been daunting for Ms Gothard as she took the reins of the club after the previous president passed away unexpectedly.

She said it was hard to balance moving the club forward while pleasing everyone.

“[People] are talking and reacting to me now, but it’s still daunting.”

“But it doesn’t mean I’m going to step back. I’m going to keep going until they kick me out, which could be the next AGM, who knows,” she joked.

“It’s a good group, we get on really well, we get a lot done. So, time will tell.”

Mr Deans said he got into the world of astrology to prove it wrong in 1972.

“I thought it was a load of mumbo jumbo. The more I got intrigued with it, the more it pulled me in, and now I’m like an insect in a Venus flytrap where I’m stuck in a sticky mess and can’t get out, but I’m happy,” he said.

“I’m satisfied that astrology does work, I’ve got a YouTube (channel) now, which goes to air every week. And I predict horse races around the world or anything that’s happening.”

The astrology briefing session started by explaining the general idea and history of astrology. Mr Deans said astrologers studied the stars as well as the planets.

“Astrology is a bit like photography. You can use it towards landscapes. You can use it on roses and plants but it can also be used for medicine and towards good things,” he said.

“Astrology was mainly only affordable by kings and queens. Normal populace couldn’t afford it but William Lilly was one who paraded the streets of London in the 1600s and offered his services to the poor.”

William Lilly was an astrologer who predicted the 1666 Great Fire of London, and how he was brought before the committee investigating the cause of the fire, being suspected of involvement because of his publication of images, 15 years earlier, which depicted a city in

“I use those 10 planets in my work, and also there are millions and millions and millions of stars but I only use about under 10 stars because what I’m doing is sharpening my sword all the time,” Mr Deans said.

Mr Deans practises his prediction skills with horse racing by using his chart based on those 10 planets and horse racing time. However, he doesn’t bet because he is worried about losing the gift of forecasting if he starts betting.

Later on, he showed the audience an example how to use his chart with the Shepperton Dog Race which took place at 10.45am on the day. After considering everything, he came up with two numbers, one and four.

When asked if either of the two numbers would come first, the astrologer said four probably will come first.

Unfortunately, a dog with number six won the race and the number four came last.

Rather than being disappointed at the result, Mr Deans analysed where he made a mistake. After fixing the mistake in calculation with Jupiter, he came up with another number, three, which came second in the race.

“I’ve fallen on my sword today because I did a dog race. But I’ve discovered where I made a mistake. One of those things, probably nervousness,” Mr Deans said.

The attendees enjoyed morning tea afterwards.

There was a wood fire oven at the market. (Supplied)

Locals gathered by the fire to stay warm on the cold winter’s night. (Supplied)

The

Ms Gothard wants to inject more fun into the Wandin Senior Citizens Club. (Supplied)

Mr Deans explaining about the chart he uses to make predictions. (Dongyun Kwon: 485563)

Brisk days through a lens

With the Yarra Ranges experiencing some incredibly cold mornings already this winter, Jack Frost has certainly been out in force, casting icicles over everything.

But despite the minus degree mornings, it didn’t stop photography enthusiast Tracey Frazer from getting out to capture the delights of colour, fog and frost over the last few weeks.

This is a selection of her photos, showcasing the all the wonderful variations the sky and scenery has had to offer, whether touched by cloud or by frost.

Jack Frost has touched every inch of the Yarra Valley recently with some spectacularly cold mornings. (Tracey Frazer)

Pastel skies greeted the early riser.

Icicles formed on top of timber posts.

Despite the cold, people still enjoying their morning walks along the Trail.

Frost leads into a foggy sky as the sun rises.

Sunrise in Woori Yallock.

The cows amongst the frosted ground.

The faintest fog-bow dances over the the Trail.

There was a contrast of colours, with fog settling in the valley, hills drenched in blue and the sky warming with an orange hue.

With cold mornings, often comes clear days.A touch of frost made this rose even more beautiful.

Indigenous service honour

By Dongyun Kwon

Victorians took a time to pay tribute to all First Nations servicemen and women who served for Australia.

The Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service was held again at the Shrine of Remembrance on 31 May.

This special service was evolved from a local service which was organised by then Healesville RSL president Sam Halim and the late Aunty Dot Peters in 2006.

“In 2006, the Healesville RSL Sub-Branch, I was asked by a local Aboriginal elder, the late Aunty Dot Peters, if the RSL would honour her father and other Indigenous soldiers who died in the defence of Australia but received little or no recognition. She had been trying for years through the RSL and other organisations, but had failed,” Mr Halim said.

“Myself as president, along with my committee, decided to change that and held the first ever remembrance service for the Indigenous soldiers at the Healesville RSL sub-branch. At that service, I am proud to say that I raised the Aboriginal flag for the first time at an RSL.

“Then, during Reconciliation Week, Healesville RSL Sub-Branch for the first time ever played the didgeridoo whilst playing The Ode, every day for a week. Not long after that, the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne followed our lead, and raised the Aboriginal flag for the first time ever at a service. This service is now in its 21st year, and is held at The Shrine of Remembrance on 31 May each year. It is now replicated in other states around Australia.”

Each year before her passing, Aunty Dot laid a gum leaf wreath at the service, and this tradition is now continued by her son, Dr Andrew Peters.

Dr Andrew Peters laid a gum wreath and Mr Halim laid a native wreath at the eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Bagpiper in front of The Shrine of Remembrance.First Nations choral group Yeng Gali Mullum.Royal Australian Air Force band.

Flypast. Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service co-founder Sam Halim. (Supplied)

Let’s Beat the pet Heat

At Animal Aid, we see the consequences of unplanned litters every day, kittens born into homelessness, injured strays, and pets surrendered by families who simply are struggling to stay afloat.

That’s why we’re calling on our local community to Beat the Heat and help break the cycle through desexing.

This July, we’re offering discounted desexing at our Coldstream Vet Clinic.

This is the perfect chance to prevent those late night prowls and surprise litters before the breeding season kicks off in the warmer months.

It’s a simple step that makes a big difference for your pet and our community.

Desexing your pet is one of the most important things you can do to support animal welfare.

It prevents surprise litters, reduces roaming and behavioural issues, and improves long-term health.

It’s a simple act that creates a big ripple in reducing the number of animals needing sheltering and care before they find their new home.

