Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 1st July 2025

Alice... in Wonderland

Access concern

By Oliver Winn

Conflicting claims surrounding the Warburton Bike Park’s accessibility options have surfaced from within the Yarra Ranges Council’s own Disability Advisory Committee (DAC).

While the Yarra Ranges Council said in a statement it consulted with the DAC on the construction of the upcoming Warburton Bike Park, the DAC’s chairman Cr Len Cox said “no decision has been made” on accommodating individuals with disabilities.

With Warburton being a town that prides itself on its natural beauty, wheelchair user Anne Richmond hoped for the chance to use the facilities that acknowledge the beauty like everyone else.

“It would be nice… to be able to get out there and use things that are appreciating our beautiful

bush and river that we have around here.”

The Yarra Ranges has a higher rate of disability at 26 per cent when compared to the rest of Victoria, which sits at 19 per cent.

Ms Richmond said in Warburton, there was little information available informing people whether a facility is accessible or not.

“You have to sort of know these things somehow… it would make a big difference to visitors who come here,” Ms Richmond said.

Searching for key terms such as accessibility and disability on the Warburton Bike Park’s Facebook page turned up nothing, meaning if the council has consulted with the DAC, it hasn’t advertised this.

Turn to page 6 for more

Alice Underwood’s Yarra Junction home is newly equipped with electricity and an outdoor shower. Plans are in progress to continue

with works ongoing to restore the home itself.

Alice Underwood with her first-ever fridge. (Stewart Chambers: 486505)

‘No patients lying on floors’

By Callum Ludwig

Demand for emergency care spiked on Monday 23 June, with both ambulance and hospital services under the pump.

The Herald Sun reported that 25 ambulance crews were impacted by staff shortages and at least another 110 crews were stuck ramped at hospitals at 7.15pm, while 3AW Drive Host Jacqui Felgate was told Eastern Health’s Box Hill and Maroondah hospitals were bed locked and patients were lying on the floor at the Angliss Hospital.

Eastern Health reviewed footage of the Angliss Hospital waiting room and emergency department for Monday 23 June and the two days prior and were unable to identify any patients lying on the floors, with seating available in the waiting area.

“Despite our system being under a great deal of pressure, our staff are working incredibly hard to provide the very best care for our community, however we have been experiencing an increased volume of higher acuity cases through our Emergency Department,” an Eastern Health spokesperson said.

“We again thank our community for their patience and understanding as we continue to work hard to support their health care needs,”

“We encourage our community to keep Emergency Departments for emergencies only, and for non-urgent or non-life-threatening conditions, please access alternative options such as your local GP or Urgent Care Clinics, if this is suitable.”

Both Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Ambulance Union requested, in the wake of the surge, that people ensure they save Triple Zero for emergencies and consider alternative avenues to care, such as Virtual ED and Urgent Care Clinics.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said their highly skilled paramedics and first responders do a remarkable job providing the best care to their communities every day, especially as seasonal illness puts extra pressure on the health system.

“Ambulance Victoria and hospitals will always prioritise the most urgent cases first, but it is important to know that calling 000 won’t necessarily mean faster care if your condition is not life-threatening,” they said.

“It is important that everyone does their part in saving ambulances for emergencies – if your

matter is not life-threatening, consider using an alternative care pathway such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department or Urgent Care Clinics.”

On average, about one in five calls to Triple Zero Victoria do not require an emergency ambulance response, which equates to over 500 calls every day.

Ambulance Victoria does use a dynamic model to determine where paramedics are deployed, with specialised teams like Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) units targeted where their services are most required.

Paramedics and local hospitals were strained by increased demand for emergency care on Monday 23 June. (File)

Powerful world now open for our Alice

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Junction’s Alice Underwood has had a world of opportunity opened to her, with the off-grid power provided to her home by retired Queensland electrician Richard Lukoszek up and running.

Lights are on and a fridge is now running for the first time at the property, but the work has only just started.

Alice said she’s so happy and never would have believed this would happen in her wildest dreams.

“It’s a miracle, a miracle guy from Queensland came down and did it, he was such a friendly person to have around, he had good conversations with everybody,” she said. Mr Lukoszek even went above and beyond while he was on site, even creating a makeshift outdoor shower which is hooked up to a hot water system.

Alice said she was in a good shock it was that amazing.

“Having a fridge for the first time is saving on food costs already, to be able to keep food without it going off, and it’s changed how I shop at the supermarket, I can keep fresh food now and I can make smoothies,” she said.

“It feels like living in a different house, it feels like I’ve moved without moving,”

“My favourite one (appliance) so far is the electric kettle.”

Over his six-week stay, Mr Lukoszek was living in a tent at the Doon Reserve Caravan Park, and at a discounted rate after they heard the story behind his visit.

Alice said it’s very exciting to have more to be done.

“It’s very kind of people to help and friends have come and contributed their efforts, it’s just all thanks to the kindness of other people that it’s getting done,” she said.

“Thank you to everybody who was so interested, who helped and who supported and the people who followed the story too and just said hi and ‘How’s it going’ down the street, there were so many people who were interested in it, I was so surprised.”

Work to restore the primary house on the property, which has already been restumped, is continuing and there are speculative plans of a September return for Mr Lukoszek to fix up some wiring to the small unit Alice is living in while the house is renovated. Currently, an electrical cord is being run across the property to the unit to power only a few outlets.

Alice’s support worker Lisa said it has only just started in a way, but the big thing with the electricity has happened and the shower is an absolute bonus.

“We’ve got to keep the momentum going now to keep the changes continuing and happening because now that Richard’s gone, we could fall into a bit of a lull, but we want to keep that momentum going,” she said.

“I think to power this (the unit) up, and have power points and light fittings and things so they don’t have to run this cord, and they can just go and turn the light on and have enough switches to run whatever they need, I think that’s the next thing because the house is a bit of a while away.”

“He’s (Mr Lukoszek) really like family now, we spoke to him yesterday on the phone and we miss him, he’s still interested, attached and involved even though he’s in Queensland… him and Alice just got on so well, they adored each other and he’s such a lovely man.”

Car into a paddock on Melba Highway

Another car accident occurred at the trouble spot on Melba Highway, outside Yering Station Winery.

Victoria Police confirmed a car drove into a paddock fence at about 9.15am on Wednesday 25 June, and there were no injuries.

Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church looking for treated pine sleepers

Treated pine sleepers have been stolen from a retaining wall at the Healesville-Yarra Glen Uniting Church.

On Sunday morning, 22 June, the church members discovered the two treated pine sleepers had disappeared, and another three more on the following Tuesday morning.

The church council is now asking community members to report to the police if they’ve seen any cheap, second-hand 2.4 metre treated pine sleepers for sale.

Two people hospitalised after crash in Yellingbo

A car accident on Macclesfield Road in Yellingbo put two women in hospital on 25 June.

The accident occurred at around 4.20 pm and Ambulance Victoria (AV) were on the scene.

“Ambulance Victoria responded to calls to an incident in Yellingbo at around 4.20pm on the 25th June,“ an AV spokesperson said.

“A woman in her thirties was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition after being treated for upper body injuries.“

“A woman in her fifties was transported by road to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition after being treated for upper body injuries.“

Yellingbo CFA also attended the scene.

In a Facebook post the Yellingbo CFA warned drivers to take extra care when driving in slippery conditions.

“Rain is on the cards for the rest of the weekend folks. Especially on corners in the roads, slow down and take it easy,“ the post read. Slow down when passing law enforcement, emergency and incident response vehicles From 1 July, tow trucks, breakdown support and freeway or tollway incident response vehicles are included in this road rule, as well as emergency and enforcement vehicles.

This means you are legally required to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency, incident response and roadside assistance vehicles that are stationary or moving slower than 10km/h and have flashing lights or an alarm sounding.

This road rule aims to keep us all safer on the roads.

Slow down if you see roadside assistance and emergency workers pulled over and help keep everyone safe.

Search to find stolen Cadillac

Alexandra detectives are seeking assistance to locate a stolen 1975 Cadillac Coup, red in colour displaying Victorian registration SSE154.

The vehicle was stolen from a business location on Whanregarwen Road in Whanregarwen sometime between 10.40pm on 24 June and 5.20pm on 26 June.

The vehicle was stored inside a shed on the property.

One of the comments from the Eyewatch - Yarra Ranges Police Service Area Facebook post said it was seen at a roundabout in Yarra Glen heading towards Lilydale in the morning on Friday 27 June.

Please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information about the whereabouts of the stolen vehicle or burglary.

Alice Underwood with her new solar panels. (Stewart Chambers: 486505)

Alice Underwood with her outdoor shower. (Stewart Chambers: 486505)

Together, they save money

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council has voted to note the Eastern Region Group of Councils (ERG) 20252029 Strategic Plan at the Tuesday 24 June council meeting.

The ERG consists of the five neighbouring councils of Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges who regularly collaborate in partnership programs, project and advocacy.

The five councils account for a population of 746,067 (14 per cent of Greater Melbourne’s total population), 282,120 hectares of land (28 per cent of Greater Melbourne) and a gross domestic product of $49,478 million (about 11 per cent of Greater Melbourne’s total).

Deputy Mayor and Chirnside War Councillor Richard Higgins said he is one of the two councillors that attends the ERG meetings monthly.

“Without a word of lie, it’s a really good thing for our council to be involved in, it’s Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges and it’s a combined effort by these councils to meet and try and make some strategic ideas to actually save us many things, from money to doubling up on things etc, and get a big strong voice from our Eastern area,” he said.

“In the past, I have had my little bit of a doubt which direction it is but now after seeing this document I actually see we’ve got a really defined way forward and I’m happy to say that I’m really happy with what they’ve actually come up with,”

“I know most of you have read it and understand it but some of the things that we can partner on are just amazing, it’s just going to go from strength to strength if we get it right and for the small annual contribution that we do at $35,000 to have our executive officer Elizabeth Johnson down there put this all together and help us combine it all, it’s a really worthy thing to do.”

Cr Higgins used the example of the councils partnering up on debt collection by contracting debt collectors through one amalgamated contract in order to save unnecessary costs.

“This is another example of the collaborative approach we’re seeing in a range of areas that

Council are involved with and as Cr Higgins has indicated, we do end up saving significant sums of money and for that reason, I support the recommendation,” Lyster Ward Councillor Peter McIlwain said.

In the five-year strategic plan, ERG representatives have identified five key priorities, focused on improving outcomes for people, places, the economy and the environment in the region, that they hope to achieve through 14 strategic

initiatives in that time span.

Priority one is to build shared services and increase joint procurement initiatives, priority two is to enhance regional infrastructure initiatives, priority three is the transform movement in the East initiative, priority four is to support community safety initiatives and priority five is to develop local employment initiatives.

Some specific initiatives the ERG will look to implement are a shared services roadmap, an

integrated vision for IT services, piloting shared services and joint procurements, a community infrastructure needs analysis, an open space connectivity strategy, a sustainable and integrated transport plan, a community safety regional roundtable, fostering cooperative economic development opportunities and developing pathways for artists in the east.

All other initiatives relate to the ongoing governance, operations and advocacy of the ERG.

Council advocates for satellite university campuses

By Oliver Winn

A Yarra Ranges Council initiative to establish “satellite university campuses” using existing infrastructure was unanimously supported at the National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) on Thursday 26 June.

Representing the Yarra Ranges Council at the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) 31st NGA, council mayor Jim Child put forward YRC Motion 103 which called for the Federal Government to facilitate the development of satellite university campuses in the municipality.

The motion’s vision would leverage existing infrastructure to deliver online courses in the Yarra Ranges for young people going into high-

er education.

“Let’s use the facilities out in our municipality. It could be libraries, it could be our other centres that we’ve got where we could actually have our young people come and do their online studies,” Cr Child said.

More than 1200 mayors from across the nation attended the NGA to engage with federal politicians, build partnerships between councils and advocate for better funding.

The Your Library Ltd facilities were highlighted as potential learning hubs due to the libraries having high speed NBN.

Cr Child said it’d ensure there’s no “half hearted” education experiences where students drop out of calls due to bad internet.

The motion aimed to join the relevant bodies

together to make it happen.

“What we’re requesting is that they have those conversations with the government, the university bodies and also us as councillors to bring the two bodies together to say, ‘this should happen.’ “

“It’s petty simple and it’d be a great outcome for our young people.”

When asked about an on campus institution in the Yarra Ranges, Cr Child said it’d be great to have more face-to-face facilities, but it would be dependent on other factors like population growth.

“A lot of that depends on a growing population - we’re not in a growth corridor, so that’s something to think about as well.”

“The main thing with this motion this after-

noon is to actually fill that gap with this great technology that we’ve got at the moment and the infrastructure that’s there, and we should be able to do this easy,” Cr Child said.

YRC Motion 103 also argued satellite university campuses would help university campuses which are already under pressure from financial threats. The motion also received support from a rural council in Queensland, who made an amendment to the motion to include students finishing their final years of high school in locations where years 10 to 12 aren’t offered.

“They’re constricted as well in these rural areas where the secondary schooling only goes to Year 10 and these hubs would actually provide for them locally with the technology,” Cr Child said.

Yarra Ranges Council has noted the 2025-2029 Eastern Region Group of Councils’ strategic plan, of which it is a member council. (File: 379657)

New proposal sparks calls

By Oliver Winn

A new Hoddle Street residential subdivision development has prompted residents to call upon the Yarra Ranges Council to upgrade the road.

It came after the new Yarra Junction planning permit would see a two-block property redeveloped to accommodate 24 residences, adding 240 trips daily to the road.

Hoddle Street resident Leigh Hardy said he wasn’t opposed to the new development, but the council needed to ensure the infrastruc-

ture could keep up with the pressure.

“The roads need to be updated and the continuing development of residences on the other street are making it more urgent to fix the road,” Mr Hardy said.

He said the road was narrow near the development and it also had poor visibility.

“That’s the section that needs to be repaired. It’s narrow, it’s got a crest in it, the roads narrow, it’s overhung by trees on both sides.”

But, a traffic engineering assessment prepared by Traffix Group for the permit stated

Hoddle Street would be widened to six metres to match the existing width north of the site.

The council also regarded Hoddle Street as a higher order collector road designed to service high levels of residential traffic.

“As the development is only expected to generate 240 daily vehicle trips, we [Traffix Group] consider that the internal road network can readily accommodate the subdivision traffic, and that the road will operate well within its environmental capacity,” the traffic assessment stated.

“This level of traffic is low, and is not ex-

pected to have any significant impact on the surrounding road network.”

But, Mr Hardy said a number of developments had taken place on Hoddle Street and the council can’t keep approving new ones before it upgrades the road.

“But the point is that they keep allowing new developments of buildings,” he said.

A council spokesperson said each planning application is assessed for potential traffic impacts.

“If required, conditions/restrictions may be applied to mitigate identified impacts.”

Community feedback sought for draft Paths and Trails Plan

By Dongyun Kwon

Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) is encouraging community members to give feedback for the Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035.

The Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035 provides guidance for the development of the network of paths and trails in Yarra Ranges with a particular focus on improving health, wellbeing and community connectivity.

The plan considers and builds on the existing Hike and Bike Strategy 2005.

The Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035 aims to identify levels of service for shared use and walking trails to define construction and maintenance standards, identify and map shared trails and YRC-owned or maintained walking trails across the shire, identify action areas relating to the future of the paths and trails network, and identify priority of works including upgrades to sections of existing trails, new/improved crossings and addressing missing link to paths and trails.

Cr Peter Mcilwain asked to built environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp about the community consultation process.

In response to the question, Mr Philipp said the final draft plan would be available on the Shaping Yarra Ranges webpage for a period of four weeks, commencing on Wednesday 25 June. “That will have some information around the plan, what it is, and some frequently asked questions,” Mr Philipp said.

“We’d be putting out media releases on our social media channels. We’d have an email and mail out to key stakeholder groups such as sporting clubs, community groups and schools.

“We’d have promotional signage on some of the main trails linking to the shaping page as it is referred to via a QR code, and would also be getting in touch with those who submitted to the earlier consultation phase.”

Deputy mayor Richard Higgins suggested extending the consultation period to six weeks so it goes past the school holidays, and Mr Philipp accepted it.

Cr Jeff Marriott moved the motion as recommended in the council meeting report, and it was seconded by Cr Mcilwain.

Cr Marriott said the deliverables from this plan will be a positive legacy for decades to

come. “The options for residents and tourists alike are wide and varied, whether it be adrenaline-based mountain biking, paddling, canoes or leisurable strolls along the rail trails, in addition to numerous skill levels for these activities,” the Streeton Ward councillor said.

“The Yarra Ranges area comprises a mix of environments that have and will continue to be

Based on the book Imagine by Alison Lester

Sat 19 Jul, 11am

The Memo Healesville

Tickets $23

an asset for a range of abilities.”

Cr Mcilwain said it’s a good example of strategic policymaking. “I think one of the critical things, the thing that I appreciate the most about the plan apart from its comprehensive nature, is the way in which it is integrated with other plans within the council, particularly the health and wellbeing strategy, the recreation

strategies that we have,” the Lyster Ward councillor said.

The motion was carried unanimously.

For more information or to have a say about the Draft Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035, please visit the following website, shaping. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/draft-paths-and-trailsplan-2024-2034

The Owl’s Apprentice

Presented by Little Wing Puppets

Mon 14 Jul, 10am

Montrose Town Centre Tickets $16

Community engagement closes on 8 August. (File)

Conflicting claims on park

By Oliver Winn

Conflicting claims surrounding the Warburton Bike Park’s accessibility options have surfaced from within the Yarra Ranges Council’s own Disability Advisory Committee (DAC).

While the Yarra Ranges Council said in a statement it consulted with the DAC on the construction of the upcoming Warburton Bike Park, the DAC’s chairman Cr Len Cox said “no decision has been made” on accommodating individuals with disabilities.

“These trails were developed in consultation with the adaptive riding community and consulted with Council’s Disability Advisory Committee to ensure they meet the needs of a wide range of users,” the council’s statement read.

But, Cr Cox said he had no knowledge of the consultation taking place, despite his position as chairman of the DAC.

“Council has never made a decision about whether they can or they can’t use them and I think this is something that council is going to have to seriously consider in the near future,” Cr Cox said.

It came after outspoken disability advocate Ivor Wolstencroft raised the issue of wheelchair accessibility options for the Warburton Bike Park to the Star Mail.

His wife Anne Richmond has mitochondrial disease, a disorder that impairs the body’s cells’ ability to produce energy - it has permanently damaged parts of her body and she has to use a wheelchair to get around.

With Warburton being a town that prides itself on its natural beauty, she hoped for the chance to use the facilities that acknowledge the beauty like everyone else.

“It would be nice… to be able to get out there and use things that are appreciating our beautiful bush and river that we have around here.”

Mr Wolstencroft initially posed that some of the easier trails be available exclusively on some occasions to those with a disability.

“I just thought it’d be wonderful if some could be available exclusively, because I don’t think mountain bike riders and walkers and wheelchairs would mix. But maybe for one weekend of a season,” Mr Wolstencroft said.

The council’s statement claimed adaptive mountain bikes - bikes designed for individuals with a disability - could share the trails with regular mountain bikes.

While Cr Cox and Mr Wolstencroft both identified the easier trails as suitable for adaptive mountain bikes, the council hasn’t advertised this.

A quick search of the council’s project updates for the Warburton Bike Park on the Ride Yarra Ranges website turned up no results relating to disability inclusivity.

Searching for key terms such as accessibility and disability on the Warburton Bike Park’s Facebook page also turned up nothing, meaning if the council has consulted with the DAC, it hasn’t advertised this.

Ms Richmond said in Warburton, there was little information available informing people whether a facility is accessible or not.

“You have to sort of know these things somehow… it would make a big difference to visitors who come here,” Ms Richmond said.

There’s been an increase in trails designed to cater to adaptive mountain bikes - an ABC article from 2021 reported in Western Australia, two

trails near the southwestern town of Collie were made for adaptive mountain bike users.

Rod Annear, assistant director of parks and visitor services for the WA Government, said adaptive bike trails were probably going to be a part of almost all bike trail networks in the future.

“It’s not a lot you have to do to make it more accessible for more people,“ said Mr Annear.

The Yarra Ranges has a higher rate of disability at 26 per cent when compared to the rest of Victoria, which sits at 19 per cent.

While the council’s recent statement is a step forward for disability inclusion, it won’t mean much of these efforts aren’t communicated - internally and externally - to those who need it most.

“We have communicated to the council about it and I think things will improve here, but possibly too late for me to use anyway,” Ms Richmond said.

“The wheels grind very slowly in the council.”

Precarious bus stop pathway puts pedestrians at risk

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra Ranges Council have demanded the State Government to address a dangerous pathway to a Launching Place bus stop after pedestrians experienced close calls with oncoming traffic. It came after multiple near misses were reported at the pedestrian walkway next to the Warburton Highway Don Road intersection, as the guard rail pushed the path up against the road into a unsafe position.

Don Valley resident Catherine Aulich spoke at the 24 June council meeting and recalled how her son was “quite horrified” that he had to choose between walking next to the dangerous Warburton Highway, or risk being bit by a snake.

“Over the summer it gets very overgrown and he almost stood on a snake,” she said.

“Being able to get off the school bus safely and be able to walk home, I think, is really important.”

She questioned why there hadn’t already been a footpath established in that spot since it connected the township of Don Valley to public transport.

“Basically it’s just a question as to why there is a walkway that’s leading pedestrians across the bridge, but there’s no footpath that safely allows

them to walk from the bridge and the township of Don Valley to the bus stop and access public transport safely.”

The guard rails are underneath the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) jurisdiction and therefore the council can’t make any changes to it.

The Warburton Highway has a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour along that stretch of road.

Cr Tim Heenan spoke to the motion, supporting Ms Aulich’s position while hoping the State Government take action in a “short space of time rather than once again dragging it out”.

“So, we’re definitely on your side, Catherine, for the sake of obviously your children and others in the area,” Cr Heenan said.

Cr Jim Child said the Yarra Ranges Council Built Environment and Infrastructure team had already called on the DTP to fix the issue.

“They have done their utmost to try and get

Anne Richmond has mitochondrial disease so she has to rely on a wheelchair to get around. (Supplied)

A rider on an adaptive mountain bike at the Mystic Bike Park in Bright, Victoria. (Flow MTB)

this particular issue resolved in the department, and it just is not happening,” Cr Child said. The motion to call on the DTP was moved unanimously.

The pathway leads to the Launching Place General Store bus stop. (Stewart Chambers: 486683)

The guard rail pushes the pathway up to the edge of the road. (Stewart Chambers: 486683)

Elisabeth brings back medal

By Callum Ludwig

Wandin Florist’s apprentice Elisabeth Boer was off to Brisbane earlier this month to show off her talents in the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships.

Her efforts were not in vain either, returning back from the competition with a bronze medal.

Ms Boer said it was an awesome experience.

“It was a three-day competition, it had eight items to make over the three days, up against the best in Australia, so it was a pretty cool experience,” she said.

“The whole experience is a really good opportunity to be there and getting the medal was like the extra bonus, it was a great honour and a privilege, so I was a little bit surprised, but really thankful and excited,”

“I was very proud to win the medal, a lot of work went into it, all the prep, planning, lots of practising and I had my mentor Greg Milner from Marjorie Milner College, he was a great help as well.”

605 competitors who are trainees or apprentices from across the country participated in the event, displaying their abilities in over 60 different skills and trades.

Ms Boer said for the competition, some of the things she had to make were a presentation bouquet, a foyer arrangement, a decorative arrangement, a heart-shaped wreath and body flowers.

“My favourite one was the body flowers as it can be way more creative, and it’s just something a bit different than what I’d normally do, it was a good creative outlet, so I really enjoyed that one,” she said.

“I felt pretty good about them all except the last item which was the foyer arrangement, it was the biggest one so that took a lot of mental energy but I got it done,”

“They gave us time limits for each one, each one was different, they ranged from like an hour and a half to two hours for each item and

they did give enough (time), it never feels quite enough, but surprisingly I wasn’t very nervous, I felt quite prepared for the competition, I thought I would have been more nervous, but I was calm and just ready to go.”

The gold medal in the floristry category went to Charlotte Follett from Geelong, silver went to Ciara O’Reilly from Sydney and Holly Oates

Representing region’s wine

By Dongyun Kwon

OakridgeWinescompetedagainstotherVictorian wineries for the prestigious Premier’s Trophy but fell short of the award.

The Victorian Parliament House was crowded with representatives of 12 wineries invited to represent each region as regional wine show winners.

Oakridge Wines was one of them as it won the James Halliday Champion Wine of Show, the highest award at the 2024 Yarra Valley Wine Show, with its 2023 Hazeldene Pinot Noir.

Oakridge Wines senior winemaker Tim Dexter said it’s always an honour to represent the Yarra Valley. “We think the Yarra Valley is producing some of the best wines in the country. So we’re thrilled to represent the Valley in that forum,” he said.