Many don’t realise that Animal Aid’s Veterinary

aid Animal

Mark Menze Animal Aid CEO

ClinicinColdstreamisn’tjustforourshelteranimals.

It’s a fully operational private clinic, open to everyone, with a team of compassionate and experienced vets - we deeply care about our community and are ready to care for your pets.

By choosing Animal Aid, you’re not only giving your pet the best care, you’re supporting a greater mission to end animal homelessness.

Let’s work together as a community to keep our pets safe, healthy, and home.

Call (03) 8756 1300 to book with our clinic or learn more.

Fast zombies are back in gruesome thriller movie

28 Years Later

Starring Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Jodie Comer MA15+

4.5/5

The third film in the 28 apocalyptic horror franchise, 28 Years Later is an enthralling, humane character drama in the flesh of a gruesome zombie thriller.

Nearly thirty years after a zombifying Rage Virus devastated the UK, a boy named Spike (Alfie Williams) ventures with his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) from their heavily-defended village to the dangerous outside world for the first time.

Williams shows resilience and determination beyond his years as Spike, and Taylor-Johnson is both warm and guarded as Jamie.

28 Years Later is full of graphic, nerve-shredding action scenes, but director Danny Boyle (who directed 28 Days Later from 2002) understands the need for quiet, richly-atmospheric slowness between the carnage.

The surprisingly subtle plot explores themes of trust, manhood, courage and honouring the dead, as Spike braves the wilderness and kills zombies to help his sick mother Isla (Jodie Comer), not for a macho rite of passage. Where Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’s franchise callbacks could get rather blatant, 28 Years Later’s callbacks are nicely understated.

28 Days Later popularised the now-ubiquitous trope of “fast zombies”, and 28 Years Later shows these zombies filling new niches and evolving beyond purely mindless monsters.

They are sometimes presented like animals and at other times almost like cavemen, with the film coaxing fascination, humour and even pathos from these still-scary creatures.

28 Years Later’s stunning cinematography was shot almost entirely on an iPhone, which is both a big technical step-up and a full-circle return to the filmmaking of 28 Days Later, which was shot on a cheap digital camera.

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, 28 Years Later is one of the best films of the year so far, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the follow-up film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, in January 2026.

WIRE INDUSTRIES

Book review of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.

The Wild Robot, from which the 2024 animated film of the same name was adapted, is written and illustrated by renowned American author Peter Brown.

An endearing novel for teens PASSION FOR PROSE

Published in 2016, the novel has two sequels, The Wild Robot Escapes (2018) and The Wild Robot Protects (2023).

The middle-grade novel tells the story of the robot ROZZUM unit 7134 or “Roz”, who, upon opening her eyes for the first time, finds herself all alone on a remote island full of wildlife.

Like all humans, she searches for the meaning of her existence and the purpose of her life.

In the process, Roz learns to survive in the wildness by learning from and eventually befriending the island’s animal inhabitants.

She even learns to become a mother, adopting an orphan gosling and raising him to become something great.

The book has its narrator speaking directly to the reader, which is both amusing and endearing: “I should remind you, reader, that Roz had no idea how she had come to be on that island ... As far as Roz knew, she was home.”

However, for a long while, the robot remains a threat in the eyes of the animals, who call her a “monster” and tell her to “return to whatever horrible place you’ve come from”.

But from Roz’s perspective, she is indeed from the island and has spent her whole life there.

We see how the robot observes and analyses, then adapts, improvises and improves, her logical programming allowing her to quickly identify and implement various survival strategies and assess their effectiveness, before generating new queries and then establishing new operational parameters by which she can better accommodate existing and unpredictable circumstances.

CARTOON

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

In other words, this is a dream come true for any young and adult readers who ever feel enthralled by the technological mystery that is artificial intelligence.

Even better, here the testing ground is the wilderness, full of constant yet unexpected danger and death, erratic and often violent encounters with the dark sides of nature.

But there are also friendship, resilience, connection, compassion, teamwork, kindness, loyalty, and the best of all, family and love.

In learning to become “wild” – a literary theme increasingly explored in recent years – Roz, who is created for the sole purpose of serving in a domestic capacity, gets a chance to learn how to live.

The black-and-white illustrations present her as a chunky, clunky and often clumsy hulk, yet she is so much more intelligent and engaging – like the humanoid robots in Hayao Miyazaki’s 1986 animated film Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

If you are looking for great books for children – especially to read aloud to and/or with them – The Wild Robot and its sequels are an excellent option.

The author writes with humour and honesty, achieving a fine balance between truth and wonder without patronising those young minds eager for an adventure.

Highly recommended.

GRAND-SCALE FAMILY LIVING WITH ICONIC VIEWS

GRAND-SCALE FAMILY LIVING WITH VIEWS

PERCHED on one of Emerald’s most tightly held and prestigious streets, this grand-scale family residence sets a new benchmark for lifestyle, luxury, and location. Renovated to an impeccable standard, this four-bedroom home is tailor-made for the modern family – blending generous proportions, refined design, and spectacular panoramic views.

From the moment you arrive, the automatic gate and intercom system hint at the thoughtful features within. Step inside to discover an expansive open-plan layout on the lower level, where the stylish kitchen –complete with Kleenmaid induction cooktop and double oven – flows effortlessly to the light-filled dining and living area. Seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity invites you to entertain on the generous alfresco terrace, complete with BBQ zone, heat strip, and vinyllined saltwater pool – all perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking sunrises and uninterrupted “Grandviews.”

Upstairs, a versatile central living zone and study nook offer the ideal breakout space for families or remote work, while four spacious bedrooms provide quiet sanctuary. The luxurious master suite is a standout, featuring a walk-in robe and private ensuite. Flooded with natural light and framed by double-glazed windows, every room feels airy, warm, and inviting year-round, thanks to ducted heating, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and gas instant hot water.

Beyond the main residence, the lifestyle offering continues. A triple carport and large powered shed – complete with office, electric

roller doors, split system, alarm system, and even optic fibre – deliver incredible flexibility for work, hobbies, or storage. There’s ample space for boats, trailers, and more, with every detail designed for convenience and comfort.

Key Features:

Grandly renovated four-bedroom family home on a tightly held street

Elevated position with sweeping views and magical sunrises

• Open-plan kitchen, dining & living flowing to alfresco entertaining and pool

• Central upstairs living area with study nook Master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite

Ducted heating, reverse-cycle air conditioning and double-glazed windows

• Triple carport plus large shed with office, gas, power, and high-tech inclusions

• Salt-chlorinated pool with solar blanket, vinyl lining and poolside tap fed by 20,000L tank

• Dog-proof courtyard, Sureguard hidden fencing system (collars not included)

Automatic gate with ‘Door Bird’ intercom and remote mobile access

• Generator changeover switch, alarm system & internal network cabling

• 20,000L water tank and mains supply integration for garden and pool

Gas instant hot water system

Stylish, spacious, secure, and superbly located – this is the lifestyle upgrade your family has been waiting for. Properties of this calibre in Grandview Avenue are rare and highly sought after. Don’t miss your opportunity to call 11 Grandview Avenue, Emerald home. ●

27.7 ACRES OF PRIME WARBURTON LAND –RARE OPPORTUNITY WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS

IF you’ve been seriously considering investing in Warburton, now is the time.

With commencement of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and several new projects and developments in town, this could be the property you’ve been waiting for.

Opportunities like this are few and far between, this land is centrally located and perched proudly at the top of Brisbane Hill Road which allows direct access into the town hub.

This stunning parcel of land offers sweeping panoramic views across the Warburton township and beyond.

Comprising of three separate titles, several open paddocks ideal for grazing horses or cattle, the position creates a picturesque setting ideal for those seeking privacy, lifestyle, or investment.

A large portion of the land is cleared, while

bushy areas add natural charm and back directly onto the Yarra Ranges National Park which includes the O’Shannessy Aqueduct Trail — an absolute bonus for outdoor enthusiasts and those connected with the proposed Mountain Bike Hub.

Located just a short stroll to the town centre, the Yarra River, the Warburton Trail, and a vibrant collection of local cafes, this property combines the best of convenience with tranquil rural living.

With water and electricity already connected, the groundwork is laid for you to bring your vision to life whether it be a dream home, eco-retreat, or a strategic investment in one of the most sought after destinations in the Yarra Valley.

Don’t miss out on securing this golden opportunity in the heart of Warburton.

Call today to arrange a private inspection.

Address: 65 Brisbane Hill Road, WARBURTON Price: $1,500,000 - $1,600,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

Meet our Board Directors

Healesville & District Community Enterprise Ltd. (HDCEL) is the company that owns the Bendigo Bank franchise located at 205 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville.

The company is guided by a volunteer board, which is the major difference between banking with a Community Bank and banking with a ‘regular’ bank. Instead of profits going to executive bonuses and corporate retreats, HDCEL redirects this money back into community projects and organisations in Healesville and Yarra Glen.

When you open an account with us, you know your money is staying in the community; and it makes a big difference!

Cooper Wilson

Cooper Wilson has served on the board for the past nine months and currently supports the Board as Treasurer and Deputy Chair.

He is in the final year of a Bachelor of Business (Professional) at RMIT University, majoring in Finance, with minors in Financial Planning and Tax and Business Analytics. Cooper brings practical experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and financial control through his role at Patties Food Group, a leading Australian food manufacturer.

A lifetime resident of the Yarra Valley, based in Yarra Glen, Cooper has a strong personal connection to the Healesville district and is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped him.

He is committed to supporting sustainable local growth and contributing to initiatives that deliver lasting community benefit.

MODERN COMFORT AND CONTEMPORARY

WELCOME to a home where modern style meets everyday functionality, perfectly located in the prestigious Minta Estate.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the thoughtful design and light-filled spaces that cater to the needs of modern family living.

At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan living zone, featuring a chef’s kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances - including a 900mm gas cooktop and oven, dishwasher, generous island bench, stone benchtops, and an abundance of storage.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this kitchen delivers both style and practicality. The adjoining meals and family area is ideal for everyday living or relaxed entertaining, while oversized stacker doors lead to a decked outdoor entertaining space - seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living for year-round enjoyment.

The home offers three generous bedrooms, all with walk-in robes. The master suite includes a sleek private ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms are serviced by a wellappointed family bathroom. For year-round comfort, enjoy ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout the home.

There is a double garage with internal access also under roofline. Set in one of Berwick’s most desirable neighbourhoods, this home is just minutes from leading schools, local parks such as the Minta Hilltop Fantasy Playground and excellent shopping options are also within easy reach.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply looking for a home that offers the perfect balance of lifestyle, location, and lowmaintenance luxury - this one ticks every box.

PRIVATE AND PROMISING 7.5 ACRES (APPROX.)

COMPRISING 3 substantial structures on a spectacular, sunny 7.5 acre ( approx.) allotment, this unique offering is what property dreams are made of. Featuring a dramatic 4-bedroom family dwelling, an original 2-bedroom miner’s cottage brimming with potential, and an expansive workshop/studio with private drive and abundant parking, the possibilities are endless at this exceptional property.

In addition to boasting a whisper-quiet landscape featuring level gardens, 2 paddocks, greenhouse, 2 creek lines, dam, and 3-phase power for a previously pondered Airbnb venture, this property is also entirely private. Situated at the end of a no-through road, this parkland setting is a one-of-a-kind pocket of the Dandenong Ranges.

The primary residence is an artists’ oasis with 4 generous bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a central courtyard garden. Recycled bluestone, clinker bricks, cabinetry, open

fires, and leadlight evoke the feel of a faraway destination, while the family-friendly layout with 2 living areas and a sprawling studio can be configured to suit your needs. With so much on offer, this unparalleled property must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Guaranteed to inspire, prompt viewing is advised. Join us for a tour today. Completely private 31,100sqm (approx.) property

• Unique family residence with dual living areas, versatile studio, and charming central courtyard

Original miner’s cottage ready for refurbishing

• Sprawling shed/workshop with kitchenette, office, and wood fire

• Gorgeous gardens with level lawns and parking, greenhouse, paddocks, creek access, dam, playground, and abundant local wildlife.

GLORIOUS ACRES WITH A FANTASTIC LIFESTYLE

A stunning and unique property, a rare opportunity to secure a beautifully presented small acreage property with commanding views in peaceful surroundings.

Sitting on almost 7 sensational acres ( 2.77 Ha) with 2 separate residences and offering the ideal relaxed lifestyle the whole family will love and enjoy. The main home is spacious, beautifully presented and offers 4 good size bedrooms all with built-in robes including a king size master bedroom with a walk in robe, ensuite and parents retreat.