Mr Dexter shared the secret of Oakridge’s Hazeldene Pinot Noir, pointing out the location of the vineyard.

“That’s from a very special sub-region of the Yarra Valley in Gladysdale, and that’s a vineyard that we own and farm ourselves, and it’s a really special part of Gladysdale, where you’ve got lovely red soils and the temperate rainforest, and it creates these beautifully ethereal and red fruited wines that the public and wine show judges love,” the senior winemaker said.

“It’s a really special location for a pinot vineyard, and it’s farmed really diligently and with respect to the site by our vineyard team led by Steve Faulkner. And that delivers us grapes in perfect condition that really tell the story of the site and the season. It’s the right grape grown in the right place that does all the work. It’s a very elegant and pretty wine, lots of lifted floral aromas, red fruits, and then, on the palate, it’s all about bright red and dark blue fruits, even on a pretty soft entry and really nice silky tannins with great length and depth on the finish. I guess the overall message is really complexity, elegance and fruit, it’s kind of the whole package in one wine.”

Owner of the Wandin Florist Amy Collins said they are very proud of Ms Boer and her ability is without a doubt fantastic t have at Wandin Florist.

“Very proud of the effort that she made and everything towards it, it’s a real testament I think to her ability,” she said.

“Most of the flowers are growing in Monbulk arent’ they and Silvan and some in Wandin as well, this is the area that they grow for pretty much the whole of Australia, we’re all about flowers in Wandin,”

“Elisabeth is a good girl and she really enjoys what she does as well, which is very important.”

from Northern Rivers received a medallion for excellence.

Wandin Florist’s Elisabeth Boer with her bronze medal from the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships. (Stewart Chambers: 486504)

Winemaker Victoria Schwarz representing Oakridge Wines at the Parliament House. (Supplied)

Nod to dedicated members

By Oliver Winn

Two Yarra Junction CFA members were commemorated for their devotion to the brigade last week.

Barry Booker was awarded his 60 Year Service Award and Catherine Branson her 30 Year Service Award for their unwavering support to the community.

Mr Booker started firefighting in 1965 at the Woori Yallock CFA before he moved to the Yarra Junction CFA in 1973 where he has helped shape the brigade over the decades.

He said the Yarra Junction CFA was always full of camaraderie and teamwork.

“A lot of the time, my favourite thing was the camaraderie,” Mr Booker said.

He was well known for always being the first one to offer help and was a seen as a leader within the brigade.

“Barry’s willingness to lend a hand wherever needed is a shining example of the CFA volunteer spirit,” a Yarra Junction CFA Facebook post read.

“Barry is a cornerstone of Yarra Junction Fire Brigade, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team. We look forward to many more years of his wisdom, support, and humour.”

“Thank you, Barry, for your unwavering dedication and enthusiastic service. Every brigade needs more volunteers like you.”

Ms Branson became a member of the Yarra Junction CFA in 1992 at the age of 12 following in the footsteps of her grandfather and father who’d also served in the brigade.

“Continuing on that tradition that we have in our family and being able to basically help the community and be there when people need us feels really good,” Ms Branson said.

She recalled her first turn out at a house fire in Wesburn and said it was an eye-opening experience for her.

“That was quite an experience, seeing real fire… and actually being there, feeling the heat coming from the house and actually experiencing real fire was a bit of an eye opener… it was definitely something that I’ll never forget because you don’t forget memories like that.”

However, due to health reasons she couldn’t continue as an operational member turning out to fires, so she continued contributing in different ways.

“I was an operational member for quite a few years before, due to health, I had to go to a non-operational role. I’ve just been doing a non-operational role since then.”

Ms Branson’s duties as a non-operational member were often behind the scenes work, though equally as important as those who fought fires.

“I’ve held a few positions in a brigade as well… like being the secretary and treasurer, communications officer, brigade in schools leader, fire safe kids,” she said.

“Just doing social events and that kind of thing.”

She also took on educational roles when she taught kids in schools about fire safety.

“Teaching the kids what to do in emergencies is a great feeling because you know that if you can’t be physically there to try and help them in an emergency, you’ve at least taught them information they’ll retain and be able to use that if emergency arises,” she said.

It’s a full circle moment for the two decorated brigade members, as Ms Branson actually looked to Mr Booker for guidance when she was starting out at the brigade.

“They were definitely the ones that we looked up to and learnt from,” she said.

The trip of a lifetime awaits

One lucky reader has the chance to win the ultimate travel experience – an eight-day Viking “Rhine Getaway” river cruise for two, including return flights, valued at $16,190 per couple.

Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, the journey winds along the romantic Rhine River through France, Germany and the Netherlands, revealing centuries of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. From charming villages to grand cathedrals, the trip includes six guided tours and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing unforgettable insights into European heritage.

Travellers will enjoy a Category F Stateroom, complete with elegant furnishings and river views. All onboard meals are included, with beer and wine served with lunch and dinner, and guests can enjoy Viking’s renowned Culture Curriculum – a rich program of onboard lectures, tastings and performances.

With Wi-Fi, port charges and gratuities all taken care of, this truly is a seamless, luxury experience.

Entries close noon, Thursday 14 August

‘So many

By Oliver Winn

2025, so don’t miss your chance to set sail on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Look for the full page competition advert in this edition for all the details or scan the QR code above.

great memories’: Pallotti College changes hands

The Syro-Malabar Eparchy Melbourne took over the Pallotti College in Millgrove on 20 June.

The move came after the Pallotti Fathers ran the religious retreat centre and offered a place for prayer, reflection and renewal for its guests for 60 years.

The Syro-Malabar Eparchy announced the changeover in a Facebook post.

“We are grateful to the Pallottine Fathers for their decades of dedicated ministry,” said eparchial bishop Mar John Panamthottathil.

Mr Panamthottathil said he was humbled to take over the college underneath its new name, Santhom Grove.

It will now function as a pastoral and community resource centre for the Eparchy and its community.

The Syro-Malabar Eparchy stressed that all current retreats, events and ministry activities would continue as normal.

A blessing and inauguration ceremony took place on 11 July and was officiated by major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil.

As an auspice of the Union of Catholic Apostolate, the Pallottine Fathers came to Australia from Germany in 1901 and took over the Beagle Bay Mission in Broome, Western Australia.

From there they spread to other missions in Australia and eventually down to Millgrove where they acquired the Pallotti College in 1955.

The Pallotti Community expressed their farewells on social media after the announcement was made.

“Very sad. But great to hear that it still continues. So many great memories with family and friends,” one account said.

L-R: Barry Booker with his award, Regional CFA Commander Andrew Booth. (Yarra Junction Fire Brigade Facebook)

L-R: Andrew Booth, Catherine Branson. (Yarra Junction Fire Brigade Facebook)

A Viking Longship passes the Gymir Bridge Towers in Cologne.

The Pallotti College is now named Santhom Grove. (Supplied)

Students’ voices on the air

By Dongyun Kwon

A community radio station gave an opportunity to local primary school students to share their voices.

Six of St Brigid’s Primary School Grade 6 students were invited to the Yarra Valley FM to host the Schools In radio program on Thursday 26 June.

Schools In is a 30-minute segment produced and hosted by students of the Yarra Valley, which has a history of decades.

Matt Shore was one of the students who started Schools In when he was a primary school student and now hosts The Rock’n’Roll Hit Parade every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm.

Cora Zon, the radio presenter who has helped the students run Schools In for 10 years, said she loved collaborating with children.

“I absolutely love it. It’s so much fun. The children have so much energy and enthusiasm,” she said.

“They begin a little nervous, but then they start to shine.”

Lucy, Brodie, Jonathan, Amelia, Liam, and Sophie were very excited to introduce themselves to the local community and play the songs they love.

The six students had prepared for their radio debut every day for about a week, discussing ideas, writing scripts and practising as a team.

Liam said he found it fun to be on air because he’d never done anything like it before.

“I talked about a book nook, which is a little thing you build to put between your books, and it looks cool,” Liam said.

“I also talked about frogs.”

Sophie introduced her leadership role in school.

“I’m a ministry leader, which is a group of 86 students who worked out to make the school a better place,” Sophie said.

“It is a very special job to do, and I’m very proud to have it.”

Amelia spoke of Italy, the country she’d cho-

sen for her geography project.

“I also talked about what I like to do, which is netball, and that today is National Handshake Day,” Amelia said.

Lucy introduced her experience at the Memo.

“We went to the Memo last week, and we went behind the stage and got to see everything that people don’t normally see,” Lucy said.

“We went there because we’re going to have a big production in October and I had a main role.”

Brodie talked about his dogs and what he likes to do in his free time which is motorbike riding.

Jonathan spoke about a maths competition called the Maths Talent Quest (MTQ), which is run by the Maths Association of Victoria.

Five songs chosen by the young radio presenters to be played in between the program were Feelslikeimfallinginlove by Coldplay, Anxiety by Doechii, Mama Said by Lukas Graham, Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye, and Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun.

The students shared what they had learnt through the experience.

Let’s build more libraries

By Dongyun Kwon

Local residents are encouraging community members to build more small libraries.

A group of Healesville book lovers pulled together to establish a small shelter at the corner of Harker Street and Ryrie Street.

Healesville resident Jim Bridges said the journey started when a local cartoonist, Danny Zemp, found an abandoned bookshelf during the hard rubbish collection period, earlier this year.

“We went and picked it up, and then Alex put a roof on it, then I painted it yellow because you can see it’s on the corner but also because after van Gogh’s The Yellow House, and then we put books in it,” he said.

“People take the books out and they put other books in. Someone left a box of perfume (the other day).”

Alongside the bookshelf, they added a blue bench so that people could sit while reading a book.

“Because I’ve got a heart problem, I get out of breath, just walking up that little hill there,” Mr Bridges said.

“So I had this idea of putting a chair here, and then Alex painted the chair.

“There’s a woman who has a studio on top of the garage. She added a quote ‘A book is a passport to anywhere’ on the chair.”

The library is open for the public 24/7 to borrow, donate or take a rest.

Mr Bridges said he’d seen the small libraries at different places where he could take the idea of setting up one in Healesville.

“For instance, in Yarra Glen, a new bookshop opened up. It’s got new books and second-hand books at the back. They have one of these in the front for the books that they don’t sell and that you can get for free,” the Healesville resident said.

“There’s one outside of a chemist in Diamond Creek in the shopping centre. In London, because everybody’s got (a mobile phone), they decided to turn all the telephone boxes into little libraries instead of taking them away because it’s going to cost so much money, and they put little shelves in them so you can go in there and get little books.”

The Healesville resident has spotted five more small libraries across the town but he’d like to encourage community members to build more in the town.

“It’s not just one person who does the entire thing to run a radio program,” Liam said.

“They get volunteers to come in and help.”

“I learnt it takes a lot of people to put on a good radio show and public speaking is scary but it’s (overcomable),” Sophie said.

“It’s okay if you step up for something that you’re not normally used to,” Lucy said.

“It’s good to go after things you don’t normally go against.

“I’ve become more confident to challenge myself.”

“It’s a good experience because if you keep doing these things as a child, you could build more confidence to do these things in your life,” Jonathan said.

Grade 6 teacher Darrin Wall and principal Tess Dwyer were proud of their students.

St Brigid’s Primary School has re-engaged with the Schools In program since the end of last year after the Covid pandemic.

The school tries to give all Grade 6 students, who are interested in radio, an opportunity equal-

ly as it hosts the Schools In twice in each term. Mr Wall and Ms Dwyer said students could improve diverse skills through this activity.

“One is the writing because they write the script. They work as a team, so teamwork is a big thing. Part of scriptwriting, they also learn about how to time it so that they can fit it within the allocated time,” Mr Wall said.

“Definitely the public speaking, the leadership opportunity … The fact, that their families and the rest of the school listen to it, also puts the school out there in the community and gives the school a voice in the community, as well as other community organisations when we’re working with them.

“It also teaches them about not just the community but the media in the community. A lot of the students and families are not even aware that there’s a local radio station. It’s also beneficial for them because it puts them out in the community more.

“It also shows (students) how the media industry works. They’re seeing the technology they use and how a workplace works.”

Ms Dwyer added it promotes a sense of confidence in the children.

Schools In faced a big crisis during the Covid pandemic and is now slowly bouncing back as three schools, Upper Yarra Secondary College, Healesville Primary School and St Brigid’s Primary School, started to get involved.

“Schools In gives young people a voice. There were some high school students that came in last year, and they wanted to talk about what was important to them and share that on air,” Ms Zon said.

“One of the things that Yarra Valley FM is encouraging is for students to get involved with the community and act like reporters. They’ll report about what’s happening at their school but also what’s happening in the community.”

To listen to Schools In podcast episodes, please visit the following website, podcasts.yarravalleyfm.org.au/show/1

LEADING HAND CARPENTER & CARPENTRY POSITIONS

Come and Join our Team!

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.

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

L-R (second row): Lucy, Sophie, Jonathan, Brodie, Liam and Amelia with Ms Zon (first row). (Dongyun Kwon: 486932)

Two of the library founders, Jim Bridges (left) and Alex Deans. (Dongyun Kwon: 486638)

Fun, friendship, fellowship

By Dongyun Kwon

After getting through the biggest challenging period, the Covid pandemic, the Healesville Probus Club is now trying to boost once again by giving a space for people to connect, learn and enjoy.

Healesville Probus Club secretary Barry Twist said probus club is all about three Fs: fun, friendship and fellowship.

“Probus club was an offshoot from rotary club. It was meant to give rotarians a means of enjoying but continuing with the camaraderie and knowledge of each other,” he said.

Many local community groups found it extremely difficult to operate during the Covid-19, and some of them were forced to disband and ultimately close.

The Healesville Probus Club also one of them who dealt with the difficult situation.

There used to be two women’s probus clubs and a men’s probus club in Healesville but the two women’s clubs were disbanded during the pandemic.

The three clubs were merged into the sole club, knocking down the gender barrier last September to revive.

The Healesville Probus Club has currently about 40 memberships, and many women have joined the club over the past 12 months, forming a third of the club’s current membership.

Not only breaking the gender barrier, but the club has also tried different ways to overcome the adversity.

It has looked for collaboration with other community groups and launched different programs.

One of the examples is a collaboration with the Healesville Arthritis Self-Help Group (HASH).

The two local organisations have shared joint activities for more than 12 months with great success.

While both Hash and the probus club operate separately with their own priorities and activities, both organisations regularly invite each other to

share a range of social activities.

Healesville Probus Club tours and outings coordinator Barb Hegarty, who is also the HASH coordinator, said HASH has enjoyed working with the probus club.

“It builds up our numbers because sometimes we don’t have the numbers to do a bus trip,” she said.

“Oneofthebustripswedidwastoaboathouse in Kew and took the ferry around Melbourne. We didn’t have enough people to fill a bus, and that was quite costly, so we had the probus join us with that.

“I noticed when we were coming home, there were people who’d swap seats so that they could talk to the person who they’ve been speaking to

on the ferry.”

Sharing of activities has enabled members of both groups to enjoy experiences, develop new friendships and plan activities beyond the initial expectations of the clubs individually.

A very successful Christmas luncheon was organised and supported by both clubs last December where they demonstrated the effective partnership while enjoying lunch prepared by a HASH member.

They are now looking forward to sharing Christmas in July.

“We are going to do (Christmas in July) at the Terminus Hotel, which is accessible for everyone including people who need wheelchairs or walkers,” Ms Hegarty said.

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy

For Sale - Unit 96 $710,000

Enjoy Modern open space, and a lovely private terrace

The Healesville Probus Club offers a variety of activities, including a coffee group, a walking group, a fishing group, and outings to different places such as a zoo, a reservoir, a park, a lake, and tourist attractions.

The club also celebrates special occasions like the Lunar New Year and Christmas.

Many local activities are supported by a Yarra Ranges Council grant.

The Healesville Probus Club meets regularly at 10am on the third Thursday of each month, assembling at St Brigid’s Community Hall on High Street.

Meetings begin with a guest speaker who is invited to present a relevant topic from life experiences, area of expertise to social issues and etc.

The presentation is followed by a friendship morning tea and a monthly meeting which reports on the club’s activities.

Mr Twist said everyone’s welcome to attend the monthly meetings.

“We suggest for people, who may have an interest, to come along to a meeting, meet us, mingle with us and enjoy the morning tea afterwards,” he said.

The guest speaker for the next meeting on Thursday 17 July is Cora Zon who is going to introduce the zine.

the Facilities

Beautiful two bedroom unit with modern kitchen, plenty of living space, and single garage with internal entry. The home includes a generous accessible bathroom, as well as a second toilet in a powder room. Enjoy a substantial private courtyard, to supplement the wonderful gardens and facilities of Lilydale Valley Views. Call Rosemary now on 9735 5944 to arrange an inspection. You won’t be disappointed.

Probus Club is all about three Fs: fun, friendship and fellowship. (Supplied)

The Healesville Probus Club has currently about 40 memberships, and many women have joined the club over the past 12 months, forming a third of the club’s current membership. (Supplied)

Honouring Fredy Kocher

It is with great sadness that Yarra Valley Arts (YVR) share the news of the sudden passing of Fredy Kocher on Sunday 1 June.

Fredy was a dedicated and much-loved member of YVR for around 30 years.

He was not only a passionate supporter of the arts but also a tireless volunteer whose quiet generosity helped build and sustain the YVR community.

Many of you will remember Fredy from the YVA Summer School Workshops, where he filmed classes, helped with preparations and packdowns, and assisted in hanging exhibitions.

Over the past five years, he also cared weekly for the YVA Street Art Library in Healesville - just one of many ways he gave his time and energy.

Fredy’s kindness, reliability, and warmth

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Last chance for Annual Grants

touched many of YVR members.

His contributions over the years have left a lasting legacy, and YVR knows he will be missed by so many members of the Yarra Valley community.

Fredy was born in Switzerland in 1940 and arrived in Australia at the age of 20.

He and Mim married in 1966 and shortly afterwards lived in Switzerland for two years.

Two sons were born, Nicholas and Alexander.

The family lived in Boronia for 20 happy years.

In 1984, they bought some land in Healesville, and Fredy built a house there, all by himself.

He established a vineyard, Settler’s Oak, and made and sold wine.

Mim and Fredy moved into their new house in

Healesville Festival is one of the examples of how well the Yarra Ranges Council’s Annual Grants program gives back to the local community. (Dongyun Kwon: 477400)

Community groups and artists across the Yarra Ranges have until 14 July to apply for funding for events and projects, through Yarra Ranges Council’s Annual Grants program. The grants program supports not-for-profit

Yellingbo Public Hall

Event is on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri People. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

BY BELLA SHAW ART

1995 and loved their life and many friends in this beautiful town.

They visited Fredy’s beloved family in Switzerland many times over their 59 years of marriage and often had Swiss family members visit them.

Fredy’s main work throughout his life was as an air conditioning engineer.

However, at one time, he established a small shop in the East End, called Gumtree Cottage, which stocked only Australian made goods.

Fredy is being deeply mourned by Mim, sons Nic and Alex, daughters in law Joanna and Clare, and their five grandchildren, Daisy, Oscar, Rollo, Gabe and Sage.

They will hold their beloved Fredy in their hearts forever.

groups and artists in the municipality, to deliver projects through 2026.

Three funding categories are available for Arts and Heritage (up to $10,000 per application), Community Development (up to $10,000 per application), and Festivals and Events (up to $15,000 per application).

Yarra Ranges mayor Jim Child said annual grants were a key part of the region’s creative calendar every year.

“Throughout the year, we have so many community events and festivals for people to attend, to make friends and have a fantastic day out. I’m proud to say that many of these receive funding through our grants programs – whether through our Annual Grants, our Monthly Grants, or our Multi Year Grants,” Cr Child said.

“Our Annual Grants also help fund projects at Community Houses, sustainability programs, and help to turn great ideas in our communities into reality.

“Having grant funding provides certainty and support, which can help with planning, rally volunteers and staff, seek further funding, or just get the cogs turning on a project.

“Our grants are one of the most important things we do here at Council, funding our vibrant and creative community, and I’d encourage anyone with a great idea for a project to get in touch, talk through their idea, and see if it’s eligible.”

Find out more at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/grants

Notice of Healesville and District Historical Society’s annual general meeting

The 39th annual general meeting of the Healesville and District Historical Society Incorporated will be held at 1pm on Friday 18 July in the Community Meeting Room, Community Link, 110 River Street, Healesville.

13th July 2025 13th 1-2:30pm

Professor Euan Ritchie (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) at Deakin University

Australian Dingo Foundation PresentationMeet a native Dingo

ARTWORK

The late Fredy Kocher. (Supplied)

Take the Stress Out of Tax Time with Dalcorp Accounting Services

Proudly supporting Yarra Valley locals for over a decade

As the end of the financial year approaches, many individuals and business owners across the Yarra Valley are preparing to lodge their 2025 income tax returns. For some, tax time can feel like an overwhelming process filled with questions, uncertainty, and the worry of missing out on entitlements. For others, it’s an opportunity to plan ahead and take full advantage of the deductions they’re entitled to.

At Dalcorp Accounting Services, the team understands both perspectives—and they’re here to support you through it all.

Led by experienced principal accountant and business advisor Dale Feim, Dalcorp has proudly served the local Yarra Valley community for over ten years and has earned a strong reputation for offering practical, personalised taxation advice.

“With cost of living continuing to rise, every dollar counts,” Dale says. “We’re proud to provide the kind of hands-on, up-to-date tax support that helps people keep more of what they earn—whether they’re business owners, tradies, retirees or wage earners.”

Dalcorp specialises in working with individuals and small to medium-sized businesses across a wide range of industries and they understand the unique challenges faced by sole traders and family-run operations.

The Dalcorp team prides itself on being proactive, not reactive. They keep up with the latest changes in legislation, deductions and entitlements, so that clients don’t have to. They also take the time to explain everything clearly—helping you understand your tax position, plan for the future and avoid any unexpected surprises down the track.

“At Dalcorp, we believe that tax time doesn’t have to be stressful,” Dale says. “Our role is to guide you through the process, make it as easy as possible and ensure you get the best result you’re entitled to.”

The firm is conveniently located at 6 Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction and offers flexible appointment options including Zoom, phone, in-person consultations and even after-hours and weekend bookings for busy clients who need extra convenience.

Dale and his team are currently accepting new and returning clients for the 2025 tax season and encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out early—before the rush sets in.

To book an appointment, call (03) 5967 1312, visit www.dalcorpas.com.au, or connect with Dalcorp via Instagram or Facebook.

Local press need backed

Country Press Australia has welcomed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final report from its Digital Platform Services Inquiry, describing it as a landmark moment that recognises the systemic challenges facing regional and local news publishers in the digital age.

CPA President Andrew Schreyer said the report confirmed what independent publishers had known for years, that global tech giants are using their market dominance to control how journalism is accessed, valued and monetised in Australia, to the detriment of local news.

“This report confirms what our members have experienced for a long time,” Mr Schreyer said.

“Local and regional publishers continue to face deeply entrenched power imbalances in their dealings with the major digital platforms. This has real consequences for the sustainability of journalism in our communities.”

Mr Schreyer said the federal government must now move quickly to implement the News Bargaining Incentive legislation, especially in light of Meta’s refusal to renew deals with publishers since announcing their withdrawal from news arrangements last year.

“Meta has walked away from compensating publishers entirely, and others like TikTok have never come to the table at all,” he said.

“The incentive legislation is essential to ensure that all major platforms are required to contribute to the journalism they benefit from, either by negotiating in good faith or by making a fair payment.”

He also emphasised that public funding support for journalism, including through the News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP), must be directed to publishers who are actively producing local public interest journalism.

“Funding should go to the journalists and newsrooms who are on the ground covering councils, courts, community stories and local sport,” Mr Schreyer said.

“These are the voices that hold local institutions to account and help communities stay connected. They need direct and meaningful support.”

The ACCC report draws attention to a range of

broader issues threatening journalism, including a lack of dispute resolution options for small publishers, harmful practices by dominant platforms, and the growing use of AI tools that can devalue or displace credible news.

“We support stronger platform obligations to prevent scams and fake reviews, and we also support enforceable transparency requirements that ensure fair treatment of news content,” Mr Schreyer said.

“We need to see the major platforms treated as gatekeepers with clear responsibilities when it comes to how news is ranked, labelled and monetised.

“We urge the government to consider the rise of AI and its use of publishers’ content and the need for publishers to be fairly compensated for this as part of the News Bargaining Incentive framework.”

He said the rise of AI-generated content and the continued spread of misinformation on social media made it more important than ever for Australians to understand what credible journalism looks like.

“Improving digital literacy must be a national priority,” Mr Schreyer said.

“Australians need the tools to distinguish factbased journalism from misinformation, especially in an environment where AI and algorithms are shaping so much of what people see.”