Expansive living, lounge and family rooms provide ample space for the growing family and entertaining.

The kitchen is superb with quality appliances and fixtures with plenty of cupboard and bench space with a separate meals/dining area and feature windows with an abundance of natural light and overlooking the picturesque and colourful grounds.

In addition to the main home there is a separate well presented 3 bedroom home with multiple living and family rooms, spacious kitchen and meals area it’s the ideal place for extra family members or the extended family.

Everyone will love the outdoors with beautiful established gardens surrounding the home, double carport plus a true classic old style barn with ample car accommodation and workshop space with upstairs games room or extra accommodation.

A beautiful property in glorious rural surroundings offering a fantastic small acreage lifestyle that offers something for everyone.

VersatileFamilyLivingin aPrimeLocation

Setona generous1,554sqm(approx.)flatandusableallotment,this 3bedroom,1 bathroomhome offers alifestyleofspaceandconvenience.Wellpositionedclosetopublictransportandjusta short drivetothebustlingYarraJunctiontownship,thispropertyprovidesanexceptionalopportunityfor families,firsthomebuyers,orsavvyinvestors.Theopenplanlayoutfeaturesa wellappointedkitchen completewithanislandbenchanddishwasher,flowingseamlesslyintothespaciousdiningand loungeareaidealforentertainingorrelaxingwithfamily.Yearroundcomfortisensuredwithmains gas,splitsystems,anda cozywoodfire.Addingtoitsappealis abigversatilerumpusroomgreat as akids’playroom,homeoffice,oradditionallivingspace.Outdoors,thebigyardboastsplentyof shedding,a mancave,chookpen,offeringlifestyleversatilityandsolarpanelsforenergyefficiency.

SpaciousFamilyHomewithMountainViews

Thisbeautifullyrenovatedtwostorey,fourbedroombrickhomeoffers ablendofcomfort,space, andconvenienceforthegrowingfamily.Stepinsidetodiscovertwogenerouslivingareas,ideal forbothrelaxedfamilytimeandentertaining.Themasterbedroomfeaturesitsownprivateensuite, whiletheremainingbedroomsarespaciousandwellappointed.Outdoors, acoveredcarportand aseparateworkshopprovidepracticalspaceforvehicles,hobbies,orextrastorage.Soakinthe stunningmountainviewsfromyourbackyardandenjoyeasyaccesstopublictransport,allwithin walkingdistancemakingdailycommutes abreeze.Don’tmissthisfantasticopportunitytosecurea stylish,moveinreadyhomeina sought-afterlocation.

SmallAcreageParadisein aFantasticLocation

Positionedtopleasethisbeautifulsmallacreagehobbyfarmistheidealplacetostarttherelaxed countrylifestyle,situatedonapprox.4.5acresofrollingpastures,thereisloadsofspaceforthe growingfamilytospreadoutandenjoy.Currentlysetuptosuitthehorseenthusiastwithmultiple paddocksandsheltersplus 3stablesandholdingyardsplusa largebarnwithmezzaninefloor.The countrystylehomeiswarm,homelyandinvitingoffering 2goodsizedbedroomsplus afamily/ loungeareawithgasheatingandmultiplesplitsystemsthroughoutthehome.Thekitcheniswell appointedandhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceincludinga separatemeals/diningarea.A sensationalpropertyinanexceptionallocationbackingontotheWarburtontrailandjust ashortwalk tolocalschools,shopsandtransportit’sa greatplaceforthefamilytocallhome.

FamilyLifestyleLivingona GrandScale

Abeautifulpropertywithanimpressivestreetappealboastingplentyofspaceinsideandout, setonjustover3/4ofandacre.Theclassichomesteadstylehomeoffers 4bigbedroomsplusan ensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom.Theopenplankitchenareahasloadsofbench andcupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/diningarea.Expansivelounge/livingandfamilyrooms ideallyzonedtogivethewholefamilyplentyofspacetospreadout.Headoutsideandenjoyand exploretheoutdoorswithbigwideopenspacesallround.Coveredveranda’sfrontandrearplus aseparatecoveredentertainingareaofferyearroundoutdoorentertaining.A largegarageand workshopprovideplentyofcaraccommodationandwithestablishedgardensallround,thisisan impressivepropertyfromeveryaspect.

DavidCarroll M

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every

ACROSS

1 Cover (5)

4 Came into line again (9)

9 Demand as a right (5)

10 Power cells (9)

11 Religious house (6)

12 In company (8)

14 Bringing to (10)

15 Fun activity (abbr) (3)

17 Curved path (3)

19 Snakelike (10)

23 Total (8)

24 Not liable (6)

26 Point to be judged upon (9)

27 Tree (5)

28 Game birds (9)

29 Dollars (coll) (5) DOWN

1 Receive (6)

2 Conjecture (7)

3 Japanese warrior (7)

4 Red precious stone (4)

5 Allowed (10)

6 Titanic sinker (7)

7 Not one nor the other (7)

8 Preoccupy (8)

13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)

16 Encumbrance (8)

18 Unite (7)

19 Merchants (7)

20 Public conveyance (7)

21 Wandering (7)

22 Hoards (6)

25 People (4)

Forbes and Wilson win

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.Vs:

The winners among our Monday Ladies players appear to be rotating their wins from week to week.

This week, a fine 22 point result, with six three-point holes no less, assured Merilyn Macdonald of the win and the top voucher.

The commissioner clearly has bragging rights again.

Vicki Hottes also claims bragging rights this week as her 17 point total earns her the runner up prize and her best result for some weeks.

Of course, no NTP winners occurred, which is no surprise as the two back nine par threes have even been too tough for the Wednesday and Saturday fields recently.

Wednesday 18 June, Stableford Two Person B.B:

Playing in pairs, and combining to score well on every hole is the secret in this event.

The pair who combined well for all of their round were Ron Wilson and Glenn Forbes, who returned a stunning 49 points.

To illustrate how emphatic that result was, we just need to compare that with the runner up score of 45 points.

This was achieved by grandfather/grandson combination, Andrew McMath and Angus Hall, and that total would have won most weeks in an event like that.

Well done to both pairs for their outstanding results.

The NTP winners on this day were Dale Horrobin (3rd), Paul Kennedy (5th), Andy Lockey (9th) and to Glenn Forbes (15th).

Saturday 21 June, Stableford and Presidents/Captains day:

This starts with president Nursey and captain Whitehead choosing their teams, one pick at a time, from the list of those members playing.

An average Stableford score is calculated and the team with the highest average clearly

allows the winning team leader to have bragging rights for the next 12 months.

Unfortunately I do not have the final result, but I’m led to believe that the captain may have conquered the president and her team.

What can be reported is that the top indi-

vidual scorer was Brendan Creedy, posting a fine 41 point result.

Michael Pinkster returned a pleasing 40 points, followed by Ashley Hall, who continued his recent form run with 39 impressive points.

No NTP results were posted in the results.

Horse talk

By Anita Prowse

Beautiful sunny days over the weekend will hopefully be helping the grass to grow some more.

Let’s hope it is the same for this coming Sunday 29 June for Upper Yarra Pony Club’s annual Beginners Gymkhana.

This event is designed for those just starting out with lots of fun classes, with Fashions on the Field and Fancy Dress being favourites. This year we are also running a Pony Club Show ring for all levels of PCA members, with great prizes and heaps of fun to be had.

Pre-entries have now closed, however entries are available on the day for all rings, Gymkhana, Pony Club and Handymount, all on our lovely sand arena at Wesburn Park.

Then we have a Dressage Protocol Clinic on 13 July, these days are great to practice a dressage test in a marked arena and learn how to develop higher marks through better ringcraft, precision and frame.

All enquiries for this clinic to anita.horses@ gmail.com.

Also, the Yarra Valley Horse Show for 2025 program is not far off being released, we have a few new amazing classes and sponsors for this year that we are very excited to share with you all. Stay tuned and happy riding everyone.

Merilyn Macdonald got the top score in the V.V.Vs with a 22 point run. (File)

This Sunday 29 June is Upper Yarra Pony Club’s annual Beginners Gymkhana. (Supplied)

Yarra Glen disappointment

By David Ball

In perfect conditions, Yarra Glen’s senior footy team hosted Seville and with a depleted outfit they faced a fired up opposition.

The Blues banged on five quick unanswered goals in the first 10 minutes.

The River Pigs then got themselves back in the game kicking four of the next five goals.

Some late lapses from Yarra Glen and some incredibly accurate kicking from Seville saw the Blues add three more goals.

The River Pigs played with great intensity in the second, lifting their tackle pressure and hard running, they outscored Seville to be just 19 points down at half time.

The third quarter saw a great contest with Yarra Glen just 12 points down late in the quarter.

A critical turnover and a late free kick allowed the Blues to get out to a 24 point lead at the last break.

When key forward, Josh Hawkins, who had six goals on the board went down with a knee injury, the River Pigs lost their spark as Seville lifted and go to add six goals whilst Yarra Glen only added a few points.

Final scores: Yarra Glen 14.8 to Seville 24.8. Best for Yarra Glen: Josh Hawkins, Aussie Smith, Ben Ashton, Trent Russell, Mason Smith, John Pavic.

Goalkickers: Josh Hawkins 6, Aussie Smith 2, Sam Wood 2, Max DePina 2, Ben Ashton and Oscar Grenfell 1.

With the number of senior injuries and many of their own, the Yarra Glen Reserves did well to get 22 players together to take on the highly placed Seville Blues.

Despite the massive talent gap, the River Pig boys showed great spirit to hold Seville to just the one goal in the first quarter.

From the second quarter on, however, Seville had too much speed and strength for a tiring Yarra Glen outfit.

Ethan Murdock fought hard in the backline and Nick McKenzie was great but they were overpowered to go down 1.0 to 17.21.

Best players: Ethan Murdock, Nick McKenzie, Liam Watson, Dylan Jarvis, Ryan Strong, Hunter Grenfell.

Goalkicker was Callum Tucker.

The Under 18’s faced a strong Seville team and with reduced numbers it gave the quality Seville players more time and space to move in.

The Yarra Glen boys were good in the contest but struggled to maintain possession whilst their opposition teamed well to control play.

With some strong marking forwards Yarra Glen found it hard to restrict the Blues scoring.

Whilst they never gave up, Yarra Glen were well beaten, Yarra Glen 2.2 to Seville 28.13.

Best players: Charlie Wilks, Robert Pavic, Brody Adams, Lachlan Carter, Callum Sanders, Alastair Lowrie.

Goalkickers: Lachlan Rutherford and Jake Ferris.

The Yarra Glen netballers took on the might of Seville, with all their teams unbeaten and on top of the ladder.

The Yarra Glen A Grade girls were up against it with top shooter Maddy Hargrave and centre Alana McGurgan unable to play. Seville jumped out of blocks early and raced to a 41 to 12 lead by half time.

In the third quarter, the Yarra girls started connecting better and converting to match it with Seville.

They battled hard in the last but couldn’t close the gap to see Yarra Glen go down 27 to 65.

Best Players: Elise Dobson, Jasmine Evans, Imojean Parsons.

Yarra Glen B Grade started well with good defensive work having them within five goals at quarter time.

In the second and third quarters, Seville showed why they on top and unbeaten to be 30 goals up at the last break.

To Yarra Glen’s credit, they played some of their best netball in the last before going down, 33 to 68.

Best Players: Skye Corrigan, Imojean Parsons, Lauren Van Der Westhuizen.

The C Grade girls were competitive throughout the game.

Seville were just that bit better in all aspects of the game to consistently outscore Yarra Glen in each quarter.

Yarra Glen’s effort was first class but the odd skill error allowed Seville to end up winning by 24 goals.

Yarra Glen 28 to Seville 49

Best players: Meaghan Carter, Ash Shanks, Leah Haag.

With D Grade starting the day for Yarra Glen in sunny but cool conditions, the Yarra girls just couldn’t get warmed up to the contest in the first to be eight down at quarter time.

They struggled to warm to the task in the second as the ladder leading Seville girls kept Yarra Glen to one goal for the quarter.

An improved shooting performance in the second half quarter was let down by a number of turnovers that saw the Yarra Glen girls go down 10 to 48.

Best players: Ashleigh Wallace, Sam Chetcuti, Phoebe Boot.

Next week all the Yarra Glen teams travel to Belgrave in a must win encounter in the senior footy.

The Under 18’s play challenging match up against Pakenham, with all other teams including the Vets playing Belgrave.