Country Press Australia represents almost 240 independently owned newspapers that serve regional, rural and suburban communities across the country. These publishers are embedded in the communities they serve and continue to provide vital public interest journalism in an increasingly disrupted media environment.

Mr Schreyer said the ACCC report provided a clear path forward and urged the government to act.

“We strongly support the ACCC’s push for a new digital competition regime and external dispute resolution so our members can operate on a level playing field,” he said.

“Our regional, rural and local news outlets are the backbone of Australia’s democracy and they must be supported through practical reforms and fairer digital market conditions.”

Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul and Drouin Gazette.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

An all-female dental clinic

Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all female clinic based in Lilydale.

The clinic is owned by Dr Rupali Prabhu and Dr Sonali Prabhu.

Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.

Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and traveling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices.

She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.

Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

The third dentist, , joined the Valley Dental team 2 years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aes-

thetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients. Rupali said being an all female team patients were treated with care and compassion.

“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.

The clinic offers a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, fillings,

crowns, bridges and veneers. Take advantage of current specials including a check-up, clean and 2 x-rays for $195, and inchair whitening $450. For an appointment phone : 9737 6453

Ryan Brook-Exercise

Healesville Physio and Sports Medicine is excited to welcome Ryan to the

Healesville Physio and

Services provided:

• Chronic disease management – including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis

• disease

• Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long COVID and chronic pain

• Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long COVID and chronic

• Strength and conditioning – for all ages and abilities

• Sport specific prevention and injury management

• Cardiac rehabilitation and diabetes-specific programs

• Strength and conditioning – for all ages and abilities prevention and •

•

•

•

Come see the team at Valley Dental. (Supplied) Get the best care and treatment at Valley Dental. (Stewart Chambers: 471210)

A big, colourful ‘thank you’

By Dongyun Kwon

Healesville Primary School junior students received a surprise gift when they arrived at school on Monday 23 June.

The school installed a new interactive play space comprising a giant snail, a curvy snake, hopscotch, animal paw prints and a toy car track outside the junior students’ building over the weekend but had kept it secret to maximise students’ happiness.

Principal Tracey Robertson-Smith said the school was able to install the new play space through a PACH (Parents’ Club at Healesville Primary School) fundraising, Colour Fun Run.

“A chunk of the money that we raised through the Colour Fun Run has gone to this area here, and then we’re getting a fairy garden as well but that’s not been installed yet,” she said.

“With the PACH fundraising, the Colour Fun Run, we wanted to put back into the kids. That’s why we’ve gone for the interactive play spaces.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without our parent community.”

Grade 2 student Brooke said she loved the new play space.

“My favourite thing is the hopscotch because I like to jump,” she said.

“I’m going to use this space every morning.”

Wandin Senior Citizens Club celebrates its 50th birthday

By Oliver Winn

The Wandin Senior Citizens Club’s 50th birthday celebration was a “roaring success”.

The birthday celebration took place at the Wandin District Senior Citizens Centre in Wandin North from 9.30am to 3.30pm and saw the club go all out on food and celebrations.

Wandin Senior Citizens Club president Clare Gothard said everyone got involved and had fun at the event.

“It was a roaring success. We had the Flash Back Duo singing and everyone got involved and sang a tune or two,” Ms Gothard said.

The club cooks, Charmaine and Julie, cooked up a storm with pork, beef and chicken on the menu, plus desserts and the birthday cake.

The cooks then cut the cake to mark the 50 year anniversary.

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.

The event wrapped up with everyone working together.

“As always the whole club got together and cleaned up,” she said.

Cooks Charmaine and Julie standing in front of the 50th birthday cake.

Club members laugh together while waiting for their meals.

Wandin Senior Citizens Club members celebrate the club’s 50th birthday. (Supplied)

The club went all out on birthday decorations.

Ryder (left) and Iris playing with cars. (486362)

Brooke on the curvy snake. (486362)

Iris jumping down the hopscotch. (486362)

Elsie-May on cloud nine. (486362)

Brooke jumping through the animal paw prints. (486362)

Healesville Primary School junior students loved the surprise gift. (Stewart Chambers: 486362)

Thank you to everyone

As I pen this first column since the May 2025 Election, I feel a deep sense of both pride and responsibility.

It is an honour to be re-elected by our community and given the opportunity to continue representing our home in the Australian Parliament.

Each Australia election is underpinned by hardworking Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) staff who conduct the ballot across our nation with professionalism and integrity.

To have the opportunity to vote – with the added confidence that the outcome will be fair - is a privilege we should never take for granted.

I am pleased that my positive local plan resonated in our community.

I have spent the past three years getting out to speak to locals where they are – and my local plan centred around providing solutions to some of the challenges we face.

I was proud that the Liberals committed to establishing an Urgent Care Clinic in Healesville.

While we didn’t form government at this elec-

From my From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

tion, our strong community campaign and petition resulted in Labor finally listening and announcing an Urgent Care Clinic for Lilydale.

To make matters confusing, during the election the Labor candidate for Casey stated on multiple occasions that the clinic would be in Healesville.

I recently wrote to the Prime Minister and Health Minister seeking clarity on the location.

I will keep our community informed and continue advocating for this clinic to be delivered.

I know firsthand that we also need reliable telecommunications, better local roads and upgraded local facilities.

It is disappointing Labor did not match any of my commitments in these areas, however, I won’t stop fighting for the investment and infrastructure our community deserves.

It has been great to get straight back to work fighting for our community post-election.

I am looking forward to getting back to Canberra this month for the opening of the 48th Parliament.

I will continue to be a strong local voice on issues impacting our community and our nation.

We have lots of work to do to ensure Casey remains the best place to call home – and to ensure future generations have the same opportunity to grow up in the beautiful Australia we all grew up in.

As we look ahead, my commitment is to represent all residents of Casey, regardless of how they voted, and I can’t wait to continue the work we’ve started.

A beautiful, poignant classic PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Book review of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Bridge to Terabithia, by renowned American author Katherine Paterson, was published in 1977.

The classic middle-grade novel won a Newbery Medal in 1978, a literary award presented to the author of “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children”.

The book tells the story of ten-yearold Jess, a fifth-grader from a poor rural family who loves running and drawing.

As the only male child at home, with four demanding sisters and a father who is strict and often away working, he feels ignored and isolated.

But life takes an unexpected turn when Jess befriends his new neighbour Leslie, an only child and tomboy from a wealthy family whose vivid imagination makes reading and writing an absolute delight.

Together they explore the woods and invent an enchanted land called Terabithia, making themselves the king and queen of the hidden land and their pet dog Prince Terrien.

To enter Terabithia is only by swinging over the creek bed on an old rope.

The magical kingdom is the source of many thrilling adventures.

It is here that, like the children in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Jess and Leslie find vision and strength and learn much about beauty, courage, and caring.

Until tragedy strikes, that is.

The book deals with the themes of love and friendship, of finding inspiration and joy in the seemingly ordinary and mundane.

There are also the themes of death and grief, with the author gently conveying the message of learning how to accept and express grief, instead of merely enduring adversity in the name of “resilience” and “perseverance”.

This is particularly important for children, who often lack sufficient vocabulary and skills to channel intense and complex emotions such as fear, anguish, guilt and shame.

with a newfound conscience.

M 4/5

M3Gan 2.0, the sequel to the 2022 sci-fi horrorcomedy M3Gan, is the Terminator 2: Judgment Day of the M3Gan franchise, with a grander scale and more elaborate set-pieces, a killer robot turned good (and barred from killing) against a more advanced robot threat, and the driving theme of AI-induced nuclear armageddon.

Robotics expert Grace (Alison Williams) must reluctantly team up with Megan (Amie Donald), her android creation who tried to kill her, to take down a runaway military android.

M3Gan 2.0 is full of snarky wit and lucid commentary on the dangers of AI and runaway tech

trends, with Jemaine Clement as an amusing Elon Musk parody. Williams and Donald have a fun adversarial dynamic once again as two people who hate each other but work together for a common good, and Megan shows gratifying growth as a murderbot

The action is exciting, creative and bloodier than the infamously bloodless first film.

The Macguffin of a vintage motherboard housing a godlike AI may have drawn inspiration from the Old AI SCP Foundation short story.

The only major weak link is Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), the rogue military android.

Sakhno plays Amelia with deadly grace, and I love the allusions to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis in her costume and secret purpose, but a third-act twist robs her of any agency as the antagonist, which the plot must clumsily restore in the climax.

Plus, Grace’s role in Amelia’s creation is rather poorly-defined, and the way Megan can easily back-up her consciousness harms the tension.

Bigger and mostly better, though a little sloppier, than the first film, Megan 2.0 is playing in most Victorian cinemas. Horror-comedy sequel gets a four out of five

Instead of telling readers what Jess feels, the author subtly yet effectively lets him express his feelings, without trying to gloss over or dramatise anything.

Jesse and Leslie are wonderful characters that resonate with readers of all ages, and it is hard not to shed a tear or two while questioning why the book ends the way it does.

Despite the heartwrenching plot, however, the theme of building bridges is poignant and uplifting – not just for healing, but also for connection and understanding, pushing boundaries and reaching beyond.

As the author remarked in her Newbery Medal Acceptance Speech: “You don’t put together a bridge for a child. You become one – you lay yourself across the chasm... The very valley where evil and despair defeat us can become a gate of hope – if there is a bridge.”

This reviewer would highly recommend parents pick up this book and read it together with their children.

M3Gan 2.0

Starring Alison Williams, Amie Donald and Ivanna Sakhno

‘ESCAPE the city and embrace a new way of living at Chayah — a remarkable 35-acre property where countryside charm meets thoughtful design and income potential. Located just an hour from Melbourne and a short 30-minute drive from Berwick, this lifestyle haven offers more than just a home — it’s a place to thrive.

At the heart of the property is a dual-living homestead featuring 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, ideal for large families, two families buying the property to cohabitate, multigenerational living, or hosting guests. Whether you’re seeking a tree-change, launching a boutique farm stay, or expanding your equine business, Chayah presents a rare blend of serenity, practicality, and financial opportunity.

Look out the back windows over the meandering creek and up the rolling green hills beyond.

Property Highlights

35 acres of rolling green pastures, dotted with mature trees and picturesque vistas. Two residences connected via an innovative “airlock” design, complete with double-glazed windows for year-round comfort and beautiful recycled red bricks.

• 7 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms – perfect for extended family living or income generation.

• A Sustainable Sanctuary

• Fed by a perennial spring-fed creek—a reliable water source for both home and farm. Passive eco-design incorporating reclaimed materials, rustic timbers, and natural finishes. Separate decks for each dwelling to enjoy tranquil views and the scent of native eucalyptus.

Equestrian Excellence

• Operating horse agistment business in place—ready to go!

• Arena (60m x 20m) with riversand base, 20m round yard, and multiple private & group paddocks, some paddocks with shelters. Wash bay, 6 undercover tie-up bays, and wellmaintained fencing throughout.

Farming & Infrastructure

• Goat-friendly paddocks fenced and creek-accessible.

• Cattle yard with truck access.

• Multiple outbuildings: including an insulated workshop, hay shed, machinery shed, woodshed, and a chook shed with chook run. Abundant Gardens & Produce Low-maintenance gardens on fertile soil. Established fruit trees: pomegranate, apricot, fig, and blood orange included. 60,000L rainwater tanks plus spring-fed supply for peace of mind.

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS PROPERTY BUYERS SLASH THEIR PURCHASE TIME

NEW research, released today by View Media Group’s view.com.au, shows FOMO (fear of missing out) is as real as ever, with Australians spending close to a third less time purchasing property since the 2020 survey. The time it took to move from the dreaming phase through to purchase phase reduced from 29.6 months in 2020 to 20.6 months in this year’s survey*.

Paul Tyrrell, Chief Marketing Officer said: “The significant reduction in time buyers are taking to move along the path to purchase is a clear sign of increased buyer urgency amid falling interest rates and a more favorable lending landscape.

“Stock availability due to the ongoing housing availability crisis is clearly an issue that accelerates this urgency.

“The research highlights that buyers know the time to act is now, and they want to purchase before another property boom cycle hits the market, driven by government firsthome buyer and downsizer incentives, interest rate cuts and greater borrowing capacity.

“Once buyers move into the purchasing phase when they are actively putting offers in or raising their hands at auctions; this stage of the journey has more than halved since 2022 from 6.8 months down to only 3.2 months.”