Women hold Thornton to single goal in a high scoring win

By Alex Wood

Another big day of sport with four football games and five netball games.

The women’s footy started the morning against Thornton and managed to continue their undefeated run.

They kept Thornton to only one goal and one behind and finished with a total score of 10.13-73 for themselves.

Ruby Ross, Emerson Woods, Scarlett Henderson, Rachael Maxwell, Hollie Eckhardt and Scarlett Potter were stars of the match. Scarlett Henderson kicked five goals, Rachael Maxwell with three and Madi Ward and Gabby Woods had one each.

The under 18s battled against Alexandra next in hope for another win.

They started strong, heading into the second half with a 3.3 lead.

They held onto the game and secured a 6.1349 to 4.6-30 win.

Brody Urquhart, Kobe Wunhym, Brayden Tamme, Max Blunt, Nate Lucas and Romanee Martin were all top performers.

Nate Lucas and Romanee both kicked two goals.

Reece Irvine and Kobe Wunhym both got one each.

Reserves took the field next again Belgrave.

The burras turned it on for this match against a strong Belgrave side.

They went into half time with a 6.4 lead and held onto the lead for the remainder of the match.

The final score was 12.9-81 to 6.5-41, with Mitch Gordon, Tim McKail, Josh Read, Jacko Jones, Marcel Kocher and Dale Morris all top performers.

Josh Read secured four goals, Scott Muir with three, Ash Taylor with two and Marcel, Cody Ladewig and Liam Veal all had one.

The Seniors finished off the footy taking on Belgrave.

It was a close game throughout and the Burras went into the second half with a two point lead. They managed to hold on, heading into the last quarter, up by seven points. Unfortunately, Belgrave turned it on and secured a 10 point win.

12.8-80 to 13.12-90 was the final score.

Jack Farrugia, Tom Marr, Nelson Aldridge, Jack Lee and Bailey Humphrey were all stars of the match.

Bailey Humphrey kicked four goals, Jack Farrugia with three, Nelson Aldridge and Caelan Flynn with two and Hudson Semple got one.

Over to the netball, the 17 and under battled against Pakenham.

Burras got a nice lead and went into the second half up 20-7.

They held onto the game and took home a 3617 win.

Kaylee Feim, Maddie Loveless and Arabelle Syme were top performers. Maddie put up 25 goals, Kaylee with six and Arabelle with five.

D grade took the court next against Belgrave.

They also managed to secure another win to their name with a 35-16 final score.

Kelly Lewis, Tayah Humphrey and Mel Hancock were top performers.

Mel shot 18 goals, Tayah with 12 and Tiahn with five.

C grade on after, and they too also had a solid game.

They came home with a 39-22 win with Cam Partel, Ruby Kelly and Emily Biddle being stars of the game.

Cam Partel put up 16 goals, Cam Holland with 15 and Sienna Muir with eight.

B grade had a close first quarter but then changed their pace and played their game.

They secured a mega win of 56-25 with Gabby Woods, Tanner McCurdy and Amanda Finn being best on court.

Tanner shot 30 goals, Amanda Finn with 30 and Alyssa Walker with seven.

A grade finished off the netball with a solid match performed by the team.

They went into the second half with a 43-8 lead, then finished off the game with a 88-22 win. Taylah Moschetti, Indiana Pinnock and Ally Langdon were top performers.

Karly Wappett shot 36 goals, Amanda Finn with 30 and Bianca Daniels with 22.

Seville player getting rid of the ball after a tackle. (Supplied)

The Burras’ reserve side managed to win against Belgrave, but the seniors couldn’t get the victory. (File)

Win caps off reunion

The 2015 Premiership reunion took place on a beautiful winters day and local rivals Mt Evelyn visited Wandin to take on the Bulldogs. Despite it being the middle of June with cold weather, a big crowd turned up to celebrate the day.

Wandin’s 2015 team went undefeated on its way to the premiership that year and at round 10, the 2025 team looks likely to do the same.

Both teams had its key individuals out on the field and they all turned up with a hunger for the contest.

Mullett and Garner kicked the first two goals for Wandin in the first quarter and it was only after a third Wandin goal that Mt Evelyn managed to get

back one of their own, courtesy of Mckernan.

Though Mckernan managed another goal for Mt Evelyn before the end of the first quarter, Wandin had already established a 34-14 lead.

Mt Evelyn opened up the scoring in the second quarter, but a watershed of Wandin goals would follow.

It was really only the second quarter that Wandin had any real ascendancy.

Third quarter saw Mt Evelyn kick their most in the game with three goals, owing to Mckernan, Garbett and Gordon.

They also managed a handful of points too, but

Wandin were already miles in front.

A nine goal half time lead remained as the final margin and Mt Evelyn would be proud of how they fought the game out in the second half.

Best players for Wandin were Joel Garner, Jordan Jaworski, Chayce Black, John Ladner, Ben Johnson, Cayden Black.

Best players for Mt Evelyn were Liam Bowden, Ryley Mckernan, Jasper Barry, William Gordon, Kellan Smith, Bayley Forbes.

Next week is a big one for Wandin, as they face off against Woori Yallock in a mega first versus second contest.

Time for a bowl?

By Rodney Bates

Whilst winter well under way, and regular pennant is not until October, there are plenty of opportunities to have a competitive game across the Yarra Valley.

In its third season, Yarra Glen, along with Yarra Junction, Warburton, and Healesville play a short format game called Quick-a-Bowls, with each club taking turns to host all clubs for an afternoon of social, albeit competitive bowls.

This week, Yarra Glen hosted on a clear, sunny, but cold day.

As well as keeping warm, a couple of rinks had some additional obstacles with the sprinkler system coming on twice.

This was week two of the four week competition.

In July, Yarra Glen will also run a series of Saturday social triples games in the runup to the start of the new season coming in September.

If you would like to join in, contact the club via email at secretary@yarraglenbowlsclub.com.au, Facebook at tinyurl. com/24nxjuw3, or drop by the club and put your name down on the list.

The club is always busy on a Thursday night, with pre-order meals on offer, or most Saturday afternoons from early July.

Mixed results for Healesville Bloods after travelling to Upwey

By Steve Ebbels

This week marked the start of the back half of the season and saw all Healesville teams, football and netball, off to Upwey to take on the Tigers on their home turf.