The research conducted by view.com.au, in conjunction with market research agency Australian Regional Insights, aimed to better understand the stages within the property journey and how property seekers recalled, used and trusted media sources. With over 700 property-engaged Australians taking part, the survey is the fourth study view.com.au has commissioned within this space, with the first completed in late 2020. The study also highlighted the motivations for purchasing, the types of buyers and further insights into vendors.

MrTyrrell continued: “In continuing this survey annually, we are able to understand the changes in the stages in the buyer’s path to purchase and the different influences on buyers. We found that within residential buyers, two ends of the spectrum are particularly active, first home buyers and downsizers.

“The survey also highlighted the top sources of information for buyers, with portals continuing to play a large role. However google search, social media and agency websites themselves were top sources of information. Not surprisingly, social media ranked particularly highly with Gen Z (58 per cent and Millennial (33 per cent) audiences.”

For agents, the research highlighted the continued need for multi-channel campaigns

to not only attract potential buyers but to assist in finding their next vendor. When removing the portals as an information source, buyers in the purchasing stage are almost 3 times more likely to use google search as a key source of information and in the active stage 46% more likely to use social media than other media types***.

Furthermore 85% of vendors believe that listing their property across multiple portals is the number 1 ‘must have’ in an agent’s marketing strategy..

A new deep dive this year put the spotlight on vendors, to further understand their property journey. It found vendors typically sell within three months, and settlement takes just under four months. It also highlighted the vast majority sell through a real estate agent rather than through brokers and private channels.

“The agency model is still the most common way to sell in Australia. However, in choosing agents, it was interesting to find that the personality of the agent was the most important factor when selecting which agent to represent your property. Following their personality, their suburb expertise, sales approach, brand and reputation and marketing plan were also important factors,” said Trent Casson, managing director, residential.

“In terms of their marketing plan, it was a must-have to list across a majority of portals and also include a sign-board, quality photography, social media strategy and

offer competitive pricing. This feedback also helps support our view.resi product strategy, launched in late 2024,” he continued.

View.resi combines premium presence on view.com.au, its off-portal performance marketing product, Acquire, and data and AI solutions through Propic including the virtual concierge, Claire. The portal offering includes a free premium listing on view.com.au, unique in a highly competitive portal space where property marketing costs continue to escalate despite rising cost of living pressure.

“The path to purchase research is key for our business as it helps us in further understanding the ever evolving behaviour of

buyers and sellers. This in turn helps inform our product strategy, whilst also validating our commercial strategy. Furthermore, this research assists in educating our premium partners and helping them further understand the behaviours of potential customers. We look forward to continuing to deliver this research in the years to come,” said Mr Casson.

View.resi has been on a significant growth trajectory recently with a slate of new premium partnerships recently announced including Marshall White, Highland, BresicWhitney, Abercromby’s and Clarke & Humel.

Paul Tyrrell, Chief Marketing Officer.

CHARMING CHARACTER HOME

SET on an expansive, terraced block of over half an acre, this renovated three-bedroom character home blends timeless charm with modern living. Thoughtfully designed with an open-plan layout and soaring high ceilings, the home is filled with natural light and a sense of space that immediately invites you in.

Polished timber floorboards flow throughout the main living area, where a striking open fireplace becomes the heart of the home — perfect for cozy evenings. A split system ensures year-round comfort. The gorgeous kitchen is a true highlight, offering treetop views and breathtaking sunsets framed by picture windows, creating a serene space for everyday living or entertaining.

The modern bathroom has been cleverly combined with a European laundry, providing both functionality and a sleek, contemporary finish.

The master bedroom, located on the lower level, features wall-to-wall mirrored robes and elegant French doors that open to a charming brick-paved path—ideal for morning coffee in the garden.

Outside, the generous block offers dual access, ample off-street parking, and dedicated space for a caravan, multiple vehicles, or future shedding (STCA). Families will love the terraced garden areas that offer room for children to play and explore.

Enjoy the convenience of a fantastic location just a short walk to Minak Reserve, local tennis courts, Selby Primary School, and the local doctor’s clinic. Belgrave Central, with its vibrant community, shops, cafes, and train station, is only a five-minute drive away.

This is a rare opportunity to secure a spacious, character-filled home on a substantial parcel of land in a sought-after hills location.

CHARMING FIRST HOME IN SOUGHT-AFTER UPWEY

PERFECTLY positioned in one of Upwey’s most desirable pockets, this character-filled hills home offers an incredible opportunity for first home buyers to secure a slice of the lifestyle dream. Full of warmth, personality and natural beauty, 50 Deans Road is your ticket into the thriving Upwey market.

The solid, updated main residence features a versatile layout with potential of 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms, blending timeless charm with modern comfort. Step out onto the expansive balcony and take in the breathtaking leafy outlook – the perfect place to relax or entertain.

A great separate studio with its own ensuite provides fantastic flexibility – ideal as a guest space, home office or Teenagers retreat.

Set on a serene block with Ferny Creek flowing at the rear boundary, you’ll love the private bridge that crosses the creek and leads directly to the tennis courts and Upwey South Reserve – your own private gateway to green space and recreation.

All of this just moments from Upwey

HOME ESSENTIALS

village, local schools, cafes, train station, and everything this vibrant community has to offer. Why You’ll Love It:

• Ideal first home in a highly sought-after Upwey location

Character-filled 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence

• Separate studio with ensuite – perfect for guests, work-from-home

• Elevated outlook and huge entertaining balcony

Private bridge across Ferny Creek to reserve and tennis courts

• Peaceful hills setting with a strong community feel

• Recently updated, ready to move in and enjoy

This is the kind of home that doesn’t come along often – full of character, set in nature, and offering real value in an ever-popular suburb.

Your Upwey lifestyle begins here. Don’t miss it.

Address: 50 Deans Road, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $680,000 - $740,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888

CHARACTER HOME IN THE HEART OF BELGRAVE

NESTLED on a quiet street within walking distance to Belgrave Township, this beautifully presented weatherboard home is brimming with character, charm and modern comforts.

Boasting four generously sized bedrooms, including a master with walk-in robe and ensuite, the home effortlessly blends classic style with family functionality. Multiple living zones include a formal lounge and a dedicated dining area, complemented by a large, openplan kitchen and meals / family area-perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen impresses with stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop, electric oven, and dishwasher, along with abundant bench and cupboard space and a convenient breakfast bar.

Temperature control is assured year-round with ducted heating, evaporative cooling, a split-system unit, plus there are stunning polished floorboards that add warmth and character throughout. A spacious laundry with external access completes the practical layout.

Step outside and discover the expansive undercover entertaining area, ideal for hosting friends and family in any season. A charming wrap-around veranda, accessible from three rooms, adds to the home’s appeal and offers peaceful spots to retreat and unwind.

Set on a fully useable, fenced block, the property also features a sealed driveway leading to a double garage with remotecontrolled door, providing both convenience and security.

Pretty as a picture and perfect for families of any size, this is a hands down winner in anybody’s book. ●

PURSUE YOUR EQUINE DREAM WITH TWO HOMES

DISCOVER a unique 12-acre sanctuary in the heart of Macclesfield — welcome to Whispering Gums, a property that masterfully blends rural living with exceptional equestrian infrastructure. Far more than just a home, this is a lifestyle destination ideal for large families, multi-generational living, hobby farmers, and horse lovers alike.

Two Distinct Homes, One Harmonious Estate

At the heart of the property lies the main residence, accessed by a horseshoe driveway. With a double carport, an additional tripleheight carport perfect for floats or caravans, and a spacious layout inside, every detail is crafted for ease of living. The open-plan living zone is light filled and anchored by a woodfire heater and a split system for year-round comfort. A generous kitchen with an 8-burner gas cooktop and electric oven caters to the most ambitious of home chefs. Step out to the expansive deck, and you’re greeted with panoramic views of the Warburton Ranges — the ideal spot to entertain, relax, or simply breathe.

With six bedrooms in total — including a private master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite — there’s room for everyone to spread out. Multiple living areas, a cleverly integrated family bathroom/laundry, and direct access to beautifully landscaped gardens and a securely fenced, solar-heated pool round out the home. The second dwelling is equally impressive, perfect for extended family or guests.

Featuring three bedrooms, a light-filled sunroom, well-equipped kitchen, and its own modern comforts including ducted heating, woodfire, and split system, it offers independence without compromise. Equestrian Excellence Meets Outdoor Leisure

Whispering Gums is a dream come true for horse enthusiasts. The property includes:

• A professional-grade 60x30m all-weather floodlit arena

A round yard and multiple fenced grass holding yards 12 paddocks (4 with shelters), all with water access

• A high-quality stable complex with stables, tack and pony rooms, wash bay, and sawdust bay

This is a property built for serious equestrian use — or for those simply enchanted by country living at its best. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency Energy efficiency is built-in, with solar panels on both homes and extensive rainwater storage — approximately 150,000 litres across 7 tanks. The gardens are well established, including a productive orchard, veggie beds, and garden sheds for all your growing needs. The partially cleared bushland, complete with a natural spring and a dam large enough for canoeing, adds to the charm and versatility of the land.

Creative, Practical & Ready to Inspire

Beyond the homes, you’ll find spaces designed for work, creativity, and play:

A powered, woodfire-heated studio/games room with rustic brick walls

HOME ESSENTIALS

ALLABOARD!

Today,thisoldredrattleritis afunctionalhomecomprisingfrontdeck,twobedrooms, spaciousopenplanliving/diningroom,fullyrenovatedbathroom/laundrycombined with aluxuriousdeepbath(witha view),shower,connectionsfora washingmachine,& aseparatetoilet.Centralkitchenwithelectricstove,rangehood,cosymealsareawith originalbench seat.This fullcarriagestill highlightsoriginal fixtures, ornate pressedtin & timberwork, guards/driverfittings& muchmore. Doublecarport&2separateentrances.

MickDolphin 0429684522 MargieLawn 0494175410

SOLD -Renovated 2BedroomUnit

1/80ParkDrive,BelgravewassuccessfullySoLDinjust18days,following astrong campaignthatattracted22inspections.Thewell-maintainedtwo-bedroomunitoffered acomfortablelayout &convenientlocationclosetoparkland &transport.Theresult reflectsongoingbuyerdemandforqualityhomesinthearea& highlightstheimportance ofwell-managedmarketing &presentation.We’reproudtohavesupportedtheVendor throughoutthissuccessfulsalescampaign.

MargieLawn 0494175410 MickDolphin 0429684522

Areyoudreamingof atreechange?Characterrichlogcabin,originallybuiltover90 yearsago,blendingtimelesscharmwithmoderncomfort.Lovinglymaintained,featuring ductedheatingandsplitsystemair-conditioning,invitingopenfireplace,instanthotwater andgascookingappliances,anexpansivedeckwithstunningviews,nearacreof flat landscapedgrounds,wherea gentlecreekwindsaroundthebottom,anorchardwith seasonalfruitandanabundanceofparking.Thisismorethana

MickDolphin 0429684522

MargieLawn 0494175410

0418528102

hereisyourchancetomakeitcometrue!Witheaseofaccessviathelongsweeping drivewayyouarriveat amassiveunderhousegaragewiththefour-bedroomhome abovethathasbeenwellpositionedforthesunnyaspectoverSassafrasCreekreserve.

FAMILY SPACE WITH COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

TUCKED away in a quiet and convenient pocket this fantastic home offers the ideal family lifestyle.

Offering 3 bedrooms, including an oversize main bedroom and walk in robe with plenty of potential to improve on. 2 large living/family rooms and a meals area offer plenty of space for the growing family.

The kitchen is fresh, modern and with ample bench and cupboard space and quality appliances.

Everyone will love the outdoors with a front deck to relax on, it’s a great spot to sit back and enjoy the filtered views and distant scenery.

The rear deck offers plenty of space to entertain as well, plenty of car space with a double lock-up garage and situated and a great block of approx 1000sqm.

A fantastic property in a great location and positioned just a short stroll to local schools, shops and transport.

SpaciousLivingonover 3Acresin aBeautifulSetting Nestledonjustover3 acresofhighlysoughtafterland,thisimmaculatelypresentedhomeenjoysa peacefulandprivatesetting.Thehome’sfourbedroomsareallappointedwithbuilt-inrobesand whiletheprivatelypositionedmastersuiteattherearoffers atranquilretreat,completewitha walkinrobeandensuite.Theexpansivekitchenshowcasesa contemporarydesignwithneutraltones, generousbenchspace,andanabundanceofcupboards.Theinclusionofinternalgarageaccess addsversatility,providingtheopportunitytocreatea homeofficespace. Aseparaterumpusroom enhancesthehome’sappealfurther.Outdoors, asubstantialcarportandpoweredgaragewith aconcretefloorprovideamplestorage,workspace,orparkingfortrades,hobbyists,orthosewith largervehiclesandcaravans.Thisis arareopportunitytosecure asliceofcountryparadise!

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: Sat1:30 -2:00pm

27.7AcresofPrimeLand– RareOpportunitywithSpectacularViews Ifyou’vebeenconsideringinvestinginWarburton,nowisthetime!Withcommencementofthe WarburtonMountainBikeDestination,thiscouldbewhatyou’vebeenwaitingfor!Opportunities likethisarerare,thislandiscentrallylocatedandperchedproudlyatthetopofBrisbaneHillRoad whichallowsdirectaccessintothetownhub.Thisstunningparceloflandofferssweepingpanoramic viewsacrosstheWarburtontownshipandbeyond.Comprisingofthreeseparatetitles,several openpaddocksidealforgrazinghorsesorcattle,thepositioncreates apicturesquesettingideal forthoseseekingprivacy,lifestyle,orinvestment.Withwaterandelectricityalreadyconnected,the groundworkislaidforyoutobringyourvisiontolife,whetheritbea dreamhome,eco-retreat,ora strategicinvestmentinoneofthemostsoughtafterdestinationsintheYarraValley.

SituatedintheYarraJunctiontownshipon anearlevelallotmentofapprox.2023sqmorover1/2an acre,thisistheidealchancetoconsolidateyourinvestmentfuture.WithNeighbourhoodResidential Zone -Schedule2 (NRZ2),thereis aCouncilPlanningPermitandplanstosubdivideinconjunction withtheadjoiningpropertyhoweverthisnowprovidesdifferentpotentialutilizingtheconceptsand reportsalreadyprepared(STCA).Thetenantedhomeisverywellpresentedandcomprisesof3 bedrooms,spacioustimberkitchenandfamilysizediningareaplus agreatlivingareawithcathedral ceilings.Alreadyfencedofffromthebalanceoftheallotment,theexcellentlongtermrenterideally wouldliketocontinueleasinggivinganincomeatthesametime.Soughtafterlocation,shortwalk totheUpperYarraHighSchoolandLittleYarraSteinerSchoolandoffersloadsofpotential!

0401832068

FamilySpacewithComfortandConvenience Tuckedawayin aquietandconvenientpocketthisfantastichomeofferstheidealfamilylifestyle. Offering 3bedrooms,includinganoversizemainbedroomandwalkinrobewithplentyofpotential toimproveon. 2largeliving/familyroomsand amealsareaofferplentyofspaceforthegrowing family.Thekitchenisfresh,modernandwithamplebenchandcupboardspaceandquality appliances.Everyonewilllovetheoutdoorswith afrontdecktorelaxon,it’sa greatspottositback andenjoythefilteredviewsanddistantscenery.Thereardeckoffersplentyofspacetoentertainas well,plentyofcarspacewith adoublelockupgarageandsituatedanda greatblockofapprox 1000sqm.A fantasticpropertyina greatlocationandpositionedjust ashortstrolltolocalschools, shopsandtransport.

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)

4 Send (8)

9 Relation (5)

10 Outsiders (9)

11 Smell (5)

12 Speak impiously (9)

13 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

15 NSW capital (6)

16 Get the better of mentally (6)

18 Lacking footwear (8)

23 Central American country (9)

24 Spotless (5)

26 Protected (9)

27 Sun-dried brick (5)

28 Brought together (8)

29 Actor, – Irons (6)

DOWN

1 Common crumble ingredient (7)

2 Chocolate tree (5)

3 Refined (7)

5 Cerumen (6)

6 Extensive collection (7)

7 To that (arch) (9)

8 Stockings and socks (7)

10 Sword (US) (5)

14 Travelling (2,7)

16 Continuing (7)

17 Frozen sheet (3,4)

19 Give (5)

20 Place or group different from those surrounding it (7)

21 Leather factory (7)

22 Farm animals (6)

25 Summon (5)

Mills gets top spot

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.Vs:

Merilyn Macdonald has continued her impressive, and very consistent form, with another win this week.

Her 21 impressive points easily accounted for the rest of the smallish field, with Vicki Hottes grabbing the runner up prize.

Merilyn’s score of 21 points once again included plenty of three pointers, plus two pars on difficult holes. Great job, commissioner.. Wednesday 25 June, Stableford: Due to a very significant dump of rain, there was no competition on this day, so, no vouchers to be won, or matchplay to occur.

Saturday 28 June, PAR:

Although we had endured a very wet week, even cancelling out our midweek event, the Saturday players competed under friendly skies, with even an appearance by the sun a few times.

Of course, conditions were still heavy underfoot, and carts had to be driven carefully to avoid slip-sliding away.

Add to that hurdle, the fact that the event listed was for PAR, and no outstanding results were expected.

But, Robert Mills defied that expectation. Rob’s plus six was an outstanding result under those conditions.

It can be best illustrated when I report that

young tyro, Manny Humphris, posted a very winnable plus three, but had to be content with the runner up voucher.

By the way, young Manny, genuine congratulations on defeating that wily old Hendy 3-1 in your recent Midweek Matchplay encounter.

After Robert’s and Manny’s plus six and plus three respectively, the next best score were a bunch of plus ones to share the ball rundown.

All that is left to report now are the clever five members who snared an NTP each.

They were: David “Pup” Lever (3rd), Ben “Panda” Lever (5th), Shane “Bomber” Campbell (9th), Brendan “Junior” Creedy (12th) and to Paul “Ossie” Osbourne (15th).

Horse talk

By Anita Prowse

Well the weather held off for us on Sunday for the annual Upper Yarra Pony Club’s Beginners Gymkhana.

First up was Fashions on the Field, won for the second year in a row by Upper Yarra’s Indy, whose partner this year was Boris. There were some amazing outfits, well done to all.

An additional Pony Club ring this year saw Evie A from Yea Pony Club take out the Judges Encouragement Award, and the Pony Club High Point Award won by Harper from Ringwood Horse and Pony Club.

Well done to all the kids for coming and giving it a go, many for the very first time, as always we look forward to next year’s and can’t wait to see all the photos.

Next up at Wesburn Park is our Dressage Protocol day clinic Sunday 13 July, then our two days of Show Jumping with Freshmans on Saturday 23 August, followed by HRCAV Show jumping day Sunday 24 August. Happy Riding everyone.

Robert Mills beat young-tyro, Manny Humphris. (File)

Harper from Ringwood Horse and Pony Club won the High Point Award. (Supplied)

Walker picked for Vic squad

By Oliver Winn

Ringwood cricketer Dylan Walker was selected for Victoria’s u19 Metro Emerging Players squad, making him the only one from the Yarra Ranges to do so this season.

Announced by Cricket Victoria on 20 June, Mr Walker said he was confident he’d get selected to play at the u19 National Championships in Western Australia later this year.

“It feels pretty good, after being called up late last year into the team, I assumed I was going to get picked but obviously I’m always happy to be picked in a squad like this,” Mr Walker said.

Originally playing at the Warburton Millgrove Cricket Club before it became the Seville Burras, Mr Walker began his cricketing career as a batter at six-years-old.

He had fond memories at the Seville Burras - he said it was a nice environment being surrounded by all of his mates from Warburton Millgrove Cricket Club while getting experience in a new league.

“I loved it,” he said.

“I was playing with Seville and meeting all the new people, everyone’s all really nice and I liked the locals.”

Inspired by his father who played at Ringwood, Mr Walker always had his sights set on playing at the higher ranks.

“My dad played at Ringwood, so it was always a goal of mine to get to Ringwood one day and hopefully play there.”

“As a junior, I was more of a batter that could bowl a little bit. I bowled mediums, and then one time I changed up, started bowling some off-spin.”

“It was always a chance to hopefully play in some higher leagues and stuff, so when I started playing senior cricket against grown men and bowling against them, and I was going okay, I thought, you never know, it was always a chance.”

He bowls left-arm orthodox which he said a lot of people struggled to play against.

“It’s just a mental game and being able to keep trying to hit the spot and just keep working on my areas.”

The u19 National Championships take place from 30 November to 9 December.

Ahead of his first training session this Sunday, Mr Walker was confident in his ability.

“I’m not too nervous as this is my third year in the system, I’m going to bring my best to every training and every get in and show it. I’m

pretty confident, so here we go.”

Being the only person in the

from

Unlucky day for Yarra Glen footballers, but not netballers

By David Ball

Yarra Glen travelled to Belgrave in a must win for the senior footy team.

With the teams locked in a battle for fourth spot, the scene was set for a tight contest.

Belgrave controlled general play in the first quarter and if not for some errant kicking, they could have been further ahead at quarter time.

Max DePina provided a target for the River Pigs and with some strong marking managed to kick Yarra Glen’s two goals for the quarter.

Trailing by 18 points, Yarra Glen’s midfield took control and with Nick McKenzie provided some great connection Yarra Glen took the lead midway through the second quarter.

A steadying goal from Belgrave saw them take back the ascendancy to be four points up at the main break.

The second half saw Belgrave play some god footy, solid in defence and marking strongly up forward and whilst the River Pig midfield continued to work hard, forward targets were hard to find.

Belgrave proved too good and had a solid win.

Final scores: Yarra Glen 13.10 to Belgrave 19.13.

Best for Yarra Glen: Ben Ashton, Aussie Smith, Marcus Kikidopolous, Trent Russell, Sam Wood, Nick McKenzie.

Goalkickers: Max DePina 3, Aussie Smith 2, Sam Wood 2, Jayden Capuano, Noah Battle, Chris Beaton, Nick McKenzie, Ben Marsh.

Once again with a number of senior injuries and many of their own, the Yarra Glen Reserves did well to get 22 players together to take on Belgrave.

Whilst undermanned, the boys battled hard to be just 22 points down at quarter time.

From the second quarter on, however, Belgrave had too much run and with a strong marking forward they had too much speed and strength for a tiring Yarra Glen.

Ethan Murdock fought hard in the backline and Dylan Jarvis was good in the midfield.

Josh Valadon provided a highlight in the last with a great snap from the boundary, they were overpowered to go down 2.4 to 22.16.

Best players: Ethan Murdock, Dylan Jarvis, Dan Kelly, Alastair Lowrie, Josh Dick, Ryan Strong.

Goalkickers: Josh Valadon and Sean Sanderson.

The Under 18’s faced the unbeaten Pakenham and with reduced numbers it was always going to be a tough assignment.

Whilst Pakenham were bigger, stronger and quicker, the Yarra Glen boys continued to work hard in the contest and had moments but were overpowered and ended up going down, Yarra Glen 0.2 to Pakenham 23.18

Best players: Lincoln Brain, Xander Dalton, Robert Pavic, Hunter Grenfell, Alastair Lowrie, Charlie Wilks.

The Yarra Glen Vets played Belgrave in an important game.

The winner being most likely to make a Grand Final at season’s end.

Belgrave put some early goals on the board and managed to maintain their lead throughout.

It was a great contest but Belgrave were just too good on the night, Yarra Glen 7.3 Belgrave 9.11.

Best Players: Andrew Graham, Adam Robert, Regen Daniel, Tom Matthews, Jarrod Exton, Anthony Coppin.

Goalkickes: Jarrod Exton 3,Anthony Coppin 2, Tom Matthews, Lewis Ripepi.

The Yarra Glen netballers took on Belgrave at Belgrave.

The Yarra Glen A Grade girls were looking to consolidate their spot in the top four and played with great intensity from the start.

They led by eight at quarter time and extended their lead in each of the next three quarters.

It was great to see Georgia Crugnale step up in goals shooting 56.

The Yarra girls went on to win convincingly, 65 to 32.

Best Players: Jasmine Evans, Georgia Crugnale, Alana McGurgan.

Yarra Glen B Grade started slowly in their

must win clash.

Trailing by four at quarter time, they lifted in the second, connecting well and went into half time a goal up.

The second half was a goal for goal contest with scores locked at 27 each at three quarter time.

In a tense final quarter, the Yarra girls showed great composure and with some crucial intercepts they had a great, 35 to 33 win.

Best Players: Jasmin Wood, Imojean Parsons, Kayla Collins.

The C Grade girls got off to a bad start, trailing by eight at quarter time.

The second quarter was similar with Belgrave being cleaner with their passes.

In a great fightback in the third, Yarra outscored their opponents to be in the game at three quarter time.

Belgrave lifted in the last and Yarra Glen couldn’t close the gap, going down 32 to 44.