First up was Healesville U18 boys playing in the early 9.10am slot for a change.

The first quarter was relatively even contest with teams trading goals but Healesville managing to come out just on top to lead the home team 3.3.21 to 2.0.12.

The second quarter and the home team took control of the game kicking three goals while restricting Healesville to only two points.

At the main break, the home team back in front 6.4.40 to Healesville 3.6.24.

The third quarter was back to an very even contest with both sides only managing 1.2 a piece and the lead at three quarter time remaining at eight points in favour of the home side.

Into the last and with under 10 minutes to go the home side had increased their lead kicking two goal to Healesville’s one and leaving the visitors with some work to do to get back in the game.

In a great show of composure under pressure the Healesville boys dug deep and put on the next three goals in quick succession to hit the lead.

In the dying minutes of the game Upwey had the ball in their forward line and when a shot on goal was just touched by a very composed Healesville defensive line all Healesville had to do was hold possession for to take the victory.

This they managed to do to for a great hardfought victory.

Final score Healesville 8.10.58 to Upwey 8.7.55.

Best for Healesville: Gideon Houlihan, D.Sikorski, E.Yates, L.Senti, S.Anderson, J.Hume. Next up was Healesville senior women looking to turn the result around from round 1 where Upwey won by 15 points.

First quarter was a tough even battle with both side failing to score a major with Upwey just in front at first break 0.3 to 0.2.

The second quarter was much of same with a

Senior Women in action against

tight contest but both side did manage to get their first major on the board but Healesville just managing to get the nose in front, and the score at the main break was Healesville 1.4.10 to Upwey 1.3.9.

The third quarter again saw and extremely tight contest with neither side managing to get any ascendancy and going into the last the scores were all tied up at 2.4.16 each, and it was all set up for a great last quarter.

Unfortunately for Healesville, Upwey took control of the game in the last quarter holding Healesville scoreless while putting two goals three behinds to take victory by the same 15 point margin as round 1.

Upwey 4.7.31 Healesville 2.4.16.

Best for Healesville: B.Watson, A.Caldicott, M.Coleman, K.Thiomas, S.Morris, M.Cameron.

Following on from the women it was our reserves taking on top of the ladder Upwey.

Healesville boys knew this was going to be tough game but with a host of senior players back on deck, the team was hoping to be a bit more competitive than the previous few weeks.

As Healesville would expect from the undefeated and very well drilled Upwey outfit, the home side took complete control of the game from the first bounce and at half time they were in complete control hold Healesville scoreless while

piling on the goals.

At the main break, Upwey 12.7.79 to Healesville 0.0.0.

The third quarter and finally Healesville boys showed the type of football they are capable of and matched it with Upwey for the whole quarter kicking 3.4 to Upwey’s 3.2.

In the end though, Upwey went up another gear in the last quarter piling on another nine goals to run away comprehensive victors 24.12.158 to Healesville 3.5.23.

Hopefully the Bloods can keep all these players on the field for the rest of the season, and they will get better and better with more game time together.

Best for Healesville: d.Plozza, M.Holland, D.Ebbels, Gideon Houlihan, L.Neumann, J.Bates.

Over to the netball and first up on court was our battling but forever resilient B grade ladies.

Another tough day on court for the Healesville outfit with Upwey controlling every quarter.

Once again though credit to Healesville girls that continue to work hard and get better every week.

Final score Upwey 71 Healesville 19 reducing the winning margin considerably from when we played Upwey in round 1.

Best for Healesville: E.Birch, E.Roberts, Z.Vandenbroeck.

Next up on court our A grade ladies looking to continue on their winning way after coming away victors in their last two outings.

The first five minute of the game saw sides go goal for goal before the Healesville girls got a real run on scoring eight of the next nine goals to open up a good lead and go into the first break leading the home side 18-13.

The next quarter saw Upwey more in control outscoring Healesville 12 – 9 for the quarter and bring Healesville’s lead back to just two goals at the halfway point.

In similar fashion to the first quarter, Healesville managed to get a run of six goals out seven scored in the middle of the quarter to get the lead back to five goals at three quarter time.

Last quarter and Upwey came firing getting the first three goals to reduce the lead back to two. Next few minutes of play went pretty much goal for goal before Healesville again put together a few minutes of complete control putting on five unanswered goals to extend their lead to seven with around seven minutes left in the game. Upwey came home strong but, in the end, Healesville remained composed to hang on to win by two goals.

Final score Healesville 53 Upwey 51.

Yet again Healesville girls proved their competitiveness at Premier level.

Best for Healsville: B.Erickson, H.Blackney. Back at the football and last game for the day.

After getting back in the winners circle last week, Healesville senior men were looking to continue this trend and consolidate their spot in the top half of the ladder.

In the first quarter, Healesville took control of the game scoring 4.2 goals and restricting Upwey to only two behinds.

In the second quarter, again Healesville had more then their share of play again outscoring the home side to lead at the main break by 42 points.

Healesville 10.3.63 to Upwey 3.3.21.

In the third quarter, Healesville got the first goal within 30 seconds but then as has been the case in several games the Healesville boys got lost their intensity for a period of time and Upwey had 10 of the next 12 scoring shots for the quarter to win the quarter 5.5 to 3.0.

Healesville got back on track in the last finally going on to win 18.4.112 to Upwey 12.10.82.

Healesville got better as a playing unit each week just need to work on doing it for all four quarters and will continue to be very competitive back at Premier level.

Best for Healesville: J.Newsome, P.Murray, B.Murphy, A.Biddiscombe,R.Cameron.

After not having played at home since before the long weekend, the Bloods are looking forward to getting back on home turf for the next couple of weeks.

Next week at home against Emerald.

Yarra Glen hosted the Quick-a-Bowls. (Supplied)

Healesville

Upwey. (Steve Ebbels)

Harrison van Duuren made an appearance on the scoreboard against Mt Evelyn. (File: 430149)

Hat tricks and scoring bros

By Sarah Bailey

Playing on a bright, crisp winter solstice day, Healesville teams had some auspicious results. Healesville Senior Men 2-2 Gideon’s Warriors First on the ladder played second to determine who would be on top halfway through the season.

It was a nervy start by both teams with not much fluidity on a tacky ground.

Healesville drew first blood with a wonderful strike by Daniel T 15 minutes into the contest.

A quick throw by Johnny C put JJ through, and his exquisite lob had the home side in raptures 10 minutes later.

A fortuitous ricochet gave Gideon’s a half chance that was taken well from outside the box to see the teams go into half time 2-1.

After the break Gideon’s came out on the front foot and ramped up the pressure.

They gained parity with around 15 minutes to play, and it looked like there would only be one winner from there.

The home side had other ideas, though, and lifted the shackles as the game became frantic and open as both sides pushed for a winner.

A great piece of skill and a through ball by Brian W put JJ in on goal, and he finished sublimely, but for the second week in a row a contentious flag by the assistant referee saw the goal disallowed for offside.

Healesville then had keeper Stu P to thank after an error at the back almost cost Healesville at the death.

In the end, a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game.

It means that Healesville remain on top of the ladder, by a solitary point, at the season’s halfway mark.

Healesville U16s 6-2 Knox

With energy high, Healesville’s pressure was immense from the first whistle, and this resulted in some quick goals.

Aidan C and Hamish M scored two goals each, putting Healesville 4-0 up within the first 12 minutes.

Charlie J scored his second for the club late in the half before Knox scored a worldie of a goal.

Another goal from Knox late in the second half was matched when Aidan C scored again to complete his hat-trick.

A great display from every player saw the team keep their spot at the top of the ladder.

Healesville U14s 4-3 Yarra Valley

On a cold morning at Don Road, Healesville made a slow start and Yarra Valley struck first blood.

A goal from Pepe G got the boys fired up, though, and they got right into the contest.

Louis G, back from a long injury, added to the tally, but Valley continued to fight.

It was 2-2 at half time.

Valley came out firing in the second half, but a tenacious Healesville defence only let a single goal through.

With not long left in the match, brothers Louis and Pepe each scored another to bring home a win against a tough opposition, topping off a series of great performances from the whole squad despite illness.

Healesville U12s 8-1 Berwick

The mighty U12 girls put in a great team effort against Berwick to secure a thumping win.

Goal scorers included Hannah, Sienna (who scored a ripper lobbing the keeper), Rosie, Lexie and Tilly (who scored a hat-trick).

Healesville U12 White Wolves 4-1 Blackburn North

The Wolves dominated the second half and most of the first to seal their third straight victory.

Two goals from Ardi C, and a goal each from Flynn Mc and Alex P were supported by some great play by Evan K, Zach C, Flynn F and Austin A.

It was a tightly played game by the Wolves, who are in a very competitive position approaching the season’s halfway mark.

Healesville U11 Ninjas 4-1 Berwick CSC Thunder

On a beautiful morning away in Berwick, both sides started slow with a bit of eyeing off.

Max scored the first goal for the Ninjas with a lovely low kick into the bottom left corner.

The team played with discipline, with Hayden and later Jacob cleaning up between the back line and midfield.

The forwards caused problems for Berwick, with good runs and plays in front of goal.

Leroy worked hard as always, Leo, Max and Percy pressed high, and Leo scored the Ninjas’ second before half time.

Jaxson kept a clean sheet as goalie in the first half.

In the second, he handed the gloves to Felix, who had an excellent game despite one chaos ball that found its way through.

Berwick started the second half with a lot of energy, but the Ninjas kept their chins up, and it didn’t take long before Max sealed the deal for the team.

Kaspar put in some extra effort in the last minutes, Ollie worked really hard all game and Jaxson kept the backline together most of the time. Healesville U8 White Pumas 0-0 Lilydale White Over 150 years ago the most famous draw in chess was played out in the city of Vienna between Hamppe and Meitner.

Christened ‘The Immortal Draw’, the match is still revered in the chess world.

It’s hard to say if the draw that played out in sunny seven-degree conditions in Mount Evelyn will carry such historic magnitude, but quality soccer was on tap from both sides.

Recently returned from injury, Jim was a brick wall in goal in the first half.

Campbell displayed an array of futsal-like skills, with stepovers and drives through the midfield.

August and Tom, fast becoming a rock-solid defensive combination, repelled attack after attack. Through the midfield and towards goal, Fletcher, Otto, Jessie, Will and James (before his second-half heroics in goal) displayed some of the finest hustle seen all season.

In particular, a solo effort from Otto in which the seas parted and he drove through would have been a goal if not for the save of a lifetime by the opposite number.

Other results:

■Healesville Senior Women 0-5 Berwick

■Healesville U12 Diamonds 0-5 Berwick

■Healesville U12 Panthers 2-3 Yarra Valley

Harley Thomas lives out his soccer dream with Fulham

Harley Thomas, a Healesville under 12s soccer player, had the experience of a life time on a recent trip to England.

With his mum, Kathryn, and grandparents, Jack and Annette, in tow travelling to visit family, the surprise of meeting and kicking a ball with some of Fulham’s greats was an added bonus.

Harley’s cousin Laura Strong plays for England in the walking football competition, where she recently played in Spain, Rome and Glasgow.

Laura’s husband Les Strong is a legend of Fulham Football Club, where he played between 1972 and 1982.

Organising a ticket to take Harley to see Fulham play Liverpool, the premiership champions, the day only got better for the young aspiring player.

Les’ former teammate and friend Gordon Davies joined them on the day. He had two spells at Fulham between 1978 and 1991, holding the record for the highest number of goals scored by Fulham, netting 178.

Before the game, Gordon and Laura put young Harley to the test, having a kick.

Although Liverpool were expected to win on the day, Fulham surprised everyone by defeating them 3-2, creating an incredible atmosphere and much excitement from both Harley and Fulham’s fans.

Fulham Football Club legends Gordon Davies and Les Strong with Healesville’s Harley before attending the game. (Supplied)

Harley meeting some of Fulham’s players. All smiles when meeting the mascot.

Getting in a kick with Gordon Davies. Les and Laura Strong with Harley.

Ladder leaders the U16s had a 6-2 win against Knox. (Supplied)

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

Sponsored by

FOOTY TIPSTERS

Q&A Barry Cripps

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

Chelsea beat my Dads team in FA Cup rounds

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

On my motor bike

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

4. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

5. What are 3 words that describe you best? Old, feeling it, but not dead yet!

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

Chelsea centre forward playing alongside Peter Osgood at Stamford Bridge.

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

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

Be nice to your parents!

*t & c apply Sales applies to in stock items only. Excluding bulk oil, Uniden, Gme and already on sale items