Best players: Ash Shanks, Leah Haag, Annie Dietrich

With D Grade starting the day for Yarra Glen in cool and cloudy conditions, the Yarra girls found themselves in a super tight contest.

With scores level at quarter time, Yarra Glen played great netball in the second to take a four goal lead.

Things were reversed in the third as Belgrave shooters lifted as they snatched a one-goal advantage at three quarter time.

In a tense and exciting last quarter Yarra Glen faught to the end only to see scores locked at 21 each at the final hooter.

Best players: Phoebe Boot, Ashleigh Wallace, Lily Dove.

Next week all the Yarra Glen teams host Yea at Yarra Glen with the Vets having a bye.

squad

the Yarra Ranges, Mr Walker said he was proud to

represent the region at the national level. But he mainly was focused on doing it for his family.

“I want to do the best I can, not just for the Yarra Ranges, but for myself and family. So, I’ll see how far I can go.”

Dylan Walker in his Ringwood Cricket Club jersey. (Supplied)

Yarra Glen clearing the ball from a boundary throw in. (Supplied)

Fierce rivals go head-to-head

In a clash worthy of the top two sides, Wandin and Woori Yallock went head-to-head in a high-quality contest that lived up to all expectations.

The forwards on both sides were on song, and when the coaches sit down to dissect the result, they’ll find very little separating the two.

Woori Yallock will be kicking themselves after they opened the scoring in the first quarter with three behinds.

The failure to kick between the big sticks would cost them later on.

Wandin capitalised on this with four goals back-to-back, after Gibson converted later in the first for their only goal.

The first half was played at a frenetic pace that appeared to suit Woori early, though a scoreline of 10-28 didn’t reflect it.

Second quarter saw Woori get the opening points again, this time grabbing all six points.

Wandin’s Garner however bit back with two goals before Woori found a reply in the form of Matthews later on.

The rest of the second quarter saw Woori establish a goal-kicking rhythm as Thompson kicked one, Gibson got three and Gemmill also snagged one of his own.

Wandin kicked off the third with Mullett finally entering the scoreline, however Woori were constantly on their toes with another three goals.

With the end of the third, Woori were digging in, clawing back goal after goal as Wandin’s lead became increasingly threatened.

In scenes similar to their round two meeting, the game was anyone’s heading into the final change.

But it was Wandin who finished stronger - with seven scoring shots to one proving the difference as they ran out the game strongly.

They most definitely deserved to sing the song proudly in the change rooms post game.

Woori too deserve some recognition for providing the biggest threat against Wandin’s dominance this season. Both teams have key players still to return, and if this is a taste of what finals footy could bring in 2025, the Yarra Ranges has every reason to be excited.

Healesville Bloods back at home against Emerald

By Steve Ebbels

This weekend’s games saw Healesville back at home for the first time since the end of May and looking forward to playing back on their home deck.

With Healesville’s U18’s and Senior Women having a bye this week, it was only Reserves and Seniors on the football front and with Healesville’s Don Road courts undergoing a long-awaited refurbishment.

Healesville Netballers’ games have moved indoors to Healesville High School till these works are completed.

First up for the day was the B Grade netballers.

Another tough day on court for B grade ladies with Emerald dominating the first quarter putting on 24 unanswered goals in the first period.

But ever determined and resilient Healesville girls fought it out to get on the scoreboard in each of the next periods but ultimately the Emerald girls were way too strong taking out the match 87-15.

Next up on court, Healesville A grade looked to continue their ever-improving form.

In the first quarter and at around the 10-minute mark, it was pretty even until Emerald had a couple of runs of unanswered goals to lead at first break 14-9.

During the next quarter, the Healesville girls managed to just outscore the visitors to reduce the lead to just four goals at the main break.

The third quarter saw the home side wrestle control of the game back in their favour to turn it around and take the lead by two goals going into the last period.

In the last quarter though, Emerald turned it back around getting the lead back and taking out the game 42-38.

Back up at the Don Road Complex and first up Healesville Reserve boys took the field looking to try and turn around the narrow loss to Emerald in round 2 and get their first win for the season.

Much like when they met in round 2, the first quarter was a fairly even contest with the visitors just coming out on top to lead 3.1.19 to 2.2.14 at first break.

In the next quarter though, the Healesville boys struggled to control the football as well as they did in the first only managing to to put on three behinds while allowing Emerald to add four straight goals.

The score at the main break was Emerald 7.1.43 to Healesville 2.5.17.

During the third quarter, Healesville’s defenders rallied to stop the run on Emerald and tighten the game up and restrict the visitors to just one point for the term but only making small inroads into the deficit only managing to put on 1.2 themselves.

Despite their great efforts, the Emerald boys in the end proved too strong winning the last by four goals to take out the game 12.3.75 to Healesville 4.9.33.

Best for Healesville: D.Ebbels, D.Plozza, D.En-

glish, J.Grace, H.Watkins, Gideon Houlihan.

Last up for the day, Healesville’s Senior team looked to increase their winning for to three on the trot.

First quarter was a really tight battle with nearly 15 minutes passing before Emerald managed to get the first major score on the board with Healesville just managing to get their first goal in before quarter time.

The score at first break was Healesville 1.6.12 leading Emerald 1.1.7.

After converting poorly in the first quarter, the Healesville boys may have been having flash backs to round 2 in which they kicked 11.28 for the game but fortunately for the home side the radar was working much better in second putting on five straight goals to Emerald 2.1 to lead at the main break 6.6.42 to 3.2.20.

In the third quarter, once again the game tightened up a bit with Healesville kicking 2.5 and Emerald 1.3 to have Healesville leading at last break by 30 points.

During the last quarter, again Healesville took the ascendancy back putting on 4.2 while holding Emerald to just one behind.

Final score was Healesville 12.13.85 to Emerald 4.6.30.

Another good win by Healesville boys and with seven rounds to go and sitting in fourth spot on the ladder in this first season back in Premier Division for quite awhile, Healesville is really looking forward to this back half of the season. Best for Healesville: B.Murphy, M.Warren, T.Amarant, H.Munn, T.Van Driel, D.Sikorski. Next week back at home with all teams on deck against Mount Evelyn.

Woori Yallock proved to be the biggest threat to Wandin’s dominance this year. (File: 420672)

Healesville Reserves in action against Emerald. (Steve Ebbels)

Red Coral Seafood Gala Day

By Sarah Bailey

Healesville Soccer Club hosted 13 games at home last weekend for long-time sponsor Red Coral Seafood’s Gala Day.

Healesville Seniors 5-1 Croydon Rangers

Healesville kicked off the second half of the season on top of the ladder and wanted to make an early statement to the chasing pack.

The day couldn’t have started much better for the Reds: a Brian W corner curled into the far corner inside four minutes.

JJ scored Healesville’s second after a through ball by Brian W and his second from a cross by Daniel T.

The first-half domination was completed by a David M header from a corner.

Croydon came out with a point to prove and frustrated the home side with some niggling tactics and got on the scoresheet themselves after 10 minutes with a great finish from outside the box.

A Brian W shot was parried by the keeper for JJ to slide home his hat-trick on the final whistle to complete a great scoreline for Healesville.

Healesville U14s 13-0 Bayswater Reef Sharks

The U14s continued their good form with a huge win at home.

Julian B opened the scoring early with a cracking strike that ricocheted in off the crossbar.

Liam W stood out with a first-half hat-trick.

After going into half time up by seven, Healesville didn’t ease off the pressure and their flurry of goals continued.

The entire team pushed to the final whistle to bring home their biggest win of the year to date.

This dominant Healesville performance has the U14s tied for third place on 18 points and on a strong winning streak going into a crucial game against first-placed Blackburn next weekend.

Healesville U12 Panthers 5-1 Northern Eagles

It was a cold start at Wattle Glen, but the Panthers hit the ground running.

Healesville’s work at training on passing and movement in Healesville’s attacking third paid off early.

Despite missing Ben this week, the team maintained strong shape and intensity in the first half.

Jake, Louis and Flynn were dominant in midfield, keeping the ball locked in the Eagles’ half.

The sustained pressure led to three goals from Sem and one from Ryan, giving the Panthers a confident 4-1 lead at the break.

Other than for one fast counterattack, Ash remained mostly unchallenged throughout the first half.

Mindful of recent second-half fade-outs, the Panthers positioned Will and Jackson deep in defence to shut down counterattacks.

Frustratingly, the team still came out flat after half-time, losing focus, allowing the Northern Eagles to dominate possession early in the second half.

A few nervy moments followed with Eagles players left unmarked in the box.

Thankfully, some hard defensive work from Jackson, strong saves from Sol and a bit of luck

for the Panthers kept the home side from scoring again.

As the second half wore on, the visitors slowly began to find their rhythm.

Leon, Sam, Ash and Eddie all had strong moments.

With more control of the ball, the Panthers’ passing game came back to life in the attacking third.

Sem combined with Ryan, who went on a solo run and completed the win with his second goal in the final minute of the game.

Healesville U12 White Wolves 8-0 Blackburn North Stingrays

Away in Blackburn this week, Healesville took on the struggling Stingrays.

The Wolves were in control right from the start.

The ball lived in the Wolves’ front half and their guest keeper, Oscar P, had little to do in defence other than shiver in the cold.

It wasn’t long before Healesville’s rising star, Alex P, had scored three goals in a strong display of ball-striking prowess.

The Stingrays then mustered some resistance, arresting the momentum and keeping Healesville to three goals before the break.

In the second half, Evan K was keen to have the gloves, allowing Oscar P to step out onto the wing.

His class was immediately noticeable as he dribbled at least six Stingrays from the wing, along with their keeper, to create a play-of-theday moment.

He added another goal to the Wolves’ tally soon after from a great team build-up and crossed in by Harley T, who moments previously had missed out on scoring a fantastic strike, only for the ball to be brought back for a Wolves infringement.

Robbie K had to fight hard and never gave up, scoring two goals before the final whistle.

Special mention to Oliver R, who nearly pulled off a brilliant curling reverse swing lob in the first half that would have been a crowd pleaser. Alex P sealed his player-of-the-match performance with another goal, taking his total to four for the day.

Healesville are currently fourth on the ladder. The top three teams all drew this weekend, adding some drama as to who will go forward to secure top spot by season’s end.

Healesville U10 Red Storm 6-3 Lilydale

Among 13 teams playing at home for Gala Day, Red Storm had a great win against Lilydale at Don Road.

Other results:

Healesville U16s 1-6 Maroondah

Goal: Pip

Thanks to Ryder H for adding to the team’s numbers.

The U16s extend their well wishes to midfielder Max J, who late in the game suffered a nasty knock and a mild concussion.

Healesville U11 Ninjas vs Berwick CSC Blues 2-5

Goals: Ollie and Leo

A special day reflects what Coldstream FNC is all about

By Hannah Chappell

The day kicked off with a strong statement from Coldstream’s Women’s Team, who faced Ferntree Gully away.

Despite missing several key players, coach Matt Coghlan reshuffled the line-up and tested out new combinations. The changes paid off, with the team rising to the occasion and securing a 33-point victory. Nyomie Lagerwey was instrumental in the win and was named the Coldstream Brewery Player of the Round for her dominant performance. Back at home, excitement built as past players kicked off the day of celebrstions and club captain

Darcy Fritsch prepared to run out for his 100th senior game for Coldstream.

A model of consistency and leadership throughout the club.

The crowd was also treated to a special Past Players Day, highlighted by the 50-year reunion of the 1975 senior premiership team.

As the celebrations continued, attention turned to the football, where both the Reserves and Senior Men’s teams had a tough assignment, taking on ladder-leaders Donvale at home.

Both matches proved to be hard-fought affairs, with Coldstream showing heart and determination in front of a vocal home crowd.

While Donvale showed why they’re top of the table, the Coldstream squads fought until the final siren, earning respect with their effort and commitment. Cam Boeder was named Reserves player of the round and Daniel Versteegen was named the senior Yarra Valley Steel player of the round.

Despite the challenge on the scoreboard, the day’s atmosphere reflected what Coldstream FNC is all about unity, pride, and a deep respect for its history and future.

From young stars making their mark, to captains reaching career milestones, to premiership legends returning home, the Coldstream spirit was well and truly alive.

Healesville’s U12 Panthers defeated the Northern Eagles 5-1. (Supplied)

Linesman Rob G for the U14s. (Supplied)

The U14s had a cracking 13-0 win against the Bayswater Reef Sharks. (Supplied)

Despite missing several key players, Coldstream’s Women’s Team secured a 33-point victory. (Supplied)

